SCAORCard – Issue #005 – Education

Just a reminder that the NEW NAR Ethics Cycle has begun. This bi-annual requirement runs from January 2017 through December 2018. If you take a Module 2 class here at SCAOR or DAR, the class will automatically be applied to satisfy your NAR membership requirement. If you take a class from a provider other than SCAOR, please forward a copy of the class certificate to be entered in NAR’s database. 2017 education calendar is coming together nicely, and you will find those classes here. They are posted as soon as they are confirmed.

Did you know that you can get your classes online through SCAOR? Head over to the SCAOR website and receive a 20% discount off your order.

BACK TO THE SCAOR CARD ]

SCAORCard – Issue #005 – Technology

2017 Technology Overview:


According to NAR, more millennials are expected to buy a first home in 2017 and will make up at least 1/3 of buyers this year. This generation is very mobile, interested in self-service, and extremely “social”.  

I know you’re wondering what all this means and probably are wishing I would just get to the point…..right?

Well, here it is: basically this means you are at a critical junction in the technology world and where it intersects with your real estate business. 2017 will be a key year to make sure that your clients can access anything you are offering in a mobile format. This ranges from information of properties, mobile friendly websites to electronically signing documents.

This generation is more interested in self-service and generally wants to get as much information as possible and are not interested in someone else, no matter how experienced you are, in making a decision for them. This mean tools such as collaboration apps (which will still keep in the loop), pictures, videos, tours and e-signature technology will be an important part of keeping the competitive edge.

It will be imperative to understand how social media marketing can impact your audience while being used as a simple communication tool. Smart home technology is at the forefront of home automation and simple living. I believe that within a few months more and more people will begin to select smart technology as a requirement for the purchase of a home.

With all of this exciting technology coming down the pipe –  try not to get caught up in doing everything yourself. There are several programs and services available to you, and I will be making several recommendations over the next few months. Also, remember that not all of your home buyers will be looking for new technology and automation. It’s important not to neglect these buyers as well.

Until next time, just remember: “Just because something doesn’t do what you planned it to do doesn’t mean it’s useless.” – Thomas Edison

Thank You,
Benjamin Kunde
Network Administrator
Sussex County Association of REALTORS
www.scaor.com

BACK TO THE SCAOR CARD ]

SCAORCard – Issue #004 – Technology

2017 will be an exciting year, with plenty of emerging technology for the industry. Over the next few months we will be updating you on everything from smart homes, solar power, and mobile apps to technology collaboration and ease of use.  All of this will better assist you in staying up to date for your client’s needs. 
 
With the addition of our new association management system this year – we were able to better assist with dues payments (and the addition of accepting American Express). We will continue to use this technology to make everything from re-printing certificates to signing in for a class even easier in 2017.
 
The BOD voted in 2016 to join Bright MLS.  Monthly information will be included in future SCAORcards under a banner titled Bright MLS.  For more information, please go to MLSEvolved.com for more information.
 
Stay tuned for great updates this coming year!

BACK TO SCAOR CARD ]

SCAORCard – Issue #004 – Affiliates

2016 was such an exciting year.  It’s been an exciting challenge and great reward leading the Affiliates Committee, as we gained both clarity & momentum.  The businesses represented by our membership have been an honor to work with, and I can’t wait to see this driving force in our community continue.

This year, with Cheryl Meyers taking the helm as Chair, I’m certain we’ll be entertaining even more new growth, new events, and new ideas to explore.  Look for our renewal invites to go out the first week in January, as well as our first Affiliate’s meeting on January 4th (click here to see agenda).  If you’re interested, or would like more information about joining this incredible crew, click here to request information and we’ll send a packet to you right away.

-All the best for 2017,

Andrew J. Mason

BACK TO SCAOR CARD ]

SCAORCard – Issue #004 – Education

The final NAR’s Quadrennial Ethics Cycle is almost over. If you have not received notice of non compliance than you are good to go! Beginning January 1, 2017 NAR will require you to take NAR Ethics every two years. Classes must be taken between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018. Remember this is a membership requirement. It doesn’t matter if you are an Appraiser or a DE Real Estate Licensee you are required to take this class. Please remember if you take your Ethics class from a provider other than NAR, SCAOR or DAR than you must submit a copy of your certificate of completion to SCAOR to satisfy the NAR requirement. 
 
Attention Agents that have been licensed less than one year. You are required to take the four Newly Licensed Salesperson Modules within your first year of having your license. You receive Newly Licensed Salesperson Module 1 with the New Member Orientation class upon joining SCAOR. This leaves you with Newly Licensed Salesperson Module 2,3 and 4. All three of these classes are scheduled for February 1 & 2. Registration will be available on the SCAOR Portal soon. 
 
Remember you have until April 30, 2018 to complete 21 credits. The State of Delaware mandates you take one course from each of the seven modules. To assist you in keeping track of the classes you have taken and still need please click here for the handy dandy checklist.  
 
Finally, I am pleased to let you know that beginning January 1, 2017 SCAOR will be continuing our GREEN commitment and will no longer print certificates. Class attendees will receive their certificate of completion by email shortly following the conclusion of class. Additionally, members will be able to log onto their SCAOR Portal to view and print any certificate of completion of classes taken through SCAOR. 

SCAORCard – Issue #004 – From the CEO’s Desk

State of the Organization Annual Report

As we all plan to enjoy the holiday season with friends and family, I thought it would be appropriate to summarize what SCAOR accomplished in 2016 and summarize where the association is heading in 2017. Together, we have a responsibility to fulfill the Strategic Plan which includes providing clear communications, leading valuable advocacy initiatives, implementing robust technology and training programs and creating value propositions that reflects the interests of the members.

First, thank you for the warm welcome as your new CEO. I would also like to thank the 2016 BOD and Search Committee for believing in me as your next association executive. I am honored to lead such a diverse and progressive association of real estate professionals. I am also grateful to work with an educated and passionate staff. Each staff associate brings a diverse skill set to the organization and I look forward to growing those skill sets in 2017.

The membership status is strong and growing. As of November 30, there were 1,390 primary members, 125 secondary members, 434 Multiple List Service members and 41 Affiliates. As we transition to Bright MLS, a regional MLS of over 80,000 subscribers covering six states, my goal will be to sustain membership at all levels. This will take a commitment from staff to communicate to the membership why it is important to remain a member of SCAOR.

For 2017, I will closely monitor our work in connection to the Strategic Plan with a special emphasis on developing better value propositions and informing members of the Bright MLS conversion date. To communicate more effectively, I have asked staff to add a Bright MLS banner to the monthly SCAORcard. Network Manager, Ben Kunde, and I will be adding information to the SCAORcard on a monthly basis to keep the membership up-to-date on everything conversion related. If you have questions about Bright MLS or any other topic, please call me at the office or email me at merritt@scaor.com.


Lastly, I would like to congratulate the 2017 SCAOR President Brigit Taylor and the new BOD. The first meeting is scheduled for January 19, 2017 at 9 am at SCAOR.


Happy Holidays!


Merritt Burke IV
CEO

BACK TO SCAOR CARD ]

SCAORCard – Issue #004 – Public Policy

Public Policy:

  • Public Policy is revving up for an exciting time! Stay “tuned” for our exciting announcement!!!
  • Some immediate dates of interest of outside networking events:  January 4th is the monthly S.C.A.T meeting being held at Baywood. SCAOR will be represented by our new President, Brigit Taylor, PPC Chairman Bob McVey and PPC staff liaison, Patricia Anderson.
  • January 10th is the Inaugural Sussex County Prayer Breakfast from 7:30am-9:00am. This is a yearly event bringing state, county, and local elected offiicials together, along with community supporters, and businesses for a time of networking and prayer for the elected officials before they are sworn into office.  SCAOR has been a consistent supporter of this event and would welcome all those that would like to join us the morning of January 10th.  
  • The Sussex County Comprehensive Plan continues to move forward so stay tuned for new updates as we receive them.
 
Rental Affairs (RAC):
  • We are gearing up for a new year and preparing early for the biggest short term rental season!  RAC will be representing SCAOR at two trade shows in 2017.  One in Washington DC in January and one in Pittsburg, PA in March.  
  • RAC is working to revamp some of the nomination/applications for our Alma Ashley Award, awarded to a deserving Rental Agent at the end of year!
 
Lots going on and excited to share with you as 2017 starts to unwrap before us!!!  
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a safe and happy New Year to everyone from PPC and RAC!
 
See ya next year!!
 
Kindest Regards,
 
Patricia L. Anderson
SCAOR
 

[ BACK TO SCAOR CARD ]

Sussex County Association of Realtors

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

MLS Login Send us an Email Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter