President s Message. Another Way for NCMAR to Communicate with you! Text Messaging

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40 Summer St. Fitchburg MA 01420 Ph. (978) 345-2531 Fax (978) 696-5477 www.ncmar.

Aberman Associates Treasurer Susan Wright EXIT New Options Real Estate Secretary Ben Hause Director Rick Cuddy Foster-Healey Real Estate Business Partner Director Katie Weldon Village Mortgage Past

1 40 Summer St. Fitchburg MA Ph. (978) Fax (978) Volume 40, Issue 5 News & Views May 2017 President s Message NCMAR Leadership President Locke Haman EXIT New Options Real Estate President Elect Yasmin Loft Paula K. Aberman Associates Treasurer Susan Wright EXIT New Options Real Estate Secretary Ben Hause Director Rick Cuddy Foster-Healey Real Estate Business Partner Director Katie Weldon Village Mortgage Past President Michelle Haggstrom. May is here and there was no better way to kick it off than our 2 nd Annual N.C.M.A.R. Beach Party! The Beach Party is our scholarship fundraiser and this year was a huge success. We blew past our goals and raised a ton of money. In fact we surpassed last years total money raised by 50%! Thank you to everyone who came out and enjoyed the night with us it was a blast! And if you missed it, you missed a great night! I want to give a big thanks to the members of the Scholarship Committee and Member Services Committee who were involved in planning this fun and successful event. A lot of work went into planning, organizing, and setting up the Beach Party, and it couldn t have been done without the hard work of these volunteers. The committees not only planned a great night but were there early to set up and stuck around late to clean up. Thank you to those committees and their committee chairs Yasmin Loft, Christina Sargeant, and Susan Wright. And an extra special thank you to Rick and Jean Cuddy! This was the second year in a row that Rick and Jean donated an all inclusive week-long Caribbean vacation to be used as a raffle prize. This generous donation made selling tickets easy. And thank you to Rick for being our emcee for the evening and keeping us entertained and energized! Happy May! And don t forget to register for our June 5 th Awards Banquet where we will be awarding Realtor of the Year, Business Partner of the Year, Good Neighbor of the Year, Sales Associate of the Year and Honor Society. Register at See you soon! Locke Haman 2017 NCMAR President Locke Premiere Sponsor Another Way for NCMAR to Communicate with you! Text Messaging If you want to be notified of special events, urgent messages, or meeting reminders, take out your phone and Text NCMAR to June Awards Banquet June 5th, :00 pm registration 6:00 pm program and dinner Colonial Hotel, Gardner $35 pp Register at

2 Page 2 News & Views May 2017 Welcome New REALTOR Members In accordance with Article V Section 1 NCMAR By-Laws notice is hereby given to all REALTOR members of the intention of the named individuals to become members of the Association. If any REALTOR member desires to make objection or comment concerning the named individuals, such objection or comment must be made in writing to the President within 10 days of this notice. Peter Ricupero Amy Wheeler-Clark Tara Peddle Tanaka Chimbinyu Oscar Rodriguez The Board of Directors reaffirmed that New Member Orientation is mandatory for all new REALTOR members. New members have many questions about their membership and we will answer them at this training. * What is the Code of Ethics? * What benefits do I receive from being a REALTOR? * What services does NCMAR provide? * How can I get more involved? Learn the answers to these questions and so much more... The next scheduled training is May 25, 2017 Meet President Locke Haman, President elect Yasmin Loft and Executive Officer Kathy Lore. Welcome New Business Partners Glenn Klausner Green Home Solutions 24 Hardy Drive Leominster, MA Glenn.klausner@greenhomesolutions.com Mold Remediation Solution

3 Page 3 News & Views May 2017 Notes from the MAR Legal Hotline Michael McDonagh, MAR General Counsel Justin Davidson, MAR Legislative & Regulatory Counsel Claire Crowley, MAR Staff Attorney Q. My company wants to start advertising our listings on social media. How can I be sure that I am making the proper disclosures? A. Whether the property is being promoted in a newspaper or on the internet, brokers must disclose the name of their brokerage, as well as their status as a real estate professional. Massachusetts Regulation 254 CMR 3.00(9) states that, A broker shall not advertise in any way that is false or misleading and all advertisements shall include the name of the real estate broker. Furthermore, the Realtor Code of Ethics states that, Realtors shall be honest and truthful in their real estate communications and shall present a true picture in their advertising, marketing, and other representations. Realtors shall ensure that their status as real estate professionals is readily apparent in their advertising, marketing, and other representations, and that the recipients of all real estate communications are, or have been, notified that those communications are from a real estate professional. Standard of Practice 12-5 of the Realtor Code of Ethics was amended in 2016 to address the concern of social media and advertisements. Specifically, it states: Realtors shall not advertise nor permit any person employed by or affiliated with them to advertise real estate services or listed property in any medium (e.g., electronically, print, radio, television, etc.) without disclosing the name of that Realtor s firm in a reasonable and readily apparent manner either in the advertisement or in electronic advertising via a link to a display with all required disclosures. Therefore, in each social media advertisement, you must be sure to include a link to another page, most likely your firm website, which includes the name of your brokerage. You should also keep in mind that Massachusetts License law prohibits salespersons from advertising under their own name. Therefore, it is recommended that salespeople who wish to advertise their listings via social media should do so in a manner that clearly identifies their status as a real estate professional, as well as the name of their brokerage. When it comes to advertising on Facebook, keep in mind the Facebook Terms of use generally prohibit users from using a personal account to represent something other than yourself. For some, a Facebook business page may be the more appropriate place for advertisements. The MAR Legal Hotline Q. I am a buyer's agent and want to showcase some other brokerages' listings on my social media page to attract buyer-clients. I think this is a win-win, because I will help the sellers get exposure, and I will also attract clients. Is this an acceptable practice? A. Probably not. Advertising another firm's listing on your social media page could be construed as misleading to prospective buyers, since they might assume that the listing is your own. Furthermore, Standard of Practice 12-4 prohibits Realtor from advertising without authority. If the seller's agent and their client did not give you permission to advertise this listing, this is likely a violation of Article 12, and possibly the Massachusetts regulations. Q. I thought that when brokers signed up for the MLS, the brokers automatically granted access to have their listings posted on other subscribers websites. Can I post information on other brokers listings from the MLS on my social media page? A. Not necessarily. You should take a close look at your Multiple Listing Service policies, which will include very specific requirements for web pages, or "public access websites" that display listings through the MLS. Specifically, the National Association of Realtor Handbook on Multiple Listing Policy states that, "the Information Data Exchange (IDX) policy gives MLS participants the ability to authorize limited electronic display of their listings by other participants...and... MLS participants [may]display aggregated MLS listing information by specified electronic means in accordance with this policy." Following that statement is a detailed list of what each website must include in order to properly display other participant's listings. Each MLS has varying policies on this, but those policies are exhaustive and specific. Most likely, sharing another brokerage's listing on your social media page is not automatically consistent with your MLS policies. To be sure, if you are sharing another brokerage's listings on your website, be sure to check your MLS rules. is available free of charge to all office principals and their designees who have completed the Hotline Authorization form. To obtain a copy of the form, visit MAR s website at or simply call the Hotline at The Hotline is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Committee/Young Professionals Network Emma Weisman Jordan LeBlanc Community Involvement Committee Denise Wortman Emma Weisman Technology Committee Chair Go to www.ncmar.

Michelle Haggstrom Top Producer Workgroup Gail Lent Log in to your account using your email address on file with NCMAR and the default password ncmar1.

4 Page 4 News & Views May Committee Chairs Executive Committee Locke Haman Finance Committee Susan Wright Government Affairs Committee Tom Ruble Member Services Committee Yasmin Loft Technology Committee/Young Professionals Network Emma Weisman Jordan LeBlanc Community Involvement Committee Denise Wortman Emma Weisman Technology Committee Chair Go to Click on My Account in the toolbar (see yellow arrow above) This will bring you to a log in page. Emma s Tech Corner Sign Up Online for Membership Meetings Did you know that you can register and pay for upcoming events on www,ncmar, com? Communications Committee Jermane Stephinger Grievance Committee Gayle Sabol Professional Standards Committee Gary Bourque Scholarship Trustees Christina Sargent Awards & Recognition Workgroup Michelle Haggstrom Top Producer Workgroup Gail Lent Log in to your account using your address on file with NCMAR and the default password ncmar1. (Important after logging in please change the default to a password of your choice). MAR Directors Michelle Haggstrom Locke Haman MAR Alternates Yasmin Loft Susan Wright MLS PIN Directors Rick Healey Paula Savard After you log in click on the Events tab. Choose the upcoming event from the drop down menu from the list of all events coming up for the next several months. You can register for the event by clicking the button Register. You can add an attendee to your registration (like a guest, friend or spouse). Then to complete the registration click on Submit Registration & Pay. You have a chance to review the data entered, if correct click Complete Registration and Pay. Add you credit card information on our secure site and your reservation is complete. Try it out on to register for the June Awards Banquet on June 5th!!

June 7, 2017 Event Day Check-In Time: 9am 10am Race Start: 10:30am Eligibility: Open to all runners, walkers, wheelchairs, assisted wheelchairs and strollers Event is Rain or Shine Volunteers needed

5 Page 5 News & Views May 2017 Community Spotlight Boys and Girls Club Great Futures 5K Walk/Run Fundraiser Location: Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster 365 Lindell Ave Leominster MA Date: Sunday, June 7, 2017 Event Day Check-In Time: 9am 10am Race Start: 10:30am Eligibility: Open to all runners, walkers, wheelchairs, assisted wheelchairs and strollers Event is Rain or Shine Volunteers needed for working the food tent, registration table or course volunteers. Contact Karmen Ramos at ext 28 or greatfutures5k@gmail.com for more information. Business Partner Spotlight Name: Kimberly Stone (Kim) Office: Radius Financial Group, Inc. City/Town: North Central / Central MA KStone@radiusgrp.com Website: Facebook: KimStoneOwnYourHome Kim Stone Designations or Education: B.S. Radius Mortgage NCMAR Involvement: Business Partner Expo Committee, April 2017 Night out Sponsor Community Involvement: Wachusett Mountain Volunteer Ranger, NC Chamber of Commerce Member My favorite saying: Carpe!! could be Diem could be A book I recommend: Oh, The Places You ll Go! By Dr. Seuss I owe my success to: a commitment to growth and learning. My best personal trait: self effacing humor or my drive. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. Preferably while staying active and getting outside. My favorite getaway. I have 2. Mountains or Beaches What profession were you in prior to beginning your current career? General Manager /Principal / Marketing and Sales Manager

hands-on training classes for our customers to learn

Registration is required to reserve your seat in each

We recommend doing so in advance as seating is limited.

aspx If you have problems registering online, please

Market Reports Pinergy Overview: 3rd Party Programs,

Searching for Listings Date and Start Time 05/18/2017

06/16/2017 12:30 PM Beach Party Fundraiser is a huge

On Friday evening April 28th a crowd gathered at

volleyball, a limbo contest, hula hoop contest, tug of

6 Page 6 News & Views May 2017 MLS PIN Training MLS PIN offers free, hands-on training classes for our customers to learn the different levels of the Pinergy system. Registration is required to reserve your seat in each class. We recommend doing so in advance as seating is limited. All classes are free of charge for MLS PIN customers. To register go to If you have problems registering online, please call our Customer Service at (800) , option 1, to register by phone. COURSE Pinergy's Listings Management Pinergy's CMA & Market Reports Pinergy Overview: 3rd Party Programs, Settings, and Tools Getting Started with Pinergy: Searching for Listings Date and Start Time 05/18/2017 9:30 AM 05/18/ :30 PM 06/16/2017 9:30 AM 06/16/ :30 PM Beach Party Fundraiser is a huge success!! Over $4000 raised for the scholarship fund. On Friday evening April 28th a crowd gathered at Knights Of Columbus in Leominster to enjoy beach volleyball, a limbo contest, hula hoop contest, tug of war and more. Raffle prizes, Scratch Ticket raffle and of course the chance to win an All-Inclusive 7 night Caribbean trip for 2 were highlights of the evening. The Caribbean trip was generously donated by Rick Cuddy, Director at Large and agent at Foster-Healey Real Estate.

com REALTOR Day on Beacon Hill Wednesday, June 14, 2017 REALTORS will have a chance to network and enjoy a continental

before learning about the key legislative issues in 2017 that will affect the real estate industry and private property

7 Page 7 News & Views May 2017 $15 per person or tables of 8 for $100 Register at REALTOR Day on Beacon Hill Wednesday, June 14, 2017 REALTORS will have a chance to network and enjoy a continental breakfast starting at 9:30 a.m. before learning about the key legislative issues in 2017 that will affect the real estate industry and private property rights. We will meet with our legislators following the speaking program. Do not miss out on this opportunity to show that REALTORS are directly involved in the legislative process! Again this year we will go on a very interesting guided tour of the statehouse! Kathy Lore at kathylore@ncmar.com or Tom Ruble at TRuble83@gmail.com with any questions. JOIN US!

Page 8 News & Views www.ncmar.com May 2017 Upcoming Events You re Invited to Connect and Engage at the NCMAR Night Out Thursday, May 18, 2017 5:30 to 8:30 pm Member Gathering at Save the Dates!

8 Page 8 News & Views May 2017 Upcoming Events You re Invited to Connect and Engage at the NCMAR Night Out Thursday, May 18, :30 to 8:30 pm Member Gathering at Save the Dates! May Calendar of Events 9 Business Partner Meeting 9 am 9 Ce Class 6-8 pm Fidelity Bank 10 Finance Committee Meeting 10 am 10 Ce Class 10 - noon Fidelity Bank 11 Tech/YPN Meeting 10 am 11 Member Services Committee 10 am The Bootlegger Restaurant located on Lunenburg Street in Fitchburg. Join your fellow NCMAR members for a fun night out with plenty of networking, good conversation and an enjoyable time for all attendees. The Member Services Committee will offer a 50/50 cash raffle where you may purchase tickets for $5 Half the funds raised from this raffle will go to a local charity. Sponsored by Ann Proctor of Rollstone Bank and Trust 17 Government Affairs Committee 10 am 17 Community Involvement Committee 11 am 18 NCMAR Night Out 5:30 to 8 pm 101 Grill, Leominster 18 MLS PIN Training 9:30 & 1 pm 23 Legislative Breakfast 7:30 am Doubletree by Hilton 25 New Member Orientation 9 am 30 Board of Directors 9 am North Central MA Associations of REALTORS, Inc. 40 Summer St. Fitchburg MA Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Phone (978) Fax (978) NCMAR Staff Association Executive Kathy Lore, RCE, epro kathylore@ncmar.com Member Services Coordinator Justin Lore, epro justinlore@ncmar.com Newsletter Deadline for submission for the next issue is the last day of the month. For information on Business Partner advertising, contact the Association Office. News & Views is available online at and every issue is ed to our members. Print copies of the News & Views are available to members upon request. The subscription is included in the yearly local dues.

President s Message. Inventory and Days on Market: Inventory 9,683 13, % % % 5,903 7, %

President s Message. Inventory and Days on Market: Inventory 9,683 13, % % % 5,903 7, % 40 Summer St. Fitchburg MA 01420 Ph. (978) 345-2531 Fax (978) 696-5477 www.ncmar.com Volume 41, Issue 5 News & Views May 2018 President s Message NCMAR Leadership President Yasmin Loft Paula K. Aberman