Vote YES on Question 1: Our Rebuttal to Sun Journal Editors

Our Rebuttal sent to Sun Journal editors and additional thoughts on what they also failed to note:

The Editorial Board of the Sun Journal apparently didn't do their homework when crafting biased commentary about our television ads. The Maine Association of REALTORS was not contacted for comment, and if, as journalists [the Sun Journal editors] were interested to know the purpose for any statement in our ads, it should occur to them to ask. There is significant misinformation and missing information in their analysis.

The Maine Revenue Services confirmed to the Yes on One/Yes to Reject Coalition, "In 2013, the net tax cut is estimated to be $32.3 million. The top 1% of Maine households get a $23.2 million net tax cut. The remaining net reduction of $9 million is spread across the rest of the tax families."

While we recognize the proponents keep claiming this distribution is "proportional,” it is accurate to include the main benefit of the total net tax cut is to the wealthy (top 1%). Had the Sun Journal provided the total amount of the total net tax cuts to the top 1% and then the other 99%, it might give a true picture to their readers.

The analysis also fails to include our concern about limiting (for some) and removing (for others) the value of the itemized mortgage interest deduction, which is a key reason we are involved. While our full talking points are at mainerealtors.com, here’s one purpose:

MAR opposes the Legislature’s tax reform package because it modifies the common definition of “residency” to deny the household credit for one year to people who have moved or returned to Maine. This directly affects the mortgage interest deduction because those who relocate to Maine for a job, or who return to Maine after moving away, cannot have any state tax deductions or the new limited credits upon relocation. Often relocating workers will purchase a home during their first year in Maine and the Legislature has insured that they will not receive any itemized deductions or credits during the very time in which they will pay the largest amount of interest on many types of mortgages. This “Welcome Back Tax” is very bad for Maine jobs and real estate and will likely face a constitutional challenge should the repeal effort fail.

Separately, our opponents are running ads that are distortions of the truth - there is no proposal to raise income tax (or rates) by 30% for all Maine families from what they're presently paying. A Yes Vote to Repeal keeps it the same and tells our legislators to think again.

Our message remains: VOTE YES ON QUESTION 1

New notes to Sun Journal Editors:

1. You FAIL to note that the YES on ONE position is supported by NUMEROUS organizations in Maine that also denounce this so-called tax reform measure. Those INCLUDE the Maine Tourism Association, Maine Restaurant Association, Maine Merchants Association, National Federation of Independent Business, Maine Snowmobile Association; and several Chambers of Commerce supporting YES on One – including the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce, Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce, Caribou Chamber of Commerce, Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce. Any reason you are trying to portray this as a single industry issue (real estate) and not that MOST Maine industries are telling the public to REJECT this bad proposal?

2. You FAIL to note that the main source of funding for all of the TV commercials in support of the No position are hedge fudge managers, venture capitalists, tycoons and other wealthy individuals. Any reason you're not questioning why Maine small businesses want REPEAL (YES position), but Wall Street and the wealthy want “tax reform”? This tax reform is absolutely NOT about the little guy in Maine. Maine’s small business population is urging REPEAL of this bad proposal - and URGING the public to VOTE Yes on Question One.

Our message remains: VOTE YES ON QUESTION 1 - To Reject Over 100 New Taxes

See some of our Save the Mortgage Interest Deduction videos and commercials on YouTube.

Maine Open House Day - Sunday, May 16, 2010

Join us for our first Maine Open House Day, scheduled for Sunday, May 16, 2010. There is a prize drawing of a trip for an open house attendee, and a smaller prize for the listing agent for the property!
A few things to help:

1. How to add Open House to listing in MREIS
2. Free ways to promote Maine Open House Day
3. Logos you can use with property promotion

Maybe you've been thinking about moving or a second home in Maine too? Start your search now.

Changes to Maine's Smoke/CO Detectors Laws - March 2010

The laws for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in Maine changed in March 2010. Here are a few resources to assist you:

State Fire Marshal Certification Form (for closings)

Information about Language in the Statute change by MAR Legal Counsel

A video update explaining the changes to the law and buyer compliance: [Note: this video replaces the first one posted]

Downpayment and Closing Cost Assistance - Live Where You Work

Joe Wright reports: The new Live Where You Work Loan Program administered by the MAR Foundation offers a 0% loan, up to $5,000, to provide down payment & closing cost assistance to homebuyers relocating closer to their employment and reducing/eliminating their daily commute. Money saved due to decreased commuting expenses can be used to re-pay the short-term, no-interest Live Where You Work Program loan.

Aside from the human costs of commuting, commutesolutions.com estimates that the cost of commuting 60 miles per day adds up to $421 per month, or more than $5,000 annually, and 78% of commuters ride alone to their destination. The commuting money saved more than pays for the 0% Live Where You Work loan.

Participating lenders in this program are: Androscoggin Bank – Donna Miller 729-1661; Gorham Savings Bank – Katherine Damon 595-1457; Kennebec Savings Bank - Bill Hill 662-5801; Machias Savings Bank – Scott Whitney 800-339-3347; The First – Stephen Sprague 800-564-3195 x3178.

The initial $50,000 for this new program was granted to the Maine Association of REALTORS Foundation by the National Association of REALTORS’ Ira Gribin Workforce Housing Grants program. Maine is one of the first states in the U.S. to implement a workforce housing program using these funds. Thank you NAR!

Get all the details on the Live Where You Work Loan Program at MAR Foundation website or contact the MAR Foundation’s Executive Director Suzanne Guild suzanne@mainerealtors.com

Joe Wright is the 2010 Chairman of the MAR Foundation; and owner of L.S.Robinson Co Real Estate, Southwest Harbor

Arriving at the NAR Convention in San Diego

Bart Stevens reports: I am anything but an early morning riser, but this morning found me out the door at 4:30 am for the long ride to the Portland Jetport and onward to San Diego - for the National Association of REALTORS Convention and CRS meetings. Incredible how warm it was in Maine at 4:30 am - my car showed 52 degrees!

The trip took went through Atlanta which was experiencing heavy rains courtesy of a November tropical storm. Looked like we could be stranded but ended up in San Diego only 15 minutes late. Sunny and mid-70's here but predicting low 60's later in the week with rain -- what's with that? Isn't it always sunny and 80 in Southern CA?!

My internal clock is winding down. Ordered dinner in and frantically figuring out a way to stay awake to see who gets the boot on Dancin'? Might just have to read about it!

Tomorrow will be filled with CRS meetings, reconnecting with CRS friends from around the country, and hopefully time to beat the crowds and get registered. Some additional Maniac's will begin arriving tomorrow, but I understand we have a light attendance this year.

Stay tuned as the schedule is jam-packed the next 5 days!

Bart Stevens (CENTURY 21 Nason Realty, Winslow) is the 2009 President of the Maine Chapter of CRS

UPDATE: Maine's Smoke/CO Detector Law

Note: Due to law changes in March 2010, this post has been deleted.

MAR Convention: Day 3 Report

Bart Stevens reports: On the outside, Day 3 dawned bright and sunny, but a little on the windy side. Inside, we prepared for the final morning of Convention ... rushing around gets thinks packed and in the car before arriving at breakfast where we enjoyed a lovely buffet, an industry update from Ron Phipps, 2010 NAR President-Elect and, finally, the ever entertaining Ms. Sheryl Gregory - of prize give-away fame.

Thanks to all the boards and councils that provided prizes and especially Machias Savings Bank for the $500 grand prize. Unfortunately I was not nearly as lucky in the prize category this year as last year - in fact I won NOTHING!! Never confuse me as one to hold a grudge, although thankfully I had the car to myself all the way home to sulk in private!

Thanks also to all the sponsors of this year's convention - without the exhibits, sponsorships and hospitality suites, convention just wouldn't be the same.

After breakfast it was one last class - a choice between Linda Gifford's updates on form changes, energy efficiency, or learning a little bit about twittering, tweeting and all those things!

The convention was a resounding success. Attendance was down slightly but saw a last minute uptick as many were feeling a bit better about our financial situations than when registration first began. Thanks to Cindy, Tanya, Suzanne, Lynn, Chris, Pat and Tammy for making things look so easy. The convention committee also did an outstanding job. Putting one of these events on requires a lot of behind the scenes work.

Special thanks go to Kennebec Valley's very own Tammy LaPierre. Not only is she our Board's AE but she's also the central person for the Maine Chapter of CRS. Tammy does a phenomenal job!

Before you know it we will be arriving in Bar Harbor for our 2010 convention!! In the meantime have an enjoyable, and hopefully busy fall. I hope to see many next month in beautiful San Diego, CA for the NAR convention!

Signing off 'til next time - Bart Stevens, 2009 President, Maine Chapter of CRS

MAR Convention: Day 2

Bart Stevens reports: Well another MAR Convention is rapidly coming to an end - but not before another day filled with education, networking and fun! Day 2 (or 3 for some) was jam packed with opportunities - beginning with an early morning opportunity to have breakfast and visit the exhibitors and ending with a "Party Like it's 1999" dance. In between was opportunity to learn - national speaker Bernice Ross on trends; foreclosures; legal updates with the ever popular (and informative) Linda Gifford; industry updates; and tech time with MREIS.

The banquet, emceed by Chris Philbrook and Michelle Flaherty, gave us the opportunity to watch the installation of the 2010 officers: Pres Elect Mike LePage, First VP Tina Lucas, MAR First Vice President; and Gail Rizzo, President of MREIS.

Special congratulations to my business partner and the next President of the Maine Association of REALTORS - Marc Chadbourne! Ron Phipps, 2010 President Elect of the National Association of REALTORS traveled up from RI to perform Marc's installation.

1999 NAR President Sharon Millett (of Maine) presented MAR President Rita Yarnold with a special gift from NAR President Charles McMillan. From there it was onto recognizing the Local Board/Council REALTORS of the Yea. 2005 MAR President Tobin Malone and Leanne Nichols recognized each ROTY and presented beautiful crystal awards.

All this led to the highlight of the evening - the announcement of the State REALTOR of the Year. Don Plourde had the privilege of presenting this year's award to a member Kennebec Valley Board of REALTORS: Marc Chadbourne of Century 21 Nason Realty in Winslow. Congratulations Marc!! This was a banner day for Marc - he started off by winning a GPS in the exhibitor drawings, moved on to be installed as the next President of MAR, and ended the evening as the newest inductee into the State REALTOR of the Year Hall of Fame - what more could one ask for?!

Tomorrow wraps things up for this year's Convention. Special kudos and thanks to this year's Convention Committee for a job well done!

Bart Stevens, 2009 President - Maine Chapter of CRS

Pictured: Ron Phipps, Marc Chadbourne; Art Gary, MAR President Rita Yarnold; Tobin Malone, Bart Stevens

MAR Convention: CRS Class, CRS Annual Meeting

Note: On first day of the MAR Convention, students have option of taking regular convention courses or an additional one-day CRS course. This report is about CRS.

Bart Stevens reports: Day 2 found us back in class again. I guess word spread that we had a good CRS instructor as we had a large number of walk-in registrations today - a great problem to have! It's a sizable commitment to hold two classes.

The Maine Chapter of CRS Board of Directors is committed to bringing classes closer to our membership, but can only do so with continued support of membership attendance. Quality education comes with a premium price, BUT well worth it!

Today's class, "Maximizing Your Potential -Personally and Professionally" was very well received. Comments indicate that everyone walked away energized. The subject matter was in not new but made us sit back and rethink where we want to be in a year or more. How do you manage stress? How much stress is actually good for you? How important is a "real" life outside of real estate? What motivates you? The importance of life planning and goal setting. Are you a goal setter? (Note: Most people are not!) Written goals are essential to a successful balanced life. Time management - the benefits, values and objectives - why do most people find time management difficult? Thank you to instructor Mark Given.

After the dreaded "test" it was on to Chapter business - the Maine Chapter of CRS Annual Meeting. The first item of business was to recognize CRS Designee John Lane as Realtor Emeritus. John joined REALTORS in 1959!! Fifty continuous years as a Realtor and a charter member of the Maine CRS. John was present for both classes, is still very active and credits his success in the business to listening, adapting and never passing up an opportunity to learn something new. I had the privilege of presenting John with a beautiful pin and certificate.

We were fortunate once again to have Region 1 Vice President Nancy Rogers join us all the way from Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri to install next year's Chapter Officers and Directors. Lori Gray of Homestead Realty in Winthrop was elected President; Steve Dyer, Keller Williams Rockland as President-Elect; Gail Rizzo, Lakepoint Real Estate in Belgrade Lakes as Secretary; Sheila Bonenfant, Coldwell Banker Plourde Real Estate in Waterville as Treasurer, and yours truly as Immediate Past President. Additionally the following were appointed to the Board of Directors: Betsy Ames Fitzgerald, Cathy Lamb, Linda DiTomaso, Arthur Gary and Jeff Davis. A great team to continue the work of the Maine Chapter!

From the CRS Annual Meeting it was on to the exhibits, networking and beverages. A great opportunity to catch up with others. The Maine Chapter of CRS has a display booth and is holding a silent auction raising funds for our "Chapter With a Heart" charity - the Rockland Area Habitat For Humanity. Thanks to REALTORS generosity we have been able to donate several thousand dollars to Maine charities in the past several years and we hope you stop by to bid while the opportunity exists.

The evening moved on with hospitality. The Kennebec Valley Board of Realtors hosted a reception honoring Marc Chadbourne, Century 21 Nason Realty, Winslow who will be installed as 2010 President of the Maine Association of Realtors tomorrow evening. There will several other "networking" opportunities available as well - those were great glasses from Machias Savings Bank! Please make sure to find time to stop by the exhibit hall and thank the sponsors for their generosity and support.

The evening ended with a quiet dinner for me with Nancy Rogers and her husband Jim - but boy is it hard to find a restaurant in Rockland serving lobster after 8 PM! Always a great fan of the dances, I instead find myself in bed typing this report - age must be catching up with me! It's been a very full day and tomorrow promises to be equally busy.

Make sure you mark your calendar now for next year's convention in Bar Harbor - you don't know what you're missing if you've never been!

Bart Stevens

2009 President -Maine Chapter of CRS

Century 21 Nason Realty, Winslow, ME

MAR Pre-Convention: Going Green, Going CRS

Bart Stevens reports: Thirty-two REALTORS from around Maine chose to leave their warm beds early this morning to get a jump start on MAR Convention activities. They all have one thing in common - CRS (Certified Residential Specialist). Each is either a CRS designee already (17) or at a stage of receiving the CRS designation - last class for one person, first class for several others.

Monday at 8:30 a.m. found us at the Samoset already hard at work at learning how to "Be Green" and how to "Make Green" ($$). Mark Given, national CRS instructor, traveled from NC to share 2 days of class instruction. Today -"Going Green"; tomorrow - CRS 103 "Maximize Your Potential."

Today's class taught ways to assure we are thought of as the source when someone has a question about being green or going green. It's nearly impossible to open a paper or turn on TV without some reference to Green. And, it's all encompassing - can mean a simple effort at having a more efficient home (changing to CFL's, wrapping a water heater, low flow aerators, etc.) or more complex, such as orienting a new home's direction, solar, wind, geothermal, VOC's or chemical free. Everyone can make a noticeable difference beginning at a very small cost.

Notable statistic: Who is the most likely candidate interested in green? Interestingly enough it's the younger, educated female.

CRS Designees represent 3-5% of all REALTORS nationally. Here in Maine we fall into the mid-range of 4%. CRS offers some of the best instructors in the business, and many of the most popular subject matter. CRS Designees are a close group - very willing to share their knowledge - such as, what has worked and what has not worked for them. We WANT our fellow designees to succeed.

Many REALTORS, including me, work for large franchise companies - but when it comes to referrals we look for the CRS designation first. A CRS Designee knows how much time another CRS has put into education, staying on the cutting edge and knowing what it takes to keep clients satisfied. That knowledge is a crucial consideration when referring valuable clients to another.

I encourage you to check out the CRS designation at your earliest opportunity. The Maine Chapter of CRS has committed to bringing CRS courses and instructors to Maine on a regular basis - to assist in obtaining the skills necessary to stand out from the competition. We hope you take advantage at the earliest opportunity!!

Bart Stevens
2009 President -Maine Chapter of CRS (Council of Residential Specialists)
Century 21 Nason Realty, Winslow, ME

Maine's New Smoke/CO Detectors Laws

Note: Due to changes in the law (10/30/09) this video is deleted

NAR: 17 depts/programs on Twitter, 14 on Facebook

National Association of REALTORS social media links ...

NAR departments and programs on Twitter:

• NAR’s call center, answering members’ questions (@askNAR)
• Center for REALTOR Technology (@crttweet)
• NAR’s Info Central call center & library (@infocentralnar)
• Observations/news from Midyear meeting (@nar_midyear)
• NAR’s Research Department (@NAR_Research)
• Info about the 2009 NAR Annual Conference (@nar2009)
• NAR’s Public Affairs news releases (@NARmedia)
• Weekly safety tips (@narsafety)
• Commercial Division/Realtors Commercial Alliance (@RCAtweet)
• REALTOR Action Center (@RealtorAction)
• REALTOR Magazine (@realtormag)
• NAR headlines and other relevant info (@realtors)
• The REALTORS Federal Credit Union (@RealtorsFCU)
• Real Estate Today radio show (@RETradio)
• Updates about Right Tools, Right Now offerings (@righttools)
• Seniors Real Estate Council (@SREScouncil)
• REALTOR Magazine’s Young Professionals Network (@ypn)

NAR departments and programs on Facebook:

• NAR
• NAR's Appraisal Program
• NAR Research
• NAR's Auction Program
• NAR GREEN
• SRES
• NAR Leadership Academy
• REALTOR Action Center
• NAR Resort
• Center for REALTOR Technology (CRT)
• CIPS
• Real Estate Today Radio
• Young Professionals Network (YPN)
• NAR Info Central

Are we missing any?

And of course, you can follow MAR on Twitter (@mainerealtors); or be a Fan of MAR on Facebook too ...

MREIS Data Field Change - Flood Zone

MREIS is eliminating the Flood Zone data field from the MLS database. Find out why, and additional guidance from MAR Legal Counsel Linda Gifford on this video.

NAR Leadership Summit '09: Report from Tuesday

Bart Stevens reports: A few final thoughts as we sit in the airport waiting to return to Maine.

Today we were all back in our seats at 8 AM. The day started with an introduction of NAR's new Real Estate Today radio program - which can even be added to company/agent web sites. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun gave an economic update including that housing affordability is the best in 10 years. The NAR Chief Lobbyist highlighted largest areas of NAR legislative and regulatory focus including expanding the tax credit, appraisal issues, jumbo loans and health care. NAR's Chief Technology Officer took the stage dressed as Dr. Spock, and NAR CEO Dale Stinton announced NAR contest to identify "game changing" ideas - and asked for us all to submit ideas (by Oct. 1) - the best of which NAR will fully fund and implement nationwide.

The conference ended as it began - on a high note. The last speaker was Christopher Gardner - his amazing story out of homelessness was the inspiration for the movie, "The Pursuit of Happyness". Did anyone see it? Chris was played by Will Smith. An amazing story of misfortune and the overwhelming desire to succeed.

I believe the 1800 in attendance left believing the conference is well worth the time to attend, and we're looking forward to the year ahead as leaders of their Boards and Associations -I know our group from Maine is excited!

Also had the opportunity to pop into the NAR building to visit my CRS friends, Rachel Tristano in particular, and got the personalized tour. CRS chapter leadership are off to Phoenix this weekend for training. I'm really going to miss the trip this year. It's networking to the extreme with pretty much every Chapter President in attendance.

Marc, Linda and I found some time before our flight for seeing the sights and left with a little more than we came with - they don't call it the Magnificent Mile for nothing! Association Execs Cindy Butts and Kelly Craig moved onto AE classes for the balance of the day and the others had various flight times.

It was great having this opportunity and I firmly believe our Boards will benefit greatly from it next year! And NAR is funding it again next year for state/board incoming presidents and AEs!

Bart Stevens is the 2010 president of the Kennebec Valley Board. Pictures of NAR building by Monika McGillicuddy, the 2010 president of the NH Association of REALTORS

NAR Leadership Summit '09: Report from Monday

Bart Stevens reports: Awoke to an absolutely spectacular day here in the Windy City – sunny skies, warm temps, no humidity and no wind. We were in our seats before 8 AM prepared for a full day of enlightenment.

We weren’t disappointed – the day was packed with insightful sessions. I was particularly struck by how different this conference is from other leadership sessions I’ve attended. The emphasis is much more subtle – none of that “do it this way, do it that way.” This conference is geared towards “real life” skills – it’s not the obvious which distinguishes a great leader from an okay leader, but rather the way we choose to tackle our daily lives and challenges – how routine and day-to-day issues impact our ability to lead in the face of so many changes and challenges bombarding us daily.

Sessions ranged from meeting NAR’s 2010 Leadership team - led by President Vicki Cox Golder (AZ) and President Elect Ron Phipps (RI - a New Englander!) - to an incredible keynote ending. Chicago’s Second City comedy troupe helped introduce the 2010 Leadership Team with a twist.

2003 NAR President Cathy Whatley and St. Paul (MN) AE Keith Holm lead us through an entertaining session focused around the "marriage" between the President and AE. We were given “pre-nups” to fill out and sign detailing how this important relationship will evolve over the next year. Successful marriages require a lot of work and understanding – very similar to the AE/President relationship!

Our very own Cindy Butts has been appointed NAR's 2010 Liaison to Technology by President Vicki. We know Cindy’s love of technology and wish her the best of luck.

The day’s session ended with the highlight of the day – keynote speaker Alison Levine’s talk entitled, “Oxygen not Included.” A truly dynamic young woman, she overcame much diversity to climb high peaks on every continent, served as the team captain of the First American Women’s Everest Expedition – and skied across the Arctic Circle. Her presentation offered a unique perspective on types of leadership, teamwork, innovation and dealing with a changing environment. Taking risks, knowing when to turn back, understanding the importance of having a strong team apply to both mountain climbing and leading associations – truly moving.

Our group of 8 ended with a group dinner at The Cheesecake Factory – oh those desserts! It was just one of those wonderful summer evenings that make you want to wander the streets, taking in the sites and sounds of this wonderful city.

Just remember, as one of the speakers said, “It’s never crowded along the extra mile.”

Bart Stevens is the 2010 president of the Kennebec Valley Board (and currently president of Maine Chapter of CRS & Treasurer of MREIS)