LEADER - FALL 2018 by Mississippi Association of REALTORS®

Fall 2018

The Official Publication of the Mississippi REALTORS®

Working Together Advice From Couples Who Are Coworkers

❧2018 ❧ Legislative Issues Survey Results and 2019 Legislative Priorities ❧Remember ❧ to Vote Nov. 6! 1

Annual Digital Issue

Mississippi Real Estate LEADER / Fall 2018

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Mississippi Real Estate LEADER / Fall 2018

Fall 2018

Features Real Estate LEADER is the official publication of Mississippi REALTORS®. The quarterly magazine provides Mississippi real estate professionals with timely information on trends and best practices, tools and resources for professional development, and news about innovative business and community leaders.

Editor Beth Hansen bhansen@msrealtors.org

Departments

Karen Glass’s Statewide Broker Visits

Reflecting on REALTOR® Safety Month

Working Together: Advice from Couples Who Are Coworkers

Managing Editor Taylor Lesser tlesser@msrealtors.org

4 5

President’s Perspective News Brief:

Local Board Political Engagements

Legal Ease

Capitol Watch

For the Course of Your Career

MARPAC Major Donors

Photography Gib Ford Gil Ford Photography Design Mississippi Press Services REALTOR® Editorial Board Jay McMiller, Chair, Olive Branch Jeffrey Dillon, Vice Chair, Ridgeland Timothy Allred, Meridian Paula Brahan, Hattiesburg Barry Clemmer, Jackson April Cook, Gulfport Shirley Curry, Tupelo Patricia Fleming, McComb Megan Hall, Ridgeland Joyce Haskins, Oxford Sean Hettinger, Tupelo Larry Landry, Corinth Ashley McAdory, Brandon Deborah McGhee, Gulfport Ann Marie Pate, Cleveland Judy Pippin, Picayune Jacqueline Robinson, Jackson Stephanie Russo, Picayune Dorothy Thompson, Jackson Real Estate LEADER does not establish due diligence on authors and advertisers and cannot guarantee that their writings or claims are correct or suitable. Views and advertising contained in Real Estate LEADER are not necessarily endorsed by Mississippi REALTORS®. The information contained within should not be construed as a recommendations for any course of action regarding financial, legal or accounting matters by the Mississippi REALTORS®, Real Estate LEADER or its authors.

Mississippi REALTORS® PO Box 32100 Jackson, MS 39232-1000 Tel: 601-932-5241 Toll-Free: 800-747-1103 Fax: 601-932-0382 Web: www.msrealtors.org E-mail: mar@msrealtors.org 3

Mississippi Real Estate LEADER / Fall 2018

Stay up to date on the latest news from Mississippi REALTORS®:

msrealtors.org/news

realtorinstitute.org

facebook.com/msrealtors facebook.com/realtorinstitute SOCIAL MEDIA LOGOTYPE COLLECTION

SOCIAL MEDIA

twitter.com/msrealtors LOGOTYPE COLLECTION

SOCIAL MEDIA LOGOTYPE COLLECTION

youtube.com/ MSAssocofREALTORS

On the Cover: Mississippi REALTORS® Scott Overby and Amanda Overby of Overby Co. in Jackson (top) and Ron Dubard and Betty Dubard of Dubard Realty in Greenwood.

President’s Perspective Hello, Everyone! Well, it is back to work after the excitement of attending our 2018 MAR Convention and EXPO in Point Clear, Alabama! In spite of the threat of Hurricane Michael, close to 400 of our members plus 41 exhibitors made the trip to enjoy well-known speakers such as Leigh Brown, Brian Copeland, Bob Turner, Kenny Parcell and Lawrence Yun. We recognized the “best of the best” among us at our Awards Ceremony and we saw the installation of our 2019 President Adam Watkins and his executive committee and directors. The location of The Marriott Grand Hotel could not have been lovelier and everyone I spoke with said it was a great meeting. I think we would all agree that Convention lived up to its theme of Take Root, Reach Higher and Make History! This final Real Estate Leader of 2018 features advice from two Mississippi REALTOR® couples who are devoted to each other and to their profession. Read their stories about collaboration and support both at home and at the office beginning on page 16. You may also read about the results from our 2018 Legislative Issues Survey and find a list of the recentlyapproved 2019 MAR Legislative Priorities, plus hear about

goals and priorities from our new Mississippi REALTORS® Institute Director Andrea Detrick. There’s also information about video surveillance cameras in listed properties that you’ll want to share with both buyers and sellers. Additionally, we’ve highlighted some of the visits that local boards have held this year with local elected officials. Enjoy photos from some of those meetings on page 5. As I come to the end of what has been a wonderful year for me serving as your 2018 President, I will always remember those of you I have met while traveling the state visiting your associations. You have all been so gracious and kind and it has been an experience I will always treasure. I want to end my year by repeating the quote of soccer player Mia Hamm which I stated at my installation last October. “Celebrate what you’ve accomplished, but raise the bar a little higher each time you succeed.” May you all enjoy great success in 2019 and may your bar continue to be raised throughout your career! With gratitude,

Karen Glass 2018 MAR President

Names You Should Know

Mississippi Real Estate LEADER / Fall 2018

News Brief

Local Board Political Engagements Our local boards are so involved in our state and communities to strengthen our industry’s influence and actively engage with elected officials and leaders in their REALTOR® relationships.

Central Mississippi REALTORS® members meeting with Representative Greg Snowden meets with East Mississippi Flowood Mayor, Gary Rhodes, in March. REALTORS® during their Board of Directors meeting.

REALTORS® sit down to meet with U.S. Representative Trent Kelly while in Washington, DC. Judicial candidates join East Mississippi REALTORS® at their REALTOR® tailgate. Cathy Feltenstein talks with Robert Compton who is running for Circuit Court Judge in District 10. 5

Mississippi Real Estate LEADER / Fall 2018

Danny Lee of the Gulf Coast Association of REALTORS® shakes hands with Biloxi Mayor Andrew Gilich. Mississippi Real Estate LEADER / Fall 2018

Christy Savage and Jay McMiller from Northwest Mississippi Association of REALTORS® with Mississippi Representative Robert Foster.

Members meet with Senator Chris Massey, Senator David Parker, and Senator Kevin Blackwell during REALTOR® Day at the Capitol.

Mississippi Real Estate LEADER / Fall 2018

Northern District Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley is welcomed by Gena Nolan and Martin Mesecke as guest speaker for a recent Membership Luncheon of the Northeast Mississippi Board of REALTORS®.

Karen Glass’s Statewide Broker Visits

Lisa Hollister leading the instruction of the course in Jackson.

Karen Glass engaging with brokers during a roundtable discussion in Jackson.

One of Karen Glass’s goals as President was to offer education specifically for brokers. She admired the roundtable discussions David Griffith initiated during his Presidency and wanted to continue to reach out to brokers in that same roundtable format. With the help of Lisa Hollister came the “Rapid Fire Risk Management for Brokers” course, a free 2-hour elective for brokers presented in 7 locations throughout the state. The name was manifested as Lisa Hollister led the instruction of the course which covered about three days worth of material in 90 minutes. As Karen had imagined, along with the broker class there was allotted time for discussion with the brokers to discover issues they are facing in their market and how MAR might help to improve those pain points. Attendance across the state totaled 239 brokers, all leaving with a better understanding of the unique challenges that brokers face.

Rapid Fire Risk Management for Brokers

Jackson

July 12th

Nesbit

April 11th

Gulfport

July 24th

Hattiesburg

May 10th

Tupelo

Cleveland

June 14th

Columbus

Mississippi Real Estate LEADER / Fall 2018

August 17th September 27th

Reflecting on REALTOR® Safety Month Every September, the National Association of REALTORS® observes REALTOR® Safety Month. NAR provides a variety of safety resources for REALTORS® and for brokers to provide safety leadership for their agents. We can’t just acknowledge these safety resources and tips during REALTOR® Safety Month, however. Unfortunately, incidents involving the safety of REALTORS® occur frequently so we must use REALTOR® Safety Month as a time to reflect and reset your safety strategy and align your best practices for personal safety. Knowledge. Awareness. Empowerment. These are the core components of REALTOR® Safety and NAR has developed webinars, social media messaging, daily tips, and safety plan resources for members and brokers to help you embody these core components in your professional practice. If you are a broker, you are in a position of leadership to provide your agents with the safety plan they need as a real estate professional. According to NAR’s 2018 Member Safety Report, 27 percent said their office does not have a standard procedure for agent safety, and another 27 percent said they did not know if their office had such procedures in place. That leaves only a little less than half of real estate brokerages that have a clear standard procedure policy for agent safety. Don’t wait to have a reason to create such a plan, be proactive in your REALTOR® Safety! To access all of NAR’s safety resources, visit www.NAR.realtor/safety.

Mississippi Real Estate LEADER / Fall 2018

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Video and Audio Surveillance Issues

odern technology increasingly robs us of our privacy. Our phones are tracking our movements in the physical world. Software is following us as we travel around the internet. Banks and credit card companies are compiling our transaction history. And now, cameras are everywhere, recording our movements in public places and even in our own home. This article will discuss what brokers and agents need to know about using audio or video recording devices in listed properties. First, both federal and state laws apply to audio and video surveillance. State statutes regarding audio surveillance vary greatly, but generally require that at least one party being recorded has consented to the recording. Some states require the consent of all parties being recorded. There are some exceptions to this consent requirement for audio recordings made at public gatherings, but as a general rule, real estate professionals making audio recordings should obtain the permissions required under their state law. Video surveillance without an audio recording has a different standard. The standard for evaluating video-only surveillance is whether an individual would have a reasonable expectation of privacy in the location where the recording is taking place. Some states also require the posting of a notice that recording is taking place on the premises. In general, state video surveillance laws would allow video surveillance to take place without the consent of the individuals being recorded anywhere the individual would be visible to the public; for example, on a public sidewalk or even in your yard. This standard requires an examination of the specific facts and circumstances surrounding the video surveillance to determine whether or not the recorded individual had an expectation of privacy. For example, a bathroom will always be considered a private location where video monitoring requires consent, but in some states a recording made in a private residence during an open house may not require consent since an individual may not claim an expectation of privacy. Also, keep in mind that if a video recording also contains an audio recording, you will need to make sure that the surveillance complies with both your state audio and video surveillance laws. With that background, how do you address surveillance devices that owners have placed on properties? First, listing brokers should know whether surveillance devices are present on the property. At least one state REALTOR® association has created an addendum to the listing agreement that requires the property owner to disclose such devices. As I just explained, devices like baby monitors or so-called nanny cams 10

Mississippi Real Estate LEADER / Fall 2018

that make recordings may not be used in some states without the consent of the individuals being recorded. Once the listing broker knows that there are surveillance devices present on the property, they should share this knowledge with anyone visiting the property in order to avoid any later claims that illegal recordings were made. This could either be accomplished by posting notices on the property alerting all visitors to the property that they may be recorded during the visit. If audio recording is being done, then obtaining consent from the visitors may also be required. Another way to disclose the presence of surveillance devices would be to disclose the presence of these devices in the MLS comment fields. At least one MLS has a rule requiring a listing broker to disclose the presence of recording devices on a property. Buyer’s representatives should make sure to make their clients aware of recording devices disclosed or known to them and should consider making this disclosure in writing, such as in an email. While such a disclosure is not legally required since the buyer’s representative is not the one

Buyer’s representatives should make sure to make their clients aware of recording devices disclosed or known to them and should consider making this disclosure in writing, such as in an email. making the recording, it would help protect them from any later allegations if a client later claimed to be unaware of a disclosed recording device. Finally, some real estate professionals have begun using recordings to monitor prospective buyers during property showings. All of the legal considerations just discussed will apply to these recordings. Audio recordings may require consent of all the parties being recorded. The video recording may or may not require consent, depending on the expectation of privacy of those being recorded, but in some states a notice alerting the visitors about the presence of recording equipment may also be required. In addition, it’s highly advisable that the listing broker let the buyers’ representatives know about the presence of recording equipment. From the National Association of REALTORS®, July 5, 2016, www.nar.realtor/videos/window-to-the-law/window-to-the-law-videoand-audio-surveillance-issues

2018 Legislative Issues Survey Results and 2019 Legislative Priorities By Clarke Wise

arlier this month, the Mississippi REALTORS® Board of Directors adopted the 2019 Legislative Priorities for the upcoming Legislative Session. While I am eager to share our legislative goals, I wanted to take a few moments to provide some background and context as to how the list was constructed. Of all the unique and powerful advocacy tools used by the Mississippi REALTORS®, perhaps the most significant and influential component is the annual Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Survey. Each member received an email with a detailed survey with policy questions (as long as they have not “unsubscribed,” blocked, or in some cases, checked their spam folder). The 2019 survey included 16 questions about issues such as Real Estate Licensing Law, infrastructure repair, expansion of internet access to rural areas of Mississippi, changes in Title Law, to ambiguous and arbitrary fees charged at the point of sale by Homeowners Association Management Companies. In addition to the specific topics covered in the survey, members were also provided an opportunity to share comments and suggestions in the survey. This year marks the third time the survey has been delivered to our membership. For some perspective, in 2016, the number of responses was 494. In 2017, the number of responses was 1,212. In 2018, MAR received responses from all 21 local boards and the total number of responses was 1,573! That represents over 25% of the membership in the Mississippi REALTORS®! Because of your participation, the 11

Mississippi Real Estate LEADER / Fall 2018

Legislative survey response growth over the last three years.

Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Committee received some valuable feedback and information to consider for possible action when drafting the legislative priorities for 2019.

Salespersons license for 3 years, 19% for 2 years, and 29% for 1 year. •

When asked about the greatest challenge facing the Real Estate industry, responses included: changing rules and regulations, ease of entry into the industry, lack of inventory, affordable housing, ability to qualify for a loan, and various responses.

•

Over 75% of REALTOR® responses support the idea of expanding internet access to high speed internet to rural and underserved areas of Mississippi.

•

Premises Liability: 94% of responders believe the Mississippi REALTORS® should support policies designed to eliminate frivolous lawsuits against property owners.

•

In the 2019 Legislative Session, there will likely be an effort led by certain Title insurance

Here are some of the key findings from the 2019 Legislative Priorities Survey: •

•

62% of the responders possess a Salespersons license, 19% identify as the Responsible/Managing Broker, and 14% identify as a Broker Associate. Of the 62% of Salespersons, 54% never plan to become the Responsible/Managing Broker, 26% plan to test for a Broker license, but not supervise agents. Ten percent plan to test for a Broker license and become the Responsible/Managing Broker. For those who identified as possessing a Broker license, 41% held a Salespersons license for 4 years or more, 10% held the

companies to amend the title laws in Mississippi. The proponents of this effort claim the law change would result in quicker closings and “streamline” the closing process. Opponents suggest changes are unnecessary, there are unintended consequences and costs that would be passed on to the property owner, and the effort appears to be an attempt to limit the liability of the Title insurance companies. In the survey, REALTORS® were asked if an issue with the chain of title/or any issue with title has delayed or prevented a closing from occurring. Over 80% of responders said “No.” Of the 19% that said yes, over 55% said this has rarely occurred or not frequently enough to justify a major law change. •

One of the issues raised by a local board member was the existence of ‘Transfer Fees’ or unexpected closing costs identified at the point of sale. Some REALTORS® have identified certain Property Management Companies as charging an assessment or fee to transfer the deed or title. In some cases, the unexpected and sometimes undisclosed fee may delay a closing or stop the transaction completely. On the survey, members were asked “The Mississippi REALTORS® should support a policy designed to eliminate “Transfer Fees” and provide transparency throughout the real estate transaction process.” 86% of responders support the policy to eliminate arbitrary and burdensome transfer fees. In addition to the specific policy positions, the survey included an opportunity for members to express any concerns or comments about areas of interest for the Mississippi REALTORS®. There were several comments concerning the adopted Mississippi Real Estate Commission rules on Teams and Advertising, calls for amending Real Estate License law to emphasize experience, responsibilities of serving as a Responsible Broker, and education among Brokers.

The Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Committee took the time to review the hundreds of comments submitted by Mississippi REALTORS®, and after a motion from the committee, a Task Force was formed to thoroughly review all comments from the survey and provide any findings and/ or suggested actions to take. In addition to the survey, the Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Committee reviewed legislative suggestions submitted through the MAR website, and suggestions from individual members. After careful consideration of the issues, the Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Committee adopted the following Legislative Priorities for 2019: 1. Expanding Internet Access to Rural Areas in Mississippi – REALTORS® believe communities flourish when they offer a high quality of life at a reasonable cost. Livable communities offer a variety of affordable housing choices, nearby employment 12

Mississippi Real Estate LEADER / Fall 2018

Adam Watkins giving his President Elect Report which included the proposed list of 2019 Legislative Priorities during the Mississippi REALTORS® Board of Directors meeting at Convention.

opportunities, an economically viable commercial sector, great schools, and infrastructure that provide the framework for the quality of life we enjoy in our communities. To promote livable communities, the government should encourage quality growth by amending outdated laws that prohibit Electric Cooperatives from providing high speed internet access to rural areas of Mississippi. The Mississippi REALTORS® strongly support efforts to increase economic opportunity and connect communities through the expansion of internet access in rural and underserved areas of Mississippi. 2. Oppose Changes to Title laws – A top priority of the Mississippi REALTORS® is to monitor activities in the legislative process to better inform its membership. We believe the economic prosperity of Mississippi is dependent upon the right of the individual to own and freely transfer real property and to exercise and enjoy the benefits of real property ownership. The Mississippi REALTORS® oppose any legislation that could place undue financial or legal burdens on property owners. 3. Provide Disclosure of HOA Management Fees in Residential Real Estate Transactions – Mississippi Code allows Home Owner Association (HOA) Management Companies to charge new homeowners a transfer fee at closing. The transfer fee charged the new homeowner by the Management Company does not benefit the homeowner or the Home Owner Association who hired the Management

Company to perform certain duties for a fee. The transfer fee is not required to be disclosed, frequently appears at the last minute in a buyer’s closing documents and includes consequences to the homeowner if not paid. The transfer fees do not provide a benefit to the consumer and may even prevent a transaction from closing. The Mississippi REALTORS® support legislation to remove burdensome and arbitrary fees, charged to the consumer, at the time of closing. 4. Premises Liability – The Mississippi REALTORS® strongly advocates the reform of tort law in Mississippi because it believes tort reform is an important and necessary vehicle to advance economic development and opportunity. The Mississippi REALTORS® support legislation designed to protect property owners from frivolous lawsuits. At the 2018 Mississippi REALTORS® convention, the Board of Directors reviewed the proposed list of Legislative Priorities and formally adopted the 2019 Legislative Priorities. The 2019 Legislative Session will convene at noon on Tuesday, January 8, 2019. Now that the Board has approved the Legislative Agenda, I will begin contacting, meeting with, and traveling to Legislator’s districts to discuss ways to achieve our strategic objectives and move forward. To be honest, this is one of my favorite elements of my job because I can travel the state and connect Legislators with REALTORS® from all across Mississippi.

To be honest, this is one of my favorite elements of my job because I can travel the state and connect Legislators with REALTORS® from all across Mississippi. most powerful when delivered by YOU. One of the most effective ways we deliver our message is through the State Political Coordinator program. Whether we are attempting to pass the First-Time Homebuyer Savings Account or defeat bills that will negatively impact private property rights, establishing a direct line of communication between legislators and REALTORS® is a difference maker in the public policy process. If you have questions about the 2019 Legislative Priorities, the legislative process, or are interested in serving as a State Political Coordinator, please email cwise@msrealtors.org. Thanks for your commitment to improving communities and building a better Mississippi.

Clarke Wise is MS REALTORS® Vice President of Government Relations. Email him at cwise@msrealtors.org.

And while I love to talk policy and strategy, our message is

Now Accepting Applications for Class of 2019

Leader

18 gra

ss of 20

R Cla shipMA

with duation

Karen

Apply for LeadershipMAR Class of 2019 today! www.msrealtors.org/leadershipmar

Mississippi Real Estate LEADER / Fall 2018

Glass

Recognizing that leadership development is an essential element in the process of improving our Association and profession, the Mississippi Association of REALTORS® administers its LeadershipMAR Program. Through this program, MAR attempts to identify emerging REALTOR® leaders in the state, encourage them with substantive instruction and activities, and assist in sharpening their leadership skills in the hope they will exert a strong positive influence on the future of the Association and profession.

MRI END OF YEAR

COURSE SCHEDULE

ELECTIVE CE ACCREDITED BUYER'S REPRESENTATIVE

Nesbit

Nov 8-9

FAIR HOUSING Hattiesburg

Nov 16

SELL YOURSELF AND YOUR LISTINGS Flowood

Nov 8

REQUIRED CE AGENCY, LICENSE, CONTRACT LAW 9a-6p 2p-6p

2p-6p

Flowood Vicksburg Hattiesburg Tupelo Flowood Nesbit

Nov Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec

7 13 15 15 12 13

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PHOTOGRAPHING YOUR LISTINGS Flowood

Dec 13

11a-1p

PRICING PROPERTIES TO SELL Vicksburg Nesbit

Nov 14 Dec 14

4p-6p 2p-4p

STANDARD FORMS NEW AND IMPROVED Vicksburg Flowood

Nov 14 Dec 13

SALES POST-LICENSE

Flowood

Dec 3-6

BROKER POST-LICENSE Flowood

Nov 12-15

STATE EXAM REVIEW

Flowood

Nov 7

2p-4p 9a-11a 9a-6p 9a-6p

CODE OF ETHICS A NEW TWO-YEAR CYCLE FOR CODE OF ETHICS BEGAN JANUARY 1, 2017. IF YOU HAVE NOT TAKEN CODE OF ETHICS SINCE THEN, THE DEADLINE FOR YOUR TRAINING THIS CYCLE IS DECEMBER 31, 2018. Flowood Vicksburg Hattiesburg Flowood Nesbit

Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec

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OUR ONLINE SCHOOL IS DESIGNED TO ENHANCE AND DEVELOP THE SKILLS YOU NEED TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL REAL ESTATE CAREER BUT WIT FLEXIBILITY AND CONVENIENCE. WWW.REALTORINSTITUTE.ORG/ONLINE-COURSES Courses are added frequently. For additional information and available courses visit

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Mississippi Real Estate LEADER / Fall 2018

We Are a Team Working Toward the Same Goals By Andrea Detrick

OW! What can I say about the direction my life has taken in the last few weeks! The transition from my life as I knew it to taking on the role of the Director of the Mississippi REALTORS® Institute has been a whirlwind. I am excited about this new adventure that seems to be an extension of what I was already loving with a lot more responsibility. The Mississippi REALTORS® Institute Trustees have given me their wish list. Except for Gary Parker’s wish, which is IMMEDIATELY, all their desires are obtainable and geared toward making the classroom better. We know you have a choice in education and we appreciate you choosing the Mississippi REALTORS® Institute as your source. The goals and priorities of the Mississippi REALTORS® Institute is to rewrite and create courses that are relevant and current to our students’ needs while offering designation courses that help each of you in your daily business.

We know you have a choice in education and we appreciate you choosing the Mississippi REALTORS® Institute as your source. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) requires all members to complete the Code of Ethics training every two years. If you have not completed yours, there is still time before the end of the year. We are still offering it around the state. Don’t have time for classroom learning or that’s not your forte? For those of you who enjoy games, we have recently received approval for new courses that are gamificationtype interactive online courses: five different courses for your entire sixteen hours of required continuing education. We are adding new instructors to our cadre and welcome 15

Mississippi Real Estate LEADER / Fall 2018

Ann Prewitt as our newest instructor. We’ve also added two of our existing instructors to teach other courses. We welcome anyone who has an interest in giving back through teaching to give me a call or send me an email… and while we are speaking about instructors, I want to give a big shout out to ALL our instructors and thank you personally for your dedication to the learning experience of our students. I cannot let this moment pass without thanking you for another year of choosing me as your Instructor of the Year! I have loved every minute of being in the classroom with you and all the friends I have made along the way. As I was finishing up this article, two of my students stopped in to visit and shared what they are doing. As always, I invite your input, ideas, and feedback. We are currently putting together a schedule for 2019 classes and will be getting in touch with your association shortly to schedule your education needs. You are always welcome to get in touch with me. We will try to accommodate all requests. We are a team working toward the same goals. The staff works behind the scenes to make it all work. Shannon Humphrey, our course manager, gets your materials to you, your certificates processed and to the Mississippi Real Estate Commission. Tonitia Griffin, the lovely voice you probably hear when you call, is constantly working on scheduling, CE certificates, answering your questions, and a host of other things. Everyone has a hand in education, from marketing and technology to financing. It takes us all. I look forward to what the new year brings and am excited for the journey. Andrea Detrick is MS REALTORS® Institute Director. Email her at adetrick@msrealtors.org.

“We don’t always agree, but we are respectful of each other and our opinions and we can agree to disagree. Come up with solutions, try different things, but the biggest thing is respecting each other.” — Scott & Amanda Overby

Working Together

Advice from Couples Who are Coworkers By Taylor Lesser

cott and Amanda Overby share an office with facing desks but joke that Scott’s giant 27 inch iMac computer screen is the divider for not just their space but for the departments they each oversee. Overby Co. was started in 1983 by Scott Overby’s mother, Phylisee Overby. What was started as a family business has stayed a family business but has come a 16

Mississippi Real Estate LEADER / Fall 2018

long way since its establishment. Overby Co. is now run by Scott Overby and his wife, Amanda Overby, in Jackson. Amanda and Scott met while both working for Six Flags Theme Parks in Washington DC. While not necessarily coworkers at the company, Scott in Operations and Amanda in Marketing and Sales, Amanda points out they have now been working together for 25

years and married for 23 years. It is rare to find coworkers, married or not, that have maintained a healthy working relationship for 25 years, so how do they do it? Scott recalls his mother picking him up from school and taking him to house showings and jokes that he’s been in real estate since 1977, shadowing his mother as a child. Scott and

Amanda often hear from people who had the pleasure of working with his mother, ‘Your mother was always well respected’, which has now formed the foundation of how they choose to treat others and each other. Scott says, “We don’t always agree, but we are respectful of each other and our opinions and we can agree to disagree. Come up with solutions, try different things, but the biggest thing is respecting each other.” Overby Co. consists of three brokerages and three different departments all under one umbrella. Scott heads the commercial department, while Amanda is all residential, and they have additional staff that oversees the land department. “We are involved in so many different things, and some things we do go back and forth on and keep each other up to speed and get opinions on things that affect the business overall. But when we go home at night we can say ‘How was your day honey?’ and we can have a 15 minute recap because we really don’t have an idea because we are doing the same thing but separate things,” says Scott. Amanda shares that the ability to diversify and have a lot of different offerings as a client based company has allowed them to not just be able to spread out risk as business owners but has given them each the separation they need in their working relationship. Scott and Amanda acknowledge their different work styles and play to each other’s strengths. Amanda jokes that her need to cross things off her task list and be fast paced makes her passionate. While Scott is more calm-natured, he needs to take a step back for perspective. For this team, the work style divide is clear; when projects are taskoriented and structured those go 17

Mississippi Real Estate LEADER / Fall 2018

to Amanda; when the company gets projects that more fluid and need to be unfolded those go to Scott. For the couple, it is about being there for each other, whether as coworker or spouse. Scott says his biggest piece of advice is, “Before you open your mouth, think about how you should be answering. Should you be answering as the spouse and partner, or should you be answering as the coworker, boss, broker, or business partner. Sometimes you think the conversation about work is a work conversation, but sometimes the work conversation is a more personal conversation.” A career lesson they have finetuned from working together over the years is there are times you just need to listen and let the other person talk through things, which is true for all coworkers.

Ron and Betty Dubard

Amanda adds, “You need to be really friendly. I think if you’re going to go into business with someone, and you don’t have that working relationship to start out with, are you friendly enough to work together?” For the Overbys, they work together on multiple levels – as husband and wife, as parents of their two daughters, and as business partners. Scott and Amanda make it look easy, and although the couple doesn’t know any different but to work together, Scott highlights that you have to work in any kind of relationship. Located in Greenwood are Ron and Betty Dubard of Dubard Realty. The business opened in 1990 and was just the two of them to start out with, making their working relationship a total of 29 years while being married for 48 years. Ron is the managing

“Two people brainstorming is better than one person trying to solve a problem.” — Ron Dubard

broker and takes on a more administrative position at Dubard Realty in addition to managing their investment properties, while Betty focuses more on listing and selling. Although the couple operates in different positions, they always know what one is working on and going through professionally. When one of them hits a work-related problem they are both there to work through it. Ron states, “Two people brainstorming is better than one person trying to solve a problem.” Inter-office conflict or disagreements are bound to happen but Ron and Betty are always able to talk it out. For them, remembering that Ron is the managing broker and boss helps identify who will be the ultimate decision maker. Betty recognizes how their individual strengths don’t just complement each other as husband and wife but as business partners as well. She shares, “We balance each other out. He’s more to the

Mississippi Real Estate LEADER / Fall 2018

point and authoritative while I am more lenient and trying to see from everyone’s view.” Their mutual interests and goals have certainly added a level of closeness to their marriage but it has also contributed to their growth in their careers as they work together to achieve the same markers of success. After the many years of not just marriage but co-working as well, the Dubard’s advice to anyone’s career in real estate is to keep learning, set goals, and to not work 24/7 every day of the month because you will further develop yourself when you take the time to pursue other interests. Taylor Lesser is MS REALTORS® Marketing and Communications Director. Email her at tlesser@msrealtors.org

Mississippi Veterans’

Home Purchase Program Mississippi Veterans’ Home Purchase Board Must be Mississippi Veteran to qualify

Loans up to $300,000 15 year *3% (APR 3.344%)

30 year *3.25% (APR 3.440%)

• No Origination Fee • No Discount Points • No Processing Fee • No Underwriting Fee

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Mississippi Real Estate LEADER / Fall 2018

2018 Major Donors

Mississippi Real Estate LEADER / Fall 2018

PO Box 321000 • Jackson, MS 39232-1000 • www.msrealtors.org