VOL. 3 ISSUE 2 SECOND QUARTER
CPAR 2013 Leadership Team
President
Ed Anderson
President-elect
Toby Caroline
Vice President
Deborah Catterton
Secretary
Margie Bradley
Treasurer
Alex Koumiss
Director
Tonya Bouvette
Director
Vicki Derbes
Director
Lynn Mooney
Director
Pete Rundel
Director
Joan Staut
Past President
Patsy Peterman
4-
10:00 AM CPAR Leadership Strategy Meeting @ Pebble Creek Golf & Country Club
4-
11:30 AM CPAR Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting @ Pebble Creek Golf & Country Club
11-15 Florida Realtors Mid- Winter Meetings, Buena Vista Palace, Orlando 14 & 15 - Great American Realtor Days (GARD) - Tallahassee 25 - 10:00 AM Property Management Seminar
9-
11:30 AM General Membership Meeting (GMM) @ Pebble Creek Golf & Country Club
9-
1:30 PM BOD @ Pebble Creek Golf & Country Club
21 -
9 AM - 12 Noon FHA 203K Seminar @ Meadowpoint II Clubhouse
21 -
12:30 PM Audit Committee Meeting CPAR Conference Room
8-
11:30 MFRMLS Welcome and Rules Review @ Pebble Creek
9 & 10 - Business Expo & Taste of the Town (Land O’Lakes) 22 - MLS Class @ CPAR Conference Room 28 - 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM “Before Dark Meet & Greet” @ Rapscallions – 4422 Land O’Lakes Blvd 12 - 11:30 AM GMM @ Pebble Creek Golf & Country Club 19 - 10 AM – 12:30 PM Educational Seminar “Mobility Plan for Pasco County” @ MeadowPoint Clubhouse II County Line Road; John Gallagher, County Administrator 10 – 9AM – 12Noon Reducing Risks in Real Estate – Mercedes Gonalez-Hale Meadowpoint II Club house 14 - 19 - NAR Meetings Washington D. C. 28 - 10 AM – 11:30 AM BOD Meeting Clubhouse 2 at MeadowPointe 26 – 11:30 AM “How Many Ways Can You Lose Your License?” Margy Grant, FR General Counsel @ Pebble Creek Golf & Country Club 2 - 11:30 AM Annual GMM @ Pebble Creek Golf & Country Club 2-- 1:30 PM BOD Meeting @ Pebble Creek Golf & Country Club 8-12 FR Trade Convention at Marriott World Center Orlando 6 - 11: 30 AM Affiliates Fair/Chinese Auction at Pebble Creek Golf & Country Club 13 - 1:30 PM BOD Meeting @ Pebble Creek Golf & Country Club 11- Point 2 seminar at MeadowPointe 2 Clubhouse from 10 AM to 11:30 AM
9-12 NAR Conference & Expo Orange County Convention Center Orlando FL 15 – GMM & BOD Meeting at Pebble Creek Golf & CC 1 – Installation & A Banquet 6:00 PM Place TBD 13 - 11:30 AM Christmas Party w/gift exchange
Register and pay online at www.CPARfl.com
Patsy Peterman Broker-Owner Seagrass Realty Hello again! This year is zipping by so fast I cannot believe it is already September. Business is picking up, we have (knock-on-wood) avoided hurricanes in our area so far and it has been a pleasant summer as well. One of my summer events, was attending the Florida REALTORS® Conference in Orlando in August. If you did not have an opportunity to go this year, I would encourage you to mark your 2013 calendar to attend next year’s event – you will learn a lot and have fun at the same time. Did you know that FR gave $3,200 to over 300 students this year in scholarship money? Did you know that FR has a charity that they support? It’s called the Silent Angels Fund and they have raised $86,000.00 this year! This fund gives monetary assistance to families in need with no questions asked. Are you aware that there are 999,000 REALTOR® members nationwide with 110,846 of them in Florida? Makes you proud to be a part of an organization that does such good things for others! Here are a few things I learned at the Conference: Legal Updates: If you place your listings in Craig’s List, Facebook, etc, be sure you place a “google alert” on them. They have found that other agents are taking listings from these types of advertising and using them as their own listings. To have full documentation in your file, be sure you obtain a form stating that the escrow deposit has been deposited. This form should be provided to you by the closing agent/ agency or your broker if they maintain their own escrow account. FR announced that they support the following amendments that will appear on the November ballot: Amendment 2 – Veterans Disabled Due to Combat Injury Homestead Property Tax Discount Amendment 3 – State Government Revenue Limitation Amendment 4 – Property Tax Limitations; Property Value Decline; Reduction for Non-Homestead Assessment Increases; Delay of Scheduled Repeal ** Amendment 9 – Homestead Property Tax Exemption for Surviving Spouse of Military Veterans or First Responders Amendment 10 – Tangible Personal Property Tax Exemption Amendment 11 – Additional Homestead Exemption: Low Income Senior who Maintain Long-Term Residency on Property; Equal to Assessed Value ** FR very strongly supports Amendment 4 and suggests that we all add a line to our emails that states you support Amendment 4. FR estimates that over 220,000 jobs within the next 2 years will be a result of Amendment 4 passing. The CPAR office has the yard signs to Vote Yes on 4 (continued next page )
(continued from previous page) if you would like to place one in your yard or at your office. Contact Joan Eustice to pick up signs. Additional News From FR: FR has bought out Sentri-Lock. HTML (for all of your forms) will be available to the membership by the end of this year. In November the REALTOR® Property Resources (RPR) Board will introduce its appraisal tool sets in beta. If you share your data with RPR, you will also get their data. If you don’t share with RPR, you will get limited data. st If you haven’t contributed to RPAC, we have until October 21 to send in additional funds. The NAR Conference will be held in Orlando on November 9 thru 12th at the Orange County Convention Center. There will be over 400 vendors at the Business Expo and you can register by going to www.realtor.org. FOR FREE TICKETS TO THE EXPO ENTER THE CODE FR2012. DON’T FORGET TO VOTE IN NOVEMBER – THIS IS AN IMPORTANT YEAR FOR OUR COUNTRY! If you have any questions or would just like to talk, please do not hesitate to call me at 813-927-9336 or email me at Patsy.Peterman@gmail.com
Code of Ethics Training REALTORS® have until Dec. 31, 2012, to complete the Code of Ethics Training Requirement. REALTORS® are required to complete ethics training of not less than 2 hours, 30 min. of instructional time within a four-year cycle. The training must meet specific learning objectives and criteria established by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS®. Go to http://www.realtor.org/code-of-ethics/training/forexisting-members/ to take the training now.
Charles Rutenberg Realty Robert Eaton Coldwell Banker Action Realty Douglas Casamiri Stephanie Herz Emily Ann Santana Exit Extreme Realty Tamara Bernal Florida Capital Realty Aarambh Shah, Broker David Chen Intl. Realty Plus-Tampa Bay Anali Dishmey Prudential Tropical Realty Wesley Chapel Sharon Cole Gary Custer Patricia Hurlburt ReMax First in Real Estate David Birr Weichert Realtors Homes & Land Scott Ulery
Meet New 2013 CPAR Director Vicki Derbes Prudential Tropical Realty Wesley Chapel My caring philosophy is complimented by my extensive business background which spans more than 30 years in real estate related fields including residential, new home construction and commercial building. A long-time Tampa resident I have an in-depth knowledge of the surrounding areas. As a result, I can provide the local expertise and competitive pricing information necessary to effectively assist you with the purchase or sale of your home. Throughout each step of your transaction I remain focused on making your experience as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
Meet’n Greet on Tuesday, October 9th
at Prime Bar Shops at Wiregrass 5:30 - 7:30 pm
AE’s Corner… Joan A. Eustice, Association Executive
GREETINGS FROM CHICAGO! This summer I had the opportunity to attend 2 NAR training sessions in Chicago. Highlights of the two are as follows: In the first session, the Leadership Summit, we participated in the Kick0ff of the REThink Initiative. Between August 2012 and May 2013, cross-country workshops will be held to gather participants’ thoughts and ideas in answer to the following questions: In an ever-changing world, what is the future of the real estate industry in 5 to 10 years? How will this impact: Consumers, including buyers and sellers? Agents, brokers and companies? NAR, state and local associations? All of this data will be compiled and used by the Strategic Planning Committee in developing NAR’s strategic plan for the future. For more information go to www.rethinkfuture.com. At the training for Association Executives, we received in depth information on all facets of the NAR NAR BUILDING organization. One of my favorites is the “Virtual Library”. Did you know that as a NAR member benefit you have access to eBooks, ProQuest (journals), Blogs/Tweets, Podcasts & Videos, special reports, Association archives, and more? Take advantage of this amazing resource by going to www.realtor.org/ library. Before you buy that new Real Estate book everyone is talking about, check there first. It could save you a lot of time and money .
CPAR Welcomed Margy Grant, Esq. General Counsel, Florida Realtors® At the July 26th meeting, Margy Grant spoke with CPAR members with a Florida Realtors update. Some points she made: 1). FREC will step up investigations into companies with escrow accounts 2). If you end up in front of FREC, have legal counsel 3). Make sure your brokerage E & O insurance is solid and in place 4). RESPA violations and brokerage administrative fees can be researched at Realtor.org Phil Schulman podcast “RESPA”. In MLS 3.0% - $300 is NOT an MLS fee. There is no such thing as an MLS fee. 5). Take a look at Freeman v. Quicken Loans Inc - Supreme Court Ruling. A violation of Section 2607(b) occurs only when a real estate settlement service provider pays a portion of a settlement service fee to a third party who performs no services in exchange for the fee. 6). Craig's List fraud on vacant listings; check your listings 7). Money laundering in real estate is happening 8). NAR has mandated Board of Choice. As a member of NAR and Florida Realtors, you can be a member of any local board. Membership is not based on geographic location but the brokerage must be a member first. Some brokers are multiple board members. 9). IDX feed and rules - You cannot advertise another broker’s listings without their written permission 10). Amendment to Code of Ethics - required to communicate any change in compensation prior to procurement of contract. CTRL + CLICK ANYWHERE ON ADS TO GO TO WEBSITES FOR MORE INFORMATION
2012 FR CONVENTION & EXPO We would like to thank the following members who represented CPAR in our Global networking area of the Expo: Patsy Peterman, Ed Anderson, Toby Caroline, Mike Harris, Felicia Wells, Lynn Mooney & Joan Eustice. CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of our four drawings: $100 gift card: Matt Grattenthaler Broker Associate Jones & Co. Realty, Fort Myers, FL $50 gift card: Harvey Zarchin Broker/Owner, Signature Service Realty Co WPB, FL $50 gift card: Skip Cole, Realtor Ocean Properties & Mgmt. New Smyrna Beach, FL 2 Busch Gardens Tickets: Marge Coffing, Realtor Beach & Luxury Realty, St.Petersburg, FL
EVER WONDERED HOW MANY CANDIDATES PASS AND FAIL WHEN TAKING THE FLORIDA REAL ESTATE EXAM? As of May, 2012 Registered Candidates—3,370 Total Number of Tested Candidates— 3,109 Total Number of Absentees—258 Unknown—3 FL Real Estate Broker First Time Takers—172 Exams Passed—91 Exams Failed –81 Pass Rate—52.91% FL Sales Associate First Time Takers—1321 Exams Passed—729 Exams Failed—592 Pass Rate—55.19 Retakers Broker—170 Exams Passed—63 Exams Failed—107 Sales Associate—1,368 Exams Passed—457 Exams Failed—911 Source: Florida Division of Real Estate
Risky Business…not the movie version by Matey Veissi Probable Cause - What is it? Why do we need to know? Why should we care? If you or someone you know has a complaint filed against you to the Florida Real Estate Commission you need to know happens next: • The complaint is forwarded to a “complaint analysis,” who determines if it is “legally sufficient.” If it is, a case number is assigned and the case is forwarded to the Investigative Field Office in this area. • The investigator determines the facts, as best they can, by talking with all sides of the issue and files a report to the FREC legal department. • If the legal department determines that there has been a possible violation, the case is referred to the Probable Cause Panel of the commission. This panel is comprised of two commission members (two Commissioners, one past and one current) who are not employed by the state. • If the panel determines there is Probable Cause, it is remanded to the legal department, which negotiates a settlement with the person involved based on standard penalties. • If the person accepts the penalties, the case goes to the Commission for approval or renegotiation of penalty. • If the person and the attorneys cannot agree on penalties, or dispute the facts, they can go before an administrative law judge for a hearing. After serving two terms (8 years) on the Florida Real Estate Commission, I still continue to participate in the Probable Cause Panel for the Commission. In the course of the past 14 years, I have sat on many Probable Cause panels, but this is the first time I was totally ashamed of many of the real estate licensees in our state. Of the 40 complaints almost three-fourths were Escrow thefts. Now I understand that mistakes are made. A deposit check in the wrong account and it is rectified quickly. Depositing the escrow check 1 or 2 days beyond the mandatory due date. The Probable Cause Panel and the Commission understands these...but the escrow problems we are now encountering are outright thefts, with absolutely no intention of returning the deposits. And the comments of the real estate licensees? "Well I didn't know I couldn't do that". How about when the licensee just moves with no forwarding address and no way for anyone to contact them? Now we are not talking about small amounts of money. We are talking 5 and 6 figures. Something is seriously wrong here. Do they not know it is not their money? Do they not know that we do not get paid till it closes and certainly not before? Where is the integrity? Where is the professionalism? Dare I ask, where is the moral fiber here? I guess they reason that it is happening in many professions so that makes it OK? I used to tell my Dad, "But everyone is doing it." And he would quietly say, " You are not everyone". We all need to remember that we are entrusted with what, for many, is the biggest investment of their lives. We need to maintain the public's trust. We need to maintain our integrity. We need to maintain our professionalism. Remember: We are not everyone. We are REALTORS. Let's set the example and keep the bar raised high.
Why Join CPAR? CPAR BOARD OF DIRECTOR’S MINUTES August 2012 MOTION that CPAR reduce member application fee to $75 and change policy to reflect same. PASSED MOTION that application fees for affiliate members be waived for the remainder of 2012. PASSED
MEMBERSHIP FEES Local
$75.00 (pro rated quarterly)
FR Dues & Issues Advocacy
$126.00 (pro rated monthly)
NAR Dues & Public Awareness
$155.00 (pro rated monthly)
Campaign Assessment Total
$356.00
Secondary Membership
$75.00 (pro rated quarterly)
RPAC Voluntary Contribution
$25.00
MOTION to ratify the Nominating Committee members selected in June, 1012 - Ron Raimondi and Joyce Pelham. PASSED
Application Fee - New Member-
$85.00
Application Fee - New Member-FR
$30.00
Application Fee - New Brokerage
$100.00
MOTION that voting for 2013 officers and directors be electronic held for ten (10) days September 7 - 17, 2012. Results will be reported at Annual Meeting September 20, 2012 PASSED
Change Office Fee
MOTION that the Affiliate Committee be renamed to CPAR Business Partners and those bylaws changed to reflect this change. PASSED
Supra Active KEY
MOTION that Realtors transferring from another local board/association have the $75 application fee waived and receive three (3) months of October, November and December 2012 FREE. PASSED MOTION that Board of Directors elect Lynn Mooney to fulfill Director Russ Laggan’s term for 2012 and 2013. PASSED
Business Partners A big thank you to everyone who came out for our last After Hours Mixer at GrillSmith on August 14th. We had a great turnout with over 35 people in attendance. Sponsorships are offered for each of these mixers and we plan to host one on the second Tuesday of every other month. Our next After Hours Mixer is on Oct. 9th 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Prime Bar at the Shops at Wiregrass Mall. It is their famous Burger night and a great networking opportunity for all. Thank you for all the donations for our Chinese Auction held on Sept. 20th. We appreciate your support and look forward to growing CPAR with all of you.
2012 Dues Activation Fee
September 2012 MOTION that CPAR offer the new Florida Military Specialist designation November 1 & 2, 2012 at Pebble Creek Golf & CC. PASSED
$25.00
$149.76 plus tax (ANN FEE) $80.00 NEW ACTIVATION
eKEY-Basic Service (Smartphone)
$17.78 plus tax MO. FEE
eKEY-Activation Fee
$50.00 NEW ACTIVATION
Lock Boxes
$50.00 plus tax MEMBERS
Car Charger
Special Order
Fob for Smartphone
Special Order
MLS Annual Fee (June 2012-May 2013) Application Fee - New Broker includes $90.00 application fee Application Fee - New User Reinstatement Fee
$339.00 (subscription fee)
$215.00 $75.00 plus past due in$150.00 voices
NOTE: The above fees are subject to adjustment by the vendors. 3/10/2012
In Case You Missed It . . . At a recent CPAR meeting, I made a presentation about some of the new mortgage programs that our realtor members should have available in their “hip pocket.” In case you missed it, here is a short recap. When a homebuyer wants to purchase a house in need of repair or modernization, the homebuyer usually has to obtain financing first to purchase the home; additional financing to do the rehabilitation construction; and a permanent mortgage when the work is completed to pay off the interim loans with a permanent mortgage. The Section 203(k) program allows the borrower to get just one mortgage loan to finance both the acquisition and the rehabilitation of the property. There are 2 types: the 203k streamline, and the 203k full/consultant program. The Streamline 203K is intended to help finance uncomplicated improvements or repairs to a home that does not require plans, consultants, engineers, or architects and can be used for up to $35,000 in rehab costs (no minimum). Contractors will be paid 50% at closing and the rest when work is completed. The 203k Full/Consultant program is designed for more complicated projects that require structural changes. There is no maximum amount for repairs, but the entire project must be supervised by a trained HUD inspector. Steve Whallen from Affordable Home Inspection, who made the presentation with me, and your other CPAR business partners are available to help with these inspections. We also talked about the HARP 2.0 program, which was created to help underwater homeowners. This is a government initiative that has gone into effect just this Spring to help underwater homeowners refinance at current rates. Eligible homeowners can refinance their mortgage, often without an appraisal, and with virtually no limit on how much they are underwater. To be eligible, homeowners must be current on their payments; their mortgage must be owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac; and it must have been sold to Fannie or Freddie on or before May 31, 2009. Lastly, don’t forget that a home buyer 62years of age or older can purchase a home with a reverse mortgage, resulting in no monthly mortgage payments as long as they live in the home. There you go – some hip pocket thoughts for more sales! George Cooper Your Florida Mortgage Advantage NMLS#367456 www.FloridaMortgageAdvantage.com 813-996-6100 CTRL + CLICK ANYWHERE ON ADS TO GO TO WEBSITES FOR MORE INFORMATION
Point2: From Listings to Leads, How to Maximize Results With Complete Data Control. As a member benefit, your listings are being Syndicated to over 50+ Real Estate marketplaces, courtesy of Central Pasco Association of REALTORS® and the industry’s top syndication network, Point 2. But this is only the beginning. Please join us for a complimentary LIVE 60 minute seminar and learn about your MLS-related benefits and features through Point2. Learn about: Premium exposure for your listings. Unmatched listing control. Increase the number of buyer and seller leads you receive.
Join us: Sponsor: Central Pasco Association of REALTORS® Date: Thursday, October 11th, 2012 Time: 10:00 am to 11:00 am Location: Meadow Pointe Clubhouse II Address: 30051 County Line Road, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 Seating is limited, so reserve your seat today! We hope to see you there! Regards, The Point2 Team