The SCAOR Card – Volume #009 – From the CEO’s Desk

SCAOR Members:
 
As I approach one year of service this summer, I thought it would be a good time to review a few trends and comment on future projects.  The first trend is that membership is growing month-to-month.  We currently stand at over 1650 members.  We are processing all types of memberships (primary, secondary, MLS Only) each week with most being primary members.  Since May 9, we processed 16 primary members, 2 secondary members, 2 MLS Only and 2 Affiliate members.  I expect this trend to continue into the fall and possibly 2018.  With interest rates low and a good supply of new/existing homes on the market, I think we will continue to see all types of membership increase.  I also expect the Affiliate members to increase as they realize what a benefit it is to pay for exclusive access to our members.  However, once we transition to Bright MLS I anticipate secondary members to decrease and lockbox non-members to increase ($150 fee starting July 1).   
 
Second, the conversion to a regional MLS will have an impact on the Association.  Bright MLS will allow members to access regional data with new features including Homesnap Pro and many more features yet to be released.
 
 
 
 As Bright MLS has stated on their website, subscribers will soon have the ability to search for homes, communicate instantly with clients, learn about the agent you’re working with, set a safety timer, find listings by a school district, see property lines, and schedule showings—all within one app.  The app will go live in 4-6 weeks.  Other added values will be the reduced cost to brokers who pay for multiple MLSs.  Not only is it time-consuming learning all the rules, but also very costly.  Another impact of the new MLS will be the number and quality of referrals.  With approximately 85,000 subscribers, an increase in referrals is expected to occur.  For additional information on Bright MLS, please visit the company website.
 
Third, it is never too early to mark your calendar for the annual General Membership meeting on Monday, October 2 in Georgetown.  President Taylor and I have an exciting agenda planned including an expert panel of Affiliates at the end of the meeting.  A rep. from Bright MLS will also be in town available for questions and possibly giving a brief update. 
 
Lastly, as an ex-town manager and public policy participant, it is advocacy season across Delaware.  This time of year several Sussex County towns approve budgets while Sussex County government is working on the FY 2018 Financial Plan (no property tax increase).  In Dover, State legislators are rolling up their sleeves for an interesting end of session debate to close $380 million deficit.  Keep your emails open to DAR and SCAOR Call to Actions on any State and/or County legislation.  The SCAOR Public Policy Committee, chaired by Bob McVey, and staffed by Patricia Anderson, have been working hard to attend Sussex County Comprehensive Plan meetings to make sure the REALTOR® voice is heard.  If you are not sure what the SCAOR voice is for, the Association Bylaws state six sections lead by defending property rights, maintaining high standards of conduct (ethics) and furthering the interest of home ownership.  Thank you for your dedication to the organization and I hope to see you at the next SCAOR event!
 
Sincerely,
 
Merritt Burke IV
CEO

 

Sussex County Association of REALTORS®

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Sussex County Association of Realtors

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

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