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The Silicon Valley REALTORS® Charitable Foundation Trust, the charitable arm of the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS®, presented scholarships to 18 graduating seniors from public high schools in Silicon Valley at the end of the 2023-2024 school year. Each student received a $1,500 scholarship. The scholarship awards are made possible by donations from SILVAR REALTORS® and affiliates.
The Charitable Foundation Scholarship Program is a partnership effort between the Silicon Valley REALTORS® Charitable Foundation and educators in SILVAR’s service areas. The program recognizes students for their outstanding achievements in academics, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. Scholarship recipients are selected from the high schools in the communities served by SILVAR members.
The selection committee, chaired by Scholarship Program chair Nina Yamaguchi, includes representatives from the local business community and SILVAR. This year marks the program’s 25th year. Since its start, the program has awarded $517,500 in scholarships to graduating seniors in communities served by SILVAR members.
Students who received scholarships, the schools from which they graduated, and the colleges/universities they plan to attend are William (Wei Chi) Yao, Cupertino High School (UCLA); Batoul Mortada, Fremont High School (University of Detroit Mercy); Ezra Furtado-Tiwari, Henry M. Gunn High School (UC Santa Barbara); Mahi Patel, Homestead High School (UCLA); Manasija Bhargavan, Leigh High School (UC Santa Barbara); Audrey Fan, Los Altos High School (Stanford University); Dana Hathaway, Los Gatos High School (Northwestern University); Sophie Yang, Lynbrook High School (University of Chicago); Sarah Jay Weintraut, Menlo-Atherton High School (UCLA);Amy Zheng, Monta Vista High School (Stanford University); Mikayla Kim, Mountain View High School (UCLA); Haley Oba, Palo Alto High School (Columbia University); Sophia Tian, Prospect High School (University of Pennsylvania); Natalie Tsung, Santa Clara High School (UCLA); Lynn Dai, Saratoga High School (Yale University); Zachary Jansons, Westmont High School (UC Berkeley); Vidhya Vishwanath, Wilcox High School (Carnegie Mellon University); and Kayla Tsui, Woodside High School (Cal Poly San Luis Obispo).
Members of the SILVAR presented the scholarship awards to the recipients during senior awards night at their respective schools. Presentingthe awards this year were Joanne Fraser (Compass), Katherine Frey (Katherine Frey Real Estate), Jimmy Kang (eXp Realty of California), Alex Lewicki (DeLeon Realty), Theresa Loya (Coldwell Banker), Wendy Marioni (Compass), Tracey McNeely (eXp Realty of California), Sunita Merchia (Merchia Realty), Russell Morris (Coldwell Banker), Suzanne Myers (Intero Real Estate Services), Navneet Parmar (Real Estate Experts), Tammie Peters (Christie’s International Real Estate Sereno), Denise Welsh (Compass) and Mark Wong (Compass).
VIEW 2024 CFT SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
REALTORS® face real threats when working in the field, and it’s crucial to be prepared. September is REALTOR® Safety Month, and there’s no better time to reassess your safety protocols and make safety a top-of-mind priority.
The National Association of REALTORS® 2023 REALTOR® Safety Survey highlights alarming statistics of the potential dangers REALTORS® face while on the job:
- 56,000 REALTORS® were victims of a crime while performing their duties.
- 322,000 REALTORS® felt fear for their safety while on the job.
- 406,000 REALTORS® don’t have safety protocols in place to protect themselves.
Join NAR’s REALTOR® Safety Month webinar on Wednesday, September 18, 10 AM Pacific Time, and learn how to identify potential threats, leverage technology for safety, and effectively handle emergencies.
REGISTER HERE
Make the 10-Second Rule a habit whenever you are on the road.
The 10-Second Rule for Keeping Safe on the Road
Inattention is one of the main reasons people find themselves in dangerous situations.
Take a few precious seconds to assess your surroundings to help you spot and avoid danger. Make it a habit, and then share it with someone else.
Take two seconds when you arrive at your destination.
• Is there any questionable activity in the area?
• Are you parked in a well-lit, visible location?
• Can you be blocked in the driveway by another vehicle?
Take two seconds after you step out of your car.
• Are there suspicious people around?
• Do you know exactly where you’re going?
Take two seconds as you walk towards your destination.
• Are people coming and going or is the area unusually quiet?
• Do you observe any obstacles or hiding places in the parking lot or along the street?
• Is anyone loitering in the area?
Take two seconds at the door.
• Do you have an uneasy feeling as you’re walking in?
• Is someone following you in?
Take two seconds as soon as you enter your destination.
• Does anything seem out of place?
• Is anyone present who shouldn’t be there or who isn’t expected?
Give your safety the attention you deserve. All these take a total of 10 seconds! Protect yourself with more safety tips and resources from www.nar.realtor/safety
PRDS updated contracts and forms that comply with the new National Association of REALTORS® settlement guidelines for Buyer and Seller Representations are available today. REALTOR® members of the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) and the San Mateo County Association of REALTORS® (SAMCAR) can access these forms on all electronic platforms – on the Transactions/zipForm Edition, TransactionDesk/Instanet platform at https://prdsforms.transactiondesk.com and on the SILVAR and SAMCAR websites, and on www.Glide.com (for SILVAR members only).
PRDS Forms is an extensive line of online forms for residential purchase and sales transactions. These forms are available online as a member benefit to all REALTOR® members of SILVAR and SAMCAR. The Standard Forms Committee, which is composed of brokers and top producers from SILVAR and SAMCAR, meets every other week and works very hard to make sure all forms are current and reflective of local practice.
The role of the REALTOR®, the benefits received from member involvement in REALTOR® association activities, and the importance of organized real estate to REALTORS® and their clients were laid out to members of the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) by CEO Paul Cardus at the beginning of the year.
Cardus shared the following scenarios of what life would be for an agent or consumer if REALTOR® associations like the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) or SILVAR did not exist in light of just one benefit, that of legislative advocacy:
- Agents would not be independent contractors; they would be employees working for banks.
- Services, including commissions, would be taxed.
- Conforming loan limits might be set at $400K, if they existed at all, instead of $1,149,825 in 2024.
- FHA loans likely would not be available.
- There would be no capital gains exclusion, mortgage interest deduction or 1031 exchanges.
- The commercial secondary mortgage market, which provides a stable flow of credit, would not exist.
- The liquidity, stability and affordability provided by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in the nation’s housing finance system would not exist.
- HUD would not employ local agents for sales.
- There would be no multiple listing service (MLS) or portals with standardized, reliable listing data.
- Universal buyer representation would not exist, leaving many buyers unprotected in the biggest transaction of their lives.
- Proposition 13 would not exist, making it hard for California’s seniors to afford to stay in their homes.
- Without impartial C.A.R. and PRDS standard forms provided by REALTORS® for REALTORS®, buyers and sellers would need attorneys to review and negotiate various one-sided forms for each transaction and be responsible and liable for researching state and local ordinances and codes, instead of using PRDS advisories.
- Flood insurance would become unobtainable.
- Property sales would require multiple point-of-sale approvals, like sewer lateral inspection and repair, from multiple agencies and inspectors. Sellers might have to invest tens of thousands in property upgrades just to sell. Escrows could extend for months or even longer.
- Rent control would be in place statewide, making it challenging to sell a tenant-occupied home or leave the business as a housing provider.
- Opportunity to Purchase (OPA) programs, like the one SILVAR helped defeat in East Palo Alto recently, would require property owners to offer homes to tenants or nonprofits before listing a rental property on the market and mandate the right of first refusal once an offer is accepted.
- Thousands of other legislative “bright ideas” would be blocked or kept in check because organizations like SILVAR, C.A.R. and NAR would not be around to engage volunteers, coordinate the resources, and hire professional staff to advocate on behalf of REALTORS® and their clients.
“The benefits that REALTORS® and their clients receive through REALTOR® membership in a REALTOR® association are quite the value,” said Cardus.
The role of the REALTOR®, the benefits received from member involvement in REALTOR® association activities, and the importance of organized real estate to REALTORS® and their clients were the main focus of the 2023 Economic Seminar & General Membership Meeting of the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR).
SILVAR CEO Paul Cardus laid out the following scenarios of what life would be for an agent or consumer if REALTOR® associations like the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) or SILVAR did not exist in light of just one benefit, that of legislative advocacy:
- Agents would not be independent contractors; they would be employees working for banks.
- Services, including commissions, would be taxed.
- Conforming loan limits might be set at $400K, if they existed at all, instead of $1,149,825 in 2024.
- FHA loans likely would not be available.
- There would be no capital gains exclusion, mortgage interest deduction or 1031 exchanges.
- The commercial secondary mortgage market, which provides a stable flow of credit, would not exist.
- The liquidity, stability and affordability provided by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in the nation’s housing finance system would not exist.
- HUD would not employ local agents for sales.
- There would be no multiple listing service (MLS) or portals with standardized, reliable listing data.
- Universal buyer representation would not exist, leaving many buyers unprotected in the biggest transaction of their lives.
- Proposition 13 would not exist, making it hard for California’s seniors to afford to stay in their homes.
- Without impartial C.A.R. and PRDS standard forms provided by REALTORS® for REALTORS®, buyers and sellers would need attorneys to review and negotiate various one-sided forms for each transaction and be responsible and liable for researching state and local ordinances and codes, instead of using PRDS advisories.
- Flood insurance would become unobtainable.
- Property sales would require multiple point-of-sale approvals, like sewer lateral inspection and repair, from multiple agencies and inspectors. Sellers might have to invest tens of thousands in property upgrades just to sell. Escrows could extend for months or even longer.
- Rent control would be in place statewide, making it challenging to sell a tenant-occupied home or leave the business as a housing provider.
- Opportunity to Purchase (OPA) programs, like the one SILVAR helped defeat in East Palo Alto recently, would require property owners to offer homes to tenants or nonprofits before listing a rental property on the market and mandate the right of first refusal once an offer is accepted.
- Thousands of other legislative “bright ideas” would be blocked or kept in check because organizations like SILVAR, C.A.R. and NAR would not be around to engage volunteers, coordinate the resources, and hire professional staff to advocate on behalf of REALTORS® and their clients.
“The benefits that REALTORS® and their clients receive through REALTOR® membership in a REALTOR® association are quite the value,” said Cardus.
REALTORS® face job-related risks every day. Being aware of potential dangers and taking precautions will help you avoid risky situations. In an ongoing effort to keep safety top-of-mind for our members, the National Association of REALTORS® and the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) dedicate September as REALTOR® Safety Month.
Learn to identify potential risks, anticipate threats, and respond proactively. Empower yourself with vital knowledge to navigate a dangerous situation, ensuring your personal safety on the job.
Follow Tips for Showing Properties the Safe Way
When you are showing a vacant property, you can take these simple steps to empower yourself against an attack or theft.
* Be sure to use the lockbox property-key procedure that has been established to improve real estate agent safety. A reliable, secure lockbox system ensures that keys don’t fall into the wrong hands.
* Show properties before dark. If you are going to be working after hours, advise your associate or supervisor of your schedule. If you must show a property after dark, turn on all lights as you go through the home, and don’t lower any shades or draw curtains or blinds.
* Call the office, a friend or family member every hour to let them know where you are.
* Prepare a scenario so you can leave or encourage someone who makes you uncomfortable to leave. Examples: Your cell phone or beeper went off and you have to call your office; you left some important information in your car; or another agent with buyers is on his way.
* When showing a property, always leave the front door unlocked for a quick exit while you and the client are inside. As you enter each room, stand near the door.
* Do not display purses or wear anything of value like expensive jewelry or watches
while at a property. Lock your purse in the car trunk before you arrive. Carry only non-valuable business items except for your cell phone.
* Park at the curb in front of the property, rather than in the driveway. It is much easier to escape in your vehicle if you don’t have to back out of a driveway. Parked in a driveway, another vehicle could purposefully or accidentally trap you.
See more safety tips, videos and webinars at www.REALTOR.org/Safety
SILVAR is proud to announce SILVAR member Bernie Leung is among 50 finalists vying for a spot in REALTOR® Magazine‘s 2023 Class of 30 Under 30. Leung is a REALTOR® with Compass Menlo Park.
Every year, REALTOR® Magazine‘s Class of 30 Under 30 recognizes top accomplished real estate professionals nationwide. Selection of finalists is based on business success, innovation, and community involvement. The finalist who receives the most online votes is guaranteed a spot in this year’s 30 Under 30 class and will be the Web Choice Award winner. Judges then select the other 29 honorees from the field of finalists.
Born in San Francisco, Leung has a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Menlo College in Atherton and graduated from both Stanford University’s Influence and Negotiations Strategies and Harvard University Negotiation & Leadership Program. He is also an event organizer for Silicon Valley Startup: Idea to IPO, a 26,000+ member organization.
He believes in real estate and wants to make his clients happy and them make their dream of homeownership come true. “I have a super client obsession,” Leung remarked.
Ironically, it was Leung’s father who pushed him to get into real estate. “My dad would say there are only two paths in life – stocks and real estate.” He got his real estate license in 2016, “just to make my dad happy.” Previous work as an accountant for a non-profit got him a job in DeLeon Realty’s finance department. Then one day, the firm was short-staffed and asked him to host an open house. It was then that he discovered that his natural talents and skillset were well-suited to a people businesses like real estate. Transitioning from finance to becoming a real estate agent was inevitable.
During his seven years at DeLeon Realty, he became the most senior top producing agent at the firm. From 2019-2021, Leung’s annual sales volume ranged from $40-50 million. He is happy his dad pushed him toward real estate.
“My dad is both my mentor and hero,” he exclaimed.
Today, with Compass, Leung is a solo agent and a top producer with a current sales volume of $34 million. His average sales transaction is $3.8 million.
Leung said he entered the 30 Under 30 contest because at age 28 (he’ll turn 29 next month), being the youngest REALTOR® with his sales volume in a market dominated by much older peers, he wants to show younger or new agents that anything is possible and prove that you can succeed in real estate despite being under 30 years old.
“Age is just a number. My goal is to inspire the next generation of movers and shakers in real estate to defy all odds and find success by carving out their own unique path,” said Leung.
Leung has a chance to do just that by being part of REALTOR® Magazine‘s 30 Under 30 Class of 2023.
Voting is now open. See Bernie’s profile HERE, then click on Read More and vote, or you can directly vote for him HERE.
You can vote once every 24 hours per candidate. The voting period closes March 31 at 10 AM PT.
SILVAR wishes Leung the best of luck in the contest!
Every day REALTORS® across the nation put themselves in positions where they can be victims of dangerous crimes. Whether it’s putting up signs along the highway, meeting a new client, or showing a house to a prospective buyer, your personal safety is often at stake. To raise awareness about this important issue, the month of September is officially designated by the National Association of REALTORS® as REALTOR® Safety Month.
“The safety of the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS®’ 5,000 members is a top priority. An open house can be a great sales tool, but it also exposes you to numerous unfamiliar people for the first time. Thieves and assailants have been known to prey on open houses. We always caution our members to be watchful of suspicious behavior when hosting an open house,” said Brett Caviness, president of SILVAR.
Take these steps to stay safe at open houses:
- If possible, always try to have at least one other person working with you at an open house.
- Check your cell phone’s strength and signal prior to the open house. Have emergency numbers programmed on speed dial.
- Upon entering a house for the first time, check all rooms and determine several “escape” routes. Make sure all deadbolt locks are unlocked to facilitate a faster escape.
- Make sure that if you were to escape by the back door, you could escape from the backyard. Frequently, high fences surround yards that contain swimming pools or hot tubs.
- Have all open house visitors sign in. Ask for full name, address, phone number and email.
- When showing the house, always walk behind the prospect. Direct them; don’t lead them. Say for example, “The kitchen is on your left,” and gesture for them to go ahead of you.
- Avoid attics, basements, and getting trapped in small rooms.
- Notify someone in your office, your answering service, a friend or a relative that you will be calling in every hour on the hour. And if you don’t call, they are to call you.
- Inform a neighbor that you will be showing the house and ask if he or she would keep an eye and ear open for anything out of the ordinary.
- Don’t assume that everyone has left the premises at the end of an open house. Check all of the rooms and the backyard prior to locking the doors. Be prepared to defend yourself, if necessary.
For more information on REALTOR® and consumer safety, visit www.realtor.org/safety.
Have you ever walked in the shoes of a homebuyer facing discrimination? Fairhaven, the National Association of REALTORS® fair housing simulation for REALTORS®, uses the power of storytelling to help members identify and address discriminatory practices in real estate.
Visit the fictional town of Fairhaven and work against the clock to sell homes while confronting realistic scenarios of discrimination in the homebuying process. Throughout the simulation receive actionable feedback that you can apply to your daily business interactions.
The training also includes powerful testimonials demonstrating the impact of housing discrimination in real people’s lives. Hold yourself accountable and make sure you’re adhering to fair housing laws by exploring the town of Fairhaven.
Get started now and complete the training HERE.
To learn more, visit nar.realtor/fairhaven.
Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® says ... 