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The SCAOR Card – Issue #014

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The SCAOR Card - Issue #014
REALTOR® Political Action Committee
Sussex Strong Foundation
Women's Council of REALTORS®
“Ethics, Education and Advocacy.”
From the CEO's Desk

From the CEO’s Desk –

Merritt shares updates on our latest staff changes, the Bright MLS transition, and our 2018 Installation.

[ READ MORE ]

Chris Lind Interview

Video Interview with Chris Lind:

Join us as we hang out for a few minutes with 2018 SCAOR President, Christopher Lind.

[ WATCH NOW ]

Membership for November

Membership – This Month’s Stats

SCAOR is made up of some of the finest people in Sussex County. Here’s who’s joined in November! –

[ VIEW THE LIST ]

Todd Lawson PDF Slide Deck

Sussex County Breakfast Powerpoint:

Last Friday, County Administrator Todd Lawson shared some Sussex County updates with our REALTORS®. Here’s a PDF of his presentation:

[ VIEW THE PRESENTATION ]

Interview with Kristy Brittingham

Interview with Kristy Brittingham

Kristy Brittingham has accepted our new Administrative Coordinator position at SCAOR, and is an incredible addition to the team!

[ READ THE INTERVIEW ]

At a Glance - 11/20/17

At a Glance – 11/20/17

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Register Now – SCAOR 2018 Installation:

Featuring ROTY, Good Neighbor Awards, and Installation of SCAOR’s 2018 Board of Directors:

Thanksgiving For Thousands Opportunity:
For more than 20 years, Mountaire Farms has been feeding families on Delmarva at Thanksgiving and throughout the year. The annual Thanksgiving for Thousands Food Drive has become a story unto itself – one that is making a positive difference along the Eastern Shore. On Monday, November 20th from 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., volunteers will meet at the Selbyville warehouse to pack the donated food – along with a Mountaire chicken roaster – and organize boxes for distribution.

During the packing, WGMD will be broadcasting remotely. Check out the website at www.wgmd.com.

This is one of the great food distribution events of the year, and we invite you to be part of a team that has helped so many in our community. If you would like to help those less fortunate have a Thanksgiving meal this year, please consider joining our volunteer team. For information on how you can help, contact Roger Marino at rmarino@mountaire.com.
Sussex Strong Winter Shopping & Wrapping Event:

SCAOR Member on HGTV:
SCAOR’s Tiffany Carver-O’Malley (CRS, DCPE, SFR) will be featured on HGTV’s Beach Hunters on December 3 at 10 p.m. Get information on Beach Hunters here.

Registration now open for Affiliate’s NYC Bus Trip – December 6th

Bright MLS Thursday – Week 12

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Big Bright Event – On Demand Video:

SCAOR attended Bright MLS’s “Big Bright Event” and recorded their “Intro to Bright” session. If you didn’t get to attend, click the link below to watch the video of a sneak preview inside the Bright MLS software!

Intro to Bright MLS - Big Bright Event
Big Bright Event – Handouts:

Here are two documents Bright MLS handed out to all our attendees. Pay special attention to the “8 Bright MLS Rules to Know” sheet – it gives a preview of Bright MLS Property types and statuses.

[ 8 Bright MLS Rules to Know ] || [ Intro to Bright Booklet ]

Reminder – Bright MLS Training Rescheduled:

Just in case you hadn’t heard yet, Bright MLS has rescheduled it’s training. There are no trainings scheduled or available yet, but we’ll let you know the new dates as soon as we hear from Bright.

Bright MLS Announcement

Announcement from Bright MLS

screen-shot-2017-11-13-at-9-00-20-am

Announcement from Bright MLS:

At Bright MLS, we know that in your industry, time is money. That’s why we’re consolidating tens of thousands of agents across the entire Mid-Atlantic into one system, in an effort to save you time and money. The consolidation process is big, and started just a few weeks ago with the conversion of three Central Pennsylvania MLSs to Bright.
 

But doing big things isn’t easy. Inevitably, changes this big come with challenges, and this conversion is no exception. We regret that thus far we haven’t been able to provide the experience we envisioned for those in Central Pennsylvania and for many others within the Bright footprint.
 

Today, our top priorities are to resolve outstanding issues resulting from the conversion; improve the integrity and reliability of data; and continue to support and train our Central Pennsylvania subscribers until they feel comfortable with the change.
 

We want to ensure that we are able to provide you with the best possible experience. So together with your Association leadership, we have agreed to delay the Sussex and Coastal conversions to Bright.
 

We look forward to sharing a preview with you and converting you to Bright as soon as possible, and are confident that the exciting changes we’re working on will help you and your business find great success in the New Year. The conversion of MRIS or TREND subscribers will then follow.
 

The upcoming November training classes will be rescheduled for a time closer to your new conversion date. We will share the new schedule for these classes as soon as it’s available.
 

We will continue to hold the Big Bright Events for your area this week. These events provide a valuable opportunity to preview Bright systems and ask any questions you might have for Bright staff in person.
 

We hope this new schedule will allow us to resolve current issues, so that your conversion will be a smooth and satisfying experience.

The SCAOR Card 13

The SCAOR Card – Issue #013

Click here if you are having trouble viewing this message.
REALTOR® Political Action Committee
Sussex Strong Foundation
Women's Council of REALTORS®
“Ethics, Education and Advocacy.”
 
From the CEO's Desk

From the CEO’s Desk –

Merritt shares updates on our latest staff changes, the Bright MLS transition, and our 2018 installation.

READ MORE…


Register TODAY for the BIG Bright Event!

It’s time! Registration is now officially open for the Big Bright MLS event, held at Del Tech in Georgetown (11/13) and Ocean City Convention Center (11/15).

There might even be a few give-aways….Be sure to check it out!

 

[ Click here to claim your spot today! ]


2018 Installation Registration now OPEN:

Join us on November 30th for a fun event as we celebrate our 2017 leadership & support our incoming 2018 officers & BOD. With food, fun, ROTY & Good Neighbor awards – You’re not going to want to miss it! (Register by November 15th with coupon code “TWOOFF” and get $2 off the ticket price!)

 

[ REGISTER NOW ]

Membership for October

Membership – This Month’s Stats

SCAOR is made up of some of the finest people in Sussex County. Here’s who’s joined in October! –

VIEW THE LIST…

Bright MLS Training

Haven’t Signed up yet? No worries!

There’s still time to sign up for Bright MLS training at SCAOR. Click the link below to see available classes and dates –

[ VIEW THE LIST ]

Interview with Patricia Anderson

Interview with Patricia Anderson

Patricia has accepted our new Director of Professional Development and Pro Standards. Read more about her –

[ READ THE INTERVIEW ]

Stats for 3rd Quarter

3rd Quarter Stats for 2017:

Click below to see the latest stats for July-September 2017! –

[ VIEW THE STATS ]

 
 

Other Upcoming Events to Know:


YPN Expert Panel

YPN Expert Panel

The SCAOR Card – Issue #013 – Interview with Patricia Anderson

Patricia Anderson has a new role within SCAOR, and we got to swing by and chat for a few minutes regarding her plans:

01 – That’s exciting about your move to Director of Professional Development and Pro Standards! Let’s talk about Professional Development first – What do you think some of the educational challenges are that face us?
 
We face challenges such as being competitive in pricing and content. That means keeping things on the cutting edge and ahead of trends. Our members are busier and involved in so many other things – we are challenged with offering quality, cost-friendly courses that also are time-and-location friendly. Being able to offer a greater variety of courses that satisfy licensure requirements, but also provide another level of work efficiency is something I am excited to pursue.
 
02 – If you could snap your fingers and have anything change in 2018, what would you like to see happen?
 
Wow, what an amazing question! Snap my fingers and have anything change?…hmmm…lol… Well, in regards to Professional Development, I look forward to us taking the lead in offering special designations (in order to provide our members more marketability in such a competitive industry). In regards to Events/Facility Rentals, I would like us to be one of the first locations considered for all corporate and private events. And for Pro Standards…well, I must say we have an amazing member base and had very little need for conflict resolution so I would like to see that continue and continue to get better (so we have zero need, other than an oversight).
 
03 – What’s encompassed in your role with Pro Standards?
 
My main focus in Pro Standards is Ethics. The REALTOR® brand, from NAR, is very proud of their high level of ethics and ethics training. My job is to ensure that the same high level of focus is maintained at the local level. We have a selection of dedicated, trained REALTORS® that volunteer their time, to serve in the capacity of Ombudsman, mediators, as well as a panel for Arbitrations. This is in addition to our highly qualified Grievance Committee. We strive to ensure that standards set forth by NAR, regarding ethics, are upheld and enforced in order to serve our members and maintain the label of trust worn by the REALTOR® brand. I am looking forward to taking our Pro Standards to the next level and be a model looked at by many.
 
04 – Thanks for taking the time to share with us! Is there anything else you’d like to pass along to the members as you start this role at SCAOR?
 
I just want to say I am very excited to step into this role, and I am looking forward to the myriad of opportunities that exist in our Education and Pro Standards Depts. I love looking outside the box and expanding the traditional definitions and walls of ideas!

[ BACK TO SCAOR CARD ]

The SCAOR Card – Issue #013 – Q3 2017 Stats

Sussex County Association of REALTORS®
October 18, 2017

Local Real Estate Market Remains Strong

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The real estate market in Sussex County, Delaware continues to be active for buyers and sellers.  Real estate date released by the Sussex County Association of REALTORS® (SCAOR) for the 3rd quarter of 2017 shows the average sold price of a residential property at $332,683.  This continues a strong market as the average price was $312,646 in the 3rd quarter of 2016.  Additionally, the total number of units sold year-over-year was 1,326 compared to 1,234.

President Brigit Taylor, after reviewing the data stated, “After several years of a market correction in Sussex County, we seem to be in a more normalized market.”

Commercially speaking, the 3rd quarter of 2017 saw lower units sold compared to the 2nd quarter but a higher average price from $527,783 to $696,500.

Regarding lots and land, the total units sold decreased from 217 in the 2nd quarter to 191 in the 3rd quarter.  However, the average price of lots and land increased from $172,338 to $231,570. 

Overall, $500,267,000 has changed hands in 2017’s third quarter.

There is no better time to hire a professional REALTOR® to assist with a future transaction.  With over 1,800 members, the Association is ready to serve the public in any and all real estate transactions.  President Taylor noted that, “With so many options to choose from and so many different ways to search for property, utilizing the expertise of a professional REALTOR® will simplify the process of selling an existing home or searching for a new home.”

To view an extensive database of residential, commercial and land that are currently for sale in Sussex County, visit SCAOR’s website at www.scaor.com.

The Sussex County Association of Realtors was chartered in 1949 and has steadily increased in size, scope, and mission during its more than six decades representing buyers and sellers in Sussex County.  SCAOR is a professional trade association with a mission statement of ethics, education and advocacy for real estate transactions throughout the County.

SCAOR is also a resource for the public, as well as a recognized advocate for property rights and property owners in Sussex County. The association also monitors legislative issues on the local, state and national levels that may impact home ownership in the area.

To read more about issues related to Sussex County’s real estate industry, visit SCAOR’s website at www.scaor.com.

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The SCAOR Card – Issue #013 – From the CEO’s Desk

Managing a progressive trade association can be challenging at times; however with talented employees leading education, communication, membership and innovation SCAOR has a bright future. First, I would like to announce that Angela Emerson was hired by the Pinellas REALTOR Organization in Tampa, FL to lead education and ethics. We wish her the best, as she dedicated five years to SCAOR. Second, I would like to congratulate Patricia Anderson on her promotion to the Director of Professional Development for the Association. The Director oversees, schedules and coordinates all professional development programs. The Director also oversees professional standards and is the primary mediation/arbitration contact and coordinator. Ms. Anderson has a strong background in administration and has been employed by the Association two years working in several capacities including assisting with local advocacy efforts. Lastly, we wish Ben Kunde, MLS Administrator, a fond farewell as he is poised to join Bright MLS as a Solutions Architect at the end of November. Organizational change is never easy, but I assure you that a new team of professional and dedicated employees will take the reins in late 2017 to serve the members into the future. Please contact me directly at meritt @scaor.com if you have questions or comments on the transition.

Regarding Association projects and news, I would like to inform the members that the Bright MLS training workshops have been posted on the SCAOR website and within all SCAOR communication. Be the first to sign up for a Bright MLS training! The next BOD meeting is November 16 at 9 am with the 2018 Installation on November 30 at 4 pm at SCAOR. Come out and support the new Officers and Directors.

It has been a busy year for SCAOR. The BOD approved the transition to a new MLS in January, 5000 lockboxes were exchanged in July and now organizational change within the Association in October. I want to thank the staff for their hard work and long hours assisting members with countless requests while keeping the Association moving forward all year. 2018 should be a productive year under new leadership, so stay tuned and stay involved in your Association. We highly value you as we work towards making your business more productive and profitable.

Sincerely,
Merritt Burke IV
CEO

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Sussex County Association of Realtors

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

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