REALTOR Magazine February March 2016 by Bakersfield Association of REALTORS®

M A G A Z I N E FEBRUARY / MARCH 2016

INSIDE

GEMLS POLICY In Review

CODE OF ETHICS NAR Mandates Training

TECHNOLOGY

Does It Have a Hold On You?

bill redmond Meet your 2016 President, See Page 4

H O M E O W N E R S H I P

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T H E

1 D R E A M

BAKERSFIELD REALTOR速 MAGAZINE

A M E R I C A N

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CONTENTS

Bakersfield REALTOR® Magazine

Letter from 2016 President

Meet Bill Redmond and what his 2016 goals are for the Association

Realty and mortgage finance issues continue to be of primary interest to Congress

8 6

2015 Award Recipients Join us in congratulating our 2015 award recipients as we continue a timehonored tradition of recognizing members of our Association for their exemplary service to our Association, profession and community.

Legislative Outlook from Congressman Kevin McCarthy

Heavy Maintenance Facility

GAD explains why it’s an economic plus for Bakersfield and Kern County

REALTORS® Partner with the Boys and Girls Clubs

Challenge from NAR president Tom Salomone and our Association President Bill Redmond

Bill Redmond Inauguration

WCR Introduces 2016 President

Snapshots of the celebration

Meet Ashley Weaver

ON THE COVER

BILL REDMOND 2016 PRESIDENT

YPN, Leaders of Tomorrow

Family Relief Fund

Sally’s Place at Sally’s Place

NAR FORECAST:

Dynamic group of young leaders growing strong They help Real Estate Professionals, learn how you can help Committee members of Sally’s Place with heart and compassion feed the elderly Modest Increase in Home Sales Expeected in 2016

Executive Editor - Linda Jay, CEO Managing Editor - Carol Duran Designer - Carol Duran Bakersfield Association of REALTORS® 2300 Bahamas Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93309 P. 661-635-2300 F. 661-635-2317 www.bakersfieldrealtor.org www.bakersfieldrealtor.com facebook.com/bakersfieldrealtors twitter.com/bakorealtorsBAKERSFIELD REALTOR MAGAZINE ®

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

BILL REDMOND 2016 PRESIDENT

About Bill Bill Redmond was born January 8, 1970 in Salinas, California, the first child born in the union of Stanley and Janice Redmond. Having made the move to Bakersfield with his family in 1972, his roots are strongly planted right here in the Golden Valley. His father, Stan, has been a licensed REALTOR® and reputable Appraiser in Bakersfield for many years. His reputations of professionally conducting business, along with his honorable service in the military, were passed down to Bill as he followed in his father’s footsteps; first, by joining the United States Marine Corps, where he served as Platoon Commander, Unit Armorer, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant during his service. He continued his service to our country as an active Marine Corps reserve for a total of 14 years. He developed a strong sense of discipline, structure, honor and loyalty, both from his family and his military experience, which is easily recognized by his personal and business associates. After Bill’s honorable discharge from the USMC, he began an entrepreneurship as an appraisal assistant to his father Stan until age 26, while simultaneously continuing his educational pursuits as a student at CSUB. By age 27, he obtained his REALTOR® license and began practicing real estate at Prudential America West. In the year 2000, the Broker offered Bill the duty of training new Agent recruits and hires, to which he gladly accepted. Over the course of the 9 years that followed, Bill successfully trained over 700 Agents, leading to his eventual appointment as Sales Manager. The years that followed brought much more success, including earning the prestigious “International President’s Elite” award in 2002 and 2003. In 2005, Bill continued to excel in the industry by obtaining his Broker’s license and his designation of CRB in 2006. A member of our local Association of REALTORS®, C.A.R., and NAR®, he has served on many committees throughout his professional career, ranging from GE/MLS Budget Committee to CAR Director.

Bill’s 19-year-old son, Tyler, now carries the family torch and is currently serving in the USMC. Bill and his wife of 15 years, Maryann, also have two beautiful daughters, Sophie (age 9) and Sloan (age 2). The children bring much joy to the Redmond household and are a driving force in Bill’s obvious “get it done” attitude, with a focus on family and the necessity to provide them with a solid foundation on which to thrive. Fast forward to present day and you will find Bill Redmond continues to make forward strides in the industry with his career as Broker/ Owner of Watson Realty ERA, San Joaquin Valley Mortgage and Central California Escrow. With an emphasis on the REALTOR® Code of Ethics and fulfilling the “American Dream”, Bill’s reputation of conducting the practices of real estate in good faith and standing by that code of ethics has set his name in stone as a mentor and coach to many in the industry who call on his vast knowledge and understanding to help guide them to be the best they can be as REALTORS®. As a professional, Bill has achieved and/or exceeded every goal he set for himself. But what sets Bill Redmond apart is the fact that he didn’t forget to help others achieve the goals they set for themselves. He accomplished this by example first and foremost, then by providing guidance through mentorship, coaching, and constant encouragement to continue on despite all obstacles. An “I care” attitude that comes from the heart, the ability to answer any inquiry about the laws, codes, and practices of real estate, and his achievements in his own career, are at the forefront of Bill’s professional reputation. He conducts his business with a strong sense of character, honor and integrity, and these advances and achievements over the years through hard work and determination have brought Bill full circle to the distinguished designation of 2016 President of The Bakersfield Association of REALTORS®. Message from Bill Redmond After twenty-five years of being in the Real

Estate industry and spending nineteen of those years as a licensed REALTOR®, I’ve come to the realization that the most important part of our business relies on good communication. I’m not talking about texting or emailing I’m talking about face to face communication, which seems to have fallen by the way side in today’s technological times. The first time this hit home with me was when I became involved in the Association’s leadership programs. I first became a director for our Association in 2007. I was appointed due to the creation of GEMLS. In my first meeting there was an issue that came up. I don’t remember exactly what it was but I do remember that I was against it. I went into that meeting dead set against the issue. However, after communicating and discussing the issue, I

found myself changing my stance and agreeing with the opposing view. I would not have been able to come to this decision if I had emailed or text the other parties involved. When I say “Getting Back in the Box”, the message I am trying to convey is that we as an Association and as REALTORS® need to get back to the basics. We need to do it in person. As ridiculous as it may sound in the 21st Century, sometimes the face-to-face communication really is the most effective and sincere way to communicate. We often forget the importance of what a handshake, eye contact and even a simple smile can do to make a positive connection. Text can be easily taken out of context by the reader no matter what format you use and sometimes lead to misunderstandings. Why? Text lacks two important factors, body language and tone of voice. Getting back in the box is still an important factor in our everyday networking. As a manager and an owner of a large real estate firm, I deal with a lot of what I refer to as “agent issues”. I have discovered that the best way to resolve these issues is by picking up the phone and asking to meet with the person of interest. I cannot tell you how many times an agent has come to me with a problem and I have asked them how they have been handling the situation and they tell me all their communication has been through email. There is a lot to be said about the way you communicate. The way you feel cannot be communicated effectively through an email or text messages. I know a guy that emails strictly in large caps. Some people would think that he’s upset in an email, but quite frankly he just finds it easier to email that way. When we email and text, we are leaving a lot of room for miscommunication. Talking with people face-to-face seems so out of place in the 21st Century. The reality is that in this century, the right here, the right now, is in need of a personal touch more than ever. It is imperative that we get back in the box and re-connect with people one-on-one.

The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.” -- Max DePree BAKERSFIELD REALTOR® MAGAZINE

GEMLS Policy in Review Complying with California and United States anti-trust laws

The GEMLS, Inc. has a policy that the corporation and its members fully comply with California and United States antitrust laws. This policy includes the following points: n The GEMLS will provide information to members on real estate antitrust issues on a regular basis. n The GEMLS will occasionally publish the following information in the Bakersfield Association REALTOR® Magazine: “The GEMLS has a statement of policy concerning Brokerage Fees. From time to time, the GEMLS publishes its statement as a reminder to all members. It is the GEMLS’ policy to comply fully with all applicable antitrust laws of the State of California and the United States. In this regard, the following points are important to members:

1. The GEMLS does not fix, establish, suggest, maintain or recommend to its members any rate or amount of commission. 2. The GEMLS does not fix, establish, suggest, maintain or recommend to its members the division of commission on cooperative real estate transactions. 3. The GEMLS does not keep records of members’ commission and/or division of commission policies. 4. The GEMLS will accept all listings properly submitted, regardless of commission and/or division of commission. 5. Any member who provides information to the public which is contrary to this policy may be subject to disciplinary action. Remember, each real estate brokerage firm must ultimately determine its commission charges.

2015 Award Recipients

Join us in congratulating our 2015 award recipients as we continue a time-honored tradition of recognizing members of our Association for their exemplary service to our Association, profession and community. Awarding the prestigious REALTOR® and Salesperson of the Year Awards began in 1955 and continues to be a very time-honored recognition for REALTORS® whose unwavering dedication and commitment to professionalism and service continues to provide a high standard of leadership and accountability.

Glenn Porter

Athena Collup

Barbara Wells

REALTOR® of the Year

Salesperson of the Year

Affiliate of the Year

John Houchin

Phi Markendorf

Danielle Windes

The Affiliate of the Year Award is our way of acknowledging our Affiliate for their tremendous service and support of our Association. The Rising Star Award is our way of recognizing the exemplary service and achievements of our newest REALTOR® protégés.

Rising Star

BAKERSFIELD REALTOR® MAGAZINE

Rising Star

LETTER FROM THE CEO LETTER FROM THE CEO

Our Differential Advantage

e live in a highly-competitive world! I hate to say it, but sometimes it can be knock down, drag-out, dog-eat-dog (okay, maybe I’m being a little dramatic… or not)!! Our industry is no exception when it comes to having a competitive spirit… the 1700 plus members of our Association and MLS will attest to the fact that the competitive spirit is alive and thriving in our community! We are always looking for ways to differentiate ourselves from our competitors… it’s all about finding that competitive edge! So, what is it that sets you apart and above your competitors? What are the unique benefits or characteristics of your brokerage and the services you provide creating exceptional value that is recognized by customers and rewarded by their loyalty? In the field of marketing, that uniqueness is referred to as the theory of differential advantage. While it is critical to develop your

2016 OFFICERS President Bill Redmond Watson Realty ERA President-Elect Midge Jimerson Boydstun Realty Co. Inc.

Vice President Derek Sprague Sprague Real Estate Group Secretary/Treasurer Athena Collup Miramar International — Mill Rock

differential advantage, the bigger challenge is maintaining that advantage! It is by far the single most effective way to market yourself! Our REALTOR® Association has invested more than 110 years into developing our differential advantage, an integral part of which was established in 1913 with the adoption of our REALTOR® Code of Ethics. But here is the million dollar question… have we successfully maintained that advantage over the years? Do those people we serve still see anything different about us? Or have we allowed our sometimes over-zealous competitive spirit to detract from and weaken our differential advantage? By becoming a REALTOR®, we have chosen to join the ranks of 1.1 million professionals who have made a commitment to not just talk the talk, but walk the walk of professional excellence. We have pledged “to accept this standard as our own and observe its spirit in all of our activities,

Immediate Past President Sheri Anthes Coldwell Banker, Preferred — Ming Chief Executive Officer - Linda Jay

whether conducted personally, through associates or others, or via technological means, and to conduct our business in accordance with its tenets of competency, fairness and high integrity”. Are we serious about our conduct? Are we holding ourselves accountable? Ultimately, it’s up to you and me… it’s not merely knowing about it… it’s about understanding and doing! 2016 is off to a fantastic start for our Association and promises to be another very inspirational and prolific year… it’s what our members do (and they are really good at it!). So if this competitive and demanding world is getting the better of you, maybe its time to readjust our way of thinking and choose to get back to the basic tenants that have given our organization a differential advantage that is ours to keep! Just do it!

2016 DIRECTORS Pam Epps Miramar International – Truxtun

Wayland Louie RE/MAX Golden Empire

Ashley Weaver Karpe Real Estate Center

Brian Tuttle Coldwell Banker Preferred– Coffee

Scott Knoeb Frontier Real Estate Group, Inc.

Darlene Tobias Tobias Real Estate

Kevin Palla Broker

BAKERSFIELD REALTOR® MAGAZINE

Heavy Maintenance Facility

AN ECONOMIC PLUS FOR BAKERSFIELD AND KERN COUNTY

oday, Kern County confronts grave economic challenges. Prolonged drought and depressed petroleum prices threaten Kern County’s economic future. Today, Kern County is afflicted with rising unemployment and falling tax revenues which threaten our region’s housing market and public services. For the 2015-16 fiscal year, the Board of Supervisors have declared a fiscal emergency from the loss of $61 million in property tax revenue, representing a decline of nearly 18% of the County’s discretionary budget. Simply stated, Kern County has become too dependent on too few industries and must diversify its economy in 2016 to protect our region’s future. This is important to the local real estate industry. Regardless of whether or not you support High-Speed Rail, it is clear that the High-Speed Rail’s Heavy Maintenance Facility (dubbed HMF) would enable Kern County to grow and diversify its economy as California’s (and other) high-speed rail systems are deployed across North America. The HMF provides the highest level maintenance and inspection services required for the new rail network. The HMF would be less prone to disruption due to swings in the state economy, and the facility would therefore contribute to the diversification and stabilization of the local economy. The HMF has numerous positive direct economic impacts on Kern County’s economy. A Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) report estimates that the facility is estimated to generate one-time economic output of $231 million for Kern County businesses (measured by business revenues), between 1500-2000 high-wage jobs, and annual labor income of $146 million for Kern County workers. In addition to these economic impacts, the initial construction

BAKERSFIELD REALTOR MAGAZINE ®

Kim Schaefer GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIRECTOR

of a heavy maintenance facility is expected to generate 7.5 to 10.7 million dollars in local and state tax revenues, annual local and state taxes of $25.9 million, and increase the county’s annual gross domestic product by $245 million. Once built, the HMF would be Kern County’s 7th largest employer. The Heavy Maintenance Facility must be built along the high-speed rail track between Fresno and Bakersfield to accommodate early system testing and the initial operating segment. The first section of track will accommodate passenger travel between Burbank and Merced. Kern County has two proposed HMF sites – one in Shafter and another in Wasco, both competing against Fresno County. One of these sites is viewed as particularly competitive with Fresno because of a foreign-trade zone at the International Trade and Transportation Center (ITTC) affiliated with the Port of Los Angeles. A foreigntrade zone (FTZ) is a geographic area that provides FTZ users, such as importers, manufacturers and distributors, with costsaving benefits, attracting and promoting U.S. participation in international trade and commerce. In a foreign-trade zone, goods may be handled, manufactured or reconfigured, and re-exported without the intervention of the customs authorities. The FTZ makes Kern County ripe for laborintensive HSR component and trainset

manufacturing, assembly, and export of a wide array of rail-related products and services. An economic impact analysis of heavy maintenance in Kern County forecasts that approximately half of the employees of the facility would be based in Bakersfield, creating an economic impact in that city as households spend their earnings and purchase homes. Of the S25.9 million in annual local and state tax revenue expected from the HMF site, the City of Bakersfield would be the largest beneficiary of the estimated $9.4 million annual sales tax revenue associated with the economic impacts of HMF. HMF in Kern County will attract new ancillary industries and stimulate the output of existing industries. California will be the first adopter of high-speed rail in North America. As more high-speed rails come online, Kern County has the opportunity to capitalize on competitive advantages associated with affordable land and housing, abundant labor, close proximity to the Port of Los Angeles, major interstates, and conventional rail lines to attract additional heavy maintenance, and more broadly highspeed, rail-related activities. If Kern County were selected for the HMF site, design and manufacturing high-speed rail vendors would cluster in Kern County because California would be the first operational system in the country. Kern County (and its municipalities) would directly benefit from jobs and sales tax revenues for large-scale infrastructure projects underway across the continent. In other words, Kern County can become the epicenter of this specialized rail products and services industry. Kern County must capitalize on the rail manufacturing boom before the train leaves the station. Website:www.kern4hmf.org

2016 PRESIDENT

2 016

O F FICERS

AND

D I RECTORS

Midge Jimerson

Derek Sprague 2016 Vice President

2016 Secretary-Treasurer

Immediate Past President

Pam Epps

Brian Tuttle

Wayland Louie

Kevin Palla

Scott Knoeb

Ashley Weaver

Darlene Tobias

2016 President Elect

Athena Collup

Sheri Anthes

Linda Jay

Chief Executive Officer BAKERSFIELD REALTOR速 MAGAZINE

REALTORS® WHO MAKE THEIR VOTE COUNT… JOIN THE R.GOV COMMITTEE NOW!

A Legislative Outlook from Congress This year’s mortgage legislation still awaits passage in the Senate

on debate and short on consensus. Even promising bills often succeed in one chamber only to stall in the other – as has been the case with the House’s robust action and the Senate. This year’s mortgage legislation still awaits passage in the Senate. Our work will continue into the new year, as we continue to work with willing partners interested in finding solutions rather than impasses. I am confident that we will gather enough votes in Congress to pass these reforms. Much work remains, but the promise of a new year presents the promise of new opportunities.

contribution by

CONGRESSMAN KEVIN MCCARTHY 16TH SENATE DISTRICT

Owning a home represents so much of the American Dream which has for centuries propelled Americans to build a society of strong families and communities. This is why realty and mortgage finance issues continue to be of primary interest to Congress. This year, the House Financial Services Committee passed five realty finance bills, each narrowly tailored to eliminate obstacles to homeownership. Some – like the Homebuyers Assistance Act or the Portfolio Lending and Mortgage Access Act – protect consumers and lenders from well-intentioned but misguided DoddFrank regulations. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is just beginning to implement many such rules, conceived in the wake of the financial crisis, some of which consist of more than 1,000 pages of regulations. It is not surprising that many are too cumbersome, too myopic, and too indifferent on local businesses to be effective policies. In the perennial quest to balance the interests of regulators and Americans’ desire to earn a piece of the American Dream, the people’s House is responsible for checking the excesses of the bureaucratic state and will continue to do so. Other bills, like the Mortgage Choice Act, amend the underlying legislative landscape governing property finance. The Mortgage Choice Act frees mortgage lenders to offer similar financial products, enlarging the pool of qualified lenders and so improving access to credit-worthy

BAKERSFIELD REALTOR® MAGAZINE

consumers. The lesson of the housing crisis, like every crisis, is not to flee from risk or attempt to regulate it out of existence, but to empower and hold accountable those capable of managing it. These specific acts exist within the broader context of a Republican agenda designed to boost economic growth. A strong economy sets the sort of preconditions necessary for middle class prosperity, and is as important for real estate as it is for every other industry. This is a virtuous cycle, but there are no shortcuts. At great cost, government in the past attempted to channel billions in stimulus through specific programs. But government cannot regulate or spend its way to self-perpetuating prosperity. We continue to work to make government more accountable and provide certainty so that our economy can thrive. Congress is a deliberative body, long

Social media is revolutionizing the way we communicate, so join the conversation about our country’s future and make your voice heard today by connecting with Congressman Kevin McCarthy on any of these platforms: Twitter: www.twitter.com/GOPLeader Facebook: www.facebook.com/ CongressmanKevinMcCarthy YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/ RepKevinMcCarthy Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/ congressmankevinmccarthy/ Washington, DC Office 2421 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2915 Fax: (202) 225-2908 Bakersfield District Office 4100 Empire Drive Suite 150 Bakersfield, CA 93309 Phone: (661) 327-3611 Fax: (661) 637-0867

Drone Landscape Still Evolving as REALTOR®, Other Commercial Use Grows

he Federal Aviation Administration continues its work to integrate unmanned aerial systems, also known as drones, into the National Airspace System, and REALTORS® stand ready to take advantage of their many benefits. That’s according to panelists at the “Using a Drone in Your Business: Knowing Your Risk” session held as part of the 2015 REALTORS® Conference & Expo. “This technology is an incredible tool for real estate professionals, but can be dangerous if the wrong person is in control,” said session moderator Kolleen Kelley, REALTOR® and 2015 Risk Management Committee Vice Chair. Other panelists included Eric Myers, Vice President of Victor O. Shinnerer & Company; Lesley M. Walker, National Association of REALTORS® Associate Counsel; and Dean Griffith with FAA’s Office of the Chief Counsel. The panelists spoke about the extensive benefits of using drones in real estate, but also warned their audience that following the rules is of critical importance to mitigate potential risks and liabilities. Wide-scale commercial use of drones is currently prohibited, but the FAA has

streamlined a waiver process for individuals and businesses interested in using drones for commercial purposes. So-called Section 333 waivers are already in use by dozens of REALTORS® and other operators currently using drones for their business. Panelists widely agreed that the use of drones for commercial purposes will only grow with time, even as issues related to safety, privacy, insurance and the regulatory framework continue to evolve. They advised the audience about the importance of hiring approved operators with strong risk management practices, sufficient insurance coverage and, most importantly, a Section 333 waiver from the FAA. The speakers also reminded REALTORS® to be thoughtful about agreements with outside companies to ensure that ownership is clear of any photographs, as intellectual property laws and rules still apply. Walker pointed to NAR’s policy statement in noting that the Association supports the integration of unmanned aerial systems into the National Airspace System, or NAS, and a clear regulatory framework for interested REALTORS® to responsibly make drones a part of their business. This includes making safety a top

priority, and earlier this year NAR joined an industry “Know Before You Fly” campaign, and partnered with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s “Multi-Stakeholder Process: Unmanned Aircraft Systems” to further highlight the importance of safety, security, and privacy in commercial drone use. The FAA is currently moving through a rulemaking process to address the integration of drones into the NAS, which Griffith noted that the FAA hopes to complete by June 2016. In September, NAR President Chris Polychron, Executive Broker of 1st Choice Realty in Hot Springs, Arkansas, testified before a U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee on the value of drones in real estate. “Commercial drones represent an opportunity to create jobs and businesses, as well as to support the business of real estate,” said Polychron. “NAR is pleased to see this important issue get the attention it deserves and will continue working with the FAA to advance clear regulations that are affordable for users, safe for their communities, and mindful of the safety and privacy of individuals.” SOURCE: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® BAKERSFIELD REALTOR® MAGAZINE

CODE ETHICS CODE OFOFETHICS

NAR mandates that REALTORS® be required to complete REALTOR® Code of Ethics training… ® R E A L T O R T Ris facilitating A I N ItheNclass G throughout the year. for your convenience, Joe Newton, Ombudsman, BAKERSFIELD REALTOR MAGAZINE ®

JOE NEWTON

he National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) mandates that REALTORS® be required to complete NAR’S REALTOR® Code of Ethics training at least once within every 4-year cycle. The current NAR cycle began on January 1, 2013 and will end on December 31, 2016. The Bakersfield Association of REALTORS® will be offering classroom training this year and encourages all REALTORS® to be mindful of the requirement. The training may also be completed online at www. realtor.org/ code-of-ethics/ training. Any normal license renewal course does not satisfy Joe Newton NAR’s Code Ombudsman of Ethics training as the class must meet specific learning objectives and criteria established by NAR. The course includes all recent policy changes or additions, case studies, and a final exam requiring a score of 75% to receive credit. Members are reminded that every article of the Code is based on the original vision of its authors to better serve the public, using the Code as the means to achieve that goal. The Code is described as a living document because it is carefully reviewed, amended, and/or edited every year by the NAR Professional Standards Committee. The Articles and the Standards of Practice (SOP) that are included with many of the articles reflect the numerous changes in business practice and market conditions

2015 OMBUDSMAN REPORT

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 181 calls were received by our Ombudsman

76 calls were grievance/ethics complaints against agents that were resolved n

0 call was an arbitration complaint against an agent which was resolved n

0 grievance/ethics packages were mailed

About the Training Requirement

over the years. An SOP may be created to clarify the intent of an article, to reflect a change in market practices, or to provide an illustration or example of how the particular article is to be interpreted. Following completion of the training, it is the responsibility of each individual REALTOR® member to provide a certificate of completion to the local Board/ Association. The only exception is that you complete your training online at realtor. org. Failure to meet the requirement for the current cycle and subsequent cycles will result in suspension of membership.

contribution by

REALTORS® are required to complete ethics training of not less than 2 hours, 30 minutes of instructional time within four-year cycles. The training must meet specific learning objectives and criteria established by the National Association of REALTORS®. The current four-year cycle will end Dec. 31, 2016. Training may be completed through local REALTOR® associations or through another method, such as home study, correspondence, classroom courses, or online courses.

Code of Ethics I have highlighted the most recent changes to the Code of Ethics. Please take the time to review the entire REALTOR® Code of Ethics available at the Association or you can download it at www.realtor.org/codeof-ethics 2016 Changes to the Code of Ethics Revised Standard of Practice 12-5 (Note: Italics below indicate deletions to the previous language). REALTORS® shall not advertise nor permit any person employed by or affiliated with them to advertise real estate services or listed property in any medium. (e.g., electronically, print, radio, television, etc. without disclosing the name of that REALTOR®’s firm in a reasonable and readily apparent manner. This Standard of Practice acknowledges that disclosing the name of the firm may not be practical in electronic displays of limited information (e.g. “thumbnails”, text messages, “tweets”, etc.). Such displays are exempt from the disclosure requirement established in the Standard of Practice, but only when linked manner either in the advertisement or in electronic advertising via a link to a display that includes with all required disclosures. (Adopted 11/86 Amended 1/22 Amended 1/16

CODE OF ETHICS Training Schedule at the Association Mark your Calendar!

2016 N.A.R. Quadrennial Code of Ethics with Joe Newton Classes will be held the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Additional classes to be scheduled as needed beginning in October. Afternoon sessions will be as needed. February 17 9:00 – 12:00 March 16 9:00 – 12:00 April 20 9:00 – 12:00 May 18 9:00 – 12:00 June 15 9:00 – 12:00 July 20 9:00 – 12:00 August 17 9:00 – 12:00 September 21 9:00 – 12:00 October 19 9:00 – 12:00 November 16 9:00 – 12:00 December 14 9:00 – 12:00 (*Date is the 2nd Wednesday due to holiday)

This is a member benefit no charge to our members

For more information call

635.2315

to complaining parties regarding cases that could not be resolved

1 Arbritraiion package was mailed to complaining parties regarding cases that could not be resolved

3 anonymous calls

0 Violation of public trust cases reported

51 calls requesting information on real estate procedures

9 cases referred to Association mediation

10 Tehachapi calls

704 Year-to-date total

30 calls requesting information on deposits

1 calls were complaint against a non association member

BAKERSFIELD REALTOR® MAGAZINE

Our Association 2016 President heeds NAR President’s call to partner with the

Boys and Girls Clubs of Kern County Message from NAR President Tom Salome The National Association of REALTORS® has joined forces with the Boys & Girls Clubs (BGC) of America in an effort to strengthen communities and support the country’s youth. Beginning in 2016, NAR and BGCA will begin collaborating to make a positive impact in communities across the country. REALTORS® are the most trusted resource for real estate information, with unparalleled knowledge of local market conditions, while BGCA, the premier youth development organization in the United States (serving nearly 4 million kids and teens annually), has helped put young people on a path to a greater future for more than a century. Both groups are essential to their communities and integral to American society. Every local BGC has specific needs, so local and state associations of REALTORS® and their members will work with their local Club to determine the best way to volunteer and offer resources, thus making the greatest impact. Activities could include: planning a clean-up day for the Club, sponsoring a holiday-themed party, offering tutoring assistance, or hosting a career day for teenagers. Associations participating in the BGCA partnership may be able to meet either their “Community Involvement” or “Community Investment” requirements under NAR’s Organizational Alignment/Core Standards policy. “We are proud to partner with NAR, state and local REALTOR® associations, and the more than one million REALTORS® nationwide. This partnership will have an immediate and profound impact on Clubs, communities, and most importantly, young people across the country,” said Jim Clark, President and CEO of BGCA. “REALTORS® live and work in every zip code in the country and, like Boys & Girls Clubs, they are woven into the fabric of the communities they serve. We look forward to this impactful partnership and working together, hand-in-hand, on volunteer projects, Club improvements and mentoring, as well as fundraising and awareness initiatives to enable more young people to achieve great futures.” For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures. org) has enabled young people in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,100 Clubs serve nearly 4 million young people annually through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCAaffiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun, friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 54 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta, GA.

BAKERSFIELD REALTOR® MAGAZINE

Bill Redmond has accepted NAR President Tom Salomone’s challenge to partner with our local Boys and Girls Clubs of Kern County. Our Equal Opportunity and Diversity Committees will be joing forces and working closely with the BGC developing such programs as, how to purchase a home, the importance of good credit, fundraisers for a covered bus shelter, and so much more. Keep an eye out for our many fundraising events. contribution by

MARTHA JOHNSON

KELLER WILLIAMS | EQUAL OPPORTUNITY CHAIR

Partnering with the BGC of Kern County will be a new and exciting venture. After hearing our 2016 President, Bill Redmond, speak about the partnership with the BGC, our direction is clear: to help teach some of the youth character, discipline, and how to dress for success and be professional. To also show them that home ownership is for everyone, but a career is essential to achieve that goal. The BGC started in 1860 to mainly get the boys off the streets, teach them character development, and help them achieve something worthwhile in their futures in all aspects of life. The code that most clubs display to date is: I believe in God and the right to worship according to my own faith and religion. I believe in America and the American way of life… in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. I believe in fair play, honesty and sportsmanship. I believe in my Boys & Girls Club, which stands for these things. This is going to be a great year with new adventures in store! I’m looking forward to what is in store for everyone involved. I’m excited to partner with the Diversity Committee to bring this to fruition. It takes a team to make this happen! I also welcome and invite any of our Association members who would like to join our committee, or if limited on time to join any one of our task forces, to please contact me personally or William Chicas at 661-635-2300 and let us know you’re interested in getting involved. We’d love to serve with you! Here are just a few things we’re planning throughout the year for the BGC. Workshops consisting of: n Learning about owning a home n How to purchase a home RPA, walking the students through the contract and its contents n Lending: Have a lender walk students through the process of getting a loan n Title/Escrow: What is it and why do we need it? n Renting vs Owning n Credit and why it’s important to build it. What can happen if you don’t take care of it? n What it takes to become an agent n Art contest for the

younger students (K-8) with a theme towards Fair Housing. Look for items from our different industries, like coloring books that could be distributed to children. Have prizes for all the children, with perhaps a grand prize for the winner, 2nd and 3rd places. n Preparing a short skit regarding the purchase of the home. contribution by

WILLIAM CHICAS

WATSON REAL ESTATE, ERA | DIVERSITY CHAIR

This year, the Association has decided to introduce the Diversity Committee in a new way, a new light. We won’t be limiting it to only focusing on various ethnical backgrounds, but all-inclusive in socioeconomic levels, age groups, even different religions, because, if you think about it, these groups represent who we are as REALTORS®. I was very excited when I was approached by my broker Bill Redmond and asked if I would chair the Diversity Committee in 2016. I was even more excited when I realized that we will be working with the BGC of Kern County. It will be a challenge, but an exciting one. I love to help people. I enjoy helping others, but most of all, I am glad to be a part of Bakersfield Association of REALTORS® who will be partnering with the BGC. When I was first introduced to the BGC, I was very excited to be part of such a great organization – one that helps and believes in helping others, changing kids’ perspectives on life, equipping them for the responsibilities that they will encounter in life. As I walked through the BGC on Baker Street and was introduced to all of the various programs the Club offers, it was eye opening to see all of the possibilities and opportunities they offered to the youth at the Club. It was exciting to hear of all the work they do for the kids, young and old, in our community. The Club has so much to offer our local youth (e.g.,

music, art, sports, gardening, engineering, dance), an abundance of opportunities to showcase their various talents and keep their interest in learning and growing. I love the dedication that the BGC has to give the kids with the opportunity to grow, to build confidence, to become stars. I realized that the BGC, to some of the children, is a home-away-from-home, a guaranteed meal, a playground that they might not have at home, a place where they can find a father or mother figure, or a place to find mentors. They’re given guidance and direction to make important choices, because how they spend their time as youth will determine the choices they make in life. The BGC of Kern County has had many accomplishments; just for the year ending December 31, 2015 some of their accomplishments included: n Successfully operated the largest youth development organization (most sites) providing after-school and holiday/summer camp programming in Kern County, California and the Nation. n Served an additional 1,400 youth through increased capacity at existing sites, and the addition of new sites, for a total of 62 sites in Kern County. n Continued renovation of the 18-year-old Armstrong Youth Center in East Bakersfield which will include an updated gym and upgraded outdoor recreation area. n Increased its transportation fleet with the addition of 1 passenger van to allow an additional 50 youth to attend the BGC n Expanded the Nutrition Program to include after-school and summer snacks and meals for 600 children per day (12,000 meals per month) and added a cargo van. n Participated in the BGC of America’s National Youth Outcomes Initiatives through 3 Club sites and 2 school-based sites. n Continued to increase public awareness of the BGC of Kern County program outcomes with the support of the local media. n Increased its collaboration to nine school districts. We are excited to join forces with the Equal Opportunity Committee and be part of this journey – all the while accomplishing our goals and making a difference in our community, but most importantly in the lives of our youth, our future.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS

OF KERN COUNTY | bgclubsofkerncounty.org

The BGC of Kern County has changed the

lives of young people in our area since 1966. They are very proud of that legacy, and want to reach even more children and communities in the years ahead. Today and daily, 62 program locations annually serve over 1,800 youth in some of our area’s most disadvantaged communities. The Clubs give our kids a safe, supervised and affordable place to go every day after school, with caring adult staff, character building educational and recreational programs, and an opportunity to set and achieve goals, while also making friends and having fun. An investment into the BGC gives them a chance to develop a generation of young Americans who are productive and caring citizens. They will become our community, national and world leaders, exhibiting strong character and integrity to build a better life for themselves, better communities for their fellow citizens, and a stronger America. The BGC of Kern County provide a wide range of programs and activities that meet the needs of the youth in our community. Their five core program areas allow them to engage young people in activities with adults, peers, and family members that enable them to develop self-esteem and to reach their full potential. Based on physical, emotional, cultural, and social needs and interests of girls & boys, and recognizing these principles, the Club offers tested, proven and nationally- recognized programs in five core program areas: Character & Leadership Helping youth become responsible, caring citizens and acquire skills for participating in the democratic process is the main thrust of these programs. They also develop leadership skills and provide opportunities for planning, decision-making, contributing to Club and community and celebrating our national heritage. Education & Career Development These programs help youth create aspirations for the future, providing opportunities for career exploration and educational enhancement. CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 BAKERSFIELD REALTOR® MAGAZINE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

Health & Life Skills These initiatives develop young people’s capacity to engage in positive behaviors that nurture their own well-being, set personal goals, and live successfully as selfsufficient adults. The Arts Programs in this core area enable youth to develop their creativity and cultural awareness through knowledge and appreciation of the visual arts, crafts, performing arts and creative writing. Sports, Fitness and Recreation These Club programs help develop fitness, a positive use of leisure time, reduction of stress, appreciation for the environment, and social and interpersonal skills. The Boys and Girls Clubs also offer After-School Programs The after-school program is the primary service for the Boys and Girls Clubs in Kern County. Currently, they provide daily after-school services for over 5,000 children at their 3 clubhouses and 59 campus-based programs throughout our county. Their afterschool programs offer academic enrichment opportunities for children after school. Day Camps Spend your winter, spring, and summer with the BGC of Kern County. They offer weekly themes and activities, in addition to field trips, arts and crafts, and outdoor games. Their programs are designed with age-appropriateness in mind, and the Clubs work hard to meet the individual needs of its members. Athletic Leagues Character building and enrichment opportunities are recurrent themes in every core program offered by the BGC of Kern County. Formula For Impact For over a century, Clubs have delivered quality, life-changing services to the youth they serve. They know that it is

BAKERSFIELD REALTOR® MAGAZINE

the overall Club experience that connects youth to the Club, assuring that members participate frequently and stay engaged throughout high school. Today, many at-risk youth are in need are taking advantage of the programs, activities and services provided by BGC. These youth benefit from trained, caring professional staff and volunteers who help young people take control of their lives, envision productive futures and reach their goals. To make sure this happens, the BGC Movement has adopted the Formula for Impact, a theory of change that describes how individual Clubs and the Movement as a whole can increase their impact. A theory of change is a planning and evaluation process that defines all the building blocks required to bring about a long-term goal. It creates a commonly-understood vision of the goals, how they will be reached, and what will be used to measure progress along the way. Each element of our Formula for Impact is also informed by research into the ways in which young people grow and thrive, as well as by analysis of the best practices and traditions of highly-effective Clubs. Investing in Our Youth, Strengthening Our Economy BGC (Clubs) serve over a quarter of a million children in California. Every day in communities throughout the state, children head to the Club after school where they spend time with friends, get help with their school work, learn valuable life skills, and connect with caring adult staff, mentors and volunteers. The social value that Clubs provide to youth, families and communities is tremendous and well documented. Youth benefit from having daily access to a safe place offering activities that are relevant, challenging and fun. Parents benefit from having an affordable place for their children to be cared for while they’re at work. And communities benefit because, during the afterschool hours when youth are most at-risk of becoming engaged in delinquency and crime, Clubs are instead engaging them in constructive, character-building activities. The impact of Clubs extends well beyond their social value, however — Clubs create economic value as well. By averting costly social problems such as juvenile crime and teen pregnancy, Clubs save taxpayer dollars.

By enabling parents to work, Clubs increase family incomes. By helping children earn their high school diplomas, Clubs significantly boost their future earning power. And through their own business activities, as employers and as purchasers of goods and services, Clubs generate millions of dollars in economic activity throughout the state every year. In 2011, the California Alliance of BGC commissioned a study with the goal of measuring the economic impact of Clubs throughout the state. The study collected data from Clubs across six impact areas and calculated monetary values for these impacts using social science research, publicly available statistics, and economic modeling analysis. Study findings are impressive, demonstrating that for every $1 invested in the Clubs, up to $16.18 worth of positive economic impact is produced in the state. Recording Studio Today at Armstrong Youth Center–BGC of East Bakersfield, sweeter, more melodic sounds are filling the air thanks to the newly-constructed recording studio located in a previously under-used area of the games room. Since the studio opened, club members, especially the teens, having been writing and recording their feelings into songs. Music exerts an immeasurably powerful influence on the imaginations and identities of young people. In this sense, the recording studio will face the happy task of channeling energy and interest that already thrives among the young people they serve every day. TEEN PROGRAM – College is Possible Keystone teen program at the BGC is their leadership development program that focuses on preparing the students from low-income backgrounds for academic success, career and college preparation and community service. Their Teen room is equipped with brand new furniture from Ikea, two flat screen TVs, an Xbox 360 with many fun games and computers for homework and college research. SOURCE: Boys and Girls Clubs of Kern County. https://www.bgclubsofkerncounty.org

embers of The A Team! Collectively, these individuals form a group of loyal, hard-working Affiliate members who serve the Association in a variety of ways. Over a long period of time, they consistently: n Attend activities and events such as MLS Open Forum, Commercial Investment and more. n Volunteer their time and energy to support the Association’s programs and activities. n Promote Association activities to other members. n Contribute raffle items and door prizes, as well as sponsor various programs and special events. For all their efforts, A Team Members earn these opportunities: n Featured in all issues of Bakersfield REALTOR® Magazine. n Complimentary advertising through The A Team contact list on the Association website. n Complimentary recognition on the Association Reception TV. n First opportunity to sponsor key events with sponsor banner. If you’re interested in becoming a member of The A Team contact Barbara Wells, our Affiliate Chair!

THEATEAM SHERYL GALLION Ticor Title 661.342.7802

MIKE GEORGE

Agape Mortgage 661.324.2427

sgallion@ticortitle.com

mikegeorge@agapemtgco.com www.agapemtgco.com

SUZI BEATY

JANETTE RAMSEY

Fidelity National Home Warranty 661.477.3906

suzi.beaty@fnf.com

Janette Ramsey Insurance 661.328.9250

janette@jramseyinsurance.com www.jramseyinsurance.com

Over the years we have developed a special partnership with our Affiliates in Action who have given so much to our members!

LISA HOOK-ESTES

The Mortgage House 661.832.4100

lhook-estes@themortgagehouse.com www.themortgagehouse.com

CHEREYL NUNN

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage 661.664.5300

chereyl.a.nunn@wellsfargo.com www.wfhm.com/loans/chereyl-nunn

Barbara Wells Affiliate Chair San Joaquin Valley Mortgage

bwells@ sjvalleymortgage.com 661.703.2227

MICHELE COOPER

Affiliate Vice Chair Karpe Real Estate Center 661.900.2358

karpe.com mcooper@sjvalleymortgage.com

JEFF AGUILERA

Bank of America Home Loans 661.282.4677

jeffrey.aguilera@bankofamerica.com mortgage.bankofamerica.com/ jeffreyaguilera

You can be a part of The A Team too! Call Barbara Wells at 661.703.2227 for more information

BAKERSFIELD REALTOR® MAGAZINE

bill

B A K ER S F I E L D ASSOC I ATI ON O F RE A LTO RS ®

2016 PRESIDENT

REDMOND

INAUGURAL CELEBRATION PHOTO PARTNER

A special thank you to our Inaugural Partners: Watson Realty, Property I.D., HomeStreet Bank, MCMOR, Karpe Mortgage, Coldwell Banker Preferred, Keller Williams Realty and Agape Mortgage MAGAZINE PHOTOS: RANDALLREALTOR PHOTOGRAPHY – 661.634.0433 18 BAKERSFIELD ®

BILL REDMOND

I N A U G U R A L C E L E B R AT I O N

BAKERSFIELD REALTOR速 MAGAZINE

2016 BAKERSFIELD ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

TASK FORCE/COMMITTEES

Get Involved…Together we can make a difference in our Community. Join any one of our committees; or, if you don’t have much time on your hands, we’ve set up many task forces just for you. Take part today and find a committee that’s a perfect fit for you. You can download the application at files.bakersfieldrealtor.org/images/JoinCommittee.pdf

Call 635-2315 now!

Stay above your competition with

GRI Designation

WHAT IS THE GRI DESIGNATION

GRI is the #1 real estate industry designation. It is similar to professional designations in other industries like: CPA (Certified Public Accountant) CLU (Charter Life Underwriter) CFP (Certified Financial Planner). GRI is available only to members of the Local, State and National Association of REALTORS®. BENEFITS OF A GRI DESIGNATION

Use what you learn for business planning by increasing your professional competence and improving your income potential. NAR research shows that sales agents with GRI designations earn at

BAKERSFIELD REALTOR® MAGAZINE

least 35% more than non-GRI agents. Expand your professional network while you earn valuable continuing education credits for your DRE license renewal. In 2015, Korina Cera completed the GRi Designation and recommends the class to fellow colleagues. “...there are numerous benefits to earning a GRI designation. Serving both buyers and sellers with professionalism, experience and enthusiasm are possible with a strong

Earn 92 hours of CE credit. Enroll now!

educational foundation. With my new found knowledge, I have the confidence to market any home to attract the right buyers. I have the knack for anticipating my clients’ needs to match them with the right property. I have the ability to adjust my approach to best compliment each client and form the most effective partnership. I am in a position to overcome obstacles that can jeopardize a transaction… In closing, I am always seeking the opportunity for growth and development through continuing education and where customer service is the #1 goal.

WOMEN’S COUNCIL OF REALTORS Cultivate Leaders that are Making an Impact in Our Real Estate Industry ®

contribution by

ASHLEY WEAVER 2016 WCR PRESIDENT

What is the Women’s Council of REALTORS®? It’s surprising to me that I consistently get asked this question. The Women’s Council is a group of professional REALTORS® who look to better their leadership skills, provide lunch-and-learns that will enhance the local REALTORS® knowledge of our industry, and are part of a nationwide referral network – all while having fun and building lasting friendships. The WCR’s 2016 calendar of events are full of lunch-andlearns where you can network, eat, and listen Ashley Weaver to speakers who can add value to our business. In addition to the lunch-and-learns, we have exciting mixers, including our annual Martini Mixer. We always gather on the third Thursday of every month at the Stockdale Country Club from 11:30am -1:00pm. As the 2016 President of our local Women’s Council of REALTORS®, I’d like to offer this challenge:

EARLY YEARS OF THE WOMEN’S COUNCIL OF REALTORS® (WCR): At the Annual Convention in Milwaukee in November 1938 the National Association was ready to recognize women in real estate, and a positive vote resulted in the formation of a women’s division. Thirty-seven ambitious women represented nine states at that meeting for the Women’s Council inception. Our local WCR is a network that advances women as professionals and leaders in business, the industry, and the communities they serve. WCR has a membership comprised of professional REALTORS® and affiliates that are dedicated to the success of the membership. With education being their

Come join, be a member, experience being a REALTOR® participating not just at a local, but at a state level. As a member, you receive discounts at our lunches and registration fees for state meetings, with half of your hotel costs paid. All that said, I believed in this group and looked up to and respected past presidents so I joined the Women’s Council of REALTORS®. I now encourage you to get involved and together we can make 2016 a great year.

Ashley Weaver

2016 President For more information about the WCR, please go to wcr.org.

About Ashley Weaver Weaver was born and raised in Bakersfield, where she lives with her husband of 10 years and two beautiful children, ages 8 and 6. Motherhood keeps Ashley active, along with her passion for real estate and uncompromising quest for knowledge of our industry. After attending West High School and Bakersfield College, Ashley completed 2 additional years of certification and licensing in Cosmetology. In 2004, an opportunity arose within Kern Schools Federal

number one priority, they are creating leaders at a level that is making an impact in our industry. Our local Chapter was started in 2003 by founding member and first president, REALTOR® Cissy (Johns) Clark. Now celebrating their 13th Year, the following members of our Association followed in her footsteps, serving as president: Nancy Harper, Judy Camp, Mary Christenson, Leslie Walters, Barbara Norcross, Jodi Moore, Jo Rhodes, Debi Roberson, Rhonda Newport, Lisa Belt, Tony Ayon and now Ashley Weaver. We look forward to our continued partnership in serving our members and the community.

Credit Union where she assisted with the Foreclosure and Short Sale departments, and helped assist loan officers with processing mortgage loans. Her growing curiosity for real estate led her to Karpe Real Estate, where she has thrived since 2012. Ashley quickly obtained her Real Estate License in March of 2013, and followed that with both National and State NMLS licensing in 2014. In 2013, Ashley joined the Association of REALTORS® and immediately became active on several committees. This year she also serves as Oversight Officer for the Association’s committees that serve: REALTORS® Care, Equal Opportunity, Sally’s Place, Golf Tournaments, and Bringing Home the Cure. She is the current Chair of the YPN Committee and Vice Chair of the Communications and Public Relations (CPR) Committee. It is Ashley’s love for real estate, combined with her passion for helping people, which give her the ambition and excitement of becoming a Director in 2016-2018.

Ashley Weaver, REALTOR® n 2016-2018

Director, Bakersfield Association of REALTORS® n 2016

WCR President

n 2016

Chair of the YPN

n 2016 Vice Chair of CPR

Committee

n 2015 graduate of the Kern

Leaders Academy

WCR Calendar of Events

June 16 Water and Oil Update Luncheon, Guest Speaker

February 18 Mixed Use Properties Luncheon, Guest Speaker Mike July 21 Martini Mix-Up Clark, Sierra Pacific Mortgage September 15 March 17 Tax & Business Plans Membership Mixer. Saint Luncheon, Guest Speaker Patrick’s Day theme. April 21 Say This, Not That. Luncheon, Guest Speaker Bill Redmond, Watson Realty ERA

October 20 Air band Competition

May 19 Luncheon, Guest Panel Shannon Grove and Andy Vidak

December 15 12 Days of Christmas Special Luncheon Event Installation of 2017 Officers

November 17 Wreath Auction

A portion of the proceeds raised each year will benefit the Family Relief Fund. BAKERSFIELD REALTOR® MAGAZINE

We have many advertising opportunities available…

Advertise Today and Hit Your Target Market! Start marketing and promoting your company today with the Bakersfield Association of REALTORS®. The Association has over 1,600 REALTOR® and Affiliate members. We offer many ways for you to actively communicate your company’s brand and marketing message directly to our members. Every week we host a variety of activities, classes, and events. Reach your target market in effective and affordable ways. Consider one of our many opportunities.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: PRICES RANGE PER ACTIVITY n Newsletter

n Educational

Classes n Networking Activities n Community Outreach n Special Events

CONNECTIONS NEWSLETTER Eblast: Member Newsletter

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION OR AD SIZES, PLEASE CONTACT: Carol Duran at 635-2307. Communications Design and Development.

MEMBER RATES REALTOR WEBSITE ®

Member Advertising Rates Home Page Ad

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Entire Site Ad

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PUBLIC WEBSITE Member Advertising Rates Feature Ad (2 week period)

$200

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$150

Call Carol now!

661-635-2307

Non-member rates available upon request.

Your Professional Resources… we’re here for you!

Jamey Lyster

Manager of Information Technology (IT) MLS Services

Cody Brown Member Services Manager

Claudia Bugarin

Cindy Kiser

Professional Standards Administrator

Manager of Education and Professional Development

Loli Ruiz

Linda Curutchague

Member Services Specialist

Ginger Edwards

Carol Duran

Controller-Office Administrator

Communications Design & Development

Elissa Valdovinos

Kim Schaefer

Administrative Suport Specialist Comm. & Design Assistant

Government Affairs Director

Bakersfield Association of REALTORS® Staff can be reached at 661.635.2300 22

BAKERSFIELD REALTOR® MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2015

Welcome, New Members!

SUCCESS

Your journey as a REALTOR® has just begun in making a positive impact in the lives of families in our community

new realtors ® october 2015

Coy Alexander, Stratton Davis Realty; Vanessa BaldwinHartwig, Watson Realty ERA; Gurinderprit Basra, Miramar International-Marketplace; Jessica Benitez, Miramar International; Sonia Bravo, Miramar International-Downtown Crystal Caracas, Alliance Investment Real Estate Group; David Clark, David Clark Real Estate Services; Esteban Contreras, Keller Williams Realty; Carmen ContrerasHernandez, Scott Rivera Real Estate Team; Nona Darling, RE/MAX Golden Empire; Janice Fisher, Coldwell Banker Preferred - Ming; Archana Goswami, Watson Realty ERA; Amelia Gutierrez, Coldwell Banker Preferred- Ming; Fernando Guzman, Alliance Investment Real Estate Group; Jose Jacobo, Watson Realty ERA; Jacquelynn Gregg, Miramar International - Haggin Oaks; James Kozlowski, James Kozlowski, Broker; Jerome Kresha, Coldwell Banker Preferred- Coffee; Issac Madrigal, Alliance Investment Real Estate Group; Michael Magana, Century 21 Vision Realty; Vanessa Marmolejo, Karpe Real Estate Center; Lee Eng Na, Keller Williams Realty; Elizabeth Perez, Keller Williams Realty; Davina Norried, RE/MAX Golden Empire; Martha Ruiz, Rozell Property Management, Inc; Cory Self, The Lacava Group; Daniel Smart, Magic Real Estate; Robert Smith, Robert Austin Smith, Broker; Dina Stengel, Watson Realty ERA; Batth Sumeet, Majectic Palm Realty; Ana Tarango, Keller Williams Realty; Jill Templeton, Creative Realty Marketing & Mortgage; Darlene Wiegel, Chaddick Williams Real Estate; Tami Winward, Coldwell Banker Preferred - Ming

NOVEMBER 2015

Tedi Burris, Woodside Homes of Fresno Inc; Manuel Camargo, Alliance Investments Real Estate Group; Francisco Castillo, Platinum Real Estate, Inc.; Laura DeLeon, Wingate Real Estate Services; Christina Felix, Fenton Real Estate; Ana Gomez, Magic Real Estate; Jim Greene, Greene & Greene Corp.; Chelsea Hahn, Keller Williams Realty; Anna Mellon, Wingate Real Estate Services; Terri Needham, St. Clair Realty; Jesus Pacheco, Coldwell Banker PreferredMing; Lisett Peterson, Keller Williams Realty; Jacqueline Rangel, Magic Real Estate; Marilee Reagor, Premier Realty; Maria Rosales Ceja, Golden Valley Real Estate Group; Erica Seymour, Clemmer and Company Real Estate; Darren Williams, Chaddick Williams Real Estate; Carrie Williams, Chaddick Williams Real Estate new realtors ® november 2015

new realtors ® december 2015

DECEMBER 2015

Laurie Atwood, Coldwell Banker Preferred, Ming; Amarji Bhuee, Watson Realty ERA; Paige Brock, Watson Realty ERA; Martin Buchanan, The Busby Team; Crystal Bueno, Wilkerson Realty; Julie Bugli, Hero Real Estate, Inc.; Gregory Collins, Keller Williams Realty; Kacie Craven, Keller Williams Realty; Erika Figueroa, Wingate Real Estate Services; Tammy Foley, Tammy Foley, Broker; Iris Goss, Keller Williams Realty; Max Gradowitz, Exchange Realty; Jeffrey Hill, Keller Williams Realty; Genita Holman, Pensinger Properties; Breana Karr, Keller Williams Realty; Alexander Lucich, Magic Real Estate; Martha Pelayo, A & A Realty; Elizabeth Quick, Walter Bowen, Broker; Simranjit Sandhu, Coldwell Banker Preferred, Ming; Majinder Singh, Hero Real Estate, Inc. Sharon Smith, Castle & Cooke California, Inc.; Jorge Solis Jr, Golden Valley Real Estate Group; Corey Stoner, Keller Williams Realty; Ravindra Tomer, Magic Real Estate; Luis Velasco, Joseph Lopez, Broker; Barbara Wynne, Tholco Real Estate Group BAKERSFIELD REALTOR® MAGAZINE

Home Automation is the Future

Smart home technology sells homes faster… how to get involved in the trend

BY TRAVIS SAXTON | VICE PRESIDENT OF TECHNOLOGY

recently wrote an article for our TechTouch e-newsletter that discussed the massive growth of smart-home technology and how it relates to the Lily Pad Effect. In a nutshell, the premise of the article was that the current $80 billion industry is projected to be a $400 billion industry by 2020. Big players, such as Samsung, Apple, Google, CNET, and so many more are deeply involved in this. REAL Trends and Coldwell Banker are partnering up on a high level to deliver industry-focused updates to help decipher the smart-home innovations. IT’S COMING Whether you are a large independent firm or part of a national franchise, you are not immune to the impact that this will have on you. The bottom line is that homes with smart technology sell faster and for a higher price. It’s time to get involved. Here are a few strategies to consider: 1. Host home automation training. Bring in local experts, have your tech team talk

BAKERSFIELD REALTOR® MAGAZINE

about new products, find an agent who is an early adopter, or reach out to REAL Trends. 2. Contests. Host productivity related contests and give away Nest Thermostats, Ring Doorbells, August Smart Locks, and more. The average price of these devices runs around $225, and they take about 30-45 minutes to install. 3. Install smart technology in your offices. Agents get familiar with this new technology by using it. Have fun. Did you know that they make light bulbs with speakers in them? When you have fun events, get the tunes running through your smart system. 4. Showcase local listings in your market. Have your agents point out smart homes, then reward those who bring connected listings to your attention. Use these as teaching opportunities. 5. Partner with local vendors. Often, these products are sold through securities dealers. Partner up and set up some starter packages. Try to keep it to a basic and

advanced package. Consider price points of $750 and $1,500. $1,500 can go a long way in this area. 6. Pre-listing or closing gifts. In luxury settings or higher-end listings, use smart home technology as a carrot to land these listings. Or, give them as closing gifts. Then, every time your consumer walks in his or her front door and sees the thermostat, he or she thinks of you! 7. Create a DIY starter kit. Package together four or five off-the-shelf technologies and run contests. Promote the products socially as giveaways. If you are an Association, several of these tips can apply to you, as well. If you host a convention, consider reaching out to REAL Trends to organize a home automation day or half-day event. Bring in vendors, prizes, speakers and have fun showing off and educating your members! We are here to help. Reach out to tech@ realtrends.com for tips and strategies to help you make an impact! This article reprinted with the permission of RealTrends Inc. Copyright 2016

YPN LEADERS OF TOMORROW

Get involved today with our Young Professionals Network, Our Leaders of Tomorrow contribution by

NIK BOONE

BROKER

he YPN stands for the Young Professionals Network – and we stand true to that term to our very core. We strive to be an outlet for all people who have a greater interest in the inner workings of our real estate community, Nik Boone both locally and nationally. Whether we are educating others, or giving back to our Bakersfield community, we believe that giving back is key. This local organization has really transformed from an all- social experience, to a group that promotes giving back to others, which aligns with my interest within our community. I strongly recommend to anyone looking for a group to join, to look at the YPN and see how to become one of the “leaders of tomorrow!”

younger generation of REALTORS® build a stronger link with the real estate industry and the community REALTOR® Magazine launched the Young Professionals Network (YPN). Through networking events, fundraisers and an engaged YPN Committee, the program gives its members the tools they need to advance their careers — and have fun in the process. YPN helps young real estate professionals excel in their careers by giving them the tools and encouragement to become involved in four core areas: REALTOR® ASSOCIATIONS. Attend REALTOR® conferences and pursue leadership roles with their local, state, and national association. REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY. Take an active role in policy discussions and advocacy issues; be informed about the latest industry news and trends. PEERS. Network and learn from one another by attending events, participating in online communication, and seeking out mentoring opportunities.

COMMUNITY. Become exceptional members of their community by demonstrating a high level of REALTOR® professionalism and volunteering for causes they feel passionate about. While most members of YPN ORIGIN OF YPN are under 40, there are no age In a field that is a second career for restrictions. Any member who many people, younger real estate thinks he/she would benefit from professionals often strive for a way to membership is welcome to join. We connect with each other and tap into would love for you to be a member valuable resources that will help them of our local YPN group (there is no gain business savvy and succeed in cost for membership). their real estate business. Pick up your YPN So if you’re as excited as we are application today! In 2006 as a way to help the

ADVISORY COMMITTEE Weaver, Chair Karpe Real Estate Center n Scott Knoeb — Vice Chair, Frontier Real Estate Services n Derek Sprague — Sprague Real Estate Group n Aileen Saucedo — Performance REALTORS®, Inc n Carlos Padilla — Watson Realty ERA n Jeff Aguiliera — Bank of America n Frances Alindajao — Miramar International Downtown n Ashley

n Jesse

Price— Watson Realty ERA Redmond — 2016 President, Bakersfield Association of REALTORS® Watson Real Estate ERA n Linda Jay, RCE, Chief Executive Officer Bakersfield Association of REALTORS® n Cody Brown, Staff Liaison, Bakersfield Association of REALTORS® n Elissa Valdovinos, Staff Liaison, Bakersfield Association of REALTORS® n Bill

If you have any questions please contact Cody Brown, at (661) 635-2301 or cody@bakersfieldrealtor.org

about this dynamic group of young leaders, stop by today to pick up an application. Sign up now, make your contribution to the REALTOR® Action fund and join our local YPN’ers in a bus trip to Sacramento for Legislative Day. (See details below).

YPN MARCH ON THE CAPITOL APRIL 27-30

0ur YPN group is looking for members to go to Sacramento for Legislative Day. Take this opportunity to hear from the Chief Lobbyist of the California Association of REALTORS® and other key industry leaders and State Legislators to learn about the latest issues affecting the real estate industry. In order to participate, you are required to pay your true cost of doing business (payment options are available). GET ON BOARD, don’t miss this great opportunity! Highlights include welcome legislative reception on Tuesday evening, Capitol briefing, private lunch with our Legislators and a Capitol reception on Wednesday. Please submit an application to Ashley Weaver, a YPN Committee Member or Elissa Valdovinos at elissa@bakersfieldrealtor.org

SIGN-UP DEADLINE: MARCH 11, 2016

REALTOR® ACTION FUND In 2011, the C.A.R. Young Professionals Network introduced the Million Dollar Pledge, a challenge to have 100 YPN REALTORS® sign a pledge to donate $10,000 to the REALTOR® Action Fund over the course of their careers. Have you made the Million Dollar Pledge? Make the pledge today to protect your industry and livelihood.

MARK YOUR

CALENDAR

March 2nd: Elite Legacy/ Motivational Speaker Lunch & Learn April 27th - 30th: C.A.R. Legislative Days May 7th - Softball Tournament June 1st: Online Video Marketing July: Dark

August 3rd: “SelfInvestment” Introduction into flipping and rentals September 9th: Black Tie Event October 5th: Business Planning Lunch & Learn November 2nd: Taxes Lunch & Learn December 7th: Community Involvement with other Committees

BAKERSFIELD REALTOR® MAGAZINE

1,000

STATEOFTHE

HOUSING MARKET 500

ACTIVE

CONTINGENT

2014 Compared PENDING SOLD to 2015 by MLS Area

2,000

2,500

1,800

2,000

2015 2014

1,600

2015

1,400

2014

1,200

1,500

1,000 800

1,000

600 400

500

200 0

ACTIVE

CONTINGENT

PENDING

SOLD

NOVEMBER 2015 2,000 Areas All November

2015 2014

2015 Active November2,033 Active November

2015 2014 2,033 1,692

1,600

Contingent Active 1,400 Pending Contingent

Contingent Active Pending Contingent

289 2,033 1,029 289 492 1,029

289260 2,033 1,692 1,029 289958 260 492507 1,029 958

All Areas

% Year over Year% Year over Year 2014 December December 2015 Change Change %2014 Year over Year% Year over Year December December 2015 1,692 20.2% Active 20.2% Active 1,897 Change Change

2015

260 11.2% 1,692 20.2% 2014 958 7.4% 260 11.2%

Sold 507-3.0% Sold 1,200 Pending 958 Pending 7.4% Total Volume Closed $113,482,081 $112,168,630 Total Volume Closed $113,482,081 $112,168,630 1.2% Sold 492507 507-3.0% Sold 492 1,000 Median SalesClosed Price * $210,000 $206,000 Median Sales Closed Price *Volume $210,000 $206,000 $112,168,630 1.9% Total $113,482,081 Total Volume $113,482,081 $112,168,630 1.2%

800

Average DOM *$210,000 Average DOM *Price 50 Median * Median Sales * Sales Price

600

Average DOM *Average DOM *

CONTINGENT

PENDING

SOLD

DECEMBER 2015

November2015

1,800

ACTIVE

50 48 $210,000 $206,000 50 48

484.2% $206,000 1.9%

484.2%

11.2%Contingent 20.2% Active 7.4%Pending 11.2% Contingent

2015 2014 2015 2014 1,897 1,634

244 12.3% 1,634 16.1% 863 21.2% 244 12.3% -3.0% Sold 553 6.7% 7.4%Sold Pending 863 Pending 21.2% 1.2% Total Volume Closed $130,651,112 $120,532,301 Total Volume Closed $130,651,112 $120,532,301 8.4% -3.0%Sold Sold 590 553 590 553 6.7% 1.9%Median Sales Price Median SalesClosed Price * $211,500 $205,000 *Volume $211,500 $205,000 3.2% 1.2% Total $130,651,112 $120,532,301 Total Volume Closed $130,651,112 $120,532,301 8.4% 4.2%Average Average DOM * 4849 49 DOM *Price 48* -2.0% 1.9% Median $211,500 $205,000 Median Sales * Sales Price $211,500 $205,000 3.2% 4.2%Average DOM *Average DOM * 48 4849 49 -2.0% Contingent Active Pending Contingent

274 1,897 1,046 274 590 1,046

274 244 1,897 1,634 1,046 863 274 244 590 553 1,046 863

% Year over Year % Year over Year 2014 Change Change % Year over Year % Year 2014over Year 1,634 Change 16.1% 16.1% Change

12.3% 16.1% 21.2% 12.3% 6.7% 21.2% 8.4% 6.7% 3.2% 8.4% -2.0% 3.2% -2.0%

400 200 Bakersfield

Bakersfield

% Year over Year % Year over Year % Year over Year% Year over Year November 2015 December 2015 2014 2015 2014 December 2015 2014 ACTIVE November CONTINGENT P2014 ENDING SOLD Change Change Change Change % Year over Year% Year over Year % Year over Year% Year over Year November 2015 2014 December 2015 2014 December 2015 2014 November 2015 2014 Sold 422 -2.1% 525 488 7.6% Sold 422431 431 -2.1%Sold Sold 525 488 7.6% Change Change Change Change Total $98,078,425 $118,392,308 $109,503,606 8.1% Total Closed $97,612,115 $98,078,425 -0.5% Total Volume Closed $118,392,308 $109,503,606 8.1% Sold Volume $97,612,115 422431 431-0.5% -2.1%Total Sold 525 488 7.6% Sold Volume Closed 422 -2.1% Sold Volume Closed 525 488 7.6% Median Sales Closed Price *Volume $217,250 $211,225 2.9% Sales Closed Price *Volume $215,000 $211,250 1.8% Median SalesClosed Price * $217,250 $211,225 2.9%Median Median Sales Price * $215,000 $211,250 1.8% Total $97,612,115 $98,078,425 -0.5% Total Closed $118,392,308 $109,503,606 8.1% Total Volume $97,612,115 $98,078,425 -0.5% Total Volume $118,392,308 $109,503,606 8.1% Average DOM * 49 47 4.3% Average DOM * 46 50 -8.0% Average DOM Price *$217,250 49 47 2.9% 4.3%Median Sales Price Average DOM Price * 46 501.8% -8.0% Median Sales Price * Sales $211,225 * Sales $215,000 $211,250 Median * $217,250 $211,225 2.9% Median * $215,000 $211,250 1.8%

* FiguresDOM from*Average Single Family Average 49 Only. DOM *Homes Statistics were run on February 2, 2016.

* Single Family *Only Single Family Only * Single Family*Only Single Family Only

49 47

47 4.3%

uses Codes: 46 following Zip46 50 93301, 93302, -8.0%93303, 93304, 4.3%Average DOM *Bakersfield Average DOM * the 50 -8.0% 93305, 93306, 93307, 93308, 93309, 93310, 93311, 93312, 93313 93314.

2015 YEAR-TO-DATE STATS Area

2015

Dollar Value

# Sold

2014

2015

2014

Average Sold Price* 2015

2014

DOM*

2015 2014

% of List Price* 2015

2014

259

222

$44,013,269

$30,084,216

$176,728

$138,788

96.71

97.73

170

147

$14,756,601

$12,655,032

$90,290

$89,441

96.28

95.97

196

223

$30,232,898

$33,655,907

$156,012

$154,523

98.32

98.59

$6,974,650

$5,864,100

$337,483

$265,277

97.01

99.39

270

257

$38,455,095

$32,722,599

$142,547

$127,837

98.64

97.68

512

519

$87,985,880

$86,163,991

$176,657

$171,747

98.20

97.98

213

186

$46,388,760

$38,372,864

$223,683

$212,131

98.63

98.75

$24,609,130

$18,369,647

$322,202

$291,438

97.84

98.53

158

132

$18,011,757

$15,935,781

$114,245

$122,894

97.77

98.18

102

110

$16,335,572

$16,026,550

$161,620

$147,213

97.60

97.42

$919,999

$1,712,500

$184,000

$154,722

92.46

97.38

572

558

$81,069,703

$78,078,697

$150,780

$144,426

98.49

99.34

1394

1358

$283,361,041

$264,518,445

$213,486

$205,453

98.58

98.75

709

716

$220,803,322

$221,365,444

$313,653

$312,353

97.87

98.39

$6,915,109

$4,322,816

$314,323

$288,188

98.56

98.94

199

202

$52,375,748

$50,934,940

$263,554

$252,860

97.92

98.38

1030

994

$297,906,317

$291,318,054

$290,293

$294,154

98.32

98.54

460

396

$164,588,188

$137,601,573

$361,921

$349,794

98.47

98.70

$7,177,829

$6,775,022

$448,614

$367,612

98.14

94.75

115

110

$28,904,301

$24,525,950

$259,081

$232,568

97.08

97.75

$1,004,500

$4,690,000

$166,900

$211,545

166

176

95.10

92.04

$2,617,239

$1,821,887

$109,986

$89,728

97.35

93.42

$4,557,939

$5,002,300

$144,962

$151,093

95.84

95.60

$6,549,190

$7,571,340

$129,704

$113,005

97.05

98.10

$3,861,000

$3,894,500

$386,100

$404,944

135

95.20

95.81

$996,800

$637,000

$90,618

$106,167

108

93.20

93.68

$4,426,001

$3,209,532

$199,692

$187,000

95.17

98.94

227

232

$40,826,005

$38,314,947

$180,933

$167,585

98.39

98.57

143

151

$17,071,820

$16,510,618

$118,057

$112,738

96.32

97.29

204

183

$35,386,432

$28,084,313

$174,005

$153,466

97.40

96.78

145

146

$43,938,777

$30,853,630

$319,095

$219,534

93.90

95.09

2015 QUARTERLY STATS 1st Qtr 2015 New Listings Contingent Pending Sold Total Volume Closed Median Sales Price * Average DOM * Average Sale Price/SqFt *

1st Qtr 2014

2nd Qtr 2015

2nd Qtr 2014

3rd Qtr 2015

3rd Qtr 2014

4th Qtr 2015

4th Qtr 2014

2,836

2,644

3357

2,912

4,307

4,965

2,398

672

715

780

710

941

829

502

2,215 508

1,856

1,851

2175

2,075

3,477

3,124

1,661

1,616

1,494

1,527

2,001

1,956

2,060

1,967

1,717

1,705

$306,079,332

$305,762,885

$448,919,995

$406,083,344

$471,568,595

$426,057,405

$379,582,063

$372,953,646

$197,000

$188,000

$215,000

$190,000

$217,750

$205,000

$208,500

$205,000

127.07

120.50

130.96

122.19

134.05

128.71

133.64

128.77

* Figures from Single Family Homes Only. Statistics were run on February 2, 2016. BAKERSFIELD REALTOR速 MAGAZINE

Realtor.com offers New Agent Success Kit available for REALTORS® Proven systems to secure better leads, build a powerful brand and fuel conversion

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Trained consultants show industry trusted solutions are driving the success of today’s real estate professionals

BSCHWARTZ | NAR

eal estate agents who are new to the industry often quickly realize how difficult it is to establish a viable client base. One of the key challenges for REALTORS® is choosing the right marketing options that set them apart from competing professionals who are seeking to net the same clientele. Where to begin and how to maximize investments in these initiatives is important, as no one wants to waste their time or resources on tactics that will not bring listings and sales to their business. The New Agent Success Kit from REALTOR.com® provides value-added marketing tools, training and applications to nurture new agent success. It’s great for new and seasoned agents to jump-start their careers through fully-customizable and easy-to-use resources needed to set and achieve specific revenue goals. A variety of New Agent Success Kit programs are available which help foster both short- and long-term business growth. Establishing an online presence is critical in real estate. The REALTOR.com® Profile is a great way to promote yourself and your listings.

BAKERSFIELD REALTOR® MAGAZINE

It can also be used with your .REALTOR domain as a custom website. Don’t forget to use the Personal Profile Recommendations tool to showcase your skills and character, while letting potential clients know you are known and respected in the community. Then, use the Personalized Goal-Setting Plan to determine how many prospects are needed each month to obtain gross and net revenue objectives. Based upon the business objectives completed in this plan, recommendations will be made on seminars, downloads and tools needed to turn these goals into reality. When it comes to building a business, open houses are a good way to meet prospects and create leads. Market Snapshot® helps convert open houses into streams of leads, particularly by turning passive sellers into listings and sales; and, when you get that listing, use the Listing Presentation tool to make a good first impression. Win the trust of sellers with this versatile presentation tool to show how consumer habits have changed, the importance of marketing a home online and local real estate data. As you build your client list, stay in touch with the Housing Trends eNewsletter. This preprepared, co-branded e-newsletter offers fresh content and statistics. Show clients you are a subject matter expert dedicated to knowing the industry inside and out. It’s also a useful

resource for keeping in touch with longer-term contacts that are not immediately ready to buy or put their homes on the market. The best part: You don’t have to set this up by yourself! REALTOR. com has a dedicated team responsible for helping REALTORS® set up these solutions. This support group will walk you through the set up and stay with you until things are working and you have your tool functioning and ready to go. Go to www.marketing. realtor.com to learn about the entire breadth of free marketing resources made available through the REALTOR.com® New Agent Success Kit. Don’t miss out, get yours today! Realtor.com® Strengthens Ties to REALTORS® with New Website Improvements In a move to better position itself for the future and further align itself with

Realtors®, Move, Inc., operator of realtor. com®, the official listing site of the National Association of Realtors®, offers site features to better connect Realtors® and consumers. “Realtor.com® connects buyers, sellers and renters with REALTORS® and the tools they need to make informed real estate decisions,” said Move, Inc. Chief Executive Officer Ryan O’Hara. “Unlike other listing sites, realtor.com® is committed to serving the needs of the real estate industry. We’ve just launched some website and mobile enhancements that increase the visibility of brokers and REALTORS®.” Every listing on realtor.com® now prominently displays the listing firm and agent’s name below the primary photo, O’Hara announced. REALTORS® also have the opportunity to include up to 36 photos, a marketing paragraph, contact information, showing details, open house dates and more. Brokerage firms now have the capability to include an SEO-friendly hyperlink to the listing display page on that firm’s website. Realtor.com® also offers agent profiles. When an agent claims his or her profile, they will receive a free link on their listing page. The profiles are a fully responsive design and allow for social media connectivity. Since the importance of technology continues to grow, realtor.com® is continuing to innovate for its consumer users and partners. Now when REALTORS® buy a

lead from the site, they will receive contact information along with details about how long the person has been searching and the number of homes viewed. The lead also provides specific details about the home they are inquiring about and recent search activity, including the actual listings they’ve reviewed. This information gives REALTORS® added insight from which to start building a relationship. “More than 90 percent of real estate transactions in this country involve REALTORS®. That’s because REALTORS® are the most productive, the most efficient, and the best real estate professionals,” O’Hara said. “It’s a pleasure for us to be part of the brand.” The National Association of REALTORS®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. REALTOR® PROFILES Don’t miss out! if you haven’t already filled out your profile and downloaded your marketing kit, do it now all at no cost to you. realtor.com Claim your profile today from realtor.com. C.A.R.’s “Find a REALTOR®” search is replacing current member profiles with new profiles from realtor.com. All C.A.R. members are highly encouraged to claim and

update their new profile on the realtor.com site as soon as possible. The new profile pages on realtor.com let you easily manage and shape your online presence. Once you claim your profile, your new profile automatically will be included in the realtor.com® “Find a REALTOR®” directory, boosting your visibility and referral potential. Plus, your new profile also will be easier for search engines to locate you when potential clients are actively searching for a REALTOR®. Claim your profile in 3 easy steps: Visit: www.realtor.com/ realestateagents / and search for yourself. Once you find your profile, click on “View full profile.” Click on “Claim My Profile” and sign into the Control Panel. (Along with a self-selected password, you will need to know your MLS and MLS identifier in order to complete the sign-up process.)

We’re promoting realtor.com… because they’re promoting you!

In 2014, the Meadows Field Airport’s total annual traffic was 280,014, roughly 23,335 passengers per month. We’re reaching that audience with our advertising banner located at the airport. Take advantage of the invaluable visibility and free profiles offered from realtor.com and set-up your profile today. Don’t wait!

BAKERSFIELD REALTOR® MAGAZINE

Supporting Real Estate Professionals and Giving Hope to Those in Need The Real Estate Professionals Family Relief Fund (FRF) was born from a desire to help local individuals in the real estate industry. Their mission statement is “To assist with the financial burden of families in the real estate industry in times of personal and medical crisis.” The focus of the FRF is to help those that are part of the real estate industry and their families, but not limited to: Brokers, REALTORS®, Builders, Lenders, Escrow, Contractors, Home Warranty, Pest Control and Home Inspection. The process is easy; just download and fill out a Hardship Request Form. Once submitted, the FRF Board of Directors will review the request, approve, and agree on a dollar amount. Then, a check is issued immediately and given to the sponsor of the person in need. Since its kickoff in 2014 at the Petroleum Club, getting the word out and raising funds for disbursement has been a huge success. To date,

the FRF has helped 12 individuals with $11,250 for various needs. How you can help. Please consider joining with those who have already made a donation, or pledge to this very worthwhile cause. For the Automatic Withdrawal Pledge form or just to make a donation, visit the website at repfrf.org If you would like more information, or information on how you can participate, please fill out the form on our website at www.repfrf.org or call 661.333.2901.

FRF Board of Directors: Tony Ayon, President Tim Roberts, Director Wayland Louie, Director Brian Tuttle, Director Ronda Newport, Secretary Michele Cooper, Treasurer Kym Plivelich, Marketing Martha Johnson, Outreach Committee Misty Jeffries, Outreach Committee Tamarra Harms, Fundraising Tracy Frith, Fundraising

NAR-zipLogix National Forms Benefit NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

NAR and zipLogix have entered into a partnership to provide zipForm Plus® and zipTMS™ as a member benefit at no cost to all NAR members. Agents will be able to store unlimited transactions to meet their state’s Department of Real Estate (DRE) requirements. More than 600,000 NAR members currently use zipLogix applications. This new member benefit will encourage even more REALTORS® to see how zipLogix can help them succeed in their businesses.

BAKERSFIELD REALTOR® MAGAZINE

More than 900,000 of NAR’s 1.1 million members are currently entitled to use zipLogix products through association member benefits or individual purchases. State and local REALTOR® associations can leverage the NAR member benefit to drive new member adoption. As a 100-percent REALTOR® associationowned company, zipLogix is committed to REALTORS®’ success. NAR’s goal has always been to keep the REALTOR® at the center of the transaction. This new member benefit will help us

support that role well into the future. zipLogix’s platform ensures data integrity, provides intellectual property protections for state and local form, and authenticates users through NAR’s NRDS database. Standardizing the technology platform that empowers REALTORS®; creates efficiencies and streamlines processes. With this step toward a comprehensive transaction platform, NAR and zipLogix are committed to making sure REALTORS® have the tools they need to succeed in today’s dynamic real estate environment.

HAS TECH GOT YOU?

Communication and empathy are key to sales success BY LARRY KENDALL | Chairman of The Group, Inc. and author of Ninja Selling

hat?! Meg Bear, the vice-president of a major technology firm, is saying a soft skill like empathy is the critical business skill of the future? Tell us more. First, empathy is defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. A study by Oxford Economics of hiring managers at Fortune 500 companies finds the top three critical workplace skills that they are looking for are empathy; communication/relationship skills, and collaboration skills. The study also found that our colleges and business schools are not turning out students with these skills. Instead, the schools are focused on technology and analytical skills with little or no focus on people skills. This challenge is beautifully documented by Geoff Colvin in his latest book, “Humans Are Underrated.” Check out this chart. Notice the sharp decline in empathy started in the 1990s and has accelerated since 2000. What caused this? When did the Internet and email become popular? In the 1990s. Today, many young people are spending more time with their device than they are with other human beings. They are losing the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. RULED BY TECHNOLOGY I see this in my college classes. Ten years

ago, when I entered the classroom, the students were out of their seats, visiting and making noise. My challenge was to restore order and have them take their seats so we could start class. Today, when I walk in the classroom, it is stone silent. Everyone is in his or her seat absorbed in a device. The technology has them hypnotized. Now my challenge is to get them away from their device and engaged in learning and interacting with their classmates. It’s no wonder top companies are struggling to find people who can also communicate with another human being! FACE TO FACE How does this relate to our real estate companies and people? Is our technology making our sales teams more productive, or is it a distraction and escape from fully engaging the customer? In our study of high-producing real estate sales associates, we see them using the telephone and face-to-face as their primary communication modes with a little text, email, and Facebook thrown in. They are not spending a lot of time on electronic communication. Why? Because they know that empathy is a key to their success and empathy comes through live interaction. Here’s some of the science in favor of face-to-face and voice-to-voice. n Faster. The average person can talk at 150 to 180 words a minute and only type or

text at 30 to 40 words per minute. n Better. Empathy happens with the eyes. Face-to-face is the most powerful form of communication. Fifty-five percent of communication is non-verbal (body language). n Quality. Some 82 percent of all emails are misunderstood as far as tone. (Source: Harris Interactive Study) Have some fun at your next sales meeting by having the group repeat this statement seven times, each time accenting a different word: “I didn’t say he shot his wife.” It will be hilarious, and you quickly realize this statement could easily be misunderstood via email. n Attention. Tony Hsieh, president of Zappos, says, “The telephone is the most amazing device ever invented. I recommend my people use the phone versus email. By phone, you have the customer’s undivided attention.” Are we saying scrap the technology? No! We are saying that you must properly use your technology. Use it as a tool to build relationships and empathy rather than as a tool to isolate and buffer. We are still a sales business. Empathy, communication, and relationships are still at the core of what we do—even in a high-tech world. Control your technology rather than letting it control you. Got tech? Or, does tech got you? This article reprinted with the permission of RealTrends Inc. Copyright 2016

BAKERSFIELD REALTOR® MAGAZINE

Members Serve Meals to the Elderly CHERI ROMERO

MIRAMAR INTERNATIONAL – MARKETPLACE

Our Association committee, appropriately named “Sally’s Place”, serves meals to the elderly at Sally’s Place on Wilson Road. It is a senior citizen feed program administered by the Bakersfield and Kern County Salvation Army which provides a nutritional hot meal to senior citizens and the elderly on a bi-monthly basis. Twice a month from 10am to 1pm, our REALTORS® and Affiliates meet up at the Salvation Army to serve a hot meal to the seniors. The program is embraced by a group of our REALTORS® and affiliates who continue to faithfully prepare and serve meals to about 35-55 seniors on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month. Members of the committee have commented on how heartwarming it is to see the deep appreciation on the faces of these precious individuals. Often times, it’s their only hot meal of the day. The committee consists of: Cheri Romero Cheri Romero (Chair), Lisa Estes (Vice Chair), Debi Roberson, Misty Jeffries, Wayland Louie, Lisa Belt, Suzi Beaty, and Michele Cooper. This core group of members has ‘adopted’ Sally’s Place as their program and has been doing so for over 5 years now. The committee comes together to determine meals, purchase the ingredients needed to cook the meals, and then cook, serve and clean up afterwards. It’s no small chore, but they do it with love and compassion for these seniors, hoping to see a glimpse of a smile. The Salvation Army mentioned that “if it weren’t for this committee, without the help of our REALTORS® and Affiliates, we would not be able to do this lunch program twice a month”. They are very appreciative of our efforts. So every month, we continue to faithfully volunteer our time to the Salvation Army to keep this program up and running. The meal program feeds seniors 55 and over for a $1 donation by the senior, but it is not required. Included in this hot meal is a bag of groceries, which is distributed at the end of each meal as part of the “Sack Food Bag” program donated by the Gleaners. The Sack Food Bag program is for seniors over 60 with an annual income of $11,025 or less (single person) or $16,800 annual income or less (for a couple). The Sack Food Bag program charges a one-time participation fee of $2. Seniors who participate in these programs are also able to attend our “Christmas Lunch” at the end of each year where they receive a $40 gift card from Walmart. Donations come from our members who have given to the ‘Santa Claus for a Senior Claus’ program. It’s such a successful program so keep an eye out for one of our promos! You can, however, make a donation any time of the year – maybe even after a big close. We’d love to have you join us in serving our local seniors as well!

BAKERSFIELD REALTOR® MAGAZINE

IN A NUTSHELL

NAR Forecast: Modest Increase in Home Sales Expected in 2016

Following the housing market’s best year in nearly a decade, existing-home sales in 2016 are forecasted to expand at a more moderate pace as pent-up buyer demand combats affordability pressures and meager economic growth, according to National Association of REALTORS® Chief Economist Lawrence Yun in a newly-released video on his 2016 housing market expectations. In the NAR-published video, Yun discusses his expectations for the U.S. economy and housing market in 2016 and points to pent-up demand, sustained job growth, and improving inventory conditions as his reasons for an expected gain (from 2015) in new- and existing-home sales. Despite his forecasted increase in sales, Yun cites rising mortgage rates, home prices that are still outpacing wages, and shaky global economic conditions as headwinds that will likely hold back a stronger pace of sales. “This year, the housing market may only squeak out 1 to 3 percent growth in sales because of slower economic expansion and rising mortgage rates,” Yun says in the video. “Furthermore, the continued rise in home prices will occur due to the fact that we will again encounter housing shortages in many markets because of the cumulative effect of homebuilders under producing for multiple years. Once the spring buying season begins, we’ll begin to feel that again.” With one month of data remaining for 20151, Yun expects total existing-home sales to finish the year up 6.5 percent from 2014 at a pace of around 5.26 million —the highest

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since 2006, but roughly 25 percent below the prior peak set in 2005 (7.08 million). The national median existing-home price for all of 2015 will be close to $221,200, up around 6 percent from 2014. In 2016, existing-home sales are expected to grow between 1 and 2 percent (5.30 to 5.40 million), and prices between 5 and 6 percent. SOURCE: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Cybercriminals Targeting Real Estate Transactions

Small real estate businesses, agents and their clients are fast becoming the targets of sophisticated cyber scammers. That’s according to panelists at the Risk Management and License Law Forum yesterday at the 2015 REALTORS® Conference & Expo who discussed potential threats and offered tips for agents to protect themselves and their businesses and clients from cyber-attacks. Melanie Wyne, National Association of REALTORS®’ technology policy expert, said that while we often hear in the news about large companies falling victim to hackers, small businesses, who often lack the vast technology and legal teams of larger businesses, actually account for the majority of attacks. “Small businesses need to pay just as much attention as large companies to possible cyber threats,” she said. Darity Wesley, founder of the Lotus Law Center, said hackers are seeking personally identifiable information, data that could potentially identify a specific individual, such as credit card or bank account information, login credentials, employment details or a physical address, email address, and phone

or social security number. “Most people don’t know the vast amount of data stored about them in a variety of systems,” said Wesley. “Identity thieves can do a lot of damage with this information; your credit and whole life could be ruined.” Wyne said data breaches can impact real estate businesses in three main ways: businesses can suffer from financial harm from expenses resulting from the breach; legal risks from lawsuits from clients or others impacted by the hack; and reputational risks from having to publicly disclose the hack. She said commercial properties are also vulnerable from hacks into their automated or building control systems. While cloud and free email services are convenient for business, they are never completely secure. Wyne recommended that REALTORS® research the level of security those companies are employing before using their services and storing information or documents into them. She also recommended that agents ask these services to be indemnified if the service is hacked. Wesley said anyone using a free email service for business purposes should encrypt emails with client data; she recommended visiting lifehacker.com (then searching on “encryption”) for great tips on encrypting emails. Jessica Edgerton, NAR Associate Counsel, shared that in recent months, real estate professionals have reported an upswing in a particular wire scam where a hacker breaks into an agent’s email account and obtains information about upcoming real estate transactions. After monitoring the account, CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

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the hacker will send an email to the buyer as he or she nears closing, posing as the agent or someone from the title company and requesting that the buyer wire transactionrelated funds. Edgerton recommended that agents inform their clients at the beginning of any transaction about this scam and that if buyers do receive an email about wiring funds that they immediately call the agent on the phone. Currently, the majority of laws governing data security are at the state level, although NAR has been advocating federal law for years. Therefore, Wyne also said it’s important for agents to know the state laws regarding data security and privacy that affect their organization, especially since some states have enacted laws which require businesses to have proactive security programs in place. All of the speakers recommended using strong passwords, developing a data security program, and implementing and maintaining safeguards to protect private data. A privacy policy disclosing some or all of the ways the business collects, shares, protects, and destroys personal client information is also a good business practice. Agents seeking more information about data security and privacy or complying with legal responsibilities can download NAR’s free Data Security and Privacy Toolkit. The Center for REALTOR® Development® also offers a 4-hour online training course for REALTORS® as well as local and state REALTOR® association and multiple listing service staff entitled, “Enhance Your Brand & Protect Your Clients with Data Privacy & Security.” SOURCE: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Student Loan Debt Hampering Home Buying: A Regional Perspective Posted in Economist Commentaries AMANDA RIGGS | NAR

In the 2015 Profile of Home Buyers and

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Sellers survey, we asked additional questions this year regarding the adversity to saving for a down payment to buy a home and whether student loans were an impediment. In years past, the down payment had been cited as one of the most problematic steps in the home buying process. In 2014, 12 percent of people said that saving for the down payment was the most difficult step and, among those, 46 percent reported having student loan debt. In 2015, the number grew slightly to 13 percent of buyers that had difficulty saving for the down payment and, of those, jumped to 51 percent that reported student loan debt made saving the most strenuous step in the buying process. For first-time buyers in 2015 who are predominantly Millennials under the age of 34 year old, 25 percent said saving for the down payment was the more arduous step in the process and, of those, 58 percent stated that student loan debt delayed them from buying a home. For all buyers this year, a quarter reported having student loans. For first-time buyers, 41 percent cited still having student loans with a median amount of $25,000 in debt. What’s more interesting is the amount of student loan debt that respondents

cited around the country by sub-region. The median student debt was the lowest at $15,000 in the South Atlantic states of Delaware, Maryland, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. The median student loan debt was highest at $70,000 in East South Central region of Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama. A majority of the regions reported student loan debt delaying buyers from purchasing a home of a median of three years except for in the New England and West South Central, which reported a delay of five years, and the Middle Atlantic region, which was delayed four years. It begs speculation whether jobs in the South Atlantic near the nation’s capital could be more abundant and that salaries are likely higher than other regions of the country. Thus, the amount of student loan debt reported is lowest in these states. In the East South Central region, jobs and wages are suppressed and thus the amount of student loan debt reported is nearly five times that of the South Atlantic. It also warrants further research into how the number of jobs and salaries on the market affect student loan debt thus delaying younger buyers from purchasing a home for three to five years. Additional research shows that debt is lower where income is higher. For instance, a USA Today article that tracked the 10 states with the highest rate of student loan debt in 2014 and found that states student loan debt was higher in the Northeast where private schools are more expensive. The article further draws the conclusion that having higher debt due to student loans can dissuade people from purchasing homes, cars, and other goods that stimulate the economy. More research correlating student loan debt by state and incomes seems to be warranted in the near future.

FEBRUARY

NAR Code of Ethics Class with Joe Newton February 17 R.GOV Program February 18 Commercial Investment February 19 Brokers Forum February 25

MARCH

YPN Lunch and Learn March 2

Bringing Home the Cure Wine Event March 3 Credit Workshop With Nabil Captan March 9

Wool Growers Luncheon March 15 NAR Code of Ethics Class with Joe Newton March 16 R.GOV Program March 17 Commercial Investment March 18

APRIL

Campout Against Cancer April 2 Commercial Investment April 15 NAR Code of Ethics Class with Joe Newton April 20 R.GOV Program April 21 RELAY for LIFE Walk April 23 Legislative Day, Sacramento April 27 - 30th

MAY

YPN Softball Tournament May 7 NAR Convention & Trade Show, Washington D.C. May 9 -14

Brokers Forum May 17 NAR Code of Ethics Class with Joe Newton May 18 R.GOV Program May 19 Commercial Investment May 20 Spring Career Booster May 24

JUNE

JULY

R.GOV Program July 14 Commercial Investment July 15 NAR Code of Ethics Class with Joe Newton July 20 WCR Cocktail Mix-up July 21

YPN Lunch and Learn June 1 NAR Code of Ethics Class With Joe Newton June 15 R.GOV Program June 16 Commercial Investment June 17 Wool Growers Luncheon June 21 Annual Membership Meeting June 29

AUGUST

OCTOBER

YPN Lunch and Learn August 3 NAR Code of Ethics Class with Joe Newton August 17 R.Gov Program August 18 Commercial Investment August 19 Brokers Forum August 25

SEPTEMBER

R.Gov Program September 15 Commercial Investment September 16 Wool Growers Luncheon September 20 NAR Code of Ethics Class with Joe Newton September 21 C.A.R. Fall Meeting, Long Beach September 28 October 1 YPN Lunch and Learn October 5 NAR Code of Ethics Class with Joe Newton October 19 R.Gov Program October 20 Commercial Investment October 21 Golf Tournament October 21 Fall Career Booster October 25

Brokers Forum October 27

NOVEMBER

NAR Conference & Expo, Orlando, FL November 2-7 YPN Lunch and Learn November 2 Legal Update with Gov Hutchinson November 15 NAR Code of Ethics Class with Joe Newton November 16 R.GOV Program November 17 Commercial Investment November 18

DECEMBER

Economic Forecast with Leslie Appleton-Young December 7 NAR Code of Ethics Class with Joe Newton December 14 Commercial Investment December 16

YPN Black Tie Affair September 9

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