Volume 39, Issue 8 News & Views August 2016

40 Summer St. Fitchburg MA 01420 Ph. (978) 345-2531 Fax (978) 361-2262

www.ncmar.com

President’s Message

Energy Scoring Crisis Diverted What if mandatory home inspections

were required before selling a home?

What if your home was labeled with

a low energy grade? What if your

home failed energy efficiency?

Although supportive of energy

efficiency and green alternatives, with

so many older homes in Massachusetts, mandatory energy

scoring could have a huge impact on

the housing market. Scoring and

labeling would complicate the home

buying and selling process potentially

causing significant delays.

Fortunately, mandatory energy audit

and labeling provisions were excluded from the final energy

legislation passed at the end of July.

REALTOR members’ opposition to the proposed legislation played a

major role in defeating the

provisions. Responding to Calls for

Action and contacting our local

legislators make a difference.

Thanks to all those who responded

diverting this crisis.

Defeating the room occupancy tax

on home rentals, transfer taxes and

anti-production are among other

recent successes.

Be on the look-out for Calls for

Action when they come out and

consider getting involved in Government Affairs, for together we

make an impact.

Michelle

NCMAR Leadership

President Michelle Haggstrom Keller Williams Realty North Central. President Elect Locke Haman EXIT New Options Real Estate Treasurer Yasmin Loft Paula K. Aberman Associates Secretary Position Open Director Rick Cuddy Foster-Healey Real Estate Business Partner Director Katie Weldon Fidelity Bank Past President Thomas Ruble EXIT New Options Real Estate

Michelle Haggstrom 2016 NCMAR President

Premiere Sponsor

Page 2 News & Views www.ncmar.com August 2016

Notes from the MAR Legal Hotline Michael McDonagh, MAR General Counsel

Ashley Stolba, MAR Associate Counsel

Justin Davidson, MAR Legislative & Regulatory Counsel

On June 21, 2016, the Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration has finalized the first operational rules for routine commercial use of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS or “drones”). The FAA's announcement marks a long-fought victory for the National Association of Realtors®. Since early 2014, NAR has worked with the FAA and industry partners to integrate drones into the national airspace for commercial use. NAR wrote to the FAA on numerous occasions to weigh in on the final Small UAS Rule, and testified before Congress to support the use of drones in real estate. Below, please find some frequently asked questions regarding drones.

Q. May I use a UAS to take aerial images of my real estate listings?

A. Prior to the operational rues that were released on June 21, 2016, FAA laws and regulations generally prohibited the commercial use of UAS for the purpose of real estate marketing unless the operator had a pilot’s license or was granted a Section 333 waiver from the FAA.

Under the final rule, however, this is no longer the case. According to the FAA, the drone operator must meet the following requirements: 1) be at least 16 years old; and 2) have a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating. Alternatively, operators can fly the drone if directly supervised by someone with such a certificate.

Q. How do I qualify for a remote pilot certificate?

A. To qualify for a remote pilot certificate, an individual must either pass an initial aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center or have an existing non-student Part 61 pilot certificate. If qualifying under the latter provision, a pilot must have completed a flight review in the previous 24 months and must take a UAS online training course provided by the FAA. The TSA will conduct a security background check of all remote pilot applications prior to issuance of a certificate. To apply, visit: http://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/fly_for_work_business/becoming_a_pilot/

Q. Is insurance available for UAS operators?

A. Yes. Insurance companies offer coverage for UAS operators. Be sure to ask any individual or company you are working with if they are insured for the UAS operation. In addition, request that you be named as an additional insured for purposes related to the UAS operation.

Q,. If I choose to hire a photographer to take photographs with a drone, what can I do to limit my legal liability when hiring a UAS operator?

A. Request that the UAS operator indemnify you against any action, suits, damages, losses, costs and expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ and fees and costs) arising from the UAS operation or the use of the related UAS images.

Q. Where can I report any suspected improper use of a UAS? Is improper use of UAS a violation of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics?

A. Any concerns regarding the unauthorized commercial use or unsafe operation of a UAS can be directed to the FAA or to local law enforcement authorities. While REALTORS® are encouraged to always abide by local, state, and federal laws, it is not a REALTOR® association’s role to adjudicate whether a REALTOR® has violated a local, state or federal law.

Q. Are there any restrictions if I just want to fly for fun?

A. You don't need permission from the FAA to fly your UAS (aka drone) for fun or recreation, but you must always fly safely. To learn more about flying drones recreationally, please visit: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/fly_for_fun/

Q. Where can I find additional information about UAS?

A. http://www.realtor.org/topics/drones; www.faa.gov/uas/; www.knowbeforeyoufly.org/

The MAR Legal Hotline is available free of charge to all office principals and their designees who have completed the Hotline Authorization form. To obtain a copy of the form, visit MAR’s website at www.maREALTOR.com or simply call the Hotline at 800-370-5342.The Hotline is open Monday to Friday

from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Page 3 News & Views www.ncmar.com August 2016

Good Neighbor Spotlight

Business Partner Spotlight

Susan Roser of EXIT Realty Partners gives of her time and talent to many organizations but her passion is for the service men and women and their families that sacrifice so much for our freedom. Susan is a volunteer for the USO (United Services Organization). Working at Logan International Airport and Hanscom Air Field she welcomes the troops home from their overseas tours. She pampers the families waiting for their loved ones plane to land, takes care of babies, plus greets and thanks each service men or women for their sacrifices. For three hours every two weeks, she shares her compassion with those that are sometimes forgotten. Susan’s passion for the troops may stem from the fact that her son is an Army Captain stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He is assigned to a Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). Her son commented to her how much it meant to him when he was greeted at the Dallas Airport by USO volunteers. He said it was an awesome experience. Thanks to Susan many more service men and women will feel the love and appreciation of their country through her efforts. USO volunteers have been providing a vital bridge to keep military members and their families connected to home, family and country for over 75 years. The USO in New England has 3 centers providing comfort, care and connection for service members and their families as well as many other special outreach events throughout the year. Whether it is welcoming visitors to one of our centers, easing their journey with a cup of coffee, welcoming them to a new duty station, or providing friendly outreach at one of our special events, volunteers lead with their hearts and serve with dedication.

Please let us know of a member that is involved in their community. Send us a few details of their involvement so we can

recognize them and the organization or charity that they assist.

Susan Roser and son Glenn

Julie Paradise, Owner Bin There Dump That, North Central MA

Located in Lunenburg, MA

wachusett@bintheredumpthat.com

Mike and I started our business in July 2013, and have been NCMAR partners since 2014

I am involved with NCMAR as the Communications Committee chair, Marketing Sub

Committee, Business Partners Expo, Business Partners meetings and NCMAR Nights Out.

We are involved with the community by donating bins for use at the Fitchburg Habitat for Humanity home build, sponsoring the Leominster DEK hockey league, donating to the Fitchburg/Leominster Boys and Girls Club, and participating in GrotonFest

Favorite saying - Don't be sorry it's over, be glad it happened! (Dr. Seuss)

I recommend Outlander by Diane Gabaldon

I owe my success to risk-taking, perseverance, and a positive attitude

Best personal trait - helping others succeed

When not working, I enjoy travel with my family

Favorite getaway is Cape Cod

I was in new product development project management prior to my current career.

Julie and daughter Valerie at the June Awards Banquet

2016 Committee Chairs

Executive Committee

Michelle Haggstrom

Finance Committee Yasmin Loft

Government Affairs Committee

Tom Ruble

Member Services Committee Susan Wright

Technology Committee

Emma Weismann

Community Involvement Committee Denise Wortman

Communications Committee

Julie Paradise

Grievance Committee Gayle Sabol

Professional Standards Committee

Gary Bourque

Scholarship Trustees Christina Sargent

Ambassadors Judith Murphy

Awards & Recognition Workgroup

Michelle Haggstrom

Top Producer Workgroup Laura Shifrin

Young Professionals Network

Sarah Vincent

______________________________

MAR Directors Tom Ruble, Central Region RVP

Michelle Haggstrom William Foss

MAR Alternates

Locke Haman Judith Murphy

______________________________

MLS PIN Directors Rick Healey

Paula Savard

Page 4 News & Views www.ncmar.com August 2016

James D’Amico (secondary) Century 21 NorthShore DeNault & Storrs Barbara Parker Paula K Aberman Associates Colleen Muscato Keller Williams Realty North Central

Jacqueline Solis Foster-Healey Real Estate Linda Couture Hearne Realty Group

MLS PIN offers free, hands-on training classes for our customers to learn the different levels of the Pinergy system. To register go to http://www.mlspin.com/schedule_registration.aspx If you have problems registering online, please call our Customer Service at (800) 695-3000, option 1, to register by phone. Registration is required to reserve your seat in each class. We recommend doing so in advance as seating is limited. All classes are free of charge for MLS PIN customers.

Welcome New REALTOR Members In accordance with Article V Section 1 NCMAR By-Laws notice is hereby given to all REALTOR members of the intention of the named individuals to become members of the Association. If any REALTOR member desires to make objection or comment concerning the named individuals, such objection or comment must be made in writing to the President within 10 days of this notice.

Training Videos are also available at www.mlspin.com/training_library.aspx

Take a look at all the videos made for you to get the most out of Pinergy.

COURSE SITE Date and Start Time

VOW: Getting Started with Your NCMAR 08/25/2016 9:30 AM Pinergy Virtual Office Website

Pinergy's Contact Management NCMAR 08/25/2016 1:00 PM

Pinergy Overview: 3rd Party Programs, NCMAR 09/23/2016 9:30 AM Settings, and Tools

Getting Started with Pinergy: Searching NCMAR 09/23/2016 12:30 PM for Listings

Page 5 News & Views www.ncmar.com August 2016

Emma’s Tech Corner

Dotloop releases mobile app for Android The platform that brings people, documents and tasks into one workspace announced a few new updates as well

The Zillow-owned real estate transaction software company dotloop announced the release of its mobile app for Android.

The app allows clients, lenders, inspectors, brokers and agents to work together in one place and guides users through the transaction "loop" sequentially.

New features include push notifications and document transfer from any device or service.

Real estate pros who live out of their car and swear by the Samsung Galaxy S7 — rejoice. Mobile real estate transaction app dotloop is officially available for Android.

For the full story from Inman News go to this link: http://www.inman.com/2016/06/20/dotloop-releases-mobile-app-for-android/ or search Dotloop releases mobile app for Android.

Facebook Group for Real Estate Professionals Let's face it... we all use Facebook, but how many of us are utilizing Facebook Groups? In addition to yard sale groups and high school reunion groups, Facebook offers many wonderful groups dedicated to Real Estate. Check these and more out!

* What should I spend my money on?

* Raise the Bar in Real Estate

* Tech Support Group for Real Estate Agents

* REALTOR iPad and iPhone Group

* Real Estate Agent Group – Collaboration, Tips, and Insights

Check out these groups and more at https://www.pipelineroi.com/blog/the-5-best-real-estate-groups-to-join-on-facebook/

HELPFUL DOTLOOP VIDEOS

Do you ever think about your clients' experience with DotLoop? Sometimes we are too busy trying to figure out how to use DotLoop ourselves, we forget that our clients might be confused too! This video shows you what your clients experience when using DotLoop. I challenge you to create your own YouTube video with a tutorial for your customers, similar to the video below!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsLl1VkcunQ

Another good video with lots of information titled How to Sign Electronically.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSKvcaFRj6M

Page 6 News & Views www.ncmar.com July 2016

IMPORTANT REMINDER:

2016 Is the Year to Complete

Code of Ethics Training

All REALTORS® must complete 2 1/2 hours of Code of Ethics training between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2016 according to NAR policy. To help REALTORS® meet this obligation,

we are offering an in person class taught by Paula Savard

at Fidelity Bank in Leominster on

September 14th, 10-12:30

Also available are online ethics courses for your conven-ience at http://www.REALTOR.org/COEtraining.

Page 7 News & Views www.ncmar.com August 2016

Zip Form Training September 7, 2016

Introduction Class 10 am to noon

Advanced Class 1 to 3 pm

Doubletree Hotel Amphitheatre, Leominster

Kurt Thompson, Instructor

Bring your laptop for this interactive presentation!

zipLogix is the exclusive and official forms software of the National Association of REALTORS and together with MAR

provides Massachusetts REALTORS with zipLogix Plus, zipTMS, Digital Ink e-signature, zipMobile and zipVault ALL

as a benefit of membership.

REALTOR Property Resource and CMA

September 23, 2016

11:30 to 1:30 pm

Lunch provided

Fidelity Bank Community Room

Taught by Kimberly Allard Moccia

Receive 2 CEUs - RE62RC10

Realtors Property Resource® (RPR®) delivers on-the-go access to an all-encompassing real estate platform, available exclusively to REALTORS®, and offered at no additional cost. Easily accessed through desktop, iOS and Android devices. Come and learn all

about it.

Educational Opportunities

NAR Safety Course September 23, 2016

2 to 5 pm

Fidelity Bank Community Room

Taught by Kimberly Allard Moccia

Receive 2 CEUs - RE36R05

Real Estate Safety Matters: Safe Business = Smart Business, is a three-hour course. Learn how you can easily keep business

risks low while increasing opportunities for growth by: • Developing safety protocols for client meetings, open houses,

showings and online interactions • Understanding responses to threats or attacks

• Maintaining data security • Protecting personal and electronic information

This course is an essential primer on how real estate professionals can limit risk to preserve safety and facilitate positive business outcomes.

Sign up for any of these classes by going to www.ncmar.com/calendar

North Central MA Associations of REALTORS®, Inc. 40 Summer St. Fitchburg MA 01420

Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm (978) 345-2531

NCMAR Staff

Association Executive Kathy Lore, RCE, ePro kathylore@ncmar.com Member Services Coordinator Justin Lore, ePro justinlore@ncmar.com

Upcoming Events

Newsletter

Deadline for submission for the next issue is the last day of the month. For information on Business Partner advertising, contact the Association Office.

News & Views is available online at www.ncmar.com and every issue is emailed to our members. Print copies of the News & Views are available to members upon request. The subscription is included in the yearly local dues.

Calendar of Events—Save the Dates!

August

10th Member Services Committee 9:30 am

10th Continuing Education Class 6-8 pm

11th MAR Board of Directors Meeting 12 pm

16th Board of Directors 9 am

16th Tech/YPN Committee Meeting 10:30 am

17th Communications Committee Meeting 10 am

17th Community Involvement Committee Meeting 11 am

17th Continuing Education Class 10 to Noon

18th NCMAR Night Out

25th MLS PIN - Pinergy Training 9:30 and 1 pm

24th Government Affairs Committee 9:30 am

September 7th ZipLogix Beginner Training with Kurt 10 to noon

7th Ziplogix Advanced Training with Kurt 1 to 3 pm

8th Solar Power Panel Discussion 10 to noon

13th RPAC Telethon 10 to 2 pm

14th Mandatory Code of Ethics Training 10 to 12:30

16th United Way of Caring All Day

22rd Business Partner Appreciation Event 1:30 to 4 pm

23rd RPR/CMA with Kimberly 11:30 to 1:30

23rd NAR Safety Course with Kimberly 2 to 5 pm

Page 8 News & Views www.ncmar.com August 2016

You’re Invited to Connect and Engage at the

NCMAR Night Out Thursday, August 18, 2016

5:30 to 8:30 pm

Location TBD

Sponsored by

Rich Rawson of

Berlin Insurance Group

CELTICS TICKETS RAFFLE

HAVE YOUR BUSINESS CARD READY!

Enter to win a pair of tickets, tenth row!

Join your fellow NCMAR members for a fun night

out with plenty of networking, good conversation

and an enjoyable time for all attendees.

The Member Services Committee will offer a 50/50 cash raffle where you may purchase tickets for $5 Half the funds raised from this raffle will go to a local charity.