Robert Calloway, A life of service, 1965-2020

Posted by Rick Griffin on May 9, 2020 5:00:00 AM

About Robert  Photos of Robert and Colleagues  |  Services  |  Share thoughts about Robert

Robert Calloway, 1965-2020

The Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® (PSAR) has lost a dear friend, Past President, CAR Region 30 Vice Chair, and current board member. It’s with much grief and sadness to report that Robert Calloway has passed away at the tender age of 54. He was found at his home on Tuesday, May 5. The cause of death was determined to be heart disease.

Robert CallowayThe theme for Robert’s year as 2019 PSAR President was “Salute to Service.” He said in a February 2019 PSAR blog post, “I have learned that nothing is more refreshing than to serve and giveback, and by getting involved. It’s your attitude that is most important. There’s something very authentic in participating with the desire to help others: Nothing to prove; nothing to lose.

“PSAR’s mission is to empower our members. Our mission statement states: `We empower our members to flourish while being accountable to each other, our clients and our community.’ Our members are self-empowered to take control of their own destiny and careers.

“I encourage everyone to get involved by volunteering and serving in their community. Don’t just show-up, volunteer. Find your passions, utilize your strengths, be a participant, not just an observer, and you will get more out of life. You will develop your skills, advance your career and the experience will be rewarding to you both personally and professionally. While no one is capable of doing everything, everyone is capable of doing something.” 

Following the conclusion of his term, Robert said in a January 2020 PSAR blog post, “Thanks to all of you who participated and were dedicated to this theme. It was a year when our members definitely stepped up and served our Association by committing themselves to service and to our mission of Empowering Our Members.”

According to Richard D’Ascoli, CEO, PSAR, the entire San Diego-area real estate industry has lost a true leader.

“I can honestly say that the overarching theme in Robert’s life was his commitment to service,” said D’Ascoli. “He lived a life of continuous and unrelenting service. In the Navy, he served our country, he retired and served the disabled veteran community by promoting VA benefits to those in need,  Then, he began serving his real estate profession as president of our association. At the same time, he was serving the faith community at his church. His life will be remembered as an example of service. We will miss him greatly.”

During his 2019 term as PSAR President, there were many highlights. Here are a few:

• 190 training classes, 23 unique events and 600 marketing sessions
• Expanded membership by 10 percent
• Expanded services by opening a third PSAR Service Center in Clairemont Mesa, 4340 Genesee Ave., Suite 203, San Diego, called the Central San Diego Service Center
• Launched a new weekly property marketing pitch meeting, called “City Pitch,” held at 9 a.m., every Tuesday morning, at the PSAR Central San Diego Service Center
• Expanded access to more technology and listing data by joining the California Regional Multiple Listing Service
•Added Glide 2.0 and SavvyCard as new member benefits
• Awarded $13,500 to four local nonprofits, including South Bay Community Services, Unity 4 Orphans, Meals on Wheels and San Ysidro Health Center, as a result of fundraising at two PSAR events, including the PSAR 2019 Realtor Games, held in June, and the PSAR 2019 Zombie Run-Walk, held in October
• Published a new Local Area Disclosures (LAD) publication covering San Diego County in partnership with the North San Diego County Association of REALTORS® (NSDCAR), the new LAD contains disclosure information relating to properties in the San Diego region
• Recognized at the El Cajon City Council for a grant that created a website featuring resources and information to assist homeless people in the East County;
• Assisted the City of San Diego in writing  the “Companion Unit Handbook,” a  helpful 38-page guide to help homeowners better navigate the process of constructing on their property a companion unit, also known as granny flats or accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
• Provided input to the La Mesa City Council, City of Chula Vista and San Diego County Board of Supervisors about ADUs in support of property owners and as a way to address the region’s housing supply and affordability crisis
• Promoted the CRMLS/Mexico MLS data-share as a presenter at the AMPI (Asociacion Mexicana de Profesionales Inmobiliarios) national convention (AMPI is Mexico’s counterpart to the National Association of REALTORS®)
•Solidified relationships with Baja Associations through meetings in Los Cabos and La Paz

Robert was especially proud of the recognition given for his efforts to help veterans with homeownership. In 2018, Robert was invited by Ernest J. Dronenburg, Jr., San Diego County Assessor-Recorder-Clerk, to serve as an advisor to the Assessor’s Office on providing property tax relief to disabled veterans.Robert Calloway Installation

Under Robert’s leadership, a number of homeownership initiatives were introduced that helped disabled military veterans achieve homeownership, stay in their homes and save money on their property taxes. As a result, the Assessor’s Office has assisted more than 10,000 local disabled veterans since 2018.   

Robert’s efforts to help veterans resulted in PSAR and the Assessor’s Office receiving a Golden Watchdog Award from the San Diego County Taxpayers Association. In addition, the California Board of Equalization (BOE), a state agency, also recognized Robert for his efforts to help veterans.

“Robert Calloway led a life of service,” said Dronenburg. “Starting in the Navy and ending as a super professional in the real estate industry serving as the 2019 President of the Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors. He played an important role helping over 10,000 veterans in San Diego County as my advisor on tax breaks for disabled veterans. While he was recognized by the State of California for his leadership helping veterans and as the PSAR President, he will most be remembered as a joyful industry leader that made San Diego a better place to live.”  

Robert also enjoyed serving at Bayview Church in San Diego as a leader within the deacon ministry and a facilitator in Studies In Christian Living (SICL) Bible Study classes. According to Sherman Metcalf, Chairman of the Deacon Board at the church, Robert was an active member of Bayview for 14 years.

“Robert Calloway was a devoted Christian and servant of the Lord,” said Metcalf. “Within the first year of membership at Bayview, Robert joined the Hospitality Ministry and had continued to serve faithfully in this capacity until his passing. In December 2014, Robert was ordained as a Deacon at Bayview where he dedicated his life to supporting the Senior Pastor who ministers to the congregation and community. Robert spent much of his time serving the church elders as well as a fellow Deacon who fell to a life-changing disability. Robert was the type of person whose presence enhanced whichever ministry he was a part of. He will be sorely missed.”

Robert Daniel Calloway III was born on Dec. 12, 1965 in Atlanta, Georgia.  He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 19. “I enjoyed traveling and the Navy sounded appealing,” he said. “But, I never expected to travel that much.”Robert Calloway

His Naval career included 13 deployments on six different ships. One of his most memorable experiences was watching his ship sink an abandoned Italian destroyer. “We towed his ship to an area near the international boundary with Libya,” recalled Calloway. “Our purpose was to show our military might to Muammar Gadaffi. It was very exciting to watch the ship blow up. Muammar stayed pretty quiet after that.”

Calloway served in the Navy for 26 years, from June 1985 to June 2011, retiring as a Senior Chief Navy Counselor. He worked in human resources and counseling in 20 of his 26 years.

Robert met President George W. Bush aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. It was on May 1, 2003, when the President declared “Mission Accomplished” regarding the end of major combat operations in Iraq in a nationally televised address.

“The President was very friendly and grateful and thanked us for our service,” said Robert. “He was interested in our opinion and was a good listener about what we had to share. It was impressive to watch him land on the flight deck co-piloting the jet.”

Robert started selling real estate in 2008, while still in the Navy. He joined PSAR at the start of his real estate career and was elected to the PSAR board of directors in 2014.

Prior to serving as PSAR president, Robert served as the founding president of the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP), San Diego chapter. The chapter was launched in July 2013 and he served as its president until October 2015. He also served for three years as VAREP’s Southern California State Director, overseeing the six chapters stretching from San Diego to Los Angeles. Headquartered in Corona, Calif., VAREP has more than 20,000 members nationwide, and more 60 chapters around the country, states its mission as to increase sustainable home ownership, financial-literacy education and economic opportunity for the active-duty and veteran communities.

“Robert was an earth angel,” said Andre Hobbs, a San Diego REALTOR®, close friend and VAREP member. Hobbs helped Robert establish the San Diego VAREP chapter in 2013. Today, Hobbs serves on the VAREP national board of directors as a member of the organization’s Affordable Housing Committee.

“What I mean by earth angel is someone who is born in human form and is beautiful and humble and shares with the world, generously and tirelessly, love, light and kindness of their hearts,” said Hobbs.

Robert is survived by a daughter Danielle Calloway of Cincinnati, Ohio, and two stepsons, Ernest Turner of Fife, Wash., Shalom Richards of Graham, Wash.

Robert Calloway and family

Robert also is survived by four sisters and a brother. The sisters include: Alicia Wimbish (Carl) of Ellenwood, Georgia; Valerie Seaborn (Kenneth) of Monroe, Georgia; Yolanda Williams (James) of Lithonia, Georgia; Darlene Williams (Boris) of Conyers, Georgia; brother Roderick Calloway (Carolyn) of Ellenwood, Georgia.
Robert was preceded in death by his father Robert D. Calloway Jr, mother Alicia “Yvonne” Calloway and a sister, Cheryl Williams.

Robert Calloway and friendsRobert also is survived by seven grandchildren, as well as a longtime friend, Elizabeth Taylor of San Diego.

In one of his final written statements to PSAR members, Robert provided some positive encouragement during the coronavirus pandemic. Robert was one of several PSAR past presidents who was quoted in a PSAR blog post. Robert’s comment revealed his loving heart and concern for others. Here was Robert’s comment: “We will get through this tough time as we have done in the past. Continue to work with your past clients and update them on what’s happening in the real estate market. Also, please remain safe during the shelter in place, there is no amount of money that can replace you or a loved one.”

Due to the coronavirus restrictions, the Celebration of Life memorial service honoring Robert will be held at a later date. Once finalized, details will be shared with all PSAR members.  


For more photos of
Robert and his PSAR Colleagues Click Here


Celebration of Life for Robert D. Calloway III
 
Visitation:  Tuesday May 19th from 6 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. to be held at Gregory B Levett & Sons 
4347 Flat Shoals Pkwy
Decatur, GA. 30034
(404) 241-5656
 
Graveside funeral:  Wednesday May 20th @ 1:00 P.M (Eastern) to be held at Kennedy Memorial Gardens 
2500 River Rd
Ellenwood, Ga. 30294
(404) 243-8900
 
The service will be streamed live on May 20th at 10:00 am PT - Link: http://capstonecloud.com/robert-d-calloway-iii/
Pprovided on Gregory B Levett & Sons Funeral home website - Link to Robert's Obituary
 
In lieu of flowers, the Calloway family has designated two real estate organizations to receive memorial donations in the name of Robert Calloway III. The family also requested that all donations be used to promote homeownership for military veterans, a worthy cause that was very important to Robert. 
 
Online donations can be made in Robert’s name to the San Diego Chapter of Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP) which is a 501C3, donations are tax-deductible. Visit https://varep.net/donate.   
 
If preferable, paper checks can be mailed to the Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors in San Diego, 880 Canarios Court, Chula Vista, CA. 91910. In the memo line of your check, please write “Robert Calloway” and the donation will be allocated to programs benefiting military veterans.  PSAR is a 501C6. Donations are not tax-deductible.
       

Topics: Announcements, Leadership

Governor Releases Industry Guidance on Real Estate Transactions

Posted by Richard D'Ascoli on May 7, 2020 6:57:26 PM

Today, May 7th, Governor Newsom released updated industry guidance to begin reopening with modifications that reduce risk and establish a safer environment for workers and customers. This guidance includes, among other things, information pertaining to real estate transactions.  Use these guidelines to responsibly plan and reopen for business.

The California Department of Real Estate advises all licensees to review the newly posted "COVID-19 Industry Guidance for Real Estate Transactions" and "COVID-19 General Checklist for Real Estate Transactions" found in the links below.

The Resilience Roadmap is a plan for modifying the statewide stay at home order to gradually reopen. When modifications are advanced and the state’s six indicators show we’ve made enough progress, we can move to the next stage of the roadmap. We are now moving into Stage 2, where some lower-risk workplaces can gradually open with adaptations.

This Guidance for Real Estate Document  provides guidance for businesses operating in the real estate industry including sales and rentals of single-family, multi-family, apartment, commercial, and industrial properties to support a safe, clean environment for workers.

For workplaces and showing property, it contains:
  • Specific plan
  • Physical distancing
  • Cleaning and disinfecting protocols for workplaces

It also has topics for employee training and individual control measures and screening, 

The COVID-19 General Checklist for Real Estate Transactions
This checklist is intended to help people involved in real estate transactions implement their plan to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace and is supplemental to the Guidance for Real Estate Transactions. This checklist is a summary and contains shorthand for some parts of the guidance; familiarize yourself with the guidance before using this checklist.

real estate industry guidance

Topics: Education, Brokers/Managers, Government Affairs, Industry

What will, 'Back-to-Normal' look like for real estate?

Posted by Robert Cromer on May 2, 2020 4:30:00 AM

life after COVID-19

The coronavirus pandemic has led to challenging and stressful times, full of ambiguity and uncertainty. The virus fallout has hit all business sectors to their respective cores - and our real estate industry is no exception.  And even while we are all in the middle of finding ways of conducting business and helping our clients, we are wondering what will be the long-term impact to our industry? What will “normal” be after the COVID-19 lock-down ends?

The answer is: It depends on your definition of “normal.” It’s likely we will see a different way of life in real estate. It’s unlikely that way of life will be exactly as it was pre-Covid-19. The stay-at-home mandate is now in its second month, and the dial is beginning to inch in the opposite direction. Some states are beginning to lift restrictions while others lay out roadmaps. Our economy’s reopening is coming, but “normal” is still a ways down the road.

Here are a few thoughts about the coronavirus impact on our real estate profession and our PSAR members.

-- The virus-driven economic shutdown hit the normally active spring home-buying season hard by limiting supply and dampening demand. Inventory, which already was tight, is now even tighter with fewer numbers of new listings. Many sellers pressed pause on putting their home on the market. Their hesitation to list is understandable given the dynamic economic outlook and the uncertainty it generates. Coronavirus fears also made many more buyers cautious fence-sitters.

-- Expect better times in 2020 Q3. Much of the economic disruption will continue throughout the second quarter. But I’m expecting that many potential sellers who hesitated due to anxiety will list their properties in the third quarter. I’m also expecting a more balanced market with fewer unrealistic sellers, over-pricing their homes and refusing to negotiate. Concern among our members is increasing tempered with a“this too shall pass” perspective.

-- Low mortgage rates will fuel demand and spur a quicker recovery in Q3. Rates will hover in the 3 percent range. Refinancing activity will remain constant as homeowners scramble to lock in record-low rates.

-- Open house activity will change going forward. Instead of group open-house gatherings, I see an increase in private showings of homes. Fewer open houses with smaller numbers to maintain social distancing will be scheduled. I’m proud to see how our PSAR members are exhibiting ingenuity and adapting open house strategies to meet head-on the Covid-19 reality. PSAR members are using video virtual showings and video tours on mobile devices, with disinfectant, masks and hand sanitizers available at in the entryway of every house shown. Some open house tips: Require all visitors to disinfect their hands upon entering the home, provide alcohol-based hand sanitizers at the entryway, as well as soap and disposable towels in bathrooms; before and after the open house, ask your client to clean and disinfect their home, especially commonly touched areas like doorknobs and faucet handles.

-- The coronavirus has been the catalyst of a greater reliance on technology by our industry. Overnight out industry, out of necessity, evolved from a a high-touch, in person process. I see more REALTORS® using technology, that has in fact existed for years, to finalize remote home closings and other steps of the transaction process. Technology is helping us find workarounds to navigate legal requirements and consumer anxiety.

-- iBuying, or automated home flipping without the expertise of a REALTOR®, certainly has been impacted by Covid-19. Algorithms that were built to snap-up real estate bargains and put cash offers on the table are being used less. The use of algorithms to evaluate and flip homes has been slowed considerably.

-- New home developers have also been hit hard because they normally depend on sales and marketing events that are now not allowed. Several new developments originally scheduled to launch in the spring will now be deferred until later this year, if not next. Private appointments and an increasing use of digital viewing options are now key aspects of new home marketing.

PSAR members will always be called upon to adapt to and leverage changing market realities and use their knowledge, negotiating skills and technology to treat all parties fairly, get deals done and keep the local economies strong. We will always find new ways to add value to our clients. Something good comes out of every crisis because we make changes that make us better, smarter and stronger. Tough times teach you so much, lessons you’ll use throughout your careers. We will get through this tough time as we have done in the past. I believe our industry is in a position to thrive when this is over. Our clients will need us more than ever, so hang in there!

 

Topics: Market Information

Clear Cooperation- Effective May 1st

Posted by Richard D'Ascoli on May 1, 2020 4:36:35 PM

By NAR mandate, CRMLS has implemented it's Clear Cooperation Policy.  This policy governs the public marketing of listings and their entry into the multiple listing service. Within one (1) business day of marketing a property to the public, the listing broker must submit the listing to the MLS for cooperation with other MLS participants.

After the Seller signs the contract, the Listing Broker has two (2) business days from the listing contract date to enter the listing into the MLS. Within one (1) business day of marketing the property, the Listing Broker must ensure that the listing is in the Coming Soon or Active status.  CRMLS will have a "Coming Soon" status by the end of May 2020.

To learn more about the policy and how it will be implemented, CRMLS General Counsel Ed Zorn recorded this Webinar.

Clear Cooperation Video

To download the slide deck below follow this link.

Clear Cooperation Rules

CRMLS also has this web page dedicated to Clear Cooperation, BUT the advantages that CRMLS provides are not available now. PSAR will join SDMLS in getting the Coming Soon status at the end of May, the Registered status and Hold status that are part of CRMLS now will be delayed until our migration to the Upgraded Paragon system in August.  They are also currently available for PSAR users who subscribe to Matrix.

 

Topics: Brokers/Managers, CRMLS, Industry

New GOVERNOR ORDER IMPACTING LICENSEES Renewal and Applicants

Posted by Richard D'Ascoli on Apr 20, 2020 9:31:09 AM

SACRAMENTO – On April 16, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-52-20 which, among other things, extends several Department of Real Estate (DRE) statutory deadlines by 60 days.
Highlights of the Executive Order that relate to DRE stakeholders include extending the
following for 60 days:

• time-frames associated with examination application expiration dates
• time-frames associated with license expiration dates
• deadlines related to the payment of license application fees
• deadlines related to the payment of license renewal fees
• deadlines related to completing continuing education requirements for expiring licensees
• deadlines specified in existing Orders issued by the Real Estate Commissioner

DRE understands that right now licensees are focused on keeping themselves and their families safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the signing of this most recent Executive Order providing for extensions of licensing deadlines, licensees can continue focusing on their safety and well-being.
Frequently asked questions about the Executive Order are provided on DRE’s website.

Additionally, DRE published the most recent Consumer Alert titled, “Consumer Alert- Fraud Warnings for California Homeowners in Financial Distress” in Spanish today. The Spanish copy can be accessed on DRE’s website on the Consumer Alerts page.

 

Topics: Announcements, Industry

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL PSAR R.E.A.L. AWARD WINNERS

Posted by Rick Griffin on Apr 17, 2020 5:15:46 PM

email_REALawards411

Congratulations to the more than 345 PSAR REALTORs® who have been honored with a PSAR 2020 Real Estate Achievement and Leadership (R.E.A.L.) award!

Award recipients were informed earlier this week about the honor. The PSAR R.E.A.L. awards program recognizes some of San Diego County's top producing agents who achieved excellence in sales production and industry leadership.

The 2020 PSAR R.E.A.L. Awards Committee members include:

Yvonne Cromer Chair
Reshia Guarnotta
Carey Guthrie
Laurie MacDonald
Amber Tannehill
Lupe Soto
Tony Santiago,
Paul Trudel-Payne
James Usrey
Robert Cromer

PSAR staff members assisting the committee include Rich D’Ascoli, Kevin McElroy and Sally Valdez.

An awards dinner where recipients of the inaugural R.E.A.L. awards was scheduled, but later cancelled due to event restrictions imposed as a result of Covid-19.  This was, of course, a disappointment, but the health and safety of all was the primary concern of PSAR leadership.

The names of the R.E.A.L. award recipients are listed in a full-page ad to be published in the San Diego Union-Tribune newspaper. The ad can be viewed by clicking this pdf (Kevin, insert the pdf address here).  Again, congratulations to all of our winners!

Awards are based on either sales volume dollars or units sold, including listings or sales units entered into the MLS, and closed in 2019. Both individuals and teams are eligible. Top 1%, over 31 sides and $26,130,000 in volume, Top 3%, over 19 sides and $13,667,755 in volume, Top 5%, over 14 sides and $9,920,000 in volume, Top 10%, over 9 sides and $6,134,179 in volume.

 

Topics: Announcements, Industry

The Department of Real Estate (DRE) posted FAQ’s on business practices

Posted by Richard D'Ascoli on Apr 11, 2020 1:08:40 PM

The Department of Real Estate (DRE) posted FAQ’s for business practices on the DRE's COVID-19 Updates page. The DRE also recently launched an “Ask DRE Licensing” email feature.

In addition to real time updates provided on DRE’s website, you can also subscribe to their Twitter and Facebook pages for important alerts.

In particular, this page on Business Practices is of particular importance.

. blog_DRE

 

Topics: Education, Brokers/Managers, Industry

PAST PSAR PRESIDENTS: YOU CAN GET THROUGH THIS

Posted by Rick Griffin on Apr 10, 2020 4:47:31 PM

Past PSAR President

Past leaders can teach us a great deal about handling adversity. Historians say that lessons learned by past leaders during tough times are often ignored or forgotten because people often view their current circumstances as different from those faced by people historically.

The truth is that for all that has changed throughout history, human nature remains remarkably the same . There are principles of individuals’ behavior that are constant over time,  especially when facing hardship. It’s also true that well-timed motivational words of encouragement and inspiration can lift morale during such times of crisis.

In spirit, we reached out to past PSAR presidents  from as long as 15 years ago for their “we-will-get-through-this-pandemic-together” thoughts.

So if you will take a few minutes and find a comfortable spot to read the following quotes, you may find that the words from these past leaders will resonate in this time of crisis and encourage you to believe that we will all not only make it through, we  will have gained something from the experience.

-- Robert Calloway (2019) 
“We will get through this tough time as we have done in the past. Continue to work with your past clients and update them on what’s happening in the real estate market. Also, please remain safe during the shelter in place, as there is no amount of money that can replace you or a loved one.”

-- Jan Farley (2018)
“We lived through the crisis of 2008. In every crisis and hardship, there is something good that comes out of it either by what we learn, or how we change the process, to make us better, smarter and stronger. That will absolutely be the case this time, too.”

-- Sarah Heck (2017)
“This too shall pass. This may be the catalyst for us as agents to find new ways to add value to our clients. Take this time to fine tune your processes, touch base with your sphere and practice self care. It can be easy to get swallowed up in the fear that comes from the valleys of a real estate career. Instead, focus on the peaks and how we are going to climb to the next one. I challenge you to look at this time as an opportunity to review and improve the foundation of your business so that you can grow stronger through today’s challenges.”

-- Anthony Andaya (2016)
“During uncertain times like these, some of the best things you can do are double down on your efforts to build relationships when folks are most receptive; triple down on your active listening and avoid sharing general opinions; quadruple down on your compassion and empathy for those you are speaking with. We are all in this together and together is the only way we will get through times like these. If you're going to quit on anything during these difficult times, then quit being lazy, quit making excuses, and quit waiting for the right time. Remember consistency is key in all you do especially in these trying times.” 

-- Carey Guthrie (2015)
“I think it’s a terrific time for REALTORS® to shine. I manage about 200 agents and I immediately ordered gloves, booties and masks for agents. During this crisis, I see a variety of things happening. My advice: don’t fall out of a regular routine; play by the rules, be safe and keep your clients safe; what you do now will contribute to success now and referrals down the road; provide the correct forms and the latest information daily to whoever needs it; keep a positive attitude for all.”

-- Bob Olivieri (2014)
“Just like past challenges we have experienced in PSAR’s 92-year history, we will get through this. Not only will we survive, our industry is in a position to thrive when this is over. Those of us who continue to work and keep in close contact with our friends, clients and prospects will reap the tremendous benefits that will come when we reach the slowdown of this pandemic.”

-- Peter Mendiola (2012)
“Your response to the current crisis is very important. How you react to any adversity and your attitude towards it will dictate your level of success for the days, weeks, and even years ahead. Many people will see the situation we are in, as completely doom and gloom, with a tone that the world is ending. I believe this is a fantastic opportunity for real estate professionals everywhere to stick to the basics, reach-out to as many people as possible and ask people how they’re doing. I’m extremely fortunate to be surrounded by very smart, optimistic people.
This is an incredible opportunity for all of us to lay the groundwork for an incredible increase in our production now and especially when the crisis is over. Having a positive attitude will give you a head-start and get you further ahead than many people who are unfortunately in a fearful place, and who are putting their heads in the sand.  It’s times like this that reshape our industry for the best and should remind everyone of the importance of being a professional well-informed Realtor. Stay positive and be a positive influence in peoples’ lives. Pick up your phone and start making phone calls!”  

-- Nikki Coppa (2011)
“I have no doubt that REALTORS® can make it through this pandemic and come out stronger than before. Every transaction a REALTOR® goes through has crazy twists and turns and it is our job to figure out how to help our clients navigate each one. Although a pandemic is a new twist, every day I watch the resilient adapt, move forward and close sales. When stay-at-home orders are lifted, `home’ will have a deeper meaning for most. The agents that push themselves out of their comfort zones now and reach out to their friends, family, clients and neighbors repeatedly will likely enjoy substantial benefits once we are all on the streets again.”

-- Pat Russiano (2009)
“During my real estate career which spans nearly three decades, I’ve helped buyers and sellers navigate many up-and-down markets and trying times. Statistics label the ups-and-downs, but every market’s challenges must be met and can be met with continued belief in yourself and surrounding yourself with professional mentors and peers. This particular period in history, like all others, has very unique issues that require our problem-solving skills. When times seem toughest, it is not the time to withdraw. Engage with your industry leaders and you will realize there are resources and answers if you look and ask. It is just as important to engage and help where your talents can be used the most. The actual delivery of our services is requiring the most thought, the most care, the most caution. But we can do this. We are learning a lot and I’m certain the lessons learned will make us stronger for it. Focus on the problem to get your bearings. Then focus on the solution on how we can keep helping the families that we’ve always found ways to help using the safety protocols in all ways that this particular market requires.”

-- Barbara Brown Hahn (2008)
“Hang in there! Tough times teach you so much, lessons you’ll use throughout your careers. And they give you great stories to tell! Keep your sense of humor.”

 -- Susan Olivier (2007)
“I know that we are all going through a tough time now. But we will make it through. Keep your eyes on what you do have, such as your own wellbeing, your family and friends, your fur babies, all you've accomplished. Take time to reflect on all the positives in your life and before you know it, this will pass.”

-- Mark Scott (2006)
“Now is a time that you can show your value by implementing best practice safety measures while still going to work every day. The great recession required a level of professionalism that until then was unprecedented in our lifetime. This is no different. Reach out to your friends, family and sphere of influence and you can come out of this stronger than when this pandemic started. Stay safe and go to work.”

-- Suzanne Yavorsky (2005)  
“Tie a knot on the end of the rope and hang on for the ride as this too will pass. The sun will shine again and keep the faith.”

-- Isabel Hall (2002)
“I love real estate agents, because they are first and foremost optimists. That optimism in this time is essential. Through this challenge, make the most of your optimism. This situation is not going to last for years and years; it’s going to last for several months. And when those months have passed, the recovery will be amazing to watch. Meanwhile, exercise daily for endorphins, make the most of this time with your families, and stay safe so you can enjoy the incredible recovery.”

 

Topics: Announcements, Industry

Virtual Showings Available in CRMLS Now

Posted by Richard D'Ascoli on Apr 9, 2020 11:51:03 AM

ShowingTime, available to CRMLS users at no additional cost, has made it easy to conduct showings virtually with its latest update.

Simply select “Virtual Showing” as the appointment type when verifying appointment details:

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The showing agent may also add a note for the listing agent indicating which video conferencing solution they’d like to use for the showing.

Listing agents may also set their preferred appointment type to Virtual Showing.

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For a full walkthrough of the Virtual Showing feature, visit the CRMLS Knowledgebase article.

 

Topics: Market Information, Technology

Resources for Property Managers

Posted by Richard D'Ascoli on Apr 7, 2020 2:37:28 PM

PSAR launches Property Management Resource Page
PSAR will provide links and resources to property managers and landlords to help with information as we navigate the COVID-19 Crisis. It can be found here.

Judicial Council Suspends Evictions and Foreclosures
Among the actions the council approved, to go into effect immediately: Suspend the entry of defaults in eviction cases & Suspend judicial foreclosures. More information here.

CAR Releases two New Property Management Forms 4/6/2020
Form NTAP (Notice to Tenant of Ability to Pay Rent During Coronavirus Pandemic) is an informational notice that a landlord can send to a tenant for the purpose of starting a dialogue with the tenant regarding the payment of rent during the coronavirus pandemic.
Form RPD (Coronavirus Rent Payment Delay and Repayment) is an addendum to a residential lease or rental agreement that, when agreed to and signed by the landlord and tenant, documents the tenant’s claim that the tenant is unable to pay rent and the reason for the inability; proof of the inability to pay; the amount of the rent not being paid; and a plan to pay it in the future.

Topics: Announcements, Market Information