JANUARY 2015
REALTOR® SAFETY
The first thing you need to understand is that criminals do not think like the rest of us.
They are typically sociopathic or have some sort of mental disorder. They often have no empathy. They attack you because, odds are, you've given them an opportunity to do so.
There are few more attractive scenarios for a criminal than to meet a female real estate professional in an empty property. That is an opportunity with a bow on top.
In the heat of an attack, typical safety procedures are mostly useless - except one.
Read more in this excellent article in REALTOR® magazine, online here:
PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION FORM
Start the New Year with a new habit for your personal safety!
Offices across the nation are now asking for photo ID and information from clients before going to view property.
The Real Estate Safety Council has created a form that is quick and easy to fill out and asks for name, address, employer, and automobile information - and is customizable for your business.
Not only does this procedure identify the person you are working with, it helps qualify a prospect and aids police if something happens to you.
This simple form may be the best preventative safety measure you and your office can take.
NAR reports from the field that customers are very understanding regarding why we need this information and there has been little or no resistance to providing the identification.
If a customer does object, that in itself should raise a red flag.
This form is offered among the supporting documents to this newsletter.
2015 MILEAGE RATE
The IRS has issued its 2015 optional standard mileage rates, and beginning January 1st, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car, van, pickup, or panel truck will be the following:
•57.5 cents per mile for business miles driven (an increase from
56 cents in 2014)
•23 cents per mile driven for medical or moving reasons (a decrease of half a cent from 2014)
•14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations
Note that the rates go into effect for the 2015 calendar year, making them applicable to your 2015 tax returns - the ones you'll file in 2016.
Read more in REALTOR® magazine, online here:
KNOW BEFORE YOU FLY
We begin 2015 with a policy statement by the National Association of REALTORS® on the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles – drones – for commercial use in our business: NAR advises members that the use of unmanned aerial vehicles for real estate marketing is currently prohibited by the Federal Aviation Administration. Such prohibited use of unmanned aerial vehicles may lead to the assessment of substantial fines and penalties.
Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration, joined by other industry and hobbyist groups, has launched a new safety public campaign on the use of drones.
"Know Before You Fly," is geared to the permitted recreational use of drones, and provides operators with information and guidance on flying unmanned aircraft systems safely and responsibly.
Read more in REALTOR® magazine, online here:
YOU BE THE JUDGE – JANUARY
Here is a new You Be The Judge forJanuary: Case #1-22: REALTOR®’S offer to buy property s/he has listed.
Those who decide correctly will be entered in a drawing for a Starbucks coffee card!
The winner will be announced next month.
Read the case and submit your judgment online here:
CongratulationsBeverly Lee, Top Gold Realty, our December Starbucks card winner!!
DECEMBER ANSWER:
The Hearing Panel reminded REALTOR® A that the pertinent fact being considered was not his opinion at the time of the previous sale as compared to his opinion now, but rather his written "guarantee" to Buyer B and his current failure to make good his written commitment. It was the conclusions of the Hearing Panel that REALTOR® A had engaged in misrepresentation and was in violation of Article 2.
From Case #2-6: Misrepresentation.
Last month's case is online here:
DECEMBERMARKET STATISTICS
DECEMBERLOCKBOX STATISTICS
SAR members may access the latest Spokane area market statistics any time online here:
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