DESIGNATED
REALTOR
®
ISSUE 6: December 2021
WRAPPING UP 2021 BUSINESS NJREALTOR.COM
I M P O R TA N T D AT E S & D E A D L I N E S
DECEMBER
6–9
JANUARY
Triple Play Realtor Convention & Trade Expo
24
Christmas Eve
25
Christmas Day
26
Kwanzaa
31
New Year’s Eve
®
FEBRUARY
MARCH
1
Black History Month
Womens’ History Month
7
1
Lunar New Year
2
2
13
14
15
NJ Realtors® Office Closed—Martin Luther King Jr. Day
17
17
22
21
18
New Year’s Day
Orthodox Christmas Day
14
Orthodox New Year
17
Board of Directors Meeting
Ash Wednesday
Groundhog Day
Daylight Saving Time Begins
Valentine’s Day
Passover Begins
Mardi Gras
St. Patrick’s Day
NJ Realtors® Office Closed—Presidents’ Day
Holi
WHAT’S BUZZING IN REAL ESTATE?
1
According to NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, the outlook for the residential real estate market continues to be promising. He forecasts home sales may decline in 2022 but will outdo prepandemic levels. Read more here.
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2
The Realtor® Code of Ethics deadline is right around the corner on Dec. 31. Realtors® must complete at least 2.5 hours of ethics to fulfill the membership requirement. NJ Realtors® Academy of Continuing Education has a free ethics course for members click here.
3
The Consumer Fraud Law, S-1047, now applies to all information covered by the Safe Harbor Provision, not just OPRA requests, and now applies to all licensees. There is also no longer any liability for any licensees if they fall within the Safe Harbor Provision.
Are you finding that potential clients are too scared by the housing market to take the leap to buy? NJ Realtors® wants to help first-time buyers achieve the dream of homeownership with the Keys to Homeownership Seminar. The next one is slated for Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m. Click here to learn more.
5
Realtor.com® predicts the housing market this winter will be different than past ones. Its chief economist expects sellers to see plenty of buyers in the colder months, read more here.
6
The new year is quickly approaching and in 2022 design pros predict rich hues, airy spaces, and vintage furnishings will be some of the biggest living room trends. Read more here.
Sessions That Could Help Your Agents Navigate the Current Market Visit realtorstripleplay.com for the most up-to-date schedule. Expand Your Global Reach Dec. 6, 1-3 p.m. Neal Oates 2 NJ Elective Credits Want to find out how to position yourself as the international real estate professional? Attend this session and learn why a global reach is necessary in today’s economy, the advantages of targeting and working with international clients, how to locate and disseminate valuable information to garner business, and create an action plan to implement upon conclusion of the course.
Serving the Consumer in a Post-Pandemic Market
Dec. 8, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Cheryl Knowlton NJ CE Pending Dec. 6, 12-3 p.m. & Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. John Tuccillo & Leslie Appleton-Young 3 NJ Elective Credits
In this extremely hands-on and practical session, Jared James will cover 10 different unique and innovative strategies that you can implement from day one to create more listing opportunities for your business. Come ready to take lots of notes and leave with a game plan to dominate the listing inventory in your local market!
We are already beginning to see the outlines of the post-COVID economy. Job growth is strong, the market is flush with liquidity, and economic growth is expected to boom through 2022. But what about the real estate market and the real estate industry? Will the surge in sales and prices we have seen in 2020 and 2021 continue? Will the severe inventory crunch continue? Will the emerging boom push up interest rates? In this presentation, John Tuccillo and Leslie Appleton-Young, noted real estate economists, will make sense of all these changes. Using available data, they will integrate market, industry and economic trends, assess what they mean for real estate brokers and present some suggestions as to how brokers can profit from the coming post-COVID world.
Seeing Double! Making the Most of a Multiple Offer Market
Advanced Listing Skills and a Very Low Inventory
10 Ways to Gain Listings Right Now Dec. 6, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Jared James No CE
Dec. 7, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. & Dec. 7, 2-5 p.m. Pam Ermen 3 NJ Elective Credits Discover a unique version of best practices! Buyers’ agents will learn multiple offer strategies, effective dialogues, and negotiating techniques to effectively position their client in a competitive environment. Sellers’ agents will better understand the dynamics of a multiple offer market, how to maximize the property’s exposure and interest, and how to sell the property for a price that can often exceed list price.
Feeling the Love: Fair Housing and Buyer Lover Letters
Dec. 7, 2-5 p.m. Rich Levin NJ CE Pending
In a world of multiple offers, we want our buyers’ offer to stand out. However, there are good and dangerous ways to play that game. Are “love letters” – letters written by the buyer to emotionally influence the seller – legal? Are there potentially unintended consequences for submitting a “love letter” with your buyers offer? Join us for this timely and important course on avoiding unintended fair housing bias and discrimination.
How to Be a Totally Mobile and Virtual Agent Dec. 8, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Craig Grant No CE If one thing the past year has shown us is that it’s more important than ever to modernize your business. In this session, you will learn how to leverage the cloud and many tools that will allow you to work, stay in contact with your sphere, do the entire real estate process from lead generation to property showings, all the way to contract, to closing and beyond, completely online, remotely and/or from the comfort of your own home!
We are in a historically low inventory market. Home sellers are more often unable to make their best decisions in this market. Risk of gain is great for the sellers. So is risk of loss. This session is a crash course in how to advise sellers in this market on price, negotiations, multiple offers, anticipating low appraisals, fairness, ethics, staying within the law, and the myriad of other issues to ensure that the sellers obtain the best results with the least disappointment and stress. Designated REALTOR® | December 2021 | 1
BEING A Member HAS ITS Perks
Member Perks PROGRAM
T
here are plenty of reasons to be a New Jersey Realtor® but did you know that your membership can save you money? New Jersey Realtors® receive exclusive rates on products and services around the state, ranging from UPS and Office Depot discounts to travel and marketing service deals. The companies that have partnered with New Jersey Realtors® offer savings to the membership at large, just for being a part of the association. Some discounts require a code or special link, which are all available at njrealtor.com/member-perks.
Marketing ANIMOTO
Easy-to-make marketing videos designed to stand out on social media. 15% discount on a year’s plan.
CONSTANT CONTACT
Market yourself with professional emails, customizable templates, and contact management. 20% discount for six months and 25% discount for 12 months.
ISTAGING
Exclusive discounts on augmented and virtual reality solutions. Designated REALTOR® | December 2021 | 2
Finances MONSIDO
Audit and transform your website to give visitors a superior browsing experience. Schedule a demo and take advantage of your member discount.
PHOTOFY
Easily personalize and share marketing assets right from your phone with Photofy. Use one of NJ Realtors® many templates to customize content for Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!
REALTYZAM
Ultra simple expense tracking/accounting software built for real estate agents. Members can try the program free and receive a 10% discount.
MIDAS IQ
Formerly Taxbot, easy-to-use mileage and expense tracking app, coupled with expert training tools. Members receive a free, 30-day trial and 50% savings.
Business Tools RENTSPREE
Use RentSpree’s rental screening process tool at no cost to you.
Health & Safety
Travel
AACCTPRO
BOOKING COMMUNITY
Keep your office and listings clean with antimicrobial and disinfection protection.
HEALTH ALLIANCE NETWORK
Receive your first month free of telemedicine services with code NJR. Telemedicine plans start as low as $14.99 a month.
LIFEGUIDES
An emotional health & well-being solution which provides peer-to-peer support to help members navigate and overcome life challenges.
Members receive up to 70% lower rates than other public travel or hotel websites for more than 800,000 participating hotels and resorts worldwide.
CRUISES ONLY
Shop and compare thousands of cruises from 25 of the world’s top fleets departing from 22 U.S. ports, on over 250 ships.
HOTEL ENGINE
ORLANDO VACATION
Save up to 35% off your next Orlando vacation. Orlando hotel rates start at $55 per night and vacation homes start at $99 per night.
TNT VACATIONS
Members receive a 5% discount on over 900 destinations in Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and the U.S., as well as airlines and thousands of hotels.
TRAVEL SAVINGS CENTER
LIFE LINE SCREENING
Take advantage of an average of 26% off public rates at more than 150K+ hotels; no contracts, annual fees, or minimum spends; and superior 24/7, U.S.-based customer support.
POM
Office Supplies & Services
Members-only pricing on preventative health screenings for serious illnesses.
Personal safety device to give you and your family members piece of mind. Use code njrealtor-pom for $30 off your device.
SAFE SHOWINGS
Technology solution that identifies where Realtors® are and who they are with to help keep you safe.
SINGLECARE
Free pharmacy card holders and their families get exclusive access to discounted out-of-pocket pricing on all FDA-approved medications, at over 35,000 pharmacies nationwide.
Home & Auto
OFFICE DEPOT
Members can save up to 80% off more than 93,000 products, including printing, cleaning and furniture needs. Online orders over $50 enjoy free, next-day delivery.
Exclusive travel savings on car rentals, hotels, condos, villas, cruises, guided tours, and group travel packages.
UPS
Save anywhere between 18% to 75% on UPS® Ground, Air, Next Day Air, Next Day Air Saver, Worldwide Express, and much more.
Food Services COOKUNITY
Use code NJREALTOR for 25% off your first 3 months of pre-prepared meal delivery.
EAT CLEAN BRO
Save 20% with code NJRealtors for its food delivery service.
Technology
Risk Management
HP
LIFELOCK
BUDGET
Members receive up to 25% on Budget car rentals.
Receive free shipping and discounts on some of HP’s most popular products including computers, printers, ink, carrying cases, and speakers.
FARMERS INSURANCE
LENOVO
Retail
AVIS
Save up to 20% off your next car rental while experiencing the comfort and reliability that comes with renting from Avis.
Members have access to auto and home insurance from Farmers GroupSelect. This program provides you with special savings, outstanding customer service, and a full suite of products to meet your diverse insurance needs.
Save up to 30% off the everyday web price of Lenovo’s entire line of PC products and accessories for the home and office.
Receive identity theft protection with the LifeLock Identity Alert system for just $9 a month or $99 annually, a 10% discount.
BROOKS BROTHERS
Brooks Brothers Corporate Membership Program offers an everyday 15% savings on regularly priced merchandise.
Designated REALTOR® | December 2021 | 3
Circle of Excellence Sales Award®
Did you know?
2021 APPLICATION CHANGES
2021
Close Date for Rentals
The close date for rentals will now be the MLS Close Date or, for non-MLS transactions, the lease execution date. The previous rule stated the close date was the lease commencement date, therefore a one year exception has been made for the 2021 application so that you may claim a rental whose lease had closed in 2020, but commenced in 2021, so long as it was not claimed on your 2020 application.
Entering your transactions is easier than ever before! We are AWARD excited to announce MLS Integration with all MLSs in LEVELS New Jersey.
Platinum:
Verification/Proof Materials
All verification and proof materials must be uploaded to your online application before submission. As a reminder, transactions and industry units listed as verified do not require proof materials.
Online Application Submission
1 2 3
Starting in 2021, all applications must be submitted online and approved by the broker/office manager prior to the application deadline. Applications that are not submitted or approved cannot be reviewed and will not be eligible to receive the award. There are no exceptions or appeals to this rule. It is highly recommended that applicants check with their broker to ensure ample time is allotted for review and approval process. No hard-copy applications will be accepted by any local board/association.
$20 million and 30 units minimum, or 125 units
Gold:
$12 million and 25 units minimum, or 90 units
Head over to coe.njrealtor.com/mls
Silver:
Select your MLS and enter your $6.5 million and 20 units minimum, agent ID if applicable New Broker/Office Manager Approval Process or 70 units
Starting in 2021, all NJ Realtors® Circle of Excellence Sales Award® applications must be submitted online and approved by the broker/office manager prior to the application deadline.
Click “Add Connection”
Applications that are not submitted or approved online cannot be reviewed and will not be eligible to receive the award.
Bronze:
$2.5 million and 15 units minimum, or 30 units
APPLICATIONS DUE
APPLICATION DEADLINE: JAN. 10, 2021, 5 P.M. EST
JANUARY 6, 2020
Designated REALTOR® | December 2021 | 4
REALTOR GIFT GUIDE ®
The holiday season is here! Check out these seven items to add to your holiday wish list.
1
Portable Charger
If you’re a Realtor on the go or a frequent traveler, it’s likely you’ve been left with a dead phone at one point. A slim and fast charging portable charger from Anker is the perfect fix to keep your business going from anywhere. It’ll charge an iPhone 12 2.3 times, a Galaxy S20 1.6 times, and an iPad mini 5 1.2 times.
2
®
Wool Runners from All Birds
If you’re looking for a comfortable and washable pair of sneakers for this winter, look no further than All Bird’s Wool Runners. Made with merino wool, these original All Birds sneakers are soft, moisture wicking, and ready for anything. Both men and women can snatch these sneaks are the perfect addition to your shoe lineup.
3
Costco Membership
4
Happy Socks
It might sound like an unconventional gift, but the savings opportunities with a Costco membership are endless. You can stock up on office essentials, save on new office tech, plan your holiday meal, and more.
Jazz up your business professional outfit with fun and seasonal socks. From Monty Python to bananas, Happy Socks has a pattern for everyone. Happy Socks also has themed gift boxes, which is the perfect addition to your holiday shopping list.
5
Portable Air Compressor
It’s that time of year when your tires are perfectly fine one minute and then your tire pressure sensor comes on the next. Why wait in line at the gas station when you can have the convenience of always having an air compressor on hand. This one from AstroAl has a LED display, multiple nozzle connections, and a flashlight.
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Goldbelly
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Hydro Flask
Give or receive the gift of delicious food from across the U.S. with Goldbelly. Gingered Peach cinnamon rolls, or Seattle’s Pike Place clam chowder, or cookies from Veniero’s are just some of the famous dishes from small business eateries to order.
Adding “drink more water” to your New Year’s Resolutions list can be more Mat Hayward – stock.adobe.com attainable with a 32 oz. stainless steel water bottle from Hydro Flask. Cold water stays ice cold for 24 hours—perfect for your next hike in High Point State Park or trip to the office. It comes in nine colors and has multiple lid options to fit your preference. Designated REALTOR® | December 2021 | 5
WED. DEC. 5 RM 308/309
Join us at the
RPAC HIGH ROLLERS’ SUITE During a long week of classes and events at the 2021 Triple Play Realtor® Convention & Trade Expo, treat yourself to a few hours of relaxation in Room 308/309 of the Atlantic City Convention Center. For a minimum $250 investment pledge to RPAC, you’ll get all-day access to the RPAC High Rollers’ Suite, which includes: • Deluxe Coffee Bar • Hot Lunch • Massages • Headshots • Psychic Readings • Manicures • Shoe Polishes & more! Contributions to RPAC are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. Contributions are voluntary and are used for political purposes. The amounts indicated are merely guidelines and you may contribute more or less than the suggested amounts provided your contribution is within applicable contribution limits. The National Association of REALTORS® and its state and local associations will not favor or disadvantage any member because of the amount contributed or a decision not to contribute. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal. Unless otherwise required by applicable law, any request for the refund of a contribution must be made within two (2) business days of the date on which you authorize RPAC to charge you for said contribution. Your contribution is split between National RPAC and the State PAC in your state. Contact your State Association or PAC for information about the percentages of your contribution provided to National RPAC and to the State PAC. The National RPAC portion is used to support federal candidates and is charged against your limits under 52 U.S.C. 30116.