To get a license to practice real estate in the state of California you have to take three classes and pass a test. To become a REALTOR one has to do that and sign a Code of Ethics. One thing I want to point out is that in our local area we are very fortunate - almost every one practicing real estate is also a REALTOR - something like 95%. Across the state that number is only 34%.
Last Friday I spent the day in Fort Bragg at a special training offered by our local Realtor's association. We were very lucky to get Susie Kater, California Association of Realtor's senior legal counsel, to come all the way from southern California to give the classes. The first class was to teach us about serving on the Greivance Committee. This committee is put together to hear ethics violations charges and to pass judgement as to whether or not a violation has occured. If a violation is determined to have occured, then a hearing is held by the Professional Standards Committee. Finally, the Board of Directors of the association is there to review decisions made by the other committees. The training was very good and very interested and it allows those of us in attendance to serve on any of these committees for the next three years.
Upcoming local events include the Whale Festival in March. One special event is that the subdudes will be at Cotton Auditorium in Fort Bragg on March 6th at 8:00pm. I suggest you purchase tickets soon - they are a fabulous band and a lot of fun. In addition, there's a special Creole dinner before that, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm right next door to Cotton Auditorium. I recommend checking out the KOZT website for more information. In addition, there are several food events and more music events happening during March in connection with the whale festival.
Enjoy the rain - stay dry and warm. Ciao until next week.