Arcadia REALTOR Magazine - May 2012

Arcadia

REALTOR速

The Official Publication of the Arcadia Association of REALTORS速

See page 3 for prize winners See page 9 for photos

MAY 2012

WWW.THEAAR.COM

1 VOL. 16, NO. 5

Arcadia

REALTOR®

Arcadia Association of REALTORS® 601 South First Avenue Arcadia, California 91006 626.446.2115 626.446.4072 FAX www.TheAAR.com

2012 ASSOCIATION OFFICERS

REGULAR FEATURES 4 Events Calendar

4 From the EVP’s Desk Andrew Cooper, Executive Vice President

5 Attorney Comments Dave Freeman, AAR Legal Counsel

6 Market Matters

10 Tech Talk

“10 Top Tools You Can’t Live Without” Michael Russer, N.A.R. REALTOR® Magazine

11 Affiliate Corner

“6 Simple and Inexpensive Upgrades Potential Buyers Will Notice”

Mitch Maertens, Mitch Maertens Construction

05.12

{ Arcadia REALTOR® | May | Two Thousand and Twelve | Volume Sixteen | Number Five}

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May 2012

Ryan Asao {President} Andy Bencosme {President-Elect} Mike Vachani {Vice-President} Jill Nelson {Secretary/Treasurer}

2012 ASSOCIATION DIRECTORS Margaret Garemore Jeanne Keating John Lee Paulina Lee George Monte Joseph Pacilio Sylvia Ramos Irene Yamagata Nick Zigic

2012 C.A.R. DIRECTORS

Ryan Asao Andy Bencosme Jeanne Keating Paulina Lee George Monte Richard Stone Randall Traw Mike Vachani Kelvin Wong Nick Zigic

ARCADIA ASSOCIATION STAFF

We are here to help you with your needs!

Office Phone 626.446.2115 Robin Allen Ext. 307 Director of Finance / Office Manager Robin@TheAAR.com Michael Beltran Ext. 302 IT Director / Webmaster Michael@TheAAR.com Brenda Faltes Ext. 304 Director of MLS Data Integrity, Supra & Social Media Brenda@TheAAR.com Stephanie Maertens Ext. 303 Director of Education, Publications & MLS Caravan Stephanie@TheAAR.com Maria Roberts Ext. 305 Director of Membership & Professional Standards Maria@TheAAR.com Jane Shriver Ext. 301 Director of Association Services Jane@TheAAR.com Andrew Cooper Ext. 308 Executive Vice President Andrew@TheAAR.com

ON THE COVER 3

Biz N.E.T. 2012 Winners Congratulations to all the prize winners, especially the grand prize winner of the new iPad!

9 Biz N.E.T. 2012 Photos

Photos from the recent event at the Santa Anita Race Track.

411 E. Huntington Dr. Suite 101 B, Arcadia CA 91006 Phone: 626-446-2401 Fax: 626-446-2362

Ready for a Stress-Free Closing????

ADDITIONAL CONTENTS

Let the Contempo Escrow Team show you how easy it can be!!

Short Sales Commercial Mobile Homes

Bulk Sales Residential

ABC License Transfers Refinance

4

Congratulations Camelia!

Carmelia recently won an AAR contest through the weekly eNewsletter that is emailed to all members.

7

AAR Day at the Races A short recap of the annual charity event hosted by the AAR Events 4 Charity Auxiliary.

8

AAR to Offer Broker Price Opinion Resource (BPOR) Certification The AAR will be offering the National Association of REALTORS® newest certification on June 14, 2012.

11

Arcadia Relay For Life: June 23-24

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Commercial Marketing Mixer A recap of the recent free mixer offered by the AAR Commercial Committee.

12

Global Business Alliance Committee “Investing in the USA with the ‘Startup Act’ and the ‘INVEST Act” Be in-the-know about legislation that will help with your investment clients.

Congratulations Expo Winners!

13

Taco Time Bingo A look at the annual charity event hosted by the AAR Events 4 Charity Auxiliary.

14

“Risk Management: Natural Hazard and Environmental Issues in the Local Community” This great course is free with a $10 refundable deposit.

Big prizes, small prizes, door prizes and a grand prize were all present at the AAR 16th Annual BizN.E.T. 2012 Expo at the beautiful Santa Anita Race Track! Congratulations to the Passport winners! The third prize of $50 went to Betty Yabu, Coldwell Banker San Marino. The second prize of $75 went to Grace Ho, Coldwell Banker Dynasty.

The first prize of $100 went to Janice DeNuto, Coldwell Banker Dynasty! Congratulations also to Yung Chen, Coldwell Banker George who took home the grand prize new iPad! Congratulations to all the winners!

Contempo Escrow’s educated, friendly and proficient team will provide the best escrow services available to you and your clients! Open your next escrow with us, and experience the

Contempo Difference!!

Teresa L. Shaver Certified Sr. Escrow Officer

Amy Choy Escrow Officer

Photo: Grand Prize winner, Yung Chen, Coldwell Banker George, happily displays his new iPad! Arcadia REALTOR® Magazine

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May Events Calendar 1

9:30 a.m. - Commercial Committee Mtg.

2

8:30 a.m. - New Member Induction C.A.R. in Sacramento (May 2 - 5)

3

11:00 a.m. - Commercial Marketing Mixer

4

12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Toastmasters

7

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - “The Short Sale” (3 DRE Credits)

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11:00 a.m. - Tech Committee Mtg. 1:30 p.m. - CRMLS Operations Mtg.

9

8:30 a.m. - MLS Caravan 8:40 a.m. - Affiliate Committee Mtg. 9:30 a.m. - MLS Committee Mtg. 9:30 a.m. - Events 4 Charity Committee Mtg. 3:30 p.m. - Equal Opportunity / Housing Affordability Committee Mtg.

10

12:00 p.m. - Young Professionals Network Mtg.

14

N.A.R. in Washington D.C. (May 14 - 18)

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10:00 a.m. - Zipforms Training 1:00 p.m. - Education Committee Mtg.

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8:30 a.m. - MLS Caravan 9:30 a.m. - Public Relations Committee Mtg. 1:00 p.m. - Ethics Video 1:30 p.m. - Local Government Relations Committee Mtg. 3:00 p.m. - Global Business Alliance Committee Mtg.

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11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Lunch & Learn Series “All You Wanted to Know About Escrows and More!”

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12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Toastmasters

21

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - “Risk Management” 10:00 a.m. - CRMLS Association Executive’s Mtg.

22

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - CRMLS “Lunch and Learn” Training 1:30 p.m. - Budget and Finance Committee Mtg.

23

8:30 a.m. - MLS Caravan 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. - FREE BPOR Certification Preview at Masonic Center

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1:30 p.m. - CRMLS Finance Mtg.

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8:30 a.m. - AAR Board of Directors Mtg.

28

Memorial Day AAR Closed

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9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Broker / Manager Breakfast 12:00 p.m. - CRMLS Board of Director’s Mtg. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - “College Funding” Course

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8:30 a.m. - MLS Caravan

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May 2012

FROM THE EVP’S DESK Mistakes Mean You’re Succeeding Ask a REALTOR® about their biggest achievements and chances are they will come up with one or two accomplishments.

But ask about their biggest mistakes and you’ll be in for a laundry list of their painful stumbles, costly marketing gaffs, failures to handle client’s objections appropriately and other business failings. After 19 years in our wonderful industry I’ve noticed that great REALTORS® learn by trial and error, and the best lessons learned come from errors that aren’t quickly forgotten.

I’ve also noticed that some mistakes hang around in some REALTORS® heads much longer than they should. Sometimes a mistake is so painful that they can’t see past it, and it influences their future decision-making capabilities long after the event is over.

Keep in mind there is a huge difference between remembering a past mistake and dwelling on one. Does a past-mistake cause you missed sleep? Then you’re dwelling on it.

To counteract the dwelling factor it’s vitally important to remind ourselves the past does not equal the future. Rather than dwelling or regretting, instead take a clear-headed look at how that thought process may be influencing your present. If you are too quick to judge and say, “Boy, I’ll never do (fill in the blank) again…”, you may be depriving yourself from important growth opportunities. Just because you stumbled or miscalculated once doesn’t mean you will do it again, especially if the situation is similar.

Here’s an interesting thought; some companies actually build a 20% factor for mistakes into their annual budgets. It gives them the freedom to be wildly experimental and to try innovative strategies, realizing that there likely will be mistakes that they’ll have to rectify along the way. But because the other 80% is such a productive payoff, they don’t mind paying the 20% premium for these mistakes.

What if we mentally acted the same way? Think of the liberation you would feel.

It’s important to realize that mistakes are a mandatory part of success. If we’re not making mistakes then we’re not trying. The past is past. Let’s use it, let’s learn from it, but let’s not dwell on it.

There is tons of success to be achieved for you - and glorious new mistakes to be made along the way!

Andrew Cooper

Executive Vice-President

Congratulations Camelia!

The AAR recently held a contest in its weekly emailed eNewsletter that featured a special question regarding the recent BizN.E.T. 2012 Expo. Those who replyed back with a correct answer were entered into a drawing to win a $50 Mastercard Gift Card. We wish to congratulate Camelia Vera, Coldwell Banker George Realty who won the contest!

Attorney Comments April 2012

By Dave Freeman, Association Counsel 1. TRUSTS: There are three main messages here: A. Have a Trust B. Failure to put the property in the Trust C. Have the right person draw the Trust.

I frequently see families of a deceased member who, too late, find that the property must go through Probate (Court) in order to pass the title of the property to the intended beneficiary thereof. This is true even when there is a Will involved. The basic value of an Inter Vivos Trust (“Trust”), also known as a Revocable Living Trust, is that the property placed in the Trust can be passed to the beneficiaries without the need for Probate or an expensive, elongated process.

A major disaster is created when the party fails to put the property in the Trust. This is a very simple procedure, usually done by the attorney who draws the Trust. A simple Deed is drawn and recorded putting the property in the Trust. But if a property is not put in the Trust, or if a property is purchased after the creation of the Trust, and is not put in the Trust, it generally must go through Probate as if there were no Trust.

Lastly, many of the above errors, and many other damaging errors are created by attorneys who are not property educated and knowledgeable as to the intricacies of drawing Trusts for particular situations. I have heard countless horrible situations from Trust specialists, who have had to review Trusts drawn by unknowledgeable attorneys, and who have had to attempt to unwind the damage caused, after one or both spouses have passed away. In one large estate whose family I met with recently, the Trust was not drawn to take advantage of the dual exemption of $5,000,000.00 each for the husband and

wife. The point is: Be sure to use a Trust specialist, and put all of the real estate into the Trust.

2. CO-OWNERS OF PROPERTY: Regardless of whether the “co-owners” are just general partners, tenants in common, joint tenants, in a partnership, limited partnership, corporation or LLC, they should have a written agreement which spells out the percentage ownership of each, ability or limitation on the right to transfer their interest in the property, who has management and control, what percentage of ownership is required to cause major transactions such as a sale, construction or development and other important factors to the members.

In one recent case, two families owned a house for investment. One family moved out of state and was not heard from again for 47 years. The local family managed the property, rented it out, evicted bad tenants and renovated the property as necessary. Now, with some parties having passes away, the remaining, local, family desires to sell the property and be done with the headaches. Understandably, they feel they own the property and should be entitled to the proceeds, or, at least, the lion’s share thereof.

However, the other family is still on the Deed and owns half of the property. A simple management agreement, compensating the managing parties and designating the change in ownership desired (or not) would have made this situation, ownership and right to proceeds clear from the start. Often, these predicaments are not planned or intended. In this particular case, the one family merely moved out of town, out of state and apparently forgot about the property. At this point, the family who took care of the property, managed it and

put their efforts into it as if it were their own 100%, must share the proceeds of the sale with the other family. Further, they might find it difficult to have the other family cooperate in the sale, without litigation.

3. ADA (AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT) SUITS: We are seeing an increase in lawsuits regarding the ADA. There are “scouts,” who drive around looking for violations that lawyers can file suits based on. They are numerous and expensive. The look for lacking or improperly painted or faded handicap parking spaces. They are particularly targeting businesses for wheelchair accessibility and height of counters at the sign-in desk, for instance at motels. Restrooms, of course, are particular targets.

There are attorneys who pride themselves on making a great deal of money by filing a great deal of these lawsuits, which are extremely expensive to defend and can lead to very large judgments against the property owner or business owner, who may be a tenant of the property. Virtually all of the cases are settled without going to trial, as the massive legal fees and potential recovery are intimidating. These attorneys file many cases per month and settle them for $5,000.00 - $20,000.00 per occurrence.

Although it is an uncomfortable and somewhat expensive procedure, perhaps, it is worthwhile to have your business property that you own or occupy as a tenant, inspected for this purpose. Then correct any deficiencies found. This is an extreme case of preventative medicine that is not only beneficial, but possibly necessary for the economic survival of your office as well as those of your clients.

Arcadia REALTOR® Magazine

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Market

Matters

Market Statistics for the San Gabriel Valley Single Family Homes

City Alhambra

6

Zip Code 91801

Condominiums

Price % Sales of Chg from Single Family Price Median January Homes SFR ($1,000) 2011 10

March 2012

$401

-14.1%

Price Median Condo ($1,000)

Sales Count Condos

SFR Only

Price & Chg from Median January Home Price/ 2011 Sq. Ft.

7

$348

-5.3%

$331

Alhambra

91803

12

$407

-11.2%

1

$389

22.3%

$289

Altadena

91001

22

$498

20.8%

n/a

n/a

n/a

$299

Arcadia

91006

22

$488

-43.1%

9

$446

-23.1%

$399

Arcadia

91007

23

$869

-5.2%

7

$398

-13.5%

$399

Azusa

91702

21

$263

-5.1%

10

$130

-36.6%

$184

Duarte

91010

19

$262

-8.7%

5

$195

-31.0%

$243

El Monte

91731

6

$323

0.8%

1

$202

n/a

$251

El Monte

91732

14

$279

6.9%

9

$285

-30.1%

$219

El Monte - South

91733

10

$271

-3.3%

1

$290

-19.4%

$241

Glendora

91740

21

$313

-13.1%

5

$310

5.1%

$229

Glendora

91741

16

$572

19.1%

1

$355

n/a

$270

La Ca単ada Flintridge

91011

22

$900

-24.3%

1

$618

40.5%

$452

La Verne

91750

18

$483

16.3%

6

$235

-29.9%

$238

Monrovia

91016

18

$482

-5.2%

8

$278

-8.7%

$304

Pasadena

91101

2

$705

n/a

19

$388

14.2%

$400

Pasadena

91103

8

$312

-13.5%

2

$430

-7.6%

$272

Pasadena

91104

22

$469

6.2%

1

$235

58.2%

$354

Pasadena

91105

3

$1,250

33.0%

7

$530

-38.0%

$522

Pasadena

91106

5

$2,200

329.3%

12

$338

-11.6%

$712

Pasadena

91107

22

$581

-5.3%

7

$345

-21,6%

$345

Rosemead

91770

17

$366

-15.0%

n/a

n/a

n/a

$264

San Gabriel

91775

15

$515

-8.8%

2

$440

4.9%

$375

San Gabriel

91776

12

$365

-13.7%

3

$387

-15.9%

$309

San Marino

91108

15

$1,625

8.3%

n/a

n/a

n/a

$604

Sierra Madre

91024

9

$573

0.6%

4

$499

56.0%

$393

Temple City

91780

16

$464

-8.1%

4

$415

-15.3%

$329

Source: DQNews.com

May 2012

Day at the Races REALTORS®, family and friends all enjoyed a beautiful afternoon at the Santa Anita Racetrack for the AAR Annual Day at the Races. It was a day filled with good fun, good food and fantastic company. With a gorgeous view of the San Gabriel Mountains, what a setting for such an event! A big thank you to those who came and participated in helping to make this such a great event.

Special thank you to Events 4 Charity Chairman, Micah Adams and all those who helped to sell tickets for the event.



(626) 831-8862 www.morrisoninspects.com Arcadia REALTOR® Magazine

7

“AAR to Offer Broker Price Opinion Resource (BPOR) Certification” The National Association of REALTORS® is offering a new certification, Broker Price Opinion Resource (BPOR). The new certification course provides REALTORS® with knowledge and skills to reduce risk and increase opportunities to create professional and accurate BPOs, as well as how to use these skills to increase their revenues. The one-day BPOR core course is required to earn the certification. The course will explore the multiple uses of BPOS, how they can and cannot be used, and how to filter and select comparables to create expert and precise BPOs. The Arcadia Association of REALTORS® will be offering the core course to complete this certification on Thursday, June 14th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the AAR building. Upon completion of this course, attendees will need to take a free webinar and pay a one-time fee of $199 to earn the BPOR certification. After paying the one-time fee, the certification is yours for the remainder of your career. There is no annual renewal fee.

BPOR Certification requirements: The following are the four steps required to earn the BPOR Certification: 1. Be a member in good standing with the National Association of REALTORS® 2. Complete the one-day core course (successful completion of this course meets the elective course requirement for the ABR® Designation) 3. Submit BPOR application with a one-time $199 certification fee 4. View the free one-hour webinar. Please note: Once you complete the application and pay the $199 fee, you will need to view the free webinar, which will be available after applying. Upon completion of the webinar, you will automatically be notified that you have been approved as a BPOR. How you will benefit from taking the BPOR certification: • Prepare accurate and professional BPOs. • Evaluate market valuation tools for the most productive preparation of BPOs. • Identify and weigh all significant factors influencing the creation of a useful valuation.

What the BPOR certification provides: • Eligibility to receive BPO orders 1. Must be licensed for a minimum of three-years 2. Must have E&O policy with coverage of at least $500,000 • Usage of the BPOR letters after your name and in your marketing materials • BPOR digital certificate • Differentiation as a BPOR in the www.Realtor.org online directory • Logo files that can be used on business cards, email signatures and print ads • BPOR pins • No annual certification dues (must maintain membership with N.A.R. to use BPOR) • Press release that can be personalized • Free BPOR webinars

Thursday, June 14, 2012 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Check-In Begins at 8:30 a.m.

$89 Per Person Arcadia Association of REALTORS® 601 South First Avenue Arcadia, California 91006

This course will cover: • Differentiate a BPO from an appraisal or CMA • Outline the Value of Company Policies Pertinent to Risk Management • Identify tools that are or are not useful in preparing effective BPOs • Explain when it is appropriate to incorporate information from AVMs when preparing BPOs • Define key valuation terms and pricing concepts • Describe circumstances in which real estate professionals should not accept BPO assignments from lenders • Manage confidentiality • Explain lockbox etiquette • Explain considerations when adjusting • Describe factors other than comps that help determine market value • Photo specifications • Describe the components typically found in BPOs • Select appropriate comps • Adjust comps in determining the market value of a property • Completing the BPO Form

Who should attend: This course is designed to help any residential real estate agent or broker ready to enhance their skills in creating BPOs, reducing risk, and applying alternative valuation methods.

Instructor: Patricia de Santos, Real Estate Education Services Join us for a FREE preview of this designation at the Arcadia Masonic Center on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

To register for this course, visit www.TheAAR.com and click on the course name under “Upcoming Events”. For any questions, please call Stephanie at the AAR at (626) 446-2115.

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May 2012

Arcadia REALTOR速 Magazine

9

Tech.Talk

10 Top Tools You Can’t Live Without

By Michael Russer, N.A.R. REALTOR® Magazine

Don’t you wish you had a way to do so much more using so much less? Well, stop wishing, because here’s Mr. Internet’s Top 10 Tools that can make your business much easier and more profitable.

1. Say Goodbye to Password Angst Password Agent is a tool I’ve personally used for years that lets you store the ID and password pairs for an unlimited number of online or offline services so you can have a different password for each service (highly recommended).

Here are some of its time-saving benefits: • Automated password generation • Automated password/ID field entry • Instant open of online services 2. Copy and Paste Without the Garbage If you’ve ever tried copying and pasting from a Microsoft Office product (i.e., Word or Excel) into something that didn’t need or want all the formatting that usually comes with it, here’s a free and instant way to solve that problem forever. PureText is a free utility that allows you to paste copied text without any of the hidden formatting that often transfers during a normal copy and paste operation. Once installed, it stays unobtrusively in your system tray.

3. No More Post-its • EverNote: This free online service provides a way to save, organize, and retrieve all of your “notes” from one convenient location. Since it’s online, you can access your notes from anywhere.

• Microsoft OneNote: This is a much more powerful and full-featured way to record and organize nearly any kind of information. While it isn’t free, it is my note-keeping tool of preference, one I use every day to run my various businesses.

•

4. Screenshots on steroids • SnagIt: This is arguably the gold standard of screen-capture software. It is easy to use yet has an incredible array of features to capture just about anything on your computer, including videos.

• Jing: This is a free screen-capture utility from the same company (Techsmith) that makes SnagIt. The reason I like and use Jing often is that when I need to create a quick capture and send it to someone, it allows me to do that without even storing the captured image or video on my computer. Instead, it creates a link to an online server that stores the media, for which you only need to send the URL. 5. Brainstorm heaven • Lovely Charts: This affordable and elegant charting program has both an online and a downloadable version. In addition to standard types of charts, you can also use it for your brainstorm bubble charts.

• MindGenius: This is for hard-core mind mapping activities, and

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May 2012

it’s my bubble-charting tool of choice. What I like most about it is that you can create and modify mind maps very quickly without thinking about the process of doing so. Note that this is a fairly expensive piece of software, priced at about $250.

6. Free virtual meetings Adobe ConnectNow is a free, effective way to have up to two people in a virtual meeting with all the screen sharing and interaction tools you would want. Adobe ConnectNow is the Web conferencing part of Adobe’s Acrobat. com online productivity services. To use it, simply create a free trial account — which never expires — and you will have immediate rights to launch a Web conference for up to two people at any time.

7. Free heavy-duty file sender Need to send dozens of files or large files easily and at no cost? WeTransfer. com is an easy-to-use, large-capacity, free file-sending service.

8. Free PDF-to-Word conversion Have you ever wanted to convert a PDF into a Word document so you could make changes? If so, you probably have discovered that it isn’t a trivial exercise. Most PDF-to-Word conversion services do a poor job of maintaining layout, font styles, and so on. However, the free online service PDF to Word will take any PDF file and convert it to an editable Word document in no time at all. I’ve tried it with some pretty complicated flyers and forms, and it did an incredible job of keeping the layout and styles.

9. Free file sharing DropBox is something that my business simply could not do without. Think of this as a file folder that contains any number of any other files or folders and resides both on your computer and in the “cloud,” which you can share with any number of other people anywhere on the planet. It is a free collaboration tour de force that makes file sharing completely transparent.

10. Peace of Mind Don’t play Russian roulette with your critical business data. It’s not a matter of if but rather when your hard drive will fail. Carbonite, one of the best-known names in online backup services, is very reasonably priced. Once installed, it will automatically back up your data over the Web, and you never have to even think about it. It’s dirt-cheap insurance to pay to keep your business running in the event of data disaster.

At this point you might feel just a bit overwhelmed, and that’s perfectly natural. A good way to counter this is simply watch the demonstration video and mark down which of these tools you can implement right away, and which ones you may attempt later on. Then take action, because a tool that is never used has no power whatsoever to help you or your business prosper.

Affiliate Corner

“6 Simple and Inexpensive Upgrades Potential Buyers Will Notice”

By Mitch Maertens, Mitch Maertens Construction

When clients agree to work with you when selling their home, they are not only looking for you to be their friend but also, their mentor. They turn to you for advice on how to sell their home faster and to sell it for more money. I have compiled five relatively inexpensive, easy and quick upgrades that your seller can do to his or her home to make it more visually appealing and therefore, selling it faster.

1. Install New Hardware in the Kitchen To most people, the kitchen is one of the most important areas in a home. Potential buyers will pay close attention to the kitchen and envision themselves cooking fabulous meals, entertaining guests or just enjoying time with family. To help entice this vision, a simple upgrade to kitchen hardware can do wonders. It will give even the most outdated kitchen a fresh look.

2. Refinish or Professionally Clean Bathtubs and Bathroom Sinks Next to the kitchen, the bathrooms are the next prominent rooms that potential buyers will focus on.

You want to ensure that it is sparkling when potential buyers walk through it. One way to do this is to refinish any dingy bathtubs or sinks or have them professionally cleaned. This will make even an outdated bathroom more appealing.

3. Change the Faucets Bathroom and kitchen faucets are very prominent in their respective areas. If these faucets are not kept up

and polished, then over time hard water will destroy the beauty of them. Switch them out with sparkling new faucets and make the kitchen and/or bathroom look amazing for under $100.

4. Change Out Light Fixtures Over time light fixtures become yellowed and dated.

For a modern look, try replacing hallways ceiling light fixtures and exterior light fixtures with a brushed nickel, bronze or black fixture.

5. Change Outlet Covers Through the years, dust and grime can build up on outlet and switch covers, especially for those homeowners who have had pets or who have husbands who work in mechanics or construction. By simply swapping out old covers and switch plates with an inexpensive new white one, it will make the home look that much clean and inviting.

6. Paint Not many people like all white walls in their home.

It feels too institutional. By painting rooms a warm and very neutral taupe or painting a neutral color on one wall for an accent, it will give the living space an inviting feel.

By making simple and inexpensive improvements your sellers can make their homes that much more appealing and hopefully, sell it faster in the process. For questions on additional improvements that can be done to yours or your clients home, please feel free to contact me at (626) 353-9947 or at mmaertensconstruction@hotmail. com.

Arcadia REALTOR® Magazine

11

COMMERCIAL COMMITTEE

“The Benefits of Membership with AIR” The AAR Commercial/Investment Committee recently held its monthly Commercial Marketing Mixer at the AAR building.

This month featured an informative session on “The Benefits of Membership with AIR” with Tim Hayes, Executive Director AIR. In addition to offering tons of great important information, lunch was also provided by Dani Clickaberry with Property I.D. for those who attended. If you are interested in Commercial real estate and would like to attend our free monthly marketing mixers, they are held at the AAR office on the first Thursday of every month at 11:00 a.m.

Members of the Commercial/Investment Committee with the speaker and sponsor are (L to R): George Monte, Charles Gabriels, Tim Hayes, Presenter; Julie Arballo, Mike Vachani, Committee Chairman, Fred Madjar, Roy Blume, Mary Kay Keshishian, Suzie Koo and David Hyun.

Design Escrow, Inc. Known for the integrity of our intent and quality of our actions, we have the confidence to do what is required, the courage to move the process along to successful completion, and the compassion to listen to needs of all parties involved.

Global Business Alliance Committee “Investing in the USA with the ‘Startup Act’ and the ‘INVEST Act’”

By Nick Zigic, Global Business Alliance Committee Co-Chairman The Kauffman Foundation has created a “Startup Act” proposal to jump-start the ailing United States economy and increase job creation by accelerating the growth of startups and young businesses. The United States Congress is considering several bills to encourage foreign students to remain in the United States after completing their college education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The proposed legislation – with names like the “STEM Visa Act” and the “BRAIN Act” – would provide temporary visas for foreign students who obtain employment in the United States, or “entrepreneur visas” for foreign nationals who start U.S. companies that hire local workers.

Adam Schiff (D-California) and Charles Bass (R-New Hampshire) introduced the INVEST Act (“The Invigorate New Ventures and Entrepreneurs to Succeed Today in America Act of 2012”) to “make it easier for foreign students” graduating with U.S. degrees in STEM areas “to stay in the country if they start their businesses here and create American jobs.” The legislation would provide permanent residency for immigrant entrepreneurs with STEM degrees from United States universities. “To qualify, the immigrant entrepreneur must start a new business relevant to the area of study; create two new jobs or invest $200,000 after two years; and create five jobs or invest $500,000 in the business within five years,” they stated.

Both entrepreneurs and STEM students would benefit from the Startup Act, introduced by Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) and Mark Warner (D-Virginia). The Consumer 128 East Huntington Drive Electronics Association, which supports the legislation, noted Arcadia, CA 91006 it would create STEM visas for up to 50,000 immigrants 20 Years of Doing Business and Providing Great Service! graduating from U.S. universities, and an entrepreneur’s visa for up to 75,000 immigrate entrepreneurs who start businesses that employ American workers.

We offer Five Languages & The relevant is the “entrepreneur visas” group.

Full time Ingroup Househere Messenger All these students will either start-up or acquire businesses.

BusinessesSpecialize that will in: need commercial, manufacturing or office space, and housing for the owners and employees. Are you Bulks, prepared to take advantage of the immigration changes? Are Short Salesrelationships with the local Universities? you developing your Commercial For any questions regarding international transactions “at Shortpays home”, please feel free to contact Nick Zigic at (626) 2213994. You areREO’s also invited to attend our next Global Business Exchangesmeeting at the AAR on May 16th at 3:00 Alliance Committee p.m.

Residential Standing (left (left toright): right): Yolanda Yolanda Vidales, Vidales, Julie Julie Nguyen, Nguyen, Kai Kai Wu, Jackie Jackie Ramos, Liem Liem Ho, Ho, Standing standing (left to to right): Yolanda Vidales, Julie Nguyen, Kai Wu, JackieWu, Ramos, Liem Ramos, Ho, Janet Cerswell, and JanetCerswell, Cerswell, Suzie SuzieArchuleta, Archuleta, Luly Luly Goodmand and Jojo Janet Jojo Ong Ong. Suzie Archuleta, Luly Goodman, Jojo Ong Sitting (left to right): TerriFabbri, Fabbri,Alexis AlexisOstensen, Ostensen,Kay KayGass Gassand andShelly ShellyMalicek Malicek Sitting (left to right): Terri sitting (left to right): Terri Fabbri, Alexis Ostensen, Kay Gass, Shelley Malicek Loans 12

Design Escrow, Inc. 626.445.6137

May 2012

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Taco Time Bingo Bingo Night Raises $3,000+ for Charity!

Recently, the Arcadia Association of REALTORS® Events 4 Charity Auxiliary held the Annual Charity Bingo Night at the Arcadia Community Center. This years’ event was fantastic with great food, entertainment and tons of excitement. A taco stand was present at the event to fill everyone up with tasty carne asada and chicken tacos, rice and beans. In addition to all of the excitement, the event accomplished its goal of raising money for local charities. All in all, more than $3,000 was raised to distribute to various charities that our Events 4 Charity Auxiliary supports. Special thank you to the Events 4 Charity Auxiliary and all of their hard work. With the combined efforts of Event Chairman, Nikki Felix, PNC Mortgage; Chairman, Micah Adams, Century 21 Adams & Barnes; Diane Balsamo, PNC Mortgage; Jill Nelson, Dilbeck Real Estate and Stephanie LaPorte, Old Republic Home Protection, this event was a hit! Each put in many hours of hard work to ensure its success.

A special thank you to those who donated bingo prizes, raffle prizes and their time to help make this event a huge success.

It is truly the volunteers who make it possible for events like this to occur. Sincere thanks from the Arcadia Association of REALTORS®!

Arcadia REALTOR® Magazine

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Arcadia Association of REALTORS® 601 South First Avenue Arcadia, California 91006

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