ECAR has participated in the Supra key system for many years and there has always existed a set of rules and regulations governing how these electronic keys can be used. Over the years, the rules have changed as the key system has evolved. However, in the past few months, it has become clear that many agents and brokers are unaware of all the rules and the penalties associated with violating the rules. The two most common violations of the key rules are keeping the PIN code with the key, and loaning the key to someone else.

It is critical for each keyholder to remember that these keys allow the user access to any home in the Panhandle area where there is a Supra electronic lockbox. If a key is lost with the PIN written on the back, anyone who finds it can access any of these homes under the name of the keyholder. The full liability of damages or loss falls back on the keyholder. By loaning a key to someone else, again, the keyholder is held responsible for any damages or loss. In turn, sellers can hold the association liable for damages as well, as administrators of the lockbox system. Therefore, either of these situations could result in a fine being levied. Keeping the PIN code with the key carries a $75 fine, and loaning a key is a $1,000 fine.

As a way of reminding all keyholders of the current key system rules, ECAR is requiring all keyholders to sign and return the latest version of the rules. The rules form can be downloaded at the website below. Please read the rules carefully, then sign, date, and fax the document to 850-275-1075 before February 28, 2010. Failure to sign and return the rules form could results in a loss of key service until the rules are signed. The documents will be digitally stored for future reference. If you have any questions, please call 850-244-2411.

Cloning Listings

Last week you got a tip on how to make changes to a cloned listing. Some of you may now be asking how to clone a listing. Or what a cloned listing is.

Cloning a listing means to copy a listing that is already in the MLS to create a new one. You can clone a similar property, or clone an older listing of the same property. To clone a listing, go into Maintenance, put in the main area and category of your property. If the menu asks for an agent ID, put in the ID of the listing agent. Choose Clone a Listing. The next screen that appears is the History Search screen. From here you can enter the address or MLS number of the listing you want to copy. Then click Search. A list of matches will come up for you to choose from. If there is only one listing shown, that one will automatically be marked. Below the list is a drop-down list that defaults to Clone Listing. You can choose different clone levels depending on how much of the older listing you want to copy. Clone Listing will copy as much of the original listing as you are allowed to copy*. If you are allowed to clone the photos, be sure to click the Clone Photos checkbox. Then click either Clone Listing, or Clone Provisional. To learn about Provisional Listings see tip # 6. This will open the new listing entry form with as many details filled in as possible. Some fields cannot be copied at any time, such as listing date, expiration date, price, and parts of the compensation fields. Be sure to complete any needed blank field, and change any field that needs to be updated. Submit the listing as usual when it's done to get your new MLS number.

* If you are currently not licensed with the list office of the original listing, the system will not clone the creative fields: photos, virtual tours, directions, remarks, or agent notes.

If you have any questions about the cloning process, please call me at 850-244-2411 or send an email to susan@ecaor.com.

Check out the latest ECAR video on YouTube about the Florida Realtors® Disaster Relief Fund (DRF). The DRF was established to raise and distribute funds for members of the Florida Realtors® Family who have experienced substantial damage or loss to their residence or office due to natural disaster. When the worst happens, remember that the DRF is here for you, your family, and your business.

Florida Realtors Disaster Relief Fund

Need a laugh? Check out the E-C-A-R video on YouTube!

E-C-A-R

Your safety depends on the first time you meet a customer or client: What should you do? How can you effectively check their background? What are the danger signs to look for? Find out from safety expert Andrew Wooten in the free NAR Webinar: “First Meetings: How to Lay the Groundwork for Safety,” Thursday, February 18 at 10:00 a.m. Central/11:00 a.m. Eastern. Register today at www.realtor.org/safetywebinar.

HouseLogic.com is a free source of information and tools from the National Association of Realtors® that can help homeowners make smart and timely decisions about their home. With content covering home improvement, maintenance, taxes, finance, insurance, and even ways to get involved in and enrich the community, HouseLogic can help owners increase and protect the value of their home by helping owners make confident decisions. Let your clients know about this invaluable tool from NAR.

It seems that almost everyone has a Facebook page these days, and ECAR is no different. Become a fan and keep up to date with what’s happening at ECAR! To view the ECAR Facebook page, click here.

It’s not too late to get your application in for the ECAR Leadership Development Program, but the deadline is February 11! This award-winning program is designed to develop leaders who are ready to guide ECAR into the future. Learn about ECAR’s operating procedures, the ECAR budget and other programs the association is involved in such as political involvement, education, charitable efforts and ECAR’s relationship with the military. Apply to become one of the twelve Realtors selected to participate in the 2010 program. If the $99 application fee is an obstacle, ask your broker if they would be willing to sponsor you. Being an association leader benefits your entire brokerage. Have questions? Contact 2010 Leadership Development Program Chair Sam Kinkaid at 585-1387, or Vice Chair Lisa Norton at 621-4525.