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July/August 2002 Newsletter
AACAR Members Graduate from MAR Leadership AcademyFive members of the Anne Arundel County Association of REALTORS® were among twenty-one graduates from the Maryland Association of REALTORS® (MAR) Leadership Academy honored at ceremonies held recently in Annapolis. They are:
Charles Kraus of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Annapolis Joel Pautsch of Re/Max Classic in Pasadena Frank Powell of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Pasadena Collette Yarashus of Re/Max Experts in Severna Park The MAR Leadership Academy was formed by REALTORS® who understand the important role they play in their community and the need to enhance the leadership skills, knowledge, and competencies of fellow REALTORS® interested in making a difference in their personal lives and in their communities. The Anne Arundel County Association of REALTORS® is a strong advocate and recognizes the importance of this program to our Association's future. Included in the curriculum were courses on organizational leadership, communications and public relations, strategic planning, legislative and government affairs, parliamentary procedure and association governance and economic business trends." Sponsors of the 2001-2002 MAR Leadership Academy were MRIS; Champion Realty, Inc.; Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage; Long & Foster, Monshower, Miller & Magrogan; HMS Warranty; Ed Smith Real Estate School.
Congratulations to Susan Nolte of Prudential Carruthers, and Melanie Graw of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. They received their plaques and pins at an impressive ceremony in front of over 350 people on June 13 at the BWI Marriott. Leadership Anne Arundel is a community-based learning organization that develops diverse networks of resourceful, informed and proactive leaders who will create a more vibrant county and region. They are providing a legacy of leadership throughout our county.
A Message From Your President: July 2002In Whose Best Interest?by Joel Pautsch Our code of ethics states that we work in the best interest of our clients whether it be our buyers or sellers, but do we always do that? In a market such as the one we are currently experiencing there are temptations to possibly justify doing things that are not in the best interest of our clients but rather are in our best interest. We need to be constantly testing our actions to see where our motives lie. I want to challenge your thinking on a couple of issues that are out there right now that you have either probably dealt with or will have to soon. If we don't fully think through the potential consequences of our actions, we have only ourselves to blame for the outcomes. Ask yourself "Are the short term benefits worth the long term results of any business practice?" A good case in point is the temptation to keep listings off the MLS so that you can sell the house yourself and purportedly save the seller money off the commission. Is doing that really in the best interest of the seller, a situation in which competing offers are limited and thus the potential price the seller gets adversely affected? What about in-house sales boards or policies in which "just the company agents" get to see and show the house for a given period of time prior to the listing going in MLS? What ends up happening is that buyers soon learn they have to go to many agents and companies to find the available inventory and we all end up getting hurt by these practices! It also flies in the face of the cooperation we have worked so hard to achieve. A cooperation that has benefited the consumers immensely! (Check out Article 3 of the Code of Ethics). In last month's newsletter, there was an article about MRIS rules and regulations concerning some of these points. In this month's issue there is another. Read these very good articles and familiarize yourself with the rules you should be abiding by. You may be surprised to find out what you really should be doing! What about on the buyer side of things? Are escalation clauses really in the best interest of your buyer client, and what sort of price tag do they come with in terms of ethics? What sort of Pandora's box do you open with this sort of business practice? Does it protect your client? Are you exposed to litigation if something goes wrong? Is it ethical for the price of another offer to be disclosed? If so, by whom? Finally, take responsibility for your actions and don't hide behind or justify them by saying the "the seller directed me to do that" when in fact it was you, the agent, directing and doing things. We must remember it is the seller who does decide but that we hold tremendous influence over their actions as well. If some of these questions cause you to think about them, part of my job has been completed. Now take that and pursue it with further discussions with your manager and fellow agents. For those of you who attended our Real Estate Now Convention in May we had a lively debate on these and other issues in a session conducted by Pat Savani of Champion Realty. If you would like to explore this further by having us set up a forum to discuss these and other issues let us know and we'll look into the possibility of doing just that. Other topics that could be discussed are contract presentation issues, lead based paint disclosure requirements, competing offer disclosures, advertising issues, lender disclosures, and so on.
Anne Arundel County REALTORS® Plan to Build with Arundel Habitat for Humanity This YearOne more family is given the opportunity to move from substandard housing to a home of their own. That was the goal of the members of the Five Million Dollar Club and the Anne Arundel County Association of REALTORS® when they held their annual gala at the Governor Calvert House last November 9th. Several of the REALTORS® who coordinated this event have been supporters of Arundel Habitat for Humanity for many years now. However, this year, they have set a goal for to raise $40,000 to sponsor the construction of a Habitat for Humanity house to be known as the Realtors Build. A good start has been made. As this article was being written the fundraising efforts are nearing the half way point towards reaching this goal. The Realtors Build is a dream on the horizon that we hope will begin to take form in late 2002 when we start building with a family here in Anne Arundel County.
We are asking you to consider contributing to this endeavor. By making a contribution to Arundel Habitat your charitable dollars help support a local organization that has a proven record of success in our local community. Contributions to this project of $1000 or more are eligible for Maryland State Tax Credits as well. If you would like to contribute please send your check to Arundel Habitat for Humanity at the address below, make sure to mark your check REALTORS BUILD. Please send these checks to: 273D Peninsula Farm Road Arnold, MD 21012 To find out more about your business participating in this effort, please contact either Florence Calvert with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, (410)263-8686 or Julie Ager, Arundel Habitat, (410)384-9212 x12.
A note from Linda Showalter, Chair of the Convention CommitteeGreat thanks to this year's Convention Committee members:Ann Marie Baker Cora Lea Crompton Elaine Elliott Eva Marie Harrison Michelle Mathews Lynn Mauk Patricia White Barbara Zietz Ray Yarashus Lisa Marshall
Thanks also to our Education Committee Chairperson, Ginger Allen. Linda Showalter, Convention Chairperson
Thank you to all of our Convention Exhibitors
4th Annual Real Estate Now ConventionThe 4th Annual Real Estate Now Convention on May 29th, 2002 was a great success! Held at the Anne Arundel Community College, well over 300 REALTORS® attended classes, the trade show, cocktail party, and more.Special thanks go out to affiliate member Linda Showalter of Building Specs, who chaired the Convention Committee, and to Ginger Allen of Re/Max Experts in Annapolis, who chaired the Education Committee. AACAR would like to acknowledge the many hours that Linda and Ginger volunteered to make this convention such a success. Thank you very much for all of your hard work! AACAR would also like to thank Gloria Lighthizer and her assistant, Amy, of the Anne Arundel Community College; all of the Convention and Education Committee members who attended (especially Eleanor Hawkins who spent all day helping with registration and proctoring) ; the many vendors and exhibitors; and all of the wonderful speakers. A very special thank you goes to volunteers Amy Heskett, Jacque Lawrence, Derrick Collins, and Della Hedges who assisted the staff with registration and directions. This was truly a team effort, and the many compliments received concerning the Convention need to be passed along to all who helped to make this day a success. Thank you all!
In MemoriumThe Anne Arundel County Association of REALTORS® recently lost two of our long -time members; Ronald Strohecker of Long & Foster/Grempler, (a member since 1970), and William "Bill" Arnold of the Maryland Real Estate Network (a member since 1977). Both will be deeply missed by all.
AACAR welcomes new memberscompiled by Carol DavisMay 14, 2002 - June 13, 2002 Affiliate Members
Renee Bass, Homes.Gates Magazine REALTOR® Members
Valerie Kidd, Century 21 H.T. Brown, Laurel
Get to Know the AACAR Board of DirectorsDirector, Charles WindsorDirector Charles Windsor, of Champion Realty in Severna Park, has been a resident of Glen Burnie for 33 years. He resides with his wife of 34 years, Bunny, and their Yellow Lab, Clyde. They have two grown sons, Christopher and Steven. Chris, and daughter-in-law Janice presented Charles and Bunny with their first grandchild, Christopher, on March 1, 2002. Charlie has been a member of AACAR since 1997. What did you do before becoming a REALTOR®? I had worked for United Airlines in Sales and Marketing for 34 years. For the majority of that time I was in the Baltimore-Washington area with a 2 ½ year assignment in Pittsburgh. That assignment came in 1983 when interest rates were "through the roof". We decided that my family would remain locally and I would commute on a weekly basis. Additionally, I spent considerable time in Chicago on a task force to develop automation for the Domestic and International Sales force. After the automation product was developed, I was moved to a training assignment for almost a year, after which I returned to the Washington area. Why did you enter the field of Real Estate? Although I retired in 1997 from United Airlines, I knew that I was not going to stop working. What followed was an almost natural progression from my previous career to one in real estate. What is your service specialty? I specialize in residential real estate with a major part of that being in resales. Most of my activity has been in Anne Arundel County, but I have also done transactions in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and I have worked in Queen Anne County. What are your indispensable tools and resources? My most indispensable tools are my computers, cell phone, Palm Pilot and digital camera. Any and all of them make life much easier. As far as indispensable resources, that is easy to answer. It is my good fortune to be able to associate on a daily basis with people who are among the best and brightest in the industry. From Broker to Manager to ancillary services to agents, I have access to the best resources that exist! While I might like to name them here, I'm sure they would prefer that I not do that. They know who they are, and that is the important thing. What are your favorite sites on the internet? My personal favorite is www.CharlieWindsor.com. That site has been developed in conjunction with my Broker's web site. It is continuously being revised and updated. There are several sites that I use on a regular basis. The web site often depends on what information is needed. Among those that I use most often are: MRIS.com, MDREALTOR.org, the State Department of Assessments and Taxation, and the redesigned AACAR site. How has the real estate industry changed since you started as a REALTOR®? Two things come to mind. (1) Certainly the technology has changed. More information is available than ever before to both agents and consumers. We as agents must learn to use that information to our advantage. (2) Forms and contracts have undergone major changes, and there are more of them. I think that our local and the state Forms Committees have done an outstanding job of incorporating changes where needed. What advice would you give to a new REALTOR®? As a Training Agent, Mentor and Continuing Education instructor, my advice would be: Don't get discouraged! Don't fear failure, learn from it. Don't give up. Try to spend 30 minutes each day reading or learning something new. With the amount of information available, don't necessarily try to remember everything. Just remember where to find the information when you need it. Above all else, have some fun and put time aside for yourself and your family. How can/has AACAR helped to grow and expand your business? No value can be placed on the friendships and the networking that I have been able to develop as a result of my time spent in AACAR activities. Get involved - you will not regret the decision to do so. Which AACAR committees/organizations have you joined, and how did they help you in the real estate business? I have been on the AACAR State Legislative Committee for the past 3 years, and I have served as Vice-Chair. I joined the Board of Directors in 2001. On the State level, I have served on the Maryland Association of REALTORS® Legislative Committee for the past 3 years, and was asked to serve on the MAR Leadership Academy Committee. If you had an extra hour every day, how would you spend it? I would most likely spend that time reading, or watching my wife hold our grandson. Another choice would be spending time boating or water-skiing on the Severn with my extended family.
MRIS Compliance IssuesAs we approach the busy spring selling frenzy, fueled by low mortgage rates and lower housing inventories, the integrity and accuracy of the MLS database is of paramount importance to you. The MRIS Compliance Department audits listing information daily to maintain data integrity. Entry of erroneous data, whether accidental or intentional, is addressed by the MRIS Rules and Regulations and may require intervention to correct the information. These are some of the important issues being monitored on a daily basis.Days on Market Days on Market (DOM) is displayed in two ways, Days on Market MLS (DOMM) and Days on Market Property (DOMP). DOMM refers to the number of days the property has been on the market under this MLS number. DOMP refers to the cumulative number of days the property has been on the market under any listing number. Days on Market will continue to accumulate when a property is in TEMP OFF status. DOM will recalculate under the following circumstances: the property is off the market for 180 consecutive days, has been sold, or has new owners due to a foreclosure. Agents who manipulate the Days on Market are given an initial warning and if manipulation continues, a $50.00 fine per listing is assessed. Other penalties may apply to agents who repeatedly manipulate this field. Status Changes All status changes must be made within 48 hours excluding weekends and holidays. Fines are assessed for failing to change a status. MRIS routinely audits for properties where status has not been changed. Additionally, many agents contact MRIS to report listings that do not display an accurate status, such as a property that is showing an active status but has been reported as having a contract on it. Availability of Property for Showing All properties must be available for showing within 48 hours of the property being entered into the listing database, excluding weekends and holidays. It is the responsibility of the agent/broker to notify the seller that the property will not be entered unless it is available for showing. The Temp Off status may be used if a property is suddenly unavailable for showing. A death in the family, a broken pipe, three children coming down with the measles are all examples of why a property may be placed in Temp Off Status. Temp Off is a short-term status and must have seller approval. Days on Market continue to accumulate while the property is in Temp Off Status. Remarks are reviewed for wording indicating that the property is not available for showing. Listing agents are notified that the property must immediately be made available for showing. If the property is not available for showing the status will be changed to Temp Off. Advertising of Listings Listing may not be advertised in any public or private venue such as newspapers, magazines, Internet sites or internal listing systems [what's an internal listing system???] until after the listing has been entered into the listing database. A violation of this requirement may result in a monetary fine. If the seller refuses to allow the property to be entered into the system, the listing agent must have the request from the seller in writing. This is considered an exempted listing. Fines and Sanctions The MRIS Subscription Agreement obligates members to adhere to the published Rules and Regulations. One or more of the following actions may be applied for violation of the Rules and Regulations:
A $50.00 fine will be assessed for the first instance of inaccurate data; $100.00 for the second and subsequent instances of inaccurate data and delinquent change of status per listing. Failure to enter a listing as required results in a $100.00 fine and a $500.00 fine for subsequent incidents. The Compliance Committee may assess a fine of $200.00 to $800.00 for the continual entry of inaccurate data in addition to any other fines assessed. MRIS's continuing review of the listing database helps ensure that all agents have access to accurate information in a fair and equitable manner. However, try as we might, we can't find every violation that occurs. You can help by making sure your own listings are correct, and by reporting listings that are not entered and updated promptly and accurately. If you see a problem, report it by email to Compliance@mris.net.
16th Annual Billy Goodall Charity Golf TournamentWith many wonderful sponsors, and over one hundred thirty determined players, the 16th Annual Billy Goodall Charity Golf Tournament on July 15th was a big hit! Beautiful clear weather made for a great day at the Bay Hills Golf Course in Arnold.A delicious lunch was prepared and served by Buddy's Catering following the tournament. While our tired and hungry golfers cooled down, ate, and relaxed, contest prizes and door prizes were handed out by Tom Quattlebaum, AACAR's CEO. Team Captain Kyle McCarthy of Re/Max One in Bowie led his team to victory, capturing first place in the tournament. Also in his team were T. McCarthy, Craig Rohrer, and Kevin Hughes. George Chaney of Re/Max Legend in Odenton, won Closest to the Pin #4, and John Hilbert won Closest to the Pin #14. Women's Long Drive was won by Shelley Steele of Long & Foster in Pasadena, and Men's Long Drive was won by Greg Starkey of the Capital Gazette team. AACAR would like to give a big thank you to all the members of the REALTORS® Community Service Committee for all of their hard work in putting together this tournament. Special thanks go to the Golf Tournament Sub-Committee Chair, Ryan Suplee of Countrywide Home Loans, for taking on the extra responsibility, and to committee member Kim Welty of The Capital-Gazette Newspapers for going above and beyond the call of duty! AACAR is very fortunate to have such committed affiliate members. AACAR would also like to acknowledge, and thank our wonderful sponsors, and those companies that donated door prizes, etc., who helped make the 16th Annual Billy Goodall Charity Golf Tournament a huge success!
The Capital-Gazette Newspaper
Anne Arundel County RPAC 2002 Leadership ClubThose listed below have contributed at least $99 to RPAC. If you would like to be on the list, send your contribution of $99 or more to AACAR, 555 Benfield Road, Severna Park, Maryland 21146. Check made payable to: "MD RPAC", Or Call Carol at 410-544-4554 for credit card contribution not to exceed $100.
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Two AACAR members graduate in Leadership Anne Arundel's Class of 2002!
Arundel Habitat does not offer charity; rather it works with the families to provide an opportunity to achieve dignity and hope. To receive an Arundel Habitat for Humanity House, a family must be a resident of Anne Arundel County, currently homeless or living in substandard conditions, and work a number of "sweat equity" hours. The first of these sweat equity hours are spent on another Habitat house and afterwards, on their own house. Habitat then sells the family the house at no profit, with a zero interest mortgage.
