· Mark Dirksen, Secretary Amy Wallick, Immediate Past President Local Directors Bert Beaulieu Lisa Fiandaca Jon Gray Sara MacBurnie Patrick Maguire Betty Slatko Susan Kline, Chief

NSAR 2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OfficersJim Armstrong, PresidentEileen Jonah-Daly, President-ElectKevin Wallace, TreasurerMark Dirksen, SecretaryAmy Wallick, Immediate Past PresidentLocal DirectorsBert BeaulieuLisa FiandacaJon GraySara MacBurniePatrick MaguireBetty Slatko Susan Kline, Chief Executive Officer

off cial publication of the north shore association of realtors® Winter 2013

NewsRegister for Installation

@ Finz page 3

Check out 2013 Award Winners pages 4-6

2014 Education Line-Up page 8

Work with an NSAR Affiliate page 10

It’s hard to believe that I am writing my last column as your 2013 President. It feels like it was just yester-day where we all gathered at the Hawthorne Hotel for the 2013 Installation. It’s been an amaz-ing year that has flown by faster than I could have ever imagined. I would like to personally thank each and every one of you for the opportunity to serve as your 2013 NSAR President. Without your unconditional support this year would not have been as suc-cessful as it was. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my 2013 leadership team for their support and dedica-tion to NSAR: President-Elect Jim Armstrong, Treasurer Kevin Wallace, Secretary Betty Slatko, Immediate Past- President Jason Parisella, Directors Val McGillivray, Lisa Fiandaca, Ruth Pino, Mike Cannuscio and Mark Dirksen.

Looking back on this past year it is exciting to think of everything we have done and accom-plished as an Association. We are in our second year of participation in the Pinnacle Program. The Pinnacle Program is a pro-gram developed by Jeremy Conaway, Jim Sherry and Stefan Swanepoel and is sponsored by the National Association of Realtors. It was developed to take a deeper look into how our industry has changed, how these changes affect the role of the Realtor Association and

FROM THE PRESIDENT

2013 in Reviewby Amy Wallick, ABR

AND THE WINNER IS... Awards Sponsor and 2013 Affiliate of the Year Felix Amsler draws the winners of the door prizes at the Annual Meeting & Awards Event. Helping is MAR President a.k.a. Carnac Kimberly Allard-Moccia. For more photos and list of winners start on page 4. See all photos on the NSAR Facebook Page.

2013 In Review continued page 2

A full color version of each issue of North Shore REALTOR®

News is archived at www.northshorerealtors.com

held at Finz Seafood & Grill, located at 76 Wharf St, Pickering Wharf in Salem. Join us for a great evening of networking, hors d’oeuvres and live music! To register, call Ann Murphy at 978-232-9410 or register online at www.northshorereatlros.com.

Come greet and congratulate the incoming 2014 NSAR President, Jim Armstrong, along with the leadership team at the NSAR Installation of 2014 Officers and Directors on Thursday, December 12th! The event will take place from 5:30-8:30pm and will be

JoiN uS FoR tHE iNStAllAtioN oF NSAR’S 2014 oFFiCERS ANd diRECtoRS!

A LOOK AHEAD: Congratulations to the 2014 NSAR Board of directors voted at this year’s annual meeting. Pictured are 2014 officers (left to right) Susan Kline, Chief Executive officer , Kevin Wallace, treasurer, Jim Armstrong, President, Eileen Jonah-daly, President-Elect, and Mark dirksen, Secretary

www.northshorerealtors.com NSAR NEWS2

northshorerealtors.com

essex

978 232.9410 978 232.9414

BEVERLY, MA 01915398

2

013 elected off cers

local directors

staff

Amy Wallick, ABR J. Barrett & Company, Beverly

President

Jim Armstrong, SRES Armstrong Field Real Estate, Salem

President-Elect

Betty SlatkoWindhill Realty, Ipswich

Secretary

Kevin Wallace, CBR, LMC RE/MAX On the River, Newburyport

Treasurer

Jason Parisella, CBR, CRS, GREEN, GRI, LMC

Keller Williams Realty, Beverly Immediate Past President

Mike Cannuscio Harborside Realty, Marblehead

Mark Dirksen, CBR, GRI Keller Williams Realty, Beverly

Lisa FiandacaMassHousing, Boston

Eileen Jonah-Daly, BPORAnnmarie Jonah, REALTORS®

Val McGillivray, CBR, LMCBean Group, Newburyport

Ruth PinoRE/MAX Advantage, Gloucester

Susan Kline, RCE, CAE Chief Executive Officer

Jeff Pappas Executive Assistant

Marcella MassaruttoMembership Manager

Ann MurphyEducation Coordinator

North Shore REAltoR® News is published quarterly by the north shore association of realtors®, inc. as a member service. Subscription fees are included in membership dues. NSAR operates the North Shore Center for Real Estate Education, offering day and evening CEu, Salesperson and Broker pre-licensing courses at their Essex Street location.

NSAR NEWS

2013 IN REVIEW continued from page 1

what we as an Association can do to remain strong and relevant moving forward. The informa-tion and knowledge prepared us to move forward in this con-stantly changing industry and remain strong as an association in the future.

2013 was another extremely successful year in RPAC fun-draising. Thank you and con-gratulations to everyone for contributing as this year we not only surpassed our 2013 goal but we also have one of the highest participation rates in the state for a year to date total raised of $18,613 and a 27% participation rate! Please continue to be on the lookout for the “Calls for Action”. We are THE voice of Real Estate and we will continue to speak out and advocate on behalf of homeownership!

This year has been full of edu-cation, networking and unique opportunities made available to all of us as members thanks to the collective dedication of our staff, leadership, committees and members alike. From our excellent June Event and Expo full of cutting edge information from National Speakers to our October Awards Event featuring a mind reader who left all of us speechless at the end of the night. The North Shore Association of Realtors continues to build on our commitment to remaining the strongest and most relevant resource for all of our members.

Thank you again for this amazing opportunity. I am looking forward to continuing this journey as your immediate past president and I encourage everyone to volunteer and get involved in 2014!

The Massachusetts Coali-tion for the Homeless cre-ated this program to assist students whose families are at risk of becoming homeless.

For every $250 raised, a child will receive a complete new bed: a twin mattress, box spring, bed frame and linens.

To help and to learn more about this and other programs go to the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless webstie at http://mahomeless.org

Contact Donna Crotty at [email protected] or call 781-595-7570.

Angelica (Toni) AcevedoLance AdieLisa BertolinoMaureen ElliotChristopher DonovanPamela DorjiHeidi Gallo

Geoffrey GoddardRosanne HambletYevgeniya KelbertDona McGovernHeather MurrayDiane PolleyTerri SheppardBetty Slatko

John StrohmeierAmbroise TanoGail TarmeyRichard VincentStephanie VincentGeorge Zolotas

Congratulations EHO Grads

The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless Furniture Bank Program, a partnership program with NSAR to help provide furniture for those in need is looking for your help with a new program.

A BEd FoR EvERy ChILd PRogRAm!

Find us onFacebook:

NSAR NEWS www.northshorerealtors.com 3

CoNgRATULATIoNSTo ThE 2013

NSAR AWARd RECIPIENTS


REALTOR® OF THE YEAR Jason Parisella, Keller Williams Realty, Beverly

the NSAR REAltoR® of the Year award recognizes one REAltoR® for outstanding contribution and participation in activities that have promoted and advanced the industry and community at large over the past eighteen months. during that time period, Jason served as the 2012 NSAR President, was a member of several committees, and served as a state director for the Massachusetts Association of REAltoRS®. Shown on the left is NSAR 2012 REAltoR® of the Year, Kevin Wallace, presenting Jason Parisella his RotY award.

GOOD NEIGHBOR Krista Finigan, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Marblehead

the Good Neighbor award rec-ognizes a REAltoR® for his/her extraordinary commitment to community service through vol-unteerism and civic and charitable contributions and whose actions improve the lives of local residents making their community a better place in which live. Krista Finigan is a dedicated recycler who purchased, for her town of Marblehead, a solar-powered trash compactor for one of the town’s parks. Krista is also involved with local organizations that promote arts, history and community well-being. Pictured is Krista Finigan.

COmmuNITY ENHANCEmENT English Commons, topsfield

this award recognizes projects that take special care to “fit in” and make a dif-ference in their community. the Community Enhancement Award highlights projects that make our communities a better place to live. it is presented to an individual(s) or a development/project outside the NSAR REAltoR® com-munity. this year English Commons, topsfield’s Vice-President, Alan Berry, accepted the award for the community. the English Commons was created as one of the first completely “green” communities in the area with a low-impact Site design, Energy Star certified houses and strategic usage of plant and green-ery that require less water. Alan Berry (right) received the award for English Commons from Amy Wallick, 2013 President.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Ryan Snow, Keller Williams Realty, Beverly

the “Rookie of the Year” award is open to all members who have been in good standing with NSAR for 15 months or less. this individual must have documented production as reflected in MlSPiN, have participated in NSAR activities, completed professional develop-ment/educational programs and be active in the community. Ryan had over $2.5 million in sales in his first year, has become a student of the real estate business, and has become very knowledgeable of social media and other technologies.

PRESIDENT’S AWARD Kevin Wallace, RE/MAX on the River, Newburyport.

the President’s Award is presented by the NSAR President to one member who significantly con-tributed to their leadership. Kevin Wallace has served on the Board of directors as President, immediate Past President and treasurer, has chaired the Finance and Budget Committee, and has been a state director for the Massachusetts Association of REAltoRS® .


ANNUAL MEETING AWARDS EVENT

NSAR 2013 ANNUAL mEETINg ANd mEmBER RECogNITIoN AWARdS

This year’s Annual Meeting and Member Recognition Awards were held at the Danversport Yacht Club in Danvers, MA on October 17th. The eve-ning provided a great chance for REALTORS® to network and celebrate the 2013 award recipients. The evening’s entertainer, Eric Dittelman of “America’s Got Talent” fame, gave a live performance where audience members, in keeping with the evening’s theme of “Greats Who Read Minds”, had their thoughts “read”. The NSAR awards were presented to each deserving recipient and are listed below with their pictures. As always, NSAR raffled off the Ralph Leonard Scholarship’s each worth $300 to be used towards CEU courses. This year’s winners were: Robin Murphy, RE/MAX Advantage Real Estate, Peabody; Lynn Pappas, RE/MAX On the River, Newburyport; Regina Paratore, RE/MAX Advantage Real Estate, Peabody.

Many thanks to our Membership Recognition Work Group who helped plan this enjoyable evening, and to REALTORS® Joyce Cucchiara, Jim Hazell and Kathy Tully for their donation of the three door prizes.

We especially wish to recognize and thank our Affiliate members whose generous sponosrships supported this event: Our Entertainment Sponsor, TD Bank: Awards Sponsor, Felix Amsler, Boston Private Bank & Trust Company: and the Social Hour Sponsor, MLS Property Information Network Inc..

HOmE OWNERSHIP ADVOCATE Lisa Fiandaca, MassHousing, Boston

this award is given to an NSAR member or community member to rec-ognize efforts and actions that promote homeownership in their com-munities. the recipient needs to demonstrate knowledge of financing programs and involvement with local groups that protect and promote home ownership.

lisa has worked to promote affordable housing and financing opportu-nities across the North Shore and Metro West. She meets with lenders and REAltoRS® sharing her wealth of knowledge and encouraging them to join in the effort to make home ownership available to more people. Pictured is Amy Wallick, 2013 President, presenting lisa Fiandaca (right) the award.

INNOVATOR IN mARKETING AWARD Kenny MacCarthy, RE/MAX Advantage Real Estate, Beverly

this award is given to a REAltoR® who encourages creativity and in-novation in promotion and marketing. Criteria for this award include creative use of social media, blogs, videos, web-sites and/or print materials to promote their business. Kenny MacCarthy’s skillful usage of on-line videos through his website, Youtube, Facebook and other social media outlets helps both buyers and sellers become more knowledgeable of the market. Kenny MacCarthy (right) received his award from Jim Armstrong, 2013 President-Elect.

AWARD WINNERS


NSAR RISING STAR AWARD Patrick Maguire, RE/MAX Advantage Real Estate, Beverly

this award is presented to a REAltoR® who demonstrates outstanding committee service and works diligently behind the scenes for the betterment of the members and the Association. Patrick chaired the 2013 June Event Work Group, was responsible for the Event & Expo on Social Media for Real Estate Professionals and is currently working on NSAR’s new Social Media Support Group on Facebook. Pictured is Patrick Maguire.

AFFILIATE OF THE YEAR AWARD Felix Amsler, Boston Private Bank & trust Co., Beverly

Awarded to an Affiliate who con-tributes their knowledge, time and support to the REAltoR® Association’s goals by sharing their expertise with REAltoRS® through seminars, membership meetings, committee work and continued involvement with NSAR members. Felix has been an Affiliate member since 2001 and is currently in his sixth year serving on the Finance & Budget Committee. He has served as an instructor for NSAR’s North Shore Center for Real Estate Education and is involved in many other NSAR committees and task forces. Pictured is Felix Amsler.

SAVE THE DATE for THESE SEminArS

TAX “STRATEGIES FOR REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS”

Are you overpaying your taxes? - Statistics say 83% of Americans do! this seminar may help you identify NEW deductions that can be used right away to pocket thousands in tax savings. there is still time to join us for this easy to learn and fun to apply educational seminar!

THuRSDAY, DECEmBER 5, 2013 – 9:30 am - 11:30 am instructor: Maine Shafer, Bradford and Company, inc.

Cost: $15 for NSAR Members, $20 Non-Members

SELLING HISTORIC HOMES, RE15R07 “LIVE WEbINAR”

take this “live interactive Webinar” in the comfort of your own home to get and edge on selling historic homes, while you earn 2 MA CEuS. Participate in this live webinar to learn the tips and resources available to help you present the older home, create an emotional connection with the past, and find the right buyer.

FRIDAY, DECEmBER 13, 2013 – 9:00am - 11:00am instructor: Jody o’Brien

Member: $15.00 Non-Member:$20.00

Register on line at northshorerealtors.com or contact Ann Murphy, [email protected] or 978-232-9410.

iT’S TimE To rEnEw Your mEmbErSHip!

2014 membership renewal invoices have been sent to all mem-bers. Making a payment is as easy as going to the “Pay Dues Online Now” button located on the home page of the NSAR website. If you opt to pay online, keep in mind that you will need your NRDS identification number which the site will provide to you. You can pay with MasterCard or Visa, or mail a check to the NSAR office at 398 Essex Street, Beverly MA 01915. Also available is the opportu-nity to enroll in our payment plan where, with manageable monthly payments, you will be all caught up on your 2014 dues in no time.

For more details about the payment plan call Marcella at 978-232-9410. Please note! – Avoid incurring a late fee by making your pay-ment before December 31, 2013.


MEMbER REPORT AND NEWS

membership reportwelcome new membersNEW APPLICANTSREAltoR®

Debbie AminzadehJ. Barrett & Company, llC, Beverly Farms Debra Baron Keller Williams Realty, NewburyportJonathan BlassAccurety, BeverlyAnn FosterGlover Realty, MarbleheadJennifer JenkinsColdwell Banker Residential Brokerage, HaverhillPaul KorinsColdwell Banker Residential Brokerage, BeverlyRobin martynKeller Williams Realty, BeverlySusan mcDermottRE/MAX Advantage Real Estate, Beverly Sandra PalmerHarborside RealtyClare White-SullivanColdwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Salem

NEW mEmBERSPENDING ORIENTATION REAltoR®

Peter BarbagalloColdwell Banker Residential Brokerage, BeverlySteven BowdenKeller Williams Realty, BeverlyBethany CarrCentury 21 North Shore, danversChristpher DiPietroAnnemarie Jonah, REAltoRS®, lynnPamela EckmannColdwell Banker Residential Brokerage, BeveryChristina Frost J. Barrett & Compnay, llC, Beverly Christopher HartleyGlover Realty, Marbleheadmary HickeyColdwell Banker Res. Brokerage, GloucesterChristine LicataKeller Williams Realty, topsfeldWanda WebberColdwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Gloucester

REINSTATEmENTSREAltoR®

Karen FasuloPrudential B Consoli REAltoRS®, Bradford

TRANSFERS TO/FROm OTHER ASSOCIATIONSmitchell S. RosenwaldRE/MAX Advantage, Peabody From: EMAR

RESIGNATIONSREAltoR®

Thomas CafarellaCameron Real Estate Group, lynnfeld Nancy DillonJ. Barrett & Company, llC, Beverly Lori GandolfoColdwell Banker Residential Brokerage, lynnfeldDennis medina Keller Williams Realty, Beverly Deb misiano Keller Williams Realty, Bevelry Catherine RyderRyder Realtly, inc., Beverly Peter SamiljanKeller Williams Realty, Bevelry

AFFILIATES NEWmark Spencerleader Bank, N.A., Arlington Patricia RyanMortgage Financial inc., danvers

AFFILIATE OFFICE CHANGESKaren Brettto: Karen Brett CPA, danvers

CORRECTIONS FOR mEmBER REPORT 3rd Q NEWSLETTER

Originally: RESIGNATIONPatricia Dovern Keller Williams Realty, Beverly

SHOULD SAY: FIRm CHANGES AFFILIATIONPatricia Davern to: Conway - Swampscott, Swampscott

nSAr DirEcTorS ApproVE DuES wAiVEr for nEw rEALTorS® THrougH THE

rETurning VETErAnS progrAmIn appreciation for their service to our country, the NSAR Board of Directors has approved a new dues policy to waive dues for returning Veterans, through the “Returning Veterans Program”.

The action follows a similar vote by the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® and National Association of REALTORS®. This new pro-gram for returning veterans is an addition to the already established National Association

of REALTORS® membership savings for REALTORS® or their spouses who are called into active military duty. The “Returning Veterans Program” is available to all REALTORS® who have returned from active duty or deployment within 36 months prior to submitting a REALTOR® application and to REALTORS® who are in the military reserves and still serve one weekend a month and two weeks per year training.

For more information, please contact NSAR Membership Manager, Marcella Massarutto at [email protected] or call 978-232-9410.

CoNtiNuiNG EduCAtioN

or you may pick and choose one or two classes at a time, it’s up to you.

Why take your continuing educa-tion at NSAR?

•Convenient location with lotsof parking

•Yourlicenserenewaldeadlineisapproaching- act now

•Ourinstructorsarethebestandthe course content is timely

•You have a 2014 early duesvoucher you want to redeem

•NSARwillalwayshavearecordof your credits

•Our sponsor Matt Calver ofSage Bank brings delicious refreshments

•It’sagreatwaytoconnectwithother REALTOR members

Dates are as follows:

JANUARY 15 & 22, Wed. MARCH 18 & 20, Tues. & Thurs.

MAY 6 & 8, Tues. & Thurs. JUNE 24 & 26, Tues. & Thurs.

SEPTEMbER 16 & 18, Tues. & Thurs. NOVEMbER 12 & 19, Wed.

Cost for the courses if registered 4 days in advance:

NSAR members: $25 per 2 hour class or take all 6 classes for only $125

Non-members: $35 per 2 hour class or take all 6 classes for only $175

The price increases $5 per 2 hour class if registered less than 4 days before the first class.

2014 early dues payment education voucher of $25 can be used to pay for any of these classes.

Register on-line at northshorereal-tors.com or contact Ann Murphy at [email protected] or call 978-232-9410

NSAR IS PLANNING 6 OPPORTuNITIES FOR YOu TO TAKE ALL 12 HOuRS OF CONTINuING EDuCATION

The Orientation Program and the Continuing Education Sessions are generously sponsored by Matt Calver & Sage Bank


EDUCATION

oRiENtAtioN

Take this class to learn about the benefits of being a member of The North Shore Association of REALTORS® Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® and National Association of REALTORS®.

This class is taught by a certified instructor and is mandatory for all new members. Lunch is provided. It is important to note that atten-dance for the complete 7 hours is necessary in order to receive credit for the program. This program also fulfills the NAR Code of Ethics Training requirement for the fourth cycle and attendees will receive 2 MA CEUS.

At the conclusion of the program at-tendees will be sworn in to member-ship and receive a REALTOR® pin and certificate. There is no charge for this course for new members.

2014 Orientation dates are:

JANUARY 8, Wednesday MARCH 4, Tuesday MAY 22, Thursday

AUGUST 6, Wednesday SEPTEMbER 23, Tuesday NOVEMbER 13, Thursday

Register on-line at northshorereal-tors.com or contact Ann Murphy at [email protected] or call 978-232-9410.

NSAR HAS 6 OPPORTuNITIES FOR NEW mEmBERS TO COmPLETE THE mANDATORY ORIENTATION PROGRAm.

2014 WEBiNARS

Do you need some additional CEUS but don’t want to fight the traffic? NSAR’s Friday morning live CEU webinars are for you.

Webinar Dates are as follows:

Friday, February 21st, National Economic Trends

Friday, April 25th, Real Estate Advertising

Compliance and the Law

Friday, August 15th, Environmental issues

Friday, December 19th, NAR Required Code of Ethics Training

All webinars begin promptly at 9:00am and you must register no later than 3:00pm the day before.

Cost for NSAR members: $15 Cost for Non-members: $20

The cost increases $5 if registered af-ter the Monday before the webinar.


After registering you will receive an email confirmation with informa-tion about joining the webinar.

System Requirements PC-based attendees Required- WindowsÆ 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista

Macintosh®-based attendees Required: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer

EARN 2 mA CEuS WITHOuT LEAVING YOuR HOmE! CERTIFED INSTRuCTOR JODY O’BRIEN

“EXPANdiNG HouSiNG oPPoRtuNitiES”

This class will provide you with the information you need to tap into the affordable housing market

Save the date, Wednesday, August 20, 2014 9:00 AM - 2:00pm

Special Savings - In an effort to introduce this information to as many NSAR members as possible, this class is being offered at a dis-

counted tuition rate. Take advan-tage of this opportunity to gain this knowledge during this offering. - includes 2 MA CE credits.


INCREASE YOuR EARNING POTENTIAL!

Back by Popular Demand:

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES - 2014


AFFILIATE MEMbERS


Affiliate Member of the North Shore Association of REALTORS® help to strengthen the local real estate community and businesses. Below is a current list of our affiliate members. Support the businesses that support your association.

looking for an industry-Related Service Provider?

Consider Working with an NSAR Affiliate Member

APPRAISERSEvaluation Services, Inc. - Fitz Lufkin, 800-311-9664 x1JP Morgan & Co. RE Appraisers - J. Paul Morgan, 781-245-0600MacAulay Appraisals - Kyle MacAulay, 603-770-6214North Star Appraisers, LLC - Lorraine Mattimore, 603-601-2298Residential Appraisers, Inc. - Robert Morehouse, 978-887-1161Wheeler Appraisal Service - April Wheeler, 978-777-5404

ARCHITECTS & bUILDERSCarpenter & MacNeille Architects & builders, Inc. - Michael Gray,

A.I.A., 978-768-7900

ATTORNEYSArdiff & blake, LLP - Robin Blake, Esq., 978-531-1414 x3Casey & Associates - Dan Casey, Esq., 978-821-0136Christopher L. Plunkett, P.C. - Chris Plunkett, 978-744-2555Dalton & Finegold, LLP - Donna Pisciotta, 978-979-9798Gilmore & Gilmore, LLC - Rick Gilmore, 978-777-3480STELMAN LAW - Beth Dailey, 978-774-4600STELMAN LAW - Jeff Stelman, 978-774-4600

bANKER/MORTGAGEAlign Credit Union - Judy Dodier, 978-275-2717bank of America Home Loans - Lance Adie, 978-853-6512bank of America Home Loans - Cathy Pallin, 978-239-1114bankGloucester - Susan Lovasco, 978-283-8200boston Private bank & Trust Co - Felix Amsler, 978-338-1530Century bank - Jerry Bovardi, 978-766-0024Drew Mortgage Associates - Greg Deschenes, 978-815-6385East boston Savings bank - Carmine Giangregorio, 978-977-2278Eastern bank - Michael Jodoin, 781-598-7452Eastern bank - Chip Coveney, 508-946-3291Eastern bank - Ryna Shimmerman, 781-599-2100Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp. - Jennifer Brennan, 781-258-5150Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp. - Michael Galatis, 978-499-4812Franklin American Mortgage Co. - Michael Hurney, 781-405-1845Guaranteed Rate - Tony Barletta, 781-223-0845Guaranteed Rate - Sean Goudreau, 781-213-5454Guaranteed Rate - Liz Ryan, 978-500-5378Institution for Savings - Mark Panall, 978-356-1881Leader bank N. A. - Mark Spencer, 781-641-8631 x1631Leader bank N. A. - David McVay, 978-430-4396

MassHousing - Lisa Fiandaca, 781-771-1571Mortgage Financial, Inc. - David Lops, 978-739-9599 x2129Mortgage Financial, Inc. - Patty Ryan, 978-739-9599Mortgage Financial, Inc. - Patty Gabriel, 978-423-3006Mortgage Master, Inc. - Anders Nilsson, 617-539-0355Mortgage Network, Inc. - Maureen Elliot, 781-404-2001Mortgage Network, Inc. - Brian Pollard, 978-705-3281Mortgage Network, Inc. - Brandon Pratt, 978-705-3235Mortgage Network, Inc. - Jane Stanton, 787-404-2002North Shore bank - Rosemary Frost, 978-538-7002Primary Residential Mortgage - Art Ingemi, 617-320-6584Reliant Mortgage Company, LLC - Jane Kerrigan, 978-808-8323Primary Residential Mortgage- Art Ingemi, 617-320-6584Reliant Mortgage Company, LLC - Christian Hayes, 508-517-5626Reliant Mortgage Company, LLC - George Koutsos, 978-818-8301 x130Sage bank - Matt Calver, 978-360-1550Salem Five Mortgage Company - Gary Surette, 978-750-0801Saugusbank - Tony Visco, 781-426-2180Wells Fargo Home Mortgage - Kevin Gannon, 978-524-2551

CERTIFIED PUbLIC ACCOUNTANTKaren brett, CPA - Karen Brett, 978-564-5131

CONSULTANTSMill River Consulting, Inc. - Dan Ottenheimer, 978-282-0014

HEATING OIL SALES & SERVICEScott Energy Co., Inc. - Roberta Eason, 978-281-1707

HOME WATCH/CLEAN OUTSSalo Home Watch, LLC - Dana Salo, 978-6602372Salo Home Watch, LLC - Lary Salo, 978-290-1932

MOVING & STORAGEPersonal Movers, for Atlas - Tery Cappuccio, 800-446-1129

MOVING MANAGEMENTWomen on the Move, LLC - Annmarie Linnane, 781-631-7588

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICEMLS PIN - Jeannine Ellis, 800-695-3000

NEWSPAPER - MEDIAGatehouse Media - Nancy Prag, 978-739-1310

PLUMbING - HEATING - COOLINGCranney Home Services - Gayla Bartlett, 800-559-7000

PROPERTY MANAGEMENTAll County Select Property Management - Jeff Nichols,

978-704-8200 x101

SELF STORAGECranney Self Storage, Inc. - Gayla Bartlett, 978-777-9193

TITLE & ESCROWCATIC - Lou Chinappi, 781-879-3669Old Republic National Title Insurance Company - Rosemary Sullivan,

978-559-9679WFG National Title Insurance Company - Bebe Casey, 781-587-0172 x1

WINDOW TREATMENTSCustom Window Treatments by Rebecca - Rebecca Jones,

978-975-56373

notes fromthe mar legal hotlineBy: Michael McDonagh, MAR General Counsel

Ashley Stolba, MAR Staff Attorney

Q. I am representing an older couple who wish to sell their family home of 50 years. They are concerned about possible major defects in the home, in-cluding lead paint and even a failed septic tank. Is there anything I can recommend to this couple to defray the costs associated with the removal of lead paint or the replacement of their septic system, if needed?A. Yes. In Massachusetts, there are tax credits available for the two issues you mentioned. They are as follows:

Lead Paint Since 1994, the Commonwealth has allowed property owners to take up to a $1,500 tax credit for de-leading their property. In order to qualify for this credit, the following criteria must be met: 1) a dangerous level of lead in the accessible structural ma-terials of the residential premises is established by a licensed inspector; 2) the owner obtains a letter of compliance from a licensed inspec-tor; and 3) the owner completes a “Massachusetts Schedule LP” and encloses it with the tax return. This tax credit is available to any owner of Massachusetts residential prop-erty regardless of whether it is used as the primary residence or of the owner of the property resides in Massachusetts.

When dealing with homes built be-fore 1978, it is important to be up to speed on the lead laws, and review those laws with your client. As an overview, the Massachusetts Lead Law requires that when a property built before 1978 is being sold, the agent must provide prospective buyers with a copy of informational materials prepared by the CLPPP, as well as the “Property Transfer Notification Certification.” It is important that you have the seller sign the disclosure form before the buyer receives it, ideally at the time you take the listing. If the seller does not sign the form until after the buyer, it will be difficult to prove that all information known to the seller about lead paint at the property was provided to the

buyer. You should also be sure to attach the copy of the completed disclosure form to the P&S.

Contrary to popular belief, there is no duty on the seller to de-lead pri-or to transfer if the home is found to contain lead paint. However, if a buyer has a child under the age of six, it is their responsibility to bring the home into compliance. For more information on the Lead Paint laws, visit: www.marealtor.com/content/lead_paint.htm

Title V The current law affords a 40% credit towards the cost of upgrades to their septic system with the maximum credit totaling $6,000. The largest tax credit that may be taken in any year is $1,500. This tax credit is only available to Massachusetts residents for use on their principal residence.

For most properties, a septic inspection must have occurred within two years prior to the trans-fer (three years when a system has been pumped on an annual basis and pumping records are available). The property owner is generally re-sponsible for obtaining an inspec-tion of the system. The inspection must be conducted by an approved system inspector, and the results must be recorded with the approv-ing authority, which is usually the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), within 30 days. Prior to the time of transfer of title, however, the parties may contractually allocate responsibil-ity for the inspection provided that such inspection occurs within the specified timeframes. If a Septic Inspection fails, the owner of the system is the required to upgrade a failing system. Often, the buyer and seller work out the financial issues as part of the sale of the property. For more information on Title V, please visit: www.marealtor.com/content/title_5.htm

For more information on Residential Property Credits, visit: www.mass.gov/dor/individuals/filing-and-payment-information/guide-to-personal-income-tax/credits/residential-property-cred-its.html

Q. Since the seller’s bought their home 50 years ago, they are expecting to see a large profit at the point of sale. They have expressed concern of their tax liability on this. Although I have recommended that they speak to their accountant, is there a basic rule of thumb that I should know about?A. Yes. The current Massachusetts law mirrors federal law and al-low couples who file a joint tax return to exclude from taxation up to $500,000 of any gain in their home’s value. For single filers, the individual can exclude gains of up to $250,000. This credit has been extremely helpful to homeowners, especially seniors, who have owned

“the current Massachusetts law mirrors federal law and allows couples filing a

joint tax return to exclude up to $500,000 of any gain in sale of home”

their home for quite some time. This exclusion is generally only ap-plicable to a homeowner’s primary residence.

Q. I heard that the Lead Paint Tax Credit, the Lead Paint Tax Credit, and the Capital Gains Exclusion were all at risk of going away earlier this year. Is this true?A. Yes. In his 2014 budget proposal, the Governor proposed to elimi-nate the Lead Paint Tax Credit, the Title V Tax Credit, and the Capital Gains Exclusion, but due to the advocacy efforts of REALTORS ® throughout the state, these three critically important benefits of homeownership will remain intact.

LEGAL UPDATE


New .Realtor Top-level domain Priority Sign Up Available

Starting now and until Dec. 31, Realtors® have the opportunity to be included on a priority registration list to secure their own .Realtor top-level domain names by visiting

www.SignUpForDotRealtor.com.the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) announced a member awareness campaign and priority sign up for the new .Realtor domain at the 2013 Realtors® Conference & Expo. in 2011, NAR applied with the internet Corporation For Assigned Names and Numbers (iCANN) to operate a new branded .Realtor top-level domain (tld). With the anticipated approval of sometime in Q1 2014, the .Realtor tld will join the ranks of .com, .org, .edu and more as recognized, trusted domains.only members of NAR and the Canadian Real Estate Association can call themselves Realtors®, and only Realtors® will be allowed to use the .Realtor domain in connection with their name. Participating members will receive advance notification to register their own .Realtor domain(s) one day before general release. NAR will provide the first 500,000 members who register for a .Realtor domain with a free one-year license.domains will also be made available to state and local Realtor® as-sociations; association multiple listing services; affiliated institutes, societies and councils; and other NAR-approved licensees.the .Realtor tld offers members an opportunity to add the trusted and established Realtor® brand to their online brand. Members will not be required to use the .Realtor domain and may continue to use other established domains. But the new domain [ex. KevinSmith.Realtor] may be set up to redirect to a Realtors® other domain name [ex. KevinSmith.com].Visit Realtor.org/domain for an expanded FAQ on the new .Realtor domain.

northshorerealtors.com

essex 978 232.9410 978 232.9414 BEVERLY, MA 01915 398

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDDanvers, MA Permit No. 15

Documents

· Mark Dirksen, Secretary Amy Wallick, Immediate Past President Local Directors Bert Beaulieu Lisa Fiandaca Jon Gray Sara MacBurnie Patrick Maguire Betty Slatko Susan Kline, Chief