2016 was such an exciting year. It’s been an exciting challenge and great reward leading the Affiliates Committee, as we gained both clarity & momentum. The businesses represented by our membership have been an honor to work with, and I can’t wait to see this driving force in our community continue.
This year, with Cheryl Meyers taking the helm as Chair, I’m certain we’ll be entertaining even more new growth, new events, and new ideas to explore. Look for our renewal invites to go out the first week in January, as well as our first Affiliate’s meeting on January 4th (click here to see agenda). If you’re interested, or would like more information about joining this incredible crew, click here to request information and we’ll send a packet to you right away.
The final NAR’s Quadrennial Ethics Cycle is almost over. If you have not received notice of non compliance than you are good to go! Beginning January 1, 2017 NAR will require you to take NAR Ethics every two years. Classes must be taken between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018. Remember this is a membership requirement. It doesn’t matter if you are an Appraiser or a DE Real Estate Licensee you are required to take this class. Please remember if you take your Ethics class from a provider other than NAR, SCAOR or DAR than you must submit a copy of your certificate of completion to SCAOR to satisfy the NAR requirement.
Attention Agents that have been licensed less than one year. You are required to take the four Newly Licensed Salesperson Modules within your first year of having your license. You receive Newly Licensed Salesperson Module 1 with the New Member Orientation class upon joining SCAOR. This leaves you with Newly Licensed Salesperson Module 2,3 and 4. All three of these classes are scheduled for February 1 & 2. Registration will be available on the SCAOR Portal soon.
Remember you have until April 30, 2018 to complete 21 credits. The State of Delaware mandates you take one course from each of the seven modules. To assist you in keeping track of the classes you have taken and still need please click here for the handy dandy checklist.
Finally, I am pleased to let you know that beginning January 1, 2017 SCAOR will be continuing our GREEN commitment and will no longer print certificates. Class attendees will receive their certificate of completion by email shortly following the conclusion of class. Additionally, members will be able to log onto their SCAOR Portal to view and print any certificate of completion of classes taken through SCAOR.
As we all plan to enjoy the holiday season with friends and family, I thought it would be appropriate to summarize what SCAOR accomplished in 2016 and summarize where the association is heading in 2017. Together, we have a responsibility to fulfill the Strategic Plan which includes providing clear communications, leading valuable advocacy initiatives, implementing robust technology and training programs and creating value propositions that reflects the interests of the members.
First, thank you for the warm welcome as your new CEO. I would also like to thank the 2016 BOD and Search Committee for believing in me as your next association executive. I am honored to lead such a diverse and progressive association of real estate professionals. I am also grateful to work with an educated and passionate staff. Each staff associate brings a diverse skill set to the organization and I look forward to growing those skill sets in 2017.
The membership status is strong and growing. As of November 30, there were 1,390 primary members, 125 secondary members, 434 Multiple List Service members and 41 Affiliates. As we transition to Bright MLS, a regional MLS of over 80,000 subscribers covering six states, my goal will be to sustain membership at all levels. This will take a commitment from staff to communicate to the membership why it is important to remain a member of SCAOR.
For 2017, I will closely monitor our work in connection to the Strategic Plan with a special emphasis on developing better value propositions and informing members of the Bright MLS conversion date. To communicate more effectively, I have asked staff to add a Bright MLS banner to the monthly SCAORcard. Network Manager, Ben Kunde, and I will be adding information to the SCAORcard on a monthly basis to keep the membership up-to-date on everything conversion related. If you have questions about Bright MLS or any other topic, please call me at the office or email me at merritt@scaor.com.
Lastly, I would like to congratulate the 2017 SCAOR President Brigit Taylor and the new BOD. The first meeting is scheduled for January 19, 2017 at 9 am at SCAOR.
Public Policy is revving up for an exciting time! Stay “tuned” for our exciting announcement!!!
Some immediate dates of interest of outside networking events: January 4th is the monthly S.C.A.T meeting being held at Baywood. SCAOR will be represented by our new President, Brigit Taylor, PPC Chairman Bob McVey and PPC staff liaison, Patricia Anderson.
January 10th is the Inaugural Sussex County Prayer Breakfast from 7:30am-9:00am. This is a yearly event bringing state, county, and local elected offiicials together, along with community supporters, and businesses for a time of networking and prayer for the elected officials before they are sworn into office. SCAOR has been a consistent supporter of this event and would welcome all those that would like to join us the morning of January 10th.
The Sussex County Comprehensive Plan continues to move forward so stay tuned for new updates as we receive them.
Rental Affairs (RAC):
We are gearing up for a new year and preparing early for the biggest short term rental season! RAC will be representing SCAOR at two trade shows in 2017. One in Washington DC in January and one in Pittsburg, PA in March.
RAC is working to revamp some of the nomination/applications for our Alma Ashley Award, awarded to a deserving Rental Agent at the end of year!
Lots going on and excited to share with you as 2017 starts to unwrap before us!!!
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a safe and happy New Year to everyone from PPC and RAC!
Are you newly licensed within the last year? Angela Emerson has some essential info regarding the Newly Licensed Salesperson Modules that you need to know.
During the election cycle in the United States, attention had been focused on the large amounts of cash politicians were raising for their respective campaigns and, more importantly, where that money is coming from.
Well, the answer is simple – A LOT.
For the most part – from people or organizations who favor the opinions and ideology of a specific candidate.
As REALTORS®, we have our favorite candidates – and that’s why we have the national REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RPAC) to protect our interests and support candidates who publicly support the American Dream of home ownership.
Many of you have generously supported RPAC over the years and understand the important of doing so. Some have contributed more than others, and that’s okay.
But the work of RPAC and of the REALTOR® Party is important in so many ways, and it can and does actively help us all in our businesses.
Here are a few ways how:
By protecting your business against new regulations and fees. These can become burdensome and expensive if allowed to go unchecked, and it’s up to us to support candidates who will lessen the “red tape” for us and our businesses.
By protecting the property rights of your clients. By contributing to RPAC, you’re helping elect leaders who will protect these rights and will fight to keep homeowners from being unnecessarily burdened by government.
By educating leaders on REALTORS® A percentage of the funds raised through RPAC is used for spreading our message and illustrating how important the real estate business – YOUR business – is to the American economy.
There are just a few of the ways contributing to RPAC can help your business locally, and can help further the REALTOR® cause regionally and nationally.
Won’t you consider donating even a small amount today through SCAOR? You can easily do so by clicking HERE.
And to learn more about the RPAC program, visit the RPAC page on the National Association of REALTORSâ Website.
Here’s the link to the page – http://www.realtoractioncenter.com/for-associations/CPA/rpac.html?referrer=https://www.google.com.ph/
This is your ultra-fast, easy dose of the latest tech that can help your life as a REALTOR®. Whether it’s using the MLS, Mobile Apps, or surfing around, we’ll give you the tools you need each Tuesday.
Tech Tip Tuesday – #047 – Planning Projects using Trello
Today’s Tip:
Today, we look at free collaboration / white boarding / planning tool: Trello.
