By Michael Johnson

We are all still thinking of the victims from Hurricane Sandy and extend our prayers to everyone affected by the storm.
Just this week, more than 25 Realtors from around NYS participated in a relief effort project through a 501 c3 national organization called "All Hands in Staten Island."
Volunteers assisted in gutting houses and picking up debris left from Superstorm Sandy.
More relief efforts will be scheduled in the near future.
For many years, the Realtors Relief Foundation has been dedicated to providing housing-related assistance to victims of disasters. If you would like to help, we encourage you to visit www.realtor.org and make a donation on-line.
Keep in mind that 100% of the money you give to the foundation goes to help the victims of this storm; NAR covers all the administrative costs of the fund. Every penny you give goes to those in need.
NAR Convention
I have just returned from the National Association of Realtor's (NAR) Convention in Florida. It was good to see that the commercial markets are starting to improve (see info. below).
The NAR board of directors approved changes to their committee structure which included re-configuring some committees.
The board of directors and delegate body approved the committee restructure recommendations and there are now the following commercial related committees and forums as approved on November 12: "Commercial Economic Issues and Trends Forum;" "Commercial Real Estate Research Advisory Board;" "Commercial Legislation and Regulatory Advisory Board;" "Commercial Committee;" "Commercial Leadership Forum;" "Property Management Forum;" and "Large Commercial Firms Advisory Group."
Realtors Property Resource
The board heard an update on the Realtors Property Resource (RPR), which launched three years ago and in November was opened to all members. RPR provides data, analytics and report tools based on its database of 150 million parcels of real estate in the United States. RPR has partnered with MLSs and associations and others, representing 425 markets and almost 70% of Realtors. Now that it's available nationally, all members can access RPR's database and use its analytical, valuation, and reporting tools, although the data depth is greater in markets with participating MLSs. RPR also launched a commercial version of its tools.
Professional Standards
Directors made several changes to the NAR Code of Ethics. The board voted to amend Article 10 of the Code and Standard of Practice 10-3 to include gender identity as a protected class against discrimination in the provision of professional services. The vote requires approval by the NAR delegate body at its next meeting.
Also, the board amended the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual to:
* Provide guidance and enhance procedures on how to resolve questions of timeliness, arbitrability, legal complexity, and other administrative issues arising after a matter has been forwarded for hearing.
* Reduce the possibility that Realtors can avoid accountability under the Code of Ethics by resigning from membership or by allowing their membership to lapse.
* Clarify that where two or more Realtors are found in violation of the Code of Ethics or other membership duties as a result of the same hearing, each Realtor respondent can be assessed a separate administrative processing fee. Where multiple parties join in a single appeal, only one filing fee may be required.
* Enhance the value of arbitration by allowing nonmember brokers to request arbitration with Realtors, without obligating Realtors to participate in arbitration under these circumstances.
The board recognized the 100-year anniversary of the NAR Code of Ethics next year, in 2013. In a video on the code, Ebby Halliday, founder of Ebby Halliday, Realtors, in Dallas, and 101 years old, wished the code a happy birthday.
Save the Dates!
* April 10 - 11: Education & Marketing - Hudson Valley -Hotel Sierra, Fishkill. Sponsored by NYSCAR in cooperation with the Hudson Valley chapter, NYSCAR.
* June 4 - 5: 12th Annual NYS Commercial Real Estate Conference at Turning Stone Resort & Casino, Verona.
Happy Holidays and best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!
Michael Johnson is the 2012 president of NYSCAR and is a licensed associate real estate broker at Realty USA, Lewiston, N.Y.
Tags: