February 2011

www.RARea l t o r s . c om

Volume 6, Issue 1

L ISTEDA M A G A Z I N E O F T H E R I C H M O N D A S S O C I AT I O N O F R E A L T O R S®

Access to ImportantDocumentsAnytime,Anywhere

Welcome to

INSIDE:

• Free Real Estate Tech Tools

• REALTOR® Day On The Hill Recap

• 2010 Annual Award Recipient Pictures

• 2011 Code of Ethics Updates

®

Seeing the Forest and not Just the Trees

In the past six months, I’m sure many of you have been asked: are we out of the woods yet? While I’m a bit

tired of the question, the good news is that the question in and of itself indicates a certain amount of optimism.

To ask the question, one has to believe that, just perhaps, we’ve finally turned the corner. I think we have. So here’s

my answer: we’ve still got some trees (challenges) to navigate, but we’re much further along on our journey through

the forest today than we were a year ago. There’s light up ahead, and it’s not an oncoming train. It’s real daylight.

While some of us may not feel like we’re experiencing economic recovery, all the indicators suggest we are.

The job losses in many sectors of the economy have abated; some sectors are even experiencing growth. Retail sales

were up at the end of 2010, and almost all economists are predicting growth in the GDP for 2011. Eventually, these

positive signs will engender greater consumer confidence and consumer confidence is essential for the recovery of the

real estate market. Other essentials for recovery are: one, stable pricing as a precursor to price appreciation (and for

the last four months we’ve seen prices remain steady); two, the continued sell off of the distressed inventory (we’ll see

this throughout 2011 but most predict the greatest activity in the first six months of the year); and three, continued low

interest rates (most economists are predicting only modest increases). So the stage is set for recovery, but it will be

slow, it will be gradual; and for many of us, it will “feel more like it” in 2012 rather than this year.

But that doesn’t mean opportunities won’t abound in 2011. Last year, over 11,000 MLS listings sold.

Those listings represent opportunities for each and every one of us—opportunities to help people fulfill the dream of

home ownership, opportunities to work in the profession we love, opportunities to earn a living. I believe 2011 will

be better than 2010; so I challenge each of you to go out and make the most of these opportunities.

As you do your job, your Association and MLS will be doing our best to assist you. In the first half of 2011,

we will launch two new technology products—DocBox and Authentisign. Both of these products are designed to

generate efficiencies and cost savings for brokers and agents alike. The best way to take advantage of these

products is to attend free training classes. And when you attend class, I hope you’ll notice that we’re making a

special effort not simply to show you how a product works, but more importantly, offer training on how best to

integrate the functionality of these technology products into your daily business routines.

In addition to new technology offerings, we have an exciting slate of educational classes, Broker Town Halls,

and membership events slated throughout the year. For example, our Distinguished Achiever Reception will be

held Thursday, May 5; and on Wednesday, October 19, we will host TRENDS—our biennial look at market trends

and political happenings that will influence our business bottom line.

As we move through the activities of the year and as we work to make the most of our market, I hope we will

keep in mind that while we will encounter challenges, we will experience many successes as well. Thank you for

the privilege of serving as your 2011 President. I’m looking forward to an excellent year.

1

Cheryl Hamm

www.RAReal tor s .com LISTED • 2011 ISSUE 1

From the President

L ISTEDContents Volume 6, Issue 12011

Listed Magazine is published quarterly

by the Richmond Association of REALTORS®,

8975 Three Chopt Road, Richmond, VA 23229

Editor-in-Chief

Karen J. Treanor

Director of Communications and Marketing

Managing Editor

Kate Loveluck

Communications Coordinator

Advertising & Sponsorship

Lisa Garcia

(804) 422-5009 [email protected]

Printing & Production

Proforma Graphic Information Services

Graphic Design

Sattler Creative

The publisher does not endorse advertised products

unless specifically stated and reserves the right to reject

any advertisements at any time. Any questions about

advertising policy should be directed to the Managing

Editor or the Director of Communications and Marketing.

REALTOR® members pay annual dues with a one-year

subscription included within their dues. Sponsor and

affiliate members receive a subscription to the magazine

as part of their member dues. Annual subscription rate

for non-members is $25.

Office: (804) 422-5000

Fax: (804) 422-5088

Web: www.RARealtors.com

Copyright 2011. Richmond Association of REALTORS®.

All Rights Reserved. Articles of information from the

magazine may not be reprinted without the permission

of the Richmond Association of REALTORS®.

Postmaster: Please send change of address to

Listed Magazine, Richmond Association of REALTORS®,

8975 Three Chopt Road, Richmond, VA 23229

L ISTED

2 LISTED • 2011 ISSUE 1 www.RAReal tor s .com

20

12

F E A T U R E

Welcome to DocBoxTM

Online Document Storage from Instanet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

D E PA R T M E N T S

Association NewsDistinguished Achiever Awards, Housing Forum, AHAW . . . . . . . . . 4

CVR MLSAuction Properties and the MLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6MLS Cautionary Tales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7CVR MLS Training Schedule March - May . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 FREE Tech Tools Stand out from the crowd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Government AffairsRAR REALTOR® Day On The Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Real Estate Sign Ordinances A guide to what can be placed where . . . . . . . . 14

Professional Development2010 Annual Award Recipients & 2011 Leadership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Education Calendar March - May . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Meet The Board of DirectorsWoody Hogg and Dawn Bradley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Professional Standards2011 NAR Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

REALTOR® StoreNew Open House Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

6


2011 RAR Leadership

Richard BowerDawn BradleyNancy Cheely Amy EnochJohn FinnWoody Hogg

Tom Innes Wayne Johnson, Jr.Lummie JonesMark JoynerJean LongestBill White

Directors

Cheryl Hamm2011 President

Scott Ruth 2011 President-Elect

Karen Smith 2011 Immediate Past President

Linda Staples Terry 2011 Vice President

Use

ful U

RL’s RAR Home Page

www.RARealtors.com

Bill Pay Site www.RARealtors.com/members/default.aspx

RAR Staff Directorywww.RARealtors.com/members/about/sdirectory.aspx

REALTOR® Storehttp://www.RARealtors.com/members/store.aspx

CVR MLS Rules and Regulationswww.RARealtors.com/members/cvrmls/rules.aspx

RAR Government Affairswww.RARealtors.com/members/government/default.aspx

Grassroots Action Centerwww.RARealtors.com/members/government/votervoice.aspx

The Real Estate Schoolwww.RARealtors.com/members/education/default.aspx

Virginia Real Estate Boardwww.state.va.us/dpor/reb_main.htm

Virginia Association of REALTORS®

www.varealtor.com

Local Home Searchwww.REsourceHome.com

Updating Member Information

Now is a great time to update member

information with RAR. If you have moved

in the last year, changed your email address

or phone number, or have other information

that needs to be updated, please log on to

www.RARealtors.com and use the Account

Manager tab to edit contact information.

This will ensure that communications

materials and other important information

are received.

Distinguished Achiever Awards Reception

Thursday, May 5, 2011, 5:00p.m.-7:00p.m.

The Westin Hotel

6631 West Broad St. Richmond, VA 23230

Admission is free for award winners;

admission for all others, including spouses

or guests of award winners, is $20.

Admission includes hors d’oeuvres and two

drink tickets. Please RSVP to Kathryn Burke

at 804.422.5010, if planning to attend.

Save the date!

Housing Forum with

Majority Leader, Eric Cantor

March 24, 2011, 9:00am – 11:00am

University of Richmond

Jepson Alumni Center

Affordable Housing

Awareness Week

April 25 – 30, 2011

Join 15 non-profit

housing organizations for the fourth annual

Affordable Housing Awareness Week, where

volunteers come together to help build and

repair homes for our neighbors in need.

The goal of Affordable Housing Awareness

Week is to increase awareness about the

challenges related to housing affordability

in the Richmond area by providing educa-

tional programs and events attended by the

public, local business and government lead-

ers, as well as the media. Large numbers of

volunteers are organized to directly assist

those in need of affordable housing by

teaming up with local non-profit housing

organizations. Beginning March 10th, sign up

to participate in a variety of activities and

volunteer opportunities during this year’s

Affordable Housing Awareness Week at

www.AffordableHousingRichmond.com.

2011 CVRMLS Quarterly Dues Schedule

Invoice date Due by

March 1 5pm March 31

June 1 5pm June 30

September 1 5pm September 30

Tax Deductible Portions of

2010 Dues and Assessments

The National Association of REALTORS®

estimates 68% of the $80 dues is

deductible ($54), as is 100% of the $35

Public Awareness Campaign Assessment.

The Virginia Association of

REALTORS® estimates 86.35% of the $110

dues is deductible ($95), as is 100% of the

$10 issues mobilization fee, along with

100% of the $30 New Member Fee and

A S S O C I A T I O N N E W S

$33 Building Assessment charged to new members.

The Richmond Association of REALTORS® estimates 90%

of the $120 dues is deductible ($108).

View 2010 RAR expenses by logging into

www.RARealtors.com and clicking Account Manager, then

View Paid and Unpaid Invoices. Scroll down and click on

Account Activity Report and insert the appropriate dates.

The information is available in three different formats with

varying degrees of detail.

C V R M L S

eal estate property auctions are not a new phenomenon.

Auctions have long been used by property owners and

professionals for the purposes of tax and foreclosure

sales and for estate settlement matters. In today’s

housing market, however, more lenders, asset managers and

property owners are turning to auctions to facilitate the sale

of real property. Real state auctions and the traditional real

estate sales processes are not mutually exclusive and can

offer REALTORS® collaborative opportunities to meet the needs

of buyer and seller clients.

While REALTORS® and the MLS are integral and valued

components of the Central Virginia real estate market, there are

also an increasing number of REALTORS® and auction compa-

nies working together to sell homes, commercial properties and

land. These types of cooperative arrangements vary widely and

can involve MLS, license law, and regulatory considerations.

The Central Virginia Regional MLS (CVR MLS) allows

auction properties in the MLS database, as long as they meet the

same submission criteria as any other listing. These requirements

include:

(i) an Exclusive Authorization to Sell or Exclusive AgencyAgreement executed by the property owner; (ii) a list price, as

well as an explanation of the basis for the list price (tax assess-ment, minimum bid, etc) ; (iii) disclosure of auction type,required minimum bid and/or buyer’s premium, the auctiondate, location and inspection/preview instructions ; and (iv) anunconditional offer of compensation from the Listing Participant.The addition of remarks, comments and/or attachments thatattempt to impose additional requirements for cooperatingbroker compensation is a violation of CVR MLS rules and reg-ulations and is not permitted. (v)When there is no longer anoffer of cooperation and compensation from the CVR MLSListing Participant (i.e. the property is in “auction freeze status”and all offers may only be placed through a non-CVR MLSfirm) the listing status must be changed to released or tem-porarily withdrawn.

Other considerations include the separate and distinct licensing,

disclosure and advertising requirements for Virginia auctioneers and

real estate licensees. While some auctioneers in Virginia are licensed

as real estate brokers, Virginia auctioneers are not required to hold a

real estate license to auction real property. Real estate licensees,

however, may not offer properties for auction unless they hold a

Virginia auctioneers license. Because of these license requirements,

REALTORS® should exercise care when entering property or auction

detail into the publicly displayed remarks and fields.

Another important rule to remember is that MLS listings may

not be used to promote property sales by non-member auction

firms. Information specific to non-member auctions firms and

their web sites may be displayed only in the Agent Only

Comments field.

Finally, REALTORS® should be aware of possible RESPA

compliance issues and requirements related to affiliated busi-

ness relationships, mortgage financing and compensation

arrangements.

For additional information on Virginia statutes and regu-

lations pertaining to auctions and auctioneers, visit the

DPOR website www.dpor.virginia.gov and search on the term

“auctioneers”. The NAR web site, www.REALTOR.org, also

has an auction resource center containing links to related

industry news, trends, research, and information. If you have

any questions concerning CVR MLS rules and regulations and

auction listings, contact Peggy Lynch, Director of Professional

Development and Broker Services at 804.422.5006 or send

email to [email protected].

By Peggy Lynch, GRI

Director of Professional Development and Broker Services

Auction Propertiesand the MLS


L

R

7www.RAReal tor s .com LISTED • 2011 ISSUE 1

Explanation: Status of the listing must change from Pending to Sold within the three(3) day period as stated in the CVR MLS Rules & Regulations.

Governing Rule or Regulation: CVR MLS Rules & Regulations, Section 7.14 Reporting Sales to the Service: When a sale or exchange has closedor a lease has been signed, the Listing Participant shall change theListing status to sold/leased in the MLS Database within three (3) daysof settlement or lease. If negotiations were carried on under Section7.1 A or B of these Rules and Regulations, the cooperating Participantshall report accepted offers to the Listing Participant within three (3)days after the occurrence and the Listing Participant/Subscriber shallreport them to the MLS within three (3) days after receiving noticefrom the cooperating broker.

Violation Count: Over the past month, 38 warning letters have been sent out tomembers who have violated the Reporting Settlement rule. A fine of$250 is incurred for violations not corrected within the time framespecified in the courtesy warning letter.

An important aspect of providing MLS services is to help ensure the quality ofthe listing data in the system. The TempoTM system is checked daily looking forlistings that are in violation of the CVR MLS Rules & Regulations. Anonymousfaxes/e-mails from members of the Association reporting violations on listingsare also an extremely valuable source of quality control information.Anonymous tips can also be sent by a member from the “Click here to contactthe MLS with questions or concerns regarding this listing” feature that has beenadded to the bottom of Agent Reports. Should you have questions about what is correct procedure, please contact the MLS Department at 422-5004.

Copies of the CVR MLS Rules and Regulations can be obtainedonline at http://cvrmls.myismart.com/pages/home.

Tax records indicate that the property sale has closed, but ithas been two weeks and the status of the listing has notchanged from Pending to Sold in the MLS database.

Failure to Report SettlementFEATURED VIOLATION:

EXAMPLE OF VIOLATION:

COULD YOU BE VIOLATING

CVR MLS RULES AND REGULATIONS?

MLS CAUTIONARY TALES


Inputting a Listing Correctly

While it goes without saying that it is important foran agent to enter listings into Tempo™ correctly, thebusy lifestyle of the real estate business can causehuman errors to occur. Two common errors that areeasy to avoid, however, are:

1. Entering a Listing into the Wrong Property TypeThe most common example of this is listing aCondo or Townhouse incorrectly as a Single Familyhome. Once this occurs, the listing cannot bemoved, since the fields in Condo/Townhouse aredifferent from those in Single Family. When thiserror is realized, DO NOT withdraw or release thelisting. The incorrect listing must be deletedcompletely from Tempo™ before the listing agent isfree to re-enter it into the correct property type.

2. Entering a Listing Prematurely This occurs when a listing is entered before a ratifiedlisting agreement is received and is partially filled inas an incomplete listing, but is then inadvertentlysubmitted. This is not only an error, but also a CVRMLS Rules and Regulations violation. A listing mustnot be entered without a fully executed listing agree-ment. The incomplete listing function in Tempo™ isnot intended as a way to begin entering a listing inadvance. It is only intended to give members theopportunity to pause the input process on a propertyfor which they have a ratified listing agreement.

Should either of these errors occur, an immedi-ate deletion of the incorrectly entered listing mustbe requested, either by fax to 804.422.5050 or byemail to [email protected]. Be sure to includethe MLS number and address of the listing, arequest to delete it, and a brief explanation of thereason for the deletion as documented.

MARCH

2 New Member MLS Training 1pm-4:30pm

7 CMA Price it Right 9am-12pm

7 MLS Rules and Regulations 1pm-3pm

8 DocBox™ Workshop 9am-11am

17 Prospecting & Contact Management 9am-12pm

17 Instanet™ Forms 1pm-3pm

24 New Member MLS Training 8:30am-12pm

30 Tempo™ Jumpstart 9am-11am

30 iMapp Tax Records 1pm-3pm

APRIL


5 DocBox™ Workshop 1pm-3pm

8 Top 10 Tempo™ Tips 9am-12pm

8 Digital Cameras & MLS Photography 1pm-4pm

18 MLS Marketing 9am-12pm

21 New Member MLS Training 1pm-4:30pm

26 CMA Price it Right 1pm-4pm

29 Tempo™ Jumpstart 9am-12pm

MAY


13 Prospecting & Contact Management 9am-12pm

13 iMapp Tax Records 1pm-4pm

16 DocBox™ Workshop 1pm-3pm

19 Report Manager Workshop 9am-12pm


26 Commercial & CIE Workshop 9am-12pm

26 Instanet™ Forms 1pm-4pm

31 Tempo™ Jumpstart 1pm-4pm

To register, call the Education Department at 804-422-5016

or log onto www.RARealtors.com and click on "Education”

March - May 2011MLS Training Schedule

TempoTM Tip

they are, and organizes them within seconds. You can also edityour pictures and create online web albums made for sharing withother agents and your clients. http://picasa.google.com

Google Maps for Mobile - You can use Google Maps on yourphone, and never have to carry a paper map again. Get drivingdirections, traffic reports, satellite views, local information andmore all in the palm of your hand for FREE. Simply go tom.google.com/maps using your phone's web browser andthe appropriate version for your phone will be sent to you.(For some, carrier charges may apply.) From mobile device:m.google.com/maps

HooteSuite – This social media dashboard allows you to manageyour Facebook and Twitter accounts from one dashboard and ithas a mobile version to keep you connected with clients whileon the go. www.hootesuite.com

MyBrochureMaker.com – This site offers free professionallydesigned templates and high-resolution images and layouts thatyou can customize with your own logo and photography forflyers, brochures and more. It's super easy and their designsare great. Print them yourself; or use MyBrochureMaker’sprinting service to complete your portfolio of marketingmaterials. (Rates will apply when using their print service.)www.MyBrochureMaker.com

Vlingo – Maybe you need to send a quick text to a client,because you’re running late? This text to voice application turnyour words into action. Simply speak to your phone, or type acommand to get just about anything done while on the go. Orperhaps you’re looking for a safer alternative to texting whiledriving? Vlingo can do all of these things for you, with accuratevoice recognition technology. www.vlingo.com

There are a number of internet tools and applications availablenowadays that can provide a net-savvy agent the distinct advan-tage over the less technologically inclined agent. Knowingwhich tools are appropriate and how to employ them can bedaunting, not to mention expensive. One way to get your feetwet with some of the more popular technology available toREALTORS® is to start out with the ones that require no invest-ment. Yes, the ones that are FREE…gratis, no charge.

Here are a few tools that not only provide solutions for theneeds of today’s REALTOR®, but they also won’t have a negativeimpact on finances.

Evernote – Note taking made simple. Evernote offers an easyway to remember everything. Keep notes from your listingmeetings, take a picture of a whiteboard, create to-do lists, jotdown random thoughts, leave a voice memo, and more. Then,easily retrieve all of those things any time from your computer,phone, or the web! www.evernote.com

Picasa – This is a FREE photo management and geo-tagging soft-ware application that will help you organize your digital photos.Picasa automatically finds all the photos on your PC, wherever

FREE Tech Tools to Help You Stand Out from the Crowd


By Karen J. Treanor, Director of Communications and Marketing

There was another successful RAR Realtor® Day on the Hill on February 9, 2011. RAR attendees not onlyenjoyed the opportunity to meet and ask questions of a number of political representatives in a privatesession in the West Conference room of the General Assembly Building, but they were also treated tolunch at Old City Bar on Main Street, followed by a tour of either the Governor’s Mansion or the VirginiaCapitol. It was an enjoyable and educational day for all those who attended.


G OV E R N M E N T A F FA I R S

RAR Realtor® Day on the Hill

Left to Right: Group photo at the Capitol in the Old House Chamber, Del. Joe Morrissey responds to questions about local jurisdictions, Attendees enjoy some time networking, Tour of Govenor's Mansion.

By Karen J. Treanor, Director of Communications and Marketing


Left to Right: Sen. Don McEachin, A visit from Sen. John Watkins, John Finn enjoys lunch, Del. Manoli Loupassi shares a laugh,Phillip Innes thanks Sen. Don McEachin for visiting, Del. Betsy Carr is introduced by Elizabeth Greenfield, RAR's Director of Government Affairs,

The lunch buffet gets started.


By Jovan Hackley, Director of Education & Outreach

oday, when NAR's recent numbers show that 90 percentof buyers used the Web during a transaction and whenalmost every business is making an effort to “go green,”real estate’s paper approach to transaction and file

management is falling out of favor. Managing paper not only costsreal estate companies a lot of money and energy, but largecumbersome folders that use up financial resources are impracticalwhen files or papers can be easily lost.

Firms looking to be efficient in today's market need toexplore a virtual option, which is why this quarter all CVRMLSmembers received access to DocBoxTM, the document storagefeature available through the existing Instanet™ Forms transactionmanagement center.

“When you think about it, consumers have been interactingvirtually with service providers for years. Real estate transactionshave been one of very few business activities where customerinformation isn't being delivered online,” says Joe Kazzoun, VPof Business and Product Development for Instanet™ Solutions.“As the service provider that handles the most significantpurchase of most individuals’ lives, real estate professionalscannot afford to not have virtual solutions and real-time dataaccess for clients. Virtual transactions management, which is thenext step after the adoption of online document storage, isn't anoption for REALTORS® any longer; it's really inevitable.”

DocBoxTM DetailsInstanet DocBoxTM is an online file storage system that’s integratedwith the Instanet™ Transaction Desk. DocBoxTM offers agentsand brokers the ability to archive and access contracts, negoti-ations, or any other document in a transaction that is faxed,uploaded, or emailed into the system from a mobile phone orcomputer. With this virtual document management system,uploaded files can then be accessed anytime, anywhere fromvirtually any computer in the world with an internet access.

Available to all CVR MLS users, DocBoxTM can be easilyaccessed through the Instant Forms SmartLink on the Tempo™sidebar, or from the Start a Transaction icon on each listing’sdetail page.

Going “paperless” with online storage not only makes filemanagement easier, but it can also help CVRMLS subscribersimprove their bottom line by increasing efficiencies withimproved client service and reduced risk management.

DocBoxTM also offers:

Unlimited Storage: Securely store all your real estate files online.

Unlimited Faxing: Documents can be faxed into or out of thesystem, at no additional charge.

Reduced Business Risk: The system automatically creates anaudit trail. The system records when and by whom documentsare created, edited, sent or received. Phone calls can also bemanually logged into the system.

Branded Emails and Notifications:Emails can contain personal contact information, brokerage logosand a photograph.

Toll Free Fax Numbers: The DocBoxTM service provides a toll freefax number for all incoming faxes.

Universal Document Format: Incoming and outgoing faxdocuments can be converted to PDFs, which allows anyone withthe free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view DocBoxTM Documents.

Transaction Files on the Go with DocBox2GoTM

Included with the DocBoxTM service that is available to all CVRMLS users is a mobile version of Instanet’s™ document storageapplication. Listing, sales or lease files can be accessed from any-where, with virtually any smartphone with an internet browsersuch as Blackberry, iPhone or Treo with DocBox2GoTM. Havingimportant files at your fingertips eliminates the need to drive backto the office or home to access files and the result is a saving oftime and money.

If a seller needs to review a document, simply open their filein DocBox2GoTM from a mobile device, click on the document

T

Online Document Storagewith Instanet’s

and fax or email it right to the client. If a buyer wants to view acontract or form, simply open and email or fax it to them froma smartphone in seconds.

Questions and Training CVRMLS members now have both in-person and online opportu-nities to learn about DocBoxTM and AuthentisignTM. To access webi-nars, find training dates online, or for information on potentiallybringing a training session to your office, visit www.RARealtors.comand click “Education” or call 804.422.5000.

There are several ways to begin a transaction in Instanet.One of the most efficient methods is to start from withinthe TEMPO system. To begin a transaction involving aspecific MLS listing, click the TD- Start a Transaction linkfrom the Quick Link Bar. This will open the Instanetprogram, import the listing data and begin a new transac-tion file. The transaction wizard will then step you thoughthe key file components of your transaction and allow youto upload additional forms and information utilizing thenew DocBoxTM functionality.

Instanet and Docbox training is available 24/7 in theform of webinars and online searchable help instructions.Links are available in the Tempo Sidebar. Instanetservice and support is also available Monday-Friday8am to 8pm EST, by phone 800-668-8768 or by email:[email protected] or by Live Tech Chat,which can be accessed by clicking on the living supportlink found within your Instanet account.

DocBoxTM Shortcuts in TEMPO

DocBoxTM Training at RAR

Did you know?NAR research shows real estate transactions have generated about 18 billion sheets of paper to sell roughly 26 million homes since 2005. That’s at least 692 sheets of paper per transaction.

692 sheets per transaction is the equivalent of a ream and a half of paper or $4.70 for each successful transaction.

By leaving the traditional paper-based transactions, individual MLSs could help save 1100 trees annually.

>

>

>

Greg Driscoll, withInstanet™ and Gary Duda, Broker of RE/MAX Action Real Estate, discussDocBox™ featuresprior to a training session.

Members learn about the features and functionality ofInstanet DocBox™

Jim Tomasello, with CVRMLS, teaches members about DocBox™ faxing capabilities

John Hicks, withCVRMLS, providespractical examples of how DocBox™ will facilitate everydaytransactions.

Mark Joyner, withNapier REALTORS®

ERA, demonstrates navigation withinDocBox™ to members.

L

L ISTED • 2011 ISSUE 1 www.RAReal tor s .com

REAL ESTATE SIGN ORDINANCESA Guide to What Can Be Placed WhereEach locality in the Richmond Metropolitan area has its own set of sign

ordinance provisions that must be observed. To avoid having a sign

removed or accruing a fine, it’s important to comply with each locality’s

rules governing real estate signs. Please note that all Richmond-area

jurisdictions allow on-site real estate signage, but some have further

specifications, which are listed below.By Elizabeth Hancock GreenfieldDirector of Government Affairs

G OV E R N M E N T A F FA I R S

LOCALITYDIRECTIONAL

SIGNAGEALLOWED

SETBACKREQUIREMENTS

QUANTITY SIZEREMOVAL

TIME FRAMEILLUMINATION

ALLOWEDFINE

Amelia

Charles City

Chesterfield

Yes

Yes

Yes; sign is limitedto the REALTORassociation trade-mark “R”, equalhousing opportunitylogo, “for sale”, or“for rent”, and anarrow; may not be in the publicROW*

On-site: 5 ft. from property lines

Signs shall not be located within or overthe publicROW*

On-site: N/A

Directional: no more than 2

On-site: no more than 20 sq. ft. in area

Directional: same as on-site signs

Within 90 days

Any illuminationmust be focusedon the sign, cannot flash, cannot be red orgreen and cannotcause glare. If electricity isrequired mustobtain permit.

Yes

No

Yes; with a permit. Contactthe planningdepartment formore information.804-556-5860

Up to $1,000

Signs shall not be locatedwithin or over thepublic ROW*

On-site: N/A

Directional: up to 5 signs

On-site:6 sq. ft. in area or less;

Directional: 6 sq. ft., 8 ft. high

Immediatelyupon sale ofproperty

Up to $1,000

15 ft from property lines;along publicROW, setbackmay be reducedto a min. of 20 ft.from the edge ofpavement or theface of the curb

On-site: unlimited

Directional: one sign perintersection

On-site:6 sq. ft., 7 ft. high

Directional:same as on-site

Within 10 daysafter the transfer of titleor rental of the property

Up to $1,000

Goochland Yes

On-site: N/A

Directional:may be as closeat 2 ft. from the ROW*

On-site: N/A

Directional: no more than 1 sign per company isallowed at anyroad intersection

On-site: shall not exceed 4 sq. ft.

Directional:signs shall notexceed 2.5 sq. ft.in area

On-site: Within 10 daysafter the propertyis under asigned contract

Directional:Within 10 daysafter closing

Up to $250


For a more comprehensive review of each locality’s sign ordinance, go towww.rarealtors.com/members/government/localissues/ordinances.aspx *ROW = Right of way

LOCALITYDIRECTIONAL

SIGNAGEALLOWED

SETBACKREQUIREMENTS

QUANTITY SIZEREMOVAL

TIME FRAMEILLUMINATION

ALLOWEDFINE

Hanover

On-site:can be placedup to the frontproperty line;Not in publicROW*

On-site: only one sign for each streetfrontage

Directional: one sign perstreet frontage

On-site:not more than 6 sq. ft. in area

Directional: same as on-site

On-site: within 7 days of propertybeing sold, rented, or leased

Directional: Signs maybe placed no earlierthan 3:30 p.m. onFriday and removedno later than 7:00p.m. on the immedi-ately following Sunday evening.

No

No

No

No

The lighting cannot (1) causeglare or (2) beaimed upward.Instead the illumination mustbe aimed directlyat the sign

No

Up to $1,000

Henrico

On-site:Not less than 15 ft. from anystreet or lot line

Directional: Not in publicROW*

On-site:one

Directional: N/A

On-site: not exceeding 32 sq. ft. in area or 8 ft. in height

Directional: not exceeding 2 sq. ft. in areaor 8 ft. in height

On-site: Promptly afterthe sale or rentalor developmentof the property


Up to $1,000

LouisaSigns may not be located within publicROW*

On-site: one

Directional: one per parcel

On-site: shall not exceed9 sq. ft. in area

Directional: same as on-site

N/A Up to $1,000

New KentSigns may not be locatedwithin publicROW*

N/A

On-site: signs cannotexceed 32 sq. ft.in area and 8 ft.in height


Signs may bedisplayed for aperiod of up to90 days

Up to $1,000

Powhatan

On-site:N/A

Directional: outside of public ROW*

On-site:one

Directional: N/A

On-site: signs may notexceed 8 sq. ft.in area and 7 ft.in height

Directional: signs may notexceed 4 sq. ft.in area

On-site: after the sale or rental of the property

Directional:promptly whenthe property has been sold or rented

Up to $1,000

Yes; must havepermission fromthe propertyowner; Signsmay not belocated in thepublic ROW*

Yes; must havepermission fromthe propertyowner.; Signsmany not belocated in thepublic ROW*

Yes; sign permitrequired, signedby propertyowner

Yes

Yes

Richmond

On-site:Signs shall not be locatedwithin 5 ft. ofany street line or within 15 ft.of any otherproperty line

On-site:N/A

On-site:Not to exceed an aggregatearea of 6 sq. ft.long each streetfrontage of a lot

After the sale,rental, or leaseof the property

Up to $1,000No



P R O F E S S I O N A L D E V E L O P M E N T

n the evening of December 8, 2010, at the University ofRichmond Jepson Alumni Center, the RichmondAssociation of REALTORS® held its annual InstallationReception and Awards Ceremony.

The Annual Installation Reception and Awards Ceremony isan event to honor the recipients of the Richmond Association ofREALTORS’® awards winners and to welcome the new Presidentof the Richmond Association of REALTORS® and Central VirginiaMultiple Listing Service for the upcoming year, as well as the newlyelected members of the Richmond Association of REALTORS®

Board of Directors.On this evening, Cheryl Hamm, of Joyner Fine Properties,

was passed the baton from Immediate Past President Karen Smithand installed as the new President of RAR and CVRMLS. Hammhas a particular interest in REALTOR® education, governmentaffairs and technology. “Continuing to educate our agents andoffering them tools to help them adapt to their new reality will

be essential. I’m looking forward to leading our associationthrough hopefully the last of the recession and giving agents thosetools to help see them through, while getting them poised to takeoff as the market improves,” she said.

President-Elect for RAR, Scott Ruth of Long & Foster,President-Elect for CVR MLS, Shanna Wiseman of Parr andAbernathy, Vice President Linda Staples Terry of Tranzon Fox, and

Immediate Past President KarenSmith of RE/MAX Commonwealth,join Hamm in leading theAssociation through 2011. WoodyHogg, with ERA Woody Hogg &Associates, will chair the 2011Broker Council and serve on theBoard of Directors. The newly electedBoard of Director members areNancy Cheely, Dawn Bradley andJohn Finn, Jr. Incumbent directorsinclude Thomas Innes, WayneJohnson, Lummie Jones, RichardBower, Mark Joyner, Jean Longest,Bill White and Amy Enoch.

O

Honoring 2010 Annual Award Recipients and Welcoming 2011 Leadership

John Daly, Treasurer for theVirginia Association of REALTORS®,

addresses the crowd prior toswearing in 2011 CVRMLS officers.

Don Atkinson, former RARPresident, presents Karen Smith,Immediate Past President, with acommemorative plaque and gavel.

Past RAR PresidentBill White hands agavel and flowers to Cheryl Hamm,new President of

RAR and CVRMLS.

RAR members and their families anxiously await the announcement of the 2010 RAR award recipients.L

By Kate Loveluck, Communications Coordinator


continues next page

Philip Innes (RE/MAX Commonwealth) A. Kenton Muhleman, Jr. Scholarship AwardThe “Rookie of the Year” Award. The recipient of this award is selected on the criteria of professional knowledge, sales activity, association participation and civic accomplishments.

Richard Bower (Joyner Fine Properties)Adrian L. Bendheim, Jr. Sales Associate of the Year AwardThe recipient of this award is selected based on the criteria of professional knowledge, sales activity, association participation and civic accomplishments.

Lummie Jones (Napier REALTORS® ERA)Civic Leader of the Year AwardThis award is designed to recognize a member of the Richmond Association of REALTORS®

who has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to enhancing the quality of life in the community.

Jacqueline S. Atiyeh (Long & Foster)REALTOR®of the Year AwardThe Associations’ highest honor, the recipient of this award is selected based on the criteria of REALTOR® spirit, activity in the Richmond Association of REALTORS®, Virginia Associationof REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®, activity in civic affairs and business accomplishments.

The Richmond Association of REALTORS® honored the following recipients with annual awards for 2010:

Cheryl Hamm takes the stage beside her husband, Ron, and is sworn into office by past RAR President Bill White.

Top: John Daly, VAR Treasurer, begins the swearing in.Karen Smith, Immediate Past RAR President,

gives her final address as President.

Karen Smith (RE/MAX Commonwealth)Virginia Association of REALTORS® Manager of the Year AwardThis award recipient is selected based on the criteria of commitment to personal and associate education, real estate achievements & contributions, business & civic accomplishments, management criteria (innovation, creativity & originality).

Shanna Wiseman (Parr and Abernathy)Virginia Association of REALTORS® Property Manager of the YearThis award recipient is selected based on the criteria of dedication to the advancement of the property management profession, involvement in property management councils (local or state), commitment to continuing education & professional growth, local, state and national associationwork and civic activity & community involvement.

Lisa Atkinson (RE/MAX Commonwealth)2010 Council of Residential Specialists (CRS) of the YearThis award recipient is selected based on time and service given to the local and state REALTOR®

associations, offices held, committee chair assignments and other outstanding accomplishments.Community service participation, local and National Council of Residential Specialists offices heldand committee work accomplished are also considerations in the selection of this award’s recipient.

Katy Allenbaugh-Richards (First American Home Buyers Protection) First American Homebuyers Protection Corporation Circle of Excellence AwardKaty Allenbaugh-Richards received this award by ranking in the top 5 of the Eastern Division for closing on the most home warrantees in 2010.

Other Notable 2010 Award Recipients:continued from page 17

Omega Tau Rho AwardsThe following Richmond Association of REALTORS® staff members havebeen granted membership into the honorary fraternity OMEGA TAU RHO.Created in 1950, the OMEGA TAU RHO award is presented to associationstaff members and others who serve the REALTOR® organization. The acco-lade, represented by the Medallion of Service, is awarded by state andlocal REALTOR® Associations in recognition of exemplary dedication andservice of 10 years or more.

L-R: Tony Woolcott (10 years), Mark Luck (10 years), Jim Tomasello (13 years),Velma Hatcher (13 years), Patty Dearing (11 years) and Kirsten Janca (10 years).Not pictured: Tracy Dance (14 years).



Dawn Bradley

Firm & Years in Real EstateLong & Foster Midlothian Office since 2002

DesignationsAssociate Broker, ABR, GRI

Experience at RARGrievance Committee, Legislative Committee

How did you get involved in real estate?A long-time friend and broker at the Midlothian Office encour-aged me to enter real estate, since it was a natural transitionfrom 25 years of banking.

Favorite Richmond TraditionChristmas Grand Illumination in Downtown Richmond

Favorite Vacation Spot Colorado

Hobbies/Activities outside the officeReading and socializing with family and friends

Meet the Board of Directors Each issue of Listed features profiles of two current members of the Board of Directors.

Woody Hogg

Firm & Years in Real Estate40th year in real estate; started ERA Woody Hogg & Associates in 1986

DesignationsBroker, Certified Foreclosure Agent, Certified Senior Specialist

Experience at RARServed on several Board Committees, past Chairman of theCommercial Division; Chair, Brokers Council for 2011.

How did you get involved in real estate?I started out buying and rehabbing houses in the late 60’swhile, oddly enough, working at a bank (State Planters, whichis now part of SunTrust.) I went on to have my own insurancebusiness but remained active in acquiring real estate. I thoughtI would go ahead and get my real estate license, primarily formy personal buying and selling. After my first 40 days in realestate, I knew I had found what I was meant to do. My wifeand 5 of our 6 children have been active in our business.

Favorite Richmond TraditionMy favorite Richmond tradition was taking our children toMiller & Rhoades to eat dinner with Santa Claus. Since thestore closed, I would say that I enjoy the Fan House Tour,along with enjoying some of the great restaurants inRichmond.

Favorite Vacation Spot We love being around the water! We enjoy our condo atGwynn’s Island the most, but also enjoy the Outer Banks.

Hobbies/Activities outside the officePam and I have enjoyed traveling around the United States andseveral other countries. I grew up as an avid waterfowl hunterand also fishing. I still enjoy doing both but do not seem tohave the opportunity as often now. I enjoy playing golf whenI can. I am an East Carolina graduate and am a Pirate footballfan along with my oldest son, Tripp, who is also an ECU Alum.One of our favorite pastimes today is spending time with oneof our 9 grandchildren.


As of publishing date

dopted in 1913, the REALTOR® Code of Ethics represents the“gold” standard of professional conduct for the real estateindustry. The Code of Ethics is a living document consistingof seventeen Articles and related Standards of Practice.

The Code is regularly updated and revised to reflect current industrypractices and provide instructive guidance in the application of itsduties. Below is a summary of the 2011 additions and revisions.

Standard of Practice 3-7 - RevisedWhen seeking information from another REALTOR® concerningproperty under a management or listing agreement, REALTORS®

shall disclose their REALTOR® status and whether their interest ispersonal or on behalf of a client and, if on behalf of a client, theirrelationship with the client. (Amended 1/11)

NAR Rationale: This clarifying amendment acknowledges that insome instances a REALTOR® seeking information on behalf of a

client may not be "representing" that client. For example, aREALTOR® performing an appraisal assignment for a client doesnot "represent" the client but would still be obligated to disclosetheir relationship with the client to the REALTOR® from whominformation is being requested.

Standard of Practice 3-10 - NewThe duty to cooperate established in Article 3 relates to the obligationto share information on listed property, and to make property avail-able to other brokers for showing to prospective purchasers/tenantswhen it is in the best interests of sellers/landlords. (Adopted 1/11)

NAR Rationale: This proposal is based on the definition of coop-eration previously approved by the NAR Board of Directors that ispublished in the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual. It willprovide a more visible explanation, assisting REALTORS® inunderstanding what Article 3′s duty of cooperation requires of them.

Article 10 - RevisedREALTORS® shall not deny equal professional services to any personfor reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status,national origin, or sexual orientation. REALTORS® shall not beparties to any plan or agreement to discriminate against a person orpersons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familialstatus, or national origin. (Amended 1/11)

REALTORS®, in their real estate employment practices, shall notdiscriminate against any person or persons on the basis of race,color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin,or sexual orientation. (Amended 1/11)

Standard of Practice 10-3 - RevisedREALTORS® shall not print, display or circulate any statement oradvertisement with respect to selling or renting of a property thatindicates any preference, limitations or discrimination based onrace, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or nationalorigin, or sexual orientation. (Adopted 1/94, Renumbered 1/05 and1/06, Amended 1/11)

NAR Rationale: While sexual orientation is not a protected classunder Federal Fair Housing Law, this change emphasizes that theintent that all persons are to be treated equally and professionally,and not to be discriminated against.

A

P R O F E S S I O N A L S T A N DA R D S

By Peggy Lynch, GRI

Director of Professional Development and Broker Services

2011 NAR Code of Ethics and Standards of PracticeA Summary of Changes

Standard of Practice 12-5 - RevisedREALTORS® shall not advertise nor permit any person employed byor affiliated with them to advertise real estate services or listedproperty in any medium (e.g., electronically, print, radio, television,etc.) without disclosing the name of that REALTOR®'s firm in areasonable and readily apparent manner. This Standard of Practiceacknowledges that disclosing the name of the firm may not be prac-tical in electronic displays of limited information (e.g. "thumbnails",text messages, "tweets", etc.). Such displays are exempt from thedisclosure requirement established in the Standard of Practice, butonly when linked to a display that includes all required disclosures.(Adopted 11/86, Amended 1/11)

continues on page 23

Top: Lively interaction and

discussion among participants.

Right: Marc Lebowitz,

Professional Standards

instructor, takes a vote as

to a procuring cause.

Below: Members participate

in a mock arbitration hearing.

Pro Standards Training for members of the RAR Boardof Directors and the Pro Standards and GrievanceCommittees took place at RAR on January 25, 2011.

For more information or to register, please contact: The Real Estate School / Tel: (804) 422-5016 E-mail: [email protected] or log onto www.RARealtors.com and click “Education”

MARCH1 ABR Elective: Short Sales & Foreclosures 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

10 Continuing Education, Part 1 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM


14 Mandatory PL 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

16 GRI 414: Negotiation 8:00 AM - 5:00PM

16 Evening CE: Module 1 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM


18 Broker Continuing Education 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

21-23 Broker Appraisal 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM



25 Fair Housing & the Practice of Real Estate 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

28 Advanced Contract Writing 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

30-31 CRS 201 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

APRIL5 CCIM Intro – Day 1 8:00 AM - 5:00PM

6 CCIM Intro – Day 2 8:00 AM - 5:00PM



11-13 Broker Licensing Management 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM



19 Fair Housing & the Practice of Real Estate 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

20 GRI 404: The Cyber-REALTOR® 8:00 AM - 5:00PM



26 Broker Exam Prep 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

27-28 Property Management Series 8:00 AM - 5:00PM

MAY5 Basics of Contract Writing 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM



17 Property Management Division Networking Event 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

18 GRI 405: Pricing, Listing & Marketing the Property 8:00 AM - 5:00PM



20 Broker Continuing Education 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM


26 Evening CE: Module 4 6:00 PM - 9:30 PMEduca

tion C

ale

ndar

Marc

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May 2

011



NAR Rationale: This amendment is in response to REALTORS®’increasing use of electronic communications to advertise their realestate services and listed property. In some instances, the limitations onthe amount of text that can be included in such communications makecompliance with the Standard of Practice’s disclosure requirementimpossible within the context of a specific message. In such cases, theStandard would permit compliance with the duty to disclose the firm’sname through a link to a display that makes all required disclosures.

Note: The NAR Code of Ethics does not modify or trump any VREBdisclosure requirements pertaining to electronic communications

Article 15 and Standards of Practice 15-2 and 15-3 - RevisedArticle 15REALTORS® shall not knowingly or recklessly make false or misleadingstatements about other real estate professionals, their businesses, ortheir business practices.

Standard of Practice 15-2 The obligation to refrain from making false or misleading statementsabout other real estate professionals,’ their businesses, and theirbusiness practices includes the duty to not knowingly or recklesslypublish, repeat, retransmit, or republish false or misleading state-ments made by others. This duty applies whether false or misleadingstatements are repeated in person, in writing, by technologicalmeans (e.g., the Internet), or by any other means.

Standard of Practice 15-3 The obligation to refrain from making false or misleading statementsabout other real estate professionals,’ their businesses, and theirbusiness practices includes the duty to publish a clarification aboutor to remove statements made by others on electronic media theREALTOR® controls once the REALTOR® knows the statement is falseor misleading.

NAR Rationale: The amendments to Article 15, and to Standardsof Practice 15-2 and 15-3, establish that even in cases where areal estate professional may not be a REALTOR®'s "competitor",the duty to refrain from knowingly or recklessly making false ormisleading statements still applies. For instance, a REALTOR®

engaging in appraisal might not be the competitor of a REALTOR®

engaging in property management, but one would still be barredfrom knowingly or recklessly making false or misleading statementsabout the other.

Questions? Contact Peggy Lynch, Director of ProfessionalDevelopment and Broker Services at [email protected] or804.422.5006 L

Ethics continued from page 21


The REALTOR® Store

Stop by the REALTOR® Store for the latest real estate merchandise, including these useful open house products:

New 30 ft. Pennant Flag $11.00These bright, permanent, multi-colored 30 ft. flags are an attention-grabber for an Open House.

Open House Guest Register $30.00 Registration forms gather vital real estate information for visitor follow-up. Includes 150 Registration Entries, Tent Card

(Visitors Please Register & Seller Requests Registration), business card pocket. Registration forms include the Federal Do Not Call disclaimer.

Home Information Center Refrigerator Magnet $12.00In bright red or navy blue. Includes home feedback forms, Take One/Leave One business card slots, a pen and a place for informational flyers.

Weatherproof Info Box $20.00Easy to install and attaches to any yard sign. Made of a translucent, durable plastic design. Features a self-closing lid, mounting hardware and holds 75 sheets of paper.

A wide array of Open House signs and riders are also available, and run in cost from $2.75 to $39.99.

Don’t forget to leave a business card after each purchase as an entry for the REALTOR® Store monthly drawing. Past winners include: Susan Cullen, Scott Glass, Richard Hanson

*Drawings held the last day of each month. Winners will be notified on the following business day via phone or email. Must be a member to win.

$5.00 OFFRedeem this coupon for $5.00 off a total purchaseof $35.00 or more at the RAR REALTOR® Store

8975 Three Chopt Rd. Richmond, VA

CODE: LSTD3_11 Expires 4/31/11

February 2011

Documents

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