Sponsored Blog Post Friday – 4 R’s to Consider When Selecting an Insulation Company

You’re reading our very first Affiliate Sponsored blog post!  This is where our affiliate partners share their knowledge and expertise regarding a topic of their choosing.  Today, we hear from Eid Nouhra from Delmarva Insulation on 4 things to consider when selecting an insulation company. “So, Eid….there are a few factors to consider when choosing an insulation company….which items would you highlight?”

    1. Research Insulation Type – Do you know what type of insulation you would be interested in using? Your installer should be able to help you with the choice.  There are such a diverse range of options, from spray foam to fiberglass and rigid foam board.  Each of these selections offer their own pros and cons.
  1. Reporting – Does your insulation provider offer an inspection report? Instruments like infrared meters can give you a scientific measurement of the climate inside the crawl space or attic.  If you don’t know what the condition is, how will you know when it’s improved?
  2. Reputation – What’s the company’s reputation? How long have they been around?  Are their hours flexible?  What are the pricing options?  All of these factors should play a role in your final decision.
  3. Regulation – Make sure your provider is up to all building codes.  As building.com says:
As you narrow down your insulation choices, be sure to check building codes for minimum performance standards and compare your top choices to this reference.

And that’s just the beginning.  Our thanks to Delmarva Insulation for sharing their expertise regarding this topic!

Week in Review – 3 Things You May Have Missed (And One Not to Miss!)

Most weeks at SCAOR are full of activity, and this week was no different.  While we’re busy planning on all the *new* events coming down the pipeline (see the last point of this post), we wanted to pause for a second and celebrate all the incredible things you’ve made happen around here this week.

Rental Affairs & Coastal Municipalites Pre-Season Meeting –

The 2nd annual Pre-Season Meeting with SCAOR’s Rental Affairs Committee (RAC) and the Coastal Communities of Lewes, Rehoboth, Dewey, Bethany, South Bethany, and Fenwick Island took place on May 17th at the Administration Building of Jungle Jim’s.  Adriane Gallagher, Rental Manager for Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, and Chair of the RAC stated of the Pre-Season Meeting, “the turnout at today’s event, which was double that of last year, is indicative of the Rental Affairs Committee’s continued efforts to stay in touch with our local beach towns and officials. I am so pleased to see how our rental departments and municipalities have forged such strong relationships. It is this continued collaboration that keeps the lines of communication open between the towns, the rental agencies and, ultimately, our rental guests. This is a process that works and will ultimately benefit all parties.”

rental affairs

Affiliate’s Sponsored Mixer at Ivy Last Night –

Last night, REALTORS® & Affiliates enjoyed an evening of good food & friends.  Our Affiliates used the platform to bring awareness to Bras for a Cause (June 1st) and Care for Carol (June 4th).  Over 75 people enjoyed one of the first great nights of weather this season by the beautiful bay side of Lewes Beach.  Our thanks to Ivy for hosting the event!

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PCA’s Commercial Property Exchange –

swapmeet-RecoveredThe Peninsula Commercial Alliance met this week for a Commercial Property Exchange at Arena’s in Georgetown.  If you missed out, keep your eyes open – because there will be more Commercial Property Exchanges coming soon this summer!

If you’re interested in finding out more about our PCA, Click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonus! – ROTY & Good Neighbor Awards ROTY & GOOD NEIGHBOR

Okay, so this hasn’t *happened* yet…..but that’s the good news!  The ROTY & Good Neighbor awards are coming up on June 17th…..So Nominate someone for ROTY & Good Neighbor awards today.

Friday Blog Post - 100 Years REALTOR®

Celebrating 100 Years REALTOR®

What’s it all About?

It’s common in the United States for someone turning 100 years old to receive a greeting card or a note in the mail signed by the President, noting the important milestone in that person’s life.  This tradition does not carry over to businesses, although in some cases it probably should.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of NAR’s REALTOR® trademark. It can be argued that the hundreds of thousands of members throughout that century of service have done more to bolster the American economy than any other group. After all, we all learned how important the real estate market is to the nation back in 2008…..didn’t we?

When real estate fell, so did the overall economy, and a recession soon followed.

https://vimeo.com/151787255

Rewind to March of 1916, when the then National Association of Real Estate Boards voted unanimously during a convention in New Orleans to adopt the term “REALTOR®” as a way of identifying members who had chosen to adhere to the eight-year-old group’s strict code of ethics. So this year, REALTORS® across the country are celebrating this “revolutionary group of individuals who are deeply committed to integrity, community and protecting the American dream of property ownership.”

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKdag8LBQ4Q

Help Us Celebrate!

This important anniversary is being recognized and celebrated throughout the country by different local, state and regional associations in many different ways. One way NAR has asked members to note this important historical designation is by encouraging consumers to “Get REALTOR®,” via an advertising campaign that helps to define the value of using a REALTOR®.  Member REALTORS® are also encouraged throughout the year to visit a special Web page created by NAR – www.100years.realtor – and share their story with the general membership. If you’re doing something special to bolster your community and promote the REALTOR® brand in a positive way, visit the site and let everyone know about it!

Current stories on the site include associations who have established charitable foundations, helped the Special Olympics and established programs that assist our nation’s veterans, as well as REALTORS® who help to make their communities better places to live and to work.

At the end of the day, the REALTOR® brand has an important meaning in the United States.

It’s just as true today as it was 100 years ago:  “There’s never been a better time to be a REALTOR®.”

 

 

15 Remarkable Apps for your Real Estate Business

Our phones and the apps we use have become central to our daily productivity. Some apps streamline an existing process, or simplify a task, while others introduce new services we never thought we’d use on our phones. What’s great about each app is the freedom and anytime access it affords us.  I’d like to share 15 fresh and powerful apps that should be on every Real Estate agent’s phone.

1. DelMLS

This app was designed for both real estate professionals and future homebuyers in Sussex County and surrounding areas. www.scaor.com

Free for iOS | Free for Android


2. RPR Mobile™

It wouldn’t be a complete list without RPR Mobile. You never know when you are going to get that next property question. RPR Mobile delivers the data and reporting found on the RPR website, directly to your phone. Using RPR Mobile, REALTORS® can use their location to search both on and off market properties, while also uncovering mortgage, historical and distressed data, flood zones, school info and more. Then easily create one of 5 different property and neighborhood reports, each branded with your photo, logo and contact information. As a REALTOR®, there is no cost to use RPR, the system is 100% covered by your NAR member dues.
Free for iOS | Free for Android


3. Vert

As a REALTOR®, you often need to convert metrics, whether it’s size, weight, length, even currency. This nifty appmakes those conversations dead simple—tap on the measurement and then swipe. The basic app is free, and Pro version is $2.99.
Free for iOS | $2.99 for Pro version on iOS


4. Scannable

If you use Evernote, you’re going to appreciate this app! Scannable is the newest app from Evernote, and makes saving and sharing scans easy. Just aim the camera, and Scannable immediately identifies business cards, receipts, and other paper items it’s pointed at. The app automatically detects the document edges and then captures it. In regards to the business card scanning, I really like the additional photo and LinkedIn details that it added to the contact records. For now this app is only available for iPhone and iPad, although and Android version is rumored to be in the works.

Free for iOS


5. Adobe Photoshop Express

What’s your go to app for editing images? If you don’t have one, install Adobe Photoshop Express. This powerful app does all the basics like cropping, rotating, red eye and blemish removal. Also makes it easy to apply adjustments to correct contrast, exposure, and white balance. Once you’ve applied your tweaks to the photo, save back to your camera roll or share to social media sites including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.
Free for iOS | Free for Android


6. Box

If you are a fan of Dropbox but looking for more security and control, Box is the perfect app for you. Box provides the ability to view, download, edit and annotate files, and then securely send those files to colleagues or clients anywhere. With Box, I’m also able to mark a folder for offline viewing.
Free for iOS | Free for Android


7. IFTTT

Much more than just another acronym, If This Then That (IFTTT) aims to automate tasks between Internet-connected services.  IFTTT has more than 160 channels for you to create connections between. For example, maybe you want new comments on your blog to send you a text message, or you want to backup each new contact you add to your phone in a Google Spreadsheet, or maybe even log how much time you spend at home or the office. This and thousands of other configurations can be accomplished with this powerful service.
Free for iOS | Free for Android


 

8. Todoist

At first glance you might think this is just another to-do app, but I think it’s much more. I use this app for managing the tasks that come in from my email. I’ve use Todoist in conjunction with their Google Chrome add-on so that when I’m in my webmail. I can add any email as a follow up task. Best of all, when I select the task it brings up the email originally referenced in the task. Saving me the time of hunting through my inbox. The free version of Todoist can manage up to 80 active items; if you exceed that number consider the premium version for $29 a year.
Free for iOS | Free for Android


9. Deductr 2

When it comes to tax time, Deductr 2 is an app that will help you make tracking tax deductions easy. Use the app to add business income and expenses, log receipts, even track mileage using your phone’s GPS. Then come tax time, use the Deductr website to create a profit & loss report, tax summary, mileage summary and lots more. Although the app is free, the Deductr Pro service is $19.95 a month or $199 for the year. This can be a small expense given that without proper records, many REALTORS® likely pay thousands extra each year in overpaid taxes.
Free for iOS | Free for Android


10. Microsoft Word

Word is still the go-to document editor, and with this app viewing and editing Word documents on your phone is easier than ever. Unlike with other document viewers, the Word app ensures your documents view and behave how they were intended. I find myself often using the app to track and view document changes from my team. Also when I am finished with a document, it’s easy to print using AirPrint. One thing to note, although the basic app is free, an Office 365 subscription is required to unlock the full Office experience.
Free for iOS | Free for Android


11. Videolicious

This app makes quality video creation easy. Give Videolicious a try by first recording yourself talking into the camera. Then add any photos or videos over the top as b-roll. Next add music and cinematic filters to your photos and video footage. The completed videos can be saved, emailed and shared via social media channels like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. To test the app, try the free personal account. If you like what you see, pay $60 annually for their business plan.
Free on iOS


12. Buffer

The Buffer app provides a great interface for managing multiple social media accounts like Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and LinkedIn. With Buffer pick what you want to share and set when you want the items to be shared. It’s that easy. Just don’t forget to engage with any replies or comments that come in.
Free for iOS | Free for Android


13. Lastpass

Remembering all of your passwords can be a hassle. And to be safe, each password should be different and secure. So how do you keep track of them all? Introducing Lastpass—a powerful cross platform password manager. The app is a powerful, and saves time by allowing you to access and manage passwords wherever you are, and syncs those passwords between your devices. For iOS 9 users, Lastpass integrates directly into Safari as an extension. If you access password-protected sites regularly, you might want to check out their premium service for a $12 annual fee.
For iOS | For Android


14. Roomscan Pro

This Roomscan app is designed to draw floor plans for you, by simply holding your phone up against each wall. As you tap the wall, you will see it appear on your screen, now move to the next wall and repeat. Continue until you are back where you started. The makers of the app claim that Roomscan is accurate to within half a foot. If you need to be more accurate, Roomscan Pro has an option allowing REALTORS® to manually add their your own measurements, doors and windows.
Free for iOS | Pro Version for iOS


15. BombBomb

Communicating through video can be very powerful. And being able to do it from your mobile device, means that you don’t need an elaborate setup just to get the job done. That’s where BombBomb comes in, it’s a slick app that makes video email possible, while also giving you metrics to track who is viewing your content. Each video you make is delivered using a branded template that plays on any device. It’s worth noting that BombBomb requires a subscription, but you can give the service a try using their 2 week trial.
For iOS | For Android


10 Power User Features of the RPR app

The RPR app and busy REALTORS® have much in common. Mainly, they are each constantly in motion. We know that to keep up with an agent’s need for quick access to property and market trend data, the app must continually build in new features and related usefulness. Fast forward, here are the top 10 features of the RPR app power users should know about, including some important new enhancements.

 

  1. Choose your start screen

    When you first open the RPR app, the default screen shows recent activity around your location. Although if you find yourself searching for properties by address more than your location, change the default home screen. First, swipe left or right to find the screen you want to see first when you open the app: Search, Nearby Properties, Local Market Data. Once you’ve landed on the screen you want to see first, press the home icon in the top right for two-seconds. It will turn green, and confirm the change.

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  1. Draw map search

    The name says it all. When you want to restrict searches to a particular geographic area, start by either pressing the Locate Me button on the home screen, or search for a general geography (i.e. City or ZIP). Once on the map, pan and drag to the neighborhood/area you want to search and then press Draw. Now, use your finger to outline the boundaries of the search area. To save your custom search area, choose the Star icon located at the bottom right of the screen. When the Save This Search screen opens, type a name and choose Save With Custom Name. That custom search will now be available by pressing Saved from the home screen and then Searches. From here you can also choose the pencil to edit the saved shape name.

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  1. Compass mode

    With the addition of Compass Mode, reviewing the RPR map while moving has become easier. When turned on, the blue compass marker at the top right of the map turns into a compass with a North arrow. If you rotate to face a different direction, the map will rotate with you in real time. So the map always displays the direction you’re currently facing, even if you’ve moved around.

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  1. Map, Hybrid and Satellite map view

    Each map view has its advantages, so knowing how to quickly switch between the views is useful. Tap on the map, and the toolbar will display on the bottom of the screen. Press the Map Settings icon on the left. Now switch between Standard, Hybrid and Satellite.

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  1. Zoom to parcel level to see all homes

    There are many reasons you may need to see each home in a neighborhood, like when walking your farm area. To do so, zoom in on your map to reveal each property in the area. Start by either pressing Locate Me, and then from the map pinch and zoom into the street level. Gray pins will show up with their RVM value represented.

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  1. Swipe in List View

    Sometimes it’s about how quickly you can get to the information or feature you’re seeking. If that includes saving a property, calling the listing agent, adding property notes, or creating a report, try swiping left on a property in list view. This will show you shortcuts to each of those actions.

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  1. See comparable properties

    The RPR app does not have the comps analysis tool, for that you’ll need to use the website. But when you need access to comparable properties while mobile, this feature will come in handy. Start by searching for the subject property, or if you are standing at the location use the Locate Me Once you’ve opened the property record, scroll down to Location/Details, and choose Find Nearby Comps. This will take you to a map view with recent sales and active properties. To see only sold properties, select Filter and turn For Sale and Sale Pending to No and then press Apply Filters. Switch to List View and now scroll the list and review the system generated comparable properties.

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  1. Report cover photo

    It’s easy to add a new cover photo to the RPR app’s report covers From within the app, locate the subject property, choose Notes and then Photo Note. Snap the photo or upload a saved photo from your phone album, and choose Upload. Then choose Edit, select the radio button for Report Cover and press Save. Now, when you generate a Property, Mini-Property or Seller’s Report, your photo will appear on the cover.

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  1. Print / share reports

    Do you print the reports you create? Or perhaps you email, text or share them to social media sites like Facebook or Twitter. All of these are easier with the new Print/Share button that has been added to the report viewer. See for yourself next time you view a report, press the Sharing button at the top right.

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  1. Research schools

    It’s no secret that schools are consistently ranked as one of the most important factors in parents’ decisions about where to buy a home. With the RPR app, delivering school information to your clients and prospects when they need it is simple. From the app home screen, choose Advanced Search. Now press From here you can drill down by your location, a geography or school district. Also, use the filters to choose the type of schools you want to search: Elementary, Middle and High School. From the results page choose Get a School Report.

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Is Pursuing a Certification Worth It?

If you’re relatively new to the world of real estate, passing all your exams and receiving your real estate license was obviously a huge step toward your goal of having a successful, long-term career as a REALTOR®.  But now, with your career beginning and as you attempt to build a client base, what should you do next?

Consider Getting Certified!

Your more experienced colleagues have many designations and initials after their names, but what do they mean?  And how do they help?

There are several useful certifications that you can pursue through the National Association of REALTORS®. Here are some you may want to consider adding to your resume:

  • Certified Residential Specialist (CRS). This is a big one and one that you should definitely have on your “to do” list moving forward. Over time, CRS designees earn nearly three times more in income, transactions and gross sales that non-designee REALTORS®. This course is offered by the Council of Residential Specialists. Visit www.crs.com for more information.
  • Resort & Second Home Property Specialist (RSPS). RSPS allows others to have confidence in the ability of a REALTOR® who specializes in dealing with properties in a resort, recreational or vacation destination.  Did you know SCAOR is offering the required classes for this designation?  Click here to find out more about RSPS.
  • Green Designation (GREEN). Here’s one that’s definitely become more popular in recent years. In this certification course, the Green Resource Council, in coordination with NAR, provides ongoing education, resources and tools to help REALTORS® find, understand and market properties with GREEN features. Visit greendesignation@realtors.org for more information.
  • Military Relocation Professional (MRP). With Dover Air Force Base nearby and with the large number of veterans in the area, this one might be worth looking into as well. Presented by the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council, this certification focuses on working with current and former members of the military who are seeking housing solutions that best suit their needs, as well as a way to use their earned military benefits. Contact MRP@realtors.org for more information.
  • Seller Representative Specialist (SRS). This is another one to have on your future calendar. Awarded to participants by the Real Estate Business Institute (REBI), this designation is designed to elevate professional standards and enhance personal performance and is the premier credential in seller representation. Visit SRSCouncil.com for more information.
  • Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES). With the growing number of senior citizens in southern Delaware these days, this is a designation you may want to consider. Presented by the SRES Council, this certification will allow you to profitably and ethically serve the real estate needs of clients age 50 and above. Email sres@realtors.org for more information on this program.

So, Are They Worth The Effort?

Of course!  Certifications give a REALTOR® instant credibility in the area of designation.  Plus, there are many, many more certifications and designations you may want to consider, and all are outlined at www.realtor.org.

But whatever you decide is best for your career, we certainly wish you nothing but good will as you continue on your path to become the best REALTOR® you can be.

WBOC Segment – A Day In The Life of a REALTOR®

We all know firsthand the responsibilities involved with being a REALTOR®. We know about the showings, and the questions, and the paperwork, and the legalities and the financing, and everything else it takes to be successful in the world of real estate in southern Delaware. But what does the general public think REALTORS® do all day, every day? Some probably only see the freedom of working for yourself or hear about the high commissions that can be generated.  They don’t see the hard work and the perseverance that a career in real estate really requires. They likely have no idea what it is that you do on a daily basis. We wanted to do something about that. So as part of our 2016 “Delmarva Life” schedule, we thought we’d do something a little different and feature a couple of SCAOR members in our “A Day in the Life of a REALTOR®” segment on WBOC TV.

This latest segment on WBOC is one of six that the Association runs every year on the “Delmarva Life” program. The goal is to inform and educate the public on what we do here at the Sussex County Association of REALTORS®. Past shows have included a wide range of topics, including rentals, commercial real estate, public policy issues, special events and many others.

The “Day in the Life of a REALTOR®” idea became a reality after discussions with members, as well as with the WBOC editorial team. It’s an attempt to provide a window into some of the challenges that REALTORS® face on a daily basis. What do you think?  As always, we’d love to hear from you.  Leave a comment below!

1st Quarter 2016 Results Are In

If figures from the first three months of 2016 are any indication, Sussex County’s real estate markets are in for yet another solid year. And if the data remains strong for the next nine months, this could extend what is already a positive years-long trend here in southern Delaware. Partly due to the milder than normal winter, as well as a continuously strengthening economy and market, the 864 residential homes sold between Jan. 1 and March 31 reflect yet another strong quarter of real estate sales in Sussex County. This is good news for all of you, as home sales in southern Delaware continue showing strength year after year.

Countywide, the average sales price for a three-bedroom residential home continues to hover around the $250,000 mark, as it as for some time. Four-bedroom homes are selling for an average of just under $500,000 in Sussex County, with the majority of those properties selling in the coastal areas. And as the market continues to grow, our numbers here at SCAOR are growing along with it. We are continuing with our new member orientation classes, our training classes for newly licensed agents and our MLS training classes.   As for our local markets, only time will tell what the rest of 2016 holds. But we’ve enjoyed several years now of moderate, steady growth here in southern Delaware, and we expect more of the same for the remaining three quarters of this year. If you’d like a more detailed analysis of 2016’s first quarter data, be sure to pick up your favorite local newspaper over the next couple of weeks for the Association’s quarterly report to the media. Until then, keep up the great work everyone!  Keep showing and keep selling those properties. As always, these are listed on our calendar and on the SCAOR Store.

https://youtu.be/88bueY95e_Y

 

Could RSPS Be Your Secret Weapon?

The Lay of the Land:

Sussex County is a very diverse area of the United States.  We’re defined by rich agricultural lands in our western third, a central section dominated by the business of county government, and an eastern third that features some of the finest small-town beach resorts in the country.

If you sell real estate on the Eastern half of the county, you’re certainly aware of the large influx of second homeowners buying properties in southern Delaware. These are largely affluent people looking to either invest or purchase a vacation property near our award-winning beaches.

 

The Secret Weapon?

If you hold an RSPS designation, you *may* be just what they’re looking for when seeking a local REALTOR®.

The RSPS certification allows buyers and sellers to have confidence in the ability of a REALTOR® who specializes in buying, selling or management of properties for investment, development, retirement or second homes in a resort, recreational and/or vacation destination, to assist them with their search.

 

How to Get RSPS Certified:

If you’re an active member of NAR, let SCAOR assist you in the first step of your journey toward earning your RSPS certification.  Click here to register for classes at SCAOR on Monday, May 9. Since we live near some of the most pristine beaches in the country, why wouldn’t you want to take advantage of such a program?

“RSPS may be the best thing you ever did for your business.”

New WBOC Commercial – “I Am a REALTOR®”

With more than 1,500 REALTOR® members here at SCAOR, there are obviously many different types of individuals within our ranks:

  • Whether you’re fourth or fifth generation Sussex Contain or recently moved to the area,
  • Starting a family of your own or enjoying the golden years..
  • Regardless of your race, gender, or beliefs….

We *ALL* have one common variable linking us together – we are all REALTORS®!

And that’s the focus of a new television commercial to begin airing later this week. Thanks to many of our members taking part in the taping, this year’s advertisement has turned out very nicely and will have some real staying power within the community.

The message the 30-second spot conveys is one of knowledge and experience, drawing on the REALTOR® brand and putting a face on the experience that’s collectively shared by members of the Sussex County Association of REALTORS®.  – We are all part of SCAOR! This Association belongs to each of us equally and we should take pride in the brand that we’ve built and the reputation that we’ve created in Sussex County, especially over the course of the last several years.

We have truly become “The Voice for Real Estate in Sussex County,” and that’s because of each and every one of you working tirelessly to make that happen.

The commercial begins airing this Monday, March 28th. You will definitely see some faces you know, and maybe be introduced to a few new ones as well.

We hope you agree with us that it sends a very positive message out into the community, regarding what we do here at SCAOR. Let us know what you think!

Sussex County Association of Realtors

Phone: 302-855-2300 | Fax: 302-855-2319

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