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CEO Message
April’s Top Teammates
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A Message From the CEO
Hi Folks,
I want to wish everyone a fun and safe holiday weekend !
As we embark on another Memorial Day weekend let’s be sure to say a Thank You to the honored people for whom the holiday is dedicated.
Below are some “Amazing Facts” regarding the Tomb of the Unknowns and a brief history of Arlington National Cemetery, a good read for our children and grandchildren.
Enjoy !!!
Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia, is a military cemetery in the United States of America, established during the American Civil War on the grounds of Arlington House, formerly the estate of the family of Confederate general Robert E. Lee‘s wife Mary Anna (Custis) Lee, a great grand-daughter of Martha Washington. The cemetery is situated directly across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why?
21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.
How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why?
21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1.
Why are his gloves wet?
His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.
Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time and if not, why not?
He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face
and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.
How often are the guards changed?
Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.
What are the physical traits of the guard limited to?
For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5′ 10″ and 6′ 2″ tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30.” Other requirements of the Guard: They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in any way. After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin. The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt. There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty
in front of a full-length mirror. The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery . A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe E. Lewis {the boxer} and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, {the most decorated soldier of WWII} of Hollywood fame. Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.
ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington , DC , our US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm. On the ABC evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the hurricane, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment. They respectfully declined the offer, “No way, Sir!” Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be
afforded to a service person. The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.
With respect and gratitude,
Christopher J. Masiello
April’s Top Teammates
April Top 25 Realtors by volume
Agent
Office
Volume
Transactions
Anu Rao
Nashua
$3,340,499
12
Patty Visconte
Hampton
$2,395,000
2.6
Cindy Donnell
York
$1,943,500
4.9
Tracey Boies
Hampton
$1,912,750
6
Joan Osler
Bangor
$1,882,200
10
Madiha Farag
Durham
$1,711,000
5
George Foskett
Keene
$1,702,000
7
Jane Cyr
Auburn
$1,306,000
5
Lou Nixon
Bedford
$1,277,500
4
Teri Woods
York
$1,252,400
3.2
David Orgaz
Peterborough
$1,189,500
6
Linda Beaulieu
Auburn
$1,131,800
3
Lisa Newman
Hampton
$1,128,00
3
Stacey Frost
Augusta
$1,125,400
10
John Gatchell
Durham
$1,071,500
3
Edie Fifield
Keene
$1,046,200
4
Darlene Conca
Brattleboro
$1,026,875
7
Charlotte Marrocco-Mohler
Nashua
$954,269
5
Charles McCaffery
Nashua
$951,000
5
Carol Brighi
Atkinson
$944,584
3
Trish Povey
Atkinson
$903,000
3
Steve Brunette
Sanford
$896,346
3
Debra DelMonaco
Augusta
$896,000
5
Roger Begin
Auburn
$860,250
7
Terrie Hale
Dover
$826,000
2
Top Teams by volume
Team
Office
Volume
Transactions
The Gina Team
Auburn
$1,438,400
9
Realty Network
Auburn
$860,000
4
Costentino-O’leary
Quechee
$995,500
4
Great East Insurance Customer Service Representatives- Top 3 by policies written
Sharon Fish
29
Sandy Pratt
14
Tammy Blake
10
Great East Title Relationship Managers – Top 3 managers based on closings
Lori Buzderewicz
28
Amie Nickel
22
Catherine Kessler
15
Great East Mortgage – Top Producers
Laura Chapman
6
Craig Farrington
3
Sarah Broughton
2
Outgoing Referrals
Agent
Office
# of Referrals
Linda Gardiner
Bangor
2
Lyn Hammond
Bangor
1
Marc Perry
Ellsworth
1
Kathy Cleary
Concord
1
Peggy Bean
Hampton
1
Monica Steele
Peterborough
1
Kasia Butterfield
Quechee
2
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GREAT EAST / REGENCY MORTGAGE
Trended Credit Data is Coming:
Currently, credit reports used in mortgage lending only indicate the outstanding balance and if a borrower has been on-time or delinquent on existing credit accounts such as
credit cards, mortgages and student loans. Trended credit data provides an expanded, more granular view of a consumer by leveraging 24 months of a consumer’s
past balance, payment, and credit utilization history. It provides a more complete picture of a consumer’s credit
behavior, supplementing the traditional moment-in-time credit snapshot with a more dynamic 2-year picture of a
consumer’s history of managing revolving accounts. With 24 months of historical data, lenders may be able to determine how consumers have managed their revolving credit accounts over time, allowing
them to better predict future behavior and assess potential risk. Fannie Mae will start using trended data credit as part of their automated underwriting decisions on June 25th. If you would like more information on Trended Credit Data, please contact your Regency Mortgage Planner.
Have a great Memorial Day Weekend!
Mark McCauley
Sr. VP Loan Originations
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GREAT EAST TITLE
What You Should Know about Foreign Clients and FIRPTA
By Chalese Leven, Great East Title Services
The United States continues to be a desirable location to own real estate for people from all corners of the globe. In a recent survey of Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate (AFIRE) members, 60% responded that the U.S. was the country providing the most stable and secure real estate investments. By comparison, Germany, which came in second, had only 19% of the vote. With the increase in foreign buyers and sellers, it is important to understand what might be the impact on your clients of the recent changes in Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980, otherwise known as FIRPTA.
For background, FIRPTA is the federal law that requires the withholding of settlement funds from a real estate settlement where the seller (individual or entity) is a “foreign person.” According to the Internal Revenue Code, a “foreign person” is defined as a person who is:
Not a U.S. citizen
Not a U.S. national
Does not hold a “green card” or meet the “substantial presence” test to be treated as a resident alien
Recently, President Obama signed the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 (“Path Act”) into law. The Path Act includes important changes to the FIRPTA. These changes increase the FIRPTA general withholding rate from 10% to 15% (of gross sales price) effective for closings that occur on or after February 16, 2016.
The following are changes to FIRPTA that went into effect on February 16, 2016.
For properties being acquired by the transferee not for use as a residence, 15% of the gross sales price must be withheld.
For properties being acquired by the transferee for use as a residence, the following withholding rates apply:
If the gross sales price is $300,000 or less, withholding is not required.
If the gross sales price is greater than $300,000, but not more than $1 million, 10% of the gross sales price must be withheld.
If the gross sales price is greater than $1 million, 15% of the gross sales price must be withheld.
For a property to be considered a residence, the buyer or a member of the buyer’s family “must have definite plans” to reside at the property for at least 50% of the number of days the property is used during the first two years following the date of transfer. Days when the property is vacant are not taken into account in determining the number of days such property is used by any person.
Projections reveal that the amount of foreign investor transactions will continue to increase in 2016. According to the recent AFIRE survey, 64% of respondents say they expect to have modest or major increases in their investment in US real estate in 2016. Another 31% say they expect to maintain or reinvest their investments. It is important to note that many states have withholding requirements in addition to those imposed by Federal Government.
For more information on Great East Title’s FastTrack program, please contact your local Relationship Manager.
Gary A. Coffin
Director of Client Education, Great East Title
GREAT EAST INSURANCE
Summer Safety: Are You Insured for Summer Fun?
As the summer season approaches, your plans are likely to include more entertaining, travel and outdoor excursions. Sunshine may help you relax and recharge, but before engaging in some recreational activities, you should reevaluate your insurance risks and needs. These tips from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners can help make sure you are protected while you enjoy summer fun.
Pools and Trampolines
Before inviting friends and family over to enjoy your pool or trampoline, know that either may increase your insurance risk. Consider purchasing an umbrella policy in addition to your homeowners insurance to increase your liability coverage. However, because pools and trampolines can be dangerous, some companies may not insure your property if you own them, or there may be policy exclusions for liability for related injuries. An insurance company may also deny coverage or cancel your policy if you do not follow the policy’s safety guidelines or fail to inform them when you build a pool or purchase a trampoline. Check with your insurance provider for rates, discounts and safety guidelines (such as installing a fence or locked gate). If you lease a property with a pool, discuss your insurance options with your agent or insurance company.Boats
A boat insurance policy provides liability coverage if someone is injured on your boat. It also covers bodily injury inflicted on others and property damage to your boat. These policies may be suspended during the months your boat is not in use. Read your policy carefully and speak to your agent as some watercraft policies have minimum or fully earned premiums associated with them.There are three types of boat insurance loss settlement provisions for damages to your boat:
Actual cash value (ACV) or market value: Your insurer will reimburse you for the current value of the boat, minus your deductible, if you experience a total loss. For a partial loss, the insurer will pay for the depreciated value of lost or damaged items, minus your deductible.
Agreed amount value: You and your insurer have agreed upon a value of your boat at the time you purchase the policy. This is the amount you will be paid if you experience a total loss, minus your deductible. Damage from a partial loss is paid on a replacement cost basis, minus your deductible. In other words, no depreciation is taken on a partial loss.
Replacement cost coverage: In the event of a total loss, your insurer will pay to replace your boat with one that is as similar to your boat as possible.
The personal property coverage of your homeowners policy may cover a small boat for $1,500 or less in physical damage. However, coverage for your liability risk is limited. A large boat will be excluded from your homeowners policy for property and liability coverage. Personal watercrafts, such as jet skis, often require a separate policy that may be offered by your homeowners’ insurer. Alternatively, you may choose to purchase a policy from an insurer that specializes in boat insurance. Talk with your insurance agent and get quotes from other companies to understand your options.
All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
ATVs are not covered by standard automobile insurance policies, but your homeowners policy may partially cover liability. Ask your agent if you have sufficient coverage on your homeowners policy. If you do not, you should consider a separate ATV policy. Ask your provider about age restrictions regarding who may operate the ATV or if the policy covers friends and family. Make sure you have the right coverage for your situation and intended use.
Traveling
Whether you’re leaving home for a weekend getaway or a long road trip, be aware of what your homeowners or renter’s policy will cover while you’re gone. Typically, your homeowners insurance will follow you, protecting you even while you’re not at home. Off-premises’ coverage means your belongings are covered anywhere in the world. If you’re staying at a hotel and your belongings are stolen, your homeowners policy will provide coverage but the exact coverage depends on your policy. In addition to your deductible, items will typically have a limit on things like jewelry and furs. If you’re traveling with high-priced items, it’s a good idea to get separate insurance coverage for these items. Contact your agent or insurance company to find out what’s covered under your policy.
More Information
Contact your state insurance department for more information about your insurance needs for summer fun.
Donna Croteau, AAI
President
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RELOCATION
Cartus News!!
Cartus has launched Service Evaluation Questionnaires for broker to broker referrals to provide feedback and to recognize those companies and agents who provide great service to their other network members’ referrals.This means that when you place an outgoing referral through the relocation department, a questionnaire will go to you asking how you and your referred customer felt about the service that was received. Of course, the service we provide to incoming broker to broker referrals is also subject to the same evaluation. We are happy to report that our agents received 100% excellent service evaluations for April and we have been recognized by Cartus. Thank you and congratulations to the following agents who closed Cartus Network B2B referrals and provided the service that resulted in this great recognition that is shared throughout the entire network: Louise Rolnick, Bangor; Karin Cannon, Bedford; Bill Hutwelker, Keene; Charlotte Mohler, Nashua; Mary Paino, Quechee; Lynn Hall, Gorham; and Lisa MacDonald, Windham, ME. Way to go!!
Jocelyn Lavoie, CRP
Director of Client Services and Relocation
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PEOPLE AND COMMUNITY
Welcome To The Masiello Group! We are pleased to offer a warm welcome the following Agents, who recently joined the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Masiello Group team:
Pam Bruder
Keene, NH
Susan Morrissey
Rockland, ME
Miranda Rosa
Sanford, ME
Michlle Sherbank
Bangor, ME
Philip Sloan
Bangor, ME
MARKETING CORNER
Marketing Tools You Can Use!
As we get more in line with marketing trends and build our presence on Social Media, we have the need for more branding materials. We have created a library of Social Media headers for you and will be rolling them out seasonally. The 2016 summer library roll out will include 12 branded cover photos as well as 1 Independence Day cover photo image that will be found on Team Masiello for use at the office and agent levels. Each platform requires different dimensions, make sure that you are downloading and using the correct image for the Social Media Platform that you are using. Below are some examples of what is available in the Summer library. The all sizes and images will be available June 1st under marketing on Team Masiello.
Please remember that we have decided to incorporate the banner that we used to celebrate 50 years of service into our communications and marketing pieces. Every year we will update the number. The Marketing department has updated this piece and it is available for you to download on TeamMasiello, please update your email signatures and anywhere else you may be using this anniversary market logo.
Direct links are here:
51 Years Banner: http://teammasiello.com/images/anniversary_banner.jpg
51 Years Emblem: http://teammasiello.com/images/anniversary_logo_round.jpg
NEWS YOU CAN USE
BHGRE LIFE
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