GSAR Hot News - COVID case increases may lead to real estate shutdown, fines

Top Headlines for October 9

COVID case increases may lead to real estate shut down, large fines

Gov. Andrew Cuomo's recent Executive Order has created Red, Orange and Yellow zones based on COVID-19 case "clusters" in certain geographic areas. The declaration of a county as being one of these zones has a significant impact on how licensees can conduct real estate activities. For example, in a county designated a "Red Zone" real estate offices would be closed to the public and real estate services would have to be conducted remotely. Fines for violating the Executive Order can be as high as $15,000. GSAR members are strongly encouraged to follow all current guidance to help reduce the spread of the virus and avoid a zone designation based on increased COVID-19 cases. For more information and guidance about real estate activities in each type of zone, click here.

Gov. Cuomo extends state of emergency to Nov. 3; cold calling prohibited

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has extended the state of emergency declaration to November 3. Licensees should be aware that this extends the cold calling prohibition, and that they are required to follow all state guidance and directors for conducting real estate activities. According to guidance issued by NYSAR: "Licensees are still prohibited from making any cold calls. Real estate licensees may not make any unsolicited phone calls to a member of the public during a State of Emergency. General Business Law §399-z(5)(a) states 'It shall be unlawful for any telemarketer doing business in this state to knowingly make an unsolicited telemarketing sales call to any person in a county, city, town or village under a declared state of emergency or disaster emergency as described in sections twenty-four or twenty-eight of the executive law.' All other types of marketing such as mailers, billboards, social media, internet etc., are permitted. You may call a FSBO if you have an identifiable purchaser interested in the property. You are prohibited from calling the FSBO to solicit the listing. You may still perform business to business calls so long as you are calling the number provided as the business number."

Realtor.com: Millennials speeding up home purchases

Nearly half of millennial home shoppers responding to a recent realtor.com® and HarrisX survey said the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated their home purchase timeline. The study also found they are prepared for a competitive market and are willing to accept financial assistance from family or friends to make their home buying dreams a reality. Learn more here.

You can make a difference! Sign up for a GSAR task force or committee

Volunteering your time and expertise can be a rewarding way to help shape the future of your association and industry. All members are encourage to become more involved in the Greater Syracuse Association of REALTORS® through serving on a task force or committee in 2021. Opportunities include education, professional standards, fair housing and more. To volunteer, complete this form and return it to GSAR before November 16.

Help someone start their career: GSAR salesperson course begins Oct. 22

GSAR’s popular pre-licensing course begins Oct. 22, 2020. The 75-hour course will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday classes will be from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The class ends on December 5, 2020. Please share this link with anyone interested in the course: https://www.cnyrealtor.com/education/salesperson-course/. They will find general licensing information and a registration packet with course dates, Zoom class policy, and registration form there. They may also contact the education department at 457-5979 x 224 or education@cnyrealtor.com.

MLS Tips

Advertising regulation amendment takes effect Nov. 2

All licensees should be aware that the new amendment to state advertising regulations, set to take effect on Nov. 2, will require any broker or associated licensee of that broker advertising the exclusive listing of another broker to provide additional information in the advertisement.

Regulation 19 NYCRR 175.25(d)(3) and (6) requires every licensee who advertises the exclusive listing of another broker to “clearly and conspicuously disclose the name of the exclusive listing broker” proceeded by one of the following phrases: Listing Provided by; Listing by; Listing Broker Contact; Listing of; Listing Provided Courtesy of; or Listing Agent Contact.

This change applies to all types of advertising including print and electronic mediums such as social media platforms. Licensees who use an IDX feed on their websites must make sure the display is in compliance with the amended regulation.

Advertising on third-party sites, such as Zillow and others, must also use one of the seven phrases with the listing broker’s name. It is the responsibility of the licensee to ensure compliance with the regulations as they only apply to licensees. Licensees may be held liable by the state Department of State for noncompliance.

It is important to note that brokers responsible for ensuring their advertising and that of their associated licensees is in compliance with the regulation.

It is recommended that all licensees read the article authored by NYSAR General Counsel Anthony Gatto to gain a complete understanding of the new requirements.

Education

October CE classes offer valuable learning opportunities

Registration is open for all October continuing education classes. Make your plans now to earn credits during October.

The 7 P's to Getting a Buyer Representation Agreement Signed

October 13, 9 a.m. - Noon

Today, brokers and consumers frequently expect their professional relationship to be formalized by a Buyer Representation Agreement that documents and clarifies the responsibilities of both the broker and the purchaser. Obtaining consent to represent through a signed buyer representation agreement can ensure that consumers receive client-level service, minimize misunderstandings and help make the home buying process a positive experience. (Zoom class; 3.0 CEU). Register here.

Instanet: The Fundamentals

October 15, 9 a.m. - NoonO

This course is designed to help beginner users of Transaction Desk navigate through the system to create the required paperwork for a transaction. Participants will create professional documentation for both buyer and seller, thereby providing a clean, typed version of their forms for easier reading and understanding. You will learn how to print, e-mail and/or send the documents for an electronic signature using Authentisign. (Zoom class; 3.0 CEU). Register here.

Master Matrix with GSAR classes

GSAR's Matrix classes are designed to help users become more proficient and efficient in using Matrix tools. Register by emailing the GSAR Education Department.

Matrix 2: Auto email and customization

October 14, 9 - 10:30 a.m.

This class will help you save time and make your life easier by showing you how to automate client/customer contact and how to customize your Matrix account. Keep your contacts up to date by setting up automatic e-mails - let Matrix do the work for you! Did you know that you can reverse prospect and track active listing activity? You'll learn how to do that and more in this class. (Zoom class. 1.5 CEU)

Matrix 3: Comparative Market Analysis

October 14, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

The Matrix CMA feature will help you prepare an accurate comparative market analysis for your clients. You'll get tips on how to choose the best comparable properties and how to put the whole report together to present to your client either electronically or in person. (Zoom class; 1.5 CEU)

Apply for NYSAR education scholarships before Dec. 31

NYSAR's Education Foundation offers scholarships for designation courses to help members advance their real estate education. Visit www.NYSREEF.org for scholarship eligibility requirements and an application. Deadline for submission is December 31, 2020.

Upcoming virtual continuing education and Matrix classes

The 7 P's to Getting a Buyer Representation Agreement Signed October 13, 9 a.m. - Noon (3.0 CEU)

Matrix 2: Auto E-mail & Customization October 14, 9 - 10:30 a.m. (1.5CEU)

Matrix 3: Comparative Market Analysis October 14, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (1.5 CEU)

Instanet: The Fundamental October 15, 9 a.m. - Noon (3.0 CEU)

Standards-Based Real Estate Photography- Level II October 20, 9 a.m. - Noon (3.0 CEU)

Matrix Intro Part 1 October 21, 9 - 10:30 a.m. (1.5 CEU)

Matrix Intro Part 2 October 21, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (1.5 CEU).

Matrix Intro Part 1 October 28, 9 - 10:30 a.m. (1.5 CEU)

Matrix Intro Part 2 October 28, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (1.5 CEU).

Matrix 2: Auto E-mail & Customization October 28 , 1:30 - 3 p.m. (1.5CEU)

Education links

View the complete monthly schedule

Weekly webinars and classes weekly calendar on members side of cnyrealtor.com

Changing the way we learn: Zoom proficiency will be the key to earning CE credit into 2021

When it comes to education, the events of 2020 have made it clear that REALTORS will need to master Zoom for remote learning to ensure they are able to earn their required continuing education credits. This will be especially important for licensees who will no longer be "grandfathered in" as of June 21, 2021. Every licensee must meet the CE requirements to keep their license. As with in-person CE classes, Zoom classes have specific requirements including being visible on camera for the entire session and signing 10 minutes before the session starts. To learn more about using Zoom for CE classes, please watch the video.

Thanks to our sponsors

New York State Commercial Association of REALTORS® offers CCIM course "Foundations for Success in Commercial Real Estate" on Oct. 21-21. The in-person course at the Calvary Club in Manlius features instructor Stanley Gniazdowski. This case-driven course provides an understanding of the skills, resources and business practices that pave the way for success in commercial real estate. View the course flyer for additional information and registration.