Through My Lens

by Doreen Spagnuolo, LIBOR CEO

Energize Your Spring by Showing Up

I was in Washington, D.C. last week at NAR’s REALTORS® Legislative Meetings and LIBOR members who attended repeatedly told me that they were energized by the experience and so glad they showed up.

Their enthusiasm got me thinking that LIBOR’s May-June calendar is full of opportunities for members to show up: to learn, be prepared for change, and step out of our comfort zones. Below, I’ll share more about why D.C. got those in attendance fired up and details on coming LIBOR events that represent similar high-impact, high-payback opportunities.

Taking a Stand, 5/4-9

At the NAR’s annual REALTORS® Legislative Meetings, we united with thousands of other REALTORS® from across America to be seen, and heard and hold bipartisan meetings with U.S. Representatives. 

LIBOR members met with Representatives from Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties to highlight REALTOR® priorities that will strengthen the American Dream for all, including  More Homes on the Market Act (to decrease the equity penalty and incentive home sales), the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act (to attract private investment to build and rehabilitate homes), expanding affordable housing options, ensuring REALTORS® maintain independent contractor status, and fighting for LGBTQ+ fair housing protection nationwide, to name a few.

Taking action on these priorities will positively impact our industry by expanding opportunities for consumers to achieve the dream of homeownership. I hope that you’ll consider joining us next year for these important meetings on Capitol Hill.

What Really Goes on At an Ethics Hearing? 5/10

No one wants to have an ethics dispute escalate to where lawyers and the courts are involved. If conflicts do occur, it’s faster and potentially thousands of dollars less costly to pursue resolution through a unique member benefit, the LIBOR Dispute Resolution Program.

To illustrate this point, on May 10, LIBOR staged a free, live Mock Ethics Hearing consisting of mock panel members, a complainant, a respondent, and staff. This simulation enabled members to understand the process and know what to expect during a proceeding, should the circumstance ever arise. The session will be repeated as a future Wednesday Webinar.

NAR Settlement Update, 5/22

On May 22, LIBOR will host a Live webinar featuring Lesley Muchow, General Counsel of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), as she provides an exclusive update on the NAR settlement and its impact on MLS rules. Gain valuable insights into the legal landscape shaping the real estate industry and learn how these developments could influence your business strategies. This is a great opportunity, not to be missed!

Reducing Brokerage Risk, 5/23

A live program called Risk Reduction for RE Brokers & Office Managers in 2024 will take place on May 23. The session, conducted by LIBOR, Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), and NAR attorneys, will cover the proposed NAR settlement, best practices for agency disclosure, cybersecurity, fair housing, and advertising. Attendance yields brokers and office managers 2 New York State (NYS) CE credits. At just $10 for members, great legal advice doesn’t come at a better price.

Learning Made Easier, 5/24-Ongoing

LIBOR has introduced a new, live video-style, continuing education platform called LIBOR4SUCCESS. The on-demand program, featuring engaging industry legal minds, includes all NYS-required continuing education courses, plus elective courses. Courses for residential and commercial practices are available a la carte or in bundles.

Members who purchase the full 22.5-hour CE bundle receive a Free Toolbox Pro (a $99 value). Toolbox Pro delivers digital access to: checklists to simplify transactions, customizable email templates, required NYS forms, and fair housing guidance.

June 2024

Annual Education Conference, 6/12

On June 12, LIBOR will host our 36^th Annual Education Conference & Trade Show. This year’s Conference is a must-attend event. Every session will share vital knowledge and insights that will impact the future of your business and bottom line. Hot topics such as buyer representation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), the future of Multiple Listing Services, and establishing your value will dominate the day’s agenda.

Speakers include industry icon James Dwiggins, chief executive officer of NextHome, Inc., technology and social media expert Marki Lemons-Ryhal, RemarkiTable, LLC and Mitch Skinner, Esq., Larson Skinner, PPLC, outside counsel for the Council of Multiple Listing Services and the Real Estate Standards Organization.

Register by May 17 to get the early bird discount of only $59 to attend. You will not want to miss this event at this critical time in our industry.

Keeping it Local, 6/18

On June 18, LIBOR Local heads to Rosedale, Queens for an informal networking event. Challenging markets make networking more important than ever and you just might have some fun and make a new connection that leads you to your next big deal.

Conclusion

If you’re feeling that the market is “slow,” now may be the perfect time to recharge by showing up: to learn something new, consider that change can be positive or just dust off your networking skills. The full events calendar can be found here.

I look forward to seeing you soon at a LIBOR event.