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Arizona REALTOR VOICE®

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October 8, 2019

TransactionDesk, Broker Tools & Superusers

TransactionDesk is loaded with tools to manage your documents and transactions.

One feature of the program allows Brokers to assign a Superuser who will be able to manage, review and keep track of Agents’ files.

HOW TO

 
 
How about a Sonos Beam Soundbar for your TV or a Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer for twenty bucks? Perhaps a Google Nest Hub at nearly 90% off?

For less than the cost of a sign rider, you could win one of these amazing prizes we’re raffling off at the Leadership Conference AND support RAPAC at the same time!

 

Join 2020 Arizona REALTORS® President Mary Roberts on October 16-18, 2019 for the Leadership Conference. This conference is designed to provide training, share input, celebrate our 2019 accomplishments and welcome our 2020 leadership team.


DETAILS

LEGAL HOTLINE 

T/F Listing Agreements Belong to the Brokerage, Not the Agent
T/F Parties Are Not Obligated to Use the Standard Arizona REALTORS® Purchase Contract

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October 1, 2019

Rookie Resources
To help new Arizona REALTORS® get off to a good start, we’ve posted a tremendous amount of resources for Real Estate Rookies on our website. From information about required forms and showing homes, our Smart Start Video Series features experienced REALTORS® sharing their advice and guidance.

Add a time stamp using Authentisign
Want to add a time stamp on TransactionDesk using AuthentiSign? The right click menu option allows you to do so quite easily.

Unexpected Guest
While REALTOR® SAFETY MONTH officially ended yesterday, keeping ourselves safe is a year-round responsibility.  To wrap up the annual awareness campaign, Arizona REALTORS® President D. Patrick Lewis shares a frightening situation he experienced while showing a house.

LEGAL HOTLINE 

T/F The Buyer is Not Obligated to Sign the Seller Property Disclosure Statement
T/F Listing Agent Must Disclose Co-broke Offering to Seller

September 24, 2019

Having Trouble Logging into TransactionDesk or SSO?
Some members using Google Chrome as their web browser are reporting a login problem when trying to access TransactionDesk through Single Sign-On.  To access your account, remove the password and re-enter it manually.

Realtor®Safety Month
According to a recent study, more than half of real estate licencees nationwide have felt unsafe at some point within the last year. This disturbing trend has many REALTORS® taking proactive steps reducing their exposure to risky or dangerous situations they can often find themselves in.

October 1st Forms Revision Release
On October 1, 2019, the following forms will be revised and released via all Arizona REALTORS® forms provider platforms.

Legal Hotline
T/F A Landlord May Treat A Residential Rental as Abandoned Under Certain Circumstances
T/F Landlord Must Hold Tenant’s Abandoned Personal Property for 14 Days

September 17, 2019

Realtor Caucus Recap
Last week, 200 Arizona REALTORS® gathered in Phoenix to discuss the issues affecting the real estate industry during the 2019 REALTOR® Caucus. Attendees to this year’s event heard from national and state political leaders and provided recommendations for legislative or regulatory action next year.

Authentisign Enhancements
Lone Wolf has made a number of enhancements to Authentisign including improvements to the checklist and the document approval process. As you get up to speed, visit our dedicated TransactionDesk® page for a list of tips and tricks, as well as ongoing improvement projects.

Agent Safety Alert Program
We all take steps to protect ourselves from dangerous situations with clients.  But when things go wrong, the REALTOR® community needs to be aware of the problem. That’s why Arizona REALTORS® created a program to alert members of critical safety issues.  Watch Region 5 Vice President Eric Gibbs talk about the program and what you need to do to protect yourself.

LEGAL HOTLINE
Advertising Must Identify The Brokerage Involved
Check Do-Not-Call Registry Before Calling FSBO

September 10, 2019

Shape your future
Every 10 years, the United States Census Bureau undertakes a mammoth task of counting all the people residing in the United States. This count affects the allocation of funding for our community’s public resources (e.g., roads, hospitals, schools), how we plan for the future, and our voice in government.  Learn more about the importance of the 2020 Census and how to participate.

The Down Low w/ Judy Lowe
In the final episode of the Down Low w/Judy Lowe, Arizona REALTORS® President D. Patrick Lewis asks the ADRE Commissioner what is making the phones ring at the Department of Real Estate. You might be surprised at the answer.

Financial Wellness Check-Up
After a long period of economic growth, there is speculation that a downturn is not far off. While many large-scale businesses can absorb a slump in the economy, most small businesses must be proactive to protect their assets and prepare for any bumps in the road.

LEGAL HOTLINE
T/F Cure Notice Sent Via Text Message Is Improper
T/F Cure Notice Must be Delivered to Buyer Through Agent

September 3, 2019

Asked and Answered
Arizona REALTORS® strive to provide useful programs and services while working to protect REALTORS® interests at the state, local and federal level.  To ensure the continued alignment with that mission, we periodically send out a survey to the membership for feedback and guidance as we continue to develop short and long-term plans to improve the organization.

What Reciprocity REALLY Means
Arizona’s reciprocity law now allows out-of-state REALTORS® to practice in the Grand Canyon Sate.  The change has caused more than a few Arizona REALTORS® to scratch their heads in confusion.  

Authentisign Layouts
Did you know that you can save custom signature layouts when uploading your own documents in Authentisign? In this article from our Business Services Support Team, we walk you through the steps to create and save your custom signature layouts.

LEGAL HOTLINE
T/F A Counteroffer is Deemed to be a Rejection of the Original Offer
T/F Licensed Contractor Required for Repairs That Are Not of a Casual or Minor Nature

August 27, 2019

Cute Pet Could Win You $500
Want to dazzle your REALTOR® peers with some puppy dog eyes?  Awe them with the majesty of your feline friend? Perhaps earn some good karma with your chameleon? We’ve launched the The Cutest Companion contest and entries are just $15 to submit the cutest photo of your pet.

New Law to Ensure Mortgage Lending to Vets
ICYMI: We have a new law on the books that adjusted the seasoning requirements for a VA loan.  The bill, sponsored by U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema fixes a technical error and allows veterans to save money and avoid falling prey to predatory lenders

New Disclosures Required on Affidavit of Disclosure
Starting today, the state requires additional disclosures on the Affidavit of Disclosure.  The new requirements relate to water rights and solar energy devices.

LEGAL HOTLINE

LOCAL NEWS & NOTES

August 20, 2019

Wire Fraud Advisory Updated
To address concerns related to the Wire Fraud Advisory, Arizona REALTORS® have revised the document to clear up any appearance of an agency relationship with an unrepresented party.

The Down Low w/ Judy Lowe
Arizona REALTORS®  President D. Patrick Lewis continues his series of conversations with ADRE Commissioner Judy Lowe. This week we’re covering their discussions on Teams and this year’s “Occupational Licensing; Reciprocity” bill passed into law by lawmakers.
➡️ TEAMS
➡️ RECIPROCITY

TransactionDesk® Tips & Fab Features
The reviews are in!  As more and more Arizona REALTORS®  begin to use TransactionDesk® , most are finding it to be a better forms platform.  But don’t just take our word for it.  This week we asked Susan Nicolson of Sun Cactus Realty to give us her review of the program and offer a few tips, tricks and thoughts on how to best get started.

LEGAL HOTLINE
Brokerage Firm Cannot Pay a Referral Fee to a Non-Licensee
An Unsigned Email from an Agent is Not an Offer

LOCAL NEWS & NOTES

August 13, 2019

The Down Low w/Judy Lowe
Arizona Department of Real Estate Commissioner Judy Lowe and Arizona REALTORS® President D. Patrick Lewis discuss the complaint process and how the agency works through them.

Arizona REALTORS® Gather for Major Investor Event
While Arizona REALTORS® enjoyed another year of legislative success, a group of real estate pros gathered outside Tucson to celebrate and gear up for another year of work to protect the interests of those working in the industry.

60 Second Real Estate Sound Bite
Pre and Post Possession agreements may seem simple on the surface, but they’re a snake’s nest of potential litigation.  This month Rick Mack speaks clearly on how you should go about creating these agreements and spells out the risks associated with them.

LEGAL HOTLINE
T/F Seller Must Disclose Potential Adverse Claim to Prospective Buyers
T/F An Arizona REALTORS® Buyer Broker Exclusive Employment Agreement May be Enforced Against Buyer if Listing Agent Refuses to Pay a Commission Split

LOCAL NEWS & NOTES

August 6, 2019

Plenty of ways to access Arizona REALTORS® forms
The Arizona REALTORS® has licensing agreements with the industry’s leading transaction management companies. These partnerships help members access state association forms, local REALTOR® association forms, and multiple listing service forms via their respective platforms.

What’s True regarding TransactionDesk?
Former politician and diplomat, Daniel Patrick Moynihan, once said “Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”  However, with the advent of social media, the line between fact and opinion seems to blur. This trend can prove perilous as it leads to misinformation. So, let’s separate fact from fiction and debunk some of the myths regarding TransactionDesk.

Trouble with uploading documents in eSign?
Some users have found that eSign “times out” when attempting to upload documents larger than 1MB. While eSign is working on upgrading the PDF processor which will solve this issue, we have developed a workaround.

LEGAL HOTLINE
T/F Seller May Not Unilaterally Change Time Frames in the Residential BINSR
T/F Listing Agent Must Disclose that Solar Panels are Leased, Not Owned

LOCAL NEWS & NOTES

July 30, 2019

REALTOR® Caucus To Set 2020 Legislative Agenda
This September, Arizona’s REALTORS® will gather in Phoenix to provide input on current issues that affect the real estate industry during the 2019 REALTOR Caucus.  The Caucus serves as an opportunity to discuss recommendations for possible legislative or regulatory actions for the upcoming legislative session.

The Down Lowe w/Judy Lowe
In the first of five videos, Arizona REALTORS® President D. Patrick Lewis talks with Department of Real Estate Commissioner Judy Lowe.  In the first installment, they talk about this year’s new law passed by the legislature to allow the use of Arizona REALTORS® nicknames on marketing materials.

GEN Z: ARE REALTORS READY?
Ahhh millennials.  The generation seemingly known for avocado toast, selfies and participation awards.  Joking aside, it seems like we know all we need (or want) to know about this trend-setting generation.  But what do we know about Generation Z? What can Arizona REALTORS® expect from nearly 26% of the U.S. population?  They’re more than just emojis, YouTube and Doritos.  How are they different from Gen Y? From floppy disks to flip phones, lets take a quick look at the next generation of potential homebuyers.

LEGAL HOTLINE
T/F  Out of State Agent May Not Represent a Party in an Arizona Real Estate Transaction
T/F  Out of State Broker May Not List Property For Sale

LOCAL NEWS & NOTES

July 23, 2019

Nightmare Scenario
Imagine. Three years after buying your dream home, a bank you’ve never heard of tells you they’ve ordered the sale of your house because the previous owner defaulted on a $5.2 million business loan they took out a decade ago.  That’s just what happened a few years ago when unsuspecting homeowners ended up in court fighting against the forced sale of their home.

What would the courts decide?  Would they side with the bank? rule that Arizona’s homestead exemption laws protect the new homeowners?

TransactionDesk Update
More than 10,000 Arizona REALTORS® have begun using TransactionDesk.  With 235,000 unique transactions already logged, we’re off to a good start.

To help users navigate the program, we’ve started to gather the best tips and tricks working within real estate’s leading transaction management system.

AZ REALTORS® enjoy Tech Helpline
Tech Helpline’s friendly, expert computer analysts are U.S. based and comprise a team of the most highly qualified technical support professionals in the tech support industry.

LEGAL HOTLINE
T/F  Listing Agent and Seller are not Required to Disclose Sex Offender in the Area
T/F  Licensee Must Disclose Status In Real Estate Transaction

July 16, 2019

July 9, 2019

July 2, 2019

  • Eminent Domain and the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment
    Remember when Arizona homeowners were faced with the state’s use of its eminent domain power to expand the Loop 202 (a.k.a. South Mountain Freeway) in 2015?  With Arizona’s growing population and the need for more and updated modes of transportation, along with infrastructure, the state’s eminent domain power will likely continue to be utilized in the future.

  • Victory for Subsidized Housing Vouchers in Arizona
    In September 2018, the subsidized housing community in Arizona began to experience an exodus of landlord participation in housing voucher assistance programs  following an appellate ruling that called into question a landlord’s ability to enforce some provisions of the lease and Housing Assistance Provider (HAP) Agreement.

June 25, 2019

  • Risky Relationships
    Our business relationships are extremely important to us. From home inspectors to lenders and contractors we routinely interact with people who we’ve come to trust and enjoy working with.

  • Arizona School Report Cards
    Because of the number of drownings and near-drownings in Arizona, most of which involve small children, most places around the state have enacted swimming pool barrier laws. Generally, these laws require that all affected swimming pools (or certain other contained bodies of water) be protected by an enclosure surrounding the pool area, or by another barrier, that meets specific requirements.

June 18, 2019

June 11, 2019

  • 2019 Legislative Summary
    This year, the ARIZONA REALTORS® protected our membership from extreme government overreach, which would have required DNA samples from real estate licensees. We successfully passed common sense legislation to allow a real estate licensee to utilize the name they are known by for purposes of advertising. And we stood our ground and came to a consensus with the Central Arizona Homebuilders Association to ensure homeowners’ protections in a construction defect lawsuit.
  • New Professional Standards Award
    Arizona REALTORS® is proud to announce the formation of a new award that will recognize a past or current Arizona REALTORS® Professional Standards Committee member who exhibits a passion for professional standards through exceptional service, commitment, preparation, and leadership.
  • Ombudsmen Advice; How to Avoid a Consumer Complaint
    At the Arizona REALTORS®, members volunteer to serve as trained ombudsmen, acting as an intermediary charged with communicating the concerns of one party to the other over the phone in an effort to restore a positive relationship. Based on the unique insight ombudsmen obtain, see what they think are the best ways for REALTORS® to avoid a consumer complaint.
  • Legal Hotline
    Eviction Procedure After the Death of the Tenant
    Second Mortgage Loan Will Rarely Foreclose

June 4, 2019

  • Broker Involvement Program Recruitment Phone BankNAR Legislative Meeting Recap
    Volunteers and staff met at the Tucson Association of REALTORS® offices and held a highly successful Broker Involvement Program recruitment phone bank recently.
  • ¿Pueden Tus Clientes Leer Esto?
    Can your clients read the title of this article? If so, they may be interested to know that Arizona REALTORS® has translated its most often used forms and advisories into Spanish.
  • Tenants in Possession
    When your clients buy a home with a tenant in place, can they immediately evict the tenant and move right into their new home? Can they raise the rent and ask for an additional security deposit? Do you know what new owners can and can’t do? Learn what the law says from attorney Rick Mack in June’s Mack in a Minute video.

May 28, 2019

  • NAR Legislative Meeting RecapEach year, thousands of REALTORS® from across the country converge on our nation’s Capital for the annual REALTORS® Legislative Meetings and Trade Expo. Amongst the thousands of individuals that attend, a select few are chosen to directly represent our Arizona membership before our members of Congress.
  • Arizona REALTORS® inducted into the RPAC Hall of FameREALTORS® across the country celebrated the 50th anniversary of the REALTORS® Political Action Committee this year. Since 1969, RPAC has promoted the election of pro-REALTOR® candidates across the United States. Voluntary contributions from REALTORS® help to elect candidates who understand and support the interests of the real estate industry. Among those investors, there are a select few who join the ranks of others in becoming a National Association of REALTORS® RPAC Hall of Fame member.
  • 2019 Legislative Session Wrap UpIn the early hours of May 28, 2019, the 54th, 1st Regular Arizona State Legislative Session adjourned Sine Die after 135 days of session. This legislative session, a total of 1,318 bills were introduced and 331 were passed by the legislature. As of May 28, 2019, 256 of those bills were signed by the governor, seven were vetoed and 68 bills await action. The governor now has ten days to either sign into law, allow for the bills to become law without his signature or veto the remaining bills on his desk. All legislation unless otherwise specified will become effective on August 27, 2019.
  • Legal Hotline
    T/F Arizona REALTORS® Forms Are For Member Use Only
    T/F Guardianship May Be Needed if Seller is Incapacitated

May 21, 2019

  • Independent contractor or employee? How to ensure your agents and assistants are properly classified.
    The best way to stay out of court is to understand the law at the outset — when organizing your business and hiring agents and employees. You will sleep well and know that you have minimized the risk or a lawsuit or government audit.
  • New Arizona REALTORS® Form 
    On June 1, Arizona REALTORS® will release a new form titled Notice / Disclosure. A copy of the new form that has been approved by both the Risk Management Committee and Executive Committee can be found HERE.  In conjunction with your review of the Notice / Disclosure form, Arizona REALTORS® has prepared the below list of frequently asked questions (FAQs), along with answers and pertinent analysis.  Please be sure to review these FAQs to better understand the new form.
  • June 1st Forms Revision Release
    In addition to the June 1st release of Arizona REALTORS® new Notice / Disclosure form are revisions to the following forms: (1) Residential Seller Disclosure Advisory page, which serves as the cover page to the Residential Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement; (2) Buyer Attachment page to the Residential Resale Real Estate Purchase Contract; and (3) Agreement Notice Pursuant to the Short Sale Addendum to the Residential Resale Real Estate Purchase Contract.
  • Legal Hotline
    T/F Unsolicited Text Message Marketing Is Illegal
    T/F Can a Trip to Hawaii Be Used As a Marketing Tool?

May 14, 2019

  • 100 days and counting…
    The Arizona State Legislature has been in session for over 100 days and it doesn’t appear as if they’ll be adjourning any time soon. Since no more bills can be introduced, the legislators are slowly working through the ones they have left, which makes this a good time to let Arizona’s REALTORS® know what bills have been signed into law already this year that could impact their business.
  • It’s My Two Cents
    For almost 20 years, Larry King had a weekly column in USA Today titled “It’s My Two Cents.” The column consisted of short, random quips, insights and opinions and was perfect for busy readers with not a lot of time to spend on long articles.
  • Legal Hotline
    T/F Arizona REALTOR® Forms Are For Member Use Only
    T/F Seller Violates RESPA by Dictating Title Company for a Transaction

May 7, 2019

April 30, 2019

April 23, 2019

  • VICTORY! 
    REALTORS® will soon finally be able to use their commonly known names when conducting business thanks to a bill signed into law last week by Governor Ducey. HB 2371: “real estate; licenses; applications” offers a common-sense solution to an issue that has long been a thorn in many of our REALTOR® members’ sides. With this bill, REALTORS® in Arizona will now be able to use the name they are commonly known by in their advertising.
  • Occupational Licensing; Reciprocity
    Arizona is now the first state to allow for broad recognition of out-of-state licenses with Governor Doug Ducey signing HB 2569: “Occupational Licensing; Reciprocity” into law on April 10, 2019. The legislation, which impacts many professions including barbers, nurses, bus drivers, respiratory therapists, security guards, teacher assistants and, yes, real estate licensees, was sponsored by Representative Warren Petersen.
  • Mediation Program
    Arizona REALTORS® Buyer-Seller Dispute Resolution Mediation Program is a quick and inexpensive way to settle a dispute between a buyer and a seller.
  • Legal Hotline
    T/F Buyer is Contractually Obligated to Provide Seller a Copy of the Inspection Report
    T/F Brokerage May Not Pay Commission to an Unlicensed Limited Liability Company

April 16, 2019

April 9, 2019

April 2, 2019

  • Moving at the speed of Government
    Arizona is a state on the leading edge in the technology sector, and now innovative and disruptive technologies in the property sector have a home thanks to Governor Doug Ducey when he signed HB 2657 into law on March 21.
  • Arizona REALTORS® are Stepping up in a Major Way for Statewide Advocacy EffortsMere months after orchestrating an overwhelming victory at the ballot on Proposition 126, individual REALTORS® across the state have been stepping forward to become Major Investors in RAPAC
  • Legal Hotline
    • The landlord and tenant execute an Arizona REALTORS® Residential Lease Agreement for a one-year term expiring on February 28th.  The tenant advised the landlord that he was vacating the premises on February 26thand had all of his personal effects removed by February 28th.   Did the lease terminate on February 28th?
    • The buyer and seller entered into an Arizona REALTORS® Residential Resale Real Estate Purchase Contract.  After the inspection was completed and before the inspection period was over, the buyer submitted a Buyer’s Inspection Notice and Seller’s Response (“BINSR”) that did not identify any items disapproved.  Rather, the BINSR on Page 1 said “see attachment.”  The attachment was an addendum reducing the purchase price by $7,000.00 signed by the buyer.  The seller is unwilling to reduce the price by $7,000 and rejected the proposed addendum.  May the buyer cancel based on the seller’s rejection of the addendum? 

March 19, 2019

  • What’s in a name??? Everything
    If someone was to ask you about Edwin Eugene Aldrin Jr., you may ask who is that? But if someone was to say the name “Buzz” Aldrin, you would recognize that he was one of the first two humans to land on the Moon. Simply put, a name is everything.  But under current law advertising under the name you go by, the one your friends, family and your clients know you as, could be a violation of statute and Arizona Department of Real Estate rule.
  • TransactionDesk®
    We’re excited to announce that TransactionDesk® is now available as a member benefit.  MLS Integration, Forms, Document Storage and eSignature with Authentisign are all included with the new program.
  • What a Week!
    The annual gathering of the state’s REALTORS® has wrapped up and by all accounts the 2019 Arizona REALTORS® Convention was a tremendous success!
  • Legal Hotline
    • True or False?
      In the Arizona REALTORS® contract, the parties give the escrow company the authority to disburse the earnest money pursuant to the terms and conditions of the contract. Yes or No? 
      Does the Lead-Based Paint Disclosure apply to rental properties?

March 12, 2019

March 5, 2019

 

February 26, 2019

February 19, 2019

  • Who Does What?!?
    End the confusion and learn what each entity does for you and who you need to call for information.

February 12, 2019

February 5, 2019

January 29, 2019

January 23, 2019

January 15, 2019

January 8, 2019

January 2, 2019

December 26, 2018

December 18, 2018

December 11, 2018

December 4, 2018

November 27, 2018

November 20, 2018

November 13, 2018

November 6, 2018

October 30, 2018

October 23, 2018

October 16, 2018

October 9, 2018

October 2, 2018

September 25, 2018

September 18, 2018

September 11, 2018

September 4, 2018

August 28, 2018

August 21, 2018

August 14, 2018

August 7, 2018

July 31, 2018

July 24, 2018

July 17, 2018

July 10, 2018

July 3, 2018

June 26, 2018

June 19, 2018

June 12, 2018

June 5, 2018

May 30, 2018

May 22, 2018

May 15, 2018

May 8, 2018

May 1, 2018

April 24, 2018

April 17, 2018

April 10, 2018

April 3, 2018

March 27, 2018 Special Edition

March 20, 2018

March 13, 2018

March 7, 2018

February 28, 2018

February 23, 2018

February 13, 2018

February 6, 2018

January 31, 2018

January 25, 2018

January 17, 2018

January 9, 2018

January 2, 2018