Greater Tampa REALTOR® News - April 2016 by Greater Tampa REALTORS®

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FAIR HOUSING ISSUE April 11, 2016 marks the 48TH anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968

APRIL 2016 T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E G R E AT E R TA M PA A S S O C I AT I O N O F R E A LT O R S ®

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APRIL 2016

Fair Housing Is In Your Hands Nearly 50 years since the federal ban on housing discrimination, upholding the law’s spirit remains a challenge. Here’s how to be a fair housing leader. BY GRAHAM WOOD National Association of REALTORS ® Sandra Butler refused to let it slide when a seller she represented last year made what felt like a discriminatory comment. The seller thought the buyers, who had foreign-sounding

names, were trying to negotiate for too many repairs. “I know how these people are, and they always want something for nothing,” Butler recalls the seller saying. Butler is African-American. So was her client. And she didn’t want the seller to “think this conversation could be had because we look alike,” she says. Instead of flatly admonishing her client, Butler turned the conversation to fair housing law. “I said, ‘I don’t know the buyers or what they look like. I just know they are ready, willing, and able to purchase, and it’s our duty under the law to make your property available to

them,’ ” says Butler, a sales associate with Sibcy Cline, REALTORS®, in Cincinnati. The deal ultimately fell apart over negotiation terms, but Butler was satisfied that she’d made her client more aware of a seller’s responsibility to abide by the federal Fair Housing Act, which prohibits inequitable treatment in the sale, rental, and financing of homes based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and the presence of children. Each April, REALTORS® celebrate Fair Housing Month to commemorate the law, which was passed in 1968 and amended in 1988. Yet nearly 50 years after its

passage, racial and religious tensions continue to dominate national conversations and stoke heated rhetoric in presidential politics. Is that tension having an effect on real estate sales? Apparently not. Housing discrimination is the exception today, according to a survey REALTOR® Magazine conducted with NAR members in February. Of the 2,300 respondents, more than 80 percent said they had not encountered housing discrimination in their market. That’s great news. And yet, fair housing challenges remain. Violations—and government efforts to FAIR HOUSING, Page 4

Get ready for the 2016 home-buying season

Sellers, start your pressure washers. Buyers, hold off on purchasing new furniture for your future abode BY YVETTE C. HAMMETT, Tampa Tribune Staff April 1 marks the beginning of sellers’ season for residential real estate, a four-month span during which more than 37 percent of homes for sale in the Tampa Bay region will get new owners. Right now, it’s a sellers’ market, but that doesn’t mean those putting their

CODE OF ETHICS

homes on the market don’t have to spruce up and make repairs before sticking that sign out front. “You have buyers coming out of the woodwork after the winter and looking to purchase,” said Daren Blomquist, chief economist for real estate research firm RealtyTrac. And pg.6

a lot more houses will go on to the market, so there will be competition. “Homes tend to sell faster in the spring because of the demand,” Blomquist said. Once school starts winding down, people are ready to look for their new locations.

• EDUCATION

CEO's Welcome Message Dennis MacDonald explains his plan to move GTAR forward. Page 3

How to Avoid Fair Housing Violations

Take a look at these eight examples of the Fair Housing Act that will help ensure you do not inadvertently violate the law. Page 5

Questions? We have answers

Do college students count as a protected class under the Fair Housing Act? Page 9

Staff Members Receive the RCE

Brenda Rabbitt and Rebecca Lopez have received the prestigious RCE designation. Page 13

Time for a Pop Quiz! MAY 5, 2016 GTAR’s annual affiliates golf tournament combines business networking with a competitive day on the links! This event is a great opportunity to interact with fellow affiliates and REALTORS® in a social setting.

HOME-BUYING, Page 18

pg.11

IN THIS EDITION

• AFFILIATES

How well do you know the Fair Housing Act? Test your knowledge. Page 15

Candid Camera Feb./March 2016. Page 16

For more information, see Page 18.

pg.12

• MLS STATISTICS

pg.14

April 2016

Greater Tampa REALTOR® News

ABOUT GTAR

The Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS®, Inc. (GTAR) is the largest Tampa Bay-based professional association of real estate brokers and sales associates conducting business throughout the Bay. GTAR provides educational programs, ethical guidance and other services that enable licensed real estate professionals to help people buy and sell homes in the Greater Tampa area. For more information, please visit www.gtar.org

2016 OFFICERS

President Andy Joe Scaglione.....(813) 968-4996 President-Elect Joe Perez..........................(813) 264-7754 Vice President Mari Colgan..................... (813) 685-4936 Treasurer Sandra Streit...................(813) 343-8001 Secretary Norma Cohen................. (813) 992-5845 Immediate Past President Barbara Jordan...............(813) 962-0631 Chief Executive Officer Dennis MacDonald......... (813) 879-7010

2016 DIRECTORS

Diane Acken................... (813) 299-4758 Alma Alexander................(813) 727-1201 Ashley Christie................(813) 504-8812 Diana Englehart...............(813) 748-2165 Zoe Green...................... (813) 259-0000 Dan Hazy.......................... (813) 545-7372 Mary McCall....................(813) 294-4425 Jodi McKeithan.............. (813) 597-9670 Brad Monroe...................(813) 309-4488 Jack Rodriguez...............(813) 877-6388 Tom Scaglione............... (813) 310-8200 Francine Villa..................(813) 598-0844

REPRODUCTION

The Greater Tampa REALTOR® News is published monthly for members of GTAR in the interest of informing, promoting, and improving the real estate industry. With the exception of articles and materials from other publications reprinted in this newspaper, members and affiliate members of GTAR are hereby authorized to reproduce articles appearing in this newspaper, provided each such reproduction gives the following credit:

Reprinted from Greater Tampa REALTOR® News, Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS®.

THE REALTOR® MARK

REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark which may be used only by real estate professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics.

ADVERTISING INFORMATION

For advertising information/sales, contact Mike Utaegbulam, Director of Communications at news@GTAR.net Advertising products or services herein shall not be construed to be a promotion, approval, or endorsement of those products or services by GTAR. All advertising is subject to the approval of the GTAR Board of Directors/Chief Executive Officer.

DISCLAIMER

Articles contained in this publication express the opinion of the author and not necessarily the opinion of GTAR.

HEADQUARTER INFO

Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS® 2918 W. Kennedy Blvd. Tampa, FL 33609 (813) 879-7010

STAY CONNECTED Find GTAR on the following social media outlets to stay connected with the latest news and events.

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AFFORDABLE HOUSING Update on Sadowski Affordable Housing Act REALTORS® continue to work towards ensuring that 100% of the Housing Trust funds are used towards housing. In 1992, the State of Florida agreed to an increase in the Documentary Stamps of 10 cents on all Recording of Deeds and the dedicated trust fund revenue sources with the passing of the Sadowski Act. These funds were to be in a trust fund exclusively for Affordable Housing to address the many housing needs, such as homes and repairs for Elderly, Veterans, Homeless, Special Needs and others housing needs. However, when funds are needed for other purposes this account is swept and used to fund other programs. Every year REALTORS® go to Tallahassee, whether there is a Bill or not, for the Sadowski Funds to be kept for their original purpose of Affordable Housing.

In Florida, Sadowski Funds assist programs that renovate and rehabilitate existing homes so seniors can age in place. Also, these funds provide firsttime home buyers with down payment assistance and closing costs. Programs such as SHIP and SAIL help the homeless and moderate income families to achieve the American Dream. Statistics prove that when a family buys and owns their own home they take pride of homeownership and in their neighborhood, and children do better in school. The stability of having a secure home and of knowing that they will not have to move gives dignity and respect to the families. Legislators know and realize the importance of home

ownership and agreed to a larger percentage of the funds being used and kept for affordable housing this year. The Legislature is in a position to make a difference in the lives of low income individuals and families at risk of becoming homeless. We have yet to succeed in having all of the Housing Trust Funds used toward housing. Nonetheless, what we have accomplished in the 2016 session with the appropriation of over $200 million for housing is cause to celebrate - that is over $275 million of state funds will be provided for housing during the next year. But, there is still much left to be done. More than 950,000 low income households are forced to spend more

BY JO EASTON Affordable Housing Task Force Chair than 50% of their income in housing which results in sacrificing for other essentials, such as food, clothing and other basics. Should legislators spend in Florida the estimated $323.96 million in the state and local housing trust funds for the 2016-2017 Fiscal Year it will create 32,600 jobs and $4.6 BILLION economic impact. If the funds are not kept in the trust fund and used for their original intent, then perhaps the legislature should consider reducing the Documentary Stamps on all Deed Recordings from the ten cents negotiated for Affordable Housing with the Sadowski Act … something to ponder.

ABOUT THE FAIR HOUSING ACT The Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968) is a federal act in the United States intended to protect the buyer or renter of a dwelling from seller or landlord discrimination. Its primary prohibition makes it unlawful to refuse to sell, rent to, or negotiate with any person because of that person's inclusion in a protected class. The legislation was the culmination of a civil rights campaign against housing discrimination in the United States and was approved, at the urging of President Lyndon B. Johnson, only one week after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. The Fair Housing Act introduced meaningful federal enforcement mechanisms. It outlawed: • Refusal to sell or rent a dwelling to any person because of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. • Discrimination based on race, color, religion or national origin in the terms, conditions or privilege of the sale or rental of a dwelling. • Advertising the sale or rental of a dwelling indicating preference of discrimination based on race, color, religion or national origin. • Coercing, threatening, intimidating, or interfering with a person's enjoyment or exercise of housing rights based on discriminatory reasons or retaliating against a person or organization that aids or encourages the exercise or enjoyment of fair housing rights. When the Fair Housing Act was first enacted, it prohibited discrimination only on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. In 1988, with the support of the National Association of REALTORS®, disability and familial status were added.

www.GTAR.org

Greater Tampa REALTOR® News

April 2016

CEO'S CORNER MEET DENNIS MACDONALD

$163,260

A Welcome Message from our new CEO

Current amount invested

$126,204

It is with great honor and humility that I take the helm as the new CEO of the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors. I would like to begin by expressing my most sincere gratitude not only to the Board of Directors, but also to the staff, affiliate business partners, volunteers, members and our partners in the community. Your welcome could not have been more warm and sincere. As a result, the transition has been effortless and I have been able to hit the ground sprinting. I could not have dreamed of a more ideal place to work and a city to live in. It feels like home and I thank you all. In my opinion, an association’s greatest asset is its members and for this reason one of my first priorities is working with the board and staff on membership engagement, retention, recruitment, and customer service. This is crucial to remain a healthy and vibrant organization. In order to achieve this initiative we will need our staff functioning more effectively and efficiently than ever before. One of my pet peeves is the saying, “if it isn't broken, don’t fix it.” While this may be tried and true in some areas of life, it does not apply in today’s climate of association management. If you are not constantly looking for ways to offer more for less, then you will fall behind. The association industry is changing, complacency is a malady. Innovation, collaboration, and economies of scale are the future and we must embrace it or run the risk of losing relevancy. Our association is very fortunate to have a dedicated and altruistic board that is wholly committed to making decisions that will guide this organization with a unified voice to the highest standards of greatness in the state and country. We will continue offering cutting edge training programs and educational materials that keep our members informed of the latest industry information and trends while exploring the newest and most innovative ways to conveniently deliver the content. With a strong engaged membership, a unified voice, excellent educational programs, informative publications, networking opportunities, and strengthened affiliate partnerships we can take our association to new heights. Together we will make a difference. Building strong partnerships with our key stakeholders will benefit our members and it is also critical for the future of this organization. GTAR's website has become an important means of direct communication and we will continue to build on that success. Our staff is fully committed to carrying out the strategic vision of our board of directors and I consider myself tremendously fortunate to be working for this organization.

To contribute to Florida REALTORS® PAC, please visit

www.gtar.org/FLPAC

Choose "Greater Tampa Assn" for the Contribution Board/Association field.

2016 RPAC MAJOR INVESTORS

Andy Joe Scaglione Platinum R

Connie Johnson Golden R President's Circle

I look forward to meeting and engaging with you and wish you all success for the future ahead. All the best,

Don Walden Jack Rodriguez Sterling R Continued Sterling R Continued

Dennis MacDonald MBA, RCE, GRI, e-PRO, CDPE Barbara Jordan Brad Monroe Sterling R Continued Sterling R Continued

April 2016

Greater Tampa REALTOR® News

Fair Housing From Page 1

enforce the law—continue. Nearly 10 percent of respondents to the survey said they had encountered discrimination in their markets, 18 percent of those saying it happened within the past month or “earlier this year.” Fair housing organizations receive about 25,000 to 30,000 complaints each year, according to the National Fair Housing Alliance, a coalition of privately run fair housing groups. Yet, testing suggests there are many more instances of discrimination—the NFHA estimates about 3.7 million annually. The U.S. Depart-

ment of Housing and Urban Development has conducted thousands of tests in recent years, employing housing organizations to send testers out to view forsale and rental properties as a means of determining whether landlords, lenders, agents, and others in the real estate community treat protected classes differently. Cliff Long, CEO of the Birmingham Association of REALTORS® in Alabama, says discrimination in the rental process is the biggest issue in his market. When he was relocating to Birmingham three

www.GTAR.org years ago, he experienced it firsthand. Long, who is African-American, says several landlords wanted him to produce financial records before they would show him rental units—a practice that fair housing groups say is often aimed at minorities only. Having just taken the top job at the association, Long decided not to file a complaint. Nearly all respondents said if they encountered potential discriminatory language or actions, they’d likely address it the way Butler did—by engaging in some straight talk about the law with their client. Less than 3 percent of respondents to the survey said they’d file a complaint,

Do you discuss fair housing with buyers & sellers?

64% do.

Do you or your client bring up fair housing?

71% me. 26% both. 3% client Do you discuss fair housing in your office meetings?

64% do.

Source: REALTOR® Magazine survey of 2,300 NAR members

and less than 1 percent it’s the law but as part of said they’ve ever filed a the REALTORS® Code of fair housing complaint. Ethics. NAR requires that members stay up to date on Putting Your the Code, completing trainTraining to Work As a member of the ing at least every four years. National Association of In addition, states and REALTORS®, you’ve made localities often have their a commitment to equal own fair housing laws, so treatment—not just because state and local associations administer specific fair housing training for their members. Typically, licensees are required to take a two- or three-hour course every two to four years. So there’s little doubt that when clients ask questions about quality of schools, local demographics, and neighborhood safety, you know to refer them to reliable information sources for answers rather than give your opinion. Resist the temptation to skirt the subject, says Mabel Guzman, CIPS, a sales associate at @properties in Chicago. You’re not teaching them anything by being coy. Be frank about why you can’t answer certain questions. Seize the opportunity to explain fair housing laws and why it would be illegal to offer your opinion. Curiously, more than 30 percent of respondents to REALTOR® Magazine’s This master-planned community survey said they don’t talk features a 5,000 sq ft community center with fitness facilities, outdoor about fair housing issues courts, greenspace and two pools. with buyers and sellers. FROM THE Whether that’s because they don’t encounter discrimi4513 POINTE O’WOODS DR natory behavior or because Waterset has brought a whole they’re too uncomfortable new vibrancy to Apollo Beach. to challenge that behavior is LARGE 80' LOTS NOW AVAILABLE. not clear. It can be tempting FROM to overlook questions or THE statements from clients in 7205 MEETING HOUSE LANE order to avoid an awkward exchange that could affect incentives! your business relationship. Addressing such issues in a nonconfrontational way, with fair housing law as the framework, can help.

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www.GTAR.org From Page 4

The Challenges Ahead When you’re working with first-time buyers, particularly from new immigrant populations, you may need to actively educate your clients about fair housing law. Immigrants are an increasing target for discrimination in real estate, contends Lisa Rice, NFHA executive vice president, and many are unfamiliar with their rights under the law. “If no one is mean or disrespectful,” she says, “it’s not the first thing on your mind that maybe that house wasn’t made available to you because you were being discriminated against. Trained real estate practitioners can recognize discrimination and be part of how we bring awareness to the public.” The Alliance expects to see a rise in national origin–related cases in the coming years, Rice says. As a Muslim woman living in the south, Firdaus Rahman, CRS, GRI, a sales associate at RE/ MAX Partners in Mobile,

Also, because some cultures don’t participate in banking and savings in ways that are customary in the U.S., landlords, lenders, and real estate practitioners may have to educate their clients about U.S. customs or even adjust their expectations. “When immigration reform begins, we’re going to need a lot of education,” Long says. “You can bet fair housing is going to be front and center, and we’re going to be in a bad position if we’re not ready to tackle this issue. I’d like to play a proactive role rather than a reactive role.” Brokers can take the lead on that front and establish relationships with local fair housing organizations to get a better look at the issues facing local markets. After the NFHA filed discrimination lawsuits against several brokerages nationwide in 2007, including one in the Detroit area, Michigan REALTORS® partnered with fair housing groups around the state to bring regulators and practitioners together. The association developed a

Has a transaction of yours failed to close because of a fair housing issue?

11% say yes.

Respondents who answered yes often cited their refusal to work with someone they perceived to be discriminatory. Source: REALTOR® Magazine survey of 2,300 NAR members

Ala., admits she’s worried that Islamophobia—a hot-button issue in the 2016 presidential race—is becoming more acceptable and leads to unfair treatment. Rahman has been teaching fair housing and diversity courses through the Alabama Real Estate Commission since 2002, but the curriculum doesn’t go deeply into religion. She says the training needs an overhaul to reflect new issues surfacing in the field. “You have to understand where people from different cultures are coming from,” Rahman says, adding that sensitivity to certain holidays and holy days is an important part of working with clients.

program to allow brokers to be voluntarily tested by fair housing groups for informational purposes, hoping it would foster more collaboration on training in the industry. “Part of the testing was about demystifying our relationship with fair housing centers,” says Brian Westrin, the association’s director of legal affairs. “There was a lot of unknown there about whether brokers could reach out and bring fair housing centers into their office for education.” Addressing the Affordability Barrier One of the underlying goals of fair housing law has been ending segregated housing patterns in the

United States, but census data show the law has fallen short. So last year, President Barack Obama announced a new rule requiring local governments that receive federal housing funds to report how they use those funds to foster more integrated communities. Lack of affordable housing can perpetuate segregation when it prevents protected classes from moving up the housing ladder. It’s a problem facing cities across the country, but none more acutely than San Francisco, where the median price was $940,000 in the fourth quarter of 2015. That’s why REALTORS® there have banded together to come up with solutions to the growing affordability crisis. The real estate industry in San Francisco relies heavily on all-cash buyers—many from Asia—which pushes up prices and leaves other groups at a disadvantage, says Eugene Pak, president of the San Francisco Association of REALTORS® and sales manager at Climb Real Estate. One of SFAR’s primary goals this year is to work with local officials on a program to fast-track the permitting process for residential developments that will deliver a certain percentage of affordable units. It currently takes eight to 15 years to build a large development because of the intense permitting process, Pak says. “We don’t only care about the needs of our millionaire clients,” he adds. “We believe in housing for all.” The country has come a long way over the past half-century when racial steering and disparate lending practices were common. And REALTORS® are on the forefront. But in an increasingly diverse country—where taking the first step toward buying or even renting can be a daunting task—you have an opportunity to do more: Teach your neighbors about what fairness in the real estate transaction looks like and empower those who’ve faced prejudice to challenge unequal treatment. Are you making the most of your platform?

Greater Tampa REALTOR® News

April 2016

Fair Housing Violations to Avoid

Understanding practical applications of the Fair Housing Act will help ensure you do not inadvertently violate the law. 1. R efusing to sell or rent a property or discouraging a potential buyer or tenant because of a person's protected class status. DON'T SAY: “This two-bedroom condominium is just too small for you and your three children. Plus, there’s no playground nearby.”

2. U sing different provisions in leases or sale

contracts, such as those relating to rental charges, security deposits, lease terms, downpayment, and closing requirements, because of a person's protected class status. DON'T SAY: “Because you only moved to this country from Japan a little while ago, the sellers may be uneasy about your ability to secure a mortgage. I suggest you make a larger earnest money deposit to help convince them of your interest and ability to close.”

3. U rging residents to sell or rent their properties,

often at bargain prices, by suggesting that members of a protected class are likely to move into the area and have a negative impact on property values. This violation is called blockbusting. DON'T SAY: “You know, the people who live in this neighborhood aren’t the same Polish immigrants who lived here when you bought this house 30 years ago. It’s just not safe for you to walk around alone any more. Maybe you should consider selling now while you can still get a good price for your house.”

4. R estricting a person's choices to perpetuate

segregated housing patterns based on membership in a protected class—for example, taking AfricanAmerican families only to predominantly AfricanAmerican neighborhoods. DON'T SAY: “I know how important it is for you to find a church congregation you can belong to. Let me show you two houses near the African-American Baptist Church on Second. I think that church would suit you.”

5. P roviding false information on the availability of

a property for sale or rental based on a person's protected class status—even if that information is based on the owner’s desires. DON'T SAY: “There’s no point in your showing the Smith’s house to that Hispanic couple; the Smiths will never sell to them.”

6. R efusing to provide information on the availability

of loans or other financial assistance or providing information that is inaccurate or different because of a person's membership in a protected class. DON'T SAY: “Mr. Hernandez, I think your best bet is to look into lenders that offer subprime mortgages. It’ll be more expensive, but they’re more likely to accept your application.”

7. U sing an appraisal that improperly takes into

consideration the protected classes in estimating property value. DON'T SAY: “See if you can get the value of the property as high as you can. She’s an old lady, and this house is her only asset, so I want to get her a really good price.”

8. R elying on illegal covenants or provisions that

preclude the sale or rental of a dwelling to a person because of membership in a protected class. DON'T SAY: “I’d love to show you the house in this development, but the restrictive covenants wouldn’t allow you to build the entry ramp you need for your wheelchair.”

April 2016

Greater Tampa REALTOR® News

www.GTAR.org

CODE OF ETHICS

ARTICLE 10

The Code of Ethics is a detailed document that spells out the professional responsibilities that every REALTOR® has voluntarily agreed to abide by. REALTORS® shall not deny equal professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. REALTORS® shall not be parties to any plan or agreement to discriminate against a person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. (Amended 1/14)

STANDARD OF PRACTICE #10-1

A minority couple called on REALTOR® A and expressed interest in purchasing a home in the $130,000 to $145,000 price range with at least three bedrooms, a large lot, and located in the Cedar Ridge area of town. Being familiar with Cedar Ridge through handling of numerous listings in that area, REALTOR® A explained that houses in Cedar Ridge generally sold in the price range from $180,000 to $220,000. The couple thereafter indicated that they would then like to see “what was available” within their economic means. After further discussion with the couple concerning their financial circumstances and the maximum price range they could afford, REALTOR® A concluded that the couple could not afford more than $137,500 as an absolute

maximum. The couple was then shown homes which met the criteria they had described to REALTOR® A. However, although REALTOR® A discussed with the couple the amenities and assets of each of the properties shown to them, they expressed no interest in any of the properties shown. A few days later, the minority couple filed charges with the Secretary of the Board, charging REALTOR® A with a violation of Article 10 of the Code Ethics, alleging that REALTOR® A had violated the Article by an alleged act of racial steering in his service to the minority couple. The Secretary promptly referred the complaint to the Grievance Committee, which conducted a preliminary review and referred the complaint back to the Secretary, instructing that a hearing be arranged before a Hearing Panel of the Professional Standards Committee. REALTOR® A was duly noticed and provided with an opportunity to make his response to the complaint. At the hearing, the minority couple elaborated upon their charge of the alleged racial steering by REALTOR® A, telling the Hearing Panel that they had specifically expressed an interest in purchasing a home in the Cedar Ridge area, but were not shown any homes in Cedar Ridge. REALTOR® A responded by producing written records

REALTORS® , in their real estate employment practices, shall not discriminate against any person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

documenting the housing preference of the couple as they had described it to him, including price range and demonstrating that he had shown them a number of listings that met the requirements as expressed by them, although admittedly none of the properties shown were located in Cedar Ridge. However, REALTOR® A explained that he had advised the minority couple that there were no listings available in Cedar Ridge falling within the price range expressed by them. Further, REALTOR® A produced listing and sales information

concerning numerous homes in Cedar Ridge which confirmed an average sales price of $180,000 to $220,000. REALTOR® A told the Hearing Panel that he had, in fact, offered equal professional service to the minority couple by showing them properties which met the criteria they had presented to him. He pointed out to the Hearing Panel that the couple was charging him with “racial steering” which presumably they were relating to the denial of equal professional service. REALTOR® A stated, “If there were listings in Cedar Ridge in the

$130,000 to $145,000 price range with at least three bedrooms and a large lot, and I had refused to show them such listings, then they might have a point in their charge. But there are no such listings available now, nor have there been at any time since the original development of the Cedar Ridge area five years ago. I could not show them what did not and does not exist.” The Hearing Panel concluded that REALTOR® A had properly met his obligation to offer equal professional service and was not in violation of Article 10. CODE, Page 13

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Greater Tampa REALTOR® News

April 2016

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April 2016

Greater Tampa REALTOR® News

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Don’t Give Up. Don’t Ever Give Up.

Always use previous "failures" as learning experiences for future opportunities. We have all failed at some point in our real estate careers. We didn’t get that listing, we lost a client, or one of our clients didn’t get the house they wanted because of failed negotiations. But people are not failures; we are not failures. Failure is simply an event that adds to our learning experiences. Failure is just the first step on the road to long term success. Let me give you an example to show you what I mean. In my free time I play on a slow-pitch, co-ed softball team with my friends. We play in a recreational

league, and we mostly play for fun. That being said, I am competitive – super competitive – and I always want to win. Which makes what happened in my last game even more miserable. I struck out swinging. I struck out badly. The pitches I swung at weren’t even strikes. The last pitch was a good foot above my head and outside the plate by a country mile. Plus, we had the bases loaded with two outs, and we were down by three runs about mid way through the game. I was mad. I was upset. I felt defeated, even

embarrassed. How could I strike out swinging in slow-pitch softball? Once I had time to stew over my personal defeat (I still had to go play in the field in the next inning after all) I realized why I did what I did. I also knew exactly how to fix it. I lost sight of my goal. I lost sight of what I needed to do in that situation. My job was to get a hit and bring the runners home to score. Instead, I tried to be a hero and swing for the fences. The next time I was up to bat, I was the first one up in the inning. There was

less pressure since my team was leading by a few runs at that point. I took a deep breath, dug my foot into the batter’s box, and then, PING! My hit sailed over the fence for a home run. Before that second time up to bat, I remembered my fundamentals. I remembered my training, and realized that just because I struck out in an important part of the game, it didn’t mean I was a failure. It didn’t even mean that the game was over and we were hopeless to win. The strike out was just an event. It was the first step on the

BY NICO HOHMAN Young Professional's Network Vice Chair path to long term success. In real estate, we should all refocus our mindset to realize that while losing out on a listing presentation or potential transaction is not a big deal. It does not mean we are failures. It is simply a learning experience. We take a deep breath and examine what we did right and what we did wrong. Then, we take these learning experiences and apply them to the next time we step up to the plate. We don’t give up. We don’t ever give up.

Hispanic home ownership rate up for first time in 6 years According to a report released by the Hispanic Wealth Project and the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP), the Hispanic homeownership rate rose in 2015 for the first time since 2009. According to the State of Hispanic Homeownership Report, the Hispanic homeownership rate averaged 45.6 percent last year, up 0.2 percent from 2014. However, a comparison of year-to-year December numbers found that the rate surged from 44.5 percent in 2014 to 46.7 percent in 2015 – the biggest oneyear gain in over a decade. "Policymakers and the housing industry need to recognize that the face of

homeownership in America has changed, and it is in everyone's interest to ensure that these new consumers have access to relevant lending products, affordable housing stock, and culturally competent service providers in the coming years," says NAHREP President Joseph Nery. Meanwhile, "The Latino community is massive, it's ready to own, and it's now," says Mortgage Bankers Association President and CEO David Stevens notes. "The significance of Hispanics to housing and the economy will only grow, creating opportunity for all who focus on this vibrant, dynamic and impactful part of the U.S. economy.

SOURCE: REALTORMAG (03/16/2016)

Women’s Council of REALTORS®

District XIII & VI Conference "Come One, Come All! Dream Big—Make It Happen!” Wednesday, April 6, 2016 Program: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Fete Ballroom, Polo Grill & Bar

10670 Boardwalk Loop • Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

Cost: $35. Register online at www.WCRTampa.com

www.GTAR.org

Q&A Do college students count as a protected class under the Fair Housing Act? QUESTION: I’m a landlord, and I don’t want to rent to college students. May a landlord refuse to rent to single college students without violating the Fair Housing Act? ANSWER: Yes. College students don’t constitute a protected class under the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, handicap, familial status or national origin. Familial status has been defined as a person with one or more children under the age of 18, a woman who is pregnant or a person who has custody or is gaining custody of a child under the age of 18. The information and materials in this column are provided by Florida REALTORS® for general informational purposes only and are not intended to be legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed. Nothing in this column is intended to substitute for the advice of an attorney, especially an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

Greater Tampa REALTOR® News

April 2016

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Rania Abdel Malek Coldwell Banker Residential

Tanya Friedman Solaris Realty of Tampa Bay

Edward Jutt New Tampa Realty, Inc.

Christina Oni Lion’s Group Realty, LLC

Elizabeth Acevedo Homexpress Realty, Inc.

Diana Fyfe Yellowfin Commercial Relty LLC

Alena Kaptsevich Coldwell Banker Residential

Angel Osuna Dominguez Fernandez R.E. & Associates

Danays Acosta Benitez JPT Realty LLC

Gary Gaetano Keller Williams Tampa Prop.

Stacey Kast Kings Realty & Property Mgmt.

Shanmugam Parthiban A & M Realty

Christopher Allen Real Living Casa Fina Realty

Thomas Gaines Progress Residential Prop

Summerna Khan McBride Kelly & Associates

Derrye Randall Keller Williams Realty

Lorena Arias People’s Choice Realty Svc LLC

Harvey Galbreath Kiehn Realty Company

Joshua Reid Keller Williams Tampa Central

Irvin Beacham Quicksilver Real Estate Group

Melanie Gardiner-Gies Keller Williams Tampa Prop.

Sandra Kirby West Coast Management & Rlty

Debra Beard Century 21 Beggins Enterprises

Marie Genard Keller Williams Realty

Robin Bennett Century 21 Beggins Enterprises

Michelle Goff Keller Williams - New Tampa

Nancy Best Keller Williams Tampa Prop.

Jessica Golden Westbay Real Estate

Anne Bloomquist Coldwell Banker Residential

Chelsea Gomez Keller Williams Realty

Sonia Bond BHHS Florida Properties Group

Maria Gonzalez WEICHERT REALTORS Yates&Assoc

Angela Boyer Keller Williams South Tampa Brooke Brenner Keller Williams Tampa Prop. Kandice Brenner Schleicher Select Properties Wayne Brown Laura Ferguson Realty Lizvette Cardentey Keller Williams Realty S.Shore Carline Cazilus BHHS Florida Properties Group Neal Chambers Keller Williams - New Tampa Amber Clark Progress Residential Prop Ian Corral Re/Max Bay to Bay Yolanda Cortes Keller Williams - New Tampa Melinda Cutler Keller Williams Realty S.Shore Kevin Dattola NextHome Prime Alexis Del Sol Coldwell Banker Residential John Fornero Keller Williams Tampa Prop. Eric Forte Keller Williams Tampa Central Brian Frey Vintage Homes Realty Rafael Frias Keller Williams South Tampa Rupa Friedhoff University Realty of Tampa

Tibor Kormanyos Van Wert Real Estate Svcs.,LLC Cherice Krohn Keller Williams Realty Marlo Laney Future Home Realty, Inc. Amanda Layton Keller Williams South Tampa Arthur Lester Valencia Realty,LLC Jason Lombardi Ferrin Realty Inc.

Mary Grantham Keller Williams Realty

Omayra Lopez Soto Topaz Realty LLC

Nicholas Grassi Keller Williams - New Tampa

Juan Lopez Century 21 Shaw Realty Group

December New Members Tamara Lunt

Silviya Gregory Future Home Realty, Inc.

Securevest Realty LLC

Sylvia Haddad RedFin Corporation

Talor McGraw Vogel Realty Services, Inc.

Hartley Harper BHHS Florida Properties Group

Hayden Medero Exit Elite Realty

Correy Hartzog Keller Williams - New Tampa

Kathy Meece Real Property Marketing, Inc.

John Heffner The Real Estate Shop

Ricky Mellum EZ Choice Associates, INC

Anastasia Hepler Keller Williams South Tampa

Lauren Melnick Century 21 Shaw Realty Group

Christopher Holko Keller Williams Realty S.Shore

Monica Mercer People’s Choice Realty Svc LLC

Bryttany Hutchinson Progress Residential Prop

Nese Metin TampaBay4U.com

Debbie Hutchinson Coolidge Realty, Inc.

John Miles By Owner.com

Samieka Jackson Homexpress Realty, Inc.

Marcus Moffatt Selling Tampa Bay, LLC

Xiomara Jimenez Century 21 List With Beggins

Mohammad Nazari Keller Williams Realty S.Shore

Edward Johnson Keller Williams Tampa Prop.

Sharil Nenarella Keller Williams Realty S.Shore

Kimberly Johnson Florida Realty

Jennie Novitske Florida Realty

Ann Johnston Eaton Realty,LLC

Magally Odria Century 21 List With Beggins

Danielle Jones Keller Williams-Plant City

Greta Olivera Gonzalez JPT Realty LLC

Sheila Sanchez People’s Choice Realty Svc LLC Mark Saunderson Coldwell Banker Residential Zoltan Serfozo Bay Vista Realty & Investments David Shaw Securevest Realty LLC Jekaterina Sljusar Century 21 Shaw Realty Group Daniel Smith BHHS Florida Properties Group Todd Smith Century 21 List With Beggins Don Southers Keller Williams Realty S.Shore Tyler Stopowenko Keller Williams Realty S.Shore Cynthia Taylor Century 21 Elite Locations, In Bonnie Topalis Century 21 Beggins Enterprises Matthew Topp Keller Williams Tampa Central Nathan Trotter Keller Williams South Tampa Taimarys Velazquez Rosa Leon Realty LLC Kristen Wimer Palm Island Realty Susan Witzigman Century 21 List With Beggins JiQiang Yao Bright Realty Group LLC Kevin Young Tampa4U.com Realty,LLC Bridget Zickefoose Bulls Realty LLC

NEW BROKERS Carol Alvarez Alvarez Appraisals Erin Linsky Erin Linsky Kevin Wagner Metro Appraisal Group

Special thanks to our March 11, 2016 Orientation Sponsors

April 2016

Greater Tampa REALTOR® News

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CALENDAR

G TAR Board/Committee Meetings E ducational Opportunities M LS Computer Classes

Orientation Licensing/Renewal Class Special Events

APRIL 2016 FRIDAY, APRIL 1

MONDAY, APRIL 11

THURSDAY, APRIL 14

overnmental Affairs Committee G 9:30AM - 11:30AM

echnology Committee T 10:00AM - 12:00PM

REALTOR®/Attorney Committee 1:00PM - 2:30PM

roperty Managers Task Force P 10:00AM - 11:00AM

I nternational Council 3:00PM - 4:30PM

th Annual RPAC Extravaganza 4 4:00PM - 8:00PM

TUESDAY, APRIL 5 ode of Ethics C 1:00PM - 4:00PM

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6 EALTORS® Commercial Alliance Committee R 10:30AM - 12:00PM he Deal Room/Commercial Pitch T 1:00PM - 2:30PM

THURSDAY, APRIL 7 REALTOR®/Attorney Committee 9:30AM - 11:30AM atabase Marketing D 10:00AM - 12:00PM

TUESDAY, APRIL 12 RI 101: Professionalism & the Law G 8:30AM - 5:00PM

egional Coalition Meeting R 9:00AM - 10:30AM

oung Professionals Network Committee Y 10:00AM - 11:00AM

rofessional Development Committee (PDC) P 10:00AM - 11:30AM

echnology User Group T 5:30PM - 7:30PM

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13 ffordable Housing Committee (AHC) A 9:30AM - 11:00AM ffiliates/Business Partner Meeting A 10:00AM - 11:30AM air Housing Committee F 11:00AM - 12:30PM inance Committee F 1:30PM - 3:00PM

FRIDAY, APRIL 8 ew Member Orientation N 8:00AM - 1:00PM

MONDAY, APRIL 11 ppraisal Task Force A 10:00AM - 11:30AM

FRIDAY, APRIL 15

THURSDAY, APRIL 14 RI 102: Starting Your Business G 8:30AM - 5:00PM ommunications Committee C 9:30AM - 11:00AM roperty Managers Task Force P 10:00AM - 11:00AM

MONDAY, APRIL 18 oard of Directors Meeting B 9:30AM - 1:00PM

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20 RI 103: Maximize Your Profitability G 8:30AM - 5:00PM egal Lounge L 9:30AM - 11:00AM ommunications Plan for REALTORS® C 10:00AM - 12:00PM

THURSDAY, APRIL 21 rievance Committee G 9:30AM - 1:00PM

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27 EALTOR® Commercial Alliance Training R ALL DAY

Join us as we expel misconceptions concerning the Assisted Housing Program and learn about the process which will create less confusion and better efficiency.

THE DO'S AND DON'TS OF MANAGING MAY 12, 2016 • 10:00AM - 2:00PM Featuring Guest Speaker Kenneth Gray, Landlord Liaison with the Tampa Housing SECTION 8 RENTALS Authority. Continental Breakfast and Lunch will be provided.

MAY 2016 MONDAY, MAY 2 I nternational Council Spring Meet n' Greet 4:30PM - 6:30PM

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4 CRS: Generate More Leads 9:00AM - 4:00PM EALTORS® Commercial Alliance Committee R 10:30AM - 12:00PM he Deal Room/Commercial Pitch T 1:00PM - 2:30PM

THURSDAY, MAY 5 VA Seminar 9:00AM - 1:00PM ffer Accepted O 10:00AM - 12:00PM roperty Managers Task Force P 10:00AM - 11:00AM

FRIDAY, MAY 6 overnmental Affairs Committee G 9:30AM - 11:30AM EALTORS® Political Actions Committee (RPAC) R 10:45AM - 12:15PM

MONDAY, MAY 9 ppraisal Task Force A 10:00AM - 11:30AM echnology Committee T 10:00AM - 12:00PM I nternational Council 3:00PM - 4:30PM

TUESDAY, MAY 10

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18

oung Professionals Network Committee Y 10:00AM - 11:00AM

LS Basic M 9:00AM - 12:00PM

ode of Ethics C 1:00PM - 4:00PM

egal Lounge L 9:30AM - 11:00AM

echnology User Group T 5:30PM - 7:30PM

ompliance 101 C 1:00PM - 2:30PM

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11 ffordable Housing Committee (AHC) A 9:30AM - 11:00AM

LEARN MORE

dding/Editing Listings A 3:00PM - 4:30PM

THURSDAY, MAY 19

ffiliates/Business Partner Meeting A 10:00AM - 11:30AM

earching, Reports & Contact Management S 9:00AM - 12:00PM

air Housing Committee F 11:00AM - 12:30PM

he Mobile Agent T 1:00PM - 3:00PM

inance Committee F 1:30PM - 3:00PM

Contract Class 9:30AM - 12:00PM

THURSDAY, MAY 12 ommunications Committee C 9:30AM - 11:00AM

rievance Committee G 9:30AM - 1:00PM

FRIDAY, MAY 20

The Do's and Don'ts of Managing Section 8 Rentals 10:00AM - 2:00PM

egional Coalition Meeting R 9:00AM - 10:30AM

roperty Managers Task Force P 10:00AM - 11:00AM

rofessional Development Committee (PDC) P 10:00AM - 11:30AM

REALTOR®/Attorney Committee 1:00PM - 2:30PM

FRIDAY, MAY 13 ew Member Orientation N 8:00AM - 1:00PM

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18 Lunch & Learn: Affordable Housing 9:00AM - 3:00PM

MONDAY, MAY 23 oard of Directors Meeting B 9:30AM - 1:00PM

WEDNESDAY, MAY 25 EALTOR® Commercial Alliance Training R ALL DAY

www.GTAR.org

Greater Tampa REALTOR® News

April 2016

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES GTRN DISPLAY

G R A DUAT E , R E A LT O R ® I N S T I T U T E ( G R I ) D E S I G NAT I O N

LEGAL LOUNGE

Get your GRI Designation at GTAR (Series 100)

The Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) symbol is the mark of a real estate professional who has made the commitment to provide a high level of professional services by securing a strong educational foundation. Buying property is a complex and stressful task. In fact, it's often the biggest single investment you will make in your lifetime. GRI 101: REALTORS®: Professionalism and the Law Tuesday, April 12 & Wednesday, April 13 • 8:30AM - 5:30PM Instructed by Chuck Bonamer GRI 102: Starting Your Business Thursday, April 14 & Tuesday, April 19 • 8:30AM - 5:30PM Instructed by Deb Diesing GRI 103: Maximize Your Profitability Wednesday, April 20 & Thursday, April 21 • 8:30AM - 5:30PM Instructed by Duke Tieman

FREE BENEFIT FOR MEMBERS

Increase your awareness about pending litigation and recent case law in which brokerages and property managers were involved, as well as obtain information on escrow disputes, procuring cause claims and short sales and foreclosures. Attorney Mercedes Gonzalez-Hale, P.A. will facilitate this question and answer session and provide various legal updates.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

COST: Per Module - $129 for GTAR and District 6 Members, $149 for non-members (Door Price: add $20) Bundle (all 3 modules) - $345 for GTAR and District 6 Members, $375 for non-members

GTAR CONFERENCE ROOM 203 GTRN DISPLAY

INTEGRITY. PROFESSIONALISM. SHAPING OUR FUTURE PRESENTED BY: Florida CRS Chapter and the Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS®

CODE OF

ETHICS If you became a REALTOR® before January 1, 2013, you are required to complete the NAR Code of Ethics course before December 31, 2016

INSTRUCTED BY GEE DUNSTEN

Gee Dunsten has been a CRS senior instructor for over 25 years and served as 2001 national president. Gee has been in the trenches of the real estate business for three decades, having helped more than 3000 families achieve the American Dream of homeownership. Gee is currently an associate broker with Long and Foster in Ocean City, MD. In addition to teaching CRS courses, Gee is president of Gee Dunsten Seminars, Inc. Gee was inducted into the Real Estate Experts Hall of Fame in 2012.

Whether you are a new agent building your business or an established agent keeping your database fresh, maintaining a flow of potential customers is crucial to your success. Attracting leads is key, but if you don’t have effective systems for converting them into closings, you’re leaving money on the table. This new CRS One-Day Course highlights traditional and digital approaches to identifying and closing more customers. Instruction and activities cover all aspects of a successful customer interaction experience--attraction, first contact, needs analysis, incubation, conversion, closing, and beyond.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

GTAR AUDITORIUM

3 WAYS to Complete the Code of Ethics Training • ONLINE: Visit www.realtor.org/code-of-ethics/training. Send completion certificate to COE@GTAR.net • DVD: For 25 or more members, GTAR will provide the training videos for your office. • IN-PERSON: Attend an in-person training at GTAR. Register online at www.GTAR.org.

REGISTRATION FEE: $79

Next in-person training:

9:30AM - 12:30PM

$89 AT THE DOOR

MAY 10, 2016

April 2016

Greater Tampa REALTOR® News

www.GTAR.org

AFFILIATES

Dust of your clubs and join us for a healthy dose of competition!

It’s that time again and you don’t want to miss our 14th Annual Affiliate’s Golf Tournament. The fun will be May 5th 2016 at Buckhorn Springs Golf Club, 2721 S. Miller Rd. Valrico, Fl. 33596. The fun starts with Check-in at 7:30am and Shotgun at

Getting to Know your Affiliate Business Partner Our April Affiliate Business Partner spotlight is Alex Conguta with AB Financial Services and AB Capital Group Insurance & Risk Management. We are growing into a thriving, full service agency with 7 offices and headquartered in Tampa Florida. AB Insurance meets the needs of thousands of families, individuals, and businesses throughout Florida. AB Insurance boasts a staff of over 200 insurance professionals. Our AB team is dedicated to providing the individual attention that every client deserves. Our Commercial & Personal Lines departments has markets and products that will enable a consumer to have all the coverage and protection that they may require. At AB Insurance we have one of the largest and most sophisticated Life and Health product portfolios that afford the proper coverage at the proper price for our valued clients. Our goal at AB Insurance would be to build a lasting relationship with all GTAR members. We want to provide insurance services that protect GTAR Members and customers. AB Insurance also understands in order to help finalize your business services it is extremely important that we offer multiple products and work efficiently to help all Realtors and Mortgage Brokers. We represent over 100 insurance companies for Personal and Commercial lines, we can meet all your client’s needs. We only ask for the opportunity to earn your trust.

8:30am. Please see flyer on the bottom right corner of page 18 for all the details. We also welcome all of our wonderful Affiliates Business Partners who are looking to get involved in this fun day and be a Sponsor. Please reach out to Morag Rosa at GTAR (813) 879-7010, Ext. 107 to find the right sponsorship for you and your business! Keep an eye on the eConnections emails for upcoming networking events our

Party with a Purpose is bringing new locations and new give-aways this year! We Affiliate Business Partners work hard at GTAR

to support the Realtor Care Foundation who is working hard to help first time homebuyers, what a great TEAM!

BY FRANCINE VILLA Affiliates Business Partners Chair

Welcome to our Newest Affiliate Business Partners

Gayle A. Yames Farm Credit of Central Florida

Jesse Bellenger Tidewater Mortgage

Cody Szaro Cachette Creative Solutions

Steve Kriegbaum Angel Oak Home Loans

Gary W. Brend Indoor Air Quality Services

Resort Style Living

At Grand Hampton

Where the casual atmosphere of Old Florida meets with the best that life has to offer in private, club living. Have peace-of-mind knowing that your community has a 24-hour private and gated entry. Enjoy resort style living with a beautiful community pool & tennis courts exclusively for residents to enjoy.

Visit our Model Home 8364 Dunham Station Drive, Tampa, FL 33647

ALSO AVAILABLE TO BUILD ON YOUR LOT LOT!

813.252.1261 l ICIHomes.com See a Sales Associate for details. Intervest Construction of Tampa, LLC 2660 Cypress Ridge Blvd, Suite 104, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 / CRC #057475

www.GTAR.org

GTAR Staff honored with the RCE Designation Brenda Rabbitt, our Chief Operating Officer, and Rebecca Lopez, our Director of Professional Development, have been BRENDA recently honored by the National Associ- RABBITT ation of REALTORS® with the REALTOR® association Certified Executive (RCE) designation, which recognizes exceptional efforts made by the REALTOR® association executives. Brenda and Rebecca are now one of the over 450 REALTOR® association executives REBECCA who have achieved this mark of excellence. LOPEZ Local and state association executives who hold the RCE designation represent REALTORS® in 50 states/territories. Our CEO, Dennis MacDonald, and Dwayne Carte, our Director of Membership & Member Outreach, also hold the RCE Designation. We are very proud of the recent accomplishments and hard work of our staff.

MY FLORIDA REGIONAL MLS CALENDAR MLS BASIC (3 HOURS) April 27 • 9AM-12PM This class will teach both new and returning agents the basic functionality in Fusion including search, printing and emailing. You will also learn about additional resources and member benefits provided by My Florida Regional MLS, and more. This is a mandatory class for all new members to be completed within 60 days of joining. COMPLIANCE 101 (1.5 HOURS) April 27• 1PM-2:30PM A mandatory class for all new members to be completed within 60 days of joining. Learn about the My Florida Regional MLS Rules and Regulations and the compliance procedure for accuracy of Listing Data, along with additional educational materials available on MFRMLSUniversity.com ADDING & EDITING LISTINGS (1.5 HOURS) April 27 • 3PM-4:30PM This class is mandatory if you will be adding and modifying listings in the MLS. Learn how to input and modify listings, enter photos, and add attachments along with valuable tips and techniques. Class is available through live webinars at MFRMLSUniversity.com or at any Association. CMA TOOLS (3 HOURS) April 28 • 9AM-12PM This class reviews all of the MFR products and services that can be useful to agents when searching for comparable properties or compiling CMAs. Topics include CMA options in Matrix, Cloud CMA, Realist, IMapp, and Data Coop, along with the Market Conditions Report. This class focuses on CMA products, not CMA techniques. REALIST (2 HOURS) April 28 • 1PM-3PM Realist is a public-records database that provides in-depth property and ownership data, market information, street and aerial maps (including interactive, advanced mapping features), as well as market trends

Greater Tampa REALTOR® News

Code From Page 6

STANDARD OF PRACTICE #10-2

When not involved in the sale or lease of a residence, REALTORS® may provide demographic information related to a property, transaction or professional assignment to a party if such demographic information is (a) deemed by the REALTOR® to be needed to assist with or complete, in a manner consistent with Article 10, a real estate transaction or professional assignment and (b) is obtained or derived from a recognized, reliable, independent, and impartial source. The source of such information and any additions, deletions, modifications, interpretations, or other changes shall be disclosed in reasonable detail. (Adopted 1/05, Renumbered 1/06)) Case Interpretation #10-2: Denial of Equal Professional Service

(Revised May, 1988. Revised November, 2001.)

On a Saturday morning, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® B, a salesperson affiliated with REALTOR® A, answered a call from Prospect C, a recent college graduate who was moving into the city to take his first teaching job at Northwest High School. Prospect C was married, had two young children, and was a veteran. After qualifying Prospect C for a three-bedroom home in the $80,000 range, REALTORASSOCIATE® B described available properties near Northwest High School and set up

appointments to show houses to Prospect C. That afternoon, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® B showed Prospect C and his wife three houses in neighborhoods near the high school. On Monday, at a faculty meeting, Prospect C met Prospect D, who was also moving into the city to take a teaching position at the same high school and who was also in the market for a home. Prospect D was married with two young children and was also a veteran. Prospect C told Prospect D of REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® B’s knowledge of the market and VA financing and how helpful he had been. Prospect D called REALTOR® A’s office that afternoon and asked for REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® B. REALTOR-ASSOCIATE ® B met Prospect D and determined Prospect D was also qualified for the $80,000 range. Prospect D told REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® B that he was also a new teacher at Northwest High School and had been referred by Prospect C. Prospect D was black. REALTOR-ASSOCIATE

April 2016

® B showed Prospect D houses in several neighborhoods undergoing racial transition but did not show Prospect D homes in neighborhoods near the high school. Prospect D asked about houses closer to Northwest High School. REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® B replied that he had no knowledge of any homes in that area for which Prospect D could qualify. The next day, Prospect D, while visiting Prospect C, related his problems in finding a home near the high school and learned that REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® B had shown Prospect C several homes near the high school. Prospect D filed a complaint with the Board of REALTORS® claiming that R E A LT O R- A S S O C I ATE® B had discriminated against him and his family by not offering equal professional services. The complaint was reviewed by the Grievance Committee. REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® B was charged with an alleged violation of Article 10, and the complaint was referred to a Hearing Panel of the Board’s Professional Standards Committee for hearing. At the hearing, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® B admitted that he did not use the same efforts to show Prospect D properties in neighborhoods near the high school as he did with Prospect C because he felt Prospect D and his family would feel more comfortable living in a racially integrated neighborhood. The Hearing Panel found REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® B in violation of Article 10 of the Code of Ethics.

April 2016

Greater Tampa REALTOR® News

www.GTAR.org

MLS STATISTICS

FEBRUARY 2016

Monthly Market Detail - February 2016 Single Family Homes Hillsborough County

437

-20.4% 13.0%

Average Sale Price

$241,712

$216,097

11.9%

$313.3 Million

$266.0 Million

17.8%

96.4%

95.0%

1.5%

Median Time to Contract

55 Days

61 Days

-9.8%

Median Time to Sale

98 Days

102 Days

-3.9%

New Pending Sales

1,476

1,428

3.4%

New Listings

1,980

1,817

9.0%

Pending Inventory

2,286

2,508

-8.9%

Inventory (Active Listings)

4,916

5,444

-9.7%

Months Supply of Inventory

3.2

4.0

-20.0%

Monthly Market Detail - February 2016 The number of sales transactions which closed during Single Family Homes the month Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater MSA

Economists' note : Closed Sales are one of the simplest—yet most important—indicators for the residential real estate market. When comparing Closed Sales across markets of differentSummary sizes,Statistics we recommend comparing the percent changes in sales rather than the Salesare number of sales. Closed Sales (and many other market Closed metrics) affected by seasonal cycles, so actual trends are more Paid accurately in Cash represented by year-over-year changes (i.e. comparing a month's sales Medianrather Sale Price to the amount of sales in the same month in the previous year), than changes from one month to the next.

1,296 1,015 1,522 1,214 1,516 1,499 February 1,6462015

July 2015 3,287 June 2015 May 2015 1,196 April 2015 March 2015 $180,000 February 2015 $222,168

1,783 3,133 1,869

21.4%

95.6%

94.2%

1.5%

Median Time to Contract

49 Days

60 Days

-18.3%

Median Time to Sale

93 Days

99 Days

-6.1%

Median Percent of Original List Price Received

Data released on Monday, March 21, 2016. Historical data revised on Friday, February 26, 2016.Pending Next data release is Wednesday, April 20,5,254 2016. Inventory

5,501

-4.5%

Produced by Florida REALTORS® with data provided by Florida's multiple listing services. Statistics for each month compiled from MLS feeds on the 15th day of the following month.

Inventory (Active Listings)

12,935

14,640

-11.6%

Months Supply of Inventory

3.4

4.3

-20.9%

Closed Sales

Monthly Market Detail - February 2016 The number of sales transactions which closed during Townhouses the month and Condos Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater MSA

Economists' note : Closed Sales are one of the simplest—yet most important—indicators for the residential real estate market. When comparing Closed Sales across markets of differentSummary sizes,Statistics we recommend comparing the percent changes in sales rather than the number of sales. Closed Sales (and many other market Closed metrics) Salesare affected by seasonal cycles, so actual trends are more accurately Paid in Cash represented by year-over-year changes (i.e. comparing a month's sales to the amount of sales in the same month in the previous year), Medianrather Sale Price than changes from one month to the next.

Average Sale Price

2012

2013

Dollar Volume

4,000

Closed Sales

Percent Change Year-over-Year

February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 February 2016 July 2015 June 2015 1,120 May 2015 673 April 2015

3,287 2,710 3,900 3,056 3,765 3,827 4,0312015 February 4,467 4,646 1,140 4,041 745 4,057

4.9% 7.4% 2.3% 0.3% 4.3% 11.3% Percent Change 13.4% Year-over-Year 27.5% 27.6% -1.8% 12.7% -9.7% 19.8%

March 2015 $123,400 February 2015 $170,546

3,988 $106,400 3,133 $155,107

26.1% 16.0% 26.3% 10.0%

$191.0 Million

2015 $176.8 Million

8.0%

94.7%

93.0%

1.8%

2014

3,000

Median Percent of Original List Price Received

2,000

Median Time to Contract

49 Days

60 Days

-18.3%

Median Time to Sale

88 Days

95 Days

-7.4%

1,000 0

1,845

1,629

13.3%

Data released on Monday, March 21, 2016. Historical data revised on Friday, February 26, 2016. Next data release is Wednesday, April 20, 2016.

Produced by Florida REALTORS® with data provided by Florida's multiple listing services. Statistics for each month compiled from MLS feeds on the 15th day of the following month.

Pending Inventory

1,736

1,836

-5.4%

Inventory (Active Listings)

4,974

5,386

-7.6%

Months Supply of Inventory

3.8

4.6

-17.4%

Closed Sales

Percent Change Year-over-Year

1,120 952 1,370 1,159 1,220 1,313 1,3082015 February 1,419 871 1,486 1,450 $205,000 1,510 1,439 289 1,140

-1.8% 1.3% 8.8% 13.7% -0.3% 15.9% Percent Change 11.3% Year-over-Year 14.6% 24.5% 22.1% 16.2% 6.8% 21.0% 22.4% -43.6% 15.3%

2015 $120,000

9.2%

Closed Sales

Month

Monthly Distressed Market - February 2016 The number of sales transactions which closed during Single Family Homes the month Hillsborough County

February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 Economists' note : Closed Sales are one of the simplest—yet most September 2015 important—indicators for the residential real estate market. When August 2015 February 2016 comparing Closed Sales across markets of different sizes, we July 2015 recommend comparing the percent changes in sales rather than the number of sales. Closed Sales (and many other market metrics)Closed are Sales June 2015 1,084 affected by seasonal cycles, so actual trends are more accurately Traditional May 2015 represented by year-over-year changes (i.e. comparing a month's Median sales Sale Price April 2015 $218,985 to the amount of sales in the same month in the previous year), rather March 2015 than changes from one month to the next. Closed Sales February 2015 163 Foreclosure/REO 2012 2013 2014 $131,000 Median Sale Price

Closed Sales

2,000 1,500

Closed Sales

-31.0%

Short Sale

1,000

Median Sale Price

$145,000

$135,000

7.4%

500 0

2012

2013

2014

2015

Traditional

Foreclosure/REO

Short Sale

Data released on Monday, March 21, 2016. Historical data revised on Friday, February 26, 2016. Next data release is Wednesday, April 20, 2016.

90%

This statistic is simply another way of viewing Cash Sales. The remaining percentages of Closed Sales (i.e. those not

The of Closed Sales during in which paidnumber fully in cash) each month involved somethe sortmonth of financing, such as mortgages, owner/seller financing, assumed loans, etc. buyers exclusively paid in cash

70% 60% 50% 40% 30%

10%

-24.2% -22.3% -10.0% -17.9% -22.1% -18.2% Percent Change -4.8% Year-over-Year -2.1% -11.2% -13.2% -9.7% -14.2% -11.1% -21.0% -6.0% -21.1% -8.0% -10.8% -4.5%

1,374 2015 1,515 1,535 1,419 1,397 1,479 1,347

2.5% 22.3% 15.6% -2.4% -1.1% 6.1% 16.8%

J F M A M J2012 J A S O N D J F M A M J2013 J A S O N D J F M A M J2014 J A S O N D J F M A M J2015 J A S O N D J F

Data released on Monday, March 21, 2016. Historical data revised on Friday, February 26, 2016. Next data release is Wednesday, April 20, 2016.

1,000 500 0

J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F

Cash Sales as a Percentage of Closed Sales

Month

Monthly Market Detail - February 2016 The percentage of Closed Sales during the month Townhouses Condos which wereand Cash Sales Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater MSA

February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 Month August 2015 July 2015 February 2016 June 2015 January 2016 May 2015 December 2015 April 2015 November 2015 March 2015 October 2015 February 2015 September 2015 August 2015 2014 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015

Economists' Cash Salesnote :

This statistic is simply another way of viewing Cash Sales. The remaining percentages of Closed Sales (i.e. those not

Economists' note : Cash Sales can be a useful indicator of the extent to 2013 which investors are2012 participating in the market. Why? Investors are 60% far more likely to have the funds to purchase a home available up front, 50% whereas the typical homebuyer requires a mortgage or some other 40% form of financing. There are, of course, many possible exceptions, so 30% this statistic should be interpreted with care. 20% 10% 0% 1,200

Percent of Closed Sales Paid in Cash

Percent Change Year-over-Year

36.4% 36.6% 31.9% 36.5% 33.8% 33.7% 34.1% Cash Sales 33.9% 673 33.0% 544 35.1% 746 34.4% 701 37.1% 692 43.0% 736 727 2015 796 849 834 920 864 745

-15.3% -15.9% -13.3% -6.2% -11.7% -14.2% Percent Change -9.5% Year-over-Year -4.2% -9.7% -9.6% -12.5% -13.3% -1.8% -17.5% 14.7% -15.9% -6.0% -7.5% 2.4% 6.3% 8.4% 15.5% 6.6% 10.6% 7.3% 5.8%

J F M A M J2012 J A S O N D J F M A M J2013 J A S O N D J F M A M J2014 J A S O N D J F M A M J2015 J A S O N D J F

1,000

Produced by Florida REALTORS® with data provided by Florida's multiple listing services. Statistics for each month compiled from MLS feeds on the 15th day of the following month.

800Monday, March 21, 2016. Historical data revised on Friday, February 26, 2016. Next data release is Wednesday, April 20, 2016. Data released on 600 400 200 0

J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F

Cash Sales as a Percentage of Closed Sales

Percent of Closed Sales Paid in Cash

Percent Change Year-over-Year

60.1% 57.1% 54.5% 60.5% 56.7% 56.1% 55.6% February 2015 56.1% 257 57.1% 57.5% $140,000 60.9% 60.0% 108 65.4%

-8.1% -13.7% -9.8% 0.8% -5.7% -11.7% Percent Change -4.5% Year-over-Year -5.4% 15.6% -5.5% -8.3% 5.0% -8.7% -12.4% -67.6% -8.1%

2015 $66,000

18.6%

-38.5%

$93,500

$82,100

13.9%

Month

Monthly Distressed Market - February 2016 The percentage of Closed Sales during the month Townhouses Condos which wereand Cash Sales Hillsborough County

February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 February 2016 Economists' note : This statistic is simply another way of viewing July 2015 Cash Sales. The remaining percentages of Closed Sales (i.e. those not 297 Closed Sales June 2015 paid fully in cash) each month involved some sort of financing, such as Traditional May 2015 mortgages, owner/seller financing, assumed loans, etc. $146,990 April 2015 Median Sale Price March 2015 Closed Sales February 2015 35 Foreclosure/REO 2012 2013 2014 $78,298 Median Sale Price 100% 80%

Closed Sales

60%

Short Sale Median Sale Price

40% 20% 0%

2012

2013

2014

2015

J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F

Traditional

Foreclosure/REO

Short Sale

Produced by100% Florida REALTORS® with data provided by Florida's multiple listing services. Statistics for each month compiled from MLS feeds on the 15th day of the following month. Data released on Monday, March 21, 2016. Historical data revised on Friday, February 26, 2016. Next data release is Wednesday, April 20, 2016.

90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20%

10%

10% 0%

J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F

$250,000

$160,000 $140,000

$200,000

$120,000

Percent Change Year-over-Year

26.9% 29.2% 27.1% 27.1% 25.8% 26.6% Cash Sales 29.8% 27.9% 1,196 26.4% 991 27.7% 1,245 28.6% 1,115 29.5% 1,273 35.5% 1,291

August 2015 2014 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015

20%

Percent of Closed Sales Paid in Cash

Produced by1,500 Florida REALTORS® with data provided by Florida's multiple listing services. Statistics for each month compiled from MLS feeds on the 15th day of the following month.

20% 0%

Economists' note : Cash Sales can be a useful indicator of the extent to which investors are2012 participating in the market. Why? Investors are 2013 far60% more likely to have the funds to purchase a home available up front, 50% whereas the typical homebuyer requires a mortgage or some other 40% of financing. There are, of course, many possible exceptions, so form 30% this statistic should be interpreted with care. 2,000

Closed Sales

80%

February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 Month 2015 August July 2015 2016 February June 2015 January 2016 May 2015 2015 December April 2015 2015 November March 2015 October 2015 February 2015 September 2015

Cash Salesnote : Economists'

J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F

Produced by100% Florida REALTORS® with data provided by Florida's multiple listing services. Statistics for each month compiled from MLS feeds on the 15th day of the following month.

2015

Month

Monthly Market Detail - February 2016 The percentage of Closed Sales during the month Single Family Homes which were Cash Sales Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater MSA

J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N New D JPending F M Sales A M J J A S O N D 1,145 J F M A M J J1,299 A S O N D J -11.9% F

New Listings

-20.4% -18.7% -9.6% -19.2% -15.9% -11.0% 8.4% 20.3% 9.6% -2.2% -5.6% -1.3% 6.6%

J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F

Cash Sales as a Percentage of Closed Sales

Cash Sales

Closed Sales

5,000

Month

348 296 413 329 391 398 491 498 493 439 468 465 437

200

Cash Sales

9.7%

2014

Percent Change Year-over-Year

400

Pct. of Closed Sales Paid in Cash

4,445

2013

Cash Sales

600

19.5% 15.7%

4,875

2012

800

J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N New D JPending F M Sales A M J J A S O N D 3,434 J F M A M J J3,455 A S O N D J -0.6% F

New Listings

February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015

Economists' note : Cash Sales can be a useful indicator of the extent to which investors are participating in the market. Why? Investors are far more likely to have the funds to purchase a home available up front, whereas the typical homebuyer requires a mortgage or some other form of financing. There are, of course, many possible exceptions, so this statistic should be interpreted with care.

5.3% 5.0% 0.4% -1.6% 7.8% 8.9% Percent Change 13.6% Year-over-Year 22.9% 4.9% 26.3%

2015 Million $601.6

Month

The number of Closed Sales during the month in which buyers exclusively paid in cash

Percent Change Year-over-Year

$730.3 Million

2014

Cash Sales

Pct. of Closed Sales Paid in Cash

Closed Sales

February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 February 2016 August 2015

14.2% -11.2% 19.5% 16.1% 25.0%

Dollar Volume

500 0

Month

1,586 1,347 1,639 $155,000 1,575 1,231 $192,026

Average Sale Price

1,000

5.3%

$177,000

Closed Sales

1,500

1,231

348

Median Percent of Original List Price Received

2,000

1,296

$200,000

Dollar Volume

2013

Percent Change Year-over-Year

Median Sale Price

Paid in Cash

2012

February 2015

Cash Sales

Closed Sales

February 2016

Pct. of Closed Sales Paid in Cash

Summary Statistics

J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F

www.GTAR.org

Greater Tampa REALTOR速 News

April 2016

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE How knowledgable are you about Fair Housing? Think you're pretty well versed in federal fair housing law? Answer these 12 questions to see whether you're ready to tout your fair housing know-how to your clients and customers. 1. U nder federal fair housing laws, it is legal to prohibit which of the following in a housing unit? A. Smoking

8. W hen a prospect inquires about the racial makeup of neighborhoods or schools, you should respond by saying: A. " I believe the neighborhood has a few Hispanic families, I can check and get back to you."

B. A live-in caregiver for a resident with a disability

B. " The Fair Housing Act prohibits me from providing that kind of information. I recommend you contact the school district, municipal government, or the local library."

C. Drinking alcohol D. Both a and c

C. " I wouldn't worry about that, the neighborhood is safe and the schools are good."

2. W hich of the following are violations or potential violations of the Fair Housing Act? A. A seller tells you he doesn't want to sell to African-Americans

D. " Residents in this neighborhood value diversity, you'll fit right in." 9. I f a seller using a real estate agent refuses an offer because of the buyer's national origin, who may file a federal lawsuit against the seller? A. The prospective buyer

B. A sales associate puts the phrase "adults only" in an MLS listing C. Both a and b D. None of the above 3. U nder the federal fair housing law, the seven protected classes include A. R ace, color, source of income, handicap, national origin, marital status, religion B. R ace, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin C. R ace, sexual orientation, sex, familial status, handicap, age, national origin D. None of the above 4. The fair housing laws prohibit all of the following, except A. Refusal to show, sell, or rent a property because of disability B. Expressing a preference for young adults in a listing comment C. Evicting a current user of illegal drugs D. M arketing your listings exclusively in a religious publication 5. The Civil Rights Act of 1866 does which of the following? A. G rants all citizens the same rights as white citizens to own, purchase, lease, transfer or use real property B. A llows exemptions only for homes sold without the assistance of a real estate practitioner C. E ffectively prohibits all discrimination in real estate based on race D. Both a and c 6. B ased on federal fair housing law, which of the following people would be protected: A. A divorced female, single parent B. A 35-year-old single, Jewish man

B. The real estate practitioner C. The federal government D. All of the above 10. L ooking at the following four marketing examples, identify which one is OK under Article 10 of the Code of Ethics? A. A dvertise only in a strategically limited geographic areas that is populated by a particular ethnic group of people. B. L imit advertising to small papers which cater to particular religious groups of people. C. P romote a listing only in selected sales offices in communities with similar ethnic populations. D. A dvertising your knowledge of a language other than English in an English-language advertisement. 11. I n an advertisement for a small, two-bedroom house in a neighborhood where many families live, which of the following language is clearly improper under the Fair Housing Act? A. Small, cozy home in quiet neighborhood B. Two-bedroom home, near playground and senior center C. Family Friendly D. No children 12. W hich of the following features are required in ground floor units of non-elevator multifamily building of four units or more built after March 1991? A. A n accessible building entrance or an accessible route for persons in wheelchairs? B. Accessible and usable public and common use areas?

C. A 50-year-old white man

C. L ight switches, electrical outlets, thermostat, and other environmental controls in accessible locations

D. All of the above

D. All of the above.

7. T he Equal Professional Service Model involves all of the following key guidelines except A. Have I offered a variety of choices?

1. d

4. c

7. b

10. d

B. Is my client working with another agent?

2. c

5. d

8. b

11. d

C. Has my customer set the limits?

3. b

6. d

9. d

12. d

ANSWERS

D. Do I have objective information?

April 2016

Greater Tampa REALTOR速 News

www.GTAR.org

CANDID CAMERA GTAR'S

FEBRUARY & MARCH 2016

BOOT CAMP FOR NEW AGENTS

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL'S NETWORK

MARCH 22, 2016

2016 GTAR

MARCH 23, 2016

RealTOUR

TECHNOLOGY EXPO

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Greater Tampa REALTOR® News

April 2016

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April 2016

Greater Tampa REALTOR® News

Home-Buying From Page 1

“The first thing sellers need to do is look at their house with a critical eye,” said Barbara Jordan, immediate past president of the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors. “They really need to look at curb appeal, number one. Pressure wash the driveway, make it bright, get rid of the mold from last summer’s humidity and rain.” Weed out the flower beds and throw down some new mulch, Jordan said. And pressure wash the front door — first impressions matter. It is also really important to make sure all major systems in the house are functioning, including electrical, plumbing and air conditioning. “If you have been living with leaking fixtures for months, fix them,” Jordan said. A roof can be a real show-stopper, she said. “In order to get insurance, a roof must have three years of life left on it. The typical lifetime for a roof is 15 to 17 years. If you are coming up on 12 years, you need to take a critical look at it.” Realtor.com suggests all homeowners do their own walk-throughs. Look for leaks under sinks and around toilets, water stains on ceilings or near doors and windows, wood rot around outside door frames or window ledges. Cracks in walls and floors or doors that don’t shut correctly can be red flags to buyers, Realtor. com warns. Inspect for these things inside and outside the house. In between all that, get rid of the clutter, Jordan said. “Too much stuff and

boxes in corners need to go. Patio areas, especially in Florida, can sell homes, she said. “Make sure the patio is pressure washed, get rid of the weeds between the pavers and put out some flowers.” And here’s a critical tip, she said. Get wide-angle professional photos of the house that can be posted on the Internet. That’s where buyers will first find a house they are interested in purchasing. For those looking to buy their first homes, a pre-approved home loan is No. 1, Jordan said. “That’s the very first thing I tell buyers. That tells you how much money you will need and that you have no problems with your credit.” Companies doing pre-approvals will pull credit reports, and they will want to see tax information. “Most lenders will tell you to not make any major purchases while you’re shopping for a house,” Jordan said. “No furniture, no new BMW.” Major purchases like that can change a buyer’s debt ratio, she said. And try to be frugal. Don’t run up credit cards. If you already did, work to pay them down before

www.GTAR.org your house hunting begins. Define the areas for the search, including target schools for the kids, Jordan said. “Sometimes it’s nice to have two areas where you target. We have a tight market, so you may need to branch out your search.” Once locations are nailed down, consider the commute time to work. “Try the commute. You don’t want to buy in Wesley Chapel if you work in West Shore. You need to really understand that commute.” Lastly, know your surroundings, she said. “Sometimes, buyers get carried away with the house’s looks. But what if it backs up to a major road or a railroad track? What is the zoning on that vacant property nearby? You can back up to a really nice piece of property that two years from now could be developed into a Kmart or Wal-Mart. “If you are thinking of either buying or selling, get ready to go by April 1,” Jordan said. The 2016 market is forecast to continue as a sellers’ market with increasing home prices and relatively low inventory, Realtor.com reported. Among the advice it gives: price a home to the market and offer incentives, like paying a portion of closing costs, which could move the house faster. Buyers should be prepared to move quickly, exceed the asking price and be flexible, Forbes recommends. Pay a compliment to the space you are considering and connect with the owner, who may be more willing to sell to someone who will occupy the house rather than to an investor.

obituaries

Linda Ellis Light GTAR Member passed away on March 17, 2016. Our solemn thoughts are with the friends & family of Linda.

Rest in Peace

Dust of your clubs and join us for a healthy dose of competition!

GTAR’s annual affiliates golf tournament combines business networking with a competitive day on the links! This event is a great opportunity to interact with fellow affiliates and REALTORS® in a social setting.

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016 BUCKHORN SPRINGS GOLF CLUB

2721 S. Miller Road • Valrico, FL 33596

CHECK-IN: 7:30AM SHOTGUN: 8:30AM INDIVIDUAL

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To become a sponsor for the golf tournament, please contact Morag Rosa at Morag@GTAR.net. All proceeds will benefit GTAR’s REALTORS® Care Foundation!

To register, visit www.GTAR.org/golf

ATTENTION BROKERS! www.GTAR.org

Greater Tampa REALTOR® News

April 2016

MODELGRAND OPENING! DON’T MISS IT!

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Single-Family Homes in Wesley Chapel/New Tampa from the $300’s to the $700’s Broker must accompany client during client’s initial visit to this community. Both the client and Broker must execute the Developer’s Registration Form on the initial visit. Broker must also execute the Developer’s Broker Participation Agreement. The Ridge at Wiregrass is being developed and sold by Pasco County Associates II, LLLP. *$2,500 paid upfront when all contingencies are met. Broker bonus commission subject to change without notice. See your sales associate for details. Equal Housing Opportunity. ©2016 9600-009 2-10-16

April 2016

Greater Tampa REALTOR® News

www.GTAR.org

2 Showcase Centers. 26 Model Homes.

ENDLESS SALES. Welcome to the easiest way to sell a new home. To make selling a Lennar home even easier, we’ve created two Showcase Centers for you to preview all 26 floorplans on Easy Street. It’s the perfect opportunity for you to familiarize yourself with Lennar’s latest products. We took the most desirable aspects of our most popular homes, added upgraded luxury features, and created the Legacy Series with 13 impressive floorplans your buyers will adore. Our equally impressive American Dream Series makes the dream of homeownership possible for families of all sizes and stages of life. Move-in ready Legacy Series and American Dream Series homes are now available at Lennar communities across the Tampa Bay area.

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Delaware Georgia Maryland Massachusetts New Hampshire Connecticut New Jersey New York North Carolina Pennsylvania South Carolina Vermont Virginia

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AMERICAN DREAM SERIES at Ayersworth Floorplan

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Photographs are solely for illustrative purposes and should never be relied upon. The specific elevations of a home and features in a home may vary from home to home and from one community to another. Prices subject to change without notice. Please see your New Home Consultant and home purchase and sale agreement for actual features designated as an Everything’s Included® feature, additional information, disclosures, and disclaimers relating to your home and its features. We reserve the right to substitute features, equipment, material, appliances and brand names with items of equal or higher, in our sole opinion, value. Color and size variations may occur. Photographs may contain options which are not standard on all models. All maps are not to scale and are for relative location purposes only. +The information from Builder 100 is used or reprinted with permission from Hanley Wood Media, Inc. Copyright © 2016 Lennar Corporation. All rights reserved. Lennar, the Lennar logo, Everything’s Included Homes, the Everything’s Included logo, Knowology and the Knowology Logo are registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. CGC1518166 (04/16)