NEWS
REALTOR® safety remains top of mind for victim’s son
Carl Carter visits ORRA to share a special story of safety and prevention in tribute to his mother, Beverly Carter
ORRA names 2019
NAR directors
Orlando REALTORS® join
National Association of
REALTORS® Board of Directors
The ORRA Board of Directors has appointed
the following members to serve on the 2019 NAR
Board of Directors: Natalie Arrowsmith, Nexthome
Arrowsmith Realty; Christian Bohyn, Windmaker
Realty; Bruce Elliott, Regal R.E. Professionals
LLC; Jeffrey M. Fagan, Watson Realty Corp;
Mike McGraw, RE/Max Central Realty; Kathleen
Gallagher McIver, RE/MAX Central Realty; and
Chere Roane, Nicole-Hudson Realty Corp.
NAR directors are responsible for:
• Knowing the issues of importance to their
constituency and bringing matters of concern
to the attention of NAR;
• Knowing the issues of importance to NAR and
reporting matters of concern or actions taken
by NAR back to their constituency; and
• Participating in meetings.
FAIRWINDS Credit Union
new ORRA Diamond Partner
Association sponsorship demonstrates support for REALTOR® programs
ORRA is is pleased to announce that FAIRWINDS Credit Union is the association’s
new Diamond Partner. As ORRA’s exclusive mortgage-lending Diamond Partner,
FAIRWINDS is exhibiting the highest level of support for REALTOR® programs.
“Through its partnership, FAIRWINDS makes it possible for ORRA to produce initiatives
that benefit both REALTORS® and, ultimately, the homebuyers and sellers that
REALTORS® serve,” says ORRA President Lou Nimkoff, Brio Real Estate Services. “For
example, FAIRWINDS’s support helps ORRA fill its calendar with low-cost educational
opportunities for REALTORS® that address every aspect of real estate, from legal issues
to transaction management to ethics.”
Diamond Partner is ORRA’s top tier of sponsorship. The partnership allows real
estate related providers to take advantage of traditional, innovative, and exclusive
marketing opportunities ranging from Orlando REALTOR® advertising to recognition at
special black-tie events.
“ORRA has been a tremendous community partner, and we’re excited to further
deepen that relationship by committing to the highest level of partnership,” says Keith
Bertrand, mortgage community outreach specialist at FAIRWINDS. “The organization’s
emphasis on professional development mirrors FAIRWINDS’ own commitment to empowerment
through education.”
A thorough client screening
process — along with self-permission
to trust your own
instinct — are among the most
important steps that REALTORS®
can take to ensure their safety,
says Carl Carter, Jr.
Carl is the son of Beverly Carter,
an Arkansas REALTOR® who
lost her life after being targeted
for kidnapping by a couple posing
as real estate clients. As you
can imagine, Carl is passionate about REALTOR® safety and ORRA
was honored to host him in September for a special presentation.
While gracefully sharing Beverly’s story and illustrating how the
everyday activities of REALTORS® can create opportunities for risk,
Carl stressed the importance of:
Thoroughly screening ALL potential clients (a text image of a
driver's license is not good enough) and keeping a paper file.
• Considering how others perceive your social media.
• Telling your colleagues, friends, and family members of your
plans.
• Following established safety procedures for showing properties,
meeting clients, etc.
• Not putting all your confidence in just a single safety process or
tool, such as an app.
• Trusting your gut! If something feels wrong or if the plan you’ve
agreed to is altered, allow yourself to back out.
In addition, Carl stressed the importance of a "see something,
say something" mindset and the importance of fighting back
against an assailant (supported by law enforcement).
Finally, Carl recognized two MFRMLS technology staff members
in the audience who have volunteered to revamp the Beverly Carter
Foundation website. Kudos to our neighbors at MFRMLS!
8 Orlando REALTOR® November/December 2018