Volume 15
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Issue 10
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MARCH 2016
A quarterly publication of the Real Estate Board/Commission of Strata Corporations
Failure of Strata Management Highlights Public Consultation Sandra Watson, CEO of the Real Estate Board/Commission of Strata Corporations gives the welcome and opening remarks at the public forum and consultation held by the CSC to sensitise stakeholders on proposed amendments to the Registration (Strata Titles) Act. Looking on is Ainsworth Norton, Manager of the CSC Inspectorate
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he failure of the management of strata properties or strata corporations as they are referred to in the law, highlighted a public forum and consultation held by the Commission of Strata Corporations (CSC) to sensitise stakeholders on proposed amendments to the Registration (Strata Titles) (Amendment) Act , 2009. The Forum which was held on Thursday March 17 at the Girl’s Guide Association of Jamaica Headquarters, brought together stake-
holders such as Executive Committees of Strata Corporations, financial and property insurance institutions, conveyance attorneys, property managers, developers and persons interested in strata corporations to discuss amendments to Act. The Act was amended in 2009, establishing the CSC which began operation on January 1, 2010. The CSC which shares a Board and Administrative offices with the Real Estate Board, is mandated to monitor, regulate and su-
pervise strata corporations in Jamaica. A strata property is a building or collection of buildings, where individuals each own a unit (a strata lot) but where there is also common property (eg. external walls, windows, roof, driveways) of which each owner shares ownership.
I N S I D E
T he Re a l E st ate J our na l
The Real Estate Board/Commission of Strata Corporations in Transition
Sandra Watson
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f you are a proponent of Change Management, read any articles/books or done any studies on Change Management, then you will agree with me that the content of this newsletter indicates that the organization of the Real Estate Board/Commission of Strata Corporations is “knee deep” in the change management process. This newsletter clearly speaks to the following: a new scope, format and intention to communicate more effectively with the public; new amendments being contemplated for the Registration (Strata Titles) Act; launch of a Real Estate Training Institute; a new thrust towards continuing profession development for persons in the industry; and new online payment system.
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Never in my history with the Board have things been changing so rapidly. The dynamics of the real estate industry are changing rapidly…
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These are but a few of the new directions into which the organization is going as it evolves into a more efficient and effective regulator of real estate. The organization is seeking to enhance its effectiveness and efficiency while making preparations to take on new responsibilities. Early in the 2016-17 financial year the Board will commence operating as the Registrar of Timeshare. The entity will also be making many changes to improve its efficiencies thus enhancing its customers’ service experience. Never in my history with the Board have things been changing so rapidly. The dynamics of the real estate industry are changing rapidly hence the regulators have a duty to ensure that the industry is equipped to provide the service that is required and that the regulators themselves are providing the services that their clients need. I close this message with the words of Winston Churchill, “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often”.
Real Estate Institute Launched International Real Estate News
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Let’s Meet Sonia Graham Tech Insider & Blast from the Past
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10 HR Corner
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Local Real Estate News Who Knew Real Estate Could Be this Funny
12 Workplace Wellness
Professional Development
T he Re a l E st ate J our na l
...Public Consultation continued from page 1
A section of the audience at the Public Consultation on the Amendments to the Registration (Strata Titles) Act
Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Sandra Watson, noted that the 2009 Amendments provided for a three-year review of the Act and that this consultation was critical to that process. Ainsworth Norton, Manager of the CSC Inspectorate, in making the presentation noted that a vast number of strata corporations were in violation of various sections of the legislation. “The rate of compliance for strata corporations filing their annual returns averages approximately 12% of the number of corporations due to file returns in a given year since April 2011. The audits undertaken by the Commission in 2014/2015 on some strata corporations indicate that 88% had issues relating to physical breaches which required an action or response from the executive committee. Approximately 38% of those corporations audited had not ratified any decision to not insure and had failed to insure the buildings and a similar percentage failed to compute contributions based on the unit entitlement.� The Amendments, as outlined by Mr. Norton, are intended to address a litany of issues, including: defining actions aimed at increasing statutory compliance regarding matters such as filing annual returns, holding annual general meetings, payment and use of maintenance fees, and a range of other breaches to the by-laws and the Act. He also went on to suggest that some of the problems associated with a number of strata corporations stemmed from their initial design and a defect in the Act which does not allow for phased development of strata corporations.
T h e R e a l E s ta te J o u r n a l
P age 4
CEO, Mrs. Sandra Watson The Real Estate Training Institute located at 1 Surbiton Road, Kingston 10 (Left to right): Mr. Karl Vendryes, Mrs. Elise Wright-Goffe, The Hon. Robert Pickersgill MP, Mrs. Sandra Watson and Rev. Neville wright
The Real Estate Board officially launched its Real Estate Training Institute for both continuing professional development and the pre-licencing of practitioners in the real estate sector on Tuesday February 17, 2016. The Board’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Sandra Watson noted that the Real Estate Institute was a fulfilment of a long term strategic objective of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of the entity. “The Training Institute will offer real estaterelated courses and issue a nationally accepted Certificate. The pre-license training will be geared towards the successful completion of a national examination that will be administered by the Board,” Mrs. Watson explained. The first course which will be a pre-licensing course for Dealers, will begin on March 18 at 1 Surbiton Road, Kingston 10 and other courses will be added as the need arises, in keeping with best practices in the business of real estate sales, leases, rentals, valuation, property management, strata management, timeshare and auctions. Then Minister of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change, the Hon. Robert Pickersgill, in bringing greetings, congratulated the Board for the realization of the Institute, which he believes will open up new opportunities for commitment to service and meet the in-
creasing demand and expectations of the local Real Estate market. “It goes without saying that Jamaica continues to be a trendsetter in the Caribbean, as this Institute is the first in the region that is exclusively dedicated to Real Estate Education and Training at the tertiary level. Again I commend the Real Estate Board for this initiative and I am proud that it has borne fruit during my tenure as Minister.” “Continuous Training is required within the industry, hence the board needed to put in place a Continuous Development programme and its attendant courses,” the former Minister added. Candidates who fulfil the Course requirements will receive a certificate, which is one of the prerequisites to obtaining a licence to practice the business of real estate in Jamaica. Other courses to be rolled out during the course of the calendar year include; the Real Estate Salesmen Course, the Property Management Course and the Local Land Law Course. - Damian Wilson
“The Training Institute will offer real estate-related courses and issue a nationally accepted Certificate”
T he R e a l E s ta te J o u r n a l
What hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
I like reading, the outdoors, beach roaming, gardening.
If you had the opportunity to change one thing in the world, what would it be? Eliminate bigotry.
How long have you been with the Real Estate Board and talk to us about the positions you have held over the years? Twenty six years and 11 months. I started in administration , Inspector, Senior Inspector and currently Manager.
Explain the nature of your job and what your average workday is like?
I coordinate a team of Inspectors, Secretary and Supervisor Registration Information and Training in the Real Estate Board arm of the organisation. This division deals with application processing, monitoring and regulation of real estate dealers, salesmen and developers. In a typical day there are meetings and consultations, discussions with the team/attorney, signing of documents, fielding questions and resolving issues as a resource person including handling difficult customer service issues. This can be challenging but can also be rewarding when a client is able to leave in a better place and with a smile on his or her face, after a faceto-face conversation.
Sonia Graham Manager— Inspectorate, Real Estate Board
Use three words to describe your personality?
What is the best thing about working for the Real Estate Board?
Kind, even-tempered, pleasant
Where did you grow up and what is your fondest childhood memory? I grew up in St. Mary. My fondest childhood memory is walking home from school and eating fruits from trees along the road.
Tell us about your academic background, from Elementary School to Tertiary Education.
I attended Jacks River Primary in St. Mary. That was a well- rounded exposure with happy memories. I next attended St. Mary High School where I established lifelong friendships and proceeded from there to the University of the West Indies.
Damian Wilson
Team
Gail Dandy
The staff is cooperative.
Tell us of one of your proudest moments whilst working the Real Estate Board?
Receiving recognition as one of the longest serving staff.
What are the things that make you happiest?
Being with family/good friends and the simple but beautiful things of life.
What is your personal ethos?
With God as my Guide, all my experiences will ultimately make me a better person.
Sherian MacDonald
Dwaine Forbes
Ashleigh Chatto
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this issue of The Real Estate Journal We invite your comments, suggestions and feedback.
T h e R e a l E s ta te J o u r n a l
MOORLAND ROLLS THIRD REAL ESTATE PROJECT
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oorland Development Company, the architects of Manchester-based Moorlands Estate and Moorlands Manor, has kicked off its third real estate project, PalmBrook, in Lacovia, St Elizabeth. PalmBrook will be delivered in three phases, with overall spend projected at $750 million. It will feature 382 residential lots, as well as commercial space for which three lots have been earmarked. Marketing Manager Marie Berbick said the roll-out of phases two and three will be dependent on the take-up of the first phase. The developers previously touted developing 402 acres, but have revised the scale to 378 acres with 382 residential lots slated for delivery. Moorland Development has become known for its emphasis on environmental preservation and creating communities with abundant green spaces. Its last development, Moorlands Manor, was billed as the "liveable forest". PalmBrook will also feature 190 acres of green space, the developers told Sunday Business. "That's a continuation of the Moorland concept. We are trying to create an attractive eco-friendly, gated community and preserve as much of the natural environment as possible," Berbick said. Work on phase one of the project began last October and is scheduled to be wrapped up by October this year, Berbick said, noting, however, that this schedule may be revised as the project is ahead of the projected completion date.
PalmBrook is targeted at middle-income earners and civil servants. "We are really focused on that market," said the marketing manager, adding that PalmBrook's unit will be priced with a bracket accessible by the targeted groups. The listing prices were not immediately available. PalmBrook will feature 24-hour security service, nature park, multi-purpose sporting courts, clubhouse with swimming pool, games room, gymnasium and meeting room, among others, with lots also reserved for a school and health clinic. "What we want to do is ensure that persons who live in the parish and even those who left the parish and want to return, including those in the diaspora, can live in a secure attractive environment, ... and we want to make it as affordable as possible," Berbick said. Tameka Gordon Sunday February 14, 2016, Jamaica Gleaner
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How Jamaica’s Real Estate Market Is Performing amaica is quietly showing a very strong improvement in its real estate market, according to the newest report from Integra Realty Resources. Property transfers in Jamaica reached $665.5 million in 2015, which represented an increase of $9.3 percent, according to the report. The increase in transfer volume, which has been steady since 2009, seems to have correlated with a drop in the value of the Jamaican dollar.
Published by Caribbean Journal March 1, 2016
T he R e a l E s ta te J o u r n a l
What US$1 million buys you in global real estate
Chinese buyers behind 1/3 of Vancouver’s Housing Market
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uyers from China comprised about one-third of purchases of Vancouver’s hot housing market in 2015, according to “back of the envelope calculations” by National Bank of Canada. Chinese investors spent about C$12.7 billion (HK$74.2 billion) on real estate in the western Canadian city in 2015, or 33 per cent of its C$38.5 billion in total sales, according to a note by financial analyst Peter Routledge on Wednesday. In Toronto, they made up 14 per cent of purchases, or about C$9 billion of the C$63 billion in deals. Vancouver has long been a target for housing critics who say offshore buyers, many of whom purchase homes as investments and leave them empty, are pushing prices beyond levels locals can afford and creating ghost towns in neighbourhoods. The government housing agency, Canada Mortgage & Housing Corp, is currently studying ways to determine numbers of offshore buyers. The average price of a detached home in the city skyrocketed 30 per cent to C$1.8 million in February from the prior year as sales jumped 37 per cent, according the local real estate board. The price is much higher in certain neighbourhoods, such as Vancouver West, where the average detached home will set a buyer back C$3 million. World China Morning Post Published March 24, 2016
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f you're looking for good value for your real estate millions, you might want avoid Monaco and head to South Africa. . The Wealth Report 2016, released Wednesday by real estate firms Knight Frank and Douglas Elliman, looked at what US$1 million can buy around the world. According to the report, Monaco remained the world's most expensive residential real estate market on a squaremeter basis, with US$1 million buying only 17 square meters, or 183 square feet. That means for US$1 million you can get a 12-by-15-foot room. Hong Kong was the second most-expensive market, with US$1 million buying 20 square meters, or 215 square feet. London ranked third with 22 square meters, or 236 square feet.
T h e R e a l E s ta te J o u r n a l
TECH
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A picture from 1992 – can you spot any of the following staff members? Mrs. Sandra Watson, Chief Executive Officer; Mrs. Sonia Graham, Manager Inspectorate – REB; Mrs. Ann-Marie Henry-Lewis – Senior Supervisor, Registration Information & Training and Miss Racquel Williams, Technical Support Officer
T he R e a l E s ta te J o u r n a l
One-Liners
My realtor sold me a two story house- one story before the sale, another after. This house is 5 minutes from shopping … if you have an airplane. Home sickness is what you feel every month when the mortgage is due. If you want to know exactly where the property line is, just watch the neighbour cut the grass
See more at: http://capropertyfinder.com/real-estate-jokes-pictures-comics-cartoons-humor-one-liners/#sthash.vDzI3CfV.dpuf
The Landlord A big, burly man visited the pastor’s home and asked to see the minister’s wife, a woman well known for her charitable impulses. “Madam,” he said in a broken voice, “I wish to draw your attention to the terrible plight of a poor family in this district. The father is dead, the mother is too ill to work, and the nine children are starving. They are about to be turned into the cold, empty streets unless someone pays their rent, which amounts to $400.”
“How terrible!” exclaimed the preacher’s wife. “May I ask who you are?” The sympathetic visitor applied his handkerchief to his eyes. “I’m the landlord,” he sobbed. - See more at: http://capropertyfinder.com/real-estate-jokespictures-comics-cartoons-humor-one-liners/#sthash.vDzI3CfV.dpuf
T h e R e a l E s ta te J o u r n a l
important, it’s fine to ask them to wait a minute while you finish. Turn towards people when they are speaking, and genuinely smile at people.
HUMAN RESOURCE
Prepared by: Gail Dandy Human Resource Officer
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Tips for Professionalism
mage is everything! Some might say that such a statement is vain and one should not judge a book by its cover. However, in the business world, we are judged by our behaviour and appearance. It is in your best interest to ensure that you present yourself as a professional to not only clients, but also your colleagues. Here are some important tips towards making a good impression. Treat others with respect Do a selfassessment -think about how you treat your supervisor(s), peers, and direct reports. Would the differences in the relationships, if seen by others, cast you in an unfavourable light? If so, find where the imbalance exists, and start the process of reworking the relationship dynamic. Be Alert! Sleepiness appears unprofessional in the workplace. It gives an impression of laziness, disinterest and unpreparedness. Acknowledge others When someone approaches you, acknowledge him or her. If you’re in the middle of something
Follow your office dress code. Keep well-groomed and dress nicely, perhaps dressing a step above the norm for your office. Dress where you want to go in life. If you want to be an Executive, dress as such until opportunity comes knocking. Keep your personal life private. What you share with others about your personal life is your choice, but be carere you thinking about ful. Things can come back to haunt you. upgrading your acaDo not ask others to share their persondemic qualifications? al lives with you. This makes many peoWell, this can be a ple uncomfortable in the work space. possibility through the Tertiary Education Loan offered E-mails should not be treated like to Government employees. personal e-mail. Emails at work should Workers who are embe grammatically correct, free of spelling ployed for a period of not less errors and business-like. Never say in an than two (2) continuous years email anything you would not say to may be eligible to apply for a tertiary loan given that the someone's face. course of study is accredited. The loan is subject to the Don’t just walk into someone’s availability of funds and an office. Knock or make your presence interest rate of 5% per angently known. Don't assume acknowl- num is applicable. edgement of your presence is an invitaLoans are repayable in tion to sit down; wait until you are invited monthly instalments over a to do so. Don't interrupt people on the three (3) year period and payphone, and don't try to communicate ments should be submitted with them verbally or with sign language. to the Accountant General’s You could damage an important phone Department through salary call. deduction. Eligible officers would be able to access the Keep your workstation professional loan on a year by year basis. and neat. People will see the space Your loan application and consider it a reflection of you. should be submitted through Return phone calls and emails with- your local Human Resource Management Department. in 24 hours - even if only to say that Your Human Resource Officer you will provide requested information at will thereafter send your apa later date. plication to the Special Benefits Unit of the Ministry of FiWorkplace Etiquette. Columbia University for Career Education. nance and Planning. Please https://www.careereducation.columbia. contact HR for further inforedu/resources/tipsheets/skills-businessmation. etiquette. Retrieved January 29, 2016
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T he R e a l E s ta te J o u r n a l
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arpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a painful condition of the hand and fingers caused by compression of a major nerve where it passes over the carpal bones through a passage at the front of the wrist. It may be caused by continual repetitive movements or by fluid retention. Repetitive movements with the wrist in an unnatural position or overuse are seen among office workers, computer/smart phone users, carpenters, assembly line workers, musicians, and some athletes. Some people, often women, have a smaller tunnel and are more at risk of developing CTS. Beat the chances of CTS by reducing repetitive activities that cause stress, numbness, and pain. Rest your wrist longer between activities. Have good posture, especially
in the neck and shoulder area. Another quick tip to avoid CTS is to utilize those mouse pads efficiently. Contrary to what many believe, your wrists shouldn't actually rest on those cushy wrist pads that sit below your keyboard or mouse pad. They should actually be used as a guide for how high your wrists should be. Hands should hover over the wrist rest and it should only be used as a rest in between bouts of typing.
Source: Carpal Tunnel syndrome Surgery. Reviewed by Brad Curt, MD and Paul Cohen, MD.(June 2014). Retrieved March 20, 2016
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here’s a bacteria party going on at your desk! That’s right – your desk is four hundred times more dirty than your toilet, according the University of Arizona Microbiologist, Dr. Charles Gerba. "People turn their desks into bacteria cafeterias because they eat at them, but they never clean them. The phone is the dirtiest, the desktop is next, and the mouse and the computer follow." According to Dr. Gerba, other areas of the office such as the Water Fountain Handle, Microwave Door Handle and Keyboard are some of the most germ-contaminated spots in office. Think about this – the area where you rest your hand on your desk has 10,000,000 bacteria. Breadcrumbs and other food remnants can get in between keys on your keyboard, attract rats and lead to unintended exposure to their germs. To prevent bacteria from multiplying, you should have hand sanitizers and antibacterial wipes to wipe down your work surfaces daily. This action can also protect you from germs sprayed into the air by your coughing and sneezing co-workers. In light of the recent H1N1 outbreak in our country, it bodes everybody well to make disinfecting your work area a common practice. Whilst your organization strives to provide a safe and comfortable work environment, each of us must take personal responsibility for our health.
Bacteria
Source: Average Desk Harbors 400 Times More Bacteria Than Average Toilet Seat. Leon Ho. www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/averagedesk-harbors-400-times-more-bacteria-than-average-toilet-seat.html. Retrieved on March 20, 2016
T h e R e a l E s ta te J o u r n a l
My NAME My BRAND by: Dwaine Forbes, Corporate Planning Analyst
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id you know you are also a brand and a business? If you are employed, you are literally exchanging your service for cash and or some other forms of compensation. If you are a brand and a business, then you must be the chief executive officer of your business and your brand. As the chief executive officer, you have the responsibility to manage and grow the business through strategic thinking and actions. Under your leadership, your business will grow, struggle, or fail. Your current results are directly proportional to the quality of your leadership decisions and actions. The truth is you are no different from a business that is offering products or service to customers in exchange for cash or some other benefits. Your marketing strategy may be to provide service to one or many companies. You may also diversify your product offerings by meeting needs of different companies and/or individuals. As an office attendant, you may well be able to leverage your skills in interior decorating, computer programming, or any other skill area. In those cases, you also offer different product lines just as other companies offering more than one product or service. It is all up to you what you want your business and brand to represent. The critical point to underscore is that you are paid based on your brand. You can be paid at the value of "Corolla or Range Rover.” The choice is literally up to you. There are people whose brand may have been like a "pop dung" Lada. Through commitment to building their brand, they may be like "2001 Suzuki Swift” now.
The key is to make a commitment to work on building your brand every day. No matter what service you provide to companies or individuals, your ultimately goal should always be to become an international brand...the "Range Rover”. A great brand demands a premium price. A "pop dung" brand must settle for what is available.” What will you do to build your business and brand? Some very clear steps to follow in building your brand are: Be clear on your purpose and goals. Make sure you write them down and read them regularly. Find a mentor who is on the top of their field to support and guide your development. Find your passion. Stop looking for a job and find an opportunity that is aligned to your passion. Invest in your personal development. Spend at least 2% of your gross salary on your personal development, buying books, and going to seminars yearly. A degree is a commodity. Brand differentiation is your ability to advance your competencies beyond the level of a degree. Take free courses online from institutions such as Coursera, Philanthropy University etc. Form genuine relationships with successful people. You must also bring something to the table. Do far more than you are paid for at work. Creating value is the most important feature of a brand. Be patient and keep your integrity and dignity intact. Become successful. Then money will come. It is not the other way around.