2019 August Newsletter by Osceola County Association of REALTORS®

MEMBERS FIRST

NEWSLETTER

IN THIS ISSUE •

RPAC Auction

•

2020 Officers & Board of Directors Election

•

Florida Realtors® Convention & Trade Expo

•

RPAC Committee

•

2019 Legislative Victories

•

KaBOOM Playground Build Day

•

#FallinLoveWithGlobal

•

Realtors® Care Committee

•

Osceola County Legislative Update

•

Graduate Realtor Institute 301

•

August Class Schedule

•

Affiliate Business Partners

•

New Member Welcome

AUGUST 2019

The bar of professionalism within the real estate industry is being raised and you can help lead the way! Commitment to Excellence (C2EX) empowers you to enhance and showcase your highest level of professionalism. It gives you an advantage in an increasingly competitive market and shows consumers you’re committed to conducting business at the highest standard. The C2EX is an online resource that allows Realtors® to evaluate, learn, and promote their knowledge of real estate. Participants are asked to take a questionnaire to assess their comprehension of different topics. Once the information is collected a learning course of 10 modules is created. Each participant’s experience is unique. The goal of this cutting edge program is to enable individuals to improve in areas where they lack knowledge or skills. By partaking in this resource, you are improving the industry as a whole. Be an advocate for the future of our industry. Be committed to excellence. Start today by visiting https://c2ex. realtor. Congratulations to the following members for successfully completing the program: •

Maria Castro Aversano

•

John Goldsborough

•

Twis Lizasuain

•

Sue Vasquez

Thank you FOR YOUR RPAC SUPPORT! RPAC exists to provide REALTORS® with a fair playing field by allow us to engage with legislators at the state and federal level, and promoting private property rights and legislation that promotes the ease of access to homeowners. That’s why it is so important that we support RPAC. Last month, we hosted the It’s All About Travel RPAC Auction and Social at Osceola Heritage Park. Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in this event. With your help, we were able to raise over $11,000. In total we have raised over 70% of our 2019 RPAC goal of $81,117. We hope to surpass that goal as we continue to fight for our industry’s success. If you wish to contribute, please contact us at 407846-0117.

To view more event pictures please visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/

osceolaassociationrealtors

VOTE NOW! 2020 Leadership Election is Open Your Association is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of 15 Realtor members who serve 3-year terms and are elected annually by the general membership. The Board is responsible for providing the overall direction and strategy of the Association, setting the strategic plan, approving the annual budget and creating and revising policies. The election for the 2019 Osceola County Association of REALTORS® Officers and Board of Directors officially opened for balloting yesterday. Ballots will be accepted until midnight on Thursday, August 8. Please note that all officers and directors are unopposed on the ballot. The OSCAR Nominating Committee distributed the nomination slate CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER beginning July 10, 2019. No additional nominations from membership were received and nominations closed at 5:00 pm on July 19, 2019. OSCAR’s bylaws require that the unopposed slate be distributed to the membership for voting. You may vote for any or all officers and directors that you support. Each officer and director represents an open position on the board.

TWIS LIZASUAIN

The ballot can be accessed two ways 1) By clicking the link in the email that was sent to you on August 1 by Simply Voting and entering your Stellar MLS credentials or 2) By logging into your Stellar MLS account and looking for the “Vote” icon in the “Association Resources” module on the bottom right. The results of the election will be captured by the Association’s attorney to ensure accuracy, accountability and the integrity of the process. We will announce the results via our website, email, monthly newsletter, and lobby PowerPoint. In addition, the 2020 Officers and Directors will be presented to the members at the Annual Membership Meeting and Awards and Installation Banquet in December. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at tlizasuain@osceola-realtors. com or 407-846-0117.

AUGUST 21 & 22, 2019 | ORLANDO, FL

RPAC Committee It’s hard to believe that over half the year has gone by, and we are well on our way toward reaching our goal with current RPAC contributions raised at $47,932 as of June. We are pleased to have more than 90 Nifty 50 club members included in our 35% membership participation, who have committed to our efforts.

TINA CAMPBELL

RPAC COMMITTEE CHAIR

In addition to the RPAC pin and Tervis tumblers, the RPAC committee is excited to announce some new items we are offering in appreciation for your RPAC contribution. These items include an RPAC t-shirt for a $20 fair share contribution and the “iback RPAC” backpacks which will be given at the Capitol Club level of $250. These new items will spread the word and show support to our fundraising activities.

Remember, OSCAR members are recognized at the local, state, and national level for their contributions to RPAC! There are multiple levels of investment for both our REALTOR® members and Affiliates. Please consider stepping up and investing in your profession TODAY!

REALTOR® Recog nition Levels

• $99 - $99 Club: RPAC pin, invitation to RPAC reception at convention • $250 - Capitol Club: RPAC pin, Capitol Club plaque, invitation to RPAC reception at convention • $500 - Statesman Club: RPAC pin, Statesman plaque, invitation to RPAC reception at convention • $1000 - Sterling R: National RPAC pin, Florida REALTORS® gift, Sterling R plaque, invitation to RPAC reception at convention, and recognition in the REALTOR® report • $2500 - Crystal R: National RPAC pin, Florida REALTORS® gift, Crystal R plaque, invitation to RPAC reception at convention, and recognition in the REALTOR® report • $5000 - Golden R: National RPAC pin, Florida REALTORS® gift, Golden R plaque, invitation to RPAC reception at convention, and recognition in the REALTOR® report

Affiliate Recog nition Levels

Affiliate RPAC donors are called the Friends of RPAC. Our affiliates receive a plaque highlighting their level with the following: •

$250 - Ruby

•

$500 - Sapphire

•

$1,000 – Diamond

•

$2,500 and above - Platinum

® r o t l Reatories! Vic

Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 1159 into law last month. This law requires county property appraisers to publish a list of constitutionally protected property rights on their websites. The bill also allows property owners to trim or remove trees on their property without consequence as long as they have a letter from a certified arborist or landscape architect stating the tree is a danger. The measures included in the bill became effective on July 1, 2019. Along with Governor DeSantis, our local Representative Mike La Rosa and Sen. Ben Albritton have spearheaded these efforts to protect and promote private property rights.

Working To Establish A More

Vibrant & Successful Real Estate Market In Florida

2019 Legislative Victories

Reforming

AOB

Authorizing

To Protect Homeowners From Abuse

$200

Online/Remote Notaries

$500k

Helping

Property Owners Close

Million For Affordable Housing Projects

To Combat Unlicensed Real Estate Activity

Open/Expired Permits

$686 Million To Protect Florida’s Environment

Saving Businesses $156 Million With Third Cut To The Business Rent Tax

When REALTORS Vote ® REALTORS Win! ®

#FloridaRealtorsWins

@FloridaRealtors

Florida Realtors

www.FloridaRealtors.org

Build it with #playmatters KaBOOM.org

Prep Day 1:

Saturday September 21

Prep Day 2:

Monday September 23

Build Day:

Tuesday September 24

Playground Opening: Saturday September 28

KaBOOM! is a national non-profit dedicated to giving all kids, especially those living in poverty, great, safe places to play. These community-built playgrounds generate a tangible, achievable wins for communities, transforming everyday spaces into a great place to play for kids and families.

Location: 994 W. Tropicana Ct., Kissimmee, FL 34741

The RealtorsÂŽ Care Committee is asking members to join them in participating in the KaBOOM! Playground Build Day on Saturday, September 24 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Nancy Hubbard at 407-8460117 or nhubbard@osceola-realtors.com. Volunteers must be 18 years or older.

#FallInLoveWithGlobal Global Alliance Committee Symposium

September 10, 2019 | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Osceola Council on Aging 700 Generation Point, Kissimmee, FL 34744 Early Bird Price Ends AUGUST 16!

$25

Admission Cost: $30 Admission at the Door: $35

Featured Speakers:

• Michael Cobb, ECI Development • Salvatore Picataggio, American Immigration Associates • Nobu Hata, National Association of Realtors®

Special Panel Discussion with: • • • •

Kelly Cutchin, MoneyCorp Inc. Stephen Bell, Jr., Harding Bell International Nena Mahlum, Harding Bell International Odette Aliaga-Tua, Paramount Residential Mortgage Group

Countries and cultures are increasingly more networked around the world – economically, environmentally, socially, and politically. International sales now require global consciousness and a fluency between the known and the new. Join us for our Global Symposium which brings together global real estate experts to share and learn more about best practices and the current and future landscape of the global market.

REALTORS® Care Committee

The Realtors® Care Committee (RCC) continues to deliver Meals on Wheels every Monday for the Osceola Council on Aging. This is a special route just for OSCAR members. If you would like to get involved by dedicating an hour a week to a worthy cause, please get in contact with me at sue@suevasquez.com and I’ll get you set up. On July 26, we attended the quarterly IDignity event SUE VASQUEZ and as always we represented! This is another great initiative that you can get involved with. REALTORS® CARE COMMITTEE CHAIR Please check out osceola.idignity.org for more information. Our final event in July was a school supply drive for A Gift for Teaching Osceola. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this cause. With your help, we collected 2,230 items for children in our community! The RCC mission is to engage in the community that serves us and we are always seeking opportunities that allow us to do so. We ask that you continue to get involved and let us know if you are aware of something we can do or someone we can help.

Osceola County Legislative Update BUDGET PROPOSAL

Osceola County, the School District, the city of Kissimmee, and the city of St. Cloud are not proposing a millage rate increase for the upcoming Fiscal Year. Each municipality is proposing to keep the current rate on the books except for the School District, which is proposing a slight decrease in their millage rate.

SEAN WHYARD

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COORDINATOR

NEW SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL PROVIDER

Advanced Disposal Services will be the new curbside services provider. Starting on October 1, residential areas in unincorporated Osceola County will receive one cart for garbage and one for recycling. As of now, residents pay $213 per year for solid waste disposal. The new annual assessment will be $309.15. To see if your neighborhood is affected by this change, please visit https://www.advanceddisposal.com/fl. Services will include: •

Once a week garbage collection (automated)

•

Once a week recycle collection (automated)

•

Once a week yard waste collection (manual)

•

Once a week bulk collection (up to 3 cubic yards)

•

Two free additional household and recyclables collections a year customized to the resident’s need (at the resident’s request)

•

Capped fees for additional services that may be needed by the resident

11CE

GRI

301

Real Estate Specialties

2 Day Course <<<<

<<<<

Members $129 Non-Members $164 August 26- August 27, 2019 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Satellite Classroom: 2262 E. irlo bronson Memorial hwy Kissimmee, fl 34744 REALTORS® with the GRI designation have in-depth training in legal and regulatory issues, technology, professional standards, and the sales process. Earning this designation is a way to stand out to prospective buyers and sellers as a professional with expertise in these areas. GRI 301 is a 15 hour course with a 1.5 hour exam, approved for 11 hours of specialty credit or 15 hours of broker post licensing credit. GRI 301 includes the modules: • Appraising • Common Ownership • Exchanging & Property Management

Message from Instructor: BRIAN WOODS GRI 301 covers several key areas of real estate. As professional practitioners, we need to be knowledgeable in understanding appraisals and how to work together with appraisers. So many of our properties in Florida are in Homeowners Associations (HOAs)...making it key to having an understanding of how HOAs work and the laws and documents that govern them. Since Florida is a wonderful place to invest, Realtors® need to understand how to help their customers and clients manage their investment properties through professional property management and maximize their investments and the capital they have working for them through IRC Section 1031. As a real estate broker, professional property manager and community association manager, I use the skills from the GRI 301 series every day in the course of my business. These are critical skills for any professional real estate practitioner to have.

AUGUST CALENDAR

Vacant Land Contracts Revealed

REDEEM YOUR EDUCATION VOUCHERS BEFORE 12/31/19

8/01/2019

1:00 pm-4:00 pm

3CE

The purpose of this class is to take away the mystery of preparing Vacant Land Contracts. The course objectives are: Defining a contract; List three elements necessary for a contract to be enforceable; Identify terms to be fulfilled for a valid contract; Explain when a confidentiality agreement should be used; Explain the reasons for using a Letter of Intent; Name the common clauses in a Vacant Land Contract; and much more!

Core Law 8/09/2019 1:00 pm-4:00 pm 3CE

Laws governing real estate are complex and varied. This course provides an advanced look into real estate law beyond the basic sales associates’ course. This course is not designed to make participants legal experts, but rather to help them identify and understand legal issues that arise. The more a licensee knows, the better he or she can work with customers and safeguard them from legal complications. This understanding will also help licensees avoid serious complications and minimize risk for themselves and their brokers.

Code of Ethics 8/09/2019 5:00 pm-8:00 pm 3CE

The Power of Strategy - Mastering Advanced §1031 Exchange Concepts

8/12/2019

1:00 pm-4:00 pm

Mr. Robert Biggs, Division Manager of Asset Preservation, Inc., will talk about available investments and tax strategies to maximize those investments. You will learn about: Passive real estate income, 1031 as Estate Planning Tool, and Safe yields in the 4.50% to 6.50% range.

Working with Residential Investors

8/13/2019

3CE

$5 Cash Only

9:00 am-12:00 pm

3CE

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to: Increase your market share, Know why you need to nurture your sphere of influence, Understand investment strategies, Be familiar with finance tools, Consider the tax factor: what you need to know about taxes, Define cash flow, Know where to find funds for the self-employed investor, and be familiar with the 1031 tax-deferred exchange.

August

Calendar Negotiating Skills for Today’s Real Estate Professional

8/13/2019

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

4CE

MLS Basic (Spanish)

8/14/2019

9:00 am-12:00 pm

0CE

MLS Compliance 101 (Spanish)

8/14/2019

1:00 pm-2:15 pm

0CE

MLS Adding & Editing Listings (Spanish)

8/14/2019

2:30 pm-3:45 pm

0CE

Pricing Strategies: Mastering the CMA

8/19/2019

At course completion, the student will be able to: Provide an environment where the parties involved are aware of each other’s needs and are willing to work together, Conclude a negotiation where each participant leaves satisfied with the results, Explain merit-based negotiation and how beginning with a desired outcome improves the well-being of all participants; List the five power positions and how each can be used in a specific negotiation to achieve the desired outcome, and Demonstrate six negotiating tactics that benefit the parties to the negotiation. This class introduces you to the Matrix MLS system and shows you how to use it for your business. Learn about: personalizing your settings in Matrix, exploring market areas, searching by criteria and location, and managing the emails your contacts receive from you. REGISTER: STELLARMLS.COM To ensure the integrity of listing information and to protect the cooperative nature of the MLS, rules and regulations are in place for how to enter listings and use MLS information. This class will walk you through the rules, to ensure the best possible MLS experience for all subscribers. REGISTER: STELLARMLS.COM

This class shows you how to enter listings into the MLS. Topics include: types of listings; required paperwork for entering a listing; key fields on the listing entry form; adding photos and attachments; listing remarks; sending listings to various portals and websites; and making changes to a listing. REGISTER: STELLARMLS.COM

9:00 am-4:00 pm

Who is it for? The Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA) certification is specifically designed to enhance your skills in pricing properties, creating a comparable market analysis (CMA), working with appraisers, and guiding clients through the anxieties and misconceptions they often have about home values.

6CE

$49

Code of Ethics (Spanish)

8/20/2019

5:00 pm-8:00 pm

3CE

GRI 301: Real Estate Specialties

8/26-27/2019

8:00 am-5:00 pm

11CE

Mandatory ethics training requirements for new and continuing REALTOR® members was established by the National Association’s Board of Directors at the 1999 Annual Convention and went into effect for all active REALTOR® members January 1, 2001. The policy dictates that all active members must take a code of ethics class once every two years. The applicable dates are the same for all REALTORS® irrespective of when they join. The current cycle began January 1, 2019 and ends on December 31, 2020. GRI 301 is a 15 hour course with a 1.5 hour exam, approved for 11 hours of specialty credit or 15 hours of broker post licensing credit. Course topics will include: Appraising, Common Ownership, and Exchanging & Property Management

$129

MLS Basic 8/28/2019 9:00 am-12:00 pm 0CE

This class introduces you to the Matrix MLS system and shows you how to use it for your business. Learn about: personalizing your settings in Matrix; exploring market areas; searching by criteria and location; and managing the emails your contacts receive from you. REGISTER: STELLARMLS.COM

August

Calendar MLS Compliance 101

8/28/2019

1:00 pm-2:15 pm

0CE

MLS Adding & Editing Listings

8/28/2019

2:30 pm-3:45 pm

0CE

Property Management for the Real Estate Practitioner (Spanish)

8/30/2019

9:00 am-12:00 pm

3CE

To ensure the integrity of listing information and to protect the cooperative nature of the MLS, rules and regulations are in place for how to enter listings and use MLS information. This class will walk you through the rules, to ensure the best possible MLS experience for all subscribers. REGISTER: STELLARMLS.COM This class shows you how to enter listings into the MLS. Topics include: types of listings; required paperwork for entering a listing; key fields on the listing entry form; adding photos and attachments; listing remarks; sending listings to various portals and websites; and making changes to a listing. REGISTER: STELLARMLS.COM

This course was designed primarily for the residential real estate sales associate. There are instances in most sales associates’ career where they are asked to either manage or rent a home, apartment, or condominium unit. The material in this course will provide the basic knowledge of why a licensee is needed, what will be expected of them, the operation of a management office, the legal environment, and ideas on where they can obtain management clients and prospective tenants should they enjoy the management experience and choose to enhance that area of their business.

IMPORTANT: REGISTERING FOR CLASS

Many of our classes, particularly CRP™ classes, fill quickly. We offer each CRP™ class two times during the year. Please check for the second date if the first date is full. Please enroll in any of the classes offered at the Association online on the Members Portal at www.osceolarealtors.com or by calling Membership Services. Due to construction near our office, we have moved our education classes to a Satellite Classroom located at 2262 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, This course introduces FL real estate(only professionals the basic skills and Kissimmee, 34744 0.5 milestodown the road from our office). All other knowledge necessary to facilitate international real estate transactions. This membership and committee activities will be held at our office on Shady course will teach you how to develop a network of contacts that can lead Lane. Our office hours will also remain the same. The amenities are limited at to referralthe business, recognize available statuses for foreign real estate temporary location and visa we may be unable to provide beverages, but you owners and investors, and guide foreign may clients and your customers bring own. to seek expert advice.

Affiliate Business Community A Clear Choice Title & Escrow A.C.F. Home Inspections, Inc. Adames Pest Solutions, Inc. ANB Inspection Services, Inc. Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group A-Z Team Title, LLC Bay Equity Home Loans Best Home Inspections of Florida, Inc. BPG Inspection, LLC Budget Professional Service Butler Mortgage Brightway Insurance Celebration Title Group Centennial Bank CenterState Bank of Florida, N.A. Chief Inspection Services Closer Look Inspections, Inc. Cross Country Mortgage Cunningham’s Inc. Double S Home Inspection Edward Lian Photography Esquire Home Inspection, LLC First American Title Frank’s Home Inspections LLC Freedom Mortgage Corporation Globe Home Protection Hamilton Group Funding Hanover Family Builders Headquarters Home Warranty of America Homebridge Financial Services, Inc. Housemaster Home Inspections Howell International Tax IFREC Real Estate Schools

Inspect Central Florida Law Office of Daniel Villazon Luis A Martin’s Home Inspections Maronda Homes Mattamy Homes Moneycorp, Inc. My Florida Mortgage Solutions New American Funding Oliver Title Law Olympus Insurance Company Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, Inc Patricia L. Daugherty, Atty. At Law Photography by Skip Stowers Pillar To Post Prodigal Homes Inspection & Consulting RBC Bank Roland H. Acosta & Associates, P.A. Smart International Title, LLC Solano Home Inspections Inc. Stewart Title Company Suntrust Mortgage The AlfaOmega Financial Group The Grove Resort & Water Park The Headquarters Building The Mortgage Firm Trustco Bank Uniform Cottage ValueCast INC Varep Central Florida Chapter Victoria Real Estate Academy Wayne’s Home Inspections, LLC Widerman Malek PL Windsor at Celebration ZAP Home Inspections, LLC

Affiliate Business Community

Edward Lian Photography

Welcome New

Members Letisia Alonso - La Rosa Realty, LLC

Juan Saldivia - Agent Trust Realty Corporation

Erica Angulo - Watson Realty Corp

Lisa Schultz - Davis Real Estate Group

Maria Arenas - Bella Verde Realty LLC

Christine Shingler - DeNike Realty and Property Management, LLC

Edgardo Ayala Ortiz - Casa Bella Real Estate Group LLC

Ana Sosa - Luxury Realty, Inc.

Cassandra Best - Keller Williams at The Lakes

Isaac Toro - EXP Realty, LLC

Yesenia Betances - The Property Pros Real Estate, Inc

Sara Tweed - Century 21 All Homes & Propert

Laura Cobo Agudelo - The Firm RE

Jamie Vanosdol - Center Pointe Realty Group, LLC

Sarah Cohim - Elite Sales Group

Daniela Virguez - Keller Williams Classic II

Trisha Connell - C21 Blue Sky Realty Group

Jackeline Viteri Valencia - Treasure Property Group, LLC

Kemilli De Oliveira - Radius Realty Group LLC Michael Dennis - Watson Realty Corp. Daniel Espinosa - Original Realty LLC Suzanne Farrelly - Florida Realty Investments Tiago Fernandez - Elite Sales Group, INC Miguel Flores - REMAX PIONEER Genaro Fonseca Zamora - Keller Williams Classic II Eartha Graham - Bell Premium Properties R.E Service Grace Hernandez Cruz - TCA Realty, LLC Jennifer Irizarry - La Rosa Realty, LLC Libertad Julian - Bella Verde Realty LLC Sandeep Kumar - Keller Williams at The Lakes Taisha Martinez - REMAX PIONEER Zullienid Martinez - Keller Williams Advantage III Oriana Medina - Keller Williams Classic II Jonathan Melendez - RE/MAX Vantage Yoseph Molina - Premium International Realty Jonathan Morgan Bentick - IPG Realty LLC Doris Ochoa - Watson Realty Corp Jorge Orellana - JP & Associates Realtors City Liliana Perez Olivero - Invest Realty Group, LLC Sarah Rodriguez - La Rosa Realty, LLC Robert Sage - Keller Williams at The Lakes

Mark Walker - Dream Builders Realty

AND AFFILIATE Alisa Abner â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Windsor at Celebration