Recently announcing their launch on Facebook, Frugyl is designed to “crowd source” information and reviews on real estate marketing products. Products and services are evaluated by Realtors® in a group forum and Frugyl then determines the “best” of any category and offers the product at discount prices exclusive to Frugyl Club members.

“Every vendor will say they have the best product and the truth is this just is not the case,” said Chief Frugylist Jimmy Mackin. “What separates Frugyl from other services is we do the leg work. Frugyl works with vendors who are highly rated by customers then works with the vendors to offer deals to Frugyl members with a 100 percent money back guarantee if they are not satisfied with the product.”

Frugyl was born out of the What Should I Spend My Money On group in Facebook which provides a forum for real estate professionals to share their experiences with services they are using to grow their business. Mackin said the group grew to nearly 3,000 participants in one month and members found it difficult to keep up with the conversations happening each week. This inspired him to create Frugyl.

However, access to the content and deals are not free. Frugyl charges $9 a month to subscribe to the service. In return, members receive a weekly digest of the forum conversations, the deal of the week and a breakdown of how it works. Members also have access to a private Facebook group along with web based training sessions on social media marketing and technology.

“The goal of Frugyl is to bring greater transparency regarding the actual return on investment that sadly often times just is not there,” he said. “It’s our mission to help you discover great products that will help you grow your real estate business, without having to spend hours a day on Facebook.”

Let’s face it: conflict is part of life in real estate—but good business relationships depend on the ability to work through disputes and not simply dispose of them.  We all know that Realtors^® must agree to arbitrate their complaints but the Realtor® association also provides another process that can help resolve conflicts and save relationships: mediation.

Mediation is similar to negotiation, where parties talk through issues and, perhaps, work out a solution on their own terms.  The main difference is that mediation includes a neutral third party—the mediator—to facilitate the discussions.  But this is an important difference.  Whereas negotiations can get off-track with heated emotions and one-sided bullying, a good mediator sets an agenda and ground rules for discussion, levels the playing field by controlling the parties and helps to overcome deadlocked issues.

The process is less formal than arbitration, because mediation is based on principles of voluntariness and party control. At some point in the proceedings, mediation must be made available to all parties involved in arbitrations. Generally, both parties must agree to mediate a dispute voluntarily, though a recent amendment to Article 17 of the Code of Ethics gives local associations the option to require mediation when requested by either party. During a mediation, parties may address important issues that have caused a conflict but which otherwise might not be brought before the arbitrators. And the mediator has no power to impose a judgment, like a judge or arbitrator: her role is to promote communication and help parties reach a satisfactory, creative solution.  If the parties don’t reach an agreement, either side may request that the case be returned to arbitration.  But if the parties do settle, the mediator can draft an agreement on the spot.

Contract disputes among Realtors^® tend to lend themselves naturally to mediation.  Agency, partnership, and sales issues all involve continuing relationships, as well as specialized terms, and parties can benefit from getting through these disputes without burning bridges.  In Realtor® mediations, the parties can choose a neutral who knows their industry and regional practices.  The parties can also choose how involved the neutral will be in the process and which issues to focus on.

Your local association should have a roster of specialized, trained real estate mediators who are available to handle member disputes.  If your local association participates in the statewide professional standards cooperative, PAR would provide a mediator. The mediators typically are real estate professionals or legal professionals in real estate practice, familiar with industry standards.  The process offers Realtors^® an effective and creative alternative to resolve their professional disputes, without resorting to risky arbitration.  But knowing the options is the first step: if you are involved in an arbitration case and want to know more, contact your local association, PAR or the Legal Hotline for more advice on how to move forward with a process that may help resolve your dispute quickly and effectively.

The Keystone Advantage Assistance Loan (KAAL) will provide an amortized subordinate loan of up to 2 percent of the sales price (maximum of $4,000) to qualified borrowers obtaining a PHFA first mortgage. This program will replace the agency’s Keystone Assistance and Keystone Government Assistance Loan programs.

“The Keystone Advantage Assistance Loan will allow qualified homebuyers to borrow a portion of the funds needed to cover their downpayment requirement and/or closing costs associated with the purchase of their home,” according to Kate Newton, PHFA homeownership programs director. “This loan will carry the same fixed interest rate as the first mortgage but a term of 10 years. And, there’s no prepayment penalty for paying off the Advantage loan early.”

Other requirements include:

• Assistance loans are only provided to meet maximum PHFA financing guidelines and/or closing costs
• Homebuyers must meet the requirements of the Keystone Home Loan or the Keystone Government Loan program
• May not be combined with any other PHFA assistance programs, except the Access Modification Loan Program.

Advantage loans may be used on FHA, VA or RD loans and all applicable underwriting requirements apply.

PAR President Frank Jacovini, third from left, with members of the YPN Advisory Committee

If there is one thing Realtor® Adrienne Loughery of Lansdale is passionate about in her career it’s helping to create opportunities for younger Realtors® to engage and bridge the generational gap in the real estate industry.

Loughery was instrumental in launching the Pennsylvania chapter of Young Professionals Network (YPN) to encourage more Realtors® to aid associations in technology, education, networking and leadership development. She is currently chair of the YPN Advisory Committee; a committee she says has been able to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time.

Three years ago, the National Association of Realtors® officially recognized YPN in Pennsylvania. Today, the chapter has grown its membership statewide and continues to expand its benefits to members. In response to the hard work of the original advisory board, PAR voted in September to add PA YPN as an official PAR committee. PA YPN held its first official committee meeting at PAR’s Winter Business Meetings earlier this month. Not only were the bulk of attendees at the YPN meeting first time attendees of the PAR business meetings, three members were able to attend the meeting virtually, a first for the association.  

“By organizing the state network first as primary hub of information for our members and local associations, we have been able to assist local associations and grow YPN membership,” said Loughery.

“PA YPN is for the young in age, young in experience and young at heart. We want people of all ages to attend our events. By focusing on hosting and facilitating social opportunities for members to network and learn from one another, we have helped to enhance the value of Realtor® membership,” she added.

With over 244 combined chapters at the local and national level, YPN not only establishes networking and educational opportunities for Realtors® but also works to raise awareness for RPAC, Calls to Action and membership recruiting.

“We are making good use of the opportunities we have been given and we hope it continues,” she said. “Our members are in key positions and continue to push the agenda of PAR. We love the association as much as we love YPN.”

Among the goals PA YPN hopes to accomplish are to get second generation leaders involved. They plan on continuing to provide social and educational opportunities for members to network and learn from one another. The group has several events planned for the future including a statewide softball tournament where local associations will compete against one another. All proceeds will benefit the Realtors® Relief Fund.

The YPN Advisory Committee is currently looking for dedicated Realtors® to join its 2012 work groups. Realtors® do not have to be a member of YPN to participate. Each work group is limited to six participants, with some positions already filled by YPN Advisory Committee members. 

Visit PAR’s website for a complete list of work groups including duties and responsibilities. Members are also encouraged to join PA YPN’s Facebook group.

Obama proposed a new program to help Americans hold onto their homes and allow them to refinance their mortgages at historically lower interest rates. He offered few details on the plan but estimated savings of about $3,000 a year for average borrowers.

“While government can’t fix the problem on its own, responsible homeowners shouldn’t have to sit and wait for the housing market to hit bottom to get some relief,” he told the gathering of attendees including lawmakers, government leaders and invited guests.

“That’s why I’m sending this Congress a plan that gives every responsible homeowner the chance to save about $3,000 a year in their mortgage, by refinancing at historically low interest rates. No more runaround from the banks. A small fee on the largest financial institutions will ensure that it won’t add to the deficit and will give banks that were rescued by taxpayers a chance to repay a deficit of trust,” he added.

As the housing crisis takes center stage in the campaign, Obama also referenced the challenges businesses face in a difficult economy.

“An economy built to last is one where we encourage the talent and ingenuity of every person in this country,” he said. “It means we should support everyone who’s willing to work and every risk-taker and entrepreneur who aspires to become the next Steve Jobs.”

The center of Obama’s address focused on improving the economy and restoring the American dream. He spoke of restoring basic goals such as owning a home, earning enough money to raise a family and putting money away for retirement.

He followed up Tuesday night’s address with a three-day tour of five states ending today in Michigan. Polling shows Americans are divided about Obama’s overall job performance but unsatisfied with his handling of the economy. His speech Tuesday comes just a few days before the Florida Republican primary that could help set the path for the rest of the race.

Past President Jerry Speer (left) gives the oath of office to Frank Jacovini as Michele Jacovini, his wife, looks on

Frank Jacovini, e-PRO, GRI, became the 89^th president of the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® (PAR) at the annual inaugural banquet last night in Harrisburg. Jacovini’s installation was conducted by Past President Jerry Speer.

In his speech, Jacovini thanked those in attendance including members of the Pennsylvania Senate and House of Representatives, State Real Estate Commission members, PAR past presidents, colleagues and PAR staff. He gave special thanks to his wife, Michele; his son, Jason; his mother Rita and his mother-in-law, Carol.

“It’s a great day to be a Realtor® in PA and I’m very excited about being the president for the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® for 2012,” said Jacovini. “I look forward to the challenges that leadership brings and I appreciate the opportunity to serve this illustrious association.”

Jacovini noted that the real estate industry has faced many great challenges over the years and he feels Realtors® will continue to overcome them all.

“We’re going through an historic time and someday we’ll all look back and be amazed at what we were able to accomplish,” he said. “Although tough times don’t last, tough people do.”

“We are dedicated to the principle that property ownership is critical to a free and democratic society and committed to promoting and maintaining the highest level of professionalism in our industry. This unselfish service to PAR and to your local association is vital to the overall success and relevancy of the Realtor® movement,” he added.

A Realtor® since 1992, Jacovini is the broker of record of Howard Hanna Philadelphia Realty. He specializes in helping homeowners sell their properties with the least amount of inconvenience and trouble. He is a member of the Greater Philadelphia Association of Realtors® and served as its president in 2000 and was awarded Realtor® of the Year that same year. He was named to the prestigious Hall of Fame in 2003.

As president, he serves on various PAR committees this year. He has chaired several PAR committees including the Finance Committee, the Issues Mobilization Committee and the Convention, Advisory and Marketing Group. He served two terms as District 3 Vice President.

PAR’s 2011 President Guy Matteo was recognized for his work last year. Matteo said “Thank you for the opportunity to serve this great association in 2011. It has been my honor to serve as president of PAR.”

NAR Region 2 vice-president J. Gregory Conners installed PAR’s other officers including: President Elect Bette McTamney, First Vice President Kim Skumanick, Treasurer Ron Croushore, and District Vice Presidents Patricia Copeland, District 1; Kathy McQuilkin, District 2; Paul Garvey, District 3; Helen Miernicki, District 4; Raul Azpiazu, District 5; Joseph Volpe, District 6; John Capers, District 7; Robina “Bebe” English, District 8 and Eileen Campbell, District 9.

Musical entertainment for the evening was provided by The Business and Mummers All Stars.

From touring open houses to making offers, the show takes viewers behind the scenes as buyers work with a Realtor® to decide which home is best for them.  Each episode shows the process as buyers search for a home.

When submitting an application for the show, candidates must be a Realtor® in a major U.S. city and have clients who are ready to buy a home or in the last stages of making an offer. If selected for further consideration, candidates will be asked to submit an audition video.

The audition video would include the following:

• Your name, agency and area you work within.
• What was the challenge of working with your clients?
• What was your strategy for finding them a home?

Realtors® should contact their clients to see if they would be interested in being on the show with them. Buyers are encouraged to be energetic, fun and have specific home buying needs. Once clients agree to apply, they must fill out an application and will be notified if their submission is up for consideration.

Last year, HGTV camera crews followed Pittsburgh area Realtors® and their first time home buyers for the network’s show My First Place, which documents first time home buyers’ experiences when searching for a home.

Realtor® applicants are encouraged to read the casting company’s frequently asked questions section on their website before applying. There is no application deadline. Filming takes place year round.

Consumer interest in tablet computers spiked over the recent holiday season and moms were found to be a core customer in the market. According to a recent survey from Nielson, the adoption of tablets by moms is quickly growing.

Combining tablet shoppers and moms may prove to be a lucrative market in the real estate industry.  Having a realty website optimized for tablet users as well as smart phones is essential. Tablets were initially seen as mobile devices but current studies are showing that most tablet shopping is done at home.

In a 2011 survey, Nielson found that 61 percent of all eReader owners were female, up 46 percent from 2010. Today, nearly half of all tablet owners are women.

While the majority of tablet owners are still mostly men, eReader owners are mostly women but the introduction of products such as the Kindle Fire could change that.  While the focus of the device is reading, it offers enhanced web connectivity features such as video streaming and browsing that puts it in direct competition with the iPad. Kindle Fire is priced relatively lower than the iPad and is heavily marketed towards female users.

While tablet users make up a small percentage of the overall online shopping population, there are many indicators that they’re a profitable market for retailers. A Forrester Research Study reported by the Wall Street Journal found that users who browse websites on tablets are more likely to make purchases than other online shoppers.

This emerging market is projected to keep growing. Gartner Research estimated over 63 million tablets were sold in 2011 with a majority of sales taking place over the holiday season.

The new tool is being integrated into the Realtor.com HyperSocial™ group of agent search tools designed to help connect buyers, sellers, and agents, while also helping Realtors® better manage their online reputations through recommendations.

In a press release last week, Realtor.com president Errol Samuelson said, “For years Realtors® have built very successful businesses by networking within their local communities,” he wrote. “Today, approximately eight in 10 agents and brokers are in charge of marketing their listings and 56 percent consider social media important for generating connections with prospective clients.”

Realtor.com offers two new HyperSocial™ search tools:

• HyperSocial™ Agent Profile Pages. Mobile-enabled pages viewable from desktops and most mobile devices.  These are Realtor® profiles which serve as safe places for Realtors® to direct their clients for all relevant contact information in one location.
• HyperSocial™ Agent Recommendations. A Realtor® branded URL that is an easy way for clients to share a recommendation a Realtor® has earned without any registration requirements. Recommendations are reviewed and approved for display by each Realtor® and can be manually or automatically broadcasted to their online network from one central hub. When the recommendation URL is emailed or texted, users are directed to the Realtors® HyperSocial™ Agent Profile featuring other key contact information.

“By developing our recently acquired SocialBios technology into a scalable tool to find Realtors®, millions of people can quickly find a Realtor® based on common connections, interests and groups,” said Samuelson. “Realtors® can also use our new HyperSocial™ search tools to manage their online social reputations and proudly broadcast recommendations across the web as they’re transitioning their networking talents into the online world.”

HyperSocial™ Agent Profile Pages and HyperSocial™ Agent Recommendations will be integrated into the Realtor.com Find a Realtor® (FAR) directory at the beginning of the 2012 home buying season.

Registration is available in beta for Realtors® with a valid NRDS number. Information on how to register can be found on the company’s website.