The Nor'easter
Official Publication of The Northeast Association of REALTORS®, Inc.
The Voice for Real EstateTM in the Northeast
3 Courthouse Lane, Chelmsford, MA 01824 Phone: 978/458-2901 2004 Leadership
NEAR Officers: Elaine Marsella President Tony Ducharme President-elect Linda Kody First Vice President Dan Sullivan Secretary Blaise Coco Treasurer NEAR Directors: Tom Courtney Bernadette Gibson Don McMeniman Margaret Tang Eleanor Turke Anne Webster MAR Directors: Elaine Marsella Brenda Beaudoin Mike Brown Joan Fitzgibbons Jim Haley Ron Morrison Jody O'Brien Committee Leadership: Board of Directors/Executive: Elaine Marsella Caravan: Sherri Kirby, Chair Education: Dan Sullivan, Chair Susan Tisbert, Vice Chair Finance: Blaise Coco, Chair Government Affairs: Tony Ducharme, Chair Bernie Bergeron, Vice Chair RPAC Subcommittee: Jody O'Brien, Chair Grievance: Chris Doherty, Chair Carole Barrett, Vice Chair Hospitality: Nancy Norbedo, Chair Joanne Sullivan, Vice Chair Housing Opportunities: Georgi Mueller, Chair Frances Markel, Vice Chair Marketing: Rick Coco, Chair Mike Lombard, Vice Chair Membership: Elaine Consalvo, Chair Ron Marsella, Vice Chair Nominating: Jody O'Brien, Chair Professional Standards: Linda Kody, Chair Terry McNally, Vice Chair REALTOR®-Affiliate Networking: Jody Marchand, Chair Joan Fitzgibbons, Vice Chair REALTOR® of the Year: Lil Holloway, Chair REALTORS® Community Service: Joan Brothers, Chair, Joanne Deschenes, Vice Chair Recognition Gala Awards: Brenda Beaudoin, Chair Linda Early, Vice Chair
. . . Fax: 978/970-0443 info@massnear.com www.massnear.com June 2004 "REALTOR® Day on Beacon Hill" with confirmed Keynote Speaker: Tom Finneran, Speaker of the House, on June 8, 2004!
· Permit caps & housing production issues · Uniform code for Title V Some of the important issues to be discussed at this year's event: · Stopping transfer taxes (sales tax on homes!) · Credit scoring for home owners insurance Two NEAR participants of "Day of the Hill" will each win a set of 2 Red Sox Tickets, courtesy of Dennis Page of RE/MAX Prestige, and one participant will win a week's lodging in Marco Island, Florida, courtesy of Tony Ducharme of Century 21 G.J. Brown! Go to www.massnear.com for more information and a registration flier.
Thank you! The NEAR Government Affairs Committee Hot Fun in the Summertime The weather's
not the only thing heating-up... check out these sizzling events at NEAR! June 17: our annual Recognition Gala, a fantastic time to celebrate our profession and accomplishments! See flier p. 5. July 14: sitting under the stars at the all-American sport - our annual Night at the Lowell Spinners! August 4: at Kimball's Farm you can bring the kids, the office - everyone and enjoy a round of mini-golf, an ice cream cone and more! August 23: 18th Annual Poor Golfer's Open See flier p. 10! For more information on all of these events, go to www.massnear.com! Photography by John Dyer NEAR Staff: Anne Rendle, CEO Maureen Caires, Events & Communications Coordinator Sue Guillemette, Customer Service Representative Chris Lasonde, Marketing and Web Site Coordinator Sharon Sarvela, Membership Coordinator Mary Weber-Eliopoulos, Bookkeeper Anna Sullivan (l) of Thomas A. Sullivan Real Estate in Methuen is shown with her son, the Honorable Mayor Michael Sullivan, Mayor of the City of Lawrence, and State Representative William Lantigua, who represents Lawrence, at the annual Legislative Breakfast held at Lenzi's in Dracut. Pictorial on p. 9. To all of our supporters of the Annual
RCS Charitable Raffle, a.k.a. "Take the Harley or Take the Cash", we sincerely thank you! Because of YOU, we are able to continue assisting numerous organizations which serve our neighbors and communities, all in the name of our REALTOR® association! (Look for pictorial in next month's issue!) The REALTORS® Community Service Committee Your one-stop REALTOR® connection: www.massnear.com President's Message
By Elaine Marsella
What a busy and successful month the Northeast Association has experienced! April started out with the Housing Opportunities Committee's unveiling of their year-and-a-half effort to produce a valuable booklet for all of us to share with the public. This involved soliciting funds and gathering the expert input that fills the booklet. At a well-attended function at the Radisson Hotel, Georgi Mueller, Housing Opportunities Committee Chair, and her wonderful committee received the accolades they rightly deserve for all their hard work. I'm sure you've all had an opportunity to see the booklet as it has been distributed to all of our offices. Politicians, housing advocates and our immediate past President, Jody O'Brien, all spoke to the benefit this information will mean in helping new homeowners realize the American Dream. Well done!! Our CEO Anne Rendle, President-elect Tony Ducharme, and I were off to the Cape the very next day to attend the three-day New England REALTOR® Conference, which was well attended by delegations from all the New England states and our State and National Leadership. After attending these meetings, it is very apparent that going to bed nightly and pulling the covers over your head and expecting to wake each day to our industry remaining the same does not work! We all need to stop and read our local, state and national magazines and get involved and awakened to what is happening! While we sleep, there are huge shifts happening in trends, issues, technology, and business models. Our customer and clients are demanding more and, according to Steve Murray of RealTrends Magazine, some of the major issues today are: · · Increased competition in the industry Segmentation among housing consumers (some want top service, some insist on paying less) There are great differences between what the Gen X'ers and Baby Boomers need. Ongoing threat to the internet And on a positive note: Demographics indicate 5 to 6 years of robust household formations, immigration, etc., and we need to invest in figuring out how to assist emerging markets: i.e., Hispanic and Asian consumers National Association of REALTORS® President Walt McDonald announced the new Ambassador to Cities Program by NAR and the US Conference of Mayors, noting that the federal level must expand Housing Opportunities so that the housing market will continue to grow. He also reported that public support of REALTORS® has improved dramatically in the six years of the NAR Image Campaign, per consumer surveys. NAR President-elect Al Mansell ­ who is President of the Senate in his home state of Utah ­ highlighted some legislative successes: · The American Dream Down-payment Act: $5,000 grants to low income people to purchase a home took effect April 29th Fair Credit Reporting Act: helps consumers clean up their credit · · Jobs & Growth Tax Act: cuts capital gains rate & takes fewer years to amortize leasehold improvements Some of the challenges are: · · · · "Homeownership Tax Credit" for developers of affordable housing increased loan limits for high-cost areas keeping national banks out of real estate brokerage · · NAR Calls to Action, though fairly effective, now achieve only a 10 percent response from members and would be much more effective with more member participation Other interesting topics were reports given by NAR Legal Counsel Laurie Janik on the good news that litigation versus REALTOR® Associations is down. Our The NEAR staff sends a special thanks Board's Association Counsel Bob to Georgi Mueller, Chair of the O'Sullivan of Oakley, O'Sullivan & Housing Opportunities Committee, for Eaton, P.C. in Andover also attended the the scrumptious breakfast feast ! Attorney Session and reported that it was fabulous, including great discussion and information. Morris, Rossi & Hayes One thing that ATTORNEYS AT LAW did come across loud 32 Chestnut Street and clear at the Andover, Massachusetts 01801 Presidents' and Telephone 978/475-1300 FAX 978/474-0478 President-elects' REAL ESTATE LAW meeting is that the RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL costs are rising to run PURCHASE & SALES associations. We have been diligently Michael W. Morris Melissa Morris Danisch* working at the local Laurence J. Rossi Wayne F. Simmons, Jr.* level for the past six Daniel A. Hayes, Jr.* Michael W. Morris, Jr.* years to keep costs *ALSO ADMITTED IN NEW HAMPSHIRE down, yet not at the mrh.andover@verizon.net
1 price of loss of service. We have and will continue to bring the membership quality programs and the service you deserve. I asked to hear from you last month, and I did receive a member request to make a plea for all agents to check on the "Security" of the homes that they are showing. Please take the time to test the doors that you close upon exiting any property to make sure that they are indeed locked. All locks are different, and we can't assume that a closed door is a locked door! Also, take the time to shut lights, secure any windows or patio doors, and leave the property in the condition you found it!! While we are on the subject, when you are conducting an open house, don't let consumers wander the home unaccompanied -- stay together and never allow anyone to open personal drawers or handle any decorative items. It really all goes back to living the "Golden Rule" in all our business practices. You just can't stumble when you treat each consumer, each property, and each situation with a fellow REALTOR® as if it were with a dear member of your own family. Please take the time to retrace your footsteps on all your showings and leave the property as you found it and LOCKED securely!!! In 2002 and 2003, our Education Committee published a five-page manual with valuable suggestions for our REALTOR® members as a reminder of steps to take to enhance your professionalism. If you've lost the manual, it can be emailed easily- Just call the Board office for your copy of "the NEAR Golden Rule" publication!! I hope you all have a great month! 2 Your one-stop REALTOR® connection: www.massnear.com NEAR 2004 Calendar
GRI 102: Managing Risk, sponsored by NEAR in conjunction with the Northern Region REALTOR® Partnership. Course will be held at North Shore Association of REALTORS® in Danvers. Course is two full days from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. To Register call MAR at 800/725-6272 or 781/891-3700 ext. 523 or go to www.marealtor.com. June 1/22 CE: NEAR and Kathy Roosa School of RE offer Continuing Education at NEAR. See p. 4 June 8 MAR REALTOR® Day on Beacon Hill; all NEAR members encouraged to attend. Go to www.massnear.com for a flier! July 5 Holiday. NEAR office closed. July 14 NEAR Night at the Lowell Spinners! June 17 Annual NEAR Recognition Gala, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Lenzi's in Dracut. July 13 CE: NEAR and Kathy Roosa School of R.E. offer Continuing Education at NEAR. See p. 4 July 20 Free! Intro to e-Pro training seminar, morning course to be held at NEAR. For more information go to www.massnear.com July 26/27/28 Certified Buyer Representative designation course (CBR), 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel, Chelmsford. Earn the nationally recognized CBR designation! Register today! Aug. 4 NEW! Mini-Golf Event sponsored by NEAR REALTOR®-Affiliate Networking Committee, 4:00 p.m. at Kimball's in Westford. Aug. 12 Staff summer outing. NEAR office closed. Aug. 18 Code of Ethics: NAR-mandated Code of Ethics Training with Kathy Roosa, 9:00 a.m. to Noon at NEAR. Aug. 23 18th Poor Golfer's Open Tourney, annual charitable golf tournament sponsored by the NEAR REALTOR®-Affiliate Networking Committee, at the Windham Country Club, Windham, NH. Register on www.massnear.com! Sept. 7/28 CE: NEAR and Kathy Roosa School of R.E. offer Continuing Education at NEAR. See p. 4 Sept. 8/9 GRI 301: Under All is the Land, sponsored by NEAR in conjunction with the Northern Region REALTOR® Partnership. Course will be held at NEAR in Chelmsford. Course is two full days from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. To Register call MAR at 800/725-6272 or 781/891-3700 ext. 523 or go to www.marealtor.com. Sept. 13 Membership Dinner Meeting & C. E., 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Lenzi's in Dracut. Save the date! June 1/2 Time's running out! Are YOU Compliant?
2004 marks the final year for you to complete REALTORS® mandatory quadrennial Code of Ethics training required of each REALTOR® during every four-year period. The NEAR Education Committee will be offering 3 training sessions before year's end: Aug. 18, Oct.9, and Dec.13, featuring instructor Kathy Roosa. This class now counts for MA and NH CE credits! If you have not already taken this class, please mark your calendars and plan on attending! (Refer to p. 8 for a list of those who have NOT yet completed this course.) If none of these dates will work for you, you are able to take the training course on-line. To access, go to www.realtor.org and on the bottom left click on Code of Ethics training. Questions? Call us at 978/458-2901. The National Association of REALTORS® Professional Standards Policy Statement No. 48 provides: Effective January 1, 2002, REALTORS® are required to complete quadrennial ethics training of not less than two hours and thirty minutes of instructional time. The only REALTORS® exempt from this are those who have taken (or will take) the new-member orientation program within this time frame. FREE training at NEAR! June 2,9,16, & 23 from 9:00 a.m. to noon or 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Sign-up today on-line at www.mlspin.com\training or call MLS at 800/695-3000 Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union
No Points and No Closing Costs · Mortgages Serviced In-House · Construction Loans, Jumbo and Second Homes too!
· JDCU has mobile mortgage originators that will come right to your home or office! Call Kara Doyle (978) 479-7150 or Elkin Montoya (978) 853-3740.
NEAR Affiliates support our Association through their membership, advertisements & sponsorships. Please consider utilizing their services first in all of your business dealings! Thank you. JDCU
Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union
"Experience a Better Way of Banking" (978) 452-5001 or JDCU.com 3 Save time!
Go to: www.massnear.com Buy your REALTOR® supplies on-line! Your one-stop REALTOR® connection: www.massnear.com Cool Info for You, Your Clients, & the Earth!
2004 RPAC Contributors to-date: The following members
have contributed to RPAC this year. To make your contribution - $25 is the "fair share" - go to www.marealtor.com. Have you ever been looking to get rid of something that you just know someone else could use? Don't have enough stuff or enough time for a yard sale? Freecycle allows you to offer up your old encyclopedias, microwave ovens, golf clubs, left over lumber, furniture, and just about anything else to anyone who wants it. You can find cool stuff too! It's like a local version of eBay, except that everything is free! So get it out of your basement or garage, and find a new home for your unwanted stuff! Communities endorse this initiative in a continuing effort to get material out of the waste stream, thus reducing trash costs. The worldwide (!) Freecycle Network is made up of many individual groups across the globe. It's a grassroots movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own cities and towns. Each local group is run by a local volunteer moderator. To join go to www.FreeCycle.org, click on US Northeast, then click on your closest community (Lowell, North Andover, Haverhill, and Nashua, NH have local chapters) and "Join the Group" ! Though powered by Yahoo, you do not have to be a subscriber to their internet service to participate. Simply choose a user ID and password and you're off and running! Remember, if real estate is your profession, then politics is your business!
*Brenda Beaudoin, Beaudoin & Associates, REALTORS® *Beverley Bourassa, Century 21 G.J. Brown *Virginia Broadhurst, RE/MAX Preferred Joan Brothers, Century 21 J. Borstell *Mike Brown, Century 21 G. J. Brown *Barbara Donovan-Rizzo, Prudential Howe & Doherty *Tony Ducharme, Century 21 G.J. Brown *Linda Early, Coco, Early & Associates *Joan Fitzgibbons, Carlson GMAC *Bernadette Gibson, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Lil Holloway, Re/Max Prestige *Linda Kody, Kody & Co. Heidi Mahoney, Century 21 McLennan *Elaine Marsella, Carlson GMAC Ron Marsella, Carlson GMAC *Georgi Mueller, ERA Morrison *Anne Rendle, Northeast Association of REALTORS® *Dan Sullivan, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Susan Tisbert, Coco, Early & Associates *Eleanor Turke, Prudential Howe & Doherty *Anne Webster, ERA Home & Family RE Dorothy Werlich, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage * indicates RPAC Directors Club-level contributor Don't miss this valuable course being held at the Chelmsford Radisson on July 26, 27 & 29! Learn more at www.massnear.com Upcoming C.E. Classes @ NEAR
June 1, July 13, Sept. 7 Seller Agency Fair Housing Contract Law June 22, Aug. 17, Sept.28 Buyer Agency Anti-Trust MA. RE Licensing Law Class Time: 9 - 11 a.m. 11 - 1 p.m. 1 - 3 p.m. NEAR member cost: $30 for each 2-hour class or $180 for all 12 hours non-NEAR member REALTOR® cost: $35 for each 2-hour class or $210 for all 12 hours non-REALTOR® cost: $40 for each 2-hour class or $240 for all 12 hours · All courses count towards MA credits and NH electives. Courses may be taken individually or in full-day blocks. Classes are held at the NEAR office in conjunction with the Kathy Roosa School of RE. · Please note: Seating is limited to 28 people. All attendees MUST be prepaid and a reservation MUST be submitted in advance. Full refunds or credit to future classes will be given up to 24 hours before the class. *According to MA Licensing Regulations you cannot be more than 10 minutes late for a course to earn credits. · Register and conveniently pre-pay on-line at www.massnear.com or call 978/458-2901 for a registration form to be faxed to you! Telephone: (978) 475-1518 Facsimile: (978) 470-3448 MICHAEL E. LOMBARD
ATTORNEY AT LAW There is a Reason that Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is The Nation's Leading Retail Mortgage Lender
· · · · · LAW OFFICE OF MICHAEL E. LOMBARD
44 PARK STREET · ANDOVER, MASSACHUSETTS 01810 Wide Selection of Conventional & Government Loans Full Range of Affordable Home Loan Programs New Construction & Renovation Programs Quick Loan Decisions Service: How, When and Where You Prefer Call Today Andover Office Danvers Office 978.470.2858 978.739.5200 4 Your one-stop REALTOR® connection: www.massnear.com Please join us at the Northeast Association of REALTORS® Date: Thursday, June 17th Place: Lenzi's in Dracut 2004 Recognition Gala!
Time: 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. Cost: $350 for table of 10 or $40 We are expanding our Assistant Recognition portion of the Gala Program: all who are registered to attend will receive a personalized Certificate of Appreciation, and more! Please invite yours! Thanks to our fabulous Recognition Gala Sponsors to-date!
Without their generous support, this event would not be possible! Platinum Media Full-Page Sponsors: The Sun The Eagle-Tribune $1000 Platinum Sponsors: Wells Fargo Home Mortgage $1000 Centerpiece Sponsors: Eastpointe Mortgage $500 Gold Sponsors: Mark Dionne of Mortgage Partners Frank M. DiMaria, Attorney at Law Guaranty Residential Lending CTX Mortgage Ron Abisi of Ross Mortgage Co. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage of Chelmsford, Westford & Tewksbury $250 Silver Sponsors: MLS Property Information Network, Homestead Mortgage ERA Morrison Real Estate Morris, Rossi & Hayes RE/MAX Prestige Jim Beaucaire of Tiger Home Inspection Beaudoin & Associates, REALTORS® $175 Bronze Sponsors: National City Mortgage Law Offices of Michael E. Lombard Coco, Early & Associates Servpro of Lawrence $100 Patron Sponsors: Century 21 G.J. Brown, REALTOR® Century 21 J. Borstell Real Estate Century 21 Sager Real Estate New England Regional Mortgage Corp. Kathy Roosa School of Real Estate, Schaefer Mortgage Suburban Real Estate News Howe Insurance Agency $50 Friend Sponsors: Lifeline Financial Partners, C21 Landmark Realty, Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce Code of Ethics Case Study
Case #1-8: Knowledge of Essential Facts
Client A listed a small house with REALTOR® B who obtained an offer to buy it and a deposit in the form of a check for $2,000. Client A agreed to accept the offer, then heard nothing from REALTOR® B, the listing broker, for three weeks. At that time REALTOR® B called him to say that the sale had fallen through and that the buyer's check had been returned by the bank marked "Not Sufficient Funds." Client A complained to the local Board of REALTORS® against REALTOR® B charging him with dilatory and unprofessional conduct and apparent unfamiliarity with essential facts under laws governing procedures in real estate transactions. At the hearing, it was established that two days after making the offer the buyer had refused to sign escrow instructions, and that REALTOR® B had not deposited the buyer's check until ten days after receiving it. REALTOR® B's defense was that since the return of the check he had received numerous promises from the buyer that it would be made good, and that the buyer's reason for refusing to sign escrow instructions was to give the buyer's attorney time to read them. Questioning during the hearing established that the check had not been made good, the escrow instructions had not been signed, and that the delay had caused great inconvenience and possible loss to Client A. The Hearing Panel concluded that REALTOR® B should have deposited the check immediately, in which event it would either have been accepted, or its NSF status could have been known and reported to the client at once; that REALTOR® B should have advised his client immediately of the buyer's refusal to sign escrow instructions; that in this negligence REALTOR® B reflected a lack of adequate knowledge of essential facts under laws governing real estate transactions, and was in violation of Article 1 of the Code of Ethics, having Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® Legal Hotline: 800/370-4532 5 Your one-stop REALTOR® connection: www.massnear.com NEAR Membership Report REALTOR® Applications Received: The following applications have been received. Any comment must be in writing and addressed to the Membership Committee at the Board Office. Lisa Baillargeon, Integrity Residential Brokerage, Pepperell Janet Bisson, Dick Lepine RE, Dracut Kevin Broderick, Wilkins RE, Dracut Darlene Chagnon, New England RE Professionals, No. Chelmsford Jenny Chen, Homeplace Realty, Lowell Nadim Daou, Prudential Howe & Doherty, Andover Deborah Douglass, RE/MAX Partners, Andover Jorge Gallego, Coco, Early & Assocs., Methuen Matthew Gibson, Carlson GMAC, No. Andover Deborah Isensee, C21 McLennan, Methuen Sarah Kasprzyk, RE/MAX Prestige, No. Chelmsford Anita Kladgreep, Prudential Loughran, Dracut Sacksawanh Lakmany, Dick Lepine RE, Lowell Rajesh Laddha, EXIT Advantage Realty, Westford John Mahoney, CBRB, Chelmsford Michael McCusker, CBRB, Westford Sophai Moeuy, Angkor Wat Realty, Lowell Shobana Nandesh Kumar, C21 McLennan, Bradford Ann Sussman, ERA Morrison, Acton Yun Tang, House Center - TQ Realty, No. Andover Cynthia Tome, C21 Landmark, Chelmsford Thang Tran, ERA Morrison, Lowell Christopher Watts, CBRB, No. Andover John Whitnell, Dick Lepine RE, Dracut DR Applications® Received Edward Wilkins, Wilkins RE, Dracut REALTOR® Re-Instated: Adam Geragosian, C21 J. Borstell, Tewksbury Christine Yacubacci, C21 McLennan, Bradford REALTORS® Status Change from Provisional to Active: William Dumont, Prudential Howe & Doherty, Andover Gail Hatherley, Apple Country, Littleton Johan Lopez, C21 McLennan, Ortega & Fermin, Lawrence Jennifer Maccini, ERA Morrison, Billerica Eric Mom, C21 Concept One, Lowell Jennifer Montgomery-Rice, RE/MAX Colonial, Groton Bonnie Spurr, Prudential Howe & Doherty, Andover Robert Wilson, Thomas A. Sullivan RE, Methuen REALTORS® with Provisional Membership: Lisa Baillargeon, Integrity Residential. Brokerage, Pepperell Karen Croswell, RE/MAX Colonial, Groton John Mahoney, CBRB, Chelmsford James Moore, Tom Saab Assoc., Methuen Angela Nguyen, Prospectus Realty Group, Lowell Michelle Papaefthemiou, ERA Brooks & Di-An, Haverhill Cynthia Pijewski, Integrity Residential. Brokerage, Pepperell Ann Sussman, ERA Morrison, Acton Deceased REALTOR®: Ian McWatt, C21 deAn Luxury Homes, No. Andover (applicant) Correction to REALTOR® listing: The previous membership report incorrectly listed Saundra Siegel with C21 Landmark, Chelmsford. Saundra is affiliated with C21 Minuteman, Chelmsford Applications Withdrawn: Kathleen Gernady, C21 Heritage, Westford Angela Nguyen, Prospectus Realty Group, Lowell Harry Nguyen, Homeplace Realty, Lowell Billy So, Homeplace Realty, Lowell Retired REALTOR®: Judith Brodbine, CBRB, No. Andover Terminated/Resigned REALTOR®: Charlene Benincasa, CBRB, Chelmsford Wallace Berry, EXIT Advantage, Westford Jennifer Gavin, C21 Landmark, Chelmsford Cheryl Hajjar, RE/MAX Prestige, Dracut Nancy Jutras, Royal Realty, Methuen Marie Liang, C21 J. Borstell, Tewksbury Margaret Mahan, C21 Landmark, Chelmsford Kathleen Marcin, Keller Williams, No. Andover James Meal, C21 McLennan, Methuen William Miller, Prudential Howe & Doherty, Andover Narciso Rodriguez, C21 Landmark, Chelmsford Wendy Sparks, RE/MAX Prestige, Lowell REALTORS® who completed Orientation on April, 2004 The following REALTORS® have attended Orientation and been officially approved by the Board of Directors. Congratulations and welcome! Nurys Arias, Coco, Early & Assocs., Methuen Erika Cimino, Coco, Early & Assocs., Methuen Marc Colizzi, RE/MAX Preferred, Methuen Lisa Crowley, C21 Sager, Lowell William Dumont, Prudential Howe & Doherty, Andover Adolfo Gonzalez, C21 McLennan, Bradford Gail Hatherley, Apple Country, Littleton Roger Labrecque, United Estates Realty, Lowell NyChelle LaConta-Muldrew, Holland Properties, No. Andover Jun Li, House Center - TQ Realty, No. Andover Johan Lopez, C21 McLennan, Ortega & Fermin, Lawrence Alison Ludwig, C21 Minuteman, Chelmsford Jennifer Maccini, ERA Morrison, Billerica Eric Mom, C21 Concept One, Lowell Jennifer Montgomery-Rice, RE/MAX Colonial, Groton Alex Munoz, Coco, Early & Assocs., Methuen Joseph Ponti, CBRB, Andover Kelly Proctor, New England RE Professionals, No. Chelmsford Kari Ricketts, Holland Properties, No. Andover Michael Spencer, Royal Realty, Methuen Bonnie Spurr, Prudential Howe & Doherty, Andover Margaret Valentin, Prudential First Choice, Methuen Gerard Welch, Merry Properties, No. Andover Robert Wilson, Thomas A. Sullivan RE, Methuen REALTOR® Offices (NEW): Coco, Early & Assoc., 58 Range Road, Windham, NH 03087, phone: (603) 8933433, fax:(603) 893-3704 Wilkins Real Estate, Inc., 1256 Methuen Street, Dracut, MA 01826, phone: (978) 452-5225, fax: (978) 452-5221 Office Changes: Azabache Enterprises, Inc. moved to 303 Jackson Street, Lawrence, MA 01841 Dennis G. Conners & Associates moved to 38 Westview Road, Lowell, MA 01851 Office Transfers: Susan Angell has transferred from Apple Country, Groton to ERA Home & Family, Groton Barbara Belanger has transferred from CBRB, Chelmsford to C21 Minuteman, Chelmsford John Bielefeld has transferred from ERA 6 Your one-stop REALTOR® connection: www.massnear.com
Morrison, Westford to ERA Morrison, Acton Robert Braun has transferred from Donahue RE, Tyngsboro to New England RE Professionals, No. Chelmsford Deborah Carney has transferred from ERA Morrison, Pepperell to Realty Executives of Nashoba Valley, Groton Linda Connolly has transferred from CBRB, No. Andover to Northpoint Realty, No. Andover Debora Guild has transferred from ERA Morrison, Pepperell to Realty Executives of Nashoba Valley, Groton Ellen Edwards Gutstein has transferred from Lillian Montalto Signature Properties Andover to Keller Williams, No. Andover Steven Gutstein has transferred from Lillian Montalto Signature Properties, Andover to Keller Williams, No. Andover NyChelle LaConta-Muldrew has transferred from Holland Properties, No. Andover to Keller Williams, No. Andover Debra Nicholson has transferred from ERA Morrison, Chelmsford to ERA Home & Family, Groton Deborah O'Hanlon has transferred from EXIT Assurance, Groton to CBRB, Westford Walter Patterson has transferred from Prudential Loughran, Dracut to RE/MAX Prestige, Dracut Gail Roberts has transferred from Coco, Early & Assocs., Methuen to RE/MAX Preferred, Methuen Donna Theodore has transferred from ERA Morrison, Westford to William Raveis RE, Westford Fariba Zahedi has transferred from CBRB, No. Andover to Northpoint Realty, No. Andover Board Transfers: Karen Croswell has transferred from REALTOR® Association of Pioneer Valley to NEAR and is now associated with RE/ MAX Colonial, Groton Maureen Kelly has transferred from No. Bristol Country Board of REALTORS® to NEAR and is now associated with RE/MAX Colonial, Groton Affiliate Applications received: Robert Fawcett & Son Co., Inc., 1 Tyler Court, Cambridge, MA 02140, phone: 617547-2360, fax: 617-395-6199 Affiliate Dropped Membership: Cornerstone Mortgage, Waltham County Supply, Inc, Lowell ISI New England, Insurance Specialists, LLC, Boston J. D. Real Estate Group, Inc, Fairport, NY Sherwood Mortgage Group, Inc., Leominster The Howe Insurance Agency, Andover Affiliate Change: Joann Wynkoop is now associated with Minuteman Appraisals in Chelmsford, MA The new contact for Waddell & Reed Financial Services in Woburn is Sheryl Berk REALTORS®: 1439 Offices: 244 Affiliate Members: 212 Affiliate Offices: 102 Congratulations to our newest CBR graduates!
Carol Avery Joe Azzolino Jose Banchs Pamela Banchs Dean Baron Scott Beane Brenda Beaudoin Donald Belanger Bernard Bergeron Maureen Boenis Jeff Borstell Joan Brothers Keri Caggiano Kathy Casey Joanne Chamberlain Kirk Clarke Elaine Consalvo Diane Dean Cyndy DeMont Bill Dumont Barbara Dwyer Brian Flynn Frank Flynn Tom Flynn Patrick Harding Angela Harkins Gail Hatherley Carolyn Hoyt Jennifer Kannan Sherry Kirby Jonathan Knox Olga Lee Marie Liang Debbie Lyons Georgi May Jack McSweeney Janice Mitchell Luis Monsegur Debbie Moore Gail Mosher Lisa Newman Nicole O'Connell Twila Palmer Starr Pinkham Lisa Rich Kara Schaake Lisa Simmons Bonnie Spurr Richard Steinhoff Kenneth Terrell Cheryl Tibaudo Debbie Wipff Eric Woolhiser Did You Hear the News?
Congratulations to Barbara Belanger of Century 21 Landmark, Chelmsford, on earning her National Association of REALTORS® Accredited Buyer's Representative Designation! Congratulation to Tony Ducharme, of Century 21 G.J. Brown, Dracut, a.k.a. "Grandpa", on the birth of his precious granddaughter, Madison! NEAR Past President Ron Morrison, of ERA Morrison, was a featured guest speaker for the second year in a row at the National ERA Convention held last month in West Palm Beach, FL at The Breakers. Ron's topic: "Little Things that You Should Know to Make You Grow". "A lifetime of happiness wishes" go out to Bethany (Roy) Gayton, of RE/MAX Partners, Andover, and her groom Got news to share? Everyone wants to know! Please e-mail Maureen@massnear.com NEAR is offering this 3-day course on July 26, 27 & 28 at the Radisson in Chelmsford. Go to www.massnear.com for a registration flier!
· Realtor sign--We have "lots" to be thankful for.
· If you think no one cares To Linda Bunce and CTX Mortgage in Reading for the awesome donation of balloons (lots and lots of balloons!) for the Housing Opportunities Kick-off Reception and to Johanna Webster of ERA Home & Family in Mortgage Pre-Qualifications Andover for donating & Credit Score Evaluations by Phone the labor to label, fold and stuff over 1,000 Credit Challenges - No Docs ­ NIV- VA - FHA - Jumbos envelopes (during the CALL FOR ANOTHER OPINION ON THAT DIFFERENT BUYER busy holiday season!) to solicit sponsorships for John Dyer the guide! Both Linda and Johanna are PEOPLE'S MORTGAGE members of the Housing Opportunities Committee. A subsidiary of FIRSTFED First Federal Savings Bank of America you're alive, miss a couple of house payments. · If you want to know exactly where the property line is, just watch the neighbor cut the grass. · By the time you pay for a home in the suburbs, it isn't. · A Modern home is a place where a switch controls everything but the kids, and it has gadgets to do everything except make the payments. Reprinted from Real Estate Humor, Tom Antion & Assocs. Free 978-458-0047 7 Your one-stop REALTOR® connection: www.massnear.com Code of Ethics Training: Don't Let the Time Get Away from YOU!
According to our records, the following NEAR members have NOT completed the mandatory quadrennial Code of Ethics training, due by 12/31/04: Frederick Achin Jane Aikens Dorianne Alexandropoulos Jane Allen Linda Anastasia Ross Anderson Paul Annaloro Leonard Annaloro Cheri Apelian Silvija Aprans Diana Archambault Sandra Arnold Raymond Aubut Carol Avery Marianne Avila Robert Aziz Pat Bagni-Latimer Wendi Balkan Warren Bambury Bob Barcelos Ann Marie Barnes* C. Richard Barrett Carole Barrett Donna BarrettCaouette Stephen Beati Ronald Beaudoin David Beauregard Mirna Bechara Donald Belanger Christina Bennani Patricia Berger Rick Bijlani Richard Binnall Mark Bishop James Bishop Susan Bishop Edmond Bisson Arlene Blake Michael Blatus James Boenis Maureen Boenis Frank Bolway George Borstell Cynthia Boundy Barbara Bourdon James Bourque Sharon Bourque Raymond Boutin Chris Bradley Thomas Brennan Joseph Brice Paul Brouillette Vincent Bruno William Buck Alcina Buckley* Kristin Burge* Cathy Burke Maria Burke Paul Burnham Carla Burns Dianne Burns Ronald Butler* Donna Cadorette Janice Caffray Concetta Calitri Mark Callahan Jane Calledare Robert Camacho Gary Campbell Gilbert Campbell Philip Canning* Gary Caplice Deborah Carberry Crystal Card Patrick Carey Paul Carney Paula Carroll John Carroll Carol Carroll Elaine Carson Natalia Carter Carole Carter Linda Carvalho Rudy Cataldo Edward Cecere Michael Celi Bernadette Chambers Sandra Channen David Chinian Jose Cintron Lillian Clark Gary Cobuzzi Richard Coco Norma Cohen Debra Colangelo Kathi Coleman Frank Colizzi Gail Collins Marylyn Collins Roger Collins Michael Colombo William Comeau Catherine Condon Linda Connolly Thomas Courtney Patricia Courtney Tarrant Clara Couture Richard Cowley Cheryl Cowley Janet Cramb Jon Crandall Clifford Critch Jean Cunningham Kathryn Cunningham Paul Currier John Cusack Kathleen Cyrier Richard Dacey Kenneth Daher Lou D'Alessandro Gerry Lynn Darcy Mary Jane Das Kristen Davis Jeff de Petit-Bois Patricia Degan Belkis DeLeon Katherine Delle Chiaie V. Mark Demirgian Joan Denaro Steven Deschenes Joanne Deschenes Gail Descoteaux Sandra Desrochers Elinor Diamond Marie Dias Andrea Dillon Kathleen DiMauro Stephen DiNocco Jamie Dixon Julie DiZoglio Joseph Doherty Sheryl Doherty Christopher Doherty James Dolliver Joseph Donahue Diane Dormitzer Marsha Dorris Barbara Dorsey Constance Doto John Dowd Charles Doyle Kevin Durkin June D'Urso Mark Dutton Earl Duval* Barbara Dwyer Tanya Egan Christine Eliopoulos Brian Emmons Jose Esmeral* Frank Esposito Sally Factor Wanda Farr Joseph Farragher Dolores Farrell Paul Fauvel Michelle Fermin Addie Finley Nancy Finnegan Steven Fisichelli Joseph Fisichelli Alfred Fisichelli Walt Fitzgerald Sharon Flanagan Walter Flynn David Fontaine Cheryl Foster Gladys Fox Janice Furey Scot Gabriel Eleanor Gallagher Dianna GaNung Marc Gendreau Domenic Germano Wayne Ghirardini James Giampa Denise Gibbons Kempton Giggey Genuina Giguere William Gillette Mary Gilmartin Mary Gilmartin Stephen Giordano William Godwin Thomas Jr. Golden Linda Gonynor Bonnie Goodman Roger Goscombe Glenn Gosselin Robert Gosselin Jay Gove Mark Gracy Ursula Graf Patricia Grant Donald Grantham James Greelish Karen Griffin Debra Grumbach Agnes Gunes Richard Guselli David Guselli Paul Guselli Mark Guziejka Eddy Guzman Anne Gyles Arlene Hajjar James Haley Grace Hamilton Thomas Hamilton Carol Hanley Jason Hantzis Dorothy Hardock Michael Harkins Doris Harrington Randall Hart Frank Hartnett, Sr. John Hashem Roberta Hayden William Hayden Deborah Hayes Carol Hazard Maureen Heinze Virginia Hendricks Patricia Heywood Robert Hickey Michele Hirth Janice Holden Travis Holland Lillian Holloway Elisabeth Holwech Douglas Howe Donna Hudon* Kenneth Hughes Kenneth Hyde, Jr. Norma Hyder Kathy Hydorn James Jesionowski Richard Jones Richard Jumpp Joanne Jussaume Vasilios Kafkas Raja Kandanada* Joe Kashanek Brian Kasprzyk Mark Kavanagh Jessica Kavanagh Donna Keefe Nancy Keelan Ann Marie Kehoe Juergen Keller Deborah Kelso Kenneth Kemp Maria Kennedy Isabel Kianda Colleen Kiezulas Norma King Janice King Kathleen Knox Diane Loring Koed Dara Kong Paula Kowalczik Kristin Kramer Evelyn LaCroix Rick Ladd George Laganas Robert LaGrasse Michelle Landry Ronald Landry Richard Landry Heidi Lane Walter Lane Paul Lappin Michael Larkin Phyllis LaVita Stephen Lawrenson Martha Lazares Pamela Lebowitz Ronald Leclair Lucille Lee Miles Lemkin Dale Leroux David Leroux Joan Levesque Andrew Levy Richard Lewis Rosemary Lewis Nancy Lindquist Mark Lloyd Stephen Lombardo Anthony Longo Christina LoNigro* Kristen Loranger Sandra Lotti Brendan Loughran James Lucchesi Salvatore Lupo Arthur Luz Jennifer Lynch Faun MacDonald Frances Madden Mary Ellen Madden Stephen Madi John Mahoney* Deanna Mai* Modesto Maldonado Maureen Mano Michael Manzi Kathleen Marcin Cory Marconi Stephen Marcus Barbara Maren Jonathan Maren Tina Markevich Peter Markham April Martin Judi Martin Lisa Martin Mark Mastrangelo Peter McArdle Gilda McCann Catherine McCarthy Kathleen McCarthy Patricia McCaughey Carole McCusker Laureen McGlinchey* rancis McGovern Susan McGregor-Horn Ellen McLaughlin Janet McLennan Alan McLennan Brian McMahon Mark McNulty Shelagh McNulty Theresa McQuade Kevin McRobbie Robin Medeiros George Medeiros James Melanson* Patricia Melvin Paul Mercier Karen Merli Buddy Merrill Daniel Messina Deanna Michalowicz Mary Midgley Peggy Milisci Deborah Miller Karen Milley Matthew Milonopoulos David Minicucci Ron Miserendino Michael Moore James Moore* Julio Morel Mary Morello-McAlary Richard Morgan Ronald Morrison Joan Morrison Pamela Morrison Shaun Morrison Cecilia Moses Dorothy Mosser Barbara Mulcahey William Mussaw Edward Nadolny Joshua Naughton Kenneth Nelson Lorraine Neofotistos Timothy Newell Debra Nicholson Pablo Nieves Daniel O'Connell Corey Odell Mary O'Donoghue Edward Oliveri Sharon O'Malley Peter O'Neill Audrey Orrell Raul Ortega Juan Ortega Jorge Oslan Peter Ostis Dennis Page Sam Palmer Twila Palmer Titus Palmer Colin Palmer Robert Palmisano Michelle Papaefthemiou* Susan Papalia Thomas Papineau Gretchen Papineau Suresh Patel John Patenaude Mark Patnode Paula Peabody Thomas Pelton Charles Perkins Maureen Perry John Peterson Jeffrey Peterson Robert Petrillo Carl Piacenza Deborah Picard Cynthia Pijewski* Ann Pinet Sandra Pinkham Troy Plunk Salvatore Polizzotti Nancy Pollard Vincent Popolizio Samuel Poulten John Privitera Joseph Quirbach Ahmad Rahimi Maryanne Randall William Ratcliffe William Raveis Donna Ready Janet Redman Frank Reed Mary Reynolds Steven Reynolds* Patricia Rice Norma Riley John Ringland Margaret Roberts Valerie Roberts Susan Rochwarg David Rodrigues Nancy Rogers Roger Rondeau Joelle Roy Robert Roy Aline Roy Denise Rudolph Claire Ryan Thomas Saab Christine Saba Anthony Salerno Michael Salmon Sharon Santillo Rosemary Scalera George Schruender Karen Schubert Terry Scollo Diana Scudder Amy Sebell Kim Selsor Nicole Senecal Jim Serino Vincent Serino Darshana Shah Virginia Shann Lynne Shattuck Rose Shattuck Donna Shay Joseph Shea Susan Shepard Joyce Sheridan Kalpana Shetty John Shuman Michael Sibulesky Christos Simorellis Dana Singleton Anne Sinkinson Barbara Sintros* Josephine Siraco Elizabeth Skinsacos Mary Slattery Lynn Smith Peter Soares James Solka Teresa Sorrentino Sarith Sous Bernard Spellissy Charles Spirou Robert St. Hilaire Joyce St. Onge Sheila Stone Shane Sullivan Barbara Sullivan Anna Sullivan Daniel Sullivan Thomas Sullivan Sue Susi Ann Sussman* Clement Sutton Robert Swan Patrick Sweeney Mehr Tabassi Phillip Tammaro Henry Tanguay Barbara Tanzi William Taupier Dena Teague George Tgibides Margo Thach Ernest Theodore Jonathan Thomas Judith Thompson William Thompson Steven Thornhill Susan Todd Necole Tompkins* Grace Toscano John Tremblay Gary Trouville Walter Tymula Peter Vaillancourt Charles Valliere Tony Vassell Monique Viau-Lambert Robert Vogler Grace Ann Wade Kevin Waithe Maryann Walsh Lynn Warren Lorena Watt Lauretta Wentworth David Whelan John Whitnell* Andrew Wilson Richard Wilson Alfred Wilson Richard Witham Carol Woods George Woods John Woods Walter Wrobel Hong Xue Christine Yacubacci Laurence Yameen Yelena Yerozolimsky Ravuth Yin Cheryl Yoos* Ellen Yurko Daniel Zabbo Frank Zabbo Suzanne Zagorites Thomas Zappala Jeanne Zierhoffer Dacey Zouzas Samuel Zouzas *Indicates that the person is scheduled for Code of Ethics training during New Member Orientation Don't Delay! For numerous training courses being held at NEAR, throughout the state, and on-line, go to www.massnear.com 8 Your one-stop REALTOR® connection: www.massnear.com
Photos courtesy of John Dyer, People's Mortgage. Photography by John Dyer Photography by John Dyer Government Affairs Committee Chair and President-elect Tony Ducharme engages with Pat Courtney-Tarrant and Lil Holloway. State Representative Barry Finegold, center, participates in a group discussion of key legislative issues. Attorney Finegold is a long-time and extremely active Affiliate member of NEAR. State Representative William Lantigua, who has graciously participated in all of NEAR's Legislative Government Breakfasts, listens Affairs Committee to one of the guest Vice Chair Bernie speakers with Bergeron NEAR Director Photography by John Dyer addresses the Brenda Beaudoin. membership and invited guests.
Photography by John Dyer Photography by John Dyer Photography by John Dyer Tom Courtney presents his discussion group's report.
Photography by John Dyer NEAR CEO Anne Rendle and Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® General Counsel Steve Ryan participating in a group discussion. One of the guest speakers, Attorney Ryan is always a huge hit! Photography by John Dyer Photography by John Dyer Membership Committee Chair Elaine Consalvos speaks passionately on behalf of the REALTOR® Crisis Fund. A 50/50 raffle to benefit this fund was won by Penny Hamel of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage! Photography by John Dyer Corporate Sponsor: Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Additional Sponsor: The Law Offices of Michael E. Lombard 9 The Northeast Association of REALTORS® 18th Annual Poor Golfer's Charitable Open
Sponsored by the REALTOR®-Affiliate Networking Committee Monday, August 23, 2004 One Country Club Drive Windham, NH 603.434.2093
Directions:
· · · · · · · Take Exit 3 from Route 93 in Windham, New Hampshire Go West on Route 111 towards Hudson, NH Go 1.6 miles to traffic light at North Lowell Road Turn right onto North Lowell Road Go 1.2 miles and turn left onto Londonderry Road Go 0.5 miles and turn left onto Country Club Drive The Club House is at the end of the road 7:00 a.m. Registration 8:00 a.m. Shotgun Start Continental Breakfast! Steak or Chicken dinner at the end of the tourney.
Entry fee includes greens fees, cart, prizes, lunch at the turn and a fantastic dinner at the spectacular club house! Appropriate golf attire & soft spikes only, Please!
Registration-please return with payment due in full by Friday, August 13th, 2004 Your Name and/or Your Foursome:
Yes! Please register me/us for the 18th Annual Poor Golfer's Open! 3. _______________________________________________ _____steak _____ chicken 4. _______________________________________________ _____steak _____ chicken $125 per person or$25 per person for dinner only 1. _______________________________________________ _____steak _____ chicken 2. _______________________________________________ _____steak _____ chicken ______ I am coming for the dinner only: ______ steak _____ chicken Company _________________________________________ Main Contact e-mail:____________________________
_____ I have enclosed a check in the amount of __________ _____ Please charge my M/C, Visa, Discover #_______________________________________ Expiration date____________ CC Billing Zip Code________________ Signature______________________________________________________________ Return to: The Northeast Association of REALTORS®,3 Courthouse Lane, Units 9 & 10, Chelmsford, MA 01824 or fax 978/970-0443. Questions? Call Chris at 978-458-2901 today for more details. Your one-stop REALTOR® connection: www.massnear.com COHEN LAW OFFICES, P.C.
873 TURNPIKE STREET N. ANDOVER, MA 01845 978-975-6000 (phone) 978-975-6008 (fax)
cohenlawpc@aol.com REALTOR® Member Discounts!!
Two new REALTOR VIP Partners Offer $114 in Savings! NAR members
may now get back more than the cost of their annual NAR dues of $64 through two special offers from REALTOR VIP Alliance Program partners. Receive a $64 credit on your first statement after your first purchase when you apply and are accepted for the REALTOR Platinum Visa card through Bank One. This offer is only available at http://www.bankone.com/realtor or via telephone at 866-VISA-NAR (866/847-2627). Another REALTOR VIP Program partner, American Home Shield, is providing NAR members with a free $50 ServiceMaster Savings Certificate for use at other ServiceMaster companies through Dec. 31. Visit http:// www.ahswarranty.com/nar to print the savings certificate and for a list of ServiceMaster companies. One certificate per person; specific rules apply. To view all REALTOR VIP Program partners and their offers, go to: http://www.realtor.org/realtorVIP. Representing Sellers, Buyers and Lenders
P&S Agreements reviewed/prepared Closings at Brokers Offices and Registries Concentrating in Real Estate, Estate Planning and Corporate Matters Enjoy value and savings with the REALTOR VIP® Member Benefits Program! You can use your NEAR membership to get a discount when you apply and are approved for Long Term Care Insurance (TTCi). · · · · Free Pre-qualification No Money Down Programs No Documentation Program Exceptional Rates 978-664-1614 1-800-649-1614 Fax: 978-664-0693 50 Main Street, Route 28, No. Reading, MA 01864
Member MMA MA#MB0206 NH#6038-MB RI#6038-MB www.homesteadmortgagecorp.com Se hablo español. Lifeline Financial Partners has made arrangements with two of the leading LTCi providers to get NEAR members an Association discount for you, your spouse, your children and/or your parents.
Call NEAR Affiliate Member Brian Day-Lewis of Lineline at 978-649-5711 for a consultation at your home or office. Lifeline Financial Partners
Securities Offered Through Investors Capitol Corporation 230 Broadway Lynnfield MA 10940 800-949-1422 Member NASD SIPC 3 Roberge Dr. Tyngsboro MA 01879 978-649-5711 NEAR has no financial interest in this program, and every member should make their own decision about participating based upon their own investigation. 11 Your one-stop REALTOR® connection: www.massnear.com Attn. all Office Principals and REALTORS®:
YOU know what makes a REALTOR® a far better choice for consumers than merely a person licensed to sell real estate. Certainly the public has become educated in this thanks to seven consecutive years of the National Association of REALTORS® public Awareness Campaign. But how will your potential clients know that you are a REALTOR®, and thus the right choice for them? Is your trademarked logo clearly associated with all of your media advertisements? Is it clearly displayed on your business signs and storefront? Is it displayed on all of your signage? In recent perusals of The Sun and the Eagle-Tribune's Sunday real estate sections, the REALTOR® designation was missing more often than not! How, then, can the public choose a REALTOR® when far too many are not clearly making their membership with the REALTOR® organization readily and easily recognized and known? How will they differentiate between YOU and those real estate offices that are not part of the REALTOR® Association? If you are not utilizing your REALTOR® mark, at face value you look "just like them"! NAR recently scored a major legal victory on a lawsuit filed to cancel the REALTOR® organization's membership mark - the REALTOR® - and terms. When the three judge panel of the U.S. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board unanimously ruled that the terms "REALTOR®" and "REALTORS®" are not generic terms, and denied the petitions to cancel NAR's rights to these terms, they dealt an enormous blow to those who wanted "a free ride"! By virtue of this lawsuit, the value of the REALTOR® designation is affirmed. And it belongs solely to YOU - the members! So use your REALTOR® trademark in all of your media. After all - you earned it, you pay for it and most importantly it is YOUR right (and not theirs)! To download REALTOR® marks and more, go to: http://www.realtor.org/rodesign.nsf/pages/FS_AWARENESSCAMPAIGN?OpenDocument. Northeast Association of REALTORS®, Inc. 3 Courthouse Lane, Units 9 & 10 Chelmsford, MA 01824