Designated Realtor®—October 2023

Six Fall Team-Building Activities

BY LISA FANT

As the leaves change and we prepare for a new season of opportunities, brokers have the opportunity to strengthen their teams while providing valuable networking and collaboration experiences. This autumn, consider these six community-based and business-enhancing team-building activities to reconnect your team and help your agents thrive.

1. Neighborhood Clean-Up Initiative

Organize a neighborhood clean-up day for your office. Roll up your sleeves and strengthen community ties by working together to beautify local neighborhoods. Not only will you boost your team’s morale, but also forge stronger connections with the communities you serve.

2. Host a Local Business Networking Mixer

Get to know your local business scene by hosting a mixer bringing real estate professionals and local business owners together. Take the opportunity to network and exchange ideas or strategies. Maintaining valuable local partnerships can support your clients and enhance your standing in the community.

3. Give Back to a Community Cause

Channel your agents’ combined strengths to make a positive impact on the community. Consider selecting a local cause to support through a collective vote. Plan a charity auction or gather donations for an organization, including contributions from team members, local businesses, and clients.

4. Make Your Mark at a Local Fall Festival

Embrace the festive fall atmosphere by setting up a booth at local events. Engage with attendees, distribute informational materials, and share your passion for real estate. By connecting with the community in a relaxed setting, you can make memorable connections and plant the seed for future client relationships.

5. Create an Office Mastermind Group

A mastermind group meets regularly to provide advice, support, and feedback on a designated topic without a facilitator, encouraging engagement from all members. Foster an innovative culture within your team through routine mastermind sessions in small groups to brainstorm ideas, address challenges, and offer strategic guidance. With every member contributing thoughts and ideas, active participation becomes crucial, driving impactful change and collaboration to advance your agents’ businesses.

6. Start an Office Book Club

Gather your office bookworms and cultivate a culture of continuous learning by launching an office book club. Select thought-provoking books to explore industry trends, best business practices, communication techniques, or establishing work-life balance. Engaging in thoughtful discussions will ignite fresh perspectives and mutual growth.

BROKER/MANAGER COURSES

TUESDAY DEC. 5

9–10 a.m.

Trista Curzydlo

There’s No Font For Sarcasm…Managing a Multi-Generational Workplace

This course delves into the impact of life experiences on employee work ethic and motivation, with a focus on generational differences. Real estate industry examples merge theory and practical insights. Trista provides engaging strategies for enhancing intergenerational communication.

1-2:30 p.m.

Wendy Christie

Policies, Practices & Protection: Does Your Handbook Have What It Takes?

Employee handbooks can be costly for employers in terms of development and upkeep. This class delves into the laws, regulations, benefits, and drawbacks of having an employee handbook. Additionally, it covers how some courts interpret language in these handbooks as binding contracts and provides guidance on avoiding unconditional promises of employment. The course also addresses the need to strike a balance between covering essential business practices and avoiding an overly complex handbook.

10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Adorna Carroll

Field Ramifications of the MLS/DOJ Lawsuits

Explore Multiple Listing Service/ Department of Justice lawsuit outcomes’ impact on field practice. This course dissects the four proposed changes in the MLS/DOJ tentative agreement, including license law and the Code of Ethics, and assesses their effects on daily operations, broker decisions, and agent readiness to enhance profitability.

3-4 p.m.

Lisa Sturtevant

Demographics are Destiny

Bright MLS takes pride in being the sole MLS with a Chief Economist. Lisa, the industry’s first MLS-based economist, along with her team, compiles an extensive array of weekly and monthly reports, analyses, and highly pertinent forecasts. These resources serve as a roadmap for real estate professionals and consumers alike to achieve success. Her presentation provides an insightful overview of the market’s current state, offering a thoughtful analysis of the underlying factors.

Realtors® Triple Play is back Dec. 4-7 in Atlantic City. Look out for these sessions on the Broker/Manager track to add to your schedule. To view the full list of Realtors® Triple Play broker track sessions, click here.

WEDNESDAY DEC. 6

9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Jamie Borodin

Effectively Managing the Risks of Renting

Many brokers and agents share concerns regarding rental risk and compliance with the latest laws and regulations concerning tenant screening. Jamie will provide an overview of recommended screening practices for potential tenants and will cover the relevant federal, state, and local laws. If you have inquiries about the NY Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act, the Philadelphia Renter’s Access Act, or the NJ Fair Chance in Housing Act in relation to tenant screening, this is the class for you.

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Wendy Christie

Best Practices for Progressive Discipline and Termination

Handling discipline and termination matters can be challenging for owners and managers, and they pose the greatest legal risks. Employee-related lawsuits often originate from these situations. To ensure effective and lawful disciplinary processes, thorough documentation and planning are essential. When an employee’s performance falls short of expectations or their conduct at work is unsatisfactory, as the owner or manager, it is crucial to take prompt action to address the issue.

NEW JERSEY REALTORS ® LEGAL RESOURCE LIBRARY

Do you or your agents have legal questions? NJ Realtors® Legal Resource Library is your go-to destination for addressing day-to-day legal questions for your business.

Explore these recent questions and answers and visit the Legal Resource Library to post a new question.

DISCLAIMER: New Jersey Realtors® makes no warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy of the responses, which the New Jersey Realtors® has made good faith efforts to have up to date as of the latest date displayed on the response.

Agent Name on Signage

Q A

Does an agent have to use their name as it appears on their license, i.e. middle initial included, on name badges and sign riders?

In accordance with the New Jersey Real Estate Commissions’ (“REC”) advertising rules, a licensee must use the exact name that they are licensed under (aka the exact name that is registered with the REC) on any advertising or materials for public consumption. This requirement applies to all categories of advertising, including all publications, radio or television broadcasts, all electronic media including e-mail and the internet, business stationery, business cards, business and legal forms and documents, signs, and billboards. N.J.A.C. 11:5-6.1. Although nicknames are not registered with the REC, they may be included in parenthesis or quotes next to the licensee’s registered name, ex. Samantha A. Smith (“Sammie”). However, please remember that licensees are not permitted to use any other versions of their name on business cards, signs, legal documents, etc. in lieu of the exact name that is registered with the REC.

The full text of the REC’s regulations may be accessed on our website by clicking here

Sharing of Homes on Social Media When Not the Listing Agent

QCan an agent share videos or photos of a property for sale on their social media if the agent is not the listing agent?

Secondly, can an agent share a listing, via a management system, which pulls from the MLS, giving credit to the listing brokerage in their post on social media?

A

Both topics are addressed in the New Jersey Real Estate License Act. Generally, in order to share another agent’s listing , licensees must obtain the prior written consent of the broker with whom the property is exclusively listed.

However, listing brokers shall be deemed to have given the requisite consent with the seller’s knowledge where:

(i) a written listing agreement contains the seller’s authorization for information on the listing to be posted on the website of the broker, or of a multiple listing service to which the broker belongs, or of another party to which the broker or such an MLS submits information on listings; and (ii) the website on which the listing information shall initially appear has instituted no measures to prevent other parties with websites from utilizing an electronic link to enable consumers to view that information while remaining on the website of the other party (N.J.A.C. 11:5-6.1(n)).

Additionally, licensees who desire to advertise listings belonging to other brokers on the internet must adhere to the New Jersey State Real Estate Commission’s advertising rules (N.J.A.C. 11:5-6.1) and may not make any misrepresentations concerning the listing (ex. the identity of the listing broker) (N.J.S.A. 45:15-17 (c)). Therefore, and in addition to the above, it may be considered a best practice to obtain the written consent of the listing broker prior to advertising the listing.

Fun Fall Events IN NEW JERSEY 8

Discover New Jersey’s autumn charm and mark your calendar for these fun fall activities to make the most of the season. From sunflower fields and jack-o-lanterns to bustling fall festivals and Oktoberfest celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy throughout the season. Share these upcoming events with your clients on social media or in your next e-newsletter.

BY LISA FANT

DELVE INTO THE PAST AT RALSTON CIDER MILL

Step into history and explore the only remaining relic of New Jersey’s once-flourishing cider and applejack industry. Serving as the sole operational cider mill in the state, Ralston Cider Mill in Mendham operates as a privately funded museum and educational destination open to visitors of all ages. Discover New Jersey’s apple orchards, experience the step-by-step process of apple cider making, and learn how the mill became a leading producer of gallons of apple cider, applejack, and more.

ENJOY FALL FOLIAGE ON HORSEBACK

Head to Watchung Stable in Mountainside for a guided hour-long trail ride through the Watchung Reservation. Ride through the 26 miles of pathways winding through the 2,000-acre forest preserve and take in the views of bright fall foliage.

ENJOY SUNFLOWERS GALORE AT A FALL FLOWER FESTIVAL

Immerse yourself in endless blossoms at the Holland Ridge Farms Fall Flower Festival in Cream Ridge, where you can pluck sunflowers, gladiolas, calla lilies, and more for just $1 a stem. Savor the flavors of up to 30 food trucks, snap photos with several floral photo props, explore artisan vendors, listen to live music, and more as Holland Ridge Farms brings a touch of Holland’s beauty to the Garden State.

GET COZY AT VON THUN FARMS’ FALL FESTIVAL

With two farm locations in Middlesex and Warren counties, Von Thun Farms offers the same festival experience at each farm on their Fall Festival Weekends. Classic fall activities await such as apple picking, pumpkin picking, homemade apple cider donuts, hayrides, and crafts. Get lost in a country music corn maze honoring country music legend Reba McEntire, play pumpkin bowling and giant pumpkin tictac-toe, or shop for fresh baked goods, candles, and more. End the evening by sitting by a campfire and making your own s’mores.

CELEBRATE OKTOBERFEST AT MOREY’S PIER

While summer may have come to an end, the fun at Wildwood’s Morey’s Pier is just beginning for fall. Celebrate Oktoberfest with live music, traditional German fare, and classic boardwalk games and rides. The festival will also include a beer garden, Bier on the Pier, featuring a wide selection of beers and tasting flights.

EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF FALL IN MULLICA HILL

Stroll Main Street and celebrate the season at the annual Mullica Hill Fall Festival. This year’s festivities include two craft courtyards, games suitable for all ages, a bounce house, captivating jugglers, live music echoing through the town, an array of delectable food trucks, and so much more. Don’t miss the chance to build your own scarecrow, embark on the ghost tour, or unleash your creativity with pumpkin painting.

7

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT AT THE SKYLANDS STADIUM JACKO-LANTERN EXPERIENCE

Ring in the spooky season at Skylands Stadium in Augusta, where the stadium will be set ablaze with a display of more than 6,000 hand-carved jack-o-lanterns during a 45-minute Halloween walk-through. Gather around the fire pit to roast s’mores, sip hot apple cider or cocoa, and and indulge in more treats from the many festival vendors. Cheers to over 30 seasonal craft beers, ciders, wine, and cocktails, as you engage in one of New Jersey’s most unique Halloween experiences.

VISIT NORTHERN NJ’S LARGEST FALL FESTIVAL

Join the fun at Heaven Hill Farm in Vernon for their annual Great Pumpkin Festival. This fall extravaganza boasts a corn maze, tractor hayrides, pony rides, and much more. Delight in seasonal treats like the farm’s famous apple cider donuts and candy apples, visit with the farm animals, pick your own pumpkins, experience wine tasting, and or embrace the thrill of classic carnival rides. New this year, enjoy live entertainment with the Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show as seen on “America’s Got Talent.”

Residential Real Estate Report

The National Association of Realtors® released its annual survey highlighting residential real estate transactions with international clients. The profile is designed to provide insights into the origin, destination, and buying preferences of international clients and how they utilize Realtors®, offering a view into the challenges and opportunities Realtors® face while working with foreign clientele.

Dive into the highlights and stay ahead of the curve in the international market. Click here to read the full report

Top Five Countries of Origin by number of U.S. existing homes purchased:

Top

45%

50% of buyers purchased a property for use as a vacation home, rental, or both—up from last year’s 44%.

Foreign Buyer Median Purchase Price:

$396,400

42% of buyers paid all-cash.

of buyers purchased in a suburban area.