November 2018 Newsletter

President's Message

“Change is good!” Said no one ever.

But change happens. Our industry changes. Our business changes. Our clients change. So, we too must change.

After two years in the making, this month our multi-list service changes. Our association is fortunate that the new Bright MLS system is very much like the old Matrix and Keystone systems we’ve been using.

The look is different and will take some getting used to – new headings, new required fields, etc. But the new system is more user friendly and new features will provide better service to us and our clients. Take advantage of our local training sessions and the Bright MLS YouTube library to get the most out of it.

Another exciting change for EPBR is the implementation of the new strategic plan. The plan was developed from your input and is member focused and committee driven.  It is designed to move us forward and ensure we’re keeping up with, and ahead of, change. A Performance Council has been instituted to flesh out the tasks and track the results you said you needed and wanted.

Watch for more information to come out on the goals and work to be done. In the meantime, maximize your member benefits by getting involved – connect with a committee, volunteer for a project, attend networking events. The true value of our local, professional association (and the fun) comes from the work we do together to promote home ownership, property rights, fair housing, the REALTOR® brand, and each other.

The best is yet to come!

Patti Sherwood
President

NEW MEMBERS FOR OCTOBER

Terri Way – Exit Success Realty
Grissel Anderson – Greentree Realty
Christy Issler – Charis Realty Group
Donna Sammarco – Century 21 Braddock Realty
Brandy Reed – Person Smith Realty
Craig Whitmore – Re/Max 1st Realty CT
Dusty Mason – Keller Williams Eastern Panhandle
Heather Stauffer – Coldwell Banker Premier BS

NEW OFFICE MEMBERSHIP

Charis Realty Group
Freedom Real Estate Group

COMMUNITY SERVICE...

Our annual food drive was a huge success this year with a record year collecting a total of 5,821.5 lbs. and $5,269.45.

Jefferson County: 972 lbs - $330.12

Berkeley County: 4,059 lbs - $594.58

Morgan County: 550 lbs. - $4,344.45

Don’t forget we are still conducting our ongoing food drive and have collected 240.5 lbs. so far.  If you have items you would like to donate, please just drop them off at the Board Office.

UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS

Board Office CLOSED-Thanksgiving11/22 & 11/23/18– – – – –
Programs/Events Committee Meeting11/26/1810:00am
Sentrilock Training12/06/182:00pm
Membership Committee Meeting12/10/189:30am
Education Committee Meeting12/10/181:00pm
R.E.D.S. Committee Meeting12/10/182:00pm
Forms Committee Meeting12/11/1811:00am
Strategic Plan Performance Council12/12/1812:00pm
Strategic Plan Committee Meeting12/12/181:30pm
PR/Webpage Committee Meeting12/13/189:30am
Board of Directors Meeting12/18/189:30am
Community Service Committee Meeting12/20/189:30a,
Sentrilock Training12/20/182:00pm
Board Office CLOSED Christmas12/24 & 12/25/18– – – – –

NAR CODE OF ETHICS

Below are the cycle dates for the Code of Ethics training requirement. These are NAR requirements and training must be completed at any time during these established cycles.

Failure to complete training during any cycle will lead to suspension of membership for the January and February immediately following the cycle deadline, with termination of membership starting March 1 after the cycle deadline.

Current Cycle

January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018

Future Cycles

January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020
January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022

WVREC will not allow you to use code of ethics for your continuing education license renewal two years in a row.

2019 DUES

Are now past due and a late fee applies.  Don’t let your membership lapse and make sure your payment is received no later than December 31st.

You may not know that all of your due’s dollars are not kept at EPBR. Here is a breakdown to show you where they go:

  • NAR Dues – $150.00
  • NAR AD assessment – $ 35.00
  • RPAC Contribution – $ 25.00
  • WVAR Dues – $225.00
  • EPBR Dues – $275.00
  • Sentrilock Service – $199.00

SentriLock Tip

TIP: Always assign your REALTOR® Lockbox to the listing.

There are many benefits to assigning your Lockbox to a listing. With the box assigned, it will be much easier to locate the appropriate box on the website when looking at your list of Lockboxes. This will also allow the Lockbox access report to show the assigned listing address. Click here for a PDF with step by step instructions to assign your Lockbox to a listing or check out our YouTube channel.

REMEMBER… Anytime you have an issue with your Sentrilock whether it is a lockbox, SentriCard or SentriSmart App -Please ALWAYS call Support first 513-618-5800. They will be able to troubleshoot the problem and provide instructions for you.

EPBR Inclement Weather Policy

Since we are approaching that time of year where weather is a factor, EBPR’s policy for inclement weather follows the Berkeley County School Policy. If the schools are closed or delayed-all Meetings will be cancelled and most likely the Board Office will be closed or delayed.

In order to keep your information up to date, please notify the Board Office of any change in brokerage, mailing address, email or any other information so we can update our records. Notification can be made by a simple email to jenamcdonald@epbr.net or tinafleece@epbr.net.