AUGUST 2021
MEMBERS FIRST
NEWSLETTER
IN THIS ISSUE • School Supply Drive
The REALTORS® Care
82% of students cannot afford
Committee is a proud supporter
lunch, much less school supplies.
of the Education Foundation of
Let’s work together to ensure
• Welcome new VIPs
Osceola County and its A Gift
Osceola students have a great
• Brokers’ Zone
For Teaching (AGFT) program.
2021-2022 school year by donating
• Global Alliiance Committee
At the AGFT store, teachers are
to the Supplying Our Future
• Realtors® Care Committee
able to shop, at no cost, for their
supply drive. You can donate by
students to be sure they have
1) Dropping school supplies off
the basic supplies they need
at our office. or 2) Shop through
for a successful school year.
our Amazon Wishlist and select
Back-to-school shopping can be
the OSCAR address at checkout.
a stressful time for many low-
Donations must be received by
income families, as more than
8/27 at 5 PM.
• Board of Directors Voting • Realtor Party Golf Tournament
• RPAC Committee • Commercial Alliance Comm. • June Market Statistics • August Class Calendar • Vital Industry Partner Directory • Welcome New Members
(407) 846-0117 | 1105 CROSS PRAIRIE PKWY, KISSIMMEE, FL 34744 | OSCEOLAREALTORS.ORG
President’s Message
Hello everyone, I’m Donnie Martinez, your 2021 President. This past July, we had a record turnout for those applying for the board of directors. As we grow, we will be looking for more members to volunteer in leadership positions. Just last week, more than 40 members signed up to participate in the Florida Realtors Waterways Cleanup. Our Association partnered with Osceola County and the City of Kissimmee on this project. The Real Estate Technology Institute program (RETI) launched last week. This new FREE benefit allows you to gain knowledge on social media and technology virtually at your leisure. Just log onto the site at Oscar.reti.us and enter your email and password. If didn’t receive your password by email, click “forgot password” and it will be sent to you.
DONNIE MARTINEZ 2021 PRESIDENT
Finally, the Florida Realtors annual conference is August from 2327 at the Rosen Shingle Creek. It is available virtually, in person and hybrid. If you come in person, you can take educational classes and visit the Expo. Please come out if you can, it will be fun and good to see everyone in person. Here is this month’s joke: The other day I had a showing with this nice lady and her young son. The son said to me “Hey mister; which one of these rooms in this house do Zombies not like?” and I replied…….the “Living room.”
2022 Officers and Directors Voting
The election for the 2022 Osceola County Association of REALTORS® Officers and Directors officially opens on Monday, August 23 at 8 AM. Ballots will be accepted until midnight on Friday, September 3, 2021. The next page of the newsletter will show you the slate of proposed officers and directors. All members will receive an email from SimplyVoting with instructions on how to cast your vote online via the SimplyVoting
CEO Message
ballot form using your Stellar MLS credentials. Members can also log into their Stellar MLS account and look for the SimplyVoting icon in the “Association Resources” module on the bottom right. The results of the election will be captured by the Association’s attorney on Monday, September 6 to ensure accuracy, accountability, and the integrity of the process. The results will be announced on Tuesday, September 7 and available on the Association’s website in addition to a direct email to members. The 2022 Officers and Directors will be announced at the Annual Membership Meeting and Awards & Installation Banquet in December.
TWIS LIZASUAIN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Board of Directors Proposed 2022 Slate
The Osceola County Association of REALTORS®, Inc. announces the following proposed slate of Officers and Directors for the 2022 year: If elected, the following candidates will join 2022 President Alexandra Arena-Gil on her leadership team. Officers: • • • •
Past-President: Donnie Martinez President Elect: Imran Mohamed Treasurer: James Lowe Secretary: Norkis Fernandez-Valdez
Directors: • • • • • • •
Jose Alvarez (2022-2024) Maria Lebron (2022-2024) Nicholas Shrouder (2022-2024) Gladys Thayer (2022-2024) Holly Wolfer (2022-2024) Angel Ortiz (2022-2023) Maricarmen Albelo (2022)
If elected, these individuals will join the following previously elected Directors whose terms have yet to expire: Continuing Directors: • • •
Kymbat Iglikova (2021-2023) Ivette Jimenez (2021-2023) Kelvis Melo (2020-2022)
Additional qualified candidates for the offices to be filled may be placed in nomination by 5:00 pm on Monday, August 9, 2021. The Chief Executive Officer shall send notice of such additional nominations to all members eligible to vote before the election. The election will open for online balloting beginning at 8:00 am on Monday, August 23 through midnight on Friday, September 3, 2021. The results of the election will be captured by the Association’s attorney on Monday, September 6 to ensure accuracy, accountability, and the integrity of the process. The results will be placed on the Association’s website, emailed to all members and posted in the newsletter. In addition, the 2022 Officers and Directors will be presented to the members at the Annual Membership Meeting and Awards and Installation Banquet. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Twis Lizasuain at the Association Office 407846-0117.
Committee
Welcome New VIPs
RPAC would like to thank all of the members who supported our recent Summerfest - Karaoke Night event we had a lot of fun and we hope you did, too! We had a successful auction, both silent and live.
Tammy Birchler Home Warranty of America
Congratulations to Linda Goodwin- NICHOLAS SHROUDER RPAC COMMITTEE CHAIR Nichols for placing the top bid for the Associations Major Investor Parking Spot and Justin Shrouder for winning the Bloody Mary Brunch hosted by Linda Goodwin- Nichols.
For more infomation on becoming a Vital Industry Partner (VIP), please contact Nancy Hubbard at nhubbard@osceola-realtors.com
Thank you again to our sponsors, The Mitchell Team with Homebridge Financial, Oliver Title Law, Celebration Title Group, and Positive Edge Real Estate Academy. We are also excited to announce that registration for the 2nd Annual Realtor® Party Golf Tournament on September 10 is now open! To Register: Please visit OsceolaRealtors.org or scan the QR Code above.
Global Alliance Commitee The Global Alliance Committee is hosting “Emerging Trends & Threats in International Real Estate Sypmposium” on September 1, 2021 from 10 am - 1 pm. This event is free to OSCAR members. The non-member fee is $35 per person.
CHRISTINA DAUGHERTY GLOBAL ALLIANCE COMMITTEE CHAIR
Speakers will be discussing several topics, including digital currency, immigration and law. We will be hosting a panel discussion with top representatives from the title insurance field, mortgage lending services, and immigration law. Stay tuned for more information on how to register for this fun, informative event! We would like to encourage our members to get involved with Global. It’s now easier than ever, with many great meetings & seminars being provided online!
REALTORS® CARE Committee
JUSTIN SHROUDER REALTORS® CARE COMMITTEE The REALTORS® Care Committee recently took part in a Florida Realtors® statewide initiative to “Clean Up Florida Waters” by hosting a clean-up day project. We joined forces with the City of Kissimmee and the Osceola County Government and selected local areas that would benefit the most from our clean up effort. More than 40 volunteers registered for the effort, including Association members and Stellar MLS employees. Teams divided between four locations throughout Osceola County. Volunteers spent the morning collecting trash from the waterside and some ventured out in canoes, provided by the county, to retrieve trash in the water. In total, our volunteers collected 35lbs of trash! We are proud of our members and their commitment to keeping our local waters clean for future.
Brokers’ Zone Welcome to the BROKERS ZONE, created by Brokers for Brokers. New Broker, Experienced Broker, Super Broker and more, this section is for you. You will find information about services, apps, news and more all related to our Broker’s world.
Thank you to all of the brokers who attended our Brokers Happy Hour last week - we hope you had a wonderful evening! Stay tuned for more events and classes for our Osceola County Brokers!
Alexandra Arena-Gil BROKERS COMMITTEE CHAIR
AUGUST Member Benefits Guide Get More From Your Leads with LIVE by ReferralExchange Manage your leads so you can focus on pursuing your best opportunities. LIVE by ReferralExchange uses licensed experts who validate your leads (from any source, such as your website, open house sign-in sheets, social media, realtor.com®, Facebook and more) and connect you with potential clients who are ready to transact, in real time. NAR members receive exclusive savings and custom benefits on LIVE by ReferralExchange. LIVE is a monthly subscription service that provides licensed real estate agents who act as an extension of your brand to validate leads you provide from your form sources and connect you with potential clients who are ready to transact, in real time. To learn more and receive exlusive savings, visit: https://sales.referralexchange.com/nar
Attention Florida voters! Did you know that politicians have taken $2.6 billion from affordable housing programs and used it for non-housing needs? We need your help to make sure affordable housing funds are being used properly! Take Action! Print, sign, & return your signed petition to OSCAR - we will mail it for you!
Print & Sign the petition: https://bit.ly/housingfunds2021
Commercial Alliance Committee TERESA REILLY-O’DOHERTY COMMERCIAL ALLIANCE TASK FORCE CHAIR The role of a Commercial Realtor is very complex due to the different specialties. First, you need to find your niche. A typical Commercial Realtors role is to assist clients in the lease, management or sales of a non-residential property. As I have stated in previous articles, it is important to get the education and then put it to practice. For instance, when working with a potential office lease client there are various Commercial Real Estate Terms you should know, FS means Full Service Rental Rate which includes all operating expenses such as utilities, taxes and insurance. NNN, Triple Net Lease, is the most common type when a tenant is responsible for the base rent plus additional expenses associated with the property. LOI, means Letter of Intent which is submitted during negotiations on either a purchase or a rental. I hope this gives those interested in Commercial Real Estate a basic understanding and the need for the education. See you soon at some upcoming Commercial Real Estate Classes!
Realtor® Party Golf Tournament
All Properties Market Statistics
Check out more market statistics on our website! Visit: osceolarealtors.org/statistics/
AUGUST CLASS CALENDAR
REDEEM YOUR EDUCATION VOUCHERS BEFORE 12/31/21
Stellar MLS Basic In-Person Only
8/5/2021
9:00 am-12:00 pm
0CE
This required class teaches every new Stellar MLS subscriber the basics of how to use the Matrix MLS System to power their real estate business. Topics include navigating the system, setting up a property search, direct and auto emails, managing contacts, and personalizing the Matrix system. Stellar MLS Compliance 101 In-Person Only
8/5/2021
1:00 pm-2:15 pm
0CE
A key purpose of the MLS is to provide real estate brokerages a mechanism to compensate each other for bringing buyers to each other’s listings. In order for this to work, it is critical that we share accurate data, and additionally, enter listings in a way to maintain the cooperative nature of the MLS. This required class for new subscribers reviews the MLS comprehensive Rules & Regulations to ensure that all users have access to the best data possible. Stellar MLS Adding & Editing In-Person Only
8/5/2021
2:30 pm-3:45 pm
0CE
This class is mandatory for agents who will be adding and modifying listings in the MLS. We will walk through the process of gathering listing data, entering listings into the MLS systems, adding photos and attachments, and modifying listings. We will also share valuable tips and techniques in the listing entry process. Core Law
8/6/2021
9:00 am-12:00 pm
3CE
Understanding real estate law is part of every real estate licensee’s business. The more a licensee knows, the better he or she can work with customers and safeguard them from legal complications. Buying and selling property requires a lot of legal paperwork. Today, more than ever, it’s important to know the laws governing the practice of real estate. This material will provide a “red flag notice” of when participants are potentially going into a danger zone---the unlicensed practice of law. Success Series - Prospecting for and Qualifying Buyers
8/6/2021
1:00 pm-3:00 pm
2CE
Buyers are everywhere. Ever wonder how to increase the potential for more sales by locating potential buyers, determine their needs, wants, motivation and financial ability to purchase, and to achieve a shared mental picture of what buyers are looking for. Take this course and learn skills to find and qualify buyers effectively. Code of Ethics
8/10/2021
1:00 pm-4:00 pm
3CE
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 December 31, 2021.
Code of Ethics - Spanish
8/11/2021
9:00 am-12:00 pm
3CE
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 December 31, 2021. Core Law - Spanish
8/11/2021
1:00 pm-4:00 pm
3CE
Understanding real estate law is part of every real estate licensee’s business. The more a licensee knows, the better he or she can work with customers and safeguard them from legal complications. Buying and selling property requires a lot of legal paperwork. Today, more than ever, it’s important to know the laws governing the practice of real estate. This material will provide a “red flag notice” of when participants are potentially going into a danger zone---the unlicensed practice of law. At Home With Diversity 8/12/2021 Online Only - $15 Members/$30 Non-Members
9:00 am-5:00 pm
7CE
The course work for the At Home with Diversity® certification is designed to enable you to work successfully with and within a rapidly changing multicultural market. It will help you to learn diversity sensitivity, how it applies to U.S. fair housing laws in your business, and ways to develop professional guidelines for working with people in the increasingly multicultural real estate market. Divorce and Real Estate
8/24/2021
10:00 am-12:00 pm
2CE
This program explores the idiosyncrasies of divorce and offers guidance for both you and your customer to achieve a successful closing AND reduce your liability. Effective Risk Reduction
8/31/2021
9:00 am-12:00 pm
3CE
In the real estate profession, risk exists on several fronts. In fact we don’t even have to have a transaction in order to create risk. This course will speak to and help you avoid the most common risks associated with the practice of Real Estate sales and management.
To view and/or register for an upcoming class, please visit www.osceolarealtors.org/classes. All classes are hybrid (available online & in person) unless otherwise noted.
VITAL INDUSTRY PARTNERS 2020 Inspection Solutions A&P Inspection Solutions LLC A Clear Choice Title & Escrow A.C.F. Home Inspections, Inc. Acosta, Moore & Shrader, PLLC Advertising Mania American Ad Specialties, Inc. Americas Homes Inc. ANB Inspection Services, Inc. ARB Home Inspections, Inc. Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group A-Z Team Title, LLC BPG Inspection, LLC Budget Professional Services Butler Mortgage Celebration Title Group Champion Bin Cleaning, LLC Chief Inspection Services Choice Home Warranty Closer Look Inspections, Inc. Cunningham’s Inc. Cutco Closing Gifts Dirk Webb and Friends Double S Home Inspection Excellence at Cleaning First American Home Warranty Frank’s Home Inspection, LLC Gold Coast Schools Hanover Family Builders Home Inspectors Group Home Warranty of America Homebridge Financial Services, Inc. Housemaster Home Inspections Infill Consulting Integrity First Title Land Title Professionals, LLC Luis A Martin’s Home Inspections
Moneycorp, Inc. My Florida Mortgage Solutions NorthPoint Mortgage, Inc. Nu World Title, LLC Old Republic Home Protection Oliver Title Law Osceola County Property Appraiser Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, Inc. Patricia L. Daugherty, Atty. At Law Photography by Skip Stowers Pillar to Post Home Inspections Platinum Title of Central Florida Positive Edge Real Estate Academy of Learning Pro-Master Home Inspection RBC Bank USA Real Estate Photography Specialists Reliable Building Inspections, Inc. RiteStart Home Inspections, Inc. SBC–CPA Seibane Doyle, PLLC Snap Air Photo Solano Home Inspections Inc. South State Bank Stewart Title Company Systeco Services, Inc. The Grove Resort & Water Park TREI - The Real Estate Institute TrustCo Bank Two Men and a Truck ValueCast, Inc. Victoria Real Estate Academy Wayne’s Home Inspections, LLC Widerman Malek PL
VITAL INDUSTRY PARTNERS
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Alexander Henske - Exit Realty Positive Edge
Laurent Veloza Nova - Florida Realty Team of Central
Alexander Pugh - Century 21 Carioti
Liani Ibarguen - Marland and Associates
Ana Romero Miculescu - Young Real Estate
Liliana Garcia - La Rosa Realty, LLC.
Anaer Bao - Sunshine Florida Realty, Inc.
Lina Valderrama - La Rosa Realty Lake Nona, Inc.
Angelo Peralta - Agent Trust Realty, Corporation
Lolimar Ontivero De Ramirez - Sapphire Realty, LLC
Antonio Pereira Ortega - La Rosa Realty Lake Nona, Inc.
Luis Santiago Castro - Ordy Vargas Realty Group, LLC
Arleen Rodriguez - Athens Realty Professionals, Inc.
Margaux Dela Cruz - Keller Williams at The Lakes
Camile Cruz Rosado - 407 Hub Real Estate, LLC
Maria Chinea - Roman’s Pro Realty, LLC
Carla Rodriguez - EXP Realty, LLC
Maria Cols - La Rosa Realty Kissimmee
Carol Planas - EXP Realty, LLC
Maria Escalante De Rendon - Watson Realty Corporation
Diana Estrada - Premium Properties Real Estate Services
Mariana Terwilliger - Keller Williams at The Lakes
Domingo Salcedo - EXP Realty, LLC
Mariangeliqu Lopez Rivera - The Landrua Group Real Estate Inc.
Ekaterina Ponce - Robert Slack, LLC
Marie Line Decembre - Zarzuela Realty, LLC
Evelyn Orsini Marrero - Watson Realty Corporation
Michelle Urena - Cameron Realty Group, LLC
Fior Salce Fernandez - La Rosa RTY Winter Garden, LLC
Monica Partin - Compass Florida, LLC
Gilberto Medero Delbrey - Agent Trust Realty Corporation
Nidia Perez - Athens Realty Professionals, Inc.
Gisela Sanchez - VS International Properties
Niurys Paredes Suarez - Caissa Realty Investment, Inc.
Glendaly Cachonegrete Santiago - Century 21 Four Corners Realty
Rina Gil - Sapphire Realty LLC
Gredy Dominguez - Gilvan Realty Corporation
Roberto Rodriguez Rodriguez - The Landrua Group Real Estate Inc.
Hely Salas Bermudez - Loyalty Realtors FL, LLC Ivelisse Nazario Rodriguez - EXP Realty, LLC Jansy Alvarado - EXP Realty, LLC Jelitza Rodriguez - EXP Realty, LLC Jeny Araujo - La Rosa Realty Premier, LLC Jessika Perez - Athens Realty Professionals, Inc. Judith Atienzar - Altis Realty Julio Cortes - Agent Trust Realty Corporation
Rosana Acosta Gonzalez - Altis Realty Sabrena Khan - La Rosa Realty Orlando, LLC Shana Nelson - The Property Pros Real Estate, LLC Trey Shroeder - East Park Realty, LLC Trinidad Morales - Florida Realty Marketplace Yahaira Garcia Rivera - Property Source Group, LLC Yanisley Cubillas Garcias - La Rosa Realty Orlando, LLC