September means many things: the end of summer, the beginning of a new school year, the opening of football season, and a change of seasons from summer to fall. But for REALTORS®, it also signifies a renewed emphasis on personal safety. Since 2013, September has been known as National REALTOR® Safety Month. Its purpose is to make real estate professionals aware that the practice of real estate—which can be exciting, inspiring, and rewarding—also can be risky and to suggest ways in which they can mitigate that risk without diminishing their effectiveness. on pages 22–27
Back to Basics: REALTOR® Safety Tips and Tools
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Priority Because of their potential vulnerability, President Adam Rodell encourages REALTORS ® to wear safety devices, take lessons in self-defense, and increase their situational awareness.
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COVER STORY 23 13 Ways to Stay Safe Sherri Butterfield lists thirteen simple precautions REALTORS ® can take to stay safe on the job. 24 Wearable Safety Devices Sabrina Blair describes some fashionable accessories that can enhance personal safety. 26 Five Curious Characters and Lessons Learned Michelle McCann observes that not all risks in real estate are life threatening or dangerous and describes several that offer an element of humor.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 8 Making Safety a Year-Round
Since 2013, September has been known as National REALTOR® Safety Month. Its purpose is to make real estate professionals aware that the practice of real estate—which can be exciting, inspiring, and rewarding—also can be risky. In keeping with this theme, several of the articles in this issue of OC REALTOR® offer suggestions about ways in which you can mitigate the risks without diminishing your effectiveness or your enjoyment of the process. | 2022
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Marking a Memory: Proper Use of the REALTOR® Trademark Tiffany Gardner Wood explains why it is important to protect the meaning and value of the REALTOR® trademark by using it carefully and correctly.
18 Leadership Academy Graduates Sabrina Blair offers congratulations to the fifth class of Leadership Academy Graduates following their graduation on June 28.
Alumni: Where Are They Now? Sabrina Blair asks two Orange County REALTORS ® Leadership Academy Graduates what they gained from their Academy experience, where their leadership journey has taken them, and what they would say to others about enrolling in the Academy. | OCTOBER 2022 8 24 26 28 31
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31 The Orange County Housing Update: JawDropping Year-Over-Year Changes Steven Thomas says that the differences between this year and last year are startling. More homes are available, but mortgage rates are higher, demand is lower, and market times are longer. 34 Orange County REALTORS® Go to Washington Eileen Oldroyd recounts the adventures she had and tells what she learned while on a Chamber of Commerce trip to the nation’s capital.
ON THE COVER: BACK TO BASICS
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REALTORS® Do More!
11DEPARTMENTS Names in the News 20 Education Central: Upcoming Classes by Track 8EVENTS
OC REALTOR® (USPS 025-445, ISSN 1945-2179) Volume 13, Issue 5, is published by Orange County REALTORS®, 25552 La Paz Road, Laguna Hills, CA 92653. Periodicals postage paid at Laguna Beach, CA, and additional mailing offices.
Follow us on social media ORANGE COUNTY REALTOR® MAGAZINE Erin SteveChipPaulLoriJeffreyLenMicheleChristinaBobMattBarryCortezFoxFuHarringtonHermanJacksonJonesLePageMcAllisterMino Ed LisaStuartLynneMaryLacyRandyVinilPamelaEileenMolinaOldroydPedegoRamchandranRectorRobertsonRamponeSuzanskiThomasYi 2022 BOARD OF MAGAZINEDIRECTORSSTAFF2022OFFICERS Adam Rodell President Scott White President-Elect Joyce Endo Treasurer Lori Namazi Immediate Past President Dave Stefanides Chief Executive Officer Sabrina Blair Director of Communications sabrina@ocrealtors.org Sherri Butterfield Communications Specialist sherri@ocrealtors.org Breanna Reed Accounting Administrator Ivanbreanna@ocrealtors.orgSalmeron Print & Marketing Specialist ivan@ocrealtors.org 25552 La Paz Road Laguna Hills, CA 949-586-680092653 10540 Talbert Avenue, Ste. 225 West Fountain Valley, CA 714-375-931392708 Online Magazine Love OC REALTOR®? Did you know that you can read it online, anytime? Read past issues at www.ocrealtors.org/magazine Mission Statement The mission of Orange County REALTORS® is to promote the REALTOR® Code of Ethics; to provide education, services, and resources to our members; and to advocate the protection of real property rights.
Print and Marketing Specialist Ivan Salmeron has scrawled “Back to Basics” in chalk on a blackboard, evoking a back-toschool feel as a way of reminding readers of the need for a quick refresher course in personal safety.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Orange County REALTORS®, 25552 La Paz Road, Laguna Hills, CA 92653-5127. Annual membership dues include $6.09 for a one-year (6 issues) subscription to OC REALTOR® magazine. OC REALTOR® cannot be responsible for unsolicited materials.
Publisher: Orange County REALTORS® Printer: The Monaco Group
Notice to All Members It is the long-established policy of this Association, California Association of REALTORS®, and the National Association of REALTORS® to adhere to both the letter and spirit of the federal and state antitrust laws. For their own protection, members should be aware of the antitrust laws as they affect their specific business activities. Any illegal activity under the state and federal antitrust laws is not in compliance with Association policy, nor is it in the interests of the Association or its members. Participation in Association activities must occur only in harmony with these very important laws. Federal law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, or national origin in connection with the sale or rental of residential real estate, in advertising the sale or rental of housing, in the financing of housing, and in the provision of real estate brokerage services. The OC REALTOR® editor reserves the right to review and edit all submissions. Orange County REALTORS® makes no warranties and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. The opinions expressed in articles are not necessarily the opinions of Orange County REALTORS®. Orange County REALTORS® does not necessarily endorse the companies, products, or services advertised in this magazine unless specifically stated.
Words and pictures tell the story of the Recognition Luncheon at which Orange County REALTORS ® honored more than eighty of its REALTOR® and Affiliate members as 2022 Community Leaders for excellence in volunteerism and for being an inspiration to others.
REALTORS® S eptember means many things: the end of summer, the beginning of a new school year, the opening of football season, and a change of seasons from summer to fall. But for REALTORS®, it also signifies a renewed emphasis on personal safety. Since 2013, September has been known as National REALTOR® Safety Month. Its purpose is to make real estate professionals aware that the practice of real estate—which can be exciting, inspiring, and rewarding—also can be risky. REALTORS® sometimes work alone or late at night, may be asked to drive to remote locations, and may meet strangers at vacant properties. Thus, their job description is, in some ways, a recipe for increased risk.
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
September is REALTOR® Safety Month, but REALTOR® safety should be top-of-mind all year long.
By Adam Rodell 2022
ORANGEPRESIDENT,COUNTY
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Under these circumstances, what can a REALTOR® do? Prepare in advance. Arm yourself with one or more wearable safety devices (for some ideas, see the article on pages 24–25 in this issue of OC REALTOR ®), take lessons in self-defense (especially from REALTOR® safety experts), and increase your situational awareness to the point that you are willing to trust your instinct when you have the disturbing sense that something just is not right. 23 percent of REALTORS® reported having experienced a situation that made them fear for their personal safety or the security of their personal information, and 31 percent felt unsafe during an open house; but 38 percent have participated in a self-defense class, and 46 percent of men and 50 percent of women now carry a self-defense weapon or tool. Each year, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) uses September as an opportunity to remind agents of their potential vulnerability and to suggest some basic safety precautions they can take to reduce that vulnerability, such as
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Through the years, NAR’s efforts to make REALTORS® more aware of their surroundings, more alert to potential threats, and more knowledgeable about the actions they can take in self-defense have produced the following results: Meet prospects and clients you have never met before in the office rather than at the property you plan to show, outdoor locations, or at your home. Require that all first-time clients provide a driver’s license, state ID, or other official photo ID, and retain a copy in the office for security purposes. Educate everyone in the office about a single distress code agents can use when they call in if they are feeling Developthreatened.abuddy system so agents do not go out alone to meet clients or make client calls.
According to a recent report by REALTOR® Safety expert Andrew Woolen (which was posted on Homes.com), “The past year has been the most violent for the real estate industry, with a noticeable increase in assaults, murders, and suicides of real estate professionals.” The primary purpose of the study on which Woolen reports was to discover some commonalities among these incidents as a way of giving individual real estate agents additional insight into how better to protect themselves. Although the study produced few conclusions about the types of REALTORS® targeted, it did reveal some common threads among the attacks. For example, most of the attacks took place on Thursday or Friday afternoon in places other than major metropolitan areas. Although most of the victims were women, roughly 30 percent were men. About half of the attacks involved guns. And several of the attacks resulted in murder even though robbery had been the original intent.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
THE NEWS NAMES IN THE NEWS
Congratulations to Our New Officers! As the result of an election held during the Orange County REALTORS® Board of Directors meeting on July 6, Jeffrey Jackson will serve as President-Elect in 2023 and as President in 2024, and Charleen Nagata Newhouse will serve as Treasurer in 2023. AREAA OC Chapter Is a Winner In the 2022 Best of AREAA Competition In anticipation of the 2022 National Convention, AREAA Unplugged, the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) has announced the seven chapters that are winners of the 2022 Best of AREAA Competition. Winning in the Social Media category is the CA Orange County chapter. Other winning chapters include Greater East Bay for Community Outreach, Silicon Valley for Installation, Ventura County for Rising Star, Boston for Policy, and Houston for Membership. Atlanta Metro was named Chapter of the Year. All seven chapters will be recognized officially during the National Convention on October 20–22 in San Diego.
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Jeffrey Jackson Charleen Nagata Newhouse Jeff is the risk manager for Realty One Group West, with an office in Mission Viejo. He was born and raised predominantly in Indiana but spent his junior high and high school years in Celina, Ohio. In 1995, he graduated from the Robert H. McKinney Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis. From 1998 until 2010, he was in private practice in Southern Indiana as an attorney focusing on bankruptcy, criminal, and real estate issues. In 2010, Jeff moved to Orange County, California. After obtaining his real estate license in 2014, he quickly became involved in Orange County REALTORS® (OCR), where he has served on many committees, including Local Government Relations South, Professional Standards, Bylaws, Credentials, Political Affairs and Elections, and Risk Management. First elected to the OCR Board of Directors in 2018, Jeff was reelected in 2021. He has been a California Association of REALTORS® (CAR) Director since 2016 and has served the National Association of REALTORS® as Federal Political Coordinator for Congresswoman Katie Porter (D-CA 45th District) since 2019. Jeff enjoys listening to jazz, following sports, and keeping up with current events. His goal is to be the best person he can be “as an officer, a Director, and a REALTOR®.” Charleen has been a licensed REALTOR® and a member of Orange County REALTORS® for twenty-four years. During that time, she has served on several OCR committees, including the Finance Committee, the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) Committee, and the Education Committee. She served on the OCR Board of Directors from 2018 to 2021 and was reelected in 2022. Charleen said that her goal as a Director was “to continue the great progress made by Orange County REALTORS® by teaching and instilling professionalism in current and future members.” As part of the Realty One Group, Charleen started a mentoring program in which she educates and guides new agents in ways that help them build successful businesses. When Charleen is not working with clients or mentoring less-experienced agents, she enjoys spending time with her family and her dog, a chocolate lab. For fun, she loves to travel and shop.
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Hall of Fame inductees are people who, through their achievements and leadership, have reached elite levels of career success, philanthropic and community involvement, and service to the homebuilding industry. State Senator Dave Min Secures $16,950,000 in State Funding for OCFA Wildland Hand Crew Station
San Clemente City Manager Eric Sund Announces His Resignation In mid-August, San Clemente City Manager Eric Sund announced that he was resigning effective September 9 and would take a new job in the same role in the 5,000-resident community of Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains. Sund was hired for the San Clemente position in May 2021 after serving alongside previous City Managers James Makshanoff and Bob Dunek for six years.
Hall of Fame Inductees Among those inducted into the California Homebuilding Foundation Hall of Fame on June 21 were Lucy Dunn, Emile Haddad, and John Norman For sixteen years, Lucy Dunn served as president and chief executive officer of the Orange County Business Council, working with business leaders, academia, and government to ensure economic prosperity and a high quality of life for Orange County residents. Emile Haddad, founder and chairman emeritus of Five Point Holdings, LLC, has long been active in the development and homebuilding industries and leads several key initiatives to create more housing for all income levels in California. John Norman has forty-two years of combined consulting and homebuilding experience in implementing master-planned communities, infill, and mid-rise mixed-use projects.
Edita, Owner Cell: Office:949-463-7478949-481-6929 Call me for a FREE estimate! Residential • Commercial • Bonded • Insured www.rehousecleaning.com For more details visit our website • House sale preparation • Maintaining between showings • Move in / move out • We also provide windows washing, carpet steam cleaning, pressure washing • Airbnb cleaning service • 28 years of experience • Every service will be check by supervisor or owner • Free estimates, tax deductible invoices • Cleaning HOA properties • Vendor for managementproperty • Cleaning Vacation properties Your success is our priority! Real CleaningEstateServices is focused on delivering high quality cleaning services throughout the real estate transaction. NAMES IN THE NEWS California FoundationHomebuildingNames2022
Because of the efforts of state Senator Dave Min (D–Costa Mesa), the California State Budget signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on June 30 includes $16,950,000 in funding for a Wildland Hand Crew Station, vehicles, and equipment. In 2021, Senator Min visited the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) to discuss funding he had secured for the Alert Wildfire Program, which operates across the state to identify and confirm signs of wildfire. At that time, Senator Min was keenly aware of the threat that wildfire posed to his district and sought to understand more fully both OCFA’s role in the local, state, and regional fire mission and the resources available to support that mission. Although the original budget as proposed in January 2022 included increased funding for wildland hand crews for year-round vegetation management, it did not address the need to house crew personnel and equipment. The funds Senator Min secured are intended to address this need.
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ButterfieldMarion Amplify Energy Agrees to Pay for Damage Done by October 2021 Oil Spill Amplify Energy Corporation, whose ruptured pipeline released about 25,000 gallons of oil off the coast of Huntington Beach in October 2021, will cover the costs Orange County incurred while cleaning up the spill. The spill closed beaches along the Orange County coast for about a week, restricted offshore fishing for six weeks, and killed at least 82 birds and six mammals. Cleanup efforts involved hundreds of workers and took about three months. Orange County had filed a claim with Amplify; and on July 26, 2022, the Orange County Board of Supervisors agreed to accept a proposed $956,352 settlement with the company. The two largest portions of the settlement are $238,000, which will go to the County Public Works Department, and nearly $137,000, which will go to the Sheriff’s Department, which operates the Harbor Patrol.
REALTORS® Attend Meet and Greet for Temecula Mayor Matt Rahn Temecula Mayor Matt Rahn is seeking to represent District 71 in the California Assembly. Mayor Rahn earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Nevada, a Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis, and a law degree from the University of San Diego. He has more than two decades of experience in research, higher education, public policy, and public safety. He believes that a good representative must be a great public servant—"fair, transparent, and accessible.” Mayor Rahn wants to protect Proposition 13 and cut middle-class taxes. He supports local control and wants to “bring balance back to Sacramento.”
Among the REALTORS® who attended a July 21 meet and greet for Mayor Rahn at Tutto Fresco in Rancho Santa Margarita were Rita Tayenaka (shown with Mayor Rahn in the upper photo), and Lisa Dunn and Mission Viejo Council Member Brian Goodell (shown with Mayor Rahn in the lower photo).
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The election will take place on Tuesday, November 8.
UCI Hosts Government Affairs Directors and Elected Officials During Rams Camp While the Los Angeles Rams were using the University of California, Irvine, as their training camp, UCI set up a VIP tent, where it welcomed government affairs directors and local elected officials. Pictured during an early-August visit to the tent are (in the back row, from left to right) Victor Cao, who is senior vice president of local public affairs for the California Apartment Association, Irvine City Councilwoman Tammy Kim, Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, State Senator Dave Min, Irvine Vice Mayor Anthony Kuo, Assemblywoman Janet Nguyen, and Irvine Company Public Relations Manager Peggy Cheng In the front row (left to right) are UCI Government Affairs Director Amanda Walsh and Orange County REALTORS® Director of Public Affairs Dirissy Doan. Mission Viejo Will Implement District Voting in 2022 In 2018, the nonprofit Southwest Voter Registration Education Project sued Mission Viejo, claiming that the city’s system of at-large voting diluted Latino votes and calling for the city to implement a district system. In response, the City Council suggested cumulative voting. Although this system was approved by the Orange County Superior Court in 2018, the California Secretary of State said that Mission Viejo would need to seek legislative approval before implementing that system. Rather than take the time required to gain approval, the Mission Viejo City Council hired a demographer to lay out five districts and voted to change from a voting system in which all council members are elected at large, two in one year and three two years later, to a system in which members of the City Council will be elected by district and all five members will be up for reelection at the same time, in November 2022. The five sitting council members are candidates to represent the following districts: 6. Laguna Niguel 7. Poway 8. Mission Viejo 9. Rancho Palos Verdes 10. Thousand OaksDistrict 2, Council Member Brian Goodell District 3, Mayor Pro Tem Ed Sachs and Council Member Greg Raths District 4, Council Member Trish Kelley District 5, Mayor Wendy Bucknum
Five Orange County Cities Rank Among the Safest in California When SafeWise, a security product review platform, ranked more than fifty California cities this year, five Orange County cities were among the safest. These cities are Rancho Santa Margarita, Aliso Viejo, Yorba Linda, Laguna Niguel, and Mission Viejo. According to SafeWise, the ten safest cities in the Golden State are 1. Danville 2. Rancho Santa Margarita 3. Moorpark 4. Aliso Viejo 5. Yorba Linda In compiling the list, SafeWise used recent crime statistics and data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Census Bureau, and the Gun Violence Archive. SafeWise also included demographic information and the results of its State of Safety research Accordingstudy.tothe report, the safest city in California is Danville. This Northern California city, which has a population of 44,800, a median income of $160,808, and a violent crime rate of 0.5, also took the top spot last year.
Orange County REALTORS® CEO Dave Stefanides added, “Dirissy has absolutely rewritten the script for her position. By doing so, she has let us reap all the benefits of connection.”
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Assemblywoman Janet Nguyen Honors OCR Director of Government Affairs Dirissy Doan On August 5, the Local Government Affairs North and South Committees hosted a luncheon at the Capital Grille at South Coast Plaza featuring Assemblywoman Janet Nguyen (72nd AssemblywomanDistrict).
Nguyen gave a brief report about what had been happening recently in Sacramento. She explained that the Legislature was back in session and was hurrying to finish its business before recessing on August 31. When asked what members of the current Legislature are going to do to encourage homeownership, Assemblywoman Nguyen said that they were not going to do anything and then explained, “The mindset of current members of the California Legislature is not about homeownership. It is about creating more renters. All they are doing is taxing the property owners.” Paula Cosenza expressed her concern about the apparent decline in public safety and asked, “What would you recommend that concerned people do?” Assemblywoman Nguyen replied, “Be aware of who represents you and hold them accountable. Call in or email to that member of the Legislature. We will respond to our constituents.” Assemblywoman Nguyen presented a formal resolution to OCR Director of Public Affairs Dirissy Doan and said, “Professionally, you are brilliant. Personally, you are a godsend to all of us.”
NAMES IN THE NEWS byPhotos ButterfieldMarion
Assemblywoman Janet Nguyen presents a resolution to OCR Director of Government Affairs Dirissy Doan Among those attending the August 5 luncheon were (from left to right), in the front row, Tina Vo, Sherri Butterfield, Assemblywoman Janet Nguyen with her son Timothy, and Erin Barry, and in the back row, Rick Cosenza, Paula Cosenza, Jim Thor, Eileen Oldroyd, Ron Pascual, Jean Tietgen, and Dean Grose
Names in the News is intended to be primarily a place where REALTOR® and Affiliate members of Orange County REALTORS® can share both personal and professional news—about births (of children or grandchildren), graduations, weddings, anniversaries, accomplishments, awards, and other milestones— with one another. If you have news to share, email it to Orange County REALTORS® Writer and Editor Sherri Butterfield at Sherri@ocrealtors.org
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LEADERSHIP ACADEMY ALUMNI LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
I was invited to serve on the Orange County REALTORS® Board of Directors by the incoming President. I loved being on the Board so much that I ran in the next election which led me to throw my hat in the ring for President-Elect two years later. In 2020, I served as President of Orange County REALTORS® and then stayed on the Board one more year as Immediate Past President. I loved being able to work with and support others, lead with integrity and grace, and serve our Association. What advice or words of encouragement would you give to someone who is considering applying for the Academy?
Leadership Academy helped me grow both personally and professionally by exposing me to situational training, helping identify my leadership style, and allowing me to gain insights into the how’s and why’s of our Association and where I might best fit into it as a leader.
The Orange County REALTORS® Leadership Academy was launched in 2016 because 2015 President Rita Tayenaka and other Directors saw a need for new blood in leadership roles at the Association level and decided to form an academy to train, grow, and nurture leaders. We recently completed our fifth class, and the Leadership Academy now has ninety-three graduates. To give readers a better idea about what the Academy can do for members, we are featuring graduates in OC REALTOR ®. To learn more about the Leadership Academy or to apply for the next class, visit www.ocrealtors.org/la
By Sabrina Blair
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND PROGRAMS
Where has your leadership journey taken you since graduation? What leadership roles have you obtained?
What was the biggest thing you gained from participating in the Academy?
Leadership is the art of motivating a team to reach a common goal. Many people underestimate the importance of strong leadership skills. The Leadership Academy can help you develop new ways of thinking and new skills that will be beneficial in leadership roles and in business and personal environments. If you have an interest in exploring Leadership Academy, know that you are good enough. You will be welcomed with open arms, and you will learn so much about our Association, yourself, and others. You will gain knowledge about your leadership style and potential—and who knows where that will take you!
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—Christina
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LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
What was the biggest thing you gained from participating in the Academy?
WHAT GRADUATES SAY ABOUT THE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
“If you have an interest in exploring Leadership Academy, know that you are good enough. You will be welcomed with open arms, and you will learn so much about our Association, yourself, and others. You will gain knowledge about your leadership style and potential—and who knows where that will take you!”
Where has your leadership journey taken you since graduation?
Meeting new colleagues with similar interests and gaining a better understanding about how our Association’s daily operations are kept up by the wonderful execs and staff behind the scenes, along with the many volunteers. Oh, and Robert’s Rules.
When I first started getting involved in Orange County REALTORS® committees in 2017, I got to work on different events and tasks along with a few Leadership Academy alumni and advisors. They explained that it was a great program to learn about the Association’s background framework and how to become more involved. The alumni also raved about the camaraderie they built throughout the year with their class and their spring trip to Sacramento to meet with state legislators to advocate the protection of homeownership rights. I was already enjoying meeting and learning from new peers at the Association and on the committees, so when I was prompted to apply, I went for it!
—Danielle Corliss
What spurred you to apply for the Leadership Academy?
I am still part of two committees at Orange County REALTORS®: Global Business Alliance and Young Professionals Network. I am also a California Association of REALTORS® Director for our Association and serve on the OCR Board of Directors this year. What advice or words of encouragement would you give to someone who is considering applying for the Academy?
What leadership roles have you obtained?
If you are looking to learn, gain new perspectives about our industry, and meet great people, make the move and apply this year!
“If you are looking to learn, gain new perspectives about our industry, and meet great people, make the move and apply this year!” Fu
By Sabrina Blair DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND PROGRAMS
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LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
On June 28, we gathered at Water Grill South Coast Plaza to celebrate the graduation of the fifth class of the Orange County REALTORS® Leadership Academy. After a short hiatus because of COVID-19, the Leadership Academy returned in January to welcome a new group of budding leaders. Many Leadership Academy participants had been leaders before attending the Academy, and Leadership Academy Facilitator Jamie Saltman often spoke about what an accomplished and esteemed group they were.
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY THE 2022 LEADERSHIP ACADEMY GRADUATES ARE If you are interested in learning more about the Orange County REALTORS® Leadership Academy, visit www.ocrealtors.org/la. Applications for the 2023 class will open in the fall, so watch the website for additional information and related announcements. Candy Babcock, First American NHD Orange County Account Executive Team Rochelle Chacon, Keller Williams Realty Jola Cook, Fathom Realty Group Inc. Jessica Coyle, eXp Realty Elissa Forsyth, HomeSmart, Evergreen Realty Debra Gietter, Luxre Realty, Inc. Alton Hitchcock Jr., Realty One Group West Andrew Lin, eXp Realty Tim Lloyd, Surterre Properties Inc. Andrew Nguyen, HPT Realty Amy Nieto, SnapNHD Shown with OC REALTORS® 2022 President Adam Rodell (center back) are (from left to right) Leadership Academy Graduates Amy Nieto, Jessica Coyle, Andrew Lin, Tim Lloyd, Andrew Nguyen, Alton Hitchcock Jr., Daniele Smith, Candy Babcock, Heidi Twitchell, Christine Rodell, Rochelle Chacon, Jola Cook, Jim Thor, and Debra Gietter 2022 President Adam Rodell congratulates Heidi Twitchell, Daniele Smith, and Andrew Nguyen, whose video project was recognized as the Best Production. 2022 President Adam Rodell congratulates Andrew Lin, Jola Cook, Debra Gietter, and Jim Thor, whose video project was named Most Inspirational. 2022 President Adam Rodell (left) congratulates Tim Lloyd, Christine Rodell, Alton Hitchcock Jr., and Candy Babcock, whose video project was named Best Comedy. 2022 President Adam Rodell congratulates Amy Nieto, Rochelle Chacon, Jessica Coyle, and Elissa Forsyth (not pictured), whose video project was recognized for Best Costumes. OC REALTORS® Past President and Leadership Academy Founder Rita Tayenaka (left) talks with 2022 Leadership Academy Facilitator Jamie Saltman Christine Rodell, RE/MAX Select One Daniele Smith, Coldwell Banker Realty Jim Thor EvergreenHomeSmart,,Realty Heidi Twitchell, Redfin OC REALTOR® SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 19
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REALTOR® SAFETY SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 OC REALTOR®22
9. When showing a property, let potential buyers take the lead while you follow. If there are features you want to call to their attention, do so from the rear, not the front.
4. Ask prospective clients to meet you at your office. Request photo identification from prospective clients and have them fill out a new client information sheet.
13. While showing a property, keep your hands free. Do not carry a clipboard, a household pet, or any other object that might interfere with your ability to use your cell phone, discharge your pepper spray, or otherwise defend yourself effectively. by:Graphics SalmeronIvan
1. Always carry your cell phone where it is readily accessible. Do not leave it in the purse you locked in the trunk of your car or stowed out of sight in a kitchen cabinet.
12. Don't host an open house alone; take along a colleague. Suggest to homeowners that they take breakables off tabletops and stow valuables in safe places, well out of sight. And request that pets be housed elsewhere so that they do not become a hazard, a nuisance, or a distraction.
Although real estate is not generally thought of as a dangerous occupation, it does have its risks. REALTORS® sometimes work alone or late, may be asked to drive to remote locations, and often show vacant homes to strangers. Here are thirteen things you can do to stay safe on the job.
3. Be careful how you dress. Flashy or expensive jewelry may attract the wrong kind of attention.
LOOK ArOund YOur SurrOundings
7. Create a paper trail and witnesses. Before you take clients to see a property, write down the clients’ license plate number and leave it at the front desk. Explain that doing so is office policy; clients who mean no harm won’t mind. And before you leave the office, introduce the clients to a colleague or two.
By Sherri Butterfield WRITER AND EDITOR
REALTOR® SAFETY
8. Always take your own car for showings. When you leave your car, lock it.
6. Implement a buddy system. Enlist at least five close friends or colleagues on whom you can rely in case of an emergency. Tell them in advance what property you will be showing and trust that they will have your back.
11. Never advertise a property as vacant or show one alone at night. To do so is to invite trouble.
10. Avoid going into the basement, walk-in closets, or other closed or confined areas with a prospect. Be familiar with all entrances and exits.
2. Be aware of your surroundings. Preview property before you show it. Familiarize yourself with the layout of the property, including all entrances and exits, and with the neighborhood.
5. Vet prospective clients. Before establishing a professional relationship, use online resources to check a prospective client’s background, being mindful of criminal, civil, and character issues.
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Fashionable
credit:Photo Flare credit:Photo invisawear
By Sabrina Blair DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND PROGRAMS
Wearable Safety Devices: The Hottest Back-to-School Trend SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 OC REALTOR®24
REALTOR® SAFETY Fall is the time when kids go back to school. A regular part of the back-to-school ritual is shopping for the very latest clothing and accessories, but that activity is not reserved exclusively for youngsters. You can show off your fashion know-how and have some fun by shopping for the latest wearable safety devices. These devices have come a long way in design and functionality so now is the time to consider purchasing one because getting back to real estate, like going back to school, can sometimes put you in an awkward situation. To up your style quotient and increase your personal safety, consider adding one or more of the devices described below to your wardrobe.
Enhance your personal safety, show off your fashion know-how, and have some fun with the latest in wearable safety devices.
If you want a wearable device that does not look like one of those clunky “Help, I’ve fallen and can’t get up” kind of options, invisaWear® is the answer! InvisaWear® offers a variety of necklaces, bracelets, wristbands, and even scrunchies, each with the invisaWear® charm that has a button hidden on the backside. Double-click the button to immediately text a GPS link to your location to up to five emergency contacts to let them know that you need help. You can also enable the free 9-1-1 feature to connect with local dispatchers. The best part is that invisaWear® uses the same emergency response technology as ADT so you can be confident in your security. Prices for invisaWear® products range from $129 to $299 depending on the style and features. To learn more, visit www.invisawear.com. An alternative source for accessories is Flare, which offers fashionable bracelets at www.getflare.com Accessories with ADT Security
For those who cannot decide between a wearable safety device and a keychain, meet Ripple. The Ripple is a small (only one-inchsquare) versatile device that can easily be attached to a bracelet, watch, purse, belt loop, bra strap, or keychain. Much like the other devices, Ripple can send location-based alerts to friends and family or to a 24/7 monitoring team that can deploy help if needed. The Ripple is either $14.95 per month or $149.95 annually for both the device and the monitoring service. To learn more, visit www.ripplesafety.com If you prefer to rely on your good old cell phone, here are a few tips to make it easier for help to find you in the event of an emergency. If you have an Android phone, it should come standard with Emergency Location Services (ELS) enabled. With ELS, the device automatically sends location information when a user contacts a configured emergency number. According to Android.com, “ELS uses the Fused Location Provider (FLP) to fuse location signals from cell towers, GPS, Wi-Fi, and sensors on the phone to compute accurate location data, whether the caller is indoors or outdoors.”
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If you’re not one for accessories, then you might opt for a safety keychain from She's Birdie. This company offers two options so it should be easy to decide what to buy once you know what features you want. The Original Birdie is the basic option that includes a 130-decibel siren and flashing strobe light when you pull out the top pin. However, if you want a bit more in terms of features, then you should check out the Birdie+. The Birdie+ comes with the same siren as the Original Birdie but no flashing strobe light. It also includes GPS location sharing with your preset emergency contacts, a 24/7 live representative whom you can call, and a fake prerecorded “Excuse-to-Leave” call. The Original Birdie sells for $29.95 per keychain, whereas the Birdie+ costs $39.95 per keychain plus $8.99 monthly for subscription access to the app. To learn more, visit www.shesbirdie.com
REALTOR® SAFETY
credit:Photo SafetyRipple credit:Photo BirdieShe's
No Purchase Necessary
Wearable Meets KeychainSafety Device
If You Prefer Apple Sound the Alarm with a Sleek Keychain
Don’t worry, Apple users. Apple products also offer great safety features. When you make a call with the Emergency SOS feature, your iPhone automatically calls the local emergency number. You can also add emergency contacts to your phone so that after the call to 9-1-1 ends, your iPhone will send a text message with your current location to your emergency contacts, unless you choose to cancel. In addition, with the Apple Watch Series 4 and newer models, the watch can help you make an emergency call if you've taken a hard fall. And if you can't move, your Apple Watch automatically calls emergency services, then sends a message with your location to your emergency contacts.
To address some of these risks, we put together a fun list of awkward and startling situations in the field and the lessons learned. Stay safe out there!
By Michelle McCann MARKETING AND PROGRAMS PROJECT MANAGER
REALTOR® SAFETY SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 OC REALTOR®26
FIVE
Buying a home can be an emotional experience, and couples aren’t always on the same page in the process. Even if both partners like a home, feelings and arguments can arise when deciding on whether both of them love the home enough to make an offer. When bickering begins between couples, REALTORS® are often caught in the crossfire and must navigate relationship issues to make the sale. If a couple can’t agree, it could be helpful to ask them to make a sincere must-have list so that each person has a say in the house and you are able to steer them toward a home that meets their shared goals and avoid arguments before they happen. Not all the risks in real estate are life-threatening or dangerous. Some even offer an element of humor. Curious Characters and Lessons Learned
REALTORS® face job-related risks every day in the field—both big and small. REALTOR® Safety Month focuses attention on the physical dangers in our industry and the safety habits and protocols that can mitigate them, but what about the lighter side of jobrelated risks that we don’t always know how to deal with?
Unsupervised children during a showing or an open house are a recipe for a disaster. To prevent children from distracting their potential-buyer parents, provide some safe and inexpensive amusements for the youngsters. Inexpensive purchases from Dollar Tree or Target can entertain bored children for short periods of time. Steer clear of crayons and markers, though—for obvious reasons! Have kid-friendly snacks and drinks on hand as well. Snacks can buy you time, but be prepared with a bottle of hand sanitizer and plenty of paper towels!
The ComingForgot-You-Were-Seller
The Wild Child
Sometimes, sellers forget that you are giving a potential buyer a tour of their home—or forget to alert their spouse, teenage children, or roommates that you will be arriving with buyers. Whatever the reason, awkward moments can occur if homeowners aren’t expecting you to be in their home—think along the lines of coming face-to-face with someone who is coming out of the shower. Reminding homeowners that you are coming, knocking on doors even if you believe the house is vacant, and repeatedly calling out that you are in the house are ways to reduce the risk of walking into a scene that you you’ll wish you could unsee.
The Bickering Buyers
REALTOR® SAFETY OC REALTOR® SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 27
Have you ever held an open house where your guests think you are hosting an all-you-caneat buffet? While you want your guests to indulge in whatever amazing hors d’oeuvres you provided for the open house, you also want to ensure that there is enough food for everyone. To prevent hungry buyers from getting carried away, consider leaving a sign that says “One refreshment per guest” or “Please take one of each” if you are offering various selections.
REALTORS® expect a certain number of curious neighbors and nonserious buyers to stop by during open houses, but it can be hard to transition away from a chatty neighbor who wants to talk about the weather so that you can connect with your other guests. To ensure that you have time to talk to each guest, ask your talkative lookers if they are motivated to buy and attempt to schedule an in-person meeting or phone call. If they say no, then redirect them to leaving their contact information or to your complimentary food and beverages. And try to avoid the alcoholic beverages for the super chatty ones! It can help to remember while listening to someone’s long-winded life story that few guests equal zero potential as a future client. Every person could be a possible sale or referral down the road.
BLAH! BLAH! ! !!! ... ... Oops!YUM!!
The Long Winded Looky-Loo
The Hungry Looker
Share your awkward, funny, or embarrassing stories or experiences with us on our website at www.ocrealtors.org/field-funnies for an opportunity to be featured in an upcoming issue of OC REALTOR®.
www.istockphoto.com/byPhoto Shai-Halud by:Graphics SalmeronIvan
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W hen I was growing up, shortly before school started in the fall, our little town held a county fair. It has been some time since I attended that fair, but the tagline “Something to Crow About” and the Rooster image that accompanied it will forever be linked with the smell of French fries and vinegar, the taste of fresh cavatelli, the sights and sounds of some of the best concerts and livestock displays around, and the opportunity to create precious memories with family members and friends. According to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, a trademark “identifies the source of goods and services, provides legal protection for a brand, and helps guard against counterfeiting and fraud.” For me, a trademark can evoke a memory like that Rooster image. What memory does the REALTOR® trademark evoke? According to NAR’s Membership Marks Manual, the REALTOR® trademark differentiates members of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) from nonmember real estate professionals. It signifies NAR members’ commitment to professionalism and providing a high standard of real estate service. For this reason, the REALTOR® trademark is a valuable member benefit. Members may use this branding in connection with their real estate business and with advertising for their place of business to show that they are members of the National Association of REALTORS® and, therefore, that they adhere to certain standards of professionalism, namely, the NAR Code of Ethics. It is a member’s duty to protect the REALTOR® trademark by using it properly. Otherwise, the mark may lose its meaning and its value.
By Tiffany Gardner Wood DIRECTOR OF POLICY RISK
AND
The value of a trademark lies in its association and its meaning. Over the years, its meaning can be altered and its value can be diminished if the mark is misused. For this reason, it is important that the REALTOR® trademark be used appropriately so that it represents a real estate professional’s pledge to adhere to NAR’s Code of Ethics and trustworthy, quality service now and for future generations of home buyers and sellers.
www.istockphoto.com/byPhoto wongmbatuloyo by:Graphic SalmeronIvan
RISK MANAGEMENT
NAR’s Bylaws prohibit the use of descriptive wording with the REALTOR® trademark. The REALTOR® trademark is intended to distinguish members from nonmembers. Using descriptive wording with this trademark has the improper effect of distinguishing between members. Prohibited descriptive wording includes geographic descriptors, adjectives, possessive pronouns such as my and your, and the definite article the.
Examples: REALTOR REALTORS
Examples of Misuse: My JoeHometownREALTOR®REALTOR®theREALTOR®
Whenever possible, display the words REALTOR® and REALTORS® in uppercase letters followed by the trademark registration symbol.
Examples: REALTOR® REALTORS® If this formatting is not possible, then the REALTOR® trademark may be formatted in one of the following ways: • With a capitalized letter R and the trademark registration symbol ® Examples: Realtor® Realtors® • In all uppercase letters without the trademark registration symbol ®
To protect the REALTOR® trademark, the NAR Membership Marks Manual indicates that members follow these three main rules:
1. Format the REALTOR® trademark properly. Whenever possible, write the mark entirely in uppercase letters followed by the trademark registration symbol. If this formatting is not possible, then write the word REALTOR® either with a capital “R” and the trademark registration symbol or in all uppercase letters without the trademark registration symbol. 2. Avoid using descriptive wording with the REALTOR® trademark. For example, the term SoCal Realtor is not permitted because it has the improper effect of distinguishing between REALTOR® members.
For more information about use of the REALTOR® trademark in domain names, email addresses, and usernames, see pages 10 and 11 in the NAR Membership Marks Manual.
Trademark Do’s and Don’ts (from NAR’s Membership Marks Manual) RISK MANAGEMENT
Members must separate the REALTOR® trademark from their personal name or business name with punctuation, such as a comma, hyphen, or dash. Separating punctuation must be used even if the REALTOR® trademark is displayed under the member’s name or the brokerage name.
Example: REALTOR® Lori Namazi
Example: realtorjohndoe@gmail.com
3.All contextual uses of the REALTOR® trademark must refer to membership in the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). It cannot be used to denote either a business or a vocation. Additional information about use of the REALTOR® trademark, including use of the mark on social media, can be found in the NAR Membership Marks Manual (which is available at membership-marks-manual)https://www.nar.realtor/ . Orange County REALTORS® encourages every member of NAR to review this information and apply it carefully. Much like the fair’s tagline “Something to Crow About” holds a special place in the hearts of those who grew up in Ohio, the REALTOR® trademark signifies a member’s commitment to NAR’s Code of Ethics in real estate during one of the most important purchases of a person’s life. REALTORS® have an opportunity to shape that memory, and the first step is to understand how to use the REALTOR® trademark so that its meaning and its value are preserved for future generations.
Winner Winner Winner Winner Winner Winner
Examples: Scott White, REALTOR® SoCal Realty–REALTORS® Separating punctuation is not needed if the word REALTOR® appears before the member’s name.
The REALTOR® trademark may never appear in all lowercase letters. The only exception to this is in domain names, email addresses, and usernames, such as social media usernames, because capitalization is not typically recognized in these contexts.
Example of Misuse: realtor OC REALTOR® SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 29
Steven Thomas has a degree in quantitative economics and decision sciences from the University of California, San Diego, and more than twenty years of experience in real estate. His bimonthly Orange County Housing Report is available by subscription and provides housing market analysis that is easy to understand and useful in setting the expectations of both buyers and sellers. His website is www.ReportsOnHousing.com
THE ORANGE COUNTY HOUSING UPDATE
REPORTSONHOUSING.COM
The Orange County housing market has transitioned from an Expected Market Time (the number of days between hammering in the For Sale sign and opening escrow) of 19 days in March to 69 days at the beginning of August. Anything below 60 days is considered a Hot Seller’s Market. Below 40 days is insane; and at 19 days, it is nothing short of nuts, almost instantaneous. That is where buyers trip over one another to see every home that enters the fray, sellers call all the shots, multiple offers and bidding wars are the norm, and home values skyrocket uncontrollably. The Expected Market Time grew to 69 days at the beginning of August, a Slight Seller’s Market, where sellers still get to call more of the shots, but there are fewer multiple offers, home values are not appreciating as rapidly as they once did, the market is no longer instant, and pricing properly is crucial to find success. When this year is compared with last year, the changes in the housing market are startling. More homes are available, but mortgage rates are higher, demand is lower, and market times are significantly longer.
Yea r- Over -Yea r Chan g es
The tell-tale signs that the market has changed are all here. Open House directional arrows now adorn busy intersections, and it is common to see the same open house advertised for multiple weekends in a row. The number of price reductions is rapidly growing, indicating buyers’ sensitivity to pricing. Sales prices are no longer stretching tens of thousands of dollars above asking prices. The heydays of 2020, 2021, and the first few months of 2022 are gone. The rapidly appreciating, insanely hot housing market has transformed into a completely different, much slower Slight Seller’s Market that requires a much different strategy and approach to find success.
. OC REALTOR® SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 31
By Steven Thomas
Significantly more homes are available between $750,000 and $1 million, 93 percent more, or an extra 504. Between $1 million and $2 million, there are more than double the number of homes that were available at the end of July 2021 (see Figure 2).
THE ORANGE
Because 2022 started with a recordlow inventory of only 954 homes on the market, it took a while to feel the transformation in the inventory. The three-year average start prior to COVID (2017 to 2019) was 4,665 homes.
As rates continued to rise, demand diminished, and the active inventory has risen continuously, unabated, since January. In mid-May, there were more homes on the market compared with the prior year for the first time since August 2019. The unrelenting rise in interest rates slowed demand further, and the inventory has climbed significantly since May.
The inventory is now up 67 percent compared with last year, or 1,645 extra.
Because values have risen substantially over the past year, fewer homes are worth less than half a million dollars, thus the drop of 21 percent.
www.istockphoto.com/by:Photo jeremyiswold www.istockphoto.com/by:Photo Feverpitched COUNTY HOUSING UPDATE
When mortgage interest rates climbed from 3.25 percent at the beginning of the year to more than 6 percent in June, home affordability took a massive hit, buyers backed off, and demand dropped. Year over year, demand (the number of pending sales over the prior 30 days) was down by 37 percent, or 1,052 fewer pending sales. In fact, Orange County demand was at its lowest level to start an August since tracking began in 2004, slightly lower than the start of the housing meltdown in 2007. Because of Wall Street volatility, demand was down in every price range; but it was down the most (by more than 50 percent) in the lower price ranges—homes priced below $750,000—where higher mortgage rates and qualifying for loans have had a deeper impact (see Figure 1).
“In mid-May, there were more homes on the market compared with the prior year for the first time since August 2019.”
Figure 1. Because of Wall Street volatility, in July, demand was down in every price range from what it was a year ago; but it was down the most (by more than 50 percent) in the lower price ranges—homes priced below $750,000—where higher mortgage interest rates and qualifying for loans have had a deeper impact. What happened in just a few short months?
Every price range has a lot more homes available to purchase, other than homes priced below $500,000.
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Attention Buyers: While the market is slower than it was at the beginning of the year, it is not a Buyer’s Market where values are going down. Homes that have been upgraded, are in great condition, and are priced right will fly off the market. The longer a home has been on the market, the more willing a seller is to negotiate.
Figure 2. At the beginning of June, the Orange County housing supply reached 2,940, a sharp increase from the 994 homes on January 1, but still far below 6,501, the three-year average before COVID (2017 to 2019) for the same time of year.
Many sellers are approaching housing as if nothing has changed. They are stretching the asking price and testing the market as if home values are continuing to skyrocket. Unfortunately, overpriced homes are now quite common. The asking price of an astonishing 35 percent of all homes available to purchase as of August 1 was reduced at least once. That number was 19 percent in May. These price reductions are not indicative of a drop in home values; instead, they illustrate the number of sellers who initially price their homes out of bounds, much higher than their true Fair Market Value. In doing so, these overpriced sellers lose out on the most valuable marketing period, the first couple of weeks after placing their home on the market. “The asking price of an astonishing 35 percent of all homes available to purchase as of August 1 was reduced at least once.”
THE ORANGE COUNTY HOUSING UPDATE
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Attention Sellers: Carefully arriving at the Fair Market Value by scrutinizing the most recent comparable and pending sales and taking into consideration the condition, location, and amenities of the home is essential to be successful. Overzealous sellers who require future price reductions will procure fewer interested buyers, fewer offers to purchase, and, ultimately, will net less money.
Joining a Chamber of Commerce trip to the nation’s capital provided an invaluable opportunity for us to learn about proposed legislation from legislators and to share our concerns about housing affordability, the rising costs of homeownership, and supply chain shortages with them.
REALTORSCOUNTY®DIRECTOR
SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 OC REALTOR®34
POLITICAL AFFAIRS
“Green” Eileen Oldroyd is the broker/owner of Oldroyd Realty in Mission Viejo. She is moderately obsessed with all things green, and her mission in life is to save the planet, one real estate transaction at a time In addition to Tony Faulkner, our REALTOR® members were Erin Barry, with Kohr Group Realty, Daniele Smith, from Coldwell Banker, and Matt Cortez, broker/owner of Good Harbor. Dirissy Doan and I rounded out the ensemble. Dirissy is not only the Government Affairs Director for Orange County REALTORS® but also a certified Wrangling Wizard. She had the arduous task of selecting impactful speakers, scheduling appointments, rescheduling appointments, patiently reminding us where to be next even though we had the information texted and emailed several times, and shepherding us into waiting Ubers, all while taking pictures and posting them on social media within seconds. She was on point, on time, and chaperoned us with a smile. On the first day, Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform (ATR), let us sit in on an invitation-only weekly gathering at which journalists, politicians, authors, and influencers discuss the hot topics that are brewing in the underbelly of Washington. Sometimes, a Senator or a foreign dignitary drops by. Occasionally, there is even someone from Hollywood! Grover received a call from Pauly Shore about an upcoming event at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles. Wait, what? Grover’s side hustle is stand-up comedy. Very unexpected for a guy who looks more pundit than comic.
Go to Washington Orange County REALTORS®
“If you’re not at the table, you’re definitely on the menu.” boomed Tony Faulkner, branch manager and broker associate of HomeSmart, from the front seat of the Uber. We were returning to the hotel after taking a picture atop the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) building in Washington, D.C. It was the culminating event of our productive trip to the nation’s capital during the Coalition of California Chambers Orange County (CCCOC) Legislative Summit in late July. Orange County REALTORS® (OCR) was a Supporting Sponsor of this collaborative effort to discuss business, housing, and community issues with elected officials, influencers, and policy makers. We participated in two days packed full of sessions, working lunches, and networking dinners with representatives from several South Orange County Chambers of Commerce, including Dana Point, Irvine, Lake Forest, and San Juan Capistrano. Our merry band of advocates included small business owners, chamber representatives, government affairs directors, one mayor, and, of course, REALTORS®.
Admiring the view from atop the National Association of REALTORS® building in Washington, D.C., are Orange County REALTORS® members Tony Faulkner , Eileen Oldroyd , Matt Cortez , Daniele Smith , and Erin Barry
By Eileen Oldroyd ORANGE
POLITICAL AFFAIRS
www.istockphoto.com/by:Photo YayaErnst
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After our enlightening time in the tax reform war room, we trekked across the street to the Metro subway. A few minutes later, we surfaced at the historic Capitol Hill Club, a favorite refuge for the GOP since 1951. Our lunch hosts were Pete Sepp, president of the National Taxpayer Union, and Phil Kerpen, president of American Commitment, a watchdog for government overreach. The topics were the Wayfair Court Decision, Flat Tax Reform, Build Back Better, inflation, gas prices, capital gains tax, climate change, and West Virginia v. EPA Our ninety minutes together whizzed by, and we dashed to the Cannon House Office Building. Completed in 1908, it is the oldest House building and is a significant example of Beaux Arts architecture. Rather than traversing the 826,465 square feet of Cannon office space, we congregated in a government-issued manila-envelope-colored conference room to meet with Congresswomen Young Kim from the 39th District and Michelle Steel from the 48th District. Next up were Congressmen Mike Levin from the 49th District and Lou Correa from the 46th District. All of them had their own favorite projects, but the top-of-mind issues were lack of home-grown STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) students, inflation, food shortages, and passage of the $280-billion CHIPS Act of 2022. The primary purpose of this legislation is to ease supply chain problems and improve national security by helping to fund and build moremanufacturingsemiconductorfacilitiesintheUnitedStates.
“This trip was fantastic and well worth every minute. It gave us an opportunity to listen to the folks who do the work every day. The information we gained was invaluable. We learned firsthand what legislation to follow and whom to watch.”
— Mayor Joe Muller, Dana Point
What Participants Said About the CCCOC Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C.
SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER
Tony Faulkner
“The real estate industry affects everyone. Whether you own a home, are ready to buy a home, or are neither, it’s important that our elected officials make smart housing policy decisions.”
“I was highly impressed with the knowledge of the speakers and that they took the time to meet with us and talk about the business issues nationally and in our beautiful state of California. If you are in real estate, you are in—politics.”
— Matt Cortez
“Being present with your government officials opens your eyes and expands your knowledge into aspects that affect your real estate business and allows you to educate others.”
OC REALTOR®36
“As REALTORS®, our role in the community goes beyond selling a home. We help build that community, acting as advocates for both homeowners and businesses. We do this by connecting and collaborating with our elected representatives on economic policies.”
Fun Fact To conclude our adventure of epic awesomeness, we were serendipitously in town during the Annual Congressional Baseball Game. It is an evening of fun and camaraderie that pits Democrats against Republicans on the diamond. After a short third-inning rain delay, the Republicans went on to win the game 10-0. As we gathered for our final parting, we chatted about the highlights of the trip. All agreed our time together as a team advocating for Orange County was the most powerful part of the summit. We concluded that our kindred spirit for housing development, business expansion, and vibrant communities was the common ground on which to build powerful partnerships and take Orange County to new heights. Being REALTORS®, we brought up lack of housing inventory, rising costs of home ownership, supply chain shortages, and alternative building products. I wouldn’t be Green Eileen if I didn’t mention the case for clean nuclear as a reliable and renewable energy, water shortages, and that the future of housing is in factories. The afternoon ended with a sweltering stroll between the Capitol and the National Mall—home to the riveting Washington Monument. We took a moment (and a few selfies) to admire how this white stone obelisk rises majestically to the sky and how its mirror image appears in the nearly half-mile-long reflecting pool. Bright and early the next day, we were shuttled to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, next door to the famous Hay-Adams Hotel, which is home to the infamous subterranean bar called Off the Record. Their slogan, “Where you can be seen but not heard,” is indicative of the decades of clandestine meetings of lobbyists, politicians, business leaders, dignitaries, and dubious suspects. The speakers focused on the benefits of being part of a Chamber of Commerce, economic updates, support for small business development, and international policy. Author David Drucker was the last guest of the day. He wrote the book, In Trump’s Shadow—The Battle for 2024 and the Future of the GOP. Drucker was a compelling storyteller who left us wanting more gossip about backdoor deals from “the swamp.” Urban legend has it that the District of Columbia was built over a swamp when, in fact, only two percent of old D.C. was built on waterlogged land. The rest of the metropolis was constructed almost entirely over well-drained terraces and hills. For a city built right next to the Potomac River, it is amazingly free of swampiness.
— Daniele Smith 2022
An important destination during the Coalition of California Chambers Orange County (CCCOC) Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C., was the Cannon House Office Building, where Chamber members, Orange County REALTORS® (OCR) Government Affairs Director Dirissy Doan (in the front row, second from the left), and OCR members gathered in a conference room to meet with congressional representatives, including Congresswoman Michelle Steel (in the center, wearing a black dress), who represents the 48th District.
— Erin Barry
POLITICAL AFFAIRS
They generously volunteer time and give money to support the efforts of nonprofit organizations working to help individuals, strengthen families, improve neighborhoods, and build communities. Their generous donations of food and funds support efforts to feed the hungry and find a cure. Their ongoing involvement is an inspiration to all who become aware of their invaluable contributions and service.
By Sherri Butterfield WRITER AND EDITOR
On August 18, Orange County REALTORS® held a Recognition Luncheon at the Mission Viejo County Club to honor more than eighty of its REALTOR® and Affiliate members as 2022 Community Leaders for their excellence in volunteerism and for being an inspiration to others. Co-chairing the event on behalf of the Young Professionals Network (YPN) were Christina Fu and Andrew Lin Before the event, members had been encouraged to submit their names and a brief description of the charity they regularly support. From these submissions, five were chosen to receive checks for $500 made payable to the charity of their choice. Serving as mistresses of ceremonies and presenting the checks were past award recipients Anita Glasser and Heidi Stoops. During the presentation, Anita remarked, “Volunteering gives much joy when you see whom you’ve lifted up and what you’ve made better.”
EVENTS Co-hosting the 2022 Community Leaders Recognition Luncheon on behalf of the Young Professionals Network (YPN) are Andrew Lin (on the left) and Christina Fu (on the right). Looking on is Mistress of Ceremonies Anita Glasser. 2021 Volunteer of the Year Anita Glasser (on the right) presents a check for $500 to Jeremy Lehman 2021 Volunteer of the Year Heidi Stoops (on the right) presents a check for $500 to Lata Jobanputra
OC REALTOR® SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 37
Pictured at the 2022 Community Leaders Recognition Luncheon are (from left to right) Rita Tayenaka, Heidi Stoops, and Lynne Suzanski Christine Bova, Kathleen Fox, and Joyce Endo proudly display the certificates they received at the 2022 Community Leaders Recognition Luncheon on August 18.
byPhotos ButterfieldMarion
But REALTORS® Do More Than Sell Real Estate
REALTORS® Sell Homes Though seldom mentioned in descriptions of the American Dream, REALTORS® are essential to it. They are the matchmakers who bring together a house or condominium in need of occupants and a family in need of a home. They are the miracle workers who enable today’s buyers to realize their dream of home ownership. And they are the guardians who nurture that dream and keep it alive for future generations of Americans.
In August, Orange County REALTORS® honored more than eighty of its REALTOR® and Affiliate members for their excellence in volunteerism and inspiration to others.
Honoring 2022 Community Leaders
Tony LeighBrianKathleenBobFaulknerFoxFoxChristinaFuGenoveseAnnGilmoreAnitaGlasserBobHartmanLenHermanSpencerHooSamiraHurdJeffreyJacksonAmyJenickeKathiJesseLataJobanputraLaurieJohnsonLoriJonesJoeJulianiMarthaKareliusJeremyLehman Joey Leisz Paul BenMaureenChipYamiMindyAndrewLePageLinLuongMartinezMcAllisterMcGrathAmyMcNeillGuzmanJayMillsCatherineMiyoshiEdMolinaJeffMoonLoriNamaziAmyNietoJasonOppenheimPamPedegoPhaychanpengSylviaPrataMaryRamponeTinaReese
SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 OC REALTOR®38
Recognized as 2022 Community Leaders and given checks made payable in the amount of $500 to the charity of their choice were (from left to right) Lata Jobanputra, Olive Crest; Anthony Zueck, American Montessori Society; Rita Tayenaka, Guide Dogs of America; Jeremy Lehman, Garden Grove Community Foundation; and Bob Fox, Giving Hands of Hope.
Thank you! Bryan Ahn Erin BarbaraAnthonyBreanneChristineNancyBarryBishayCraigBornerBovaKevinBuddeChiltonEddyJulieChungLynnClancyCherylColemanDanielleCorlissMattCortezCosenzaPaulaCosenzaRickCosenzaDavidCowlinDelgleizeOlesyaDrozdovaLisaDunnJimDwyer
Arthur
Pictured with Lata Jobanputra are (from left to right) Orange County REALTORS®
Adam Rodell Sanchez byPhotos
Association Executive Dave Stefanides, 2023 President Scott White, and 2023 President-Elect Jeffrey Jackson. Orange County REALTORS® Association Executive Dave Stefanides congratulates Ed Molina on having been recognized as a 2022 Community Leader because of excellence in volunteerism and inspiration to others.
Jessica HarrisonLynneDanieleShaunSiguenzaSmithSmithNobuStillwellHeidiStoopsSuzanskiRitaTayenakaTaylorKylerThomasJamesTullioSueTurnerMaryVisconteTinaVoBelindaWangJohnWheatonScottWhiteEricWuLisaYiAnthonyZueck EVENTS
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Joyce Endo
