Agent Newsletter | July 2nd
  Weekly Calendar


Wednesday with Bobbie 10:00 - 11:00 Melbourne

OUR OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED TUESDAY, JULY 4TH  
WE WILL REOPEN 8:30am ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 5TH
Bobbie's Corner
 
Help find a dream community without breaking the law
By Margy Grant
 

June 19, 2017 –

There's a fine line between "advising" and "unlawful conduct" under the Fair Housing Act.


When a buyer asks for neighborhood recommendations, respond cautiously. It's possible to accidentally violate the Fair Housing Act by steering buyers toward, or away from, certain neighborhoods. But the fair housing rules are critical and sometimes a buyer just does not understand the full spectrum of these rules. We can't change who they are or what they're looking for in a new home.


One way to stay out of harm's way with fair housing, however, is to become the source of the source of information rather than the primary source.


Here are four different ways to stay on the right side of the Fair Housing Act:

  • Ask the buyer and about family activities or hobbies. This can help you suggest areas that would fit their lifestyle and avoid suggesting options based on their religion, ethnicity or other dangerous areas. Hikers may want to live close to mountains or parks, for example; ocean lovers will look for places near the shore.
  • If a family asks about schools, recommend that they check the online school district and community resources. This will help them understand school boundaries and identify nearby charter schools. If they're looking for private schools, encourage them to speak to coworkers or friends in the area.
  • Many times, buyers want the down-and-dirty details on neighborhoods, such as crime rates. In these cases, refer them to the local police or city commission website. Many update this information regularly.
  • Under no circumstances should you make any generalizations about the character or demographic makeup of a neighborhood. A statement like "this is a very Christian area – everyone is extremely committed to family values" can be considered steering.


Part of locating a home is creating a relationship where you and the buyer become very familiar with each other. Realtors often become close friends with their buyers and help introduce them to the community. This is human nature at its best, and a top reason why Realtors are so essential in communities. But practitioners must be careful not violate the fair housing laws.


So, what's a Realtor supposed to do when a buyer continues asking inappropriate questions?

Start by setting expectations at the beginning. If a buyer continues with inappropriate questions, explain that the fair housing laws preclude you from providing that information.

Fair housing violations

Please remember that fair housing testers are in the field, and follow these simple guidelines to protect yourself.

A violation can be expensive: In August 2016, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) increased the fines for fair housing violations. A first-time violation is subject to a civil penalty of more than $19,000; subsequent fines can amount to almost $100,000 plus attorney fees and costs. But the cost could be even higher. These fines are in addition to actual damages suffered by the person filing the complaint.

Further, HUD keeps a record of all violations and makes them publicly available.

If you're not sure about a certain question or action under the fair housing laws, please contact the Florida Realtors legal hotline at 407.438.1409 and speak to an attorney free of charge about the issue. This call is free – a member benefit when you became a member of the Florida Realtors family.

Margy Grant is General Counsel of Florida Realtors

Source: National Association of Realtors®

© 2017 Florida Realtors



MARKET INSIGHTS
  • Home prices were up 5.5% year-over-year in April.
  • Seattle, Portland, and Dallas reported the highest year-over-year gains, according to Case-Shiller.
  • Pending home sales were down again in May, as tight inventory continues to be an issue.
  • Buyer interest remains solid even with fewer choices on the market.
  • Although inventory has declined month-over-month for 2 years, there may be hope.
  • NAR found that 71% of homeowners think now is a good time to sell
 Our July Office Meeting will be at the Barrier Island Center in Melbourne Beach at 9:30 AM
The Barrier Island Center is located in the Brevard County Barrier Island Sanctuary. Our July office meeting will be held here at 9:30 AM. 

Please note meeting time is 9:30 AM. 

KNOW YOUR NUMBERS!
 
KNOW YOUR INDUSTRY: Credit Scores, Flood Ins., New CEO
Welcome Lauri Stevens!
Lauri Stevens has joined our Vero Beach office!  Lauri brings many years of real estate experience with her from Elliott Merrill Community Management.  She is a Vero Beach resident and a new licensee who we are very happy to welcome!  Please say hello to her at her business Facebook page, or email her a hello below.

Email Lauri a Welcome message!
Jumbo Post Cards - $100 Complimentary
If you would like to have a jumbo post card sent out when you represent buyers on a transaction, you have an option to take a picture of the property or community entrance and attach to your Marketing Materials request.  Daisy will put the image through a process that yields a painted look and has the right requirements for print media like jumbo post cards.  $10.00 will be charged to your agent billing, and make sure to speak with Daisy first to know that your smart phone can work for the program.



NEW PHOTOGRAPHY PROGRAM
FOR YOUR LISTINGS

When using VHT.com as your provider, you will not be charged until closing for our $144.00 package of 15 photos.  If your listing should be withdrawn or expire, Bobbie will absorb 1/2 the cost of your $144.00 package.

We will go over the complete program at our July Office Meeting, but you can order immediately using the link below.  Additional services are available to you a la cart from this link.
Dear Agents:

I would like to extend and invitation for anyone
interested in traveling and getting to know a bit more of beautiful Panama. It's a great business trip with plenty of fun included. 

Dates August 31st- Sept 4th. 
Traveling out of Orlando
Fare trip approximately $600.00 per person. 
Hotel room, 2 can share one room
$250.00 per room, per night or less
Need a passport 
4 nights 5 days 

We would be visiting the different projects I am listing here in FL, also meeting the Top Developer that builds all these magnificent properties. 

Also, we would be touring Panama, the Canal, we would have fine dining and great shopping. 

If you would like to come along please confirm with Peggy and myself by July 15th. 

PS : I will be working on getting better hotel prices. I will keep you guys posted.