COMMISSION ESCROW PASSES ASSEMBLY

Transcription

1 JULY/AUGUST 2008 See Pages for a REALTORS Against Hunger Poster to Hang in Your Office PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID LIC NY PERMIT NO. 808 CIRCULATION 25,000 The Voice for Real Estate OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE LONG ISLAND BOARD OF REALTORS, INC. Assemblyman Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria) COMMISSION ESCROW PASSES ASSEMBLY OVERWHELMING MAJORITY 112 TO 7 A gainst all-odds, the Commission Escrow Act (S.4874 Volker/A.7519-A Gianaris) reached the Assembly where it passed by an overwhelming majority 112 to 7. Following our consistent outreach efforts including member participation in online Calls for Action, grassroots advocacy, and the hard work of the bill s sponsor, Assemblyman Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria), the measure moved through the Assembly s complicated committee process and landed on the floor of the Assembly for debate on the final evening of the legislative session. During the floor debate LIBOR s delegation of Assembly Members came through! Prime Sponsor Michael Gianaris led the charge with Dave McDonough (R-Levittown); Bob Barra (R-Lynbrook); Joe Saladino (R-Massapequa); Mark Weprin (D-Little Neck); Phil Boyle (R-Bay Shore) and Chuck Lavine (D-Glen Cove) all speaking eloquently on this bill and why it is desperately needed. The bill will be sent to Governor Paterson for his consideration. NYSAR and LIBOR will continue our efforts to educate, inform and reassure the Governor, the Consumer Protection Board and the Department of State of the merits of this key REALTOR -supported piece of legislation. LIBOR and NYSAR have recently conducted Calls Bob Barra (R-Lynbrook) Dave McDonough (R-Levittown) Phil Boyle (R-Bay Shore) Joe Saladino (R-Massapequa) Chuck Lavine (D-Glen Cove) Mark Weprin (D-Little Neck) for Action to the Governor advising him of the dire need to sign this bill into law! Thank you to the countless REALTORS who contributed to the grassroots advocacy efforts on behalf of this bill! 2008 Legislative Session in Albany Proves to be Historic As a result of persistent REALTOR grassroots advocacy, two of NYSAR s and LIBOR s top priority bills managed to beat what seemed to be insurmountable odds and pass both houses of the Legislature. During the final days of the legislative session, the REALTOR -supported Commission Escrow Act and the measure to ban all sex offenders from holding or obtaining a real estate license were advanced through the complicated committee process and delivered to the floor of the Assembly. Both measures were passed in the Assembly by an overwhelming margin. These monumental feats represent a giant leap toward accomplishing our longstanding goals of real commission protection and shielding potential homebuyers with children from the threat of sexual predators. The bills will now be delivered to Gov. David Paterson for his consideration. NYSAR and LIBOR will continue our efforts to educate, inform and reassure the governor and pertinent state agencies of the merits of these key REALTOR -supported bills. The Government Affairs Division is also pleased to report that both the Senate and Assembly passed REALTOR -supported legislation to insure that property insurance is available in coastal areas on a permanent basis. The New York Property Insurance Underwriting Association (NYPIUA) is the property insurer of last resort used in the state s coastal areas. The failure to enact a permanent NYPIUA plan has had many adverse consequences including leaving thousands of families and businesses with nowhere else to turn for insurance on their homes and properties and disrupting the closing of property sales. NYSAR and LIBOR have long backed this legislation and we applaud lawmakers for finally reaching consensus on this issue. Protecting REALTOR Livelihood New York REALTORS will benefit from the defeat of the following proposals that would have attacked your livelihood: Defeated a proposal that would have required brokers to verify zoning compliance of their listings. Defeated a proposal that would have restricted a broker s business area to the county in which they reside or have an office. Defeated a proposal that would have extended the agriculture district notice to buyers of real property located within 500 feet of the boundary of an agricultural district. Defeated a proposal that would have expanded the state Department of Environmental Conservation s ability to regulate wetlands. Defeated several statewide measures authorizing localities to enact local real estate transfer taxes without the approval of the state Legislature. Thank you to the countless REAL- TORS who have helped advance our 2008 Legislative Agenda by participating in several online Calls for Action and Lobby Day. These activities help reinforce our support for various measures and show lawmakers that REALTORS have a strong voice.

2 THE REALTOR July/August Why Weichert? > The nation s largest privately owned provider of real estate and homeownership services*. > Over 500 company and a ffiliated offices nationwide. > Over 20,000 sales associates. Ferreri-Gromus 170 Deer Park Ave. Babylon, NY The Franzese Group th Street Brooklyn, NY Quality Homes 240 Fulton Ave. Hempstead, NY Prospect Hill 4 North Country Road Port Jefferson, NY Bonus Real Estate Jamaica Ave. Woodhaven, NY > Weichert Works Quality Homes 1860 Grand Ave. Baldwin, NY The Dallow Agency 58 Commack Road Commack, NY The Dallow Agency 3000 Hempstead Tpk Levittown, NY Shore To Shore 84 Nesconset Highway Pt Jefferson Stn, NY Queens Real Estate nd Ave. Woodside, NY H.P. Greenfield 1712 Utica Ave. Brooklyn, NY H.P. Greenfield 850 Fulton Street Brooklyn, NY The Dallow Agency 392 Conklin Street Farmingdale, NY FH Realty Metropolitan Ave. Forest Hills, NY DJ Real Estate th Ave. Long Island City, NY Liappas Agency 343 Plandome Road Manhasset, NY Service First Jamaica Ave. Queens Village, NY Dutch Door 59 Main Street W. Sayville, NY *Source: Real Trends, Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. Independently owned and operated. Property Works 855 Knickerbocker Ave. Brooklyn, NY Pioneer 11 Northern Blvd. Great Neck, NY The Dallow Agency 2473 Jerusalem Ave. N. Bellmore, NY Shore To Shore 187 Sunrise Highway West Islip, NY > CALL > CLICK > VISIT Your local Weichert office

3 Realtors Against Hunger Food Drive August 1st 15th Local Food Pantries Facing Major Shortages By Tricia Chirco Marketing & Communication Director Local food pantries are facing record shortages. The demand outweighs the supply. With the rising cost of living, today more lower and middle class families are relying on the assistance of food pantries to help make ends meet. Many working families are forced to make difficult choices between paying for fuel and utilities instead of groceries. Long Island Realtors recognize the immediate need to help feed the hungry. Realtors have pledged to help fill bare shelves and feed the hungry by hosting an Island wide food drive that begins on August 1st and will run for two consecutive weeks ending on August 15th. The response to the RAH campaign has been outstanding. Thank you to all the Long Island real estate offices listed below that have already registered on ro/rah/index to participate in the 2008 Realtors Against Hunger (RAH) food drive, and who will serve as collection centers in Nassau, Suffolk and Queens. The cut off date to register online to participate in the RAH campaign is July 28th. All RAH participants will receive a promotional kit prior to the August 1st start date which will include a food collection receptacle, RAH posters, and complimentary RAH visors. If you have any questions on volunteering to help with RAH, please contact Christina DeFalco at Ext In addition to the dozens of participating real estate offices, individual Realtor efforts are needed as well to insure a successful food drive. Individuals are encouraged to drop off non-perishable food donations at any of the Realtor Service Centers located in West Babylon, Woodbury, Jackson Heights, or Riverhead during regularly scheduled business hours. Suggested non-perishable food items include: canned This summer has brought about many new and positive changes to our industry. On July 1, 2008, several new laws affecting real estate licensees went into effect, all of which were developed to enhance your profession. Here is an overview of the new laws: For all individuals wishing to become a licensed salesperson, the real estate qualifying course requirement has increased from 45 hours to 75 hours. Any salesperson who has previously taken the 45-hour course and wishes to become a broker must take an additional 30 hours of training set forth by the Department of State. This will bring the salesperson to a total of 75 hours of salesperson training as required under the new law. They must also complete the 45-hour broker qualifying course, giving them a total of 120 hours of approved instruction. Note: LIBOR s new licensing courses, exams and applications for the 75 Hr. Sales Licensing course, 30 hour Remedial Course and 45-Hr Broker Licensing course, have been submitted to the NY Dept. of State for approval. Classes are scheduled pending approval. Visit our website at and click on EDUCATION for more info and for class dates. In order for a licensed salesperson to apply for a broker s license, the salesperson RAH Participating Offices ANASTASIO ASSOCIATES INC 191 East Main Street, Huntington ATANAS REALTY CORP 469 Willis Avenue, Williston Park BELZAK & BODKIN REALTY CORP 146 Medford Avenue, Patchogue BILL GALLO REALTY 224 W Merrick Rd, Valley Stream CENTURY 21 AGAWAM ALBERTSON 4 North Fork offices in Cutchogue, Greenport, Jamesport & Southold CENTURY 21 LAFFEY ASSOCIATES Bellerose, East Norwich & Jericho CENTURY 21 MAC LEVITT 3442 Long Beach Rd, Oceanside CENTURY 21 PREVETE REAL ESTATE 70 Manetto Hill Mall, Plainview COACH REALTORS East Norwich & Williston Park COLDWELL BANKER BAGSHAW REALTY 747 East Main Street, Riverhead COLDWELL BANKER CLAIRE SOBEL 27 Powerhouse Rd, Roslyn Heights COLDWELL BANKER MANOR GATE 3521 Jerusalem Avenue, Wantagh COLDWELL BANKER M&D GOOD LIFE 1 Montauk Hwy Moriches COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE 17 Participating Offices in Nassau, Suffolk & Queens* Attention: Brokers and Salespersons New Laws Effective July 1, 2008 must wait two years from the date of initial licensure instead of one. Those salespersons applying for licensing as a broker may use the initial salesperson course if the application is within eight years of taking the course, rather than four years. Branch offices of any brokerage must be under the direct supervision of the licensed broker, a representative broker of the entity holding the license or by an office manager who is an associate broker. Salespersons can no longer act as an office manager. Computer-based and distance learning qualifying courses are now permitted if approved by the Department of State, but require a proctored final exam. Note: LIBOR will soon offer the 75 Hr. Sales Licensing course, 30 Hr. Remedial Course and 45-Hr. Broker Licensing courses through online distance learning. The exams for all of these courses must be taken however at any of our LIBOR Realtor Service Centers. Watch for more details. All pocket cards issued by the Department of State to licensees will now have a photograph of the licensee. Any individual obtaining a broker s license from this point forward who is engaged full time in the real estate business vegetables, canned fruit, canned fish, instant potatoes, rice, peanut butter and jelly, juice boxes, cake mixes, cereal, pasta, fruit cups, toilet paper, diapers and laundry detergent. Through the efforts of the LIBOR Public Relations Committee and the We re More Than Realtors Campaign, LIBOR is sponsoring the Thursday, July 31st Long Island Ducks game at Citibank Park. This event will serve as the kick off for the Realtors Against Hunger Campaign. All attendees are being asked to bring food donations to the game that night which will be collected and donated to Long Island Cares, The Harry Chapin Food Bank. Plan to join your fellow Realtors at the game. Tickets may be purchased online at All Realtors attending the Ducks game that night will receive a complimentary RAH visor, while supply lasts. DANIEL GALE REAL ESTATE 240 Glen Head Rd, Glen Head HOME LINK REALTY CORP Jamaica Avenue, Richmond Hill LANDMARK REALTY OF L. I., INC Route 25A, Wading River LONG ISLAND VILLAGE REALTY INC 2 Jackson Avenue, Syosset MILLENNIUM HOMES 1535 Brentwood Rd, Bay Shore NETTER REAL ESTATE 404 Montauk Highway, West Islip NIGHTINGALE & PARTNERS 93 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor PRUDENTIAL DOUGLAS ELLIMAN RE 14 W Montauk Hwy, Hampton Bays RE/MAX BEST 575 Sunrise Hwy, West Babylon RE/MAX SHORES: THE JOE SINNONA GROUP 242 W. Park Avenue Long Beach RE/MAX VILLAGE MANOR 52 Covert Avenue, Stewart Manor S A S REAL ESTATE 1237 Wantagh Avenue, Wantagh SEGAL-RIESE REALTORS, INC. 438 Montauk Highway, West Islip VILLAGE REAL ESTATE 65 West Main Street, Hampton Bays WALLY REALTY Jamaica Avenue, Hollis WEICHERT REALTORS DUTCH DOOR 59 Main Street, West Sayville *For a complete list of ALL participating offices visit and who has been licensed for at least 15 consecutive years will no longer be eligible for the CE exemption. Any real estate licensee who renews their license from now on will be required to complete 22.5 hours of continuing education, three hours of which must include approved fair housing/discrimination education. Any licensee who has already completed their 22.5 hours that did not contain at least three hours of approved fair housing will be required to complete the additional education prior to renewal. Note: LIBOR has scheduled several approved fair housing programs to help you meet this requirement. In addition, many of our 7.5 hour modules were approved to include and meet the fair housing training requirement. Courses are noted on our website and in our catalog. You may also choose to take an online fair housing course to meet this requirement. All can be found by visiting lirealtor.com click on EDUCATION for details. For more information on any of the new law changes or for answers to questions that may affect your license specifically, feel free to visit our website at lirealtor.com or the New York State Association of Realtors website at nysar.com. The Realtors Only section of both sites can provide more info or you may chose to call LIBOR at (631) ext 21 for customer service dept. or us at educate@lirealtor.com. IN THE NEWS AFTER MUCH HARDWORK THE COMMISSION ESCROW PASSES ASSEMBLY Assemblyman Michael Gianaris, D- Astoria (cover) led the charge in bringing the Commission Escrow Act to the Assembly where it was passed by an overwhelming majority 112 to 7.. P1 REALTORS AGAINST HUNGER CAMPAIGN AUGUST 1ST - 15TH Long Island Realtors will be helping to fight hunger on Long Island by collecting food for local food pantries the first two weeks of August. See how you can help too P3 EDUCATION IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL BROKERS & SALESPERSONS Several new laws affecting real estate licensees have gone into effect on July 1, 2008, LIBOR has scheduled several approved programs to help meet this requirements visit P 20 & 21 for course schedule P3 SPECIAL FEATURES MLS TECH FAIR 7th Annual Tech Fair to be held October 7th, don t miss out on the latest technology P15 President s Message P4 From Where I Sit P6 WCR P7 LIBOR News P8-13 MLS News Items P14 RPAC P16 Legal/Government Updates.. P17 Ethics This Month P19 Computer & Real Estate Education Calendar.... P20-21 Services Directory P22 3 July/August 2008 THE REALTOR

4 THE REALTOR July/August LONG ISLAND BOARD OF REALTORS, INC OFFICERS PRESIDENT Mohsen Zandieh PRESIDENT-ELECT VICE PRESIDENT-NASSAU VICE PRESIDENT-SUFFOLK VICE PRESIDENT-QUEENS TREASURER SECRETARY Buddy Hoosein Donald Scanlon Liz English CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PUBLISHER EDITOR Joseph E. Mottola Patricia Chirco EDITOR S ASSISTANT Kathy Engel Mary Alice Ruppert Moses Seuram Joseph E. Mottola Christina DeFalco PRODUCTION, PRINTING & ADVERTISING DSI Design Group 252 Sea Cliff Avenue, Sea Cliff, NY Fax Christopher Meadows, President ADVERTISING SALES Christopher Meadows CONTRIBUTORS Mohsen Zandieh, President, LIBOR Howard Goldson, Esq., Goldson, Nolan, Connolly, Nasis & Dornfeld, P.C. Barbara Ford, President, MLS Randy L. Kaplan, Director Government Affairs Matthew Arnold, RPAC Co-Chairperson Valerie Van Cleef, WCR President Tony Smith, Chairperson, Professional Standards Committee Official Publication Of The LONG ISLAND BOARD OF REALTORS, INC. The Long Island Board of REALTORS is a non-profit organization formed for REALTORS for the betterment of their communities, their profession, and their livelihood. The REALTOR is published by the Long Island Board of REALTORS, located at 300 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, NY 11704, and is published monthly, except for combined issues in January/February and July/August. Application to mail at periodicals postage rate is pending at Babylon, New York. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to: The REALTOR 300 Sunrise Highway West Babylon, NY The REALTOR and its publisher, The Long Island Board of REALTORS, in accepting advertisement in this publication, make no independent investigation concerning the services or products advertised, and they neither endorse nor recommend the same nor do they assume any liability thereof. REALTOR is a federally registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a Member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS and subscribes to its strict code of ethics. LONG ISLAND BOARD OF REALTORS, INC. 300 Sunrise Highway West Babylon, NY (631) (718) Website: pr@mlsli.com INSURANCEPlus H EALTH I NSURANCE for Small Business & the Self-Employed PRESIDENT S MESSAGE By Mohsen Zandieh, LIBOR President We re More Than REALTORS... A Sociological Perspective When Hurricane Katrina blew into New Orleans in late August, 2005, it devastated the small town of Slidell on the Northern Bank of the Mississippi. Fellow Americans from all walks of life, from near and far came to answer the cry of the townspeople whose lives and dreams were shattered as their homes remained submerged for 21 days. On June 16th, 2008, 19 Real Estate Professionals from New York State committed themselves to helping rebuild the town of Slidell. From 6 a.m. till 3 p.m., under the scorching sun with temperatures in excess of 110 degrees, these women and men sacrificed their own daily lives and the comforts of their homes, to build homes for the homeless of Slidell. In Slidell, in the oppressive heat, with few creature comforts, I discovered altruism. As the days passed, we were building the first floors of 4 homes. One of the volunteers tried to save a falling co-volunteer. In that process, he saved him, but Altruism, sacrifice and camaraderie are building blocks for the phrase We re More Than Realtors. he, himself, fell down to the ground. I discovered sacrifice. Early morning on the third day, one of the male volunteers, while inspecting the work from the previous day, fell down, hitting the scaffolding before hitting the ground. We all rushed to his aid. As it turned out, he had broken several ribs. At this moment, I discovered camaraderie. For the duration of the time we worked together, all the distinguished people lost their titles and stations in life, and became sisters and brothers in our noble endeavors. Habitat for Humanity and the Global Village Project allowed all of us to appreciate life and the lives of others. Altruism, sacrifice and camaraderie became the integral building blocks for the phrase, We re More Than Realtors. Thanks to NYSAR for allowing us to experience our own rebirth as we worked to make Slidell prosper again. Suffolk North Shore Chapter Holds 6th Annual Fundraising Golf Classic The Suffolk North Shore Chapter held their 6th Annual Golf Classic on July 7th at the Nissequogue Country Club in St. James; proceeds to benefit Ronald McDonald House of LI. The Chapter is proud to continue raising funds for the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island which provides families a home away from home during the child s treatment for a serious illness at local hospitals. Rose Gagliardi is an insurance broker with over 20 years experience, servicing the tri-state area. Rose specializes in Health, Dental, Life, Long Term Care, Medicare Supplements & Disability Insurance. Rose and her staff are committed to providing the utmost personal attention and maximum client service to the MEMBERS of the LONG ISLAND BOARD OF REALTORS Exclusive Insurance Agency For REAL ESTATE BOARD OF NEW YORK THE SPECIAL DISTRICT ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK STATE GREATER NY HOME FURNISHING ASSOCIATION Servicing Members With Endorsed Insurance Programs ROSE GAGLIARDI Broker 15 West Main Street Oyster Bay, NY Fax rose@insuranceplusny.com Huntington Chapter Realtors Making a Difference On July 9th the Huntington Township Chapter coordinated a fun-filled evening of cocktails and karaoke at the Big Kahuna in Dix Hills to benefit Long Island Cares The Harry Chapin Food Bank. The Huntington Township Chapter along with LIBOR s 2008 Realtors Against Hunger (RAH) campaign are committed to help solve the problem that touches many people in our communities by helping to feed the hungry. You can help too, see RAH article on page 3 for details.

5 Pulte is a highly reputable builder, who listens to what their customers and future homeowners want. They make the business of buying a home easy. Michelle Milana of Charles Rutenberg Real Estate 5 July/August 2008 THE REALTOR Pulte Homes makes selling homes easy on Long Island. Simply register your customer with us on their first visit and we do the rest. Your customers will receive high quality service and outstanding, one-stop shopping with Pulte Mortgage Corp. You ll enjoy working with Pulte s professional sales team while earning 3% commission on the final sale price! Receive the rewards and recognition you deserve! Join those who have already become part of Pulte Home s Circle of Excellence. Visit us at pulte.com/longisland and be sure to view our listings on MLS today! We are open daily, 10-6, at all Long Island locations from Oceanside to Westhampton. THE NEW IMPROVED! 100% Payout Only $ 35 Monthly Fee NEW! FREE! Membership to Virtual Secretary, All Showings appointments & feedback done for You ($800/month value) NEW! FREE! Advertising discount membership - up to 30% discount on Newsday and other print ads. FREE! Buyer and Seller Leads FREE! Foreclosure Membership (a $600 value) FREE! Virtual tours on photowalk.com (a $300 value) FREE! Elite top placement on Google, Yahoo, for search Long Island Real Estate (approx. value priceless) FREE! Use of Beautiful A-Rated Offices. Queens Branch coming soon. FREE! Advertising on Cablevision IO Homes Channel #606 ($1,000/month value) Over 225 Agents and Counting!! THE KEYSTONE GUARANTEE Keystone Realty U.S.A. Will Beat ANY Deal By ANY Broker in New York NEW! FREE! Enhanced Listing marketing system - sell your listing in 1/2 the time! (Ask us about it!) NEW! FREE! Training, including monthly teleconference calls, All day Real Estate workshop and step by step online traning system (approx. value priceless) FREE! Internet advertising to dozens of web portals that include, Yahoo, Excite, Ask Jeeves, etc (approx a $300/month value) FREE! Exclusive advertising and marketing on Long Island Exchange.com ($400/month value) FREE! Exclusive advertising on WannaNetwork.com (a $2,400 value) FREE! FSBO leads for Nassau, Suffolk & Queens (a $1,000 value) FREE! Personal Website for Agents (save thousands) FREE! Personalized 800 phone number (a $20 value) Call for information Direct: (516) (800) keystonerealty1@aol.com Check us out on the World Wide Web at:

6 THE REALTOR July/August LIBOR NEWS FROM WHERE I SIT By Joseph E. Mottola, Chief Executive Officer Each year, NAR conducts a Member Profile across the United States. The Long Island Board and the MLS jointly commission an additional sampling of Queens, Nassau and Suffolk which enables us to compare information with the country as a whole. The survey was done in February of 2008 but earnings information pertains to Figures are medians which mean that 50% of answers are below that point and 50% are above. On Business Characteristics: The typical LI Realtor has been in business for five years compared to a national median of 8 years. Sixteen percent have a Personal Assistant. Seventy one percent maintain a home office. Fifty two percent have a website and 41 percent have had it for five years..twenty six percent have a designation. Ninety seven percent are certain they will remain active as professionals during the next two years. 76 percent very certain and 21 percent somewhat certain. Business Activity: Fifty percent represent sellers exclusively. Fourteen percent represent sellers and buyers. In 2007, the typical specialist completed four sides compared to a median of 8 sides nationally. The median workweek for our Realtors is 35 hours. Twenty percent of Typical Long Island Realtor has been in business for five years. business was based on referrals and the more experience in years, the greater the percentage reaching a median of 39% with those having over 16 years experience. Office and Firm Affiliation Forty seven percent are affiliated with independent non-franchised firms. 41 percent are affiliated with an independent franchised company and 10 percent with a franchised subsidiary of a national or regional corporation. Forty seven percent reported in 2007 that they worked with clients who were not citizens. The typical Realtor works with a firm with 21 brokers and agents. Demographic Characteristics: 61 percent of our Realtors are female the median age of LIBOR Realtors is 50, slightly below the national median of 52. Fifty four percent have a bachelor s degree or higher. Sixty nine percent of our members are while, 12 percent Hispanic/Latino, 8 percent black/african American, and 8 percent Asian/Pacific Islander. Thirty three percent report they had a prior career in management, business, finance or sales. Finally real estate is the only occupation for 69% of Realtors. The full report can be read and downloaded at Realtors Only under Research and Data. Bringing Home the Dream The New York State Association of REALTORS and the NYSAR Housing Opportunities Foundation are committed to assisting New Yorkers in Achieving the American Dream of becoming homeowners. Recently, NYSAR President Linda Page and NYSAR Housing Opportunities President Michael Mendicino, attended the Habitat for Humanity house dedication in Sidney New York where they presented a check on behalf of the Housing Opportunities Foundation to the new homeowner, Mariah Baron. HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE FLOOD INSURANCE NEED COVERAGE FAST? WANT TO SAVE MONEY? THE REMCO AGENCY is Your ONE Call for Fast Homeowners Insurance Quotes on All Long Island Homes. Get the Best Quote from over TEN companies with the Right Coverage. We can send you a Binder Instantly for Closings FLOOD COVERAGE: Also available for All Locations Call Today! or JohnM@remcoagency.com THE LONG ISLAND BOARD OF REALTORS, INC. EXECUTIVE PLANNER 8/1 Friday WOMEN S COUNCIL OF REALTORS 9:00AM Realtor Service Center, 100 Crossways Park Dr. West, Suite 106, Woodbury. Guest speaker: Joe Sabella- Real Pro Training & Consulting, Web 2.0 and More: How To Reach More Prospects by Enhancing Your Internet Presence! Cost: FREE to register online, $5.00 at the door. WCR Members Only Meeting. RSVP: Linda /5 Tuesday LIBOR AWARDS COMMITTEE 9:30am REALTOR BUILDING, West Babylon 2nd floor Conference Room. Staff liaison: Connie LIBOR ext /11 Tuesday GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE 9:30AM REALTOR BUILDING, West Babylon 2nd floor Conference Room. Staff liaison: Judy LIBOR ext /12 Tuesday CREDIT UNION BOARD OF DIRECTORS 10:00am REALTOR SERVICE CENTER, West Babylon Upper Classroom. Staff liaison: Luisa LIBOR ext /13 Wednesday MLS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 9:00am REALTOR BUILDING, West Babylon 2nd floor Conference Room. Staff liaison: Lisa LIBOR ext /13 Wednesday SUFFOLK NORTH SHORE CHAPTER Sunset On The Sound & Elections Meeting. Lombardi s On The Sound, 44 Fairway Drive, Port Jefferson. 7:00pm-Cocktail Hour, Open Bar (during Cocktail Hour only), hors d oeuvres on the deck overlooking the Long Island Sound. 8:00pm-Fabulous Tuscan Buffet Dinner, Dance to the sounds of DJ Krompier & Co., Cash Bar. Please bring non-perishable food item. Cost: $65.00 prepaid, $70.00 at the door. (discounted price from last year!) RSVP by August 8: Millie /14 Thursday LIBOR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 9:00am REALTOR BUILDING, West Babylon 2nd floor Conference Room. Staff liaison: Lisa LIBOR ext /14 Thursday NASSAU SOUTH SHORE & CENTRAL NASSAU JOINT CHAPTER SUMMER CRUISE! Set sail aboard the beautiful Nautical Empress. 6:30pm Champagne Boarding, 7:00pm Sharp! Departure from Woodcleft Avenue Dock, Freeport (Nautical Mile). Cost: $69.00 per person includes Cocktails & Hors D oeuvres, Open Bar, Sit- Down Dinner, Dancing & DJ, Dessert &Coffee. Coast Guard Regulations: No registration at the door. No substitutions for registrants. No refunds after 8/7. RSVP by 8/7: NSSC-Isa or CNC-Pia /20 Wednesday MLS BOARD OF DIRECTORS 9:30am REALTOR SERVICE CENTER, 346 Sunrise Hwy., West Babylon Classroom B. Staff liaison: Lisa LIBOR ext /21 Thursday LIBOR/MLS ORIENTATION 8:30am REALTOR SERVICE CENTER, West Babylon Classroom B. Staff liaison: Debbie LIBOR ext APPRAISAL DIVISION CENTRAL NASSAU CHAPTER EASTERN SUFFOLK CHAPTER HUNTINGTON TOWNSHIP CHAPTER JAMAICA CENTRAL QUEENS CHAPTER LONG ISLAND COMMERCIAL NETWORK NASSAU NORTH SHORE CHAPTER NASSAU SOUTHSHORE CHAPTER NORTHEAST QUEENS CHAPTER SUFFOLK NORTH SHORE CHAPTER SUFFOLK SOUTH SHORE CHAPTER WESTERN QUEENS CHAPTER WOMEN S COUNCIL OF REALTORS 8/26 Tuesday LONG ISLAND COMMERCIAL NETWORK 8:00AM Networking Breakfast & Marketing Session On Parade Diner, 7980 Jericho Tpke., Woodbury. Don t forget to bring plenty of business cards, your property data sheets, your haves & wants & an associate to expand your network!! Cost: $15.00 LICN Members, $30.00 Non-members. For more information, call Gabor /1-Monday LABOR DAY OBSERVED ALL BOARD OFFICES CLOSED 9/8 Monday LIBOR NOMINATING COMMITTEE 8:30am REALTOR SERVICE CENTER, West Babylon Upper Classroom. Staff liaison: Lisa LIBOR ext /9 Tuesday CREDIT UNION BOARD OF DIRECTORS 10:00am REALTOR SERVICE CENTER, West Babylon Upper Classroom. Staff liaison: Luisa LIBOR ext /9 Tuesday SUFFOLK SOUTH SHORE CHAPTER 9:00am Elections Meeting Proposed Slate to be announced; details to follow... For more information, call Carol /9 Tuesday CENTRAL NASSAU CHAPTER 9:00am Elections Meeting Proposed Slate to be announced; details to follow... Guest speaker: Joseph E. Mottola - LIBOR/MLS CEO. For more information, call Evelyn /10 Wednesday HUNTINGTON TOWNSHIP CHAPTER 9:00AM - Elections Meeting 2009 Proposed Slate to be announced; details to follow... For more information, call Peter /10 Wednesday MLS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 9:00am REALTOR BUILDING, West Babylon 2nd floor Conference Room. Staff liaison: Lisa LIBOR ext /11 Thursday LIBOR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (Continued on page 9) MEETINGS & EVENTS: For all Special Events & Chapter information, call CONNIE AIELLO, LIBOR CHAPTER ext All Chapter Meetings & Events are posted online on each chapter website. Go to Chapter/Division meetings available on STRATUS click on MLS/LIBOR EVENTS CALENDAR on the INFO CENTER PAGE. LIBOR MEMBERS ONLY MAY REGISTER & PREPAY ON-LINE LIBOR members only may register & prepay ON-LINE for chapter/division meetings & events! Go to: VISA, MASTERCARD, AMEX & DISCOVER accepted. NOTE: On-line registration CLOSED at 4:00PM on the previous business day before this event.

7 LIBOR NEWS Long Island Chapter WCR-NewYorkState.com By Valerie Van Cleef, WCR President Feel The Power of WCR Thank you for helping to make our last meeting at the Milleridge Inn with Kiki Orski a terrific success. WCR members, sponsors and guests enjoyed this workshop. Don t be surprised if people start telling you that your personality is a D, I, S or C! Our next meeting is free to WCR members, and will be held on Friday, August 1st, 9-11 a.m. at the Woodbury Realtor Service Center. Bone up on your technology skills with Joe Sabella, from RealPro Training & Consulting, Inc., as he hosts a workshop entitled Web 2.0 and More: How to Reach More Prospects by Enhancing Your Internet Presence. A continental breakfast will be served. This is a WCR members only meeting and is free to members who register online. To register online, go to: p You may have read in the last issue of the Realtor that WCR member Debra Parisi, of Daniel Gale Sotheby s International Realty received national recognition at the Mid Year meetings held in May. She was chosen among members who created and update their personal profile on WCR.org, our national website. Debra won $500 worth of technology training from Matthew Ferrara Seminars, Inc. and Amy Chorew, National Technology trainer. Congratulations Debra. At the same meeting, longtime WCR member Marilyn Urso, owner broker of Long Island Village Realty, won national recognition for Best Article in Connections Magazine, WCR s national magazine that is mailed to 17,000 members each month. The title of Marilyn s article was Business Planning 101. Congratulations Marilyn. Please join me in welcoming the following new members to the Women s Council of Realtors : 1) Gil Picard, Coach Realtors 2) Rita Bender, Coldwell Banker Residential 3) Dorothy Matinale, Station Realty of Douglaston 4) Toni Vatier, Station Realty of Douglaston 5) Nordeen Accardi, Coldwell Banker Residential 6) Susan Helsinger, Prudential Douglas Elliman 7) Nancy Garafola, Coldwell Banker Matherson 8) Betty Lin, Winzone Realty 9) Jane Mincer, Anastasio Associates, Inc. 10) Marilyn Mauer, Prudential Douglas Elliman The winner of the raffle basket donated by WCR for the LIBOR Education Conference was: Consuelo Fuentes, of BBC Real Estate in Uniondale. Lastly, don t forget to mark your calendar for our annual Roundtable Presentation meeting, scheduled for Friday, September 5th, from 9-11 a.m. at The Woodlands Mansion in Woodbury. This meeting is cosponsored with the Nassau North Shore Chapter. Back by popular demand, it promises to be sold out like last year. Titled Solutions to Skyrocket Sales, it offers 10 relevant presentation topics offered by true experts in their field, so don t miss it. I hope you have a safe, enjoyable and prosperous summer. Seeking entries for the 3RD ANNUAL REALTOR SPIRIT AWARDS... All entries must be received by October 1, 2008 and will automatically be submitted for consideration for the 2008 LIBOR Community Service Award. Submit Your Entry Online at mlsli.com/ro/news/mtr.cfm For additional information contact Christina DeFalco at ext THE LONG ISLAND BOARD OF REALTORS, INC. PROPOSED BYLAW CHANGES ARTICLE VI PRIVILEGES AND OBLIG- ATIONS SECTION 13. CERTIFICATION BY REALTOR Designated REALTOR Members of the Board shall certify to the Board during the last quarter of the fiscal membership year, or as otherwise established by the Board of Directors on a form provided by the Board, a complete listing of all individuals licensed or certified with the Realtor s firm(s) within the state, and shall designate a primary Board for each individual. These declarations shall be used for purposes of calculating dues under Article X, Section 2 of these Bylaws. DR Members shall also notify the Board of any additional individual(s) licensed or certified with the firm(s) within 10 days of the date of affiliation or severance of the individual. ARTICLE X - DUES, FEES AND FINANCE SECTION 3. DUES PAYABLE Dues for all categories of membership are not refundable and shall be due and Sixth Annual REALTOR Safety Week Begins September 14th GOT REALTORS TALENT Special Guests Comedy Added Attraction LIVE AUCTION! Fun Prepaid Reservations a MUST! Limited Seating. Reservations on a first come first serve basis. $35 per person (Your voluntary RPAC contribution) also... payable on the first day of January October each year unless the Board of Directors establishes policy for billing and collection which allow for other cycles of billing and collection. During the last quarter of the fiscal membership year, each DR shall be billed in accordance with the formula in Section 2 (b) above. ARTICLE XIV - FISCAL AND, ELECTIVE YEAR AND MEMBERSHIP YEAR SECTION 1. The fiscal year of the Board shall be January 1 to December 31. SECTION 2. The elective year of the Board shall be January 1 to December 31 and until successors to the elective positions are elected. SECTION 3. The membership year of the Board shall be October 1 to September 30, or as otherwise established by the Board of Directors. The safety of our more than 1.2 million Realtor members is a top priority for NAR. They are committed to helping members stay safe while on the job, at home, and on the road. To raise awareness about this important issue, September 14th - 20, 2008 has been officially designated as REALTOR Safety Week. Beginning the week of July 21st, members can visit realtor.org and access Safety Week materials that include safety tips, videos, artwork, and information on a new Realtor safety course. Talent 7 July/August 2008 THE REALTOR Contributions are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. Contributions to RPAC are voluntary and are used for political purposes. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal. 70% of each contribution is used by New York State to support state and local political candidates. The balance is sent to National RPAC to support Federal Candidates and is charged against your limits under 2 U.S.C. 441a. Reserve your seats online: By phone with your credit card: Call Maryann ext. 354 SAVE TIME! Complete this form with credit card info & FAX to: Name LIBOR Member # Phone Full Payment MUST accompany reservations # of $35 each CHECK PAYABLE TO RPAC CAN BE BROUGHT TO OUR OFFICE Card#: Exp. Date Signature:

8 THE REALTOR July/August LIBOR NEWS The heat is on; stay cool by attending the new and exciting upcoming Chapter and Division events for the summer! The WOMEN S COUNCIL OF REALTORS is having a networking breakfast program on Friday, August 1st at 9:00AM at the Woodbury Realtor Service Center. Guest speaker: Joe Sabella-Real Pro Training & Consulting, Web 2.0 and More: How to Reach More Prospects by Enhancing Your Internet Presence! The NASSAU SOUTH SHORE & CENTRAL NASSAU CHAP- TERS are having a Joint Summer Cruise on Thursday August 14th. Set sail aboard the beautiful Nautical Empress. 6:30PM Champagne Boarding, 7:00PM Sharp! Departure from Woodcleft Avenue Dock, Freeport (Nautical Mile). The LONG ISLAND COMMER- CIAL NETWORK is having a networking breakfast and marketing session on Tuesday, August 26th at 8:00am at On Parade Diner in Woodbury. Don t forget to bring plenty of business cards, your property data sheets, your haves & wants and an associate to expand your network! The SUFFOLK SOUTH SHORE CHAPTER & DIVISION EVENT COVERAGE By Christina DeFalco Public Relations & Communications Specialist CHAPTER is having their Elections Meeting on Tuesday, September 9th at 9:00am Proposed Slate to be announced; details to follow. The CENTRAL NASSAU CHAPTER is having their Elections Meeting on Tuesday, September 9th at 9:00am Proposed Slate to be announced; details to follow. Guest speaker: Joseph E. Mottola LIBOR/MLS CEO. The HUNTINGTON TOWNSHIP CHAPTER is having their Elections Meeting on Wednesday, September 10th at 9:00am Proposed Slate to be announced; details to follow. The NASSAU NORTH SHORE CHAPTER is having their Elections Meeting on Thursday, September 18th at 9:00am Proposed Slate to be announced; details to follow. The SUFFOLK NORTH SHORE CHAPTER is having a Sunset On The Sound and Elections Meeting on Wednesday, August 13th at Lombardi s On The Sound in Port Jefferson at 7:00pm. Please bring non-perishable food item for the RAH Food Drive. FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION ON ALL MEETINGS, VISIT THE EXECUTIVE PLANNER ON PAGE 6. THE BELLE MAISON REALTY(BMR) GUARANTEE For only $29 per month, you keep 100% commission! And that s not all you ll get from Belle Maison. Free advertising on cable and online. Free use of our beautiful A-rated offices. Membership in our top foreclosure listing company, buyer and seller leads, and online training with step-by-step instruction on how to sell real estate. No other realty company gives their agents more than Belle Maison. Call today or log onto BMR Belle Maison Realty Real Estate & Property Management Call (516) Toll Free: (888) Stewart Avenue Suite 660 Garden City, NY Attention Real Estate Agents! GET FROM 50% TO 70% PAYOUT ON YOUR MORTGAGE BUSINESS. ASK US HOW!

9 LIBOR NEWS OUT EACH We re More Than REALTORS... On May 27, 2008 Long Beach area Realtors met with local school board officials to present an opportunity for Ecocardiagram screening to 8th graders considering athletics. On June 24, 2008, the Long Beach School Board approved the project. Testing should occur in mid- October, Pictured below (l-r) are Arnie Epstein, Director of Health & Physical Education for the Long Beach School District; Dr. Fred Bierman, Chairman of Pediatric Cardiology at Schneider Children s Hospital; Barbara Young, Long Beach School District Nurse; Merrick Realtor and LIBOR Director Susan Helsinger, Founder and President of the Jason F. Gruen Research Foundation; Long Beach Realtor and LIBOR Director Neil Sterrer, Co- Coordinator of the project along with Long Beach Realtor, LIBOR Director and Public Relations Chairman Joe Sinnona. I brought my clients to the Villas at Oceanside, a Pulte community, because of their fi ne reputation. The quality and design of the homes make Pulte stand out among all other builders. Martha Spillane of Becker Real Estate 9 July/August 2008 THE REALTOR WELCOME NEW LIBOR AND MLS MEMBERS Carlton A. Bryan Carlton A. Bryan, REALTOR Joseph Fernandez Joseph Fernandez, REALTOR David N. Giuffrida Sovereign Properties Gateway Kevin C. Hudson Hudson Real State Inc. Maura L. Ona Private Realty Group Inc. Richard K. Park Nodazi Realty Corp. Seth A. Romanick Seth A. Romanick, REALTOR Shaheed A. Shaw Global REALTY Network US Bradley S. Silverbush Bradley S. Silverbush, REALTOR Nikolas Tentomas KAPTENS realty LLC Michael J. Watts Traditionals Homes of LI Malgorzata Zarska Omega Realty of Greenpoint Pulte Homes makes selling homes easy on Long Island. Simply register your customer with us on their first visit and we do the rest. Your customers will receive high quality service and outstanding, one-stop shopping with Pulte Mortgage Corp. You ll enjoy working with Pulte s professional sales team while earning 3% commission on the final sale price! Receive the rewards and recognition you deserve! Join those who have already become part of Pulte Home s Circle of Excellence. Visit us at pulte.com/longisland and be sure to view our listings on MLS today! We are open daily, 10-6, at all Long Island locations from Oceanside to Westhampton. EXECUTIVE PLANNER (Continued from page 6) 9:00am REALTOR BUILDING, West Babylon 2nd floor Conference Room. Staff liaison: Lisa LIBOR ext /11 Thursday LIBOR/MLS ORIENTATION 8:30am REALTOR SERVICE CENTER, West Babylon Classroom B. Staff liaison: Debbie LIBOR ext /12 Friday WESTERN QUEENS CHAPTER 9:00am Elections Meeting 2009 Proposed Slate to be announced; details to follow For more information, call Mario /18 Thursday NASSAU NORTH SHORE CHAPTER 9:00am Elections Meeting 2009 Proposed Slate to be announced; details to follow... For more information, call Sandi /23 Tuesday LIBOR PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS COMMITTEE 9:00am REALTOR SERVICE CENTER, West Babylon Classroom B. Staff liaison: Judy LIBOR ext /23 Tuesday LONG ISLAND COMMERCIAL NETWORK 8:00AM Networking Breakfast & Marketing Session On Parade Diner, 7980 Jericho Tpke., Woodbury. Don t forget to bring plenty of business cards, your property data sheets, your haves & wants & an associate to expand your network!! Cost: $15.00 LICN Members, $30.00 Non-members. For more information, call Gabor /23 Tuesday NASSAU SOUTH SHORE CHAPTER 9:00am Elections Meeting 2009 Proposed Slate to be announced; details to follow...for more information, call Carol /24 Wednesday LIBOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS 9:30am REALTOR SERVICE CENTER, 346 Sunrise Hwy., West Babylon Classroom B. Staff liaison: Lisa LIBOR ext /24 Wednesday LIBOR/MLS 4TH ANNUAL PAST PRESIDENTS LUNCHEON 12:30pm Blue Lagoon Restaurant, 677 Route 109, West Babylon - immediately following the LIBOR Board of Directors meeting. RSVP by 9/17: Connie LIBOR ext /25 Thursday JAMAICA CENTRAL QUEENS CHAPTER 9:00am - Elections Meeting 2009 Proposed Slate to be announced; details to follow... For more information, call Audrey

10 THE REALTOR July/August LIBOR CANDIDATE NOMINATING INFORMATION LONG ISLAND BOARD OF REALTORS APPLICATION FOR 2009/2010 DIRECTOR OR 2009 BOARD OFFICER ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, :00 PM I would like to nominate: for the position of Director. COMMITTEE INVOLVEMENT Committee Member of from 19 to 20 of from 19 to 20 Committee Vice Chairperson of from 19 to 20 of from 19 to 20 Committee Chairperson of from 19 to 20 of from 19 to 20 I would like to nominate: for the position of Board Officer: (check one) President Elect Vice President for (circle one): Queens Nassau Suffolk Treasurer Secretary LOCAL BOARD INVOLVEMENT Identify any previously held Board Officer position(s): President: from 19 to 20 Vice President for (circle one): Queens Nassau Suffolk: from 19 to 20 Treasurer: from 19 to 20 Secretary: from 19 to 20 July 2008 Dear Fellow REALTOR, The Nominating Committee will meet soon to formulate a slate of LIBOR candidates for the 2009 Officer and the 2009/2010 Director* positions to be nominated to the membership. To ensure that the best possible candidates are considered, the Committee solicits input from all REALTOR members. If you would like to be considered for nomination as a Director or an Officer, or if you would like to recommend another REALTOR as a nominee for one of these positions, please fill in the attached information sheet and return it to LIBOR no later than August 29, We appreciate your time and interest in the work of the Nominating Committee. Sincerely, Linda Bonarelli Chairperson, Nominating Committee *ARTICLE XI - OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS SECTION 5. TERMS OF OFFICE...County Directors shall serve two year terms. (Of the eight Directors from each county voted in for the 2008 election year, the four from each county with the highest total of votes shall be elected for a two year term and the four candidates with the next highest total votes shall be elected for a one year term. Thereafter County Directors shall be elected for a two year term.) (rev. 10/2007) Previously held position(s) in LIBOR, MLS, LICN, APD or WCR: Director of from 19 to 20 Division President of from 19 to 20 Division Officer of from 19 to 20 Chapter President of from 19 to 20 Chapter Officer of from 19 to 20 Attendance at Chapter meetings all many some none POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT* Include in details whether involvement is local, state, or national: COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT* STATE ASSOCIATION INVOLVEMENT* Meetings: (list years attended) State Director from 19 to 20 State Committees on from 19 to 20 on from 19 to 20 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION INVOLVEMENT* Meetings: (list years attended) National Director from 19 to 20 National Committees on from 19 to 20 on from 19 to 20 List any professional designations held: *Attach additional sheet if more space is needed. Application submitted by: Name: Firm name: Address: Phone #: Please complete the application and return to: LONG ISLAND BOARD OF REALTORS Attn: Lisa Gonzalez Nominating Committee 300 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, NY DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 4:00 pm

11 MLS NEWS MLS INFO LINE By Barbara Ford, MLS President MLS Rules and Forms Where Are We Now and Where We Are Going As Realtors, we are facing many challenges this year, not the least of which has been the opening effort to educate ourselves and the Membership regarding the many changes in both state and federal laws that affect the way we do business. The Multiple Listing Service, LIBOR and Board Counsel, have all attempted to bring to you the latest information regarding your duties to the public and to each other, so that you are better prepared to transact business in the current marketplace. Not all of the information we provide to you, or all of the solutions that we will be able to offer through rule changes and form changes, will be greeted by the membership enthusiastically or will solve all of the problems you face. As Realtors, we are always faced with conflicts between our duty to our client(s), whether Sellers or Buyer clients, and our duties to each other. In an earlier article, I indicated that unless our MLS rules change you are required to follow them, whether you are representing a bank on a bank owned property, or a typical seller. At a recent MLS Directors meeting, your Directors had an opportunity to hear first hand from Realtor Mike Carroll, who transacts a large portion of his business as the Seller s agent for lender owned properties, also known as REO s. Mr. Carroll explained the problems that arise in this type of representation, including the refusal on the part of lenders to abide by our MLS rules concerning the presentation of offers and the Sellers obligation to clearly indicate whether offers which occur after the Seller has accepted an offer, THE MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE OF LONG ISLAND, INC. should be presented. As you are aware, the MLS rule we have abided by requires that a seller who declines to hear other offers after an offer has been accepted, must do so in writing. Banks have refused to provide this direction in writing, and your Directors were asked to modify that rule in connection with a Realtor s representation of a lender. There is clearly a balancing act that occurs as in the case, when your Directors attempt to bring fairness to a transaction by considering both the unique market challenges faced by a portion of our Membership who specialize in bank owned properties, and weigh those needs against the interests and needs of a majority of our membership to operate under the rules to which we have all become accustomed. The debate, as raised by one of our one of our respected MLS Directors, is whether we let lenders dictate how we do business and what rules we will follow by providing exceptions to our Rules, or do we refuse to change our rules, and by doing so, hope to encourage lenders that want their properties listed on the MLS to agree to be bound by our rules like any other Seller. Is capitulating to the lender, a case of the tail wagging the dog? Is refusing to compromise for the benefit of some or our membership an unreasonable position in the current marketplace? Your Directors opted for compromise by using a Rule interpretation that requires the listing broker on an REO listing to sign the Acknowledgement of Offer Form on behalf of the principal (the lender). The rule of course remains the same for other sellers. The approach used in connection with this issue, although not perfect, is useful from the standpoint of allowing the field to continue to transact business in connection with REO s, while providing a modicum of assurance that subsequent offers have been received and may receive consideration if the currently accepted offer fails. However, we should be mindful in regard to making selective rule changes in an effort to accommodate certain sellers or portions of our membership, as accommodation can easily become intimidation, and compromise can readily become coercement. It would be helpful to have the input of our membership in regard to these issues, and I encourage you to provide your input by conveying your thoughts to your local Directors or Zone Chairs on some of these issues. We need your input. In addition, in the near future you will be seeing some changes to your listing forms in regard to potential short sales, bank owned properties, and properties subject to the Home Equity Theft Prevention Act (the Act), N.Y. Real Property Law 265-a. In regard to form changes, there will be dropdowns on your status listing forms that will allow you to more precisely convey information regarding your listing the field. To refresh your memory, the Home Equity Theft Prevention Act (the Act), primarily affects purchasers who do not intend to occupy the property they are purchasing where the property is in foreclosure or default. The Act defines a property in foreclosure as follows: (g) Foreclosure means that there is an active list pendent filed in court pursuant to article thirteen of the real property actions and proceedings law against the subject property, or the subject is on an active property tax lien sale list. It also defines a property in default as (d) Default means that the equity seller is two months or more behind in his or her mortgage payments. When taking a listing, you should approach this subject with your seller. You can also determine if there are liens against the property if you think the seller may not be honest with you, by using the limited title search feature available to you through Stratus. Based upon the Act, a purchaser who intends to buy a one to four family home that comes under the Act, and does not intend to occupy the premises is subject to the provisions of the Act. The Act requires specific clauses in the purchase agreement and binders, in addition to the use of special forms for transaction that fall under the Act. It should be noted that Violations of the provisions of the act, can result in misdemeanor and felony penalties (RPL 265-a (10)(a)), in addition to the right of the seller to rescind the contract for a two year period. Realtors should be diligent when taking a listing in the current market, to make reasonable efforts to determine whether or not a property is in foreclosure or default. If this is the case, and the buyer is not intending to occupy the premises, the Realtor should be familiar with the provisions of the Act, and should provide Notices that are set forth in the Act. NYSAR has provided sample forms at NYSAR.com, under the Legal Section of the Members area, and you should certainly avail yourself of this resource. Fortunately or perhaps unfortunately, there will be more to come in the coming months in regard to the challenges that face us in this housing market. Although we are far better off than many of our fellow Realtors in other states, we must still prepare ourselves by becoming knowledgeable, by communicating our concerns to our Directors and Board members, and by becoming part of the solution. Become involved, and become a better and more successful Realtor. 11 July/August 2008 THE REALTOR SOLD PROPERTY FEATURE NOW AVAILABLE ON MLSLI.COM There is no such thing as too much information. MLSLI.com now offers consumers access to recently Sold MLS Properties. Visitors to mlsli.com can access sold property data by entering the town and/or zip code and also by property type including: single family, multi family, coop, and condos. Consumers can also customize the search by entering a price range, the number of bedroom and the number of bathrooms. Search results are conveniently mapped out and include the address, style, bedrooms, baths, sold price, and sold date. Visitors can also click on the house icon in the map and see a picture of the property. All visitors to the new Sold Property page are informed that using this feature does not replace contacting a Realtor for an estimate on their home s market value. It also warns the consumer that a sold price may not reflect the current market value of homes. MLS Q&A I d like to enter the Buyer s Q. Broker Compensation as negotiable. Is this allowed? A. No. This would be a violation of Rule# which states: The Listing Participant shall establish the division of compensation between himself and Cooperating Participants. Such division shall be clearly stated on the Listing Contract at the time it is executed by the homeowner. (4/22/81). To avoid incurring a fine, you must enter either a percent or a dollar amount in the Compensation Fields. Terms such as TBD, Neg, -, X, etc. are not acceptable in any of the Compensation Fields. ADVERTISE HERE GET YOUR COMPANY NOTICED... ADVERTISE ON THE WEB...MLSLI.COM YOUR CUSTOMERS EXPECT YOU TO BE ONLINE! Advertise your business on MLSLI.com for only $275 per month and get your company noticed by thousands of buyers and sellers that visit the site everyday. Contact the Web Marketing Department at ext. 11 for more information.

12 Help Fight Hunger. Display in Your Office.

13 THE REALTOR July/August TECHNOLOGY TECH TIP By Dana Nowick MLS Product Marketing Specialist ext. 367 Broker Reciprocity (IDX) 1st Month FREE! Take advantage of special offers to grow your business. It s no secret that the housing market and the economy have shifted. Prices are on the rise, and it seems there is little you can do about it! Wait! Something can be done. If you need to make a purchase for your business, then it pays to wait for an incentive! In markets like these, many companies offer discounts, coupons, promos, - every penny counts. As a marketer I am always looking for special offers from retailers as incentive to purchase their products. As a Realtor, you should do the same for your business. Take advantage of special offers on the products your business needs. A changing market is a great time to reevaluate your business plan and try something different. Use a new marketing program, start a Blog, build a website, add new content to your site, the possibilities are endless! Where do you begin? MLSLI offers an entire line of products and services designed to grow your business, and now you can take advantage of our July moneysaving opportunity! Subscribe to our SITES TO SEE As a Realtor and a business person we are always interested in the latest up to the moment industry services that will help better serve your clients, which in term will better serve your business. The following websites all have great resources to do just that. Broker Agent News provides consumer articles with up-to-date sales techniques, trends and issues facing the real estate industry free of charge, for use in your e- letters and on your web site. It features tips from top Real Estate producers, trainers, and experts on topics such as Nine Key Buyer Signals, Action Steps for Rookies, How to Discover What People Will Buy, Saving the Lost Sale, How to Choose the Right Business Producing Plan for You, The Listing Presentation. offers comprehensive moving related services, as well as tools designed to reduce the time, cost, and stress associated with moving. Their moving service tools can help you research your new city or town, research real estate or rental properties, check out mortgage rates from local lenders, get insurance quotes, find coupons and discounts and much more. Their real estate section has a wide range of tools for finding a home, whether it is new construction, apartment and senior living. This Broker Reciprocity/IDX Feed in the month of JULY and get the 1st month FREE! If you have a website, then you need to consider adding Broker Reciprocity, and if you decide to subscribe now you can save money too! Visit brsidx.asp to find more about BRS and what it can do for your website. Stay tuned every month for new promotions on MLS Products & Services. START BLOGGING! Are you more likely to buy a product if it comes with some sort of discount, incentive, or special offer? Tell us your thoughts at blog.mlsli.com site allows you to compare free moving quotes from up to 6 qualified movers in your area, or get an instant price quote from their featured self-service moving provider. Their Truck Rental center has great deals on moving truck rentals. You will get competitive quotes and Moving.com exclusive discounts on long distance or local rentals. Their Storage center helps to find self storage units in your area. Search by zip code or by city and state results show distance from your home, features of the storage facility, and special offers available. The United States Post Office is asking Realtors to send their clients to this web site to change their address online. They have created Realtor Message Cards and other free marketing materials to help spread the word. These cards help you create a lasting impression of great customer service. Provide your clients with information about the Official USPS Internet Change of Address process and a moving checklist to help make their move easier. Plus, you can personalize the cards with a special note to your clients. Find these materials at TECHNO-BITS A Look at Videocams Record video, take photos... this smartie does it all. Upcoming Dates: Thursday, October 2nd 10am -12pm Jackson Heights RSC Thursday, October16th 9am -11am Woodbury RSC Thursday, October 30th 9am -11am West Babylon RSC Riverhead RSC - TBA! By Lindsay Holloway The ultimate multimedia device for your desktop or laptop, the Look 313 Media videocam. This device has a 330k-pixel camera, directional speakers, a USB hub, and headset and microphone ports. Use it to take 1.3-megapixel stills for your website, as a webcam for videoconferencing or as a surveillance camera. Quality sound pumps out of the adjustable speakers, or you can use a headset for private listening. The only thing missing is a built-in microphone. Using video is a powerful way to differentiate yourself from your competition and a great way to promote your listings. Also, if you have a website, a videocam is a great way to add high-quality pictures to your site in order to provide visitors with fresh, up-to-date content. Another option is to use the video cam as a surveillance camera. Using a videocam as a surveillance camera shows homebuyers and sellers that you are also taking their safety into account. With the many uses and functions of the videocam, this is a handy tech tool for Realtors to own. FREE MLS Products and Services Seminar The market is changing - it s time to change your business plan. Learn about all the latest technology available to you through MLSLI: Video, Website Marketing, Blogging, Stratus Tools, You Tube and more! NO REGISTRATION FEE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS LIGHT BREAKFAST Contact: Dana Nowick at x367 or dnowick@mlsli.com

14 15 July/August 2008 THE REALTOR

15 THE REALTOR July/August RPAC 2008 RPAC HONOR ROLL IT S YOUR BEST INVESTMENT IN BUSINESS! GOLDEN R ($5,000 AND UP) Joseph L. Canfora Dorothy Herman* Pat Levitt* Audrey Livingstone CRYSTAL R ($2,500 TO $4,999) STERLING R ($1,000 TO $2,499) Ralph Bove Kathleen L. Engel* Liz N. English* Melvyn S. Farkas Barbara F. Frechter Susan G. Helsinger Walauddin Hoosein Maxwell S. Levitt* Mary F. McLaughlin* Michael Mendicino* Walter Messina* Joseph E. Mottola* Paul A. Musso* Mary Alice Ruppert Donald C. Scanlon* Moses Seuram* Estella Wilder* Mohsen Zandieh PRESIDENT S CLUB ($500 TO $999) Matthew B. Arnold* Gabriele Bishop Nicholas Gomez Michael A. Grannum Caroline Jemison* J Douglas Montgomery Donna Reardon Tony Smith CAPITOL CLUB ($250 TO $499) Bridget D. Allim Katy Anastasio Deonarine Basdeo Joanne Canfora Marie A. Costello* Barbara Ford* Marian Fraker Gutin Carol Gallo Turschmann Nicholas Gigante* Brigitte E. Greene Randy Kaplan Sharon Kollore Barbara McDonough James A. Netter Salvatore Polito Seibert L. Robinson Daniel Ryan Richard M. Shane Joseph T. Sinnona* Edward S. Smith Neil E. Sterrer Elinore West $99 CLUB ($99 TO $249) Richard W. Abatelli Nancy A. Achstatter Bartlett L. Ackerson Kenneth L. Adamo Mark S. Adler Kuljit S. Ahluwalia Edul N. Ahmad Vincenza Alia Asher S. Alon Miguel A. Alvarado Jacques Ambron Virginia A. Andrews Joseph C. Andruzzi Paula M. Annarumma Caruso Paul Edgar Argotte Satyanand Arjun Richard B. Arnold Dorothy A. Aschkar Keith A. Asdourian Evelyn Atanas RPAC UPDATE By Matthew Arnold, RPAC Co-Chairperson Jan M. Athanasopoulos Kenneth A. Auerbach Sistina Aversano Edwin W. Banks Vicky W. Bartko Omar C. Baxter Rozanna Beaumont Joanne C. Bechhoff Sharona Beck Michael Bello Belinda G. Bender Rachel Benedetti Michael J. Berman Mohamed Bessai Gina M. Bettenhauser Jerome H. Blue Lucille Bonanno Ernest F. Bonifazio Kenneth M. Bordeman Geralynn Bozza Larry J. Braden Margaret M. Brady Amalia C. Brandt Max Brittain Dee Dee H. Brix Frank Bruno Stephen A. Bruno Carlton A. Bryan William C. Buckley James M. Burns Denise C. Buser Miguel A. Cabrera Alejandro U. Calma Allegra Capra Peter M. Caputo Craig S. Carbone James C. Cariello Clara N. Carranza Gloria Catsimalis Tak F. Chan Shawn D. Chand Carmen M. Chavez Kumal A. Chetram Hyuck Bai Choi RPAC on the Move Audrey and I are excited to see such great success this year. With the year a little more than halfway over, we are at $207,000 of our goal of $404,000. On July 8, 2008 we had our Appreciation Cocktail party at the Prime Restaurant in Huntington. Our special guest speaker was Moe Veissi who is NAR s Political Fundraising Chairman of the RPAC Committee. Moe was great and shared some of the exciting things happening on the national level. He expressed the importance of protecting our business now more then ever especially in an election year. Also in attendance was Mike Kelly, NYSAR s Director of Government Affairs. Mike shared the good news with making headway with the Commission Escrow Act and the Sex Offenders Bill. Both have been passed through the Senate and now are in the hands of Governor Patterson. Mike Lehrman, NAR s Political Representative also flew in from Washington, D.C. for an update. On June 10, 2008 we had a great group of REALTOR volunteers attend lobby day in Albany. We have had great success with the state legislators in voicing our causes and concerns for our business in the future. At our committee dinner in Albany, two very proud REALTORS stepped up their investment in RPAC to Nazim A. Chowdhury Mario J. Ciampa Michael A. Cibelli Michael A. Cincotta Ocelia Claro Peter J. Cohen Maxine M. Conlin Laura Copersino Joseph J. Corriston Roberta D. Coward Miriam E. Crespo Sal J. Crifasi Pedro Cruz Branko I. Cuzzone Carl H. Dalencourt Mark Dana Donna M. Davis Domingo P. DeGuzman Nilo A. DeLaTorre Frank Dell Accio Vincent Dell Accio Peter S. Demidovich Suzanne DeNoyior Steve DePinto Carlos L. Diaz Vincent DiCanio Janis A. DiGiovanni Angela DiLeonardo Josephine G. Dizon Sabita D. Doodnauth Robert H. Dressler Jian J. Du Kenneth J. Dunn Sooroojnee Edoo Jasmine Edwards Allan R. Eldridge Shawn Elliott James H. Elstroth Janice L. Fagan Rocco J. Famiglietti Kathleen P. Fasolino Michael I. Feiner Manuel Felix Alejandra J. Fermin Clifford S. Fetner Warren M. Fink Debra Fiscaletti William P. Fitzgerald Deborah A. Fleming Ann Marie Folan Christopher O. Forbes Wesley Ford* Beatrice Formickella Jennifer Fox Susan L. Francis Karl H. Friedrich Robert Frisoni Mary G. Fudens Philip Fusco Deborah L. Galligan Eugene R. Gamache Joy B. Gape Darin Gartner Michael Gatto Syma J. Gerard Jonathan T. Giahn Stanley E. Gilpin David N. Giuffrida Gail M. Gladstone Mark F. Goldin Susan Goldman Marie A. Goldstein Jose P. Goncalves Peter J. Goodman Jay S. Gootenberg George R. Gordon Marti Granizo OHare Diane F. Grannum Shelina Graves Evan Greene Frederic R. Greene Cheryl J. Grossman Vaugerard Guerrier Alex M. Guiseppone Louis Gutin Ronald P. Guzas David K. Guzzetta Leesa Haas Anne Hagen Suzanne L. Hahn Anita Halvatzis Michael M. Han the next level. Mary Alice Ruppert and Paul Musso have both moved up to the Sterling R Level of RPAC. That s fantastic news, what a sacrifice and I Thank you both. Looking to the future and our next event, REALTORS Got Talent. We have 16 contestants ready to show off their talents. With our first prize a $500 gas card, this will surely put a smile on one of our talented REALTORS face (especially with the price of gas). This event takes place on August 5, 2008 at Governors Comedy Club in Levittown. We expect a full house so be sure to purchase your tickets now. This event will be one for the record books. I would once again like to offer my committee at your next office meeting. We will help your fellow REALTORS understand the importance RPAC is to the future of our business and the ways they can help. You can reach me at ext 11 anytime and we can set up a time that s best for you. Wishing you all a wonderful summer with family and friends and much success in your business. All the Best... REALTORS POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE LIBOR S 2008 RPAC GOAL IS $404,000 IN 2008 BASED ON RPAC S FAIR SHARE OF $15 PER MEMBER. For more information, please contact Randy L. Kaplan, Director of Governmental Affairs, Ext Robert L. Harding Lisa Healy Clifford H. Hecht Martin P. Hepworth Kelly A. Hicks Mary W. Hillman Arthur M. Hofbauer Sharon L. Hogan Leonard J. Horowitz Willard P. Hough Lorna M. Howell Anthony Imperato Dawn E. Iseson Janet Iveson Irwin S. Izen Robert C. Jacobsen Chandru Jagwani Rajendra Jaikaran John L. Juliano Janet M. Kalman Morton Kaplan Lee D. Kelmenson Linda Kettering Gullbahet Y. Khanat Catherine Kolsch Tony Koskinas Theodore Kouris Irwin R. Krasnow Tina E. Kupferberg Sidney Kwintner Rosalie A. Labbate Mark T. Laffey Kelly Lagoudis Mei Ying Lai Hing C. Lam Pamela G. Lanigan Donna Lanzetta Ann M. Lasker Sheila Lawrence Joann Lee Sejeh Lee Charles Lefkowitz Sandi Lefkowitz Alice Y. Leung Lisa M. Lilly Jack LoBiondo Kevin N. Loiacono Brian P. Lomot Marjorie T. Lord Shiu Fang Lou Charles Lovell Rita J. Lowry Samuel Lozado Anthony Lubrano Johnstone S. Ma Thomas J. Macaluso Louis J. Macari Jorge L. Machado Hattie Mack Deepnarain Mahadeo Rose A. Manalang Neal W. Mandel Daniel C. Mandell John F. Maniec Christopher F. Mansfield Jean Mansueto Francesco S. Marino Judy S. Markowitz Gerard M. Marrone Bethany D. Marten Kathryn A. Martin Vito Martinico Trevaris J. Mason Anthony Mastrobuoni Mark Matiash Patricia G. Maude Thomas J. McCarthy Tracey A. McCauley Cornelius J. McDonough Joanne McEvoy Peter McGeough Edward McKay Janine M. McQueeney William E. Meier Glenn A. Messineo Anna Miloscia Lionel A. Mohabir Nazim K. Mohamed Gloria C. Molloy Ferenc Molnar Jenny L. Montalbano Richard Montemarano Alice H. Morabito Geraldine A. Moran Tara E. Moreno Joann Morris William J. Moseley Joseph M. Moshe Fina Musso Paul P. Napolitano John F. Navaretta Barry C. Nelson Gisela I. Nightingale Claudette M. Northover Lynn Nunes Michael O Donnell Virginia O Dwyer Almog Ohayon Bruce A. Orr Robert B. Pace Maria K. Paleatsos Shu Na Pan Vincent C. Papa Maureen Papalas Chi Kun Park Young D. Park Thomas J. Parkes Francis A. Paruolo Antonio J. Patino Nino Perdomo Denise Perfido Haimraj Persaud Roopnarine Persaud Sonita Persaud Helena Pesa Patricia K. Petersen Linda J. Petralia James A. Phillips Renee Phillips Gilbert A. Picard Renilda Pichardo Joseph Picone Rosetta L. Pirillo William F. Pisani Donna M. Pitrelli Allison B. Platt Marc I. Plotnick Anthony Podias Thomas M. Potter Peter Prashad Rose Marie Princi Rudolph Princi Lihua Qiao James Radosta Maksudur Rahman Mohammed A. Rahman Virginia A. Rallis Mark Ramjeet Eric G. Ramsay Roopnarine Ramudit Janine M. Rayano Mary J. Rice Michael Richman Carl W. Riese Asia Roberts Francis Gloria I. Rodriguez Mary A. Rohan Seth A. Romanick Diana M. Romano Frank J. Romano Nigel A. Rose Lee Rothleder Harriet M. Rowan Todd Roy Thomas Ruddy Laura Ruhnke Edmond P. Ryan Shiraz Saeed Kristen A. Salvatore David P. Sanders Geraldine S. Sapanaro Angela M. Scaldaferri Michael D. Schaier Marlena C. Schein Henry I. Serrano Henry A. Setaro Shmuel Sherman Monika Sibiga Ali A. Sikder Bradley S. Silverbush Yvonne F. Simmons Krishna Singh Swaranjit Singh Trinity L. Singh Blanca Smith Dorylee Smith Andrea Soho Angel Soto Nick Spalas Carol A. Sparaco Teresa J. Staiano Jenifer A. Steig Kitty P. Stein Antoinette V. Steo Kendra Stryska Rishee Subick Dave Surujnarain Madan P. Surujpaul Marie Svec Thomas F. Tabone Deepak Taneja Helen K. Taveras Kelley J. Taylor Lawrence A. Tesch Leo S. Testa John Testaiuti Mildred Thomas Carrie Tong Jordan E. Trager Todd A. Triolo James Tsempelis Danielle Tylutki Raspanti Hafiz Uddin Paul A. Underwood Frank S. Urso Vincent Vaiano Valerie Van Cleef Charlotte Vanderwaag Anthony R. Vecchio Hernando Villamil Anthony P. Vitale Cynthia Walsh Barbara J. Wanamaker Kathy J. Werler Paul K. Wernersbach Edward F. Wilson Christopher J. Winchester Jamie C. Winkler Richard M. Witt Huiyan Wu Lana Yee Malgorzata Zarska Wei Zhu LESS THAN $99 ($20 TO $98) Camila Aguirre Neil F. Berger Lesya Brama Florlinda Bryan Daniel J. Byrne Cristina M. Capurro Yuk Ting Chan Sharisse M. Chaplin Debra M. Chebuske Patricia L. Chin Adelaide Connaughton Vickie T. Davis Kimberlee A. DelleCamelie Anthony R. Drago Michael Gallagher Kimberly L. Gallman Anunciacion Garcia Qian Liu Garis Arnetta K. Goldman Beatrice Guercio Francesco Guercio Lloyd M. Gutin GOAL $404,000 Total As Of July $207,000 PLEASE NOTE due to space limitations, the contribution date range of 5/28/08-7/3/08 was used for the Less than $99 category. *THESE LIBOR MEMBERS HAVE PLEDGED RPAC CONTRIBUTIONS. Moe Veissi, NAR s RPAC Political Fundraising Chairman recently attended LIBOR s RPAC Cocktail Reception at the Prime Restaurant in Huntington. The event, which recognized the top contributors to RPAC, was attended by over 40 true believers. Moe Veissi greeted the guests and thanked LIBOR s RPAC Co-Chairs Matt Arnold and Audrey Livingstone for putting together such a wonderful event. Moe John Herrick Janet Hoeft Rosemary W. Horgan Yan C. Huang In Son Huh Yuk Mui Hui Navendra A. Jagdeo Cesar A. Johnson Daehee Kim Antonio Lauradin Jean Lee Shin Melissa S. Leuthner Sandra Lewandowski Vita Lodespoto Laiqi Lu Sally E. Macken Janet Mahabir Charles R. Manna Mary Lou Marquardt Michael McKeon Jay B. Meringoff Charles A. Minicozzi Wan S. Mui Patrick Nagy Michael P. O Brien Timothy G. Parmiter Claudia L. Pira Cyril Quinn Tina Reganato Corizon B. Roncesvalles Charles J. Scorsese Robyn Smith Ann Staudte Dennis K. Suen Loxksley M. Telesford Constance D. Tollner Manuel D. Tovar Claudia Tracey Shu Jing Wang Amy Williamson Su J. Yi Victor G. Zourides RPAC Political Fundraising Chairman Moe Veissi Visits LIBOR made it a point to thank all the attendees for their hard work both financially and personally. Moe, who travels around the country quite a bit for RPAC fundraising events, was very impressed by the commitment and dedication of our members. Also joining us that night to update us on the issues were NAR Political Representative Mike Lehrman and NYSAR Director of Government Affairs Mike Kelly.

16 LEGAL/GOVERNMENTAL COUNSELOR S COMMENTS By Howard W. Goldson Goldson, Nolan, Connolly, Nasis & Dornfeld, P.C Independent Contractor Once Again It s been a long time since I wrote an article about the Independent Contractor relationship between agents and their brokers. One would think that everything to be said about this subject had been said over and over again. However, within the last six months this subject has been the focus of adverse administrative decisions, law publications and appeals to the courts. What has prompted all this attention and exactly how you should respond are questions which warrant the subject being discussed once again. The political reality is that both the federal and state governments have a financial interest in narrowing the scope of independent contractor relationships. As a result there is presently a bill before congress which attempts to do just that. On the State level there are two recent Department of Labor cases holding that an employment relationship exist. One of these cases involved a school similar to LIBOR s education program and the relationship between the school and its teachers. The other involved a broker/agent dispute over commissions which resulted in a finding that the broker was responsible to pay the agent under the wage and hour laws. Both these cases have been appealed and NYSAR is expected to advocate on behalf of the industry. The wage and hour case is particularly disturbing because the broker and agent had the signed independent contractor agreement recommended by NYSAR and LIBOR and for the most part they followed the terms of that agreement in the course of their relationship. The Labor Department honed in on the following facts in finding that an employment relationship existed in spite of the agreement. The agent was required to submit a monthly schedule as to when he would be in the office and to notify the broker if the agent decided to modify that schedule. Customers were transferred to another agent if the first agent did not contact the customer during any 2 week period. Commission reductions had to be approved by the broker. In addition the decision of the Labor Department contained at least one finding that in opinion of this writer was contrary to law. Over the summer months I will be reviewing these decisions as well as what is happening on the Federal scene with LIBOR s leadership and Counsel for other Boards across the State. In a fall issue of The REALTOR, I will try to make suggestions that are helpful in your retaining your Independent Contractor relationships. In the meantime it is recommended that there is executed the NYSAR/LIBOR independent contractor agreement between each agent and their broker. This agreement must be resigned every 15 months. I really enjoy working with all the sales associates at Pulte Homes. All I do is bring the customer on their first visit, Pulte does the rest! They make the buying process so easy. Lisa LePorin of Charles Rutenberg Real Estate Pulte Homes makes selling homes easy on Long Island. Simply register your customer with us on their first visit and we do the rest. Your customers will receive high quality service and outstanding, one-stop shopping with Pulte Mortgage Corp. You ll enjoy working with Pulte s professional sales team while earning 3% commission on the final sale price! Receive the rewards and recognition you deserve! Join those who have already become part of Pulte Home s Circle of Excellence. Visit us at pulte.com/longisland and be sure to view our listings on MLS today! We are open daily, 10-6, at all Long Island locations from Oceanside to Westhampton. An Interview With an REO Broker REOs The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Interview with Michael Carroll, the Broker-Owner of three ReMax offices on Long Island. Mr. Carroll specializes in REOs. Doreen Spagnuolo Interview conducted by Doreen J. Spagnuolo, Staff Counsel Q. What is an REO? A. REO stands for Real Estate Owned and it is when the bank owns the property. Q. What is the difference between an REO sale, a Short Sale, and a Foreclosure? A. REOs are actually bank foreclosures at the point where the bank already owns the property. Short Sales basically are when you are trying to negotiate a deal with the bank before the foreclosure actually occurs. It is when the mortgage on the property is higher than the market value and the bank is willing to take a short payoff on the mortgage. Foreclosure is when the bank has already started the foreclosure proceedings but hasn t actually foreclosed yet. Q. How does your office receive an REO listing? A. We are contacted by either the banks or outsource companies to handle the listing for the banks. Contact is always made by . The banks are from all over the country. The outsource companies are companies hired by the banks to handle the foreclosure sales process for them the marketing, pre-marketing eviction and the sale. The outsource companies are also located all over the country. Q. What does your office do when you get the REO listing? A. We do all the inspections to see if the property is occupied. We follow up with the attorneys with the eviction service and attend evictions. We handle all the management of the property from that point on. We secure the property, re-key it, properly winterize it. We can do all of this even before we are given the listing. Listings can take anywhere from 24 hours to 4 months. We have had situations where we managed the property for 1 1/2 years and did not even get the listing. It s tough dealing with the banks. It s very involved. It is so technology oriented, that now there is very little personal contact. It just boils down to bank people doing tasks on the computer. It s not an easy business. We have 5 different departments set up in the office for just processing purposes only. Q. How is the listing price for the REO determined? A. The bank determines the price. We do broker price opinions using our experience and comps on the market. Some clients request appraisals and some request broker back up opinions to bring the pricing to scale. Q. Is there a contact person at the bank? A. Yes, usually the asset manager. Contact is usually made by . The asset manager has hundreds of files on cases throughout the country all with different rules and requirements. Some asset managers take days or weeks to get back to me. Q. When the REO property is finally listed on the MLS, how are showings arranged? A. All REO showings are arranged with a lock box. My office uses Centralized Showings. The agent must call an 800 number to make the showing arrangement. That 800 number is the only way to get a status report on the property. Status reports are up to date as of the date of the call. Q. What do the banks require with respect to REO offers? A. Most banks will require a mortgage pre-approval and proof that the buyer has the balance of the funds needed to close. Depending on the type of financing and type of down payment, FICO scores are also required. The client expects us to not submit a bad deal to them. So they rely on our expertise to make sure the deal is qualified to go through before it is even accepted. This includes making sure the property qualifies for financing. For example, what if the property does not have any plumbing? Then it might not qualify for a conventional mortgage. Q. How does your office notify agents as to what documentation they must submit with their offers? A. Our office uses Stratus Fax Attachment to attach to the listing all of the requirements that are needed to present an offer to the bank. This way agents have all the offer instructions. Q. What does your office do when you receive an offer? A. See that all offers are complete. That is, that all necessary documents are submitted with the offer. We ask that all documents come in at the same time. For example, we can t have a binder or an offer agreement submitted without a pre-approval or proof of funds because that offer will be put to the side until we have the necessary documentation to submit to the bank. The bank won t even look at those. I can t send in an offer without all the necessary documents. We are required to submit the offers on the bank s website and they require all of the supporting documentation. The asset manager will not even look at an offer that does not contain all the required documents. Q. How do you relay the offer to the bank? A. The bank either has a website to which the offer and all required documents are submitted or submission is made by . Q. Once an offer is relayed to the bank, what occurs next? A. Sometimes it is accepted right away. Sometimes the bank makes a counter offer. Sometimes the bank asks each bidder to present their highest and best offer. Q. What happens when you get multiple offers around the same time? A. They are all submitted. Sometimes a bank (Continued on page 18) 17 July/August 2008 THE REALTOR

17 THE REALTOR July/August LEGAL/GOVERNMENTAL An Interview With an REO Broker REOs The Good,The Bad, and The Ugly (Continued from page 17) will counter offer and sometimes they will just accept one of the offers. Once they accept an offer the rest of the offers are rejected. Q. What happens when you receive additional offers after the bank already accepted an offer? A. We hold additional offers in case the accepted offer dies. We hold the subsequent offers because the bank will not receive them while they have another deal pending. Once it is in their computer system you physically can t submit another offer on line. Q. How does the bank notify you that they accepted an offer? A. By Q. What are some of the reasons that deals fall apart? A. Deals fall apart because of buyers doing engineer reports when they said they were not, agents submitting counter offers when the buyers did not approve of them. A lot of times attorneys are deal killers because of the length of time it takes to get the contract completed and signed. The banks expect the contracts to be signed in 2 days which is not realistic here because we have attorneys do the contracts. Q. What proof can you offer a cooperating broker that you submitted his/her offer to the bank? A. We will sign the Offer Acknowledgment form when we submitted the offer. Q. Can your office supply us with a copy of that part of the bank s website to show that an offer has been accepted? A. No. The bank considers everything on their website confidential. Q. Do you have any suggestions on how this situation can be remedied? A. Acknowledgment forms do not make sense in REOs. There is no way to get an acknowledgment signed by the client so we should just take that rule out for REO properties. I think MLS is changing the current rule since the banks will not respond to it and are not bound by it. Q. Are there unusual provisions in REO contracts which agents should know about? A. Most contracts provide that property is sold as is, and time is of the essence. Banks do not make representations with respect to the condition of the property. 9 out of 10 times the banks want the closing within days of the acceptance of the contract. Agents should understand that the buyer may not get a signed contract from the bank immediately after acceptance. So the bank may expect to close within a very short time after the buyer first gets the signed contract. On occasions this may be less than 1 week. Q. What errors do you find that brokers make in REO deals? A. They don t submit the required documents. We try to explain to them what the bank requires before they will accept an offer. We ask them if they read our attachment. Agents don t realize that when a bank accepts an offer they consider that a contract. So if attorneys change a contract, the bank considers that a killed deal. Q. Do you have any suggestions on how the dealings between REO listing brokers and REO cooperating brokers can be more effective? A. The cooperating broker should speak to the purchaser and purchaser s attorney and make them aware that it s an REO sale, how it works, and once the terms are accepted it s non-negotiable. They should be told that it s a time is of the essence closing and that the bank gives insurable title and not marketable title. Q. Agents tell us they re frustrated with the process of dealing with companies that handle REOs. Do you get complaints? A. Definitely, but it s mainly because they don t understand the process that the banks insist we follow. Q. Like what? A. That we submit all offers on line That we have no control over which they ll pick That they want complete information submitted and therefore we don t submit packages that are incomplete Q. Some agents say the listing office has an advantage in getting their offers accepted. How do you respond to that? A. The bank will usually only give the listing for 90 days. They want it sold. If the listing expires, we earn nothing. We don t care who sells it...we just want to get it sold. Q. Do you see things getting better? A. As far as the REO market, no. The number of houses is increasing. As far as the process, hopefully as agents learn how these things work and banks become more aware and more tolerant that business is done somewhat differently here Q. What, if any, are the benefits of an REO sale? A. Now that the FHA loans are getting big in the market again someone can get an FHA or rehab loan on a property that needs work allowing them to get into a property that normally they would not be able to afford. Q. What s the best advice to give agents? A. Understand the process and the timing. Prepare your customers properly with information. Also, understand what documents the bank requires and that the offer is only complete when accompanied with all the documents. Basically, it s not an easy business. Thank you for your time and helpful information. F.N. Because of the above unique features of REO transactions, the Board of Directors has exempted these transactions from MLS Rule ATTENTION REALTORS Joe Moshé Earn 100% Commissions These are hard times being a real estate professional. Expenses are increasing and sales commissions are decreasing. More demands are being placed on the agent everyday. Frenzied brokers are demanding performance, increasing fees (like charging agents $300-$500 for E & O insurance) franchise fees, penalties, all in an effort to supplement their income which has decreased in our difficult market. Is it fair to charge our real estate professionals these excessive fees, when they are already paying for their own expenses, such as gas, advertising, marketing, websites and more? The current real estate agency/agent commission split has worked for decades, but its' time has passed. The 100% commission office is the present and the future. Many real estate agents are moving to Charles Rutenberg Realty, Inc.. Charles Rutenberg Realty's 100% commission offices are the fastest growing real estate firm in the country, with offices located in Plainview, Long Island, Ozone Park, Queens, Manhattan, Florida, Illinois, Atlanta and coming soon Staten Island, New Jersey and California. THE SOLUTION: Over 6,000 agents have joined the Charles Rutenberg Realty Revolution, to be more profitable by keeping 100% of their commissions. Whether you are a seasoned professional or new agent, Charles Rutenberg Realty is recruiting agents each day at an amazing rate. Most agents who join, give themselves an instant 43% - 100% pay raise. That s enough to make a huge difference in your business and personal life. We offer you a new beginning with benefits that include the best support staff in the business, a non-competing broker, free E & O insurance, vast internet marketing, a respected real estate name, extensive personal training, professional advice when you need it, and a warm friendly staff to make it more fun. This is an incredible, unique opportunity to truly be an Independent Contractor and take control of your business. With Charles Rutenberg Realty, you will have the power to negotiate your commission, without permission. More flexibility will yield client relationships and more closed deals. There is also a full service concierge partner program to assist in making sure all your deals close, from Mortgage Banks to Inspections, lawyers, and more. There is no catch, merely a low monthly membership cost and small per transaction fee after each closing. You do the work, why not keep the money? When asked: How does Charles Rutenberg Realty make money if the agent gets all the commission? Joe Moshé, Broker/Owner says: "When you have almost 500 happy agents who keep referring other agents to us, the low monthly fee and our low transaction fee, will generate enough profit for us to be happy as well. It's that simple!" I can t understand why every agent wouldn t join us? Laura Brusca (Rutenberg Agent)..Charles Rutenberg Realty is the best thing that could ever happen to the real estate industry! Many experienced sales agents are afraid to make the move because it seems too good to be true. Take the chance, you have nothing to lose. but so much more to gain!! Now I have so much to look forward to.especially a bright and successful future with Charles Rutenberg Realty. 100% COMMISSION.WHAT A DREAM!! Call me Walt Siefert (Rutenberg Agent).. joined Charles Rutenberg Realty almost 2 years ago. Since that time they have steadily added new services; lead generation programs, mortgage banking relationship, commercial RE services, insurance programs etc. Charles Rutenberg Realty also has a great supporting staff. All very good and necessary, but the bottom line: my first deal was for $34,600; my commission check-$34,270. Do the math. Call me Offices in Plainview, Long Island and our new office in Ozone Park, Queens. For more information, contact us: Jmoshe@crrli.com or the Information Hotline: (866)

18 PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS ETHICS...THIS MONTH S TOPICS Case #12-12: Advertising in the Guise of News Shortly after mailing his Homeowners neighborhood Newsletter to local residents, several complaints were filed against REAL- TOR B claiming that he had engaged in deceptive advertising in violation of Article 12 s true picture directive. These complaints were reviewed by the Grievance Committee which determined that a hearing should be held and that all of the related complaints would be consolidated in a single hearing. The appropriate notices were sent and the hearing was convened. REALTOR A, one of the complainants, introduced REALTOR B s Homeowners Neighborhood Newsletter into evidence pointing out that, on the first page, REALTOR B had prominently shown pictures of, and addresses for, ten homes in an exclusive area of town labeling each as Recently Sold. REALTOR A, the listing broker for several of these properties, stated that, in his opinion, the average reader would readily conclude that REALTOR B, by advertising this way, was claiming to have listed and sold properties and that his claims violated Article 12, as interpreted by Standard of Practice In response, REALTOR B indicated that Article 12 was limited in scope to...advertising and representations to the public and that his Homeowners Neighborhood Newsletter was not, in fact, advertising but rather a well-intentioned effort to make homeowners aware of current market values. Sale prices in our county become a matter of public record once a deed of sale is recorded, REAL- TOR B argued, and anyone who wants to find out about recent sales can get that information from the recorder s office. After hearing from the complainants and the respondent, and after reviewing the content of the newsletter, the Hearing panel concluded that it did, in fact, violate Article 12 since, while the information regarding the properties themselves was accurate, its cumulative effect was to convey the impression that REALTOR B had listed and/or sold the properties when he had not. The fact that he had been the cooperating broker in one of the transactions did not give him the right to claim, directly or indirectly, that he had sold any of the other properties because in no instance had he been the listing broker. The Hearing Panel did not accept REALTOR B s claim that his newsletter was exempt from scrutiny under Article 12 in that he was disseminating news and not engaging in advertising. They noted that the name, address, and phone number of REALTOR B s firm appeared prominently in several places; that a considerable portion of the newsletter was devoted to services available from REAL- TOR B s firm and the advantages of doing business with REALTOR B; and concluded that while the newsletter might, in fact, include an element of news a primary purpose of it was to advertise REALTOR B and his firm and, consequently, that it was subject to scrutiny under Article 12. Case #16-9: Mass media Solicitation of Business Not a Violation of the Code REALTOR A designed an advertising campaign to promote his new marketing program. Part of REALTOR A s campaign included a number of advertisements in the local newspaper, and billboards placed at various well-traveled intersections around the city. The message that appeared in REAL- TOR A s advertisements and on his billboard was: Attention: All homeowners whose properties are for sale. Do you want results? If so, contact REALTOR A. He has a new marketing program that gets results. In response to his advertisements, REALTOR A received a number of calls from homeowners whose properties were currently listed with other REALTORS. Several of the REALTORS whose clients contacted REALTOR A filed The Ethics case published in this issue have been chosen by the 2008 Chairperson of the Professional Standards Committee, Tony Smith. complaints with the Board, charging REALTOR A with unethical conduct for failing to respect the exclusive agency of other REALTORS. The Grievance Committee considered the complaints and referred them to the Secretary to schedule a hearing by a Hearing Panel of the Professional Standards Committee. At the hearing held by the Professional Standards Committee to consider the complaints, REALTOR A defended his advertising campaign by saying that the campaign was undertaken through the mass media; that it was not an attempt to induce property owners to breach existing listing agreements; and, therefore, was not the type of solicitation prohibited by Article 16 of the Code of Ethics. The Hearing Panel concurred with REALTOR A on the grounds that REALTOR A s solicitation was made through the mass media, and was not specifically directed toward property owners whose identity had come to REAL- TOR A s attention through information disclosed by other REALTORS consistent with their ethical obligation to cooperate with other brokers under Article 3 of the Code of Ethics. The panel, therefore, held that REALTOR A s advertising campaign did not violate Article 16 of the Code of Ethics. ATTENTION REALTORS Quick Closings Quick Commissions Is your seller telling you ALL you should be told about the subject property? Do you know if the person you are dealing with is ACTUALLY the owner of the property? Has your seller told you that they may be in DEFAULT on their loan? Does your seller have a JUDGMENT or a BANKRUPTCY against their name and home? Do you know if your seller is giving you ALL the facts pertaining to C/O s on the property? AS A REALTOR YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE TO KNOW THE FACTS!! 19 July/August 2008 THE REALTOR Property Run, Inc. will provide you with a Title Search. This search will provide you with the following information: Copy of the Last Deed of Record Open Mortgages against the property Any LP and Foreclosure Filings Judgments and Liens against your client Bankruptcy and Patriot Act Searches Additional Services are available such as: Tax Search C/O Search Surveys Housing and Building Search Street Report Emergency Repair Search Etc. LET PROPERTY RUN, INC. WORK FOR YOUR SELLER TO CLEAR ANY DEFECTS IN THE TITLE BEFORE A PURCHASER MAKES THEIR OFFER. HAVE YOUR LISTING SAY CLEAR TITLE AND WE WILL DO IT ALL FOR YOU! CALL TODAY TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT! WE WILL COME TO YOU! CALL (516) or US at: PROPERTYRUN@GMAIL.COM Property Run, Inc.

19 THE REALTOR July/August COMPUTER EDUCATION NEW! NEW! NEW! NEW! NEW STRATUS CERTIFICATION PLUS FAIR HOUSING COMBO CLASS 22.5 HOURS Satisfy ALL of your New York State requirement for 22.5 hours of CE including 3 hours of Fair Housing over this three day class. Day 1 will cover Stratus customization, searching, viewing and printing reports, mapping, update, open houses, statistics, saving searches. Day 2 will cover Public Records and mailing labels in the morning. In the afternoon of Day 2, students will registers and complete a 3 hour online FAIR HOUS- ING course with the instructors help. On Day 3, students will cover CMA, Add/Edit, photo upload, and prospect match. Important note: Total cost: $255. Students will pay $225 to register for the Stratus class, then an ADDITIONAL $30 for the online course on day 2. Credit card or checks accepted. LIBOR will process 19.5 hours Stratus CE and 3 hours Fair Housing CE separately. Students attending must have basic computer and Internet skills. 3 DAYS 9:00 A.M. 5:30 P.M. EVENING HOURS ARE 5 DAYS FROM 5:00PM 9:30PM Woodbury..... August 6, 11 and 14 West Babylon... August 13, 21 and 25 West Babylon... August 18, 19, 20, 26 and 27 (Evening Classes) West Babylon... September 6, 13 and 20 (Saturday Classes) Jackson Heights. September 8, 11 and 12 West Babylon... September 17, 19 and 23 REGISTER ON LINE AT MLSLI.COM OR CALL TO REGISTER EXT. 21 SEATS ARE LIMITED! TECHNOLOGY LECTURES $75 LIBOR Members $95 Non-Members TECHNOLOGY: GIVE CONSUMERS THE INFO THEY REALLY WANT Today s consumers demand easy access to listings, Realtors, and information about the buying and selling process - all using the latest technology Give them what they want using technologies such as IDX on your website, Listingbook for online communications, buyer/seller guides, school and community information, financial calculators, easy access to all MLS/LIBOR forms via Instanet, nationwide exposure for listings on sites such as AOL, Realtor.com, Trulia, Craigslist, E-Bay, etc; great photos, photo tours and video tours. We ll look at some great avenues to get the information out there including a FREE website on Google and a FREE blog using Wordpress. 7.5 Hours CE West Babylon... Sept :00am 5:30pm TECHNOLOGY CAN PROTECT YOU FROM FINES AND PENALTIES The internet information and technology tools available today can assist agents and brokers greatly in managing their risk. We ll look at issues such as DOS, CE, Licensing, MLS Rules and automatic fines, all required real estate forms and how to access, fax and save through Instanet, online property research using public records and tax databases, risks and how to minimize with tools such as RPost to certify your s, the transaction management program in Instanet, saving a document as PDF, computer backup, scanners, Outlook and the wealth of information online to keep you informed and up to date on Fair Housing, Do Not Call, CAN SPAM through websites such as NAR, NYSAR, HUD, DOJ, FCC, FTC, and RISMedia. 7.5 Hours CE Woodbury..... Sept :00am 5:30pm PRIVATE TUTORING INTERESTED IN PRIVATE TUTORING? Denise Rivera at drivera@mlsli.com TO REGISTER FOR GENERAL AND COMPUTER EDUCATION PROGRAMS: REGISTER BY TELEPHONE: x21 MAIL YOUR REGISTRATION:* Realtor Building, 300 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, NY Attn: Education Department *This registration option is not available for Computer Classes. TO REGISTER ON-LINE OR FOR DIRECTIONS, VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT MLSLI.COM FREE STRATUS DEMO MLS STRATUS DEMONSTRATION Three hour lecture demonstration (NOT hands-on). Instructor will show the Stratus system on an overhead projector. All functions of Stratus will be covered: Searching, CMA, Update, Info Center, Public Records, Add/Edit, Prospect Match, Contacts. All members welcome reservations are a MUST! No Pre-requisite. 3 Hours (1 meeting) LIBOR MEMBERS WITHOUT CE: FREE LIBOR MEMBERS WITH CE: $25 3 HOURS CE NOW AVAILABLE!!! West Bablyon... Aug :30am 12:30pm Jackson Heights. Aug :00am 1:00pm Riverhead..... Sept :00am 1:00pm Woodbury..... Sept :00am 1:00pm 3.75 HOUR STRATUS HANDS-ON 3.75 HOUR HANDS-ON STRATUS COMPUTER COURSES EARN CE CREDITS $59 Each Class LIBOR Members OR Ask About our 2, 3, or 4 Class Package and $ave! GET INTO STRATUS SEARCHING LEVEL 1 Riverhead..... Sept :00am 12:45pm Woodbury..... Sept :00am 12:45pm MAXIMIZE YOUR STRATUS SEARCHES SEARCHING LEVEL 2 Riverhead..... Sept :00am 12:45pm Woodbury..... Sept :00am 12:45pm POWER LISTING WITH CMA AND OTHER STRATUS TOOLS Riverhead..... Sept :00am 12:45pm Woodbury..... Sept :00am 12:45pm LEADS & LABELS WITH STRATUS RECORDS Riverhead..... Sept :00am 12:45pm Woodbury..... Sept :00am 12:45pm For Complete Course Descriptions Log Onto HOUR STRATUS HANDS-ON ALL NEW!!!! 7.5 HOUR STRATUS HANDS-ON CLASSES EARN CE CREDITS $75 Each Class Take 3 Modules and $ave! GET ORGANIZED WITH STRATUS Become a MARKET EXPERT! Print property lists by street and by price range. Use all the different reports to make it easier to MEMORIZE listings. Design a basic report and print your daily update. Create your HOUSE FARM by isolating 300 public records by street in the area you will target and print simple LABELS to send a marketing piece. Finally, you will get started on your PEOPLE FARM using the Stratus contacts function to track key info on everyone you know! West Babylon... Aug :00am 5:30pm Jackson Heights. Sept :00am 5:30pm STRATUS TOOLS TO MOTIVATE SELLERS Today s sellers need information, data and guidance. Develop your skills in preparing a comprehensive CMA using detailed comps(including private sales) and a professional presentation including market plan and market statistics. You will create simple mailing labels to send a listing announcement. You will learn to use the INSTANET online forms and complete the MLS listing form and upload to Stratus. You will upload photos, attach important documents and prepare for showings and the open house. West Babylon... Aug :00am 5:30pm Jackson Heights. Sept :00am 5:30pm STRATUS TOOLS TO MOVE BUYERS You can t have buyers knowing more than you do! WOW them with detailed searches, automatic s with prospect match, use the Stratus MAP searches to show the area with schools, shopping etc. You will search public records for possible foreclosures. Learn to print mailing labels from Stratus public records for your prospecting, use the financial calculators to pre-qualify and design custom reports that make sense to your buyers and help move them to sign that contract! West Babylon... Aug :00am 5:30pm Jackson Heights. Sept :00am 5:30pm NEW PROGRAM FOR ALL AGENTS ONLINE FORMS & REAL ESTATE DOCUMENTS WITH INSTANET $49 LIBOR MEMBERS INCLUDES 3 HOURS NYS CE CREDIT Instanet Forms are NOW available to all LIBOR members in an MLS office no charge for forms online Take our HANDS-ON CE class to LEARN All About It! Complete ALL your MLS, LIBOR and NY required forms online and save to your pc Mail and Fax (Unlimited) important documents to clients Upload listing to Stratus as a worksheet No need to retype Secure record keeping Reduce Risk West Babylon... Aug :00am 12:00pm 1:00pm 4:00pm Riverhead..... Sept :00am 12:00pm 1:00pm 4:00pm SHARPEN YOUR E-SKILLS E-PRO IS THE ONLY TECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATION PROGRAM OFFERED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS Attend one of the upcoming FREE e-pro Workshops to learn invaluable tech tips and how e-pro will benefit you, PLUS receive a $25 Discount for your e-pro course enrollment! West Babylon... Aug 1, Oct :30pm 3:00pm Jackson Heights. Aug 6, Oct :30pm 3:00pm Riverhead..... Oct :30pm 3:00pm Woodbury..... Sept 12, Nov :30pm 3:00pm To Register, simply visit: or call toll free: ePRONAR ( ) GENERAL COMPUTER TRAINING GET AN EXTRA HOUR FOR THE SAME $29 LIBOR MEMBER PRICE COMPUTER ESSENTIALS USING WINDOWS XP AND THE INTERNET Covers the computer BASICS that everyone must know. Learn how to find lost files, create new folders, change your desktop, surf the Internet using IE, Google and more. 4 hours hands-on (1 Meeting) PREREQUISITES: NONE. NO CE AVAILABLE. TUITION: $29 LIBOR Members/$39 Non Members If interested, please Computer Ed@mlsli.com FLYERS, LETTERS AND MAILING LABELS: Microsoft WORD for the Real Estate Professional Create property flyers, client letters and mailing labels for mass mailings. Save and find new documents, insert photos, add borders, change fonts. 4 hours hands-on (1 meeting) PREREQUISITES: Computer Essentials or equivalent, some MS Word. NO CE AVAILABLE. TUITION: $29 LIBOR Members/$39 Non Members If interested, please Computer Ed@mlsli.com E-MARKETING AND CONTACT MANAGEMENT USING MICROSOFT OUTLOOK Learn how to set up Outlook Today, change Views, manage E- Mail inbox, create folders, set up multiple signatures, create and manage Contacts categories and filters, create mailing labels, Calendar, recurring appointments. Outlook Express. 4 hours NO CE AVAILABLE TUITION: $29 LIBOR Members/$39 Non Members If interested, please Computer Ed@mlsli.com GREAT NEW CLASS Does not cover LEARN TO USE YOUR DIGITAL CAMERA $29 LIBOR Members $39 Non-Members Bring your camera and FINALLY learn how to move photos from your camera to the computer! You'll label the photo files for easy identification and set up folders to hold and organize each property's photos. You'll also learn how to upload photos to Stratus for marketing your listings. Class will also cover how to photos and post on websites for sharing. Must have basic knowledge of your camera and MUST BRING YOUR CAMERA LOADED WITH PHOTOS (preferably real estate) AND THE USB CABLE. Any brand of camera can be used. No CE Credit Available West Babylon... Sept :30am 1:30pm

20 REAL ESTATE EDUCATION CONTINUING EDUCATION RSC, WEST BABYLON, 9:00AM-5:30PM 7/29 Be All That You Can Be 8/18 The Impact of the Law on the Unsuspecting Real Estate Client & Customer 8/22 Mortgage Knowledge To Save Your Deal 8/26 Introduction to Commercial & Investment Real Estate: Concepts & Terms 9/4 Risk Reduction in a Changing Market. 9/16 Disclosure Insulation from Litigation: Safeguards & Precautions 9/25 Buying, Listing & Selling Foreclosures RSC, JACKSON HEIGHTS, 9:00AM-5:30PM 7/30 Our Business Is Changing; Are You Up To Date? 8/4 Commercial Real Estate: All About Leases 8/7 Buyer Brokerage & Ethics: The Right Choices 8/25 Home Inspection Survival Guide for Realtors: Understanding the Process for a Smoother Transaction 9/8 Counseling Your Buyer Client and/or Customer... How To Spend Less Time with Buyers & Make More Money 9/17 Short Sales in Today s Real Estate Market 9/26 Environmental Construction Concerns in Residential Real Estate RSC, RIVERHEAD, 9:00AM-5:30PM 7/31 Don t You Wish You Hadn t Done That 8/6 Environmental Construction Concerns in Residential Real Estate 8/11 Counseling Your Buyer Client and/or Customer... How To Spend Less Time with Buyers & Make More Money 8/28 Short Sales in Today s Real Estate Market 9/3 The Not-So-Basic Basics of Mortgage Financing 9/9 Disclosure Insulation from Litigation: Safeguards & Precautions 9/25 Check Up from Neck Up...A Tune-Up For Agents RSC, WOODBURY, 9:00AM-5:30PM 7/31 Sold, But Will It Close? 8/7 Buying, Listing & Selling Foreclosures 8/11 Working With Seniors...The Oldies But Goodies 8/19 Risk Management Solutions! What Every Realtor Show Know 9/2 Our Business Is Changing; Are You Up To Date? 9/10 Home Inspection Survival Guide for Realtors: Understanding the Process for a Smoother Transaction 9/26 Commercial Real Estate: All About Leases BEST WESTERN MILL RIVER MANOR, ROCKVILLE CENTRE, 8:30AM-5:00PM 7/30 Good Morning Class; A Wake Up Call On Dealing with Buyers & Sellers in Today s Market 8/5 Check Up from Neck Up...A Tune-Up For Agents 8/12 Consumer-Based Marketing 8/21 Real Estate Consulting 9/3 Risk Management Solutions! What Every Realtor Show Know 9/9 Introduction to Commercial & Investment Real Estate: Concepts & Terms 9/22 Home Inspection Survival Guide for Realtors: Understanding the Process for a Smoother Transaction APPROVED FOR 3 HOURS OF FAIR HOUSING TRAINING AS REQUIRED BY DEPT. OF STATE FOR THOSE RENEWING THEIR LICENSE AFTER 7/1/08. ALSO APPROVED FOR AND SATISFIES NAR MANDATED ETHICS COURSE REQUIREMENT FOR REALTORS NEEDED BY 12/31/08. NOTARY PUBLIC NOTARY PUBLIC TRAINING SEMINAR Want to become a notary but concerned about the exam? This program prepares by getting you acquainted with the format of the state exam, receive study booklets, application form and instructions, be familiar with types of questions asked and learn what is expected in order for you to be confident and prepared to pass the notary exam. Aug Riverhead Sept Woodbury Nov West Babylon Dec Riverhead Oct Jackson Heights TIME: 10:00AM 1:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Sal D Agate, REALTOR TUITION: $35 LIBOR Members $55 Non-members CONTINUING EDUCATION ROOKIE NEW AGENT TRAINING COURSE Approved for 7.5 hours NYS CE credit. This course assists new agents in launching their career in the real estate profession. You will learn how to start listing & selling effectively, work with customers & clients, prospect, market & overcome objections, negotiate effectively to close the sale, work within the guidelines of the law & REALTOR Code of Ethics & MLS Rules, control your success! Aug 4, 5, Woodbury :00AM 1:00PM Aug 26, 27, Jackson Heights :00AM 1:00PM TUITION: w/o CE with CE LIBOR Licensing Students/Members...$ $65 Non-members $ $215 REALTOR SHORT SALE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM Approved for 15 hours NYS CE credit. All you need to know to effectively execute a short sale transaction. Aug 11& Holiday Inn, Plainview.. 9:00AM 5:30PM Sept Dante Caterers :00AM 5:30PM Jackson Heights Oct 8& Woodbury :00AM 5:30PM Nov Best Western Mill River.. 8:30AM 5:30PM Manor, Rockville Centre Dec West Babylon :00AM 5:30PM TUITION: $175 LIBOR Members, $225 Non-members INSTRUCTORS: Cathy Nolan Esq. & Philip Tesoriero Satisfies 3 hours of Fair Housing training as required by Dept. of State (on second day of class). Satisfies 2.5 hours of Mandatory Ethics training as required by NAR (on second day of class) MAKING MORE MONEY WITH MORTGAGES Approved for 22 1/2 hours NYS CE credit. This course is for real estate agents & brokers who are seeking the ability to legally participate in the mortgage industry, mortgage companies wanting to train new loan officers and real estate agents wanting to learn more about the mortgage process. Aug 5, 6, West Babylon :00AM 5:30PM Oct 27, 28, Best Western Mill River.. 9:00AM 5:30PM Manor, Rockville Centre Nov 17, 18, West Babylon :00AM 5:30PM TUITION: $245 LIBOR Members, $345 Non-members INSTRUCTOR: Dominick Sutera FAIR HOUSING AWARENESS IN SALES & RENTALS Approved for 3 hours of Fair Housing Training as required by Dept. of State for those renewing their license after July 1, A revision to Section 441 of the Real Property Law now requires all real estate licensees who are renewing their license on or after July 1, 2008, to complete 22.5 hours of approved continuing education, three hours of which must include fair housing. This course satisfies that 3-hour requirement. (This new law does not apply to those exempt from the CE requirement.) This fair housing program is guaranteed to provide you with insight for applying the law to real world real estate. Aug Riverhead :30AM 12:30PM Aug Jackson Heights :30AM 12:30PM Sept West Babylon :30AM 12:30PM Sept Woodbury :30AM 12:30PM TUITION: $25 LIBOR Members, $40 Non-members INSTRUCTOR: Don Scanlon, CRB,GRI,CBR THE RULES OF THE REAL ESTATE GAME MLS PROCEDURES & RULES: SITUATIONS AND SOLUTIONS Approved for 3 hours NYS CE credit. Effective participation in the MLS directly impacts your earning ability and helps you avoid penalties and violations. Topics covered include how to properly fill out agreements, getting offers presented, handling multiple offers, registering binders, follow-up to protect yourself and much more. This course is important for new agents! August 1.. Riverhead Instructor: Mary Adams Sept West Babylon Instructor: Kathy Engel Oct Jackson Heights.... Instructor: Kathy Engel Nov Woodbury Instructor: Mary Adams Dec Riverhead Instructor: Hank Cardello TIME: 10:00AM 1:00PM TUITION: $20 LIBOR Members, $45 Non-members FLORIDA REAL ESTATE BROKER LICENSING COURSE Approved for 22.5 hours NYS CE credit. Through Daniel Taddeo Real Estate School. Complete the course in 7 days without the expense of going to Florida! Now you can take your Florida State Exam here in NY in 2 locations in Manhattan. Oct 2-Nov West Babylon :45AM 6:30PM Nov Riverhead :45AM 6:30PM TUITION: $395 LIBOR Members, $495 Non-members INSTRUCTOR: Daniel J. Taddeo, P.A. LICENSING 75-HOUR SALESPERSON QUALIFYING COURSES West Babylon... 9AM 5:30PM.... Aug 4-8, 11-14, 15* Jackson Heights. 9AM 5:30PM.... Aug 11-15, 18-21, 22* West Babylon... 9AM 5:30PM.... Sept 2-6, 8-11, 12* Jackson Heights. 9AM 5:30PM.... Oct 29-Nov 1,3-7, 10 *Exam date till 6:30PM TUITION: SALESPERSON: $295 register 5 business days before course; $325 thereafter. BROKER: $175 LIBOR Members; $195 Non-members. 45-HOUR BROKER QUALIFYING COURSES Riverhead AM 5:00PM.... Aug 18-22, 25, 26* Woodbury AM 5:00PM.... Sept 15-19, 22, 23* *Exam date till 7:00PM NAR CODE OF ETHICS NAR CODE OF ETHICS TRAINING PROGRAM THE ROAD TO ETHICS IS PAVED IN GOLD These classes will satisfy NAR mandated Ethics Training Requirement needed by 12/31/08 and are APPROVED FOR 3 HOURS NYS CE CREDIT. Upon successful completion, LIBOR will notify NAR on ethics and DOS for CE credits. CHOOSE FROM 2 SESSIONS: Morning (AM): 9:30am-12:30pm OR Afternoon (PM): 1:30pm-4:30pm TUITION: $25.00 LIBOR Members $50.00 Non-members WEST BABYLON Sept AM Instructor: Cathy Nolan, Esq. Sept PM Instructor: Cathy Nolan, Esq. Nov AM Instructor: Don Scanlon Nov PM Instructor: Don Scanlon Dec AM Instructor: Don Scanlon Dec PM Instructor: Don Scanlon DANTE CATERERS, JACKSON HEIGHTS Sept AM Instructor: Steve Harney Sept PM Instructor: Steve Harney Dec AM Instructor: Kathy Engel Dec PM Instructor: Kathy Engel WOODBURY Aug AM Instructor: Nick Gigante Aug PM Instructor: Nick Gigante Oct AM Instructor: Joe Caggiano Oct PM Instructor: Joe Caggiano Nov AM Instructor: Cathy Nolan, Esq. Nov PM Instructor: Cathy Nolan, Esq. CORAL HOUSE, BALDWIN Aug AM Only Instructor: Jim Pugliese Dec AM Only Instructor: Jim Pugliese BEST WESTERN, RIVERHEAD Oct AM Instructor: Jim Pugliese Oct PM Instructor: Jim Pugliese DESIGNATION & PROF DEVELOPMENT NEW YORK STATE REALTOR INSTITUTE 2008 GRI, SRES & ABR DESIGNATION COURSE OFFERINGS (All NYSAR Classes) Each module approved for NYS CE credit. LOCATION: Realtor Service Center West Babylon 8:30am 5:30pm To register for GRI courses, call JACKSON HEIGHTS GRI Sept GRI Oct SRES Nov 13&14 WOODBURY GRI Sept 25 GRI Oct 20 GRI Oct 21 GRI Oct 29&30 WEST BABYLON GRI Sept 8&9 GRI Oct 16 GRI Oct 17 GRI Nov 13 ABR (Elective).. Oct 7 SRES Oct 2&3 CBR CERTIFIED BUYER REPRESENTATIVE DESIGNATION COURSE Approved for 22.5 hours NYS Continuing Education Credit. Aug 12, 13, West Babylon Before/After 7/22 Nov 18, 19, Dante Caterers Before/After 10/28 Jackson Heights Dec 2, 3, Holiday Inn, Plainview.. Before/After 11/10 INSTRUCTOR: James V. Pugliese, ABR, CRB, GRI, CBR, CSP, ITI, SRES TIME: 8:30am 5:30pm TUITION: Before: $345 LIBOR Members $375 Non-Members After: $375 LIBOR Members $405 Non Members 21 July/August 2008 THE REALTOR

21 THE REALTOR July/August SERVICES DIRECTORY BUSINESS CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Belle Maison Realty joinbmr.com Charles Rutenberg Realty crrli.com Daniel Gale Sotheby s x 222 danielgale.com ERA Top Service Realty ERATopService.com J. Philip Real Estate, LLC jphilip.com Keystone Realty joinkeystone.com Pulte Homes pulte.com/longisland RE/MAX of New York, Inc remax-ny.com Weichert Realtors weichert.com ENGINEERS Tauscher, Cronacher Professional Engineers, P.C Home Inspections by Licensed NewYorkPE.com Professional Engineers Since 1957 INSURANCE/LEGAL Jay S. Gootenberg...Off: RESSI Listingbook Errors & Omissions, Cell: Commercial & Personal Insurance Plus insuranceplusny.com Remco Agency remcoagency.com MEDIA LIBOR Membership Directory MLS/LIBOR Web Site x 348 mlsli.com, mlsstratus.com The Realtor Advertising MEMBER BENEFITS NYSAR x 229 nysar.com MORTGAGES The Thaureau Group thaureaugroup.com PROMOTION SERVICES DSI Design Group TECHNOLOGY MLS Products & Services x 11 MLS Tech Support Services TECH TITLE SERVICES Property Run, Inc THE SERVICES DIRECTORY IS PROVIDED AS AN ADDITIONAL SERVICE. THE PUBLISHER DOES NOT ASSUME ANY LIABILITY FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS. LONG ISLAND REALTORS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Financial services as it should be the personal way Savings Checking Direct Deposit Internet Account Access Credit Cards Auto Loans Share Secured Loans The Publication That Reaches Over 26,000 LIBOR Members! CONTACT... Advertise In Personal Loans Vacation Club Holiday Club Mortgage Lending American Express Gift Checks & Travelers Checks LONG ISLAND REALTORS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION 300 Sunrise Highway West Babylon, NY Ext Serving Our Members Since 1972 DSI DESIGN GROUP CHRISTOPHER MEADOWS Tel: (516) Fax: (516) studio@dsidesigngroup.com Need Help With Your Ad? We offer professional Design and Ad Layout services at a reasonable cost.

22 23 July/August 2008 THE REALTOR Registered Mortgage Broker NY Licensed Mortgage Lender CO,CT, FL,GA,MN,NM,OK,OR,SC,WY State Banking Depts. This is an advertisement to Real Estate professionals and Mortgage Brokerage professionals only.

23 More consumers visited remax.com in 2007 than the websites of Century 21, Coldwell Banker, Prudential and ERA. More than Keller Williams, Realty Executives, and GMAC, too. And with nearly 3 million unique visitors to remax.com in January 2008, this year looks to be even stronger! ,246,567 remax.com Century 21 Coldwell Banker Prudential ERA Where Do YOU Want To Be? RE/MAX of New York, Inc. 990 Stewart Avenue Garden City, NY (516) remax.com Real Estate Web Traffic 2007 Total Unique Visitors Average Per Month (in millions) Keller Williams GMAC RE That means more business for RE/MAX agents. Our industry-leading national advertising drives potential real estate clients and customers directly to remax.com. And remax.com delivers those leads straight to RE/MAX offices and their agents. Whether you are a seller, buyer or an agent, are you benefitting by your company s advertising dollars? RE/MAX agents average more sales than other agents. And in today s market, that kind of advantage is more important than ever, to all. Magazine RE/MAX is the nation s No. 1 real estate franchise - and the No. 10 franchise overall - according to Entrepreneur magazine s 29th Annual Franchise 500 survey. Share the power of RE/MAX.