Insight | July 2012

July

Back by popular demand, the NC REALTORS® 2012 Conference & Expo returns to beautiful, historic Savannah this September. The difference? Our friends from South Carolina are joining us.

Five Minutes With …

Wilson Sherrill is from a sleepy little town in Catawba County and spent his first career at Duke Energy. His second career finds him in Sunset Beach … helping others make their dreams come true.

Being Candid on Camera

Advances in digital photography and userfriendly editing software may make you more of a video producer than you think. Here are eight tips for developing video to help you be a more successful REALTOR®.

BY LOU BALDWIN PRESIDENT

Fruits of Our Labor are Abundant

NEARLY 200 REALTORS® FROM NORTH CAROLINA REPRESENTED YOU AT THE NAR MID-YEAR MEETINGS IN WASHINGTON THE WEEK OF MAY 14-20. MID-YEAR IS NAR’S LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS AND IS ALWAYS EXCITING AS THOUSANDS OF REALTORS® FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY CONVERGE ON OUR NATION’S CAPITAL TO DISCUSS ISSUES OF IMPORTANCE TO OUR INDUSTRY AND TO MEET WITH OUR ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES TO ADVOCATE FOR OUR ASSOCIATION’S POSITIONS.

Although I have attended Mid­Year for most of the past 25 years, this year was special in several ways. First, I was honored to represent you as the president of NCAR. We are the eighth largest state association and are always on the leading edge in advocating for our REALTOR® members. I was also honored to represent you for the 18th year as a federal political coordinator (FPC), working with Sen. Richard Burr and his staff on key REALTOR® issues. This continues to be very rewarding work, and I greatly appreciate the room full of NC REALTORS® who met with Sen. Burr and Sen. Kay Hagan and so professionally and passionately asked questions and shared their insights.

Another reason this year was so special was the REALTOR® Rally. I had the opportunity to stand on stage as 13,500 REALTORS® gathered at the Washington Monument to speak out on private property rights and the importance of the real estate industry to our national economy. If you have not seen pictures or videos of the Rally I encourage you to do so at realtor.org. It was a powerful event for all who attended. The ‘Voice of Real Estate’ was definitely heard throughout Washington.

(Late last month we recognized some of the fruits of years of advocacy in Washington as Congress passed a five­year reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). We were the leading advocates for this important legislation that gives long­term stability to a program that affects 5.6 million business and home owners, including many in North Carolina.)

Just two weeks after returning from Washington, NC REALTORS® converged in Raleigh for our own Legislative Meetings. These meetings were well attended and a great success as our members met with our representatives in the state capital. Again, the fruits of our strong advocacy efforts were recognized soon after the June meetings, as we completed one of our most successful efforts ever for a legislative short session.

For those who participated in the Washington or Raleigh meetings, have given to RPAC or have responded to a call for action, thank you for your role in an important and successful legislative year! You are truly a ‘REALTOR® in the Arena.’

On other pages in this issue of Insight you’ll find information on future opportunities to be engaged at the state level, specifically this month’s Real Estate Summit and our Conference & Expo, held jointly with our neighbors from South Carolina, this September in Savannah. I hope to see you at both!

Sincerely,

Lou Baldwin

North Carolina was very well represented at the REALTOR® Rally in D.C. on May 17.

Key Dates in the Coming Months

July 15-17Regional AE ConferenceYoung Harris, Ga.

July 31Inaugural Real Estate SummitGreensboro

Aug. 8GRI 301: Residential ConstructionGreensboro

Aug. 9GRI 304: Property ManagementGreensboro

Aug. 20-21NAR Leadership SummitChicago

Aug. 20GRI 101: Residential FinancingRaleigh

Aug. 21GRI 102: Creative Listing StrategiesRaleigh

Sept. 8-12NC-SC Conference & ExpoSavannah, Ga.

Oct. 8GRI 201: Business PlanningWilmington

Oct. 9GRI 202: Business EthicsWilmington

Oct. 22GRI 104: Tax PlanningCharlotte

Oct. 23GRI 302: Residential as an InvestmentCharlotte

Nov. 7-12NAR Conference & ExpoOrlando, Fla.

Jan. 22-25Vision Quest/Inaugural MeetingsWilmington

April 22-24NC REALTORS® Legislative MeetingsRaleigh

May 13-17NAR Mid-Year MeetingsWashington

Contact Us: Members of the NC REALTORS® staff can be reached Monday through Friday during regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 336-294-1415 or via email using the person’s first initial and last name@ncrealtors.org. Our fax number is 336-299-7872.

Administrative Andrea Bushnell Executive Vice President 336-808-4220

Anne Shoemaker Chief Operating Officer 336-808-4229

Bryan Jenkins Chief Financial Officer 336-294-3112

Denise Daly Membership Records Coordinator/Bookkeeper 336-808-4223

Sherry Harris Administrative Assistant 336-808-4230

Amanda Lowe Accounting Assistant 336-217-1048

Phyllis Lycan Accountant 336-808-4224

Donna Peterson Executive Assistant 336-808-4221

Sarah Beth Coggin Partners Program Manager 336-217-1047

Blair Wilburn Business Development Manager 336-808-4228

Communications & Marketing

Kevin Brafford Director of Communications and Marketing 336-808-4225

Samantha Ashburn Electronic Communications Manager 336-808-4226

Barbara West Communications Specialist 336-808-4227

Legislative Cady Thomas Director of Government Affairs 919-573-0996

David McGowan Director of Regulatory Affairs 919-573-0994

Julie Woodson Director of Political Communications 919-573-0992

Kristin Miller RPAC Manager 919-573-0995

Nicole Arnold Shared Local GAD 336-808-4237

Professional Development Ellie Edwards Director of Professional Development 336-808-4231

Legal Will Martin General Counsel 336-808-4238

Kay Bailey Legal Assistant 336-808-4235

Events Mandy Lowe Events Director 336-808-4236

Keri Epps-Rashad Meeting Planner and EXPO Manager 336-217-1049

BY KEVIN BRAFFORD EDITOR

Join Us for a Special Event on July 31

GEOGRAPHICALLY, GREENSBORO SITS DARN NEAR SMACK DAB IN THE CENTER OF NORTH CAROLINA. ON TUESDAY, JULY 31, THE CITY – AND SPECIFICALLY GRANDOVER RESORT – WILL BE THE CENTER OF THE INAUGURAL REAL ESTATE SUMMIT HOSTED BY THE NC ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

It’s a full day – beginning at 9:30 a.m. and wrapping up around 4:30 p.m. – featuring a blue­ribbon lineup of diverse speakers who’ll provide compelling insight into North Carolina’s economic future, one that certainly will be heavily dependent on the real estate industry. We think it’s going to be a groundbreaking event, and you’re cordially invited to attend.

A plated luncheon is included as part of your registration. Individual tickets are $125. Table sponsorships, which include reserved seating for seven, are $1,250. While the deadline to register is July 20, keep in mind that to promote audience interaction and maintain an intimate environment, attendance is limited to 250.

The lineup of presenters is extraordinary. It includes Bob Ryan, commissioner of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist, and our NC REALTORS® family member Zan Monroe, an expert in analyzing data in the state’s major markets.

We’ll also be entertained and enlightened by Sue Cole, the founder of Sage Leadership and Strategy, a former regional CEO of U.S. Trust, and the past president of the NC Chamber. And we’ll have two dynamic roundtables – one with economists Dr. Don Jud of UNC Greensboro, Mark Vitner of Wells Fargo and Dr. Mike Walden of N.C. State University (and moderated by our very own Cindy Chandler) – and a second with political strategists Brad Crone of Campaign Connections and Chris Sinclair of Cornerstone Solutions as they ‘crystal ball’ the November elections and the potential economic ramifications on North Carolina.

To register for the Summit, visit our website at www.ncrealtors.org or call 336­294­1415. v

Sherrill Practices, ‘You Have to Give Back’

Sherrills Ford, North Carolina is named after my family. My grandfather came from Pennsylvania as one of the first settlers to arrive in Catawba County, and my family has owned land there ever since. In fact, my brother still lives in the house he and I grew up in, and my daughter and her family live close by.

My formal education is in electrical engineering. I have a two­year technical degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from Gaston Technical College. At the time, this program was a branch of the College of Engineering at North Carolina State University.

After a full career at Duke Energy, I took a voluntary severance package to move permanently to Sunset Beach with my wife. I used funding from my severance package for continued education, and got my real estate license. I have been working as a REALTOR® since March of 2004.

NAME

Wilson Sherrill

LOCATION

Sunset Beach

FIRM

Resort Brokerage & Consulting

LOCAL ASSOCIATION

Brunswick County Association of REALTORS®

My wife, Susie, and I love the beach, and first bought property at Myrtle Beach in 1986. In 2000 we bought property in Sunset Beach, and moved there permanently shortly after. I enjoy selling residential real estate at the coast, because I love helping people make their dreams come true, the way my wife and I saw ours come true.

Susie and I went to the same high school, but did not start dating until I was in college. On June 14th of this year, we celebrated our 48th wedding anniversary with a dinner out for two. Simple celebrations are the best, and that’s all we needed.

I started attending Town Council meetings when we moved to Sunset Beach. I became friends with all of the members, and eventually I was convinced to run for Town Council by the mayor himself. I am currently serving my second four­year term on the Sunset Beach Town Council. Through community involvement, members of my local REALTORS® association saw my ability to work well with others, so I was asked to be an RPAC Trustee and member of NCAR’s Budget and Finance Committee. I was so glad to join RPAC with a leadership role, because RPAC is vital in North Carolina to ensure that quality remains in our legislators and their work.

I wouldn’t change anything about my career in real estate. I had great mentors who taught me the right way to do things and treated me like family. My parents preached to us as kids that ‘you have to give back.’ The only way to succeed in real estate is to be involved in the community in which you live and work. v

I was so glad to join RPAC with a leadership role, because RPAC is vital in North Carolina to ensure that quality remains in our legislators and their work.

“ ”

You’re Invited ... To Historic Savannah

By Kevin Brafford

Escape. Explore. Expand. Emerge.

Digested individually, those are four liberating words. Consumed together as a stream of consciousness, can nirvana be far away?

Well, depending on your starting point and your imagination, the answer may be only a few hundred miles. That could take you to Savannah, site of the 2012 North & South Carolina REALTORS® Conference & Expo, where the buzzwords all begin with ‘E’ and the promise is of ‘F,’ as in fun.

‘We’re excited that our 2012 Conference & Expo returns to Savannah,’ says NC REALTORS® President Lou Baldwin. ‘We had highly successful conventions in this great city in 2006 and in 2009, and we anticipate another great event this September.’

The dates are Sept. 8-12 – that’s a Saturday to Tuesday – and this year’s event is full of ‘extras,’ including hundreds of our peers from South Carolina who’ll join us for a combined Conference & Expo. ‘By combining our events, NC REALTORS® and SC REALTORS® are making the best use of their resources,’ Baldwin says. ‘And because of that, attendees will benefit the most.’

As an acknowledgment to a still slower-than-we’d-like economic recovery, the cost to attend this year’s Conference & Expo has been reduced. The advantage registration rate is only $225, but if you register by Sunday, July 15 and take advantage of special early-bird pricing, you can save an additional $25. To register, simply print and complete the form on Page 15 of this issue of Insight, or register online at www.ncarconvention.org.

Here’s a sampling of the highlights:

u Since we’re partnering with South Carolina, this year’s Expo promises to be one of the best ever. It opens Sunday at 11:30 a.m. and there is an immediate cash drawing for $500 (and yes, you must be present to win). The Expo also is where you’ll gather for a complimentary lunch on Monday, all with an eye on your viewing of the latest goods and services to help you excel in business.

u The keynote address on Sunday is being delivered by Brian Copeland, a fellow REALTOR® and a highly entertaining and enthusiastic speaker. His topic –‘Fever: Redefining Your Business for Today’s Market’ –aligns perfectly with today’s changing marketplace.

u Sunday night’s lavish opening evening reception will feature music provided by Mike Kavanaugh, set poolside at the Westin and overlooking the Savannah River.

u Later that night, you’ll laugh and be entertained through a special competition: ‘Dancing With the R’s.’ Yep, it’s a knockoff of the ABC hit show, and it’ll pit the best of North Carolina versus the best of South Carolina. Do we have a decided advantage in this competition that’ll serve as a fundraiser for RPAC? We think so, but the only way to find out is to show and up and support our teams.

u Monday morning is all about great education through what’s being billed as NC/SC Tech Talk. It’s a BarCamp, a concept growing like gangbusters in the REALTOR® world, and one where we’ll come together and learn together in a rapid-paced, highly interactive platform spotlighting the top tech trends that are shaping the industry.

u Monday night, we’re debuting ‘Dine Around the River,’ a new way to enjoy a meal and experience the

history and splendor of historic Savannah. Participating restaurants within walking distance of the riverfront will offer a variety of cuisine and price points, and tables set for eight to 10 guests will be pre-reserved. To learn more about this exciting and unique culinary opportunity, visit the Conference & Expo Information Desk at any time during the day on Sunday. Reservations can be secured on Sunday only for this special dining experience on Monday night.

u With your bellies full – but hopefully not uncomfortably so – you’ll enjoy ‘REALTORS® on the River’ that night from 8 p.m. until … whenever. You’ll be captivated by all the historic cobblestone River Street has to offer as the sun sets on another glorious day in a historic city.

Escape. Explore. Expand. Emerge. You can do it all this September as NC REALTORS® come together with SC REALTORS® for a memorable and extra-long weekend.

About our Keynote Speaker …

Brian Copeland is a licensed broker with Village Real Estate in Nashville, Tenn., and a proud owner of the CRS designation. He holds a master’s degree in communications from the University of Tennessee, and is currently in the top 1 percent of all agents in his marketplace.

Copeland was the recipient of NAR’s 2010 Technology Advocate Award and has served or serves on NAR’s Professional Standards Committee and the Federal Technology Advisory Board, and in 2011 served as chair of the National Young Professionals Network Board. He is on the national executive committee for CRS and became the emcee for CRS Sellabration in 2010.

Our keynote has appeared on countless reality TV shows, including HGTV’s ‘Good-Buy Bad-Buy,’ ‘House Hunters,’ ‘The Top 25 Home Buying Tips’ and The Learning Channel’s ‘Flip That House.’ v

Tips for Getting the Most From Our Convention

Study Up on Savannah

This marks the third time – all in the past seven years – we’ve taken our marquee event to this amazing city, and one of the reasons why is, well, because it’s an amazing city. Routinely ranked in the ‘Top 10 Places to Visit’ by world­renowned travel publications and websites, Savannah is truly a special place in our world.

The Early Bird Gets BIG Savings

Think we’re kidding? If you register by Sunday, July 15th, your cost for the full Conference & Expo is only $200 (that’s even $75 less than last year’s early­bird price!). Your registration includes all sessions, a lavish reception on Sunday night, complimentary coffee service on Monday and Tuesday, lunch on Monday, and even a mid­afternoon ‘dessert break’ on Monday afternoon.

Circle Friday, Aug. 17 in

Red Ink!

We’ve arranged some excellent rates at our two host hotels –the Westin Savannah Harbor ($176 per night, plus taxes/fees) and the Hyatt Regency Savannah ($159 per night, plus taxes/fees), but to secure these great rates, you’ll need to book your room no later than Aug. 17. You’ll receive a confirmation email once you register for the Conference & Expo, and hotel information will be included in that email.

Sample the Local Flavors, Figuratively

Admittedly, we’re biased, but we believe North Carolina is the best of states in which to work, live and play. That said, we don’t have a city like Savannah. Make – and take – time during your visit to explore one of America’s most historically rich locales. Walking, carriage and trolley tours showcase the outstanding architecture, culture and nuances that give Savannah its soul.

Sample the Local Flavors, Literally

It’s a safe bet that no one will come home hungry. Truly experiencing the Savannah means tasting the unique coastal cuisine, from dishes by famous celebrity chef Paula Deen to the provocative, innovative sea­to­table and farm­to­table offerings of some of America’s top emerging chefs. And don’t for­

get Monday night’s ‘Dine Around the River’ (details in the story at left)!

Prepare a Master Convention Portfolio

With a little planning, you’ll greatly enrich your experience. At registration we’ll provide you an ‘at­a­glance’ schedule of sessions and activities, but in advance you can map out most of it yourself at our website (click on the Conference & Expo logo on the right side of the home page).

Read about Speakers in Advance

This bit of sleuthing will help you decide whom you want to hear most. This advance knowledge will tell you speakers’ backgrounds and interests, which means they’re more likely to keep you engaged with their presentations.

Sit in a Strategic Location During Sessions

You’ve paid your hard­earned money to attend, so you might as well get the most out of these sessions. Sitting where you can gain a clear, unobstructed view of the speaker – most times it’s near the front of the room – enhances your learning experience.

Dress for Comfort … and to Impress

Savannah in September tends to be ideal outdoors, and with climate­controlled rooms, sessions should have ideal temperatures as well. But who’s to say whether the person whose finger is on the thermostat runs hot or cold? To be safe, it’s wise to have a jacket handy at all times.

Learn by Visiting the Expo

Well, one visit’s probably a given since lunch is being provided on Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. But the Expo opens on Sunday, and when you visit for the first time, take casual notice of the products and services offered by all of the exhibitors. Then, take the time to review the exhibits that most piqued your interest, and that will maximize subsequent visits during the next two days.

Always Wear Your Name Tag

The more you’re noticed, the more opportunities you’ll have to

network with your peers (including, this year, our friends from South Carolina). To that end, bring an ample supply of business cards. You never know when you’ll have the opportunity to discuss a business deal, acquire information from an acquaintance or set up post­convention business.

Store Your Receipts in One Place

We want you to save money on the front end (earlybird registration, discounted room rates, etc.), but we want you to save on the back end as well. Most convention expenses are tax­deductible (including meals, which are partially deductible). Save all receipts and keep them in one safe place where you can easily find them next spring.

Share Convention Takeaways With Others

While they’re fresh in your mind as we say our goodbyes on Tuesday, make a list of key insights you’ve gained — and remember to share them with colleagues when you get home. You’ll get an even greater return on the time and money you invested in your trip to Savannah, and you’ll build goodwill among those in your office. v

Professional license defense – North Carolina Real Estate Commission

Commercial and residential real estate litigation – fee disputes, defense of misrepresentation and other claims against real estate agents

Representation of landlords and property managers in lease disputes and evictions

Construction litigation

Risk management guidance for firms and agents – development of specialized forms, policies and procedures

Formation and licensing of real estate firms

BY KRISTIN MILLER RPAC MANAGER

Technology Raffle ‘Uploads’ $66,720 for RPAC

‘YOU HAVE TO PAY TO PLAY.’ DOES THAT PHRASE SOUND FAMILIAR? IF IT DOES, IT’S PERHAPS BECAUSE THOSE ARE THE WORDS YOU HEARD FROM YOUR RPAC TRUSTEES AND CHAIR THIS YEAR AS THEY PROMOTED THE 2012 RPAC TECHNOLOGY RAFFLE.

The statewide raffle had a kickoff date of March 1 and ran through July 4. The grand prize: a 55­inch Samsung 3D/HD/LED television. Other prizes were generously donated by local associations and included technology items such as a $1,000 Sears gift card, a Kindle Fire, a digital camera, an external hard drive, two computer tablets, two iPads, two iPods and four gift cards to Best Buy.

In the months before the raffle drawing, our RPAC trustees traveled around the state and promoted the raffle to hundreds of NC REALTOR® members. With the help of all the local association executives and RPAC chairs, they were able to sell 3,336 tickets, which brought in a total of $66,720. Tickets sold for $20 apiece and members could purchase up to 12 tickets.

The drawing was held on July 5 at our Greensboro headquarters office and streamed live from a website known as UStream, where you can broadcast video live from your very own computer. NCAR President Lou Baldwin drew the names for all 16 prizes. Sean Dyson, a real estate broker from Clayton, won the Samsung TV. He was so excited that he didn’t want to wait for it to be delivered, so instead he drove straight to the store to pick it up!

Keith Gunter, a real estate broker from Mount Airy, won an iPod Touch and said he couldn’t wait to show his children how tech savvy he is going to be with his new Apple device. ‘First of all, I want to thank RPAC for keeping REALTORS® working in the capacity we are able to,’ he says. ‘I have seen many potential pitfalls for us as agents and if it were not for RPAC’s involvement in legislation it would probably be much harder to operate and make sales as often as we do. I am also very appreciative of the iPod Touch that I won and when my teenager’s complain about my 70’s music I will show them who the techie is when I whip out my new iPod.’

Melody Pone of Fayetteville says she invests in RPAC because it gives her a voice in local and national government. Her

investment also netted her a gift card to Best Buy, and she already knows what she is going to purchase. ‘My poor phone is on life support so the gift certificate will go towards an upgrade,’ she says. ‘The big question is, do I stay with Android or switch to an iPhone?’

Even though the RPAC Technology Raffle has come to an end, you can still contribute to RPAC this year and help us reach our goal of $477,735. Thus far, 5,097 members have contributed more than $257,000 to RPAC, which means we are over halfway to achieving our goal. Remember, it’s not what you give, it’s that you give and we are strength in numbers. North Carolina RPAC is the best investment you’ll ever make in your business and yourself.

A full list of the raffle winners can be found below. For more information, contact Kristin Miller at kmiller@ncrealtors.org.

Technology Raffle Winners

NCAR Grand Prize: 55 inch 3D Flat Screen TV

Winner: Sean Dyson, Johnston County Association of REALTORS®

Winston­Salem Regional Association of REALTORS®

$1,000 Sears Gift Card Winner: Connie Cox, Wilmington Regional Association of REALTORS®

Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS® iPad 3

Winner: Michael VanCuren, Outer Banks Association of REALTORS®

Charlotte Regional REALTORS® Association iPad 2

Winner: James Ed Carr, Duplin Sampson Association of REALTORS®

Wilmington Regional Association of REALTORS®

Tablet Computer Winner: Amy Blair, Wilkes County Association of REALTORS®

(continued on page 13)

Raffle Winners (continued)

Wilkes County Association of REALTORS®

Toshiba Thrive Tablet Computer Winner: Teresa Byrd, Johnston County Association of REALTORS®

High Country Association of REALTORS® Kindle Fire Winner: Larry McNeill, Brunswick County Association of REALTORS®

High Point Regional Association of REALTORS®

iPod Touch Winner: Keith Gunter, Surry County Association of REALTORS®

Brunswick County Association of REALTORS®

Digital Camera Winner: Joyce Stroud, GreenvillePitt Association of REALTORS®

Outer banks Association of REALTORS® Portable External Hard Drive Winner: Dave Ferrell, Johnston County Association of REALTORS®

Fayetteville Regional Association of REALTORS®

$250 Best Buy Gift Card Winner: Michael Tavener, Asheville Board of REALTORS®

Greenville Pitt Association of REALTORS® $250

Best Buy Gift Card Winner: Melody Pone, Fayetteville Regional Association of REALTORS®

Gaston County Association of REALTORS® $250

Best Buy Gift Card Winner: Louis Jewel, WinstonSalem Regional Association of REALTORS®

Johnston County Association of REALTORS® $200

Best Buy Gift Card Winner: Liz Dean, Durham Regional Association of REALTORS®

Salisbury Rowan Association of REALTORS® $50 Office Depot Gift Card Winner: Henry Spell, Fayetteville Regional Association of REALTORS®

Charlotte Regional Commercial Board iPod Shuffle Winner: Ray Burton, Greensboro Regional Association of REALTORS®

Important Information Regarding Election of 2013 Officers

ATTENTION NC REALTORS® MEMBERS

THE ELECTIONS OF THE NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® TO SELECT 2013 OFFICERS, NAR DIRECTORS AND ISSUES MOBILIZATION COMMITTEE MEMBER WILL BE HELD AUG. 20-23, 2012. NC REALTORS® MEMBERS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE FOR ELECTED LEADERS FROM ANY LOCATION WITH ACCESS TO THE INTERNET.

Please review the following information and take the appropriate action:

w As approved by the Board of Directors, the electronic method of voting will be the ONLY means by which voters may vote in the Annual Election. As outlined in NC REALTORS® Electronic Voting Policy, an NC REALTORS® member is entitled to vote if he/she: (1) is eligible under the NCAR bylaws to vote in the Annual Election; (2) has provided NCAR with a valid, unique email address; and (3) has not notified NCAR that he/she no longer wishes to receive email messages from NCAR.

w Many members have taken extraordinary measures to prevent junk emails and have indicated in their member record through the local board that they do not wish to receive emails from the NC Association of REALTORS®. Members who have asked for their member record to be marked as such will be unable to vote because their information will not be in the download of information sent to the voting service provider.

w All NC REALTORS® members must have a current, unique email address in the NC REALTORS® (NRDS) system by Tuesday, July 31. Please contact your local REALTOR® Association to update your email address by July 24 to allow adequate time for reporting of changes to NCAR by the July 31 deadline.

w To vote in the Annual Election, you must use your email address and NRDS number on record with the State Association as of July 31 — the same login and password that you use for the NC REALTORS® website or forms. There are some real estate team members who use the same email address and such is recorded in our NRDS system. Please note that the voting system will only allow an email address and NRDS number to be used once.

w Members without an email address on file with the association or have asked that emails be blocked from the NC Association of REALTORS® will NOT receive any election information by any other method of communication, such as mail or facsimile.

w If you need further assistance, NC Association of REALTORS® staff will be available during business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

w Election results will be announced at the general membership meeting of the NC REALTORS® Annual Conference & Expo in Savannah, Ga., on Monday, Sept. 10, and will be posted on www.ncrealtors.org the following day.

When the election begins, you may access the ballot through our website at www.ncrealtors.org and click on the ‘VOTE’ button on our home page. Online Polls will be open 24 hours a day, Eastern Time, from 12:00:01 A.M. on Monday, Aug. 20, 2012, to 11:59:59 P.M. on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2012. v

2013 Officer Candidates and Election Information

Detailed information on each of the candidates is available on our website.

PRESIDENT-ELECT:

Tomp Litchfield, CSSS

The Rich Company, Washington

Washington Beaufort County Board of REALTORS®

ISSUES MOBILIZATION COMMITTEE:

Marlene Peeler, CCIM, CRS, GRI

Prudential Carolinas Realty, Shelby

Charlotte Region Commercial Board of REALTORS®

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS:

Region 1:

David Cross, GREEN

David Cross Real Estate, Elizabeth City

Albemarle Area Association of REALTORS®

David Perrot, ABRM, CDPE, CRB, CRS, GRI, SFR

RE/MAX Ocean Realty, Kill Devil Hills

Outer Banks Association of REALTORS®

Region 3:

Steve Cohen, ABR, CRS, GRI, SRES, e-PRO RE/MAX Homeowners, Ltd., Fayetteville

Fayetteville Regional Association of REALTORS®

Region 4:

Kim Dawson, CRS, GRI, ABR, SRES, TRC

Coldwell Banker – HPW, Chapel Hill

Durham Regional Association of REALTORS®

Region 6:

Patrick Morgan, GRI, e-PRO, GREEN

Cedar Falls Realty, Boone

High Country Association of REALTORS®

Region 8:

Laurie Knudsen, GRI

Helen Adams Realty, Charlotte

Charlotte Regional REALTOR® Association

Region 9:

Billie Green, e-PRO, CNHS

Prudential Lifestyle Realty, Asheville

Asheville Board of REALTORS®

Region 10:

Teresa Pitt, ABR, CRS, GRI, NC Workforce Housing Specialist

Howard Perry & Walston, Raleigh

Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS®

FINANCE AND BUDGET COMMITTEE:

Paul McGill, GRI, e-PRO

McGill Realty, Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem Regional Association of REALTORS®

Christopher Livengood

Intracoastal Realty Corp., Wilmington

Wilmington Regional Association of REALTORS®

Bruce Williams, CRS, GRI, e-PRO

Bruce Williams & Associates, Greensboro

Brunswick County Association of REALTORS®

NAR DIRECTORS:

Treasure Faircloth, CRS, GRI, e-PRO

Allen Tate Company, Inc., Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem Regional Association of REALTORS®

Vic Knight, CREA

Chapel Hill Appraisals, Raleigh

Greater Chapel Hill Association of REALTORS®

Phil Rector, GRI, e-PRO

Rector Realty, Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem Regional Association of REALTORS®

Ronnie Thompson, CRS, GRI, e-PRO, SFR

Thompson Realty, Valdese

Burke County Board of REALTORS®

Bruce Williams, CRS, GRI, e-PRO

Bruce Williams & Associates, Greensboro

Brunswick County Association of REALTORS®

Myra Zollinger, CRS, GRI

Coldwell Banker HPW, Chapel Hill

Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS® v

How to break out of ‘Online Video 101’ and make sure your productions are hitting home and engaging your target audience.

Smile … and be Candid on Camera

By Bridget McCrea

The introduction of digital photography and user-friendly software programs has turned REALTORS® into video producers literally overnight. The agents themselves are handling projects that at one time required photographers, producers, and complicated editing programs. Jessica Edwards is one of those agents. A REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast

Advantage in Wilmington, Edwards started a video blog in January 2009 – even before YouTube would become the online video behemoth that it is today. She’s uploaded two to three new videos weekly since kicking off that effort and says that her YouTube channels gets ‘thousands of views’ per month.

‘Most of the videos are of me in the car chatting about real estate related topics and stories,’ says Edwards. ‘I focus on tangible business information and also post some listing videos.’ Edwards’ expertise in the ‘selfmade’ video arena has led her to discuss the art of producing such shows on panels (at the 2011 Coldwell Banker International Business Conference, for example) in workshops, and in classroom settings.

Here, in her own words, Edwards highlights eight tips for using online video in real estate:

Be yourself

No matter how or what you do with video in real estate, if you don’t come across as yourself you will fail. It is probably the most important element. It is okay to fumble a word or laugh at yourself or whatever. Don’t try to be someone you are not … just be yourself and people will feel that they connect with you in your videos.

Don’t overanalyze yourself

You must not be too critical of yourself or worry too much about how you sound, whether your shirt is smoothed down, or what your hair looks like. Just go with it or you will never get into the habit of using video.

Keep it simple

Don’t overcomplicate the process or your video initiative will end up on the backburner. Videos should be no longer than two to three minutes. Keep it fun as well as lighthearted. Do not script what you are going to say. Instead, think about what you want to get across or the main points and then deliver that information in a natural manner.

Stick with it

Make video a regular part of your business. One video here and another one there does not have the same impact that consistency does. Whatever you choose to do with video, do it regularly and keep it manageable. Your viewers will appreciate it!

Post your videos on different online venues

Take advantage of platforms that are already there to post your videos to. YouTube is a must, as are Facebook, ActiveRain, and Trulia. Also post on your own company’s website. Coldwell Banker, for example, has a YouTube channel that its agents worldwide use to post their videos. If your company offers a similar option be sure to take advantage of it. Smaller firms can set up their own YouTube channels and start attracting viewers on their own.

At a loss for new topics? Think day-to-day

The topics I speak about are real stories and situations that come up in my day-to-day real estate business. Talk about what you know and people will want to listen. If you are producing listing videos, for example, reveal facts about the property that only someone who saw it in person would be aware of. Tell a story and evoke emotions. Rather than just talking about how large the kitchen island is, for instance, paint a picture about how the kitchen will be a great space for entertaining or enjoying a glass of wine with friends.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money

A major misconception with video use is that it costs a lot for equipment and software. This isn’t true. You can get a small flipcam or a product like the Kodak Playtouch digital video camera and use it to produce quality video that will engage viewers. There are various online software options that you can use to edit your shows and get them ready for the web. Your online video initiative doesn’t have to break the bank!

Invest in a few add-ons

Use a handheld mount to keep the camera steady when you are walking through a house and invest in a tripod – a must for camera stabilization. Also check out the wide-angle lenses and external microphones that are available on the market. If you are going to be walking and talking, or talking in an open environment, you’ll want to use this type of microphone (make sure the camcorder you are using has a plug in for this piece of equipment). v

Jessica Edwards talks about relocating to Wilmington in one of her online videos

BY JULIE WOODSON DIRECTOR OF POLITICAL COMMUNICATIONS

Staff Was Successful During Short Session

THE NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADJOURNED A FAST AND FURIOUS SHORT SESSION ON JULY 3. ALL TOLD, 2,195 BILLS WERE INTRODUCED DURING THE 2011-12 BIENNIAL SESSIONS; AND THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS, NC REALTORS® GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS TEAM WAS DIRECTLY INVOLVED WITH PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION THAT WILL IMPACT HOMEOWNERS, REALTORS® AND THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY.

‘This legislative session was about teamwork,’ says Amy Hedgecock, 2012 NCAR Legislative Committee chair. ‘Our government affairs team has worked with REALTOR® leadership and members, legislators, regulatory officials and a broad coalition of business groups to encourage passage of bills that are positive for all stakeholders. Our legislative agenda has been driven by a focus on what’s right for homeowners and how we can strengthen the real estate industry in North Carolina.’

Here’s a brief overview of some of the key issues:

Broker Price Opinions (BPOs)

After careful deliberation and discussion, Senate Bill 521 passed the House and Senate and as of mid­July was in Gov. Perdue’s hands awaiting her signature. The bill allows a broker to provide a BPO for a fee under limited circumstances. A BPO typically includes an inspection of the subject property, relevant neighborhood analysis, local and regional market information and trends, and a description of comparable properties and is prepared by a licensed real estate broker with intimate knowledge of his or her local market. BPOs provide critical information for decision­making and have been widely adopted as a tool in the real estate industry due to their timeliness, cost effectiveness and accuracy.

Mechanics’ Liens

Two mechanics’ liens bills passed both the House and the Senate and were sent to the governor. Senate Bill 42 requires persons furnishing labor or materials on a project to provide written notice to the designated lien agent of the owner in order to preserve the provider’s lien rights. The bill also spells out the duties of the private lien agent, establishes a standardized process for filing notice and addresses permitting requirements for projects where the cost of work being performed exceeds $30,000. This law becomes effective on

April 1, 2013, and applies to improvements to real property for which the first furnishing of labor or materials at the site of the improvements is on or after that date.

House Bill 1052 makes substantial reforms to the mechanic’s lien statutes and is the result of a study committee that met during the interim between the 2011 long session and the 2012 short session. The bill contains provisions to address the perfecting of lien rights, the filing of a claim of lien on real property, actions necessary to enforce a claim of lien, granting and notice of a claim of lien of funds and subrogation rights between the contractor and subcontractor, among other provisions.

Our government affairs staff was part of a full stakeholder group addressing these issues and worked with title insurers to seek continuity in the coverage they provide to buyers in a real estate transaction.

Landlord Tenant Law Revisions

House Bill 493 amends the laws related to the landlord­tenant relationship. It was the goal of the NCAR government affairs staff to address several items of importance to REALTOR® members, including the eviction process timeline, which is often lengthy and greatly increases the landlord’s costs and thus, subsequently, the cost of housing. This bill passed both the House and the Senate and was signed by the governor.

Copper Theft

House Bill 199 addresses the growing problem of theft of nonferrous metals (mainly copper) across North Carolina. We led a business coalition to encourage passage of this legislation, which was ultimately passed by both chambers and signed by the governor.

This legislation will help deter criminals from stealing nonferrous materials as it will cut down on the ease of getting fast money by requiring metals recyclers to be permitted; adding a penalty for purchasing metals without a permit; requiring only check payment for copper; requiring the recycler to get a photo of the seller and the metals being sold; and, protecting the innocent property owners by releasing the owner from any reasonable civil liability and requiring restitution to property owners for damage done by the thief.

Underground Storage Funds and Fracking

As the short session was winding down, the House and Senate both successfully overrode the governor’s vetoes on the Budget Adjustment bill (which successfully returns funds to the Noncommercial Underground Storage Tank Funds) and Senate Bill 820, which legalizes the practice of hydraulic fracturing for natural gas. Although NCAR did not take a formal position on this legislation, government affairs staff was heavily involved in the negotiations regarding disclosure of mineral rights as it relates to a real estate transaction and staff will continue to be involved as state regulatory agencies begin the rulemaking processes.

School Calendar Law Provision

Senate Bill 187(Budget Technical Corrections) was passed in the waning hours of the short session, and it contained an important provision that addresses the concerns of our association with regard to the school calendar. NCAR government affairs staff was successful in getting language inserted that amends the school calendar law by allowing limited flexibility on the school start and end dates while substantially tightening the waiver clause that permits local school districts to opt out of the calendar provisions. This is a huge win for the tourism industry in North Carolina, particularly for our vacation rental managers across the state. The bill was sent to the governor.

Tuesday, July 31st • 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Join a blue-ribbon lineup of vibrant speakers for a glimpse into our state’s economic future at the inaugural Real Estate Summit. Seating is limited, so reserve yours today! Individual tickets are just $125 (tables also are available) and can be purchased by calling 800-443-9956. Deadline to register is July 20th.

the Inaugural

PLATINUM SPONSORS

Coastal Management Policies

House Bill 819 was passed to address the issues of sea level rise and grandfathering of properties subject to CAMA (Coastal Area Management Act) setbacks. This bill limits the ability of the Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) to implement planning requirements based on a 39­inch sea level rise prediction by placing a four­year moratorium on any additional regulations. Instead, the CRC is directed to continue studying the issue of sea level rise and report back to the General Assembly. It also requires the CRC to utilize historical sea level data in addition to future projections and models when calculating anticipated sea level rise. The legislation also requires the CRC to study the feasibility of providing certainty and protection to property owners subject to CAMA setbacks by grandfathering single­family properties greater than 5,000 square feet or multi­family properties four units or less. Current rules would prevent these properties from being rebuilt if they were destroyed beyond 50 percent of their value. v

A complete review of these and other issues is highlighted in the full NCAR Government Affairs Legislative Wrap-up at www.ncrealtors.org.

Summit At A Glance

Morning Presentations

Bob Ryan, commissioner of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA)

Roundtable with economists Dr. Don Jud (UNC Greensboro), Mark Vitner (Wells Fargo) and Dr. Mike Walden (N.C. State University).

Plated Luncheon

Dr. Lawrence Yun, chief economist and senior vice president of research for the National Association of REALTORS®

Afternoon Presentations

Sue Cole, founder of Sage Leadership and Strategy, former regional CEO of U.S. Trust Company and past president of the N.C. Chamber of Commerce

Of donkeys and elephants: Looking ahead to the November elections and its economic ramificationswith political strategists Brad Crone (Campaign Connections) and Chris Sinclair (Cornerstone Solutions).

Zan Monroe, noted author and speaker and an expert in analyzing real estate data for North Carolina’s major markets

Presented by the NC Association of REALTORS®

Dr. Mike Walden

Dr. Lawrence Yun

Sue Cole

(Speakers and schedule subject to change)

Shorty Schooled on New Addendum

Dear Forms Guy: I hear that the Short Sale Addendum (form 2A14­T) changed this past July 1. Is that right? Sincerely, Shorty

Dear Shorty: What you hear is right. The Short Sale Addendum has been substantially rewritten in response to input from brokers and attorney who do significant numbers of short sales. Sincerely, Forms Guy

Shorty: Can you tell me about the changes?

Forms Guy: Sure. For starters, the definition of a ‘short sale’ in paragraph one has been modified slightly so that it will include what are known as ‘strategic short sales,’ which are sales where the lender is willing to release its lien on the property and take less that what it is owed even though the seller has sufficient liquid assets to cover the deficiency. Paragraph 1(b) now reads: ‘Seller does not or may not have sufficient liquid assets to pay the costs of sale …’

Shorty: I thought when I advertised a property in MLS as a potential short sale that I was representing the seller who did not have sufficient assets to pay the costs of sale. Is that not the case?

Forms Guy: Good question, Shorty. If you read the definition of a short sale in the MLS rules carefully, it states that the seller does not bring sufficient liquid assets to the closing to cure all deficiencies, not that the seller does not have sufficient assets. According to NAR staff, the MLS definition of a short sale could include a ‘strategic short sale.’

Shorty: Okay, what else has changed?

Forms Guy: Paragraph 3 has been modified to clarify that the contract is contingent not only on lienholder approval of the short sale contract but also on the seller’s acceptance of the lienholder’s proposed terms for approving the sale.

Shorty: That’s a big change isn’t it?

Forms Guy: In my view, no. The requirement that the seller accept the lienholder’s terms was implicit in the old Addendum. The new Addendum simply makes this requirement explicit. However, there is a big change in paragraph 4. The old Addendum gave the buyer the right to terminate the short sale contract anytime prior to receipt of lienholder approval. The new

Addendum permits both the buyer and the seller to terminate the contract prior to the seller’s notification to buyer that the seller has accepted the lienholder’s terms for approval of the short sale.

Shorty: Why the change?

Forms Guy: This change reflects the practical reality that a seller may decline to go forward with a short sale simply by refusing to accept the lienholder’s proposed terms, and will permit a seller to terminate the contract in a straight­forward manner.

Shorty: My experience has been that most buyers don’t want to do a lot of due diligence until they know the short sale has been approved. Given the big delays in getting a short sale approved, it’s been a problem figuring out the timing of the Due Diligence Period. Does the new Short Sale Addendum address this problem?

Forms Guy: Yes. In paragraph 5 of the new Addendum, the end of the Due Diligence Period and the Settlement Date have been tied to the date that the seller notifies the buyer that the seller has approved the lienholder’s proposed short sale terms. The Due Diligence Period will end 15 days following the seller’s notice to the buyer unless the parties agree otherwise, and the Settlement Date will be 30 days following the seller’s notice to the buyer unless the parties agree otherwise.

Shorty: Great, but how will we fill out the blanks in the Offer to Purchase and Contract for the date that the Due Diligence Period ends and the Settlement Date?

Forms Guy: Good question, Shorty. A ‘Note’ at the end of paragraph 5 instructs the parties to insert ‘See attached Short Sale Addendum’ in those blanks instead of dates.

Shorty: Will the blanks in my forms software be long enough for me to insert that wording?

Forms Guy: Yes. NCAR’s approved forms software vendors have been instructed to lengthen both lines to permit that phrase to be inserted.

Shorty: Are there any other changes?

Forms Guy: Yes, but before I go over them, I would like to respond to what you said about buyers not wanting to do due diligence before short sale approval has been received. Paragraph 5(b) of the new Addendum notifies a buyer of the advantages of doing due diligence on the ‘front end’ rather than waiting on short sale approval.

Shorty: Why would a buyer want to do any due diligence before they know that the short sale has been approved?

Forms Guy: For one thing, if the buyer waits to do inspections until after the short sale has been approved and then determines that the property is undesirable based on the inspections, the buyer will have wasted a lot of time. For another thing, if inspections done early in the process reveal defects in the property, although the lender is unlikely to agree to repair the defects, the buyer is in a better position to negotiate a more favorable purchase price.

Shorty: Okay, I understand. What are the other changes?

Forms Guy: Paragraph 6(a) draws a distinction between the listing agent’s duty to present additional offers to the seller and the obligation to inform lienholders of additional offers and contracts once the seller has submitted a request for a short sale. This is consistent with the Real Estate Commission’s position on disclosure of offers to short sale lienholders.

Shorty: Is that all?

Forms Guy: No. Paragraph 6 of the new Short Sale Addendum handles multiple contracts on the property differently than the Back­Up Contract Addendum (form 2A1­T). The distinction between ‘primary’ and ‘back­up’ contracts doesn’t exist in a short sale situation, so the structure of the Back­Up Contract Addendum just didn’t work well with short sales. Paragraph 6(b) of the new Short Sale Addendum requires the seller to disclose whether there are existing contracts on the property and Paragraph 6(c) makes it clear that the seller may enter into contracts with other buyers, or substitute a different contract for lienholder consideration, or withdraw the buyer’s contract from consideration. Of course, as noted earlier, the buyer or seller can terminate the contract at any time up until the buyer has been notified that the seller has accepted the lienholders short sale terms. But so long as neither party terminates the contract, paragraph 6(d) also requires the seller to keep the buyer posted on all developments affecting the contract, such as the seller’s acceptance of another contract, or short sale approval of another contract, or seller’s closing on another contract.

And because it’s not necessary or even appropriate to use the Back­Up Contract Addendum with the new Short Sale Addendum, a ‘Note’ has been added under the names of both the Short Sale Addendum and the Back­Up Contract

Addendum instructing agents not to use the Back­Up Contract Addendum in a short sale situation where there are multiple contracts.

Shorty: Wow, that’s a big change.

Forms Guy: I agree, but again, it reflects the reality that short sales work differently than ‘traditional’ sales.

Shorty: What happens if there are two contracts on the property and neither of the buyers terminates their contract? The seller can’t sell the property to both of them!

Forms Guy: Good point, Shorty. Paragraph 6(e) states that if it’s not sooner terminated, the contract becomes null and void if the seller closes on another contract, and the buyer is entitled to a refund of any earnest money deposit.

Shorty: Is that all?

Forms Guy: One last thing, Shorty. A new ‘Bankruptcy’ paragraph has been added that requires the seller to represent whether the seller is in bankruptcy and to notify the buyer if the seller files for bankruptcy after the contract is formed.

Shorty: Thanks for all the info, Forms Guy!

Forms Guy: You’re welcome, Shorty. I hope this new Short Sale Addendum works well for you. And thank you for your efforts in helping get distressed properties through the system. I know it’s tough and sometimes thankless work, but you’re playing an important role in getting our economy back on its feet. v

Key Details on Forms Changes

Effective July 1, several NCAR forms in addition to the Short Sale Addendum have been updated. A summary of the changes is available on the Legal Department page of NCAR’s website ncrealtors.org under ‘Standard Forms’ and ‘Summary of Forms Changes.’

The revised forms are available in the ‘Forms and Contracts’ section of our site, and they have been sent to each of NCAR’s forms software providers to incorporate into their respective forms software programs. Questions about the rollout date for a forms software program should be directed to the vendor.

There is a 60­day grace period during which NCAR members may transition to the revised forms. Older versions of forms that have been updated should not be used after Aug. 31, 2012. v

Inside the Industry – Beyond Murphy to Manteo

Workers Wanted as Arizona Rebounds

After taking one of the hardest hits from the economic recession of 2006, Arizona is on the upturn in a drastic way. Arizona’s builders are now scrounging for workers as demand for new homes climbs. Building permits are at a three­year high, creating a scarcity of workers in a market that has increased jobs by 10 percent. This is the biggest gain of any industry in the state, according to Arizona’s Office of Employment and Population Statistics.

Successful ‘Recruiting’ in Ohio City

Mayor Mike Bell is determined to put Toledo, Ohio, on the international map for travel and tourism. Although only the fourth largest city in Ohio, Toledo lies at the junction between two major interstate highways. After making repeated visits to China to court potential investors, Bell’s efforts paid off. In March 2011, a Chinese investor paid $2.15 million cash for a restaurant complex by the city’s Maumee River, following another $3.8 million on 69 acres of newly decontaminated land in the city’s Marina District, promising $200 million and more investors to come.

Mobile Homes for Investment Moguls

A Harper, Kan., woman has uprooted for a real estate investment opportunity: buy used doublewide trailers, fix them up and rent them out. Workers are flocking to the oil boomtowns of southern Kansas seeking high­paying jobs, but the influx has created a housing shortage in these small farming communities, causing rents to skyrocket. Enterprising residents are turning into real estate moguls, renting out everything from doublewides to rooms in an old bank for as much as $2,000 a month.

Rising Sea Levels a Concern Out West

The California coast is predicted to rise more than a foot in the next two decades, threatening airports, freeways, ports and houses, according to a report examining risks along the U.S. West Coast. Rising sea levels along the California, Oregon and Washington coasts would confront commercial and residential developments that abut the Pacific Ocean. The danger is already present with airports, naval stations, freeways, stadiums and housing only a few feet above current high­tide levels. Global warming, according to the National Research Council, is the cause.

British Farms Worth Their Weight in Gold

The price of British farms is expected to rise higher than any other class of real estate in Europe over the next four years. Farmland values are forecasted to rise 37 percent by 2016, beating expected growth for both gold and oil. As global food demands increase, properties known for their wheat and grain crops are now coveted for their potential investment yield.

Colorado Remains on Alert for Wildfires

Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper claims that 2012 is going to be ‘the worst fire season in the history of Colorado.’ Recently 32,000 people have been evacuated from their homes, without a solution in sight. The Waldo Canyon Fire, which roared through at least 6,200 acres of dry timber in late June, garnered nationwide attention because of its proximity to landmarks like the famed mountaintop of Pikes Peak and the Air Force Academy. With summer just beginning, the potential for future fires is high.

Brokerage Owner Helps Police Bust Agent

A Canadian brokerage owner helped police in a two­year investigation against one of his own agents for selling several homes that were later seized by police as marijuana growing operations. The broker became suspicious after he noticed that three of the four homes recently added to Ontario’s Marijuana Grow­Op Registry were sold by one of his independent contractors. The agent was linked to at least eight marijuana­growing homes, with the estimated street value of the marijuana seized from the homes at more than $7 million.

CEO New Owner of Hawaiian Island

Not only was Larry Ellison ranked as Forbes’ 2012 sixth wealthiest person in the world, he recently purchased the Hawaiian island of Lanai for an estimated $600 million. The island boasts 3,200 residents and attracts more than 26,000 tourists a year. With a reported net worth of $36 billion, the perks of being CEO for Oracle Corp, based in the Bay Area of Northern California, are expansive, to say the least. Ellison also owns the Golden State Warriors, a pro basketball team.

Massachusetts’ Foreclosure Ruling

While the Massachusetts Supreme Court has declared that foreclosure sales are valid only if the lender holds both

the mortgage and the underlying note to the property, future lawsuits on completed foreclosures will not flood the industry because the ruling does not grandfather in past disputes. Moreover, the role of the Mortgage Electronic Registration System is validated in the court’s interpretation of state law.

Stay Tidy, or Face Consequences

The village board of Massapequa Park in Long Island, N.Y., approved unanimously a law that would fine and eventually jail homeowners who don’t maintain their yards. Lawn offenses include failure to mow the grass, broken gutters, litter, boarded­up doors and windows, graffiti and full dumpsters in view. Violators will face up to a $1,000 fine for the first offense. Consequences then escalate to jail time of 15 days combined with a $10,000 fine for three offenses in five years.

Katrina Comeback

Committee Requests Now Being Accepted

Are you interested in giving of your time and talents to serve on a NC Association of REALTORS® committee in 2013? If so, keep in mind that requests are now being accepted but only through Aug. 31.

Interested members can access the online committee request form on our website (www.ncrealtors.org). On the left toolbar, click on ‘Committees, Groups & Boards.’ From there, in the gray box on the right, click on ‘Make Committee Assignment Request.’ That’s all you have to do!

If you would like additional information regarding the 2013 NC REALTORS® committee selection process, please get in touch with Donna Peterson at 336-808-4221 or dpeterson@ncrealtors.org.

The North Carolina Association of REALTORS® Would Like to Thank Our Sponsors... Silver

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Gold Platinum INSIGHT July 2012 27

BY ANDREA BUSHNELL EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

To Grow, We Must Ask the Hard Questions

THERE IS GOOD NEWS IN THE AIR. I HAVE RECENTLY READ THE 2012 BROKERAGE PERFORMANCE REPORT PUBLISHED BY REAL TRENDS. THIS BENCHMARKING SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS THE FACT THAT THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY IS FINALLY STARTING TO TURN THE CORNER TO PROFITABILITY AGAIN.

While every company is different and there are many ways to achieve profitability, it is heartening to see that 77 percent of all the companies measured by REAL Trends operated at or above break­even profitability. This is in contrast the 44 percent and 33 percent profitability measurement reported the prior two years. There are, of course, many other MLS statistics and related articles that also prove out the real estate market recovery. One only needs to spend 15 minutes on Facebook to ‘experience’ the pick­up in the market. And it seems a REALTOR® needs only to leave town to have the greatest activity occur. I say that in jest, of course, but how wonderful that our members can, first off, afford to get out of town for a few days and, secondly, have to worry about their businesses during their absence. It seems that it has been a long drought to get to this place.

It would stand to reason then that we could all go back to doing what we were doing, how we were doing it until a few years ago. Sounds reasonable, but it just cannot be. The real estate industry is vastly different and the REALTOR® organization must reinvent itself, must provide business services that cannot be easily obtained elsewhere and that must add significant value to every member. It is no longer enough, for example, to provide Professional Standards services to those who ascribe to a Code of Ethics. Don’t get me wrong, as this is incredibly important, but most members no longer seek membership because it allows them to distinguish themselves ethically. The NC Association of REALTORS® has long provided additional services that matter to the members. One example of such services is the standardized forms that allow our members to practice real estate with much reduced risk. Another is this magazine, which enjoys a very high readership and appreciation by our members. While example after example exists, our members nevertheless need and are now asking for different kind of services.

Further, our members are asking for services that will be difficult to deliver – not because they are technically difficult to deliver but because they are politically difficult to deliver. With that said, the Board of Directors approved a new Strategic Plan in June that calls for bold initiatives by NCAR. For example, organized real estate is getting increasingly more politically active and assertive. In response, NCAR has adopted a goal to ensure that, by 2016, all local associations and members have access to and representation by a government affairs director who will increase awareness of the political issues impacting the businesses of our members and private property rights as well as increasing the political activism and effectiveness of the association at all levels of government. Another example is the adoption of a goal that will result in increased educational standards leading to higher levels of competency in the professional real estate industry. I can already hear the potential pushback to these efforts, among others. There will be many questions asked, and there will be much debate on how to achieve these and other initiatives. All of this, however, is necessary for organizational growth.

One thing I know for certain is that if we don’t strive to change how we approach our business both individually and as a group, the real estate industry as we know it – as it has been defined and protected by the REALTOR® organization – will cease to exist. It is time to ask the hard questions. Perhaps it is time to start raising the bar to membership – an initiative currently being investigated by NAR. Perhaps it’s time to re­examine the structural relationships and divisions between organizations. There have been battles in the past, and there will be battles in the future about difficult issues, but remember that some of the best parts of the REALTOR® organization arose out of such conflicts – including the Code of Ethics and the Standards of Practice that interpret said code.

President Lou Baldwin’s theme for the year is REALTORS® in the Arena. How very fitting and appropriate as we struggle together, through the end of President Lou’s year and into President Patrice Willett’s year, fighting for relevancy. But struggles aside, surely as the market improves it will be easier to approach these issues with a positive attitude and an open mind. I remain ever optimistic. v