VPAR January 2012 REALTOR Update

REALTOR® UpdateJanuary 2012

Published by the Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS®

Off My Desk… CEO ReportCan you believe it, 2012? Just seemed like yesterday, we were going to be partying like it was 1999. There

have been a few changes in our lives, whether it was a decline or increase in your sales, a passing of a loved one, a new marriage, the birth of a child or a new community. Either way, life is ever revolving. Life doesn’t stand still no matter how much we would like it too.

I read a quote by Oprah Winfrey about change recently, it said, “The greatest discovery of all time is that a per-son can change his future by merely changing his attitude”. I have been fi ghting my 7 year old to change his attitude but maybe it should be mine. A war of wills is quite tiring with someone that has more reasons than you to do or not to do something, like go to bed later and YOU go to bed earlier. While I would love this concept, it is I that still has to fi gure out what he is wearing the next day!

Life is all about change, renewal, growth or whatever you want to call it. And without our members, VPAR would be stagnant and ineffective. VPAR committees are the driving force of the direction of the Association, and we NEED your input. If you would like to join a committee and haven’t already put your name in, please call the Board offi ce. We are continuing to put together a new calendar full of opportunity to grow your busi-ness through education, REALTOR® Fest, public policy, just to name a few. One such opportunity, VPAR is hosting new courses in Expanding Housing Opportunities and Employer-Assisted Housing.

Expanding Housing Opportunities course is a six-hour course designed to educate real estate professionals on the range of affordable housing opportunities and the clients who seek them. You will expand your fi eld of vision to bring lenders, housing counselors, and community organizations into the home-buying process.

The Employer-Assisted Housing is a four-hour course that shows how EAH can be a benefi t offered by employ-ers help employees fi nd and purchase an affordable home, ideally located near the workplace. In the EAH course, you will learn how to work with local employers to discuss how this can help them and their employees as well as the community. And by taking both classes together, you will save $10!

Life is too short not to change and grow, whether you have been in the business for years or a few months, VPAR is here to help you work YOUR business more effectively! We hope you have a prosperous New YEAR!

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You spoke and we listened! The 2012 Partner Sponsorship Program has been revamped with you, the Partner, in mind. VPAR’s Partner Sponsorship Program refl ects our commit-ment to provide our members with the best environment to conduct business and allow them the chance to network with industry professionals who provide products or services they deem valuable.

The Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS® seeks to provide a valuable return to our sponsors in terms of exposure and advertising, while building on programs and ser-vices to our members. And we are pleased to provide you with this comprehensive menu of sponsorship items for calendar year 2012. On the following pages you’ll fi nd VPAR sponsorship opportunities that have been designed to help maximize your visibility, en-hance your brand identity, and provide a convenient way to distribute information regard-ing your organization’s products, services and capabilities at important VPAR events and educational offerings.

Most of the sponsorships were created to help leverage your participation at various VPAR educational offerings to get you noticed by the members VPAR represents. But your sponsorship will also reach other community businesses through the VPAR events. Your sponsorship helps support the vision and works for VPAR and helps VPAR continue to provide the highest visibility through a now customizable program.

The new VPAR Partner Sponsorship Program is an ala cart program where YOU are in control of how your marketing dollars are spent. We will no longer make you conform to the way we want the dollars spent, especially on something that you feel doesn’t bring you the visibility you want .

The new Partner Sponsorship Program is designed to be all-inclusive in cost, giving you more opportunity to network, communicate and enjoy your time with the VPAR members. VPAR’s Partner Sponsorship Program includes your fi rst primary membership, value $175 and any additional representatives are a low $50 each. And each category gives you something extra that will make your marketing dollars go further.

We hope that you will decide to participate in the NEW VPAR Partner Sponsorship Pro-gram. At any time we welcome your input and thoughts regarding these opportunities and are available to discuss at your convenience. If you would like to request specifi c spon-sorship or require additional information, please contact Tina Sparks, Event and Educa-tion Director at 757-599-5222 ext 302 or email [email protected] or myself, Dana R. Holben, CEO at 757-599-5222 ext. 304.

We look forward to building a stronger Association and community with our Business part-ners.

No REALTOR ® Update January 2012 - page 2 No

New Partner Sponsorship Program

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Advertising PolicyWhile this magazine makes reasonable effort to establish the integrity of its advertisers, it does not endorse advertised products or

services unless specifi cally stated. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement at anytime. Advertisements refused may include, but are not limited to, those that are legally questionable, that may support products or services of questionable standards, or that are inconsistent with the high professional standard of the Code of Ethics of the Association. Advertising is open to REALTOR®

members, member fi rms, affi liate members and non-members. Product advertising is limited to residential subdivisions, commercial, or industrial units and real estate related products and services, excluding personal listings.

Equal Opportunity PolicyVPAR is pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity. The Association encourages and

supports an affi rmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, elderliness, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.

NoticeVPAR does not fi x, control, recommend, suggest, or maintain commission rates or fees for services rendered by cooperating

members or non-members.

EditorDana R. Holben

REALTOR® Update is published monthly by the Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS® as a service to its membership. Corre-spondence and requests for advertising packets should be mailed to REALTOR® Update, Attention: Dana R. Holben, Editor, 1001 North

Campus Parkway, Hampton, VA 23666 or call VPAR at (757) 599-5222 or e-mail at [email protected].

REALTOR® UpdateThe Offi cial Publication of the

Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS®

Offi cers

PresidentSheila Dann, ABR, GRI, SFR

President-ElectPamela McKinney Lewis, ABR, GRI

TreasurerSharon Snyder-Bartels

Immediate Past PresidentDale Chandler

Directors Carol Davanay, ABR, GREEN • Kimi Dornan, ABR, GRI, SFR

Theresa Embler • Lynn Grimsley, ABR, AHWD, CRS, GRI, SRES Chandra Patterson • Regina Scott, ABR, GRI

Barbara Lassley, ABR, SFR

Chief Executive Offi cer - Dana R. Holben, RCE, e-PRO

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Happy New Year!

Interest rates are low and inventory in our area is going down so I hope you are busy working your business and planning for 2012. If you haven’t done your business plan for 2012, let me give you a few things to think about that I got from REALTOR® Magazine:

Steps to a Better Business Plan

1. Make a list of your dream priorities in every aspect of your life.

2. Write your answer to these questions: “What do you want your real estate career to do for your life in 2012? Why is that important to you? Who else will benefi t? How will they benefi t? Why is that important to you?”

3. Choose one of those dream priorities from the fi rst question above and scribble it down. Write what you’d like to accomplish in that area by the end of each month in the next year, January through December. Do this quickly — you can improve it later.

4. Answer this question: What are your three greatest strengths that will contribute to your success in 2012?

5. Consider what shortcomings are costing you money now and how you would increase your production if you improved them.

6. Identify clear indicators of your strengthened skills that you should see by the end of 2012.

7. Discern the biggest weakness standing in the way of your success.

8. Quickly, and without analysis, fi gure out the amount of income, sales volume, and number of sales that would demonstrate you are well on

President’s Messageby Sheila Dann, 2012 VPAR President

your way to the success you envision. Translate your answer into all three: income, sales volume, and number of sales.

9. If you are an experienced practitioner, multiply the number of sales you want from the above question by 2; if you’re still new to real estate, multiply by 3. Then divide that result by 40. (For example, 20 sales x 2 = 40, and 40 divided by 40 = 1.) That is how many new clients you need each week to achieve your goal. In the example, that means one new client each week for 40 weeks. For most, it’s a shockingly small number.*

10. Write down your sales volume and number of sales goals for 2012 from #8.

11. Divide your number of sales from 10 above by 2.

12. Review your strengths from #4 and short-comings from #5.

13. Choose which activities you’ll complete daily and schedule them day by day. Put that on your calendar and start immediately.

14. Choose which activities for #12 will be com-pleted weekly. Choose the day of the week to spend 30 to 60 minutes on that activity. Limit this to no more than one activity per day. For exam-ple, on Mondays you follow up on all your leads. On Tuesdays, you work on your Web marketing. On Wednesdays, you invest time in your print marketing. And so on.

15. Hold a 30- to 60-minute business plan update session.

16. Pump yourself up: Weird but true, your physi-ology will dictate the success of your planning sessions.

The Board of Directors and the VPAR staff is al-way here if you have any questions or concerns. And remember together, we look forward to a prosperous 2012.

See you at our General Membership Breakfast on January 24th.

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Survey FAQs USA Today has come out with a new survey, apparently, three out of ev-

ery four people make up 75% of the popula-tion.” David Letterman.

Okay, not that kind of survey. But I’ve seen a lot of survey issues late-ly, so let’s just discuss the other kind of survey with some Frequent-ly Asked Questions:

What does a survey protect against? I’ve have always thought that the most benefi cial reason to get a survey was simply to make sure that the parcel of land the buyer thinks he is buy-ing is actually what he is buying. A survey also locates recorded easements (and many times unrecorded ones) and you would be surprised at how often people will build something in an easement. Most importantly perhaps, the survey also tells the buyer whether the house, fence, sidewalk, driveway, shed, porch, pool and other improvements actually lie on the property and whether they violate any setback lines, conserva-tion areas, etc. Not only will the survey reveal whether the improvements encroach on an-other’s property, it will reveal whether the neigh-bor’s improvements encroach on the buyer’s lot.

Does my buyer have to have a survey? No, it used to be they did (as a practical matter, there was no law that required it) because the lend-er would require affi rmative coverage against survey issues, and title insurance companies would not issue that coverage unless there was a survey. Presently buyers can purchase “enhanced” title insurance that will provide the coverage to the lender without a survey.

Should my buyer get a survey? Yes, I cannot tell

you how many problems we routinely discover, and resolve, only because the buyer got a survey.

How much does it cost? It depends on the survey requested, of course, because a survey of acre-age is more expensive than the typical residential survey. The latter runs, on average, $275 to $350.

Is the cost included in a concession clause? It used to be considered a buyer’s closing cost, but now that they are optional it is really going to de-pend on the precise language of the concession clause itself. A good selling agent should specifi -cally list it in the clause.

How long does it take to get one? On average about one week. In a pinch surveyors can usually do them quicker, but they like to have as much lead time as possible and we like to give them at least ten days.

Who orders it? The buyer’s settlement agent. There is nothing that says the buyer can’t order it directly (or the selling agent), just make sure you coordinate with the settlement agent so two are not ordered. Listing agents should never or-der one unless expressly directed to do so by the contract, but even then the listing agent ought to coordinate with the settlement agent.

Can I just use an old one? No, not really, First, if it is a lender or title insurer driven requirement then they will want a current survey because things can change very quickly (new fence, deck, etc.). Sometimes we can use an old one if it is coupled with an affi davit, but that is mainly for refi nances.

Happy New Year everyone! As always, if you are confused and have no idea what to do, consult your broker; but if you are still confused after that please feel free to email me at [email protected] where I am still trying to fi gure out the differ-ence between a “plat” and a “survey” (I’m pretty sure, but not totally sure, it is a you-say-tomato-thing).

Legal Cornerby Brian Lytle, Attorney

mailto:[email protected]


NoNo

http://www.nationalexterminating.com

No REALTOR7 Update November 2009 - page 7REALTOR7 Update

Want to be an R-Man?

Would you like to be the first to participate in NAR’s newest way to keep you informed of

breaking news? Sign up for the REALTOR® Mo-bile Action Network (we like to call it R-MAN), and you’ll receive text messages right on your mobile phone with instant and important information. We’ll also use R-MAN to communicate with you when we need your help. It’s not a Call for Action (CFA), but rather a quick and easy way to alert you to an im-pending CFA or to connect you with your Member of Congress for an instant call to relay vital REAL-TOR® information. Visit http://www.realtoraction-center.com/realtor-party/realtor-mobile-action.html for more details and to subscribe to this service!

Rangel, Pelosi Comment about Tax Credit Ex-tension - At a press conference on October 8,

House Speaker Pelosi (D-CA) responded favorably when asked about the likelihood of extending the first-time homebuyer tax credit. When asked about the possibility of further housing legislation, she re-sponded “Yes, there is under consideration whether we extend the first time homeowners credit. And the question is, would that be just first time homeown-ers or would you open it up to other purchasers of homes?” She shed no further light on whether the credit would be expanded, but did note that the cost of an expansion would be the major consideration in the decision process.

When asked for comment, Bloomberg Wire Ser-vices reports that Chairman Rangel (D-NY)

said, “There’s no question that I think it should be extended; for how long, we should discuss.” As yet, no formal action has been announced.

House Extends Credit for Military, Intelligence and Diplomatic Personnel - The House has

voted 416 - 0 to extend through 2010 the benefits

the first-time homebuyer tax credit to military, intelli-gence and diplomatic personnel. To be eligible, pin 2009. The measure (H.R. 3590) now goes to the Senate. Timing and process for its consideration of are unknown.

IVPI Interim Complaint Process Available in No-vember 2009 - The Independent Valuation Pro-

tection Institute (IVPI) was announced as an inte-gral part of the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC). The purpose of the IVPI is to receive complaints from appraisers and users of appraisal services on the improper influence or attempted im-proper influence of appraisers. The IVPI has not yet been established but an interim web site is currently under development.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced a complaint form that will appear on the interim

Independent Valuation Protection Institute (IVPI) Complaint Web site. The complaint form is for dem-onstration purposes only and is not available for fil-ing a complaint until the Web site is publicly avail-able in November 2009. The Web site, http://www.ivpicomplaint.org, will collect complaints from any party about non-compliance with the HVCC or at-tempted improper influencing of appraisers or the appraisal process.

FHA May Further Delay Implementation of New Condominium Rules - The new condominium

approval process under Mortgagee Letter 2009-19 was to be effective for all case numbers assigned on or after October 1, 2009. While the new effec-tive date is for case numbers assigned on or after November 2, 2009, NAR understands that the new effective date may be delayed even further. The site condo and manufactured housing condo project changes that have already taken effect are not af-fected by this delay. However, all other rules of the condominium program remain in effect. For exam-ple, lenders are permitted to offer spot loans until the new condominium rules go into effect.

Governmental Affairs Update Continued!

Contributions are not deductivle for Federal income tax purposes. RPAC contributions are voluntary and used for political purposes. The amount suggested is merely a guideline and you may contribute more or less than the suggested amount. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal or otherwise affecting your membership rights. Seventy percent of your contribution goes to your State Association to support state and local political candidates. Thirty percent is sent to National RPAC to support Federal candidates against your limits under 2 U.S.C. 441a; after the state PAC reaches it RPAC goal, it may elect to retain your entire contribution for use in supporting state and local candidates.

No REALTOR ® Update January 2012 - page 7

As of December 31, 2011

Sterling R($1,000 - $4,999)

J. Dale Chandler

Govenor’s Club ($500 - $999)

Capitol Insider($250 - $499)

$99 Club($99 - $249)

Contributing Member($25 - $98)

100% Office Participation

2012 RPAC Contributors

2012 Goal: $19,200 ~ Total Raised to Date: $1,000


Employer‐Assisted Housing Class at VPAR (Designed by the National Association of REALTORS®)

The Peninsula Real Estate School, owned and operated by Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS®, presents this NAR class.

Location Date/Time Price

REALTOR® Building Thursday, Feb. 23 $50 Members 1001 North Campus Pkwy. 9:30 am – 1:30 pm $60 Non‐Members Hampton, VA 23666 Christine Singhaas will be the instructor.

* For more course information go to www.rebac.net

Payment MUST be made at the time of registration. Register online

at VPAR.org and click on Member Service Center to log in or

complete this form and fax to 757‐599‐5222 or send email to

[email protected]. VPAR reserves the right to cancel a class if less than

15 people are registered. Students must give 48 hours notice of

cancellation for a full refund.

* Please notify us at time of registration if you have a disability that

requires special services.

Registration Form

Name_________________________________________

Address________________________________________

City/Zip________________________________________

Phone_________________________________________

Email__________________________________________

License #_______________________________________

Exp. Date______________________________________

Method of Payment

Check Visa Mastercard

Discover AmEx Bill office

_______________________________________________________________

Credit Card #___________________________________

Exp. Date______________________________________

Signature_____________________________________

VPAR Member $50 Non‐Members $60

Become a Force

for Affordable Housing

Take advantage of the EAH class on Thursday, Feb. 23 at the Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS® in Hampton, and get the tools you need to help employees, in cooperation with the employer and lender, obtain affordable housing.

The class, taught by NAR certified instructor Christine Singhaas, focuses on learning how to work with local employers to discuss Employer-Assisted Housing, the program’s benefits and the three options available to the employer: homebuyer and homeownership workshops; one-on-one counseling; and financial assistance. EAH benefits everyone: employer, employee, REALTOR® and the community.

No No REALTOR7 Update November 2009 - page 9REALTOR7 Update

Governmental Affairs Updateby Susan Gaston, Governmental Affairs Consultant

No No REALTOR ® Update January 2012 - page 9

Local

Hampton

• The Ft. Monroe Au-thority will pursue efforts during the 2012 Gen-eral Assembly Session to amend State Code allowing real estate sales transactions in addition to property leases. VPAR supports this initiative and will work with the Authority and with Executive Director Glenn Oder to ensure passage if a bill is fi led. • 2012 will be another year fi lled with ongo-ing amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. Stay tuned for details as VPAR remains an active stakeholder in these updates, which have not been made in nearly 50 years! REALTORS® Perry Pilgrim and Larry Townsend serve on the Advisory Committee, which also is covered by VPAR’s Legislative Consultant.

Poquoson

• In early November, VPAR met with the City Manager, Randy Wheeler, regarding the City’s desire to increase its marketability within the real estate community. To that end, VPAR and the City will be co-hosting a REALTOR® DAY in POQUOSON on March 27th! The event, which will be held in the City, will include bus and walk-ing tours of key areas of the City and interaction with elected offi cials key staff in the City. Details coming soon!

State

• The 2012 General Assembly Session con-venes on Wednesday, January 11th. With 16 new members of the House of Delegates and six new members of the Senate of Virginia, this 60-day “long” budget session will be busy as elected offi cials move toward adoption of a new state budget, and consider multiple policy decisions. New leadership is in place in both chambers, and notably for VPAR, the Senate Majority Leader is Sen. Thomas K. Norment, Jr. (R-3rd).

• VPAR, in conjunction with VAR, continues to work on legislative initiatives that will be carried in the 2012 Session. VAR will sponsor 9 bills in the 2012 Session. http://www.varealtor.com/Leg-islativeAgenda:

Agency and Professionalism – A “catch-all” bill drawn to Title 54.1 regarding real es-tate licensees, this bill will accomplish several tasks, including any necessary “clean up” from our large Agency Bill from the 2011 Session, as well as implementing the recommendations made by the Professionalism Work Group. There are other elements of “small fi xes” that will be accomplished in this legislation.

Appraiser Management Companies – The Federal Dodd-Frank Act requires states to bring Appraisal Management Companies (AMCs) under the supervision and authority of their regulatory boards for Appraisers. In Vir-ginia, that is the Real Estate Appraiser Board. Understanding that creating a new regulatory program in Virginia is a slow process, we rec-ommend taking the lead and beginning it now.

Landlord and Tenant – A bill for Landlord Tenant Act modifi cations is recommended to

Governmental Affairs Updateby Susan Gaston, Governmental Affairs Consultant

transactions in addition to property leases. VPAR

S• The 2012 General Assembly Session con-venes on Wednesday, January 11th. With 16 new members of the House of Delegates and six new members of the Senate of Virginia, this 60-day “long” budget session will be busy as elected offi cials move toward adoption of a new state budget, and consider multiple policy decisions. New leadership is in place in both chambers, and notably for VPAR, the Senate Majority Leader is

No REALTOR7 Update November 2009 - page 10 NoREALTOR7 Update


Would you like to be the first to participate in NAR’s newest way to keep you informed of



House Speaker Pelosi (D-CA) responded favorably when asked about the likelihood of extending the first-time homebuyer tax credit. When asked about the possibility of further housing legislation, she re-sponded “Yes, there is under consideration whether we extend the first time homeowners credit. And the question is, would that be just first time homeown-ers or would you open it up to other purchasers of homes?” She shed no further light on whether the credit would be expanded, but did note that the cost of an expansion would be the major consideration in the decision process.




voted 416 - 0 to extend through 2010 the benefits

the first-time homebuyer tax credit to military, intelli-gence and diplomatic personnel. To be eligible, pin 2009. The measure (H.R. 3590) now goes to the Senate. Timing and process for its consideration of are unknown.


tection Institute (IVPI) was announced as an inte-gral part of the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC). The purpose of the IVPI is to receive complaints from appraisers and users of appraisal services on the improper influence or attempted im-proper influence of appraisers. The IVPI has not yet been established but an interim web site is currently under development.


Independent Valuation Protection Institute (IVPI) Complaint Web site. The complaint form is for dem-onstration purposes only and is not available for fil-ing a complaint until the Web site is publicly avail-able in November 2009. The Web site, http://www.ivpicomplaint.org, will collect complaints from any party about non-compliance with the HVCC or at-tempted improper influencing of appraisers or the appraisal process.





handle a variety of smaller issues that have arisen this year, including which portions of the Virginia Landlord and Tenant Act are appli-cable to residential dwelling units, how rents may be accepted with reservation, and more. While not always exciting, these annual revi-sions are generally made with an eye to avoid-ing costly litigation.

Property Owner Associations and Condo-minium Act – A broad bill for Property Owner Associations and Condominium Act issues is recommended to address issues that have arisen throughout the year. This year’s con-cerns include delays in receiving vital infor-mation regarding owner occupancy and de-linquency, as well as exempting auctioned property from various provisions. If we are un-able to build broad consensus around these is-sues, VAR likely will recommend deferring this bill to 2013. ***THIS LEGISLATION WILL BE CARRIED BY DELEGATE BRENDA POGGE (R-96th), WHO CARRIED OUR POA LEGIS-LATION IN 2011.***

Fairfax Rental Inspection – The City of Fairfax has persisted in stubbornly defying the General Assembly on the issue of Rental In-spection Ordinances. Following our very clear victory in the General Assembly last year, Fair-fax City revised its non-conforming ordinance in a different non-conforming way. While ne-gotiations will occur between now and then, a bill to remedy the most recent insult will be introduced.

Business Professional and Occupational License Tax (BPOL) – REALTORS® have a number of difficulties with and objections to the Business Professional and Occupational License Tax (BPOL). REALTORS® pay BPOL taxes at the same rate as lawyers, accoun-tants and physicians. However, we are aware

of and are participating in a larger effort under-way now that might lead to elimination of the BPOL tax. Our bill may become a vehicle for a separate proposal, or be deferred for study – but it is worth doing. ***NOTE THAT THIS ISSUE EMERGED FROM VPAR’s 2012 LEG-ISLATIVE PACKAGE***.

Virginia SAFE Act. This consumer pro-tection measure was required by federal law, but the current exemptions do not expressly exempt owner financing from the burdensome requirements otherwise placed on mortgage lenders. Most states are attempting to address this issue now.

Tenant Utility Liens – In an issue on which much work has been done over the past year, liens placed on property as a result of nonpay-ment of utility bills by tenants have caused many negative consequences for owners. A consensus of the affected parties is near, and a bill to reflect that consensus will be introduced by VAR.

Alternative Onsite Sewage Systems – At least one locality has exceeded its statutory authority in requiring cash bonds to be posted before it will approve alternative onsite sew-age systems – in violation of the Dillon Rule. This needs to be addressed legislatively, while negotiations are conducted with the locality in-volved.

• In addition to the above-noted legislation, VPAR will work with Del.-elect David Yancey (R-94th, Newport News) to provide further protec-tions for licensees in situations where inaccurate information is provided from a public source. Sug-gested by VPAR Affiliate Member and real estate law expert Bert Kelly, this legislation amends two Code sections that will add further liability protec-tions for REALTORS®.


No No REALTOR7 Update November 2009 - page 11REALTOR7 Update


Would you like to be the fi rst to participate in NAR’s newest way to keep you informed of



House Speaker Pelosi (D-CA) responded favorably when asked about the likelihood of extending the fi rst-time homebuyer tax credit. When asked about the possibility of further housing legislation, she re-sponded “Yes, there is under consideration whether we extend the fi rst time homeowners credit. And the question is, would that be just fi rst time homeown-ers or would you open it up to other purchasers of homes?” She shed no further light on whether the credit would be expanded, but did note that the cost of an expansion would be the major consideration in the decision process.




voted 416 - 0 to extend through 2010 the benefi ts

the fi rst-time homebuyer tax credit to military, intelli-gence and diplomatic personnel. To be eligible, pin 2009. The measure (H.R. 3590) now goes to the Senate. Timing and process for its consideration of are unknown.


tection Institute (IVPI) was announced as an inte-gral part of the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC). The purpose of the IVPI is to receive complaints from appraisers and users of appraisal services on the improper infl uence or attempted im-proper infl uence of appraisers. The IVPI has not yet been established but an interim web site is currently under development.


Independent Valuation Protection Institute (IVPI) Complaint Web site. The complaint form is for dem-onstration purposes only and is not available for fi l-ing a complaint until the Web site is publicly avail-able in November 2009. The Web site, http://www.ivpicomplaint.org, will collect complaints from any party about non-compliance with the HVCC or at-tempted improper infl uencing of appraisers or the appraisal process.





• During the General Assembly Session, please look for weekly Legislative Updates so that you will receive the latest information from Rich-mond! And follow the Session from a real estate perspective by logging onto Facebook, where dai-ly updates will be posted to make sure you have all legislative news that is relevant to your profes-sion!

Federal IssuesHousing Is Taxed to Pay-for Extension of Existing Tax, Medicare, and Unemployment Benefi tsThe President signed into law legislation that will extend the payroll tax, maintain Medicare payments, and unemployment benefi ts on the back of the housing sector. Despite NAR’s strong opposition to the diversion of housing resources to pay for non-housing uses, increases in Guarantee Fees on Fannie/Freddie mortgages and premium charges for FHA loans are being used to pay for the extensions. These increases will translate into additional costs for housing consumer and will divert fees needed to minimize the loss exposure of the government-sponsored enterprises, investors, and ultimately, the taxpayer. Below is a link to the letter NAR sent to Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid (D-NV). http://www.ksefocus.com/billdatabase/clientfi les/172/2/1411.pdf

Congress Extends Flood Insurance until May 31, 2012On Dec. 17, 2011, Congress extended National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) authority through May 31, 2012. This latest extension was a part of H.R. 2055, the so-called “megabus conference report” combining the remaining nine appropriations bills to fund the federal government for FY2012. NAR is urging Congress

o use the additional time to complete work on a 5-year NFIP re-authorization bill (H.R. 1309) to provide certainty and avoid further disruption to real estate markets.

For details on these and other important issues where VPAR is involved and serving as a resource to key policy decision makers, please contact Su-san Gaston, VPAR’s Legislative Consultant, at 757-871-1445 or by e-mail at [email protected].

Mark your calendars for February 15th --

VPAR’s Annual REALTOR® Day

on the Hill! Look for more details in the coming weeks on this critically important grassroots ef-fort to pass the REALTOR® Legislative Agenda!


http://www.ksefocus.com/billdatabase/clientfiles/172/2/1411.pdf

NoNoExpires 9/30/2011

For Information, Call Kathleen Hazelwood, Abbitt RealtyDIRECTIONS: Traveling on I64, take the Busch Gardens//Rt. 199 exit, turn left on Jamestown Rd. Rt. 31, right on4-H Club Rd. Rt. 680, and then right on Sir Thomas Way, then left on Yeardley Loop to the site.MODEL LOT/ADDRESS AVAILABLE SQ FT PRICENottoway 111/4747 Yeardley Loop 30 Days 2,675 $344,000

For Information, Call Dane Scott, Scott & AssociatesDIRECTIONS:Traveling on I-664 South to Exit 13A/Rte. 58 West towards Suffolk. Take the Rte. 58/460 Bypass around Suffolk.Continue on Rte. 58 Bypass around Holland and Franklin. Take a right onto Business Rte. 58/Camp Parkway. Go 1 mile and turn leftonto Delaware Rd.MODEL LOT/ADDRESS AVAILABLE SQ FT PRICEOpal II 50/108 Parks Pl. Immediately 3,359 $260,000Potomac 57/105 Parks Pl. 90 Days 2,053 $288,000

Oak Ridge

The Pointeat Jamestown

Peleg’sPoint

JoynerFarms

FROM THE $240’s(757) 888-2324By Appointment Only


FROM THE $280’s(757) 220-5566Open F - M 1-5 p.m.

FROM THE $260’s(757) 650-8782

FROM THE $230’s(757) 888-2324Open F - M 1-5 p.m.

Summer’sCrossing

For Information, Call Mary Swan, Mid-Atlantic ResidentialDIRECTIONS: Traveling on I64, take exit 261A (Hampton Roads Center Parkway), turn right onto Big Bethel Rd./VA 600. Goapprox 2 miles, turn right onto Semple Farms Rd., go approx. .4 miles and turn right on Peppermint Way to the site.MODEL LOT/ADDRESS AVAILABLE SQ FT PRICERoanoke 28/1 Peppermint Way 150 Days 2,305 $276,000Smith 1/2 Peppermint Way 150 Days 2,494 $300,000Pearl II 3/6 Peppermint Way 150 Days 2,762 $332,000

SempleCove


For Information, Call Jackie Findlay, Mid-Atlantic ResidentialDIRECTIONS: Traveling on I64 West, take exit 247 toward Yorktown/NWS (Rt. 238/Yorktown Rd.). Go East onRt. 238/Yorktown Rd., travel approximately 1 mile, turn right onto Taliaferro Rd. to the site.MODEL LOT/ADDRESS AVAILABLE SQ FT PRICERoanoke 1/613 Taliaferro Rd. Immediately 2,305 $305,000Pearl II 5/621 Taliaferro Rd. 30 Days 2,762 $305,000Rivanna II 8/627 Taliaferro Rd. 45 Days 1,765 $240,000Roanoke 7/625 Taliaferro Rd. 45 Days 2,305 $295,000Smith 6/623 Taliaferro Rd. 45 Days 2,494 $300,000Smith 3/617 Taliaferro Rd. 45 Days 2,494 $300,000

York County

Williamsburg

Franklin

Hampton

Williamsburg

York County,Newport News

For Information, Call Kathleen Hazelwood, Abbitt RealtyDIRECTIONS: Traveling on I64 West, take the 199 West exit 242A toward Williamsburg. Turn left on Jamestown Rd., slight lefton Neck-o-Land Rd., left on Williamsburg Glade, left at Benomi Dr. to the site.MODEL LOT/ADDRESS AVAILABLE SQ FT PRICEPowell 83/2140 Benomi Dr. Immediately 2,278 $300,000Appomattox 108/2119 Benomi Dr. Immediately 2,559 $327,000Pearl II 105/4780 Peleg’s Way Immediately 2,762 $364,000Mattaponi 78/2116 Benomi Dr. 30 Days 2,746 $375,000Roanoke 84/2148 Benomi Dr. 60 Days 2,305 $303,000Smith 97/4775 Peleg’s Way 60 Days 2,494 $328,000Pearl II 95/2139 Peleg’s Way 60 Days 2,762 $364,000Turquoise 102/4768 Peleg’s Way 120 Days 2,729 $372,000

For Information, Call Jackie Findlay, Mid-Atlantic ResidentialDIRECTIONS: Traveling on I64 West, take exit 247 toward Yorktown/NWS Rt. 238/Yorktown Rd. Travel approx. 2 miles,right on Dogwood Rd., left on Foster Rd. , continue straight onto Maple Rd., right on Mulberry Ct. to the site.MODEL LOT/ADDRESS AVAILABLE SQ FT PRICERivanna II 405 Maple Rd. Immediately 1,765 $239,000Staunton 402 Baptist Rd. Immediately 1,834 $255,000Roanoke 12/105 Maple Rd. Immediately 2,305 $298,000Nottoway 9/107 Mulberry Ct. Immediately 2,675 $327,250Turquoise 13/103 Maple Rd. Immediately 2,729 $329,000

VEI PVEI PVEI PVEI PVEI PAAAAAYYYYYSSSSS ALL CLALL CLALL CLALL CLALL CLOSINGOSINGOSINGOSINGOSINGCOSTS IF USING OURCOSTS IF USING OURCOSTS IF USING OURCOSTS IF USING OURCOSTS IF USING OUR

PREFERREDPREFERREDPREFERREDPREFERREDPREFERRED AAAAATTTTTTTTTTORNEY &ORNEY &ORNEY &ORNEY &ORNEY &LENDERLENDERLENDERLENDERLENDER

*****See Sales ManaSee Sales ManaSee Sales ManaSee Sales ManaSee Sales Managgggger Fer Fer Fer Fer For Detailsor Detailsor Detailsor Detailsor Details

http://www.veihomes.com

No REALTOR7 Update November 2009 - page 13No REALTOR ® Update January 2012 - page 13

The 2012 Education Calendar Has Been Completed

Keep your eye out as the website will be updated in the next few weeks

with the 2012 dates for CE, PL, Night Courts, REALTOR® Enrichment Se-ries, General Membership Breakfast, Designation Courses and more to help you in your business!

Included in this month’s Update is the the 2012 Educationa and Event over-

view.

Did You Know VPAR Does Education Consulting?

It’s often easy to lose track of where you are in your license renewal pro-

cess. Have you taken the right classes? Do you have enough credits? Where can you fi nd that 1-hour class to fi nish your 16 hours? Did your credits post properly? When does your license ex-pire?

Take a deep breath – VPAR is here to help. VPAR staff is trained to evalu-

ate your current license status and help you lay out an education plan to com-plete your requirements. Just give Tina a call at 757-599-5222 ext. 302 or email at [email protected].

CE & PL Online Education

Are you lacking just an hour in Agency or Legal Update to complete your continuing

education? Does your schedule prohibit you from attending classroom courses for license renewal? VPAR now offers online education to suit your needs (including post licensing)! You can complete it online at your convenience at a very reasonable rate.

As a valued member of the Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS®,

we would like to offer you a special promotion on your continuing education this December. Finish your CE course through our online course catalog and enter the promotional code (JAN20) and receive a 20% discount (expires 1/31/2012). Simply Visit: http://vpar.theceshop.com

REALTOR® University

VPAR has partnered with REALTOR® University to provide the highest quality

education available to real estate profession-als. Supported by an extensive library, research center and network of associates, a REAL-TOR® University education will equip you with leading-edge knowledge of real estate, and the skills you’ll need to apply it. Distinguish yourself from peers and competitors with an education from REALTOR® University. Click here to learn more!

Education Opportunities

http://www.learninglibrary.com/aspdotnetstorefront70/c-19--all-courses.aspx?affiliateId=10708

http://vpar.theceshop.com/online-education/virginia/real-estate/broker-and-sales-license/continuing-education/courses.html


The course is approved for 12 hours CE/PL credit. .

• Learn how to thoroughly represent buyer-clients in real estate transactions and provide the quality of service and degree of fidelity to buyers that sellers have customarily enjoyed.

• Offer ideas and methods for building a buyer representation business.

• Develop a self-customized tool for conducting a buyer counseling session.

For more info, go to www.rebac.net This course is presented by the Peninsula Real Estate School,owned and operated by the Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS®.

Registration Form

Name Address

City/Zip

Phone n

Email

License #

Exp. Date

Become an ABR® Designee

Take the ABR® Designation Course at VPAR

LocationREALTOR Building 1001 North Campus Pkwy. Hampton, VA 23666

InstructorPat Snider, GRI, SRES, ABR, ePro

Date/TimeMonday, Feb. 6 Tuesday, Feb. 7

9 am-5 pm

CostVPAR Member $200 Non-Member $250

Payment MUST be made at the time of registration. Register online at VPAR.org and click on Member Service Center to login or complete this form and fax to 757-599-5222 or email to [email protected] reserves the right to cancel a class if less than 15 people are registered. Students must give 48 hours notice of cancellation for a full refund. *Please notify us in advance if you have a disability that requires special services

Method of Payment

Check Visa Mastercard Discover AmEx Bill office

Credit Card #

Exp. Date Signature

VPAR Member $200 Non-Member $250


No No REALTOR7 Update November 2009 - page 15No REALTOR7 Update November 2009 - page 15NoNo No REALTOR ® Update January 2012 - page 15

January17 – 8HR Required CE Course23 – 8HR Elective CE Course24 – General Membership Breakfast25 – 8HR Broker Management CE Course

February6 & 7 – ABR 2-Day Designation Course13 – 8HR Required CE Course22 – Expanding Housing Opp Course23 – Employer Assisted Housing Course24 – Broker Manager Forum27 – REALTOR® Enrichment Series Course

March 5 – Night Court6 – 8HR Required CE Course8 – 8HR Broker Management CE Course13 – Generation Buy Course19 – REALTOR® Enrichment Series Course23 – SFR Course24 – OSC Awards Banquet26 – Post Licensing Series Courses27 – Post Licensing Series Course28 – Post Licensing Series Course29 – VAR Professional Standards Road Show

April 10 – 8HR Required CE Course17 – General Membership Breakfast20 – Fair Housing Sem. with JC Cancelleri23 – REALTOR® Enrichment Series Course

May 7 – Night Court8 – 8HR Required CE Course10 – REALTOR® Fest17 – REALTOR® Enrichment Series Course21 – 8HR Broker Management CE Course22 – NEW 3HR Agency Law Required Course

June7 – REALTOR® Enrichment Series Course12 – 8HR Required CE Course19 – 8HR Elective CE Course

July 9 – REALTOR® Enrichment Series Course10 – 8HR Required CE Course16 – 8HR Broker Management CE Course19 – Generation Buy Course23 – Night Court24 – NEW 3HR Agency Law Required Course

August6 – REALTOR® Enrichment Series Course7 – 8HR Required CE Course10 – Broker Manager Forum16 – 8HR Elective CE Course22 – Post Licensing Series Courses23 – Post Licensing Series Course24 – Post Licensing Series Course

September10 – REALTOR® Enrichment Series Course11 – 8HR Required CE Course14 – NEW 3HR Agency Law Required Course17 – Expanding Home Opportunities Course18 – Employer-Assisted Housing Course21 – SFR Course24 – Night Court27 – 8HR Broker Management CE Course

October 2 – 8HR Required CE Course8 – VPAR Golf Classic10 &11 – ABR 2-Day Designation Course16 – General Membership Breakfast22 – 8HR Elective CE Course23 – REALTOR® Enrichment Series Course26 – Broker Manager Retreat

2012 Education and Events Calendar at a Glance

The course is approved for 12 hours CE/PL credit. .

• Learn how to thoroughly represent buyer-clients in real estate transactions and provide the quality of service and degree of fidelity to buyers that sellers have customarily enjoyed.

• Offer ideas and methods for building a buyer representation business.

• Develop a self-customized tool for conducting a buyer counseling session.

For more info, go to www.rebac.net This course is presented by the Peninsula Real Estate School,owned and operated by the Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS®.

Registration Form

Name Address

City/Zip

Phone n

Email

License #

Exp. Date

Become an ABR® Designee

Take the ABR® Designation Course at VPAR

LocationREALTOR Building 1001 North Campus Pkwy. Hampton, VA 23666

InstructorPat Snider, GRI, SRES, ABR, ePro

Date/TimeMonday, Feb. 6 Tuesday, Feb. 7

9 am-5 pm

CostVPAR Member $200 Non-Member $250

Payment MUST be made at the time of registration. Register online at VPAR.org and click on Member Service Center to login or complete this form and fax to 757-599-5222 or email to [email protected] reserves the right to cancel a class if less than 15 people are registered. Students must give 48 hours notice of cancellation for a full refund. *Please notify us in advance if you have a disability that requires special services

Method of Payment

Check Visa Mastercard Discover AmEx Bill office

Credit Card #

Exp. Date Signature

VPAR Member $200 Non-Member $250

No REALTOR7 Update November 2009 - page 16 NoNoNo

November 1 & 2 – SRES 2-Day Designation7 – NEW 3HR Agency Law Required Course8 – REALTOR® Enrichment Series Course13 – 8HR Required CE Course15 – 8HR Broker Management CE Course16 – VPAR Installation and Annual Awards Banquet

Sympathy

VPAR wishes to extend sympathy to John Naudziunas who in December lost his mother, Dorothy Foral.

Tina Sparks, VPAR staff, lost her grandmother on Sat-urday, December 17th. She was buried on her 92nd

birthday.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you both during this diffi cult time.

December3 – Night Court4 – 8HR Required CE Course

Continued Calendar at a Glance


Welcome New Members!The following individuals have been granted provisional membership. Please submit

any concerns to VPAR in writing no later than 10 days after this publication:

Jina O’Brien- Keller Williams RealtySusan Wasem – Rose & Womble Realty

Member News

Members on the Move - Transfers

Sharon Andrucci to J.Wright & AssociatesShoshana Marziano to ERA Real Estate Profs.Brenda Poole to Prudential Towne RealtyMichael Reames to Keller Williams Realty NNCarol Sobieski to Coldwell Banker Traditions

No No REALTOR7 Update November 2009 - page 17

The Peninsula Real Estate School Owned and operated by

Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS® Presents

“Expanding Housing Opportunities” A 6-HR Course Designed by the National Association of REALTORS®

Tap Into a Growth Market: Affordable Housing The EHO Class will help you learn how to expand housing op-portunities through financing options, advocacy and workforce housing initiatives. During the class, you will learn:

• How affordability affects the housing market, your client, your business and your community.

• The range of affordable housing opportunities through credible lenders, including local, state, federal and non-profit assistance programs for buyers.

• How to better leverage partnerships and resources to ex-pand housing opportunities through workforce housing ini-

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 22 9:30am - 4:30 pm Location: REALTOR® Building 1001 North Campus Pkwy. Hampton, VA 23666.

Instructor: Christine Singhass

Deadline to register is Monday, Feb. 20.

Employer-AssistedHousing Class

The EAH class will be Thursday, Feb. 23 at VPAR. Take both classes together and save $10. * Check box on Registration Form.

* Both registration forms with pay-ment must be submitted together.

Check Visa Mastercard

Discover Card AmEx Bill office

Credit Card # Exp. Date: Signature

VPAR Member $75 Non-Member $85 Will take both classes. Both registrations forms with payment must be submitted together.

* Please notify us in advance if you have a disability that requires special services.

Registration Form Name Address City/Zip Phone Email License # Exp. Date

Payment MUST be made at the time of registration. Register online at VPAR.org and click on Member Service Center to login or complete this form and fax to 757-599-5222 or email to: [email protected]. VPAR reserves the right to cancel a class if less than 15 people are registered. Students must give 48 hours notice of cancellation for a full refund.

Method of Payment


No REALTOR7 Update November 2009 - page 18No REALTOR7 Update November 2009 - page 18No REALTOR ® Update January 2012 - page 18

Happy New Year!

Hoping the New Year fi nds everyone hap-py and healthy with wonderful memories of the holidays well spent amongst family and friends! But… now it is back to work! Which means it is time again for me to preach about resolutions and good computing/PC habits. It’s the one time of year I get to nag guilt free, but it’s for your own good!

Backups

Seriously, you need to do this. As in last week. I have spent most of my adult life fi xing things and have yet to see something that can’t break or stop working. Add to that the fact that the device in a PC that stores your data, the hard drive, is proba-bly the most likely piece of hardware to fail. Paints a pretty picture doesn’t it? The only excuse you have for not backing up your data is if nothing on the PC matters. How often is that the case? Pictures, music, word documents, spreadsheets, contacts and email, can you do without all of them that are on your PC currently? Probably not.

So be proactive and do something about it. Even doing a copy and paste of anything important onto a usb memory key is a start. But with the cost of usb storage compared to a backup hard drive it isn’t very effective cost-wise. A quick look at newegg.com shows a 32gb usb memory key for $39.95 which is $1.24 per gb. A 1tb(1000 gb) external drive goes for $119.99 which is $.11 a gb. Not much of a comparison is there? As well the external drive has backup software included making your backup operation a set it and forget it sort of thing. Please note though that not every external hard drive has backup software included.

Don’t forget that online backup is an option as well. Reasonably priced at $5-10 per month it is worth a look. SOS, Mozy and Carbonite are all options and one of them should suit your needs

Update Your Software!

Especially your operating system be it XP, Vista, 7 or a Mac. Hackers and the fi ne folks that write viruses and malware know of the vulnerabilities in any operating system and updates are the way you can keep them closed as they are discovered.

Passwords

Keep track of them and consider a password management program. For windows only Pass-wordsafe is a good free one. If you want some-thing for a smartphone or a mac you can take a look at Splashdata, but it isn’t free.

Insert shameless self promotion… Don’t forget that if you are in need of help or support for your shiny new holiday tech toys that I can be all yours for very reasonable rates! New PC setup, trans-ferring data from an old PC, whatever your needs are give me a call!

Technology Cornerby Rich Benet, VPAR Technology Consultant

Before You Go Anywhere Else...Check Out Our Tech Department.VPAR offers our members fantastic tech support via our tech guru, Rich

Benet. Along with giving general ad-vice, we provide computer repair ser-

vices at 30 to 50% less than what most tech stores charge. So, why not try us? Contact Rich Benet at 757-599-5222

or [email protected].

http://www.newegg.com

NoNo

January 2012Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri

2VPAR

OFFICECLOSED

3 4 5Public Policy

6

9 10 11Awards Comimttee Meeting - 2:00 pm

12Charitable Founda-tion Meeting - 9 a.m.

13REALTOR Fest Committee 9:30am

16VPAR

OFFICECLOSED

178HR Required CE - 8:30 a.m.12:00 pm - OSC Ap-plication Deadline

18 19Board of Directors Meeting - 9 a.m.

20

238HR ELECTIVE CE - 8:30 a.m.

248:30 am - General Membership Breakfast

258 hr - Broker/Man-agers CE Course8:30 am

26 27REALTOR Fest Committee 9:30am

30 9:00 am - 4:00 pm New Member Indo crination

31

VPAR January 2012 REALTOR Update

Documents

Transcript of VPAR January 2012 REALTOR Update