KEEPING POSTED June 2020
A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR THE SAN ANTONIO AREA REALTORS ®
Private Listings and Clear Cooperation Policy NAR’s Clear Cooperation Policy, which went into effect on May 1st, requires that within one business day of marketing a listing to the public, the listing broker must submit the listing to the MLS for cooperation with other MLS participants. With the need to implement this policy locally in a way that makes sense for our unique market, we have been working diligently with our MLS Committee as well as with a work group of SABOR members representing a cross-section of backgrounds and practice areas. The result of these efforts is the development of specific enhancements to connectMLS including a new Private Listing Database. This database is in the final stages of development and will soon be available. What is the Private Listing Database (PLD)? The Private Listing Database, housed inside of connectMLS, is a separate database of listings with modified requirements that allow you to enter private listings and comply with MLS rules while limiting distribution. It will have fewer and different fields to be completed in order for the listing to be placed in the MLS. This database will be accessible by all MLS Participants and have a quick entry format so you can input a listing in just three minutes. There are no time frame requirements for how long a listing can remain in the PLD, and no photo requirement. Listings in the PLD are excluded from data feeds as well. Visit www.sabor.com/ccp to view a comparison between requirements for General and Private listings.
hen should I use the Private Listing Database? W In most cases, you may use the Private Listing Database to input a listing that may need more preparation, but public marketing has already begun. For example, the home may still need professional photography or a coat of paint, but a sign is already in the yard. You may also need to keep a listing off MLS to satisfy seller requests for privacy. The Private Listing Database will allow for listings like these to be input into the MLS. When will the Private Listing Database be available? These enhancements are in the final stages of development, with a target date for rollout this summer. What happens if I do not comply? For the remainder of 2020, SABOR’s Board of Directors has chosen to implement this policy in a way that prioritizes education over penalty meaning we will work with you to bring your listing into compliance rather than penalizing you. However, penalties will begin in 2021. Why create a Private Listing Database? The goal of the Clear Cooperation Policy is to keep the marketplace reliable, efficient and effective for REALTORS® and their clients. The PLD will allow members to remain in compliance with the policy while still honoring seller requests for privacy. It will also ensure access to housing remains fair and equitable, an essential component of ethical service to consumers.
How can I learn more? What happens to a listing placed in the Private Listing Database? Education is a critical component of launching the Private Listing A listing in the Private Listing Database allows agents to see it, but it will Database and will include training and other resources. not be made public to consumers. It will not accumulate Days on Market, Visit www.sabor.com/ccp to access Frequently Asked Questions as well and it does not have the option for client reports or email reports to clients. as a comprehensive breakdown of what implementation looks like for It also will not have links built in for tax or ShowingTime functionality. SABOR MLS Subscribers.
Legal & Ethics
Conducting Business in the Era of COVID-19 After weeks of operation restrictions, the Texas economy has begun the process of reopening. One thing that many REALTORS® have noticed within SABOR’s jurisdiction is that the business of real estate and housing has never really been closed. Now that the economy seems to be reopening, how should you respond? The first thing to realize is that COVID-19 is not gone. What does this mean for your business in the coming months and into the future? Here are are three suggestions to help you conduct business in this new COVID-19 era. 1. Distance. It looks like distancing will be part of our lives going into the future. Be aware of distancing at your offices and with your clients. This means that you probably need to look at how the seating is arranged in your office lobby. Placing at least 6 feet of distance between clients and staff is probably going to be the way of doing business for the foreseeable future. You may also want to look how you and your employees use your employee breakrooms and other common areas of your office. Additionally, utilization of virtual solutions for open houses and tours are here to stay—become familiar with these (perhaps new to you) tools and how they can help you do your business.
2. Disinfect. You may have disinfected your listings more in the past couple of months than ever before. If not already, this should become a regular part of your life. You should disinfect all common areas that you and your clients frequent. This includes common areas within your offices as well as your listings and the listings that you and your clients visit. 3. Discussion. People are concerned about COVID-19 and interacting with others. Some employees may not feel comfortable with interacting with clients and other employees the same way that they did pre-COVID. Some sellers may want to limit showings, tours, or open houses. Some buyers may not want to physically go to look at homes or ride in your car to a showing, or you may not feel comfortable driving clients to showings. Some clients may not even want to come to your office to meet. Some tenants may not want to have strangers walking through the house that they are occupying. In this COVID/post-COVID world, it is important (perhaps more now than ever) that you keep the lines of communication open. You should have open discussions with your employees, clients, tenants, and agents or brokers about best practices on how to interact with each other in this COVID world.
Despite Unprecedented Times, San Antonio Housing Market Shows Slight Decrease with Continued Movement San Antonio – According to April reports, home ownership transactions, while slightly down from this time last year, are still moving forward in the San Antonio metro area despite our current environment. Total home sales are at 2,748, a small 8% decrease from April 2019. Also indicated was a shift in days on the market to 61 days on average, down one day from this time last year. This is according to the Multiple Listing Service Report from the San Antonio Board of REALTORS® (SABOR) which reports on all areas contained within the MLS. April reports show 9,498 active listings in San Antonio, a slight increase from March, with 3,543 of those being new listings. Pending sales for the month are at 2,652. This indicates that home buying and selling is still on the move, even amidst the changing times of the pandemic. Reporting for the state of Texas shows a decrease in home sales at 17.4% for 24,795 homes sold, as compared to San Antonio which only saw an 8% decrease for 2,748 homes sold. The average price in Texas showed a 1.4% increase and median price reported a 3.3% increase. In Texas, houses on average sat on the market for 56 days. “While the numbers show a slight decline, we are still seeing movement and progress in the housing market in San Antonio, especially when compared with the state and other parts of the country,” said Kim Bragman, SABOR’s 2020 Chairman of the Board. “We have to remember the magnitude of what we have experienced across the world and expect that we will see some numbers that change the trend, but we are optimistic when looking at the big picture that momentum will keep driving forward in the housing from April 2019. The average price, $265,110, and median market.” price, $230,000 (which was the same as San Antonio’s Reports for Bexar County showed a slight decrease as well median price), were up 4.5% and 4.8% respectively. with the total number of homes sold at 2,007, a 9.3% decrease
Total Sales
Average Price
Median Price
2,748
$275,331
$241,500 San Antonio Area April 2020
COVID-19 INFOGRAPHICS June 2020
TAKING CARE CARE OF OF BUSINESS BUSINESS TAKING Keepi
ng b u sy wh
i l e s t ay i n g s a fe
In April, SABOR...
Hosted
38 live online classes with 439 students
@ Responded to
2,187
4,333 calls and
Member Care tickets from members requesting assistance
14
Held virtual committee meetings and task force meetings
12
14
Hosted
6 webinars and 1 Facebook Live discussion
Created infographics and videos to keep members informed
14
Appeared in the news times talking about how REALTORS® are continuing to serve their clients during the pandemic Celebrated Fair Housing Month with the release of our latest podcast episode
San Antonio Board of REALTORS ®
REAL ESTATE
PODCAST
SHAVE-O-
METER
$7,000
Raised over for the San Antonio Food Bank
For more information visit www.sabor.com/coronavirus
WELCOME NEW AFFILIATE MEMBERS Mustafa Aktepe - National Property Inspections James Barfield - Shoot2Sell Shane Berry - Highland Inspections PLLC Nathan Cartwright - Code Blue Home Inspections David Garcia - Real 3D Tours Michael Mckissick - Buyers Protection Group Scott S. Muniz - Rock Solid Home Inspections, PLLC Blake Williams - Super Inspector Robert Winans - Orchard Maintenance
THOUGHTS & PRAYERS Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of REALTOR® Guy Chipman.
SABOR Operations Update as Restrictions Lift These have been truly historic times, and we appreciate your patience as we adjust to this constantly changing environment. We were glad that the business of real estate was considered essential during this time, and we worked diligently to continue to provide our services and remain open, despite the physical doors to the building being closed. As restrictions lift, we are looking at our own operations and what this transition will look like for SABOR. Our priority has been and will remain the health and safety of our members and staff. As we transition back, this will remain the top concern and be an important part of every decision we make. At this time, staff is beginning to transition back to the office. This will allow us to increase our capacity for the phone calls and member inquiries we can assist with and will not interrupt our services to you. We will be monitoring how staff adjusts to being in the office, and we’ll pay close attention to any issues that may arise. Once we are confident that we are able to provide a safe environment for everyone, we will determine a date to re-open the doors for members to come into the building. Our staff remains ready to assist you by phone or email during this time. We also continue to offer our Curbside service, available Monday through Friday, 9:00am-4:00pm. With curbside, you can order lockboxes or items from the REALTORS® Store to pick up at the main SABOR location, all without leaving your car. Additionally, we will be rolling out one-on-one video appointments with our Member Care representatives as well as the academic advisors at the REALTOR® Academy this summer. We hope this helps take some of the pressure off you and provides more resources. Should you need anything during this time or have additional questions, please email us at support@sabor.com.
Cómo Comunicarse de Manera Más Efectiva con Agentes y Clientes (Webinar en español) Lo invitamos a que nos acompañe el miércoles, 10 de junio, de 12 pm a 1:30 pm para hablar sobre propuestas detalladas de comunicación con sus clientes. Veremos cuáles son los principales objetivos que podemos lograr con una comunicación eficaz y qué tipo de acciones se pueden llevar a cabo. Le proporcionaremos nuestras mejores prácticas de comunicación para ayudar a impulsar su negocio en estos tiempos críticos. Esperamos poder servirle! Regístrese para el seminario web en member.sabor.com. SABOR is hosting a webinar for our Spanish speaking members. Join us on Wednesday, June 10 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. as we present in Spanish how you can protect your business and your buyers in uncertain times. You will learn how to discuss detailed communication proposals with your clients as well as the best way to effectively communicate with your audience. Attendees will learn best practices to help drive their business during this critical time. We look forward to seeing you there. Register at member.sabor.com.
Thank You to Our SABOR Advertisers Platinum
Gold
Chicago Title Gateway Mortgage Group
Bronze
Barton Carpets Fidelity National Home Warranty Independence Title Legacy Mutual Mortgage Old Republic Home
Jefferson Bank Piece of Mind Property Management Space on the Fly SWBC Mortgage Corporation TAPFCU
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman Kim Bragman
Chair-Elect Cher Miculka
Secretary/Treasurer Tracie Hasslocher
Members-At-Large Sara Briseño Gerrish | Marquis Williams
Monique Bordelon
Donna Drayton
Diane Lauer
Susan Rodriguez
Kevin Crawford
Katie Griffin Ross
Trudy Pape
Mindi Stange
William Curtis
Jan Hicinbothom
Renae Pretty
Reagan Williamson
Immediate Past Chair Grant Lopez