Volume Issue March Inside This Issue A Publication of the

Volume 5 Issue 3 March 2006 Inside This Issue A Publication of the Bay East Association of REALTORS® • www.bayeast.org Northern California MLSs Consolidate by Tricia Thomas Chief Executive Officer Wouldn’t it be great if you only needed one MLS to do business in the Bay Area? That will soon be a reality. In order to serve the current and future needs of our members and other real estate professionals in Northern California, Bay East, along with other Multiple Listing Services (MLSs) in the region are working together to form a single MLS system by the end of 2007. As your real estate business grows and your client base spreads out across Northern California, the new regional MLS will create the efficiencies you need to serve your clients better. The consolidated MLS has been named Northern California Real Estate eXchange (NCREX). The six founding associations of NCREX are Bay East MLS, RE Infolink, Contra Costa MLS, East Bay Regional Data, Central Valley MLS and the San Francisco Association of REALTORS® MLS. These six MLSs represent over 46,000 agents and cover 11 counties: Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Western Merced and San Francisco. Invitations have also been sent to BAREIS MLS and Metrolist MLS to join in the creation of the new regional entity. “NCREX is being designed to serve all of Northern California and other MLSs have been invited to join us. The door is wide open, and we hope all neighboring MLSs will choose to participate.” said Gib Souza, President of Bay East. The six MLS associations have provided the seed money to begin the regionalization process. The preliminary funds will be used to complete the NCREX business plan, standardize the region’s data in a common format, and pay for the initial start-up costs and legal expenses. Clareity Consulting and several other experts, including a data-mapping services company, a law firm and a public relations agency, have been brought in for the consolidation process to ensure a technically smooth, legally sound, and reliable system. NCREX is being designed to serve its brokers, agents and other subscribers, and not as a profit center. The goal is to create a technically competent information management and service delivery organization that is financially stable and designed to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s business world. The new entity will have a 15 member Board of Directors, consisting of 12 brokerage owners and brokerage senior executives. The other three members will be the organization’s future CEO and two outside directors. To best represent its members, the directors will come from a mix of small, medium, and large real estate firms. The group has been meeting for over a year with a plan to collaborate on the best methods of serving our members. They (Continued on page 5) 2 5 12 16 17 President’s Message New Member Programs & MLS Regionalization Technology Minute Blogging for Business Housing Statistics January 2006 Members Making a Difference features 2005 Good Neighbor Nominee, Tracey Buescher, with RE/MAX Accord in Pleasanton. When Tracey Buescher’s husband was called to active duty in March 2003 for the Iraq war, she was left with two daughters, eight and four years-old. She had no idea when he would return, and his sudden departure was particularly difficult on her daughters. At the time, Chris Miller, a fellow REALTOR® working with her at RE/MAX Accord, approached Tracey for help in starting a support group called “Pleasanton Military Families.” She thought it was a fantastic idea and believed it would help her daughters handle the ordeal, “I decided it would be best to be pro-active with the children so they could get something positive out of such a negative situation.” Mothers, fathers, wives and children of those who were called to active duty joined the group. They all met once a week on Tuesday nights to support one another and share their mutual fears and anxieties about having loved ones in a war zone. The group members welcomed Tracey’s children with open arms and loved their presence at the meetings. “I think my daughters even adopted a few surrogate aunts, uncles, and grandparents from the group.” Fortunately for Tracey, her husband was home safe after nine long months. But knowing that not everyone was as fortunate, she continued to help with the support group. They still meet once a month at her home, and the group has expanded to include families from the Tri-Valley area, Brentwood and Newark. “We want to let our loved ones know that we are thinking of them constantly,” Tracey said. Christmas and Easter care packages for the local troops are prepared in her home. She has coordinated group participation in Veteran’s Day Parade and (Continued on page 11) Dictionary Project Donate Dictionaries to Local Schools Pleasanton Military Families at a Veteran’s Day Parade. Bay East Foundation Currently Taking Scholarship Applications by Marla Kuang Communications Coordinator The REALTOR® Guide will be featuring members who are involved in the community. If you or a REALTOR® you know is performing community service, please contact Marla Kuang at (925) 730.3269 or marlak@bayeast.org. This month’s article Main Entrance - Laurel Creek Way 7901 Stoneridge Drive, Ste. 150 Pleasanton, CA 94588 (925) 730-4060 Page 2 March 2006 — REALTOR® Guide BAY EAST ASSOCIATION STAFF President’s Message New Member Programs & MLS Regionalization by Gib Souza I am excited to announce three new programs the Association is putting together for our members. First, we are going to launch a television show on TV30 (Comcast Cable Channel 30), a local community station for the Tri-Valley area. Second, we are working with Los Positas College to offer real estate courses and a real estate certification series. Lastly, we are negotiating with UNCLE Credit Union to provide programs for Bay East members. Cable Television Real Estate Program: As you may have seen and heard, the National Association of REALTORS® is launching a national ad campaign promoting the professionalism of REALTORS® and the advantages of using professionals in real estate transactions. On the local level, Bay East is producing a real estate show for TV30 with the same objective – advancing the REALTOR® image and demonstrating the professional and ethical standards by which REALTORS® abide. We selected TV30 as a venue for the program because it is a local station that broadcasts a variety of community-oriented shows including a nightly news broadcast, sports, lifestyle and educational programming. The Bay East real estate show is scheduled to launch in Spring 2006. It will feature many aspects of the real estate process – preparing to buy, preparing to sell, inspections, loans, remodeling, etc. The shows are meant to be informative and educational for the general public. Real Estate Certificate College Course: In the education arena, our Association continually strives to offer valuable and up-to-date courses for the membership. We are increasingly recognized as the source for quality real estate education. Our latest effort is to forge a partnership with Los Positas College – a community college serving the Tri-Valley and surrounding areas – to offer real estate classes and create a real estate certification program. If you are interested in being an instructor, please contact Susan Angle at 925-7304077 or susana@bayeast.org for more details. Credit Union: We intend to provide banking and financial services through credit unions to our members. In step with this, we are speaking with UNCLE Credit Union about programs for Bay East members. Usually, credit unions offer a variety of lending and savings opportunities with financial advantages specifically for its members. We will be launching this program in the near future – watch for more details. MLS Regionalization Update: We are continuing to meet with five other MLSs in the Bay Area to work on the formation of the Northern California Real Estate Exchange (NCREX). We are making rapid progress towards this end and have already created a new corporation. This is a very complicated process that will blend concerns of the six entities sitting around the table. Our neighboring MLS to the north, BAREIS, attended our latest meeting and is looking at ways to cooperate with this venture. To the east, Metrolist, is also being encouraged to participate as we believe that their inclusion best serves our members and the consumer. You may receive an email survey in the near future to solicit your views on this effort. Please participate as our members’ viewpoints are highly valued. As always, if there are any comments, questions, or suggestions, you can reach me at gib@gibsouza.com or 925-216-7211. Please keep in mind that you may also express your concerns at our Board of Directors meetings by contacting our CEO Tricia Thomas at the Association at 925-730-4073 or triciat@bayeast.org . Chief Executive Officer Tricia Thomas triciat@bayeast.org (925) 730-4073 Member Services Director Pam Barnes pamb@bayeast.org (925) 730-4074 Technology Training Director Larnett Eckles larnette@bayeast.org (925) 730-4072 Chief Financial Officer Francoise Jordan francoisej@bayeast.org (925) 730-3271 Government Affairs Director David Stark davids@bayeast.org (925) 730-4068 Member Programs Director Toni Wilson toniw@bayeast.org (925) 730-4066 MLS Support Services Director Jason Woods jasonw@bayeast.org (925) 730-3264 Technology Trainer James Au jamesa@bayeast.org (925) 730-4078 Projects and Education Coordinator Susan Angle susana@bayeast.org (925) 730-4077 Communications Coordinator/Guide Editor Marla Kuang marlak@bayeast.org (925)730-3269 Member Services Representative Misty Anguiano mistya@bayeast.org (925) 730-4079 Education Service/Event Registration Amber Carnahan amberc@bayeast.org (925) 730-4065 Senior Accountant Shirley Davis shirleyd@bayeast.org (925) 730-4067 MLS Violations/Reciprocals Roya Chaudhry royac@bayeast.org (925) 730-4071 Accounts Receivable/Payable Toni Estolano tonie@bayeast.org (925) 730-1070 Accounting Clerk JC Sahagun jcs@bayeast.org (925) 730-3273 REALTOR® Store Rosemary Hutcheson rosemaryh@bayeast.org (925) 730-4069 New Member Services Adrena Dennis adrenad@bayeast.org (925) 730-4070 System Support Representative Bryon Smith bryons@bayeast.org (925) 730-3265 Lead System Support Representative Mark Flavin markf@bayeast.org (925) 730-3261 Assistant Director of Technology & Support Jeff Nagle jeffn@bayeast.org (925) 730-3263 System Support Representative Woody Reyes woodyr@bayeast.org (925) 730-3268 System Support Representative Sam Roy samr@bayeast.org (925) 730-3260 System Support Representative Mike Solis mikes@bayeast.org (925) 730-3272 System Support Representative Alan Thomson alant@bayeast.org (925) 730-3262 REALTOR® Store/Supra Keys Anthony Waiters anthonyw@bayeast.org (925) 730-4075 Event/Education Administrative Support Sheena Quenga sheenaq@bayeast.org (925) 730-1071 MAIN OFFICE (925) 730-4060 or (800) 773-3103 Fax (925) 730-0237 MLS TECH SUPPORT (925) 730-7100 Education Highlights For the latest in educational offerings, please visit www.bayeast.org under ‘Education’ in the ‘Members’ section. AGENT SEMINARS • April 4 & 5 – Real Estate Professional Assistant Training • April 11 – E-Pro Video Workshop • April 18 – Senior Real Estate Specialist PARAGON / COMPUTER CLASSES The luck of the Irish is with you this month…Register for a *FREE* Technology class through the MLS … • Microsoft Word – Mar. 21 at 9am • Technology Forum & Wireless MLS – Mar. 30 at 1:30pm • Create Simple Flyers Using Microsoft Word – April 4 at 1:30pm • Paragon Listings! – April 6 at 1:30pm ONLINE LEARNING Bay East is now offering access to NAR and C.A.R. online classes from our website. We have partnerships with C.A.R. and NAR to give you easy access to their online classes. They provide an excellent opportunity for busy agents to obtain education on a flexible schedule. Please visit us online for more information, www.bayeast.org. Click on the ‘Education’ button. Need more information? For a complete list of the current month’s schedule of classes, please visit the website at www.bayeast.org. Click ‘Bay East Members’. Click the Education tab; then call Member Services at 925.730.4060. Don’t forget to register. Happy training! Thought of the Month Power is the ability to do good things for others. -Brooke Astor March 2006 — REALTOR® Guide Page 3 Affiliate Highlight: Ingrid Westgard, North American Title by Nadine Williams 2% Realty Executive Group Each month, we will be profiling an Affiliate Platinum member in our “Affiliate Highlight” column. If you know of someone you would like us to profile, please contact Nadine Williams at nadine.williams@comcast.net. This month’s Affiliate Highlight features Ingrid Westgard. Tell us what you do. I am an account manager for North American Title in Castro Valley. I form partnerships with REALTORS® and Lenders to develop business for them and our office as well. I do this mainly through education and support. We have an amazing team, which helps to make my job delightful. exercise the many different aspects of myself through teaching, learning, problem solving and creativity. Knowing that they can count on me is satisfying. What is your association involvement? I am co-chairing the Central County Affiliate Committee this year. In addition, I assist with registration for the wonderful classes that Bay East offers. I’ve also been very involved with the Georgie Porgie Miniature Golf Tournament for the last few years, which benefits Members Helping Members. One of the things I really enjoy is selling raffle tickets at the Central County Marketing meeting. Handing the winner their money is a great way to start my day. What are your free time hobbies? I think my all time favorite hobby is going to the spa, there’s nothing like a good massage. I also enjoy Yoga, going to the gym and reading. I like to take random classes to learn new and different things. Lately, what has been taking up most of my time is planning our wedding. My fiancé and I are getting married in June. However, that doesn’t mean that I’ll miss Christmas in April. What advice can you give to others in our business? Don’t make money your goal. Work hard, be respectful, keep your word, always do your best, have lots of fun and the money will come. How does someone contact you? Ingrid Westgard, North American Title, 21060 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley, CA 94546 Phone: 510-537-8300, Email: iwestgard@nat.com Ingrid Westgard How long have you been in the business? I’ve been in the real estate industry for 17 years. I started out supporting real state information products, then later went into sales. I trained title companies and REALTORS® on the use of MetroScan for over eight years. I’ve been with North American Title for four and a half years and am enjoying the other aspects of real estate. What do you like about what you do? Mostly it’s the relationships that I have formed. Sharing successes with our clients keeps me going. Another thing that I enjoy about my job is that every day is different. I get to You find ‘em. We’ll Christine Poon Senior Loan Consultant Speaks Chinese Direct: (510) 574-0177 Cell: (510) 366-6861 fund ‘em. for all your answers. • Local home loan experts Zennie Gonzalez Senior Loan Consultant Direct: (510) 574-0176 Cell: (510) 612-3331 Abdi Mohammadian Senior Loan Consultant Speaks Persian Direct: (510) 574-0188 Cell: (925) 785-7851 • Local underwriting, processing and appraisal • A wide variety of adjustable and fixed rate mortgages Call us today Ed Steinway - Home Loan Center Manager - (510) 574-0170 Stacy Leonis - Sales Office Coordinator - (510) 574-0191 Rhonda Alcazar Loan Consultant Direct: (510) 574-0173 Cell: (510) 427-9788 Loan Consultant Speaks Tagalog Direct: (510) 574-0193 Cell: (408) 421-0139 Emy Liclican Loan Consultant Speaks Vietnamese Direct: (510) 574-0171 Cell: (408) 981-0943 Lina Tran Working together is the key to getting the job done. Chris Gonzalez Loan Consultant Direct: (510) 574-0184 Cell: (510) 220-2555 Loan Consultant Direct: (510) 574-1367 Cell: (510) 589-5137 Pia Nanfito Michelle Gasacao Loan Consultant Direct: (510) 574-0172 Cell: (510) 378-0638 Loan Consultant Direct: (510) 574-0179 Cell: (510) 673-1103 MinaWahab Loan Consultant Direct: (510) 574-1366 Cell: (510) 209-5815 Tina Taylor Cori Di Donato Loan Consultant Direct: (510) 574-0178 Cell: (935) 997-8440 39395 Paseo Padre Parkway, 2nd Floor • Fremont, CA 94538 Tel (510) 574-0191 • Fax (510) 795-0654 Certain restrictions and conditions apply. Programs subject to change. Washington Mutual has loan offices and accepts loan applications in: Washington Mutual Bank - many states; Washington Mutual Bank, doing business as Washington Mutual Bank, FA - many states; and Washington Mutual Bank fsb – ID, MT, UT. Page 4 March 2006 — REALTOR® Guide Kudos to Movers Pak-Man Movers Pak-Man, Inc. a woman-owned, Dublin-based, moving and storage company developed an ongoing program to help hungry people in the community. They launched the “Help us Help” program in January 2005 and have been very successful collecting much needed food for their local Alameda County Food Bank. “Help us Help” is Movers Pak-Man’s mission statement, and they mean it. When people move, they usually find that it is the perfect time to go through their cupboards and donate food to those who need it. Movers Pak-Man’s salespeople notify clients about the program during inhome surveys. Their clients are given food drive bags to collect surplus food supplies. They also explain how the collection process works on moving day. Each moving truck is equipped with a special barrel designed by Movers PakMan, Inc. to collect the non-perishable items that are donated. The food is then delivered to the Alameda County Food Bank. Movers Pak-Man, Inc. came up with the program after helping out with a neighborhood food drive last Christmas. They decided why only help once a year when they can help all year round? For more information, contact Movers Pak-Man, Inc. at 925-833-3440 or visit www.moverspakman.com. From left to right, Movers Pak-Man customers, William and Diane Lewis with the company’s General Manager, Casey Stratmeyer. Renew Your WINForms® Software Both WINForms Online® and WINForms® Desktop electronic forms software must be renewed by March 31 so that you can continue using this free member benefit. Please read the brief instructions below for more information on renewing the version of the software you are using. How do I renew WINForms Online®? As a Web-based software program, WINForms Online® will automatically prompt you with a renewal screen on March 1. Just follow the simple prompts and click on the "I Accept" button to accept the License Agreement and renew your software for another term of use. You must renew WINForms Online® by March 31 or the software will expire. How do I renew WINForms® Desktop? Beginning March 1, WINForms® Desktop will prompt you to renew the product every time you access the software. Click on "Renew now," accept the License Agreement and you will have access to the software for another term of use. You must renew WINForms® Desktop by March 31 or the software will expire. Please note: You must be connected to the Internet to successfully renew the software. Paragon Improvements As part of Paragon’s continuous effort to serve Bay East members, we are pleased to announce a second follow-up release of Paragon MLS version 3.6. This release was deployed on February 7, 2006. Listed below are some items corrected in this release. Views & Reports • Corrects the Filter checkbox issue in Views when emailing does not do anything. This should be removed when emailing. • In some cases word wrap is not working for remarks on MLS Full Detail view • Photos are not displaying and photo spinner will not work if primary photo is missing for the listing. • The price per sq. ft. field is not showing up on All Fields Detail for accounts that use this calculation. • When exporting a spreadsheet from Hotsheet search, a blanks page is displayed. • When viewing listings in non-brochure or non-spreadsheet view and emailing using the 'Insert into body' option, the sent email log shows the listing with all fields Left-Justified. • In some cases characters are missing from the end of Consumer Remarks on the Agent Detail reports. • Remarks print off the side of the page when input with all caps on their Agent Detail. Email • Email sent to the agent when a prospect opts out does not include a name. Only the email address is shown. The email should include a name so the agent knows who opted out without sorting through all of his prospects. • In Reverse Prospecting and when selecting multiple agents and emailing, the system sometimes adds an extra semicolon at the end of email addressees. End users can not send email when the semicolon is included in the address. Additions/Changes • When typing certain special characters in Remarks, those characters are being changed to question marks. • An apostrophe (') in the user's login name causes a script error when trying to maintain listings. • When changing the URL for a Virtual tour, the URL is not being saved in the case typed. All changes are saved as lower case. • Agents do not have the ability to remove the links from the “My Links” area in Paragon. March 2006 — REALTOR® Guide Page 5 Technology Minute: Blogging For Business by Mark Flavin Lead System Support Representative Blogs are somewhat similar to online newsletters—you post materials for people to read. It can be a low cost way to establish yourself as an expert in the real estate area you serve. Blogging is simple, inexpensive, and can become self-sustaining. It is also a great way to set yourself apart and build trust with your target audience. The first step The first step of blogging is to identify your audience. Know who you are writing for, and know what they want. For instance, if your target audience is in Brentwood and you write consistently about the Danville market, your blog will not have the kind of impact you’re looking for. Identifying your audience and addressing them on a more personal level is a great way to set yourself apart, just as originality is a great way to drive traffic to your site and get repeat visits. The second step The second step is deciding how you are going to host your blog. There are many strategies to this, but my personal favorite is using a hosting service such as Typepad (http://www.typepad. or Blogger com) (http://www.blogger. com). The setup is easy. With some patience and experimentation, you can create a dynamic site that will attract and retain visitors, also known as subscribers. The differences in Blogger and Typepad are subtle, but if you are looking to do a blog as an additional business tool, I would suggest Typepad. It includes easily accessible tools to help drive traffic to your blog. The third step The third and perhaps most important step is to register a domain. It is easier to remember http://dublinrealtorblog.com than http://typepad.dublinrealtorblog.com. If you already have a website set up, you can integrate your blog with minimal work. If you use a hosted solution such as SBC Yahoo! you can generally find an integration tool in the control panel. If you are hosting your own site, simply download and install WordPress (http://www.wordpress.org). Now that you have your blog setup, you need to fill it with viable content that your customers and target audience find entertaining and useful. Perhaps you can offer strategies and insights on the real estate market. Fill your blog with content that will convince your visitors you are an expert for the area. Once you have started posting, make it a daily or weekly routine to update your blog – not only will this attract new visitors, but it will keep your current subscribers updated on the market. Read what other real estate blogs and news services are reporting and stay current – this way, your insights will always be fresh. Finally, I wouldn’t recommend “selling” your listings on the blog because most subscribers view blogs as an educational and informative resource. When they make the decision to buy or sell, they will naturally seek you out because you have already established yourself as a real estate resource for them. Establish yourself as an expert with a blog. MLSs Consolidate (Continued from page 1) have already developed a standard set of MLS Rules and Regulations which they are now approving and implementing at their individual organizations. Approved by the Bay East Board of Directors at the end of February, the new rules will become effective on March 31, 2006. Please check our website at http://bayeast.org/members_ home.html for more details. You can also track MLS regionalization developments at www.ncrex.com. Fair Housing and Antitrust Issues The Bay East REALTOR® Store now offers DVD presentations on fair housing and antitrust issues. Fair Housing: Real estate professionals are subject to federal, state, and local fair housing laws. Noncompliance with these fair housing laws is a risk that real estate brokers simply cannot take. Plus, a commitment to equal housing opportunity is not only good business, it is the right thing to do. This program shows agents in rental and sales situations, and demonstrates both appropriate and inappropriate behaviors. ($29.95 each disc) Antitrust and Real Estate: The penalties for antitrust violations are severe, and as a real estate professional it is important that you be aware of how your words and actions can inadvertently move you into dangerous antitrust territory. This program provides information on relations with clients and customers, relations with competitors, office compliance policies, and more. You will also follow the adventures of Phil, a new agent, as he learns the hard way about how to avoid behaviors that may lead to an antitrust violation. ($29.95 each disc) Page 6 March 2006 — REALTOR® Guide Upcoming WCR Events Technology Training Tips ness luncheon. Learn how to grow your business! In addition, the WCR Southern Ever sit with a client and have a lanAlameda County chapter is offering a guage obstacle or feel uncertain about performance cultural differences? management Come hear Director network class on of Diversity Marketing Monday, May expert Maria Valentin 22, “The Busispeak on this topic at ness of Your our April 11 meeting. Business” – held For more than at Bay East. nineteen years Maria To learn about Valentin has specialupcoming Business ized in serving the Speakers, MemHispanic real estate bership or Training community. She obclasses, check tained her real estate out www.bayeastlicense in 1986 and her broker’s license .org or call 925in 1988. When she 730-4060. Reserretired in 2000, she vations for the totaled 733 closed above-mentioned transactions. Maria luncheons can has been awarded the be made by callNational Association of ing 925-847-2207. Hispanic Real Estate The Southern Maria Valentin, speaker at the April 11 WCR Professional Certified A l a m e d a Southern Alameda County Chapter meeting. Professional Title Chapter meets (NCP). She is comthe second Tuesmitted to developing marketing strateday of each month except the month of gies for real estate professionals working June. Networking is from 11:30 to Noon with diverse consumers. and lunch is from Noon to 1:30 at the Anna Meniktas-Edwards, Francine Radisson Hotel located at 6680 Regional Blackwell and Kathleen Cruz of First Street, Dublin. American Title will sponsor this busiby Larnett Eckles Technology and Training Director Technology Training Tip! #1 MLS Link Have you ever wondered if the property you’ve located in your Paragon Tax search has ever been listed on the MLS? Then wonder no more. Use the tax MLS Link! 1. Conduct a Tax search as you normally would; and display the results. 2. Highlight (select) the desired tax record. 3. Click the MLS Link hyperlink at the top of the screen. 4. Paragon will display the associated MLS listing linked to that address. NOTE: Paragon uses the Assessors Parcel # (APN) entered on the tax record and the address to locate the corresponding MLS listing. By Address • When attempting to locate one tax record by address, for best results, enter the house number in both the Street Number Min/Max fields. • When locating tax records by an address, do NOT include the street ending, such as Street, Avenue, Drive, Blvd., etc. Only enter the street name. Why? – You’re at the mercy of the data input person at the County, and you don’t know if they spelled out or abbreviated the street ending. (This tip will save you loads of time and will net you great results.) Technology Training Tip! #2 Quick Paragon Tax Searches – use one of the convenient options below. It is not necessary to include all three in your search. Pick the option that’s right for you! By APN • APN – enter the APN or Tax ID number from your prelim or property profile report into the Paragon Tax Parcel ID field. By Owner’s Name • OWNER FIRST / OWNER LAST – enter either the client’s First name OR Last name into the respective Paragon Tax search field. Use of the REALTOR® Logo When surfing the Web for real estate homepages, it's quite common to come across sites belonging to REALTORS®. If you are looking to add your own electronic presence on the Internet, it is easy to get caught up in designing your own web page and choosing a domain name which will capture the attention of surfers and make you easily identifiable. REALTORS® often want to use the REALTOR® marks as part of their domain name or address to distinguish themselves, but they must keep in mind that there are rules governing proper use of the REALTOR® marks that must be adhered to at all times regardless of the media used. These rules are found in the National Association's Membership Marks Manual, a reference manual explaining proper use of the REALTOR® marks including examples of correct and incorrect uses. Here is a brief list of the principle rules affecting use of the REALTOR® marks in domain names: 1. The term REALTOR®, whether used as part of a domain name or in some other fashion must refer to a member or a member's firm. 2. The term REALTOR® may not be used with descriptive words or phrases. For example, Number1realtor.com, numberone-realtor.com, chicagorealtors.org or realtorproperties.com are all incorrect. 3. For use as a domain name or e-mail address on the Internet the term REALTOR® does not need to be separated from the member's name or firm name with punctuation. For example, both johndoerealtor.com and johndoerealtor.com would be correct uses of the term as a part of domain names and jdoe*realtors@webnetservices.com and jdoerealtors@webnetservices.com are both correct uses of the term as part of an e-mail address. 4. The REALTOR® block R logo should not be used as hypertext links at a web site as such uses can suggest an endorsement or recommendation of the linked site by your Association. The only exception would be to establish a link to the National Association's web site, REALTOR.org, or its official property listing site, REALTOR.com. The public has adopted the use of all lower case letters when writing domain names, even those containing trademarks. Therefore, for purposes of domain names and internet addresses only, there is an exception to the rule on capitalization of the term REALTOR® and it may appear in lower case letters. Whether you use traditional print media or the Internet, it is essential to use the REALTOR® marks in accordance with the rules and guidelines of the National Association. The REALTOR® marks should only be used to denote membership in the National Association of REALTORS®. March 2006 — REALTOR® Guide Page 7 Special Feature: Tax Time Tips Deductible Charitable Contributions by Francoise Jordan Chief Financial Officer If you made charitable contributions in 2005, you can probably write it off. Read on to find out how. Timing: Contributions must be paid in cash or property before the close of a tax year to be deductible, whether you use the cash or accrual method. Type of Donation: For cash donations, you may deduct the amount of the donation. For property donations, you may generally deduct the fair market value of the property. Less the $250 If the value of a non-cash gift is less than $250, you will need a receipt from the charity showing the date and a description of your contribution and the charity’s address. You are not required to have a receipt if you deposited your donation at an unattended bin site, but you will need to compile a written record of the items given away. Please note: the fair market value of household goods or clothing is usually much lower than the price paid when new. An indication of the value may be similar to what consumers will pay in a thrift or consignment store. More than $250 If the value of a non-cash gift is more than $250, you will need a receipt from the charity describing the donation and whether you received anything in return. For gifts over $5,000, you will also need an appraisal. The methods used to determine the value of your contribution can vary: • Replacement cost • Selling price • Sales of comparable properties Opinion of experts Please note: the value of stocks and bonds is the fair market value on the valuation date. For more information, please consult the IRS website at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p561.pdf. Limits on the total amount of charitable contributions in one year may vary. Please consult with a tax accountant to determine your contribution limit. ** Roth 401(k) Changes Courtesy of Lautze & Lautze Matthew J. Noonan, CPA Starting in 2006, you’ll have another way to save for retirement – the Roth 401(k). Participants in an employer’s 401(k) or 403(b) plan may designate some or all of their elective contributions as a Roth contribution. Unlike a regular 410(k) contribution, contributions to a Roth 401(k) will be taxed, but all investment gains are tax free and there are required distributions. Use Your Car for Business? Write it Off! by Francoise Jordan Chief Financial Officer When you use your car for business, you can deduct it from your business income. If you use the vehicle only for business purposes, you can deduct the entire cost. If you use it for both personal and business, you’ll need to calculate the portion of the expense attributable to business. There are two ways in which you can calculate the expense: 1. Standard Mileage Rate Method: To use this method, you must own or lease the car. If you previously claimed depreciation for this car, you cannot use this method. The Internal Revenue Service released the following rates for 2006: 44.5 cents per mile for business miles driven; 18 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes; and 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations, other than activities related to Hurricane Katrina relief. The IRS changes mileage rates periodically. For more details on IRS Rules and Rates, please check the IRS website at www.irs.gov. Don’t forget to record your parking and tolls fees as those are also deductible. To help keep track of your business miles, you are encouraged to use the Auto Expense Log sold in the Bay East REALTOR® Store ($2.25 + tax). 2. Actual Expenses Method: To use the Actual Expense Method, determine the total cost of operating your car and multiply it by the percentage business use of the car. Some of the items included in total cost are: Cost of car (purchase price or monthly lease), interest on car loan, gas, car insurance, servicing of your car, parking fees and tolls. To track the business miles driven that year, record them as indicated under the Standard Mileage Rate. At the end of the year, calculate the business usage percentage by dividing the number of Business Miles driven by the Total Miles driven that year. ** ** These articles are not construed as tax advice. We recommend that you discuss your options with an accountant to determine the best methods for your needs. Save More with a Single-Employee SEP Courtesy of Lautze & Lautze Matthew J. Noonan, CPA If you are a business owner or selfemployed, you may be able to deduct contributions to a Keogh, singleemployee SEP or Defined Benefit Plan. The annual contributions to a Keogh or single-employee SEP are $42,000 for 2005 and $44,000 for 2006. The annual contributions to a Defined Benefit Plan are $170,000 for 2005 and $175,000 for 2006. Limits for all three plans are indexed for inflation each year, and their earnings accumulate tax-deferred. Page 8 March 2006 — REALTOR® Guide 2006 Public Awareness Campaign: Code of Ethics Differentiates REALTORS® As part of the 2006 REALTORS® Public Awareness Campaign, new ads promoting the REALTOR® Code of Ethics and explaining how REALTORS®’ adherence to the Code benefits consumers hit the airwaves the week of March 6. Trust is an important issue with consumers, especially when it comes to a transaction as large as buying or selling a home. The new spot, called “Someone You Can Trust,” highlights the honesty and integrity that REALTORS® bring to each and every transaction. The idea is to help REALTORS® use the Code of Ethics as a way to differentiate themselves from others in the real estate business. REALTORS® must take a training course on the Code of Ethics at least once every four-year cycle to retain their membership. In addition to the new television and radio spots, there will be a special Web site, www.realtor.org/codeofethics, where consumers can get more detailed information about the Code of Ethics. There will also be a special section dedicated to the Code of Ethics section on www.realtor.org. It will feature downloadable materials for REALTORS® to use with their clients, such as a simplified Code of Ethics document that can be included in a listing presentation and signed by the REALTOR® and consumer. New television and radio spots have also been added this year to the campaign, which is now in its ninth year. The new spot, called “Don’t Try This At Home,“ gives consumers credit for making the smart choice to use a REALTOR® to sell their home versus trying to sell their home You can also catch our ads on the morning and evening news shows like ABC’s Good Morning America, CBS’ Sunday Morning News and CBS’ Late Show with David Letterman. The campaign will continue to sponsor network radio programming like NPR’s Morning Edition, All Things Considered and on ESPN Radio’s coverage of Major League Baseball. Research from NAR’s 2005 tracking study confirms that consumer perceptions are positively impacted by the Public Awareness Campaign message. Some highlights from the tracking study: Public awareness of the campaign has risen 25% from 2001 to 2005. Consumers’ preference for working with a REALTOR® has increased 23% from 2001 to 2005. The overall positive consumer perception of the REALTOR® image has increase 23% over the last 4 years. As you can see, the Public Awareness Campaign truly helps homebuyers and sellers understand the value a REALTOR® brings to the transaction. This year's campaign promises to build on our previous brand-building efforts. Now more than ever, it’s extremely important to identify yourself as a REALTOR®. More and more consumers will be looking for the REALTOR® “R” and asking you if you’re a member of the National Association of REALTORS®. For more information on the 2006 campaign, please visit www.realtor.org/awarenesscampaign. on their own. It touts the hard-hitting fact that homes sold by an agent sell for 16% higher, on average, than those sold by a home owner without professional representation. These spots begin airing on national radio on February 6 and on television the week of March 27. In all, there are two new television and radio ads, six new print ads, and new bus shelter ads, billboards, posters and Web banners. Look for the television spots on prime time network television, the most powerful means of reaching potential homebuyers and sellers. New for 2006, spots will air during the NCAA Basketball Playoffs. The spots will also air on such popular programs as Extreme Makeover Home Edition, CSI Miami, The George Lopez Show and more. On cable, watch for our ads on networks like Lifetime, A&E, The Learning Channel, Home & Garden Television, Discovery Home and The History Channel. March 2006 — REALTOR® Guide Page 9 Broker’s Corner — Risk Management Courtesy of RECON Intelligence Services Jeremy Conaway, Consultant The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) reports that there has been a significant (more than 30 percent) increase in the level of litigation involving brokers and agents. The contemporary real estate consumer is entering into the transaction with much higher expectations and is proving to be less than amiable when those expectations are dashed by real or perceived incompetence on the part of their real estate service provider The indemnity community within the insurance industry is understandably anxious for a number of reasons, not the least of which stem from losses of almost $8 billion during the past few years. Errors and omissions (E & O) policy premiums across the industry are experiencing double digit inflation. Deductibles are approaching $25,000 in some states and at each renewal the list of exclusions becomes longer. Many brokerages are finding that despite long relationships with carriers and spotless records, renewals are no longer automatic. The situation is made worse by the fact that only five carriers remain in the errors and omissions field today out of the 13 or more that served the industry in 2001. Some brokerages for reasons totally unrelated to their own business practices, have found themselves unable to secure insurance. This often occurs because other brokerages within their geographic or economic pool have been unable or unwilling to effect risk management. The solution here probably doesn’t lie with creating new captive business and insider employment opportunities. The solution lies in coming to grips with the simple concept that the time has come to introduce transactional standards and best practices into the real estate service package. Significant among the many changes that have been introduced into the contemporary real estate industry is the concept that there is a “right” way to do things. Until the industry comes to grips with the fact that it is no longer feasible to have one million practitioners each individually defining and interpreting the various components of the real estate service package, no amount of insurance reform, with prospective buyers. • Yes, the new consumer is demanding more and more information, and yes, you should do everything to help them find it. However, become the source to the source but not the source. Do not classify anything and stay away from that short but critical list of things not to say. • Conduct a careful visual inspection of the property and investigate (not ignore) the “Red Flags.” Failing to spot these claims in the making may lead to a listing, but we now know that they also are going all parties, document your decisions in writing and do as you say. • A significant number of today’s customers, especially first time buyers, are minorities. Boomer generation agents have not, by and large, successfully educated themselves on the nuances of serving customers from cultures different than their own. This has led to a significant increase in claims relating to fair housing violations. Everyone in the firm should attend periodic fair housing and sensitivity training. • Successful litigation often rests upon the completeness and sufficiency of the transaction file. Strict office procedures should be established and followed. Commission checks should not be dispersed until the responsible manager has reviewed the file. The file must be retained after closing. • Watch out for C.L.U.E. reports. Insist on a report from the seller as soon as possible. The concern is both for insurability and past claims. • The E & O insurance contract is a very complex document. Among its requirements may be the representation by the firm that an effective risk management program is in effect. Another provision may require that all claims be reported promptly to the carrier. The failure of either of these requirements can be fatal to your coverage. These 10 suggestions reflect the nature of the claims and suits currently being filed throughout the country. Unless these simple matters can be reduced to best practices and transactional standards, no amount of rearrangement at the carrier level will be anything but empire building. Never act outside the area of your expertise and comfort zone. Recommend the services of another more specialized expert. replacement, reconfiguration or reassignment will solve the problem. How complicated is this? A group consisting of real estate and insurance industry professionals recently considered the challenge. Consider the relative simplicity of the risk management design outlined by the following 10 recommendations. Top 10 Recommendations • Obtain a written sellers’ disclosure and review it to verify that the information is consistent with what you know about the property, and, yes, share this information to result in a claim. • Unlike their predecessors, today’s consumer does not expect you to be an expert on everything. Never act outside the area of your expertise and comfort zone. Recommend the services of another more specialized expert. If the buyer wants to waive an inspection, get it in writing. • Your firm should create and strictly adhere to office procedures at every stage of the transaction. • Religiously disclose all conflicts of interest in writing. Remember the four basics: whom do you represent, disclose 2006 NAR Good Neighbor Awards The NAR Good Neighbor Award recognizes REALTORS® who have made an extraordinary commitment to improving the quality of life in their communities through volunteer work. This year, five winners will receive $10,000 grants for their cause. Nominate yourself or someone you know for this prestigious national award. Nomination deadline for 2006 is May 26. Please visit www.realtor.org for more information. Bay East member, James Pacheco, was a winner for the prestigious national Good Neighbor Award in 2003. Image courtesy of NAR. Page 10 March 2006 — REALTOR® Guide Bay East Members Installed as California WCR Officers Left to right: Mike Riley, Jeri Jorgenson, Mary Anne Rozsa and Bobbie Nelson attended WCR meetings at Anaheim. Mike Riley was installed as California WCR Treasurer. Jeri Jorgenson was installed as California WCR Secretary. Bobbie Nelson is the current President-Elect. Mike Riley (left, 2006 WCR Tri-Cities Chapter President) and Mary Anne Rozsa (right, 2006 WCR Southern Alameda Chapter President) attended WCR's state meeting in Anaheim. No New Disclosure for Asbestos Released by C.A.R. There is no new disclosure requirement for asbestos hazard zones. Although the California legislature recently considered a bill regarding naturally-occurring asbestos hazard zones, that bill was defeated and did not become law. Some incorrect information has been circulating that is creating confusion on this issue. The confusion among REALTORS® apparently comes from misstatements made and circulated by Property I.D., a disclosure company. Property I.D.’s publication entitled “Disclosure Watch” dated January 2006, incorrectly states that Assembly Bill 459 “requires sellers and their agents to disclose to prospective buyers if the property is located in a ‘Naturally Occurring Asbestos Hazard Zone.’” In fact, AB 459 does NOT say that nor does it impose a new disclosure requirement for asbestos hazard zones. In 2005, Senate Bill 655 (Ortiz) was introduced proposing the creation of official maps to identify naturally-occurring asbestos hazard zones. Earlier versions of SB 655 had also proposed that certain sellers and their agents provide asbestos hazard zone disclosures to their prospective buyers. SB 655, however, was defeated and not enacted into law, and as of January 19, 2006, was placed on the State Assembly’s inactive file. Assembly Bill 459 (Oropeza) was introduced and passed in 2005. However, AB 459 imposed a new disclosure requirement for supplemental property taxes (starting January 1, 2006), not asbestos. This supplemental property tax disclosure requirement is already a C.A.R. standard form and will also be included in the April release of SBSA (Statewide Buyer and Seller Advisory) for those who choose not to use the stand-alone form. AB 459 also contained a contingent Section 1.5, which would have incorporated the companion legislation (SB 655) if it had passed. Section 1.5 required an asbestos hazard zone disclosure to be included in a subdivision’s public report, but again only if SB 655 was enacted by January 1, 2006. Because SB 655 was not enacted into law, Section 1.5 did not become law. Experienced legislative advocates call these “joined” bills and understand how the contingent language works if only one bill has passed and the other hasn’t. A local city or county could, however, impose its own local disclosure requirement of naturally occurring asbestos, such as the one enacted by El Dorado County, provided it is made on the local option form. El Dorado County is the only local ordinance of this sort of which we are aware. Of course, the local ordinance only applies to properties in that county. March 2006 — REALTOR® Guide Page 11 Making a Difference “Heroes Welcome Home” assemblies. She also served as a committee member for an exhibit titled, “Those Who Wait Also Serve,” at the Pleasanton Museum. “These are year-round programs and we are constantly involved in community events to support our troops. We always welcome any help we can get, whether someone wants to contribute time, money, or goodies for our care packages.” Tracey is always looking for ways to demonstrate their support because she believes it is essential for the troops’ morale and for the family members who are waiting for their (Continued from page 1) safe homecoming. The Pleasanton Military Families support group is approaching its third anniversary in March 2006. Tracey says the group welcomes donations and any help they can get. “We will continue to support and be there for our military families until [the troops] all come home safe.” If you would like more information or would like to get involved in Pleasanton Military Families, please contact Tracey at 925-730-0917 or email her at tracey@traceybuescher.com. Christmas in April Tracey and her daughters, Olivia and Krista, give her husband a warm welcome home. Windermere, one of the REALTOR® offices that participated in the 2005 Christmas in April Project. Please see page 13 for information on the 2006 work day. Page 12 March 2006 — REALTOR® Guide Bay East Association of REALTORS®—Statistical Reports January 2006 Housing Statistics - Single Family Residence Bay East Association of REALTORS® Median Sales Price Month Nov-05 Dec-05 Jan-06 Jan-05 Jan-04 YTD-06 YTD-05 YTD-04 San Lndr. $585,000 $580,500 $565,000 $523,000 $425,000 $565,000 $523,000 $425,000 San Lrnzo $570,000 $555,000 $550,000 $495,500 $395,000 $550,000 $495,500 $395,000 Castro Vly $694,000 $701,000 $650,000 $601,750 $525,000 $650,000 $601,750 $525,000 Hayward $597,000 $577,000 $595,000 $515,000 $420,000 $595,000 $515,000 $420,000 Union City $725,000 $688,000 $680,000 $595,000 $505,000 $680,000 $595,000 $505,000 Newark $670,000 $650,000 $661,000 $560,500 $450,000 $661,000 $560,500 $450,000 Fremont Pleasanton $685,000 $875,000 $702,000 $890,000 $700,000 $832,500 $625,000 $759,000 $514,000 $665,000 $700,000 $832,500 $625,000 $759,000 $514,000 $665,000 Livermore $621,000 $640,000 $645,000 $558,250 $469,950 $645,000 $558,250 $469,950 Dublin $824,891 $739,500 $769,500 $690,000 $644,000 $769,500 $690,000 $644,000 From the GAD’s Desk by David Stark Government Affairs Director Federal Issues Ben Bernanke, the new chairman of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors (Fed), was sworn in February 1, 2006. NAR is already making sure he’s aware of key REALTOR® issues. In a letter to Bernanke, NAR President Thomas M. Stevens, emphasized the separation of banking and commerce as “one of our nation’s most fundamental economic policies.” Stevens defined NAR’s position on recent Federal activity related to banks in real estate. He specifically mentioned rulings issued by the Office of the Comptroller and a proposed Treasury Department rule regarding national banks and financial companies investing in real estate. He pointed to the 1980s savings and loan debacle as negative consequences of bank involvement in real estate. The letter to Bernanke echoes NAR’s position opposing financial holding companies and financial subsidiaries engaging in real estate brokerage and real estate management. Stevens wrote, “In our view, these activities are purely commercial, not financial, activities. The fact that banks are involved in real estate financing and other related activities cannot be a basis for concluding that real estate brokerage and management activities are financial or related to financial activities. Such false reasoning leads to the conclusion that banking organizations may broker any product whose sale they may finance— appliances, automobiles, airplanes, artwork, etc.” NAR 2006 Legislative Priorities Recently, NAR released its federal legislative priorities for 2006. The following is a summary of the issues and legislation NAR is currently tracking: Tax Reform: In November 2005 the President’s Advisory Panel on Tax Reform proposed, among other things, changing the mortgage interest deduction (MID) to a 15% credit, elimination of deduction for mortgage interest on 2nd homes, elimination of state and local tax deductions (including property taxes), and elimination of the deduction of interest from home equity lines of credit. Naturally, these proposed changes would have had a devastating impact on the real estate industry. Reports from Washington indicate little support in either the House or Senate for these changes. However, NAR is still (Continued on page 16) Average Sales Price Month San Lndr. Nov-05 $604,983 Dec-05 $617,449 Jan-06 $577,665 Jan-05 $537,293 Jan-04 $441,272 YTD-06 $577,665 YTD-05 $537,293 YTD-04 $441,272 Units Sold Month Nov-05 Dec-05 Jan-06 Jan-05 Jan-04 YTD-06 YTD-05 YTD-04 San Lrnzo $583,132 $570,415 $552,308 $499,417 $406,856 $552,308 $499,417 $406,856 Castro Vly $764,026 $762,170 $713,830 $671,371 $539,995 $713,830 $671,371 $539,995 Hayward $637,061 $631,929 $629,068 $557,108 $446,182 $629,068 $557,108 $446,182 Union City $735,108 $757,741 $733,981 $638,737 $531,275 $733,981 $638,737 $531,275 Newark $708,378 $679,433 $689,656 $582,500 $474,768 $689,656 $582,500 $474,768 Fremont $786,573 $783,737 $758,676 $728,974 $568,065 $758,676 $728,974 $568,065 Pleasanton $1,118,657 $1,142,003 $1,052,255 $927,948 $858,036 $1,052,255 $927,948 $858,036 Livermore $689,106 $715,429 $726,428 $643,522 $549,897 $726,428 $643,522 $549,897 Dublin $869,818 $780,346 $889,334 $748,440 $610,607 $889,334 $748,440 $610,607 San Lndr. 63 74 38 48 46 38 48 46 San Lrnzo 33 24 13 12 16 13 12 16 Castro Vly 36 32 27 28 35 27 28 35 Hayward 104 85 70 60 82 70 60 82 Union City 32 25 23 19 36 23 19 36 Newark 29 27 21 12 22 21 12 22 Fremont Pleasanton 92 57 101 37 71 36 98 29 98 40 71 36 98 29 98 40 Livermore 84 74 51 42 55 51 42 55 Dublin 38 22 16 17 14 16 17 14 January 2006 Housing Statistics - Condominium Bay East Association of REALTORS® Median Sales Price Month San Lndr. Nov-05 $410,000 Dec-05 $375,000 Jan-06 $425,000 Jan-05 $350,000 Jan-04 $337,000 YTD-06 $425,000 YTD-05 $350,000 YTD-04 $337,000 San Lrnzo $405,000 $395,000 $395,000 $595,000 $285,000 $395,000 $595,000 $285,000 Castro Vly $539,950 $584,975 $486,000 $392,000 $352,500 $486,000 $392,000 $352,500 Hayward $422,450 $430,000 $429,900 $347,000 $325,000 $429,900 $347,000 $325,000 Union City $441,444 $475,500 $410,000 $410,000 $295,000 $410,000 $410,000 $295,000 Newark $418,000 $421,250 $435,000 $355,000 $316,000 $435,000 $355,000 $316,000 Fremont Pleasanton $452,800 $522,000 $437,000 $493,000 $425,000 $519,000 $357,000 $437,500 $307,000 $381,000 $425,000 $519,000 $357,000 $437,500 $307,000 $381,000 Livermore $441,000 $469,900 $503,000 $446,000 $403,000 $503,000 $446,000 $403,000 Dublin $624,950 $571,458 $550,000 $555,000 $414,000 $550,000 $555,000 $414,000 Average Sales Price Month San Lndr. Nov-05 $434,400 Dec-05 $411,192 Jan-06 $412,000 Jan-05 $347,722 Jan-04 $351,166 YTD-06 $412,000 YTD-05 $347,722 YTD-04 $351,166 Units Sold Month Nov-05 Dec-05 Jan-06 Jan-05 Jan-04 YTD-06 YTD-05 YTD-04 San Lrnzo $405,000 $449,286 $395,000 $595,000 $280,000 $395,000 $595,000 $280,000 Castro Vly $592,606 $585,119 $486,000 $392,000 $372,880 $486,000 $392,000 $372,880 Hayward $428,860 $428,038 $437,229 $353,202 $310,420 $437,229 $353,202 $310,420 Union City $457,302 $473,038 $415,642 $393,620 $299,769 $415,642 $393,620 $299,769 Newark $441,750 $457,783 $440,075 $350,400 $324,103 $440,075 $350,400 $324,103 Fremont Pleasanton $490,380 $545,753 $477,231 $502,475 $446,316 $501,444 $376,436 $447,907 $324,864 $390,463 $446,316 $501,444 $376,436 $447,907 $324,864 $390,463 Livermore $465,906 $480,627 $481,793 $414,143 $353,666 $481,793 $414,143 $353,666 Dublin $601,850 $558,979 $554,881 $518,514 $409,500 $554,881 $518,514 $409,500 San Lndr. 10 13 5 7 6 5 7 6 San Lrnzo 1 7 1 1 4 1 1 4 Castro Vly 9 8 1 1 5 1 1 5 Hayward 30 41 17 24 22 17 24 22 Union City 20 10 9 25 13 9 25 13 Newark 12 12 4 5 12 4 5 12 Fremont Pleasanton 57 17 65 24 41 9 36 16 33 11 41 9 36 16 33 11 Livermore 18 11 15 7 9 15 7 9 Dublin 17 16 13 7 14 13 7 14 March 2006 — REALTOR® Guide Page 13 7th Annual Tech Faire This all-day technology trade show is free to members. There will be nationallyknown trainers, product presentations, and food. Remember to save the date - April 28 at the Oakland Airport Hilton. The program will include educational sessions and an ever-impressive technology trade show. It will feature some of the best technological products and services available to real estate professionals. Sponsored by seven East Bay REALTOR® Associations (Alameda, Bay East, Berkeley, Contra Costa, Delta, Oakland, West Contra Costa). Bay East Board of Directors’ Actions The following are highlights of the January 2006 Board of Directors’ meeting. The complete minutes are on file at Bay East and are available for review (by appointment) by any Association Member. Approved the following: • New members for December 2005 • Implementation of NCREX • Corporate Resolution • Amendments to Professional Standards 2006 Council Structure and SubCommittee Task Force Descriptions • Amendments to Professional Standards Council Bylaws • Amendment to all Council Bylaws for consistency Christmas in April Christmas in April is coming up! The community service event will take place on Saturday, April 29. If you are interested in joining the crew to make a difference, please contact James Pacheco of Windermere Properties of the East Bay at jamespacheco@windermere.com. Christmas in April Castro Valley Area Inc. is a local affiliate of the national nonprofit organization called Rebuilding Together. This chapter serves Castro Valley, Hayward, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Dublin, Pleasanton and Livermore. Their mission is to help lowincome elderly and people with disabilities live in warmth, safety, and decency through volunteer renovation of homes. 2006 Housing Assistance Forums Bay East supports Equal Housing Opportunities. For more information, please see Housing Opportunities Council article on page 19. Page 14 March 2006 — REALTOR® Guide New Bay East REALTOR® and Affiliate Members January 2006 The following is a list of members who have completed New Member Orientation in January 2006. Central County Joe Wei, Bay Home Investments&Loans Michael Brown, Income Property Resources Maria Morales, Juanita's Realty Inc Debra Hayes, Keller Williams Brianne Fernandez, Keller Williams Realty Terri Daniel, Keller Williams Realty Kay Markham, King Real Estate Group James Gordon, Maya Realty Corporation Desiree Estrada, Prudential Calif Realty Gary DiGrazia Jr., Re/Max In Motion Tri-City Christopher Musante, 1st Bay Area Realty Zita Soriano, A to Z Realty Vincent Froehlich, Advisor Real Estate Group Nazim Deen, American Mutual Financial Aldrin Manalang, At Home Realty Sue M Cortes, At Home Realty Aldrin Avila, Bay Area Homes, Inc. Travis Weeks, Bay Cities Rlty & Home Loan Trina Naimi, California Prime Properties Shakieb Orgunwall, Calwide Mortgage & Realty Irma Figueroa, Coldwell Banker Juan Antonio Sanchez, Community One Nathalya Eiroa, Community One George Sistoso, Jr., Corinthian Realty Samuel Oceguera, Fremont Realty & Loans Vinesh Uppal, Help-U-Sell City Properties Mariela Ureno, InHome Properties Naveen Bhatia, Intero Real Estate Fremont Amanda Chun, Keller Williams Benchmark Rupert Bisquera, Keller Williams Benchmark Irina Starikov, Max Realty and Loans Patricia Fleming, Pacific Real Estate Network Sandra Diaz Kelly, Pacific Real Estate Network Sherrill Root, Re/Max Executive Willie Lee Toliver, Real Advisor Realty Fatemah Nikchehi, Relan Real Estate Genevieve Corsetti, Relan Real Estate Erick R. Cordova, Security First Financial Leticia Arteaga, Vintage Estates Realty Tri-Valley Marti Gilbert, Alain Pinel, REALTORS® Scott Louis Thomson, Alain Pinel, REALTORS® Lynne Ancien-Ronen, American Dream Prop Corp Harsharan Kaeley, American Mutual Financial Michael Thorp, California Legacy Fred S.C. Lee, ERA Golden Hills Brokers Donisia Marquisknight, Genie Realty Helena Jones, Goldstar Investments Donna Topp, Hometown GMAC Rl Est Lara Schreiber, Hometown GMAC Rl Est Edel Sayo, Integrity Realty Group Sandra Kozak, Integrity Realty Group Leeann Needham, Intero Real Estate Services Pari Kazerooni, Keller Williams Tri-Valley Shelly Huffman, Keller Williams Tri-Valley Hamed Nawabi, Liberate Financial Josh Taves, Mt Diablo Realty Phillip Han, New Standard Rl Est Co Ron Happ, Northstar Realty Services Anna Pawlak, Prudential Calif Realty Greg Jewell, Prudential Calif Realty Martha Strain, Prudential Calif Realty Ellen Tersigni, RE Realty Experts Carla Butler, Re/Max Accord Barbara Brenzel, Re/Max Executive M Rankin, Realco Concepts Janet McCarrol, Realty World Estates Kimberly Moore, Realty World Estates Michael Faria, Realty World Golden Valley Janny Rocha, Rocha Realty Jeffrey Bordes, Sterling Investment Svcs Armando Cervantes, Transpacific Properties Bryan Denman, Tucker Assoc Rl Est Srvcs Heidi Choi, U.S. Pro Real Estate Lawrence Song, U.S. Pro Real Estate Sun Hong, U.S. Pro Real Estate Andrew Martin, Windermere Prop of East Bay Kim Watts, Windermere Prop of East Bay New Platinum Affiliates January 2006 Central County Sara Perez, Home Loan Experts Tri-City Holly Jorgenson, Platinum Group Funding Tri-Valley Cheryl Conley, All Pro Mortgage Kahai Tate, Aloha Staging by Kahai Todd Erickson, CBI Property Inspection Deborah Leyvas, First Security Loan New Affiliates January 2006 Central County Carl Cantrell, Countrywide Home Loans Thao Du, Countrywide Home Loans Allen Sue, Countrywide Home Loans Shanna Tovar, Countrywide Home Loans Gabriela Trujillo, Countrywide Home Loans Tri-City Tracy Gannon, Gannon Appraisals Jim Hall, Guarantee Mortgage Jan Fickett, Housemaster Home Inspection Danielle Cox, Platinum Group Funding Moe Khanghahi, Platinum Group Funding Nima Khanghahi, Platinum Group Funding Edward Lat, Platinum Group Funding Michael Lat, Platinum Group Funding Gwendolyn Stringer, Platinum Group Funding Anthony Woods, Platinum Group Funding Mary Adamson, Sapena Appraisal Service Tri-Valley Michelle Dodd, Chicago Title Co Lenn Cordon, Home Equity Group Rodil San Mateo, Home Equity Group Amalia Santillano, Jace Consulting Richard Prizznick, Windsor Capital Mortgage 2006 Membership Roster Correction Lyman Harms, Honorary Member of Bay East and C.A.R., was accidentally left out of the 2006 Membership Roster. Please note that his contact information is as follows: Prudential California Realty, 4465 First St. Livermore, CA 94551. Ph: 925-4545900. March 2006 — REALTOR® Guide Page 15 April 2006 Technology and MLS Classes You earned it. Use it. Display the REALTOR® “R” logo on your business card and stationery. Page 16 March 2006 — REALTOR® Guide Get Involved in the Dictionary Project by Marla Kuang Communications Coordinator Have you wanted to get involved in community service, but just haven’t had time? Here’s your chance! Bay East’s Member Benefits Council has partnered with the Dictionary Project to provide dictionaries to third graders in local schools. You can sponsor a whole class for $34.80. The Dictionary Project is a national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the reading ability and comprehension of all children. Bay East is sponsoring a local version of the project by providing dictionaries to our neighboring schools. The dictionaries are a gift for the children to keep. We currently have 200 classes signed up and waiting for adoption. The school districts currently covered are Dublin, Fremont, Newark, Oakland, Pleasanton, San Leandro, San Lorenzo and Sunol. The Livermore and Hayward school districts have already been adopted by the Rotary Club. The council is still working to get more schools involved, so this list will continue to grow. The list of classes waiting for adoption will be posted online at www.bayeast.org by March 15. Please visit the site for more information and further details on the sponsorship process. Donors will be recognized on the website as sponsors of a particular class. A contributor will also be able to get her name labeled on the inside cover of the dictionaries she sponsored. Please join us in this effort to promote literacy in our communities. Remember, good schools mean desirable communities, which is always great for business. For more information, please contact Sheena Quenga at 925-730-1071. Front cover of the dictionary that students will receive. A sample label that members can put on the inside cover of the dictionaries they donate. From the GAD’s Desk (Continued on page 12) working to ensure the protection of the MID. NAR believes that any additional proposals won’t be seen until after the mid-term elections in 2007. Freddie Mac / Fannie Mae Oversight and Reform: During Fall 2005 the House approved reforms of both Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Revised regulations will allow a new Freddie/Fannie use regional median home prices to establish conforming loan limits. In high-cost areas, the limit may be up to 150% of the national conforming loan limit. While this change will benefit the real estate industry another provision was included in the reform package that creates a new affordablehousing fund. NAR is concerned that the new may be used to support political campaigns. NAR reports that follow-up amendments were passed that would require those receiving these funds to not participate in political activities. The next stop for the Freddie/Fannie reform package is the Senate. Unfortunately, according to NAR, there is less interest in the Senate to pass this reform. Identity Theft Protection: In response to growing concern about identity theft, some sellers are now refusing to provide the required affidavit to the buyer or are providing an affidavit without the seller’s taxpayer identification number. NAR is proposing legislation to the House Ways and Means Committee Staff to that will both protect the privacy of all parties involved in a transaction. Homeownership for Veterans: Last summer the American Veterans Homeownership Act was introduced. The legislation would allow more veterans to participate in the veteran’s mortgage bond program. The program is currently available to veterans in several states including California. According to NAR the changes will allow veterans who served on active duty regardless of date of service, to apply for financing under the bond program up to 25 years after the end of their active duty, and revise volume limitations applicable to the issuance of such bonds in certain state. Natural Disaster Insurance: The Homeowners Insurance Availability Act, H.R. 846 is currently in the House Subcommittee on Housing and (Continued from page 17) March 2006 — REALTOR® Guide Page 17 Bay East Foundation Accepting Scholarship Applications The Bay East Foundation Trustees are now accepting Scholarship Applications for the 2006/07 school year. For the application, please see below. You may also visit www.bayeast.org for a copy. • Have a minimum accumulative GPA of 3.0 and be a full-time student. (GPA’s below 3.0, see Grants section) • Complete the attached application. • Provide copies of all relevant current transcripts. • Provide a copy of your California driver’s license, California Identification Card or United States issued passport. • Social Security Number • Proof of acceptance to the institute of higher learning • You must be a full-time student and submit proof of the institute’s minimum criteria for full-time student status (parttime students, see Grants) • Two letters of recommendation, dated within six (6) months of application date. • A one-page, double-spaced typed essay explaining that if you are awarded a scholarship what effect it will have on your future career plans? Short-term and long-term? Grants Requirements • Contributed to Foundation through Dues Billing. • Grants are for those students who are in need of financial assistance and who are not otherwise qualified for a scholarship. • Complete the attached application • Provide copies of all relevant current transcripts • Provide a copy your driver’s license and social security • Proof of acceptance to the institute of higher learning • Two letters of recommendation, dated within six (6) months of application date. • A one-page, double-spaced typed explanation outlining your request for a Grant and how it will assist you in your educational goals. • Any additional supporting documents you feel necessary. When completed, the application with all the required documentation should be mailed to the attention of the Bay East Foundation Trustees at 7901 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 150, Pleasanton, CA, 94588. If you have any questions about the application process, please call Member Services Director, Pam Barnes (925) 730-4074. SCHOLARSHIP and GRANT APPLICATION Date of Application Type or Print – Use Black/Dark Blue Ink Only Section 1B. Applicant Identification A. Student’s Name: Residence: How long have you lived at this address? C. Mailing Address: How long have you had this address? D. Home Telephone # E. F. G Date of Birth: Work Telephone # Social Security #: Provide a copy of your Social Security Card. State of Legal Residence: H. Driver’s License # (or State Identification #): Provide a copy of your License/ID Card. Section 2 - Eligibility Qualifications A. Name of Bay East REALTOR® member or Bay East Platinum Affiliate member through whom you are eligible to receive a scholarship: From the GAD’s Desk (Continued from page 16) Community Opportunity. According to NAR, the bill will implement a reinsurance coverage program for residential property losses to homes and the contents of apartment buildings, caused by certain natural disasters including earthquakes, fire and tsunamis. The bill will also create a “Disaster Reinsurance Fund” which will be managed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Eminent Domain: Last year the Supreme Court ruled in favor of local government’s ability to take property through the eminent domain process. Congress is responding to this controversial ruling with legislation to protect private property rights. Last Fall the House passed the Private Property Rights Protection Act of 2005 which, among other things, would withhold federal funding from cities which, in some cases, use eminent domain for private economic development projects. According to NAR, the bill has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Endangered Species Act: Richard Pombo, the Republican Representative from Tracy, sponsored H.R. 3824, “The Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Act of 2005 (TESRA).” According to NAR, REALTORS® support amendments to the Endangered Species Act that recognize the economic impact in designating and recovering endangered species, provide incentives to encourage species protection and compensate private property owners when they have been wholly or substantially deprived of the economic value of their property. Representative Pombo’s legislation attempts to balance species protection with community development needs. NAR reports the bill passed the House in just 10 days but is unsure about Senate support for the issue. State Issues C.A.R. is monitoring the status of AB 770 (Mullin) and SB 551 (Lowenthal) Common Interest Developments Ombudsperson. If passed, these bills will create a new “Office of the Common Interest Development Ombudsperson” and provide training materials, a website and courses to owners, officers and directors of common interest development. The office would also provide dispute resolution. The February 24 bill introduction deadline produced several pieces of legislation that C.A.R. will be monitoring. Committee hearings resumed March 1, watch this column for more details on pending legislation. Local Issues According to a recent traffic study, the (Continued from page 19) B. C. List the member’s Bay East Membership Number: List the member’s Department of Real Estate Number, if applicable. What is your relationship to the Bay East Member? Child  Grandchild  Custodial Care  Page 18 October 2005 — REALTOR® Guide 2006 Bay East Board of Directors Gib Souza, 2006 President. RE/MAX Executive, Livermore. Gib is also a C.A.R. Director. Email: gib@gibsouza.com Chuck Edell, 2006 President-Elect. RE Realty Experts, Fremont. Chuck is also a C.A.R. Director. Email: chuck@realtyexperts.com Melrose Forde, 2006 Treasurer. RE Realty Experts, Fremont. Melrose is also a C.A.R. Director. Email: melrose@realtyexperts.com Michael Tessaro, Past President. Michael is also a C.A.R. Director. Email: mtessaro@apr.com Tricia Thomas, Bay East Chief Executive Officer. Email: triciat@bayeast.org Cynthia Chiasson, Central County Director. Cynthia is also a C.A.R. Director. Email: cynthia@dreamagent.com Danielle Keil, Central County Director. Email: danielle@gotyourkeys.com Pam Winterbauer, Central County Director. Pam is also a C.A.R. Director. Email: winterpam@aol.com Tom Cree, Tri-City Director. Email: tomcree@sbcglobal.net Dorothy Jackson, Tri-City Director. Dorothy is also an NAR and C.A.R. Director. Email: dorothy21@worldnet.att.net Shawna Jorat, Tri-City Director. Email: shawna@shawnajorat.com John Juarez, Tri-City Director. John is also a C.A.R. Director. Email: homes@johnjuarez.com Miguel Velazco, Tri-City Director. Email: mavelazco@yahoo.com Pete Conley, Tri-Valley Director. Email: pete@447pete.com Jeri Jorgenson, Tri-Valley Director. Jeri is also a C.A.R. Director. Email: jeri@jerijorgenson.com Tammy Pryor, Tri-Valley Director. Email: tammy@292SOLD.com Mary Anne Rozsa, Tri-Valley Director. Email: marrozsa@comcast.net Don Faught, At-Large Director. Don is also an NAR and C.A.R. Director. Email: dfaught@apr.com Pat Huffman, At-Large Director. Pat is also a C.A.R. Director. Email: homes@pathuffman.com Jeanie Reitzell, At-Large Director. Email: jeanie@jrsellshomes.com Cathy Campbell, Affiliate Director. Email: ccampbell@homeguard.com October 2005 — REALTOR® Guide Page 19 Unlock Member Benefits with Your NRDS Number Every REALTOR® is entered into the National REALTORS® Database System (NRDS) and assigned a NRDS (pronounced “nerds”) number when they become a member of organized real estate. Knowing your NRDS number is essential for accessing the perks available only to REALTORS®. Your NRDS number is the gateway to numerous member benefits, including WINForms® Desktop and WINForms Online®, the electronic forms software providing the latest C.A.R. standard forms needed to complete a real estate transaction; confidential legal advice available through C.A.R.’s Legal Hotline; assistance from Bay East’s Technical Support department and much more. The simplest way to find your nine-digit NRDS ID is to log on to C.A.R. Online (www.car.org) and click on “Sign In,” located at the top of the screen. The signin box that appears gives you the option to search for your member number by first and last name. If you still have trouble determining your unique ID, you can call Bay East at 925-730-3269 for additional help. Housing Opportunities Council Sponsors Assistance Forums Want to learn how to help first-time homebuyers, increase your client base and improve your community? The Bay East Housing Opportunities Council is planning the next round of Housing Assistance Forums. There’s no better way to get up to speed on city and state first-time buyer programs. The purpose of the forums is to provide REALTORS® and Affiliate Members with information about city first-time homebuyer programs through interactive presentations and examples from actual transactions. Three forums will be held in 2006 – one in each of the Bay East districts. Representatives from cities within each district will be invited to speak on their respective programs. Staff from the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) and representatives from nonprofit lenders will also be invited to participate. Based on feedback from the 2005 forums, the 2006 events will focus on the “nitty-gritty” of how state and city assistance programs. A new, more efficient format will be used to provide information about city assistance programs; REALTOR® and Affiliate presenters will share plenty of “real-world” experiences with these types of programs. As the market changes, knowledge of city first-time buyer programs can make you more competitive. The Housing Assistance Forum is a great way to learn a lot with only a modest investment of your time. The first Forum will be conducted in the Tri-Cities district in late April. The Housing Opportunities Council develops and promotes programs that enhance the opportunity for housing choices that accommodate all economic levels within our communities. The Council is also responsible for advocating and educating members and the public on housing assistance programs and developments; and creating and promoting opportunities that involve REALTORS® in the housing initiatives at the local, state, and national level. For more information about the Housing Assistance Forum, or the Housing Opportunities Council, please contact David Stark, Government Affairs Director at (925)730-4068 or via email at davids@bayeast.org. From the GAD’s Desk (Continued from page 17) I-580 corridor is the second worst commute in the Bay Area. Increasing the capacity of public transit systems may offer an alternative to commuters on I-580 and benefit the quality of life in the Tri-Valley area. For more than 40 years, tax dollars from Livermore residents have helped subsidize the construction of BART tracks and stations in other communities. However, there are no current plans to bring the trains to Livermore. Linda Jeffery Sailors, a former Dublin mayor and current Livermore resident, is spearheading a grass-roots effort to bring BART to Livermore. This new campaign seeks support for the construction of a station at I-580 and Greenville road. Specifically, her effort asks BART leaders to build in Livermore before extending service to communities that were not part of the original group of cities that supported BART. The campaign includes a petition drive and online resources. The petition, which may be signed by non-Livermore residents, may be completed online at: www.livermorebart.org. For more information about the movement to bring BART to Livermore, please visit www.livermorebart.org. Ms. S a i l o r s m a y b e r e a c h e d a t support@LivermoreBART.org. From the GAD Recently, NAR released a new “Antitrust and Real Estate” DVD that illustrates how antitrust issues can show up in everyday business situations. The DVD helps viewers understand what constitutes antitrust practices in the real estate industry and how to avoid them. The DVD is approximately 20 minutes long and is perfect for office meetings. If you would like to show the DVD at your office meeting, please contact me at (925)730-4068 or via email at: davids@bayeast.org for more information. Page 20 March 2006 — REALTOR® Guide Bay East — April 2006 Events Calendar SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 Marketing Council 12:002:00 4 REPA Course 8:30-4:30 5 MLS Council 1:30-3:30 REPA Course 8:30-4:30 Central County Marketing Meeting 8:30 am 6 Financial Planning Workshop 1:00-3:00 Livermore Marketing Meeting 8:30 am Tri-Cities Marketing Meeting 8:30 am 7 Valley Marketing Meeting 8:30 am Hispanic Marketing Meeting 9:00 am 8 9 10 Executive Committee 9:3012:00 11 WCR SAC 11:30-1:30 E-Pro Video Workshop 9:00-10:30 12 Leadership Academy 9:002:00 Central County Marketing Meeting 8:30 am 13 Association Office Closed for Staff Training Livermore Marketing Meeting 8:30 am Tri-Cities Marketing Meeting 8:30 am 14 Association Closed at Noon for Good Friday Valley Marketing Meeting 8:30 am Hispanic Marketing Meeting 9:00 am 15 16 17 Board of Directors 9:30-1:00 18 19 WCR Tri-Cities 12:00 Power of Replacement Property Solutions 1:00-4:00 Central County Marketing Meeting 8:30 am 20 Professional Standards Council 1:00-4:00 Livermore Marketing Meeting 8:30 am Tri-Cities Marketing Meeting 8:30 am 21 Valley Marketing Meeting 8:30 am Hispanic Marketing Meeting 9:00 am 22 SRES Class 9:00-3:30 Member Benefits Council 1:00-2:30 23 30 24 LGR Council 10:00-11:30 Foundation 1:00-3:00 25 Housing Opps. Council 2:003:30 26 Leadership Academy 9:00-2:00 Central County Marketing Meeting 8:30 am 27 Livermore Marketing Meeting 8:30 am Tri-Cities Marketing Meeting 8:30 am 28 Valley Marketing Meeting 8:30 am 29 Christmas in April Hispanic Marketing Meeting 9:00 am