VPAR April 2012 REALTOR Update

REALTOR® UpdateApril 2012

Published by the Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS®

Off My Desk… CEO ReportREALTOR®. That one word is a very strong statement! Are you using the term “REALTOR®” correctly?

Since 1916, the term REALTOR® is not only a trademark owned by NAR and protected by federal law, it is also a valuable membership benefi t that distinguishes members from all others in the real estate business. Remember, a REALTOR® isn’t “just another real estate agent.” Being a REALTOR® means more!

When you say REALTOR® replace it with member and that will tell you that if you are us-ing the term correctly. For example, JimBob Smith, REALTOR® could be replaced with JimBob Smith, member. But if I say #1 REALTOR® JimBob Smith, how do we know that he is the #1 member? With 1.1 million REALTOR® members, does JimBob Smith rank #1? How about JimBob Smith your hometown REALTOR®? No, still incorrect. JimBob Smith, your hometown member? That doesn’t make sense. If we protect and preserve the REALTOR® trademark and promote it correctly, the public will understand the value of working with REALTOR®.

To fi nd out more of using the REALTOR® trademark correctly, watch this 3 minute video. Click here to view.

REALTOR® a term we all should be proud of!

http://www.realtor.org/law_and_policy/trademark_video

No REALTOR7 Update November 2009 - page 2 NoREALTOR7 Update

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Prime Lending - 757-344-3366Shaheen Law Firm - 757-369-2831

Bronze SponsorsCox Communications - 757-222-8394

No REALTOR ® Update April 2012 - page 2 No

Support your Affiliate Partners Today!A very special thank you to the following Partners for their

continued support in 2012!

Before You Go Anywhere Else...Check Out Our Tech Department. VPAR of-fers our members fantastic tech support via our tech guru, Rich Benet. Along with giving general advice, we provide computer repair services at 30 to 50% less than what most tech stores charge. So, why not try us? Contact Rich Benet at 757-599-

5222 or [email protected].

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

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

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

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

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

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

members or non-members.

EditorDana R. Holben, RCE, e-PRO

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

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

REALTOR® UpdateThe Offi cial Publication of the

Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS®

Offi cers

PresidentSheila Dann, ABR, GRI, SFR

President-ElectPamela McKinney Lewis, ABR, SFR

TreasurerSharon Snyder-Bartels

Immediate Past PresidentDale Chandler

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

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

Barbara Lassley, ABR, SFR

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

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Congratulations to all of our OSC Award winners. Each of you should be proud of the work you have done on behalf of your clients. You made a difference in someone’s life!

I want to say “Thank you” to Renea Matter, Latonia Chavis, Donna Dellinger, Angela De-Long, Laura Drummond, Hannah DuVal, Jenny Edgerton, Nina Efi rd, Darla Kurak, Bar-bara Lassley, Cathi Lynch, Cynthia Melton, Margaret Orehowsky, Jeannie Wool of the Banquet Committee. These individuals worked magic so we all enjoyed our time on the “Red Carpet” during “An Evening with the Stars.”

And “Thank you” to Vicki Andrews, Carl Burt, Earl Baker, Charlotte Breckenridge, Dorothy Burch, Dale Chandler, Carol Dava-nay, Patricia Green, Lynn Grimsley, Cath-erine Harney, Michelle Helmsderfer, Dewey Hutchins, Kim Kubisiak, Margaret Lassiter, Brenda McPherson, Karen Pennington, Pauline Snider, Wanda Stevens, Pam Strahorn-Roe, Teresa Sullivan, Ray Upright of the Awards Committee. You continue to work hard to ensure our members are rec-ognized for their achievements.

The fi rst quarter of 2012 is behind us. How are you doing with your plans and goals so far? I understand many of you will take Spring Break in April just don’t forget to come back.

The City of Poquoson played host to REAL-TORS® on Tuesday, March 27. We all en-

President’s Messageby Sheila Dann, 2012 VPAR President

joyed breakfast, a tour of the city on a school bus, update on Poquoson’s future plans and lunch. If you missed it stay tuned we may have another opportunity in the Fall. We are also working with the other cities that we rep-resent to have REALTOR® Days there as well. This will give us an opportunity to see all that each city has to offer and the plans they have for their futures with budget cuts and possible expansions of business.

REALTOR®Fest is Thursday, May 10 and if you register prior to the May 9th, you can par-ticipate in the free class presented by Lem Marshall runs prior to the start the Hall open-ing. You will love what the committee has in store.

Did you make your RPAC contribution yet? Home Ownership Matters and so does your involvement in your Association. With all the elections, this year is going to be a very piv-otal year for home ownership. We all know that to turn this economy around depends on the housing market. When REALTORS® join together; we have a very powerful voice that is heard loud and clear. The REALTORS® Political Action Committee exists solely to further issues important to REALTORS®. It’s the only political action committee in the country that is organized by REALTORS® to promote and protect the dream of homeown-ership in America. RPAC works every day on behalf of REALTORS® so that you can practice real estate with the assurance that someone is fi ghting for you and the real es-tate industry.

Please stop by and welcome Joanne Daly back to VPAR and thank Dana, Cindy and Rich for all the hard work they do for us every day.

Happy Spring!

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Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS®

The

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No REALTOR ® Update April 2012 - page 6

MUST BE SEEN TO BELIEVE!

The listing agent ad-vertised the property as having “a fully equipped ground level au/pair apt. that must be seen to be-lieve!” The buyers were particularly attracted to the house precisely be-cause of this reason – that it contained a converted garage apartment, which would be suitable for the buyer’s mother. Within weeks of closing and tak-ing possession, the buyers learned that the work to convert the garage into an apartment had been completed in violation of Loudoun County building codes, without the permits required by law, and in such a way as to allow water to enter the garage and cause mold to develop. According to the buy-ers, the space was not usable, and to bring the space into code compliance would require it to be torn down and rebuilt from scratch. Ouch.

Of course, the buyers sued not only the sell-ers but also the listing agent. Both were sued for breach of contract, violation of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act, and false advertising. Double ouch. The case is still pending trial but has survived several procedural challenges. The fi rst challenge related to the statute of limitations (the court held that the statute began upon closing not upon when the advertising was made). The second challenge related to the false advertising claim against the listing agent. Surviving proce-dural motions to dismiss does not mean the buy-ers will win in the end, but it does mean the matter will go to trial. In my view the facts do not look good for the sellers or their agent (in a close case, who do you think the jury will side with?).

What is the lesson to be learned (at least at this point)? The short answer is that if you are going

to advertise converted garages, a certain num-ber of bedrooms (think septic and otherwise), liv-able detached suites, apartments, etc. then you better be certain your advertisement is actually true. Long-time association members will recall the rather contentious discussion a few years ago regarding building permits. Regardless whether you feel permits are appropriate lines of inquiry for agents in a general sense, if you are a listing agent you need to think long and hard before you explicitly market property features that might not be factually accurate, and if you do no due dili-gence to support your representation how would you know? As between you and the buyer I do not believe “that’s what the seller told me” is a vi-able defense. A related query: if you are a buyer’s agent on such a listing shouldn’t you caution the buyer and suggest, at least, that he check to see if permits were obtained?

As always, if you have any questions or doubt whatsoever then fi rst discuss your obligations and concerns with your broker. Please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] if you have any questions about this article or suggestions for a future topic.

Legal Cornerby Brian Lytle, Attorney

to advertise converted garages, a certain num-ber of bedrooms (think septic and otherwise), liv-able detached suites, apartments, etc. then you better be certain your advertisement is actually true. Long-time association members will recall the rather contentious discussion a few years ago regarding building permits. Regardless whether you feel permits are appropriate lines of inquiry for agents in a general sense, if you are a listing agent you need to think long and hard before you explicitly market property features that might not be factually accurate, and if you do no due dili-

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No No REALTOR7 Update November 2009 - page 9REALTOR7 Update

Want to be an R-Man?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

voted 416 - 0 to extend through 2010 the benefits

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Governmental Affairs Update Continued!

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

No No REALTOR ® Update April 2012 - page 9

(As of April 3, 2012)

STERLING “R” ($1000 - $2500)Joe Carney*Dale ChandlerJohn Daly*Lynn Grimsley Sandy Wagner

PRESIDENT’S CLUB ($750 - $999)

GOVERNOR’S CLUB ($500 - $749)Sheila DannPamela McKinney Lewis*

CAPITOL INSIDER ($250 - $499) Carl Burt*Keith CantyValerie SmootPam Strahorn-Roe

99 CLUB ($99 - $249)Martha AndersLou CallLori CarlsonMichael GleasonDana Holben

Sandra HoodSharon HowardDewey HutchinsSancy IshamYvonne JohnsonLynn KirkJon May Karen PenningtonTu Ritter*Katherine RidleyPatsy SheppardCowles SpencerLynn TeravainenPeggy ToddSam WhiteSandy WhiteDot Wright

Contributing Member($25 - $98)Pamela Dunn

100% Office Participation

*pledge

2012 RPAC Contributors

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


Outstanding Salesmans Club Banquet


Outstanding Salesmans Club Banquet

No REALTOR7 Update November 2009 - page 12 NoREALTOR7 Update

Governmental Affairs Updateby Susan Gaston, Governmental Affairs Consultant


LocalHamptonHampton’s Zoning Ordi-nance Advisory Commit-tee is digging deep into the renewable energy issue. The Committee this month will look into various recommendations for language regarding wind energy systems and small wind turbines. VPAR supports voluntary, incentive-based pro-grams that encourage homeowners to make their homes more energy effi cient. More information will be coming to the membership as VPAR helps to guide the course based on recommendations from other associations across the country, and on local ordinances throughout Virginia.

Fort Monroe is in the beginning stages of a Land Use Master Plan that will guide its future vision and development. VPAR participated in one of three public work group sessions on the plan held late last month. Mixed-use development, a variety of housing types, economic develop-ment and jobs, infrastructure improvements and fi nancing options all were matters placed “on the table” by your Association. Additional opportuni-ties for input and ideas will be abundant over the coming months, and VPAR will remain an active participant. To weigh in on the Plan, go to: http://ideas.fmauthority.com.

PoquosonMany thanks to the 40-plus REALTORS® who participated in the fi rst “Inside Poquoson” resi-dential real estate event! On March 27th, VPAR members were treated to extensive details and information regarding the City’s neighborhoods and character, history, economic development,

schools, parks and recreation and other compo-nents of Poquoson life that make this community so unique. Presentations from the Mayor, the City Manager, the Superintendent of Schools and the Economic Development Director were provided that gave wonderful marketing information to REALTORS®. With a bus tour and a new CD on the City’s charm, VPAR members were given “take aways” that the City hopes will help result in a better understanding of “Bull Island” and its potential.

VPAR has been working with the City Manager and the City Assessor to make sure that Poquo-son tax data is available on REIN. The City has provided a contract to REIN, which we hope soon will be signed. We will keep you advised. Many thanks to REALTOR® and Poquoson resident Brenda Fisher for leading the charge on this is-sue.

York

The County, along with James City County and the City of Williamsburg, has been conducting joint public forums to receive citizen input on is-sues regarding the coordinated review effort of all three localities’ Comprehensive Plans. The three localities will convene a joint planning commis-sion meeting on April 30th, with the hope being that by the end of the year, all three communi-ties will be on a similar timeline to approve their comprehensive plans.

As the County works towards revisions in its Comprehensive Plan, VPAR continues to offer input and information regarding neighborhoods and housing, economic development, sustain-ability, transportation and other issues important to the industry.

Governmental Affairs Updateby Susan Gaston, Governmental Affairs Consultant

wind energy systems and small wind turbines.

schools, parks and recreation and other compo-nents of Poquoson life that make this community so unique. Presentations from the Mayor, the City Manager, the Superintendent of Schools and the Economic Development Director were provided that gave wonderful marketing information to REALTORS®. With a bus tour and a new CD on the City’s charm, VPAR members were given “take aways” that the City hopes will help result in a better understanding of “Bull Island” and its potential.

VPAR has been working with the City Manager


Want to be an R-Man?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

voted 416 - 0 to extend through 2010 the benefits

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



State Having come out of a very successful session during the 2012 General Assembly, VAR, VPAR and other local associations are working to score our Delegates and Senators on their voting records. That information will be used to decide how and at what RPAC funding level pro-housing legislators should be supported with RPAC dol-lars. While this is not an election year for the General Assembly, fundraising is an ongoing effort, and already we are being asked to sup-port those legislators who support our issues. RPAC supporters – you are making a consider-able difference in your industry! Thanks for your generosity!

And, in the same vein, believe it or not, we al-ready are working on legislation for 2013! VPAR is asking for your input into any issue that may require a legislative fix. Issues are due to VAR by July 1st, so please send details no later than June 1st to Susan Gaston, VPAR’s Legislative Consultant, at [email protected]. Thanks in advance for your help. This is where member involvement makes a real difference!

FederalSupreme Court Unanimously Decides in Favor of Property Rights in Sackett v. EPA

The U.S. Supreme Court handed private proper-ty owners a victory with a unanimous decision on March 21 allowing a couple to appeal an EPA rul-ing that their property contains a wetlands. The ruling is supported by the National Association of REALTORS®, which along with other organiza-tions, submitted a friend of the court brief in the case. NAR argued that the property owners in

this case were being denied due process because the compliance process is time-consuming and the costs are significant--all before the main question of whether the property contains a wetlands is even considered.

The Court ruled that property owners facing an EPA compliance order under the Clean Water Act (CWA) can seek judicial review before being forced to com-ply. The case, Sackett vs. EPA, involved the Sack-etts, a couple in Priest Lake, Idaho, who bought a piece of property in an already developed subdivi-sion. After they started building their house, they were ordered by the EPA to stop construction, out of concern that the property contained a wetland, even though the property was adjacent to other developed properties. The Sacketts could have been subject to steep fines for not complying with EPA’s request.

This decision will change how EPA enforces the Clean Water Act and will have implications for how EPA uses compliance orders under other environ-mental statutes.

With this important unanimous decision, Mike and Chantell Sackett can finally have their day in court.

NAR Submits Comments on Consumer Privacy Framework.

On March 26, NAR submitted comments to the National Telecommunications and Information Ad-ministration (NTIA) on the Administration’s recently release Consumer Privacy Framework. In its com-ments, NAR stressed that it is critical that an an-ticipated multi-stakeholder process consider all rel-evant voices on this most important issue—including the small business/independent contractor, whose business model is increasingly dependent on inter-net technologies to innovate and thrive.

NAR has adopted a number of principles related to protecting the privacy and security of consumer data and is currently considering the implementation of a real estate industry-specific privacy code of conduct.

Continued on Page 15



http://www.reinmls.com




NAR has submitted a letter of support for the is-sue, which can be found at:

http://www.ksefocus.com/billdatabase/client-fi les/172/3/1467.pdf

House Committee Passes FHA Bill

The House Financial Services Committee passed H.R. 4264, the “FHA Emergency Fiscal Solvency Act of 2012”, introduced by Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL). NAR supported the measure, which strength-ens FHA’s fi nancial solvency by barring unscru-pulous lenders from participating in the program; allowing FHA to collect losses from lenders who made material errors in underwriting or commit-ted fraud; and strengthens fi nancial oversight and disclosure. The bill will also give FHA fl exibility to increase premiums, if needed to restore reserve levels.

NAR was successful in defeating amendments to

mandate increased premium levels and reduce the federal guarantee on loans. Previous versions of the bill (which NAR opposed) also included in-creases to the downpayment requirement, elimi-nated the loan limit fl oor, and eliminated the cap on premium increases. Given the concerns about FHA’s overall fi scal stability, this bill balances the needs to protect the fund from taxpayer risk, with the need to continue to provide access to safe and affordable mortgage fi nancing. There is not any plan for timing on the House Floor. There is not yet a companion bill in the Senate. To read the letter of support from NAR, go to:

http://www.ksefocus.com/billdatabase/client-fi les/172/2/1463.pdf

For details on any of the above issues, or for ad-ditional information, please do not hesitate to con-tact Susan Gaston, VPAR’s Legislative Consul-tant, at 871-1445 or at [email protected]


http://www.commonwealthext.com

mailto:[email protected]

NoNo

http://www.veihomes.com

mailto:[email protected]

No REALTOR7 Update November 2009 - page 17No REALTOR ® Update April 2012 - page 17

Has VPAR got the Education

VPAR is working very hard to become a premier real estate school. We are working with many different instructors and providers to bring more education that you can use in your business. If you have or would like to attend a course and VPAR isn’t providing it, let us know and we will work to see if we can bring it in for our members. Contact Jo Daly at 757-599-5222 or by email [email protected].

Did You Know VPAR Does Education Consulting?

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

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

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

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

CE & PL Online Education

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

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

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

we would like to offer you a special promotion on your continuing education this February. Finish your CE course through our online course catalog and enter the promotional code (EDAY22) and receive a 20% discount (expires 2/29/2012). Simply Visit: http://vpar.theceshop.com

REALTOR® University

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

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

Education Opportunities

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

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

No REALTOR7 Update November 2009 - page 18 No

Please RSVP for the Lunch & Learn by registering online at http://www.members.vpar.org,by calling 599-5222 or emailing Jo Daly at [email protected]

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call!1001 North Campus Parkway, Hampton, VA 23666

Speaker Scott Miller of State Farm Insurance will cover the following important topics for Property Managers:

*What exactly is Renters Insurance? *What specifically is covered? *Should Property Managers require it?

““PPRROOPPEERRTTYY MMAANNAAGGEERRSS:: TTHHEE LLOOWW DDOOWWNNOONN RREENNTTEERRSS IINNSSUURRAANNCCEE””Lunch and Learn Seminar

You can bring a brown bag lunch and we provide the free education in an informal atmosphere!

,

Date: Thursday, April 12, 2012 Time: 12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m. Where: VPAR Headquarters, Training Room A Cost: FREE for Members $5.00 Non-Members


No No REALTOR7 Update November 2009 - page 19No REALTOR7 Update November 2009 - page 19NoNo No REALTOR ® Update April 2012 - page 19

April 10 – 8HR Required CE Course12 - Lunch and Learn17 – General Membership Breakfast20 – Fair Housing Sem. with JC Cancelleri24 – REALTOR® Enrichment Series Course26 – SFR Course

May 7 – Night Court8 – 8HR Required CE Course10 – REALTOR® Fest15 – REALTOR® Enrichment Series Course21 – 8HR Broker Management CE Course22 – NEW 3HR Agency Law Required Course

June12 – 8HR Required CE Course14 - Lunch and Learn19 – 8HR Elective CE Course19 – REALTOR® Enrichment Series Course

July 10 – 8HR Required CE Course12 - Lunch and Learn16 – 8HR Broker Management CE Course17 – REALTOR® Enrichment Series Course19 – Generation Buy Course23 – Night Court24 – NEW 3HR Agency Law Required Course

August7 – 8HR Required CE Course9 - Lunch and Learn10 – Broker Manager Forum16 – 8HR Elective CE Course21 – REALTOR® Enrichment Series Course22 – Post Licensing Series Courses23 – Post Licensing Series Course24 – Post Licensing Series Course

September11 – 8HR Required CE Course13 - Lunch and Learn14 – NEW 3HR Agency Law Required Course17 – Expanding Home Opportunities Course18 – Employer-Assisted Housing Course18 – REALTOR® Enrichment Series Course21 – SFR Course24 – Night Court27 – 8HR Broker Management CE Course

October 2 – 8HR Required CE Course8 – VPAR Golf Classic11 - Lunch and Learn16 – REALTOR® Enrichment Series Course10 &11 – ABR 2-Day Designation Course16 – General Membership Breakfast22 – 8HR Elective CE Course26 – Broker Manager Retreat

November 1 & 2 – SRES 2-Day Designation7 – NEW 3HR Agency Law Required Course8 - Lunch and Learn13 – 8HR Required CE Course15 – 8HR Broker Management CE Course16 – VPAR Installation and Annual AwardsBanquet20 – REALTOR® Enrichment Series Course

December3 – Night Court4 – 8HR Required CE Course

2012 Education and Events Calendar at a Glance

No REALTOR7 Update November 2009 - page 20 NoNoNoNo REALTOR ® Update April 2012 - page 20 No

If you or someone you know is in the market for a home loan, look no further than the trusted experts at SunTrust Mortgage, Inc. We offer the experience and knowledge you’d expect from a national mortgage company and the service and convenience of a neighborhood lender. Our Loan Officers are here to help you, step-by-step, along the path to homeownership.

We provide:• Financing for primary homes, second or vacation homes, and even investment properties• Hassle-free construction loans with true, one-time closings• A wide variety of mortgage products that can be tailored to meet your individual needs• An easy application process and competitive rates • Personal service and support — from start to finish

Equal Housing Lender. SunTrust Mortgage, Inc., 901 Semmes Avenue, Richmond, VA 23224, NMLS # 2915, is licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act; is an Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee; is a Lender in Massachusetts having Mortgage Lender license #s ML1216, ML0133, ML1432, ML1914, ML1913, ML1815, ML2411, ML1214, ML2442, ML2491, and ML2538; is licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department; is licensed by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, toll free 1-800-330-4684; is a licensed lender in Rhode Island; and is doing business in Arizona as Crestar Mortgage, 7250 N. 16th Street, Ste. 100, Phoenix, AZ 85020. ©2012 SunTrust Banks, Inc. SunTrust, SunTrust Mortgage and Live Solid. Bank Solid. are federally registered service marks of SunTrust Banks, Inc. REV012312KB-R STMR1012

Your neighborhood lender is right around the corner. We’re here to help welcome you home.

To learn more, contact SunTrust Mortgage at one of our convenient neighborhood offices!

SunTrust Mortgage — Hampton2100 Executive DriveHampton, VA 23669757.896.4982

SunTrust Mortgage — Newport News11817 Canon Boulevard, Suite 600Newport News, VA 23606757.873.7920

No No REALTOR7 Update November 2009 - page 21NoNo

April Social


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

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

Sharon Sherman – greggarrettrealty.comCheryl Eckert – Mid-Atlantic Commercial

Tammy Daniels – Action RealtyMatthew Shaw – Keller Williams Realty Nn/Pen

Member News

Members on the Move - Transfers

Jathan Day to EZ-Vest RealtyDavid Moose to KBL CompaniesRussell Skidmore to Long & Foster Real EstateWendy Stevenson to Powell & AssociatesRaquel Tasillo to Mid-Atlantic CommercialBetty Wood to Prudential Towne Realty


Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS® APRIL GENERAL MEMBERSHIP BREAKFAST

BY POPULAR DEMAND!

GET A KICK IN THE APPS

20 APPS IN 45 MINUTES INSTRUCTED BY RICH BENET, VPAR I.T. GURU THE LATEST, COOLEST APPS YOU NEED FOR BUSINESS & LIFE

VPAR Headquarters 1001 North Campus Parkway, Hampton Tuesday, April 17 2012

8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Space limited to 130 - register early!

Registration cost prior to April 13th deadline:

REALTOR® & Affiliate Members $12.50 Non- Members $17.50 (Payment in advance)

Registration cost after April13th deadline: REALTOR® & Affiliate Members $17.50

Non- Members $22.50 (Payment in advance)

------------------------------------------------------------------

VPAR GENERAL MEMBERSHIP BREAKFAST – Tuesday, April 17, 2012

NAME: MEMBER #:

FIRM_________________________________________________________________

CREDIT CARD: Exp:

Signature:

[ ] Member (Payment due upon registration.) Bill me: $________[ ] Non-member (Payment due upon registration.) Enclosed: $________

Please return to VPAR at fax number 596-3911; mail to 1001 North Campus Parkway, Hampton, VA 23666 or register online at www.members.vpar.org

Questions? Call 757-599-5222!

Cancellations must be received within 48 business hours of the event. No-shows will be billed. Please notify in advance if you have a disability requiring special services.

Thank you to our Sponsors:

REIN, Inc.SunTrust Mortgage


Spring Cleaning the Anti-Martha WayMartha Stewart spring cleans like a pro — because she is a pro. But the rest of us seek an easier way. Welcome to The Anti-Martha Stewart Spring Cleaning Guide.

For the record, we love Martha Stewart. She has elevated housekeeping to high art, which protects home values. Martha’s taught us the devil is in the details, and that even mundane chores can be tackled with grace, diligence, and elbow-high rubber gloves.

That said, spring is here, and cleaning is required. But who’s got the time or energy to rip apart every square inch of the house? When we saw a Martha blog that suggested cleaning our kitchen range in only 22 steps, we threw in the towel and shouted, “Get real!”

Then, we created our Anti-Martha Stewart Spring Cleaning Guide, acknowledging that top-to-bottom cleaning is a good idea, but nobody’s idea of a good time.

Except for Martha. Almost 30 years ago, when I was a cub reporter in Westport, Conn., I interviewed Martha at her Turkey Hill estate there. Then, she was a fabulous local caterer about to hit the big time with her book, “Entertaining.” She gave me a tour of her place — the Federal-style house, glorious gardens, chicken coop — and was appalled to hear I had never eaten an egg fresh from a chicken’s butt.

She straightaway gathered powder blue eggs with brown spots, walked them back to the best-appointed kitchen I’d ever seen, and whipped up the best omelet I’d ever eaten.

Lesson learned: Effort bears fruit (or eggs).

But days have only 24 hours, and work, family, and the tyranny of getting in 10,000 steps makes spring cleaning Martha-style merely a fantasy for most of us. So, we created our own get-real guide.

Our guide is all about time-savers and corner-cutters. Our advice:

Don’t scrub when a good soak will do.

Take small bites out of large tasks: If you live long enough, you’ll get it clean.

Invest in white vinegar companies, because vinegar is the one cleaner you can’t do without.

If a machine can clean it better and faster, buy it or rent it.

Hey, we’ve got a million of these. Martha, we’re sure, is shaking her head in dismay. But we’re sure our guide will help you get clean in spring and still have time to enjoy the season.

And that’s a good thing.

by Lisa Kaplan Gordon is a HouseLogic contributor and builder of luxury homes in McLean, Va. She’s been

a Homes editor for Gannett News Service and has reviewed home improvement products for AOL.

For More information go to houselogic.com

http://www.houselogic.com/

Peninsula Real Estate School presents….

FFaaiirr HHoouussiinngg iiss ffoorr EEvveerryyoonnee Approved for 3HR CE/3HR PL/3 Broker credits

This is an informative and interactive session conducted by:

JC Cancelleri, Former Director of the

Virginia Fair Housing Office

Friday, April 20, 2012

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. VPAR Headquarters Training Room A Cost: $20 Members/$25 Non-Members

($25 Members/$30 Non-Members after April 16, 2012)

“Fair Housing is for Everyone” – April 20, 2012

Return registration form to VPAR via courier, mail to 1001 North Campus Parkway, Hampton, VA 23666, FAX – 596-3911 or register online with Visa or MasterCard at www.members.vpar.com

Name(s): Member #: ______

Firm: E-mail:

Member (Payment in advance is appreciated.) Bill Me: $_____ Non-Member (Payment must accompany registration.) Enclosed: $_____

Method of Payment: Check Visa MasterCard

Credit Card # Exp. Date: ________

Signature (Your signature indicates acceptance of VPAR registration policy and authorization of credit card charges.)

Cancellations must be received within 48 business hours of the event. No-shows will be billed.

Please notify in advance if you have a disability requiring special services. Questions? Call 599-5222!

Sponsored by:

Learn why most complaints are now based on disability and not race.

Learn why a three sentence email cost one broker six figures!

Learn about a cover letter that will cost another broker $$$$.

*Approved for 3HR Fair Housing CE/PL

Short Sales and Foreclosures: Learn the Ins and Outs of Foreclosures

NAME: FIRM:

ADDRESS: MEMBER#:

CITY: STATE: ZIP:

PHONE: E-MAIL:

Method of Payment:Check Visa MasterCardCredit Card # Exp. date

Signature(Your signature indicates acceptance of VPAR registration policy and authorization of credit card charges.)

Real Estate License # Exp. date

PLEASE RETURN TO VPAR AT FAX NUMBER 757-596-3911; MAIL TO VPAR, 1001 North Campus Parkway, Hampton, VA 23666 or register online at www.members.vpar.org

QUESTIONS? CALL 757-599-5222*Cancellations must be received within 48 hours business hours of course to receive a refund.

On-site late registration fee is $124 Members; $134 Non-Members.Please notify us in advance if you have a disability that requires special services.

The Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS® presents…

SShhoorrtt SSaalleess aanndd FFoorreecclloossuurreess::AApppprroovveedd ffoorr 77HHRRSS CCEE oorr 77HHRRSS PPLL ccrreeddiitt

ThursdayApril 26, 2012

9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.VPAR Headquarters

Instructors: Brian Lytle &Donna Moyer

Cost: $99.00 Members$109.00 Non-Members

(Register by April 19, 2012 for these special rates. After 4/19, $119

Members; $129 Non-Members)Registrations are non-transferable.

BECOME SFR CERTIFIED BY:

• Be a member in good standing with the National Association of REALTORS®

• Complete qualifying core course• View (3) 1-HR webinars free of

charge• Submit application and applicable

fee.

Sponsored by First AmericanHome Buyers Protection

The Board offi ce will be closed Friday, April 6, 2012 in

observance of Good Friday.

Go to www.vpar.org for a calendar of events.

VPAR April 2012 REALTOR Update

Documents