December 2020
MEMBERS FIRST
NEWSLETTER IN THIS ISSUE • Thank You From the President • 2021 Membership Renewals • 2020 New VIPs • Code of Ethics Policy Changes • New NAR Member Benefits • Realtor® License Renewal Deadline • Boys & Girls Club Gift Giveaway • October Market Statistics • December Online Classes • Vital Industry Partners Directory • New Members
Thank You For Your Membership
This is Joe Johnson, your 2020 president. I hope you’re doing well and had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I know it might’ve been a little different this year than in the past but hopefully it was just as enjoyable or more so despite everything. This is probably the last newsletter message I do for you all as we wrap up 2020. I wanted to take a moment to thank you all for your support this year. It’s been an honor and a privilege serving as your president. I am looking forward to 2021 and what it might bring. I would encourage all of you, if you haven’t done it already, to start a business plan for next year. It’s crucial for your success as a Realtor® and business professional. If you’ve never done one, reach out to your broker, manager, whoever you go to for help, and ask for guidance with it. It’s very important that you do one. It makes a big difference, if nothing else, you should have time between now and the end of the year to do it. I really encourage you once again to get that done. We’ll keep you posted as December is wrapping up on any upcoming news or events. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas holiday and a great new year. Take care and thank you again.
- Joe Johnson
2020 President 1105 CROSS PRAIRIE PKWY, KISSIMMEE, FL 34744
2021 Membership Renewals Renewals are now being accepted for 2021. We appreciate and thank all the members who have renewed early and taken advantage of our early bird incentives! As a reminder, the deadline to qualify for the Membership Monday weekly prize drawings and the annual membership prize drawing is December 15, 2020. You can also receive a $100 education voucher for any 2021 class and all prior noshow fees waived if you renew before December 15.
TWIS LIZASUAIN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Early Bird Deadline: December 15, 2020 Renewal Deadline: December 31, 2020 Renew Now: bit.ly/oscar-renewals
There are multiple ways you can renew your membership. You can visit the members portal located on our website, osceolarealtors.org. You can give us a call at (407) 846-0117 and one of our membership specialists can assist you in the renewal process. You can also check your email for communications from us with the step-by-step instructions to help guide you through the process. Just search for Osceola County Association of Realtors® in your inbox or junk folder. Tips for Paying: • If a broker wishes to pay for their agents, they must be done on an individual basis. • We highly recommend paying your dues online. Our phones will be busy during the renewal period. We appreciate your patience. • Before you process your payment, verify that it is your record! On behalf of the Osceola County Association of REALTORS®, thank you for your membership. We look forward to a successful 2021!
Early Bird Incentives • • • •
$100 education voucher for 2021 classes Weekly drawings for $100 gift cards One drawing for a FREE annual membership Any/all prior no-show fees will be waived Membership Monday Prize Winners! Nov. 16:
• Brandy Murphy • Josefina Muniz
Nov. 23:
• Rosa Holloway • Janessi Rodriguez
Nov. 30:
RPAC Gifts:
• Victor Guzman • Grant Norman
Members who donate their $25 Fair Share to RPAC when renewing will receive a free REALTOR® Party face mask.
Members who donate $99 or more when renewing will receive a free REALTOR® Party cooler and face mask.
2020 New Vital Industry Partners Jay Peters
Peter Menga
Jody Seltzer Luis Sarcos
Shelley Dukes
Alexander Martinez
Keith Durand
Dan Peele
Alejandro Zapata
Kristina Groetsch
Amy Buehler Casey Baker
Luis Martinez Jorge Melendez Abner Ortiz
Luis Nigaglioni
Barbara Robles
Randall Johnson
Andrew Braun Andrea Braun
Hector Lizasuain
Katrina Scarborough Kevin Kersey Rachel McIntee
Ceila Morales
Alex Caravias
Code of Ethics Policy Changes Directors Take Strong Action to Curb Hate Speech The National Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors took historic action to strengthen REALTORS®’ commitment to fair housing. Directors approved recommendations to: • Extend the application of Article 10 of the Code of Ethics through the addition of a new Standard of Practice prohibiting the use of harassing speech, hate speech, epithets, or slurs against the protected classes. • Amend professional standards policy, expanding the applicability of the Code of Ethics to all of a REALTOR®’s activities. • Add guidance to the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual to help professional standards hearing panels apply the new Standard of Practice. • Revise the NAR Bylaws, expanding the definition of “public trust” to include all discrimination against the protected classes under Article 10 along with all fraud. • Continue the requirement for associations to share with the state real estate licensing authority final ethics decisions holding REALTORS® in violation of the Code of Ethics in instances involving real estate– related activities and transactions where there is reason to believe the public trust may have been violated. The recommendations came from the Professional Standards Committee but were also formally supported by the Diversity, Fair Housing Policy, Professional Development, and Membership Policy and Board Jurisdiction committees before going before the Board of Directors. NAR has produced training and resource materials to assist leaders with understanding and implementing the changes and will be rolling those out in the coming weeks. The changes are effective immediately; however, they are not retroactive to speech or conduct that occurred before the effective date. Feedback can be emailed to professionalstandards@nar.realtor.
Alert from Florida Realtors® An email supposedly from Florida Realtors® President Eric Sain says only two things: “How are you doing today?” and “Can you do me a favor please?” In the latest case, the “from” address was “Barry Grooms” bishopsuperintendent@mediacomb.net. But it’s a fake. Scammers have been using the names of influential people for a while now, hoping that the recipient will comply without asking too many questions. In an earlier version of this scam, some Realtors® in Florida received an email supposedly from their broker requesting that they pick up gift cards for them. An association member that received Eric Sain’s scam email said the tactic remains the same. The scammers pull off their ruse after the gift cards are purchased by asking the recipient to scratch off the hidden verification number. Once they have verification numbers in hand, they can use the code to make online purchases. If an email from someone you just can’t ignore comes through, take the following precautions: • Call that person or their office directly to confirm they actually sent the email • Check the “from” box at the top of the email. Scammers often have a legit title in the space before the “@”, but a questionable title after the “@”. • Be especially wary of any email sent from a Gmail, Hotmail or other service that allows anyone to sign up for an email address. • If you do receive a spam email, mark it as spam with your email service provider.
New NAR Benefits!
Save on GE Appliances with Your NAR Member Bene�ts Exclusive for REALTORS®! Receive exceptional savings on GE Appliances’ extensive line of highquality home appliances to �t your budget and style. This new REALTOR Bene�ts® Program offer provides savings on popular products, including Pro�le™, Cafe™, GE®, Monogram®, Haier, and Hotpoint® appliances: Refrigerators Freezers Dishwashers Icemakers
Ranges/cooktops Wall ovens Washers and dryers Air conditioners, and more
In-home delivery, installation, Governance Meeting Dates: and haul-away services are also offered, where available. Plus, once you set up your account, you can refer clients, friends, and family members to pass along the
Now – Friday, 13 discounts, where available. same greatNovember NAR member
Fairhaven helps agents confront discrimination in home buying
View this email online
Bonus Savings! Opt-in for the GE Appliances Store email communications to be the �rst to know about special sales events for REALTORS® during peak savings times such as Black Friday events, holiday promotions, and more.
Learn More Here: bit.ly/realtor-benefits-ge
New Simulation Training Supports Agents in Fair Housing Efforts The National Association of REALTORS® is excited to announce the launch of its new fair housing training platform, Fairhaven. Available to all 1.4 million NAR members, the interactive online simulation helps learners identify, prevent, and address discriminatory practices in real estate.
SAVE ON APPLIANCES
The REALTOR Bene�ts® Program features a wide range of savings and special offers just for REALTORS® from 30+ industry leaders including Dell, DocuSign, FedEx O�ce, and Liberty Mutual to name a few. Plus, discover personal insurance options from REALTORS® Insurance Place, offering a full array of health and wellness solutions. Uncover meaningful NAR member bene�ts.
New Simulation Training Supports Agents in Fair
In the fictional town of Fairhaven, agents work against the clock to sell homes while confronting Housing Efforts realistic scenarios where discrimination can occur. In each interaction with clients and colleagues, The National Association of REALTORS® excited business to announce the launch of its newThe fair housing learners make choices and receive feedback they can apply toisdaily interactions. training platform, Fairhaven. Available to all 1.4 million NAR members, the interactive online training also puts the learner in the shoeshelps of learners a client experiencing discrimination, and includes simulation identify, prevent, and address discriminatory practices in real estate. powerful testimonials demonstrating the impact of housing discrimination in real people's lives. In the �ctional town of Fairhaven, agents work against the clock to sell homes while confronting
Make sure you're adhering to fairrealistic housing principles by exploring theIn town of Fairhaven help scenarios where discrimination can occur. each interaction with clientsto and colleagues, learners make choices and receive feedback they can apply to daily business interactions. The identify and combat discrimination in home buying. training also puts the learner in the shoes of a client experiencing discrimination, and includes
Realtor® License Renewal Deadline Your initial real estate license expires in 18 to 24 months, depending on when you pass the state real estate exam. The expiration date is located on the bottom of your license. Here’s a breakdown of what you need about how to renew your Florida real estate license and keep you on the market: Meet special first-renewal requirements Before your license expires during the first renewal cycle, you must complete and pass a state-approved 45-hour post-license curriculum that builds on the knowledge you acquired during the pre-licensing education courses. If you don’t complete the first-renewal post-license education by the expiration date, you will have to start from scratch: retake the pre-license course, pass the exam and retake the state exam.
Deadline: December 31, 2020*
After passing the exam, you can download your updated license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) website. Renewal fees can be paid online, check or money order. Complete continuing education hours After the first post-license renewal period, you’re required to take 14 hours of Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC)-approved continuing education (CE) classes during each two-year license renewal period.
If your license renewal date is before Sept. 30, 2018, you’ll need to take 11 hours of specialty education and three hours of Core Law. After that date, the CE credits must consist of three hours of Core Law, three hours of Ethics and Business Practices, and eight hours of specialty education. After completing the 14-hour requirement, you can go to the DBPR website and download your updated license. Renewal fees can be paid online or by check or money order. Reactivate an involuntary inactive license If your license becomes inactive, you have two years to get it reactivated. If you don’t complete your continuing education requirements and reinstate the license, your license will be void and you will need to start the licensing process from scratch if you want to continue selling real estate. If your license has been inactive for less than one year, you can get it reactivated by completing 14 hours of continuing education. If it has been inactive for more than 12 months but less than 24 months, you’ll have to take 28 hours of continuing education credits, including the core law requirements. You can renew an involuntary inactive license by mailing your renewal notice and fee. For details, contact the DBPR customer contact center at 850.487.1395 or visit www.MyFloridaLicense.com. Submit a Continuing Education Deficiency letter The DBPR monitors CE compliance. If their records show that you haven’t completed all the required hours for a renewal period, they will send you a Continuing Education Deficiency letter. You can see the DBPR’s records for you on their website. Once you have completed all of your required hours, mail the deficiency letter with copies of your course completion certificates to: Bureau of Education and Testing Continuing Education Unit Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 N. Monroe St. Tallahassee, FL 32399-1046 If you have questions, please call the DBPR’s customer contact center at 850.487.1395 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday. Please list all of your DBPR license numbers to ensure your continuing education credits are properly applied. It is your responsibility to ensure that the DBPR has your correct mailing address. You may update your address online at www.MyFloridaLicense.com or by calling the DBPR customer contact center. *Deadline for all real estate licensees to complete CE and pay fees.
The Boys & Girls Clubs are doing their part to make sure every child in their program feels the joy of the holidays. Their Wish Tag Gift Giveaway program gives you a wonderful opportunity to purchase gifts for their members. There are 43 youth still on the list and many of them are teens. They are encouraging gift cards for teens.
All Properties Market Statistics
Check out more market statistics on our website! Visit: osceolarealtors.org/statistics/
DecemberOnline Class Calendar 10 Ways to Lose Your License
12/2/2020
1:00 pm-3:00 pm
0CE
10 ways for potentially lose your real estate license before it is issued. 10 ways to risk losing your real estate license. 10 ways to lose you real estate license permanently and end up incarcerated.
Code of Ethics
12/3/2020
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.
Finding Clarity in the Midst of Chaos
12/3/2020
1:00 pm-2:00 pm
0CE
The market is thriving. Houses are selling. And more REALTORS® are entering the market than ever before. Meanwhile, there’s a lot of chaos out there in the world. We know how the market is doing... meanwhile, how are YOU doing? This webinar is designed to help realtors at any experience level to discover strategies for peak performance - from one of the greatest international business coaches in the world. This exclusive webinar gives you access to “Shark Tank” coach, Chris Westfall - the author of “Leadership Language” and a regular contributor to Forbes.
Code of Ethics - Spanish
12/7/2020
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.
Core Law - Spanish
12/8/2020
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.
IMPORTANT: REGISTERING FOR CLASS These courses are available for active OSCAR members only. If you have any questions, please contact our Education Department at education@osceola-realtors.com.
IMPORTANT REMINDER ABOUT EDUCATION VOUCHERS We understand this is a challenging time financially for our members due to COVID-19. We recognize this and want to help, so for the remainder of this year, your Association will incur all operational costs associated with online educational courses. We are only asking you to pay the royalty fee associated with designation and certification classes. Per NAR guidelines this fee does not generate revenue for the Association, but it is simply passed on to NAR. This cost savings to you will not allow us to accept education vouchers this year. Thank you for your understanding. We remain committed to providing the highest level of professional development for our members to ensure your success in the industry. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 407-846-0117 or education@osceola-realtors.com.
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 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 CenterState Bank of Florida, N.A. Chief Inspection Services Choice Home Warranty Closer Look Inspections, Inc. Cunningham’s Inc. Cutco Closing Gifts Double S Home Inspection First American Title Frank’s Home Inspection, LLC Freedom Mortgage Gold Coast Schools Hamilton Group Funding Hanover Family Builders Home Warranty of America Homebridge Financial Services, Inc. Housemaster Home Inspections Infill Consulting Integrity First Title Jet Realty Commercial Brokerage & Appraisals Land Title Professionals, LLC Luis A Martin’s Home Inspections Moneycorp, Inc. My Florida Mortgage Solutions New American Funding
Nu World Title, LLC Oliver Title Law Olympus Insurance Company 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 Prodigal Homes Inspection & Consulting Pro-Master Home Inspection RBC Bank Reliable Building Inspections RiteStart Home Inspections, Inc. SBC–CPA Seibane Doyle, PLLC Sihle Insurance Group Smart International Title, LLC Snap Air Photo Solano Home Inspections Inc. Stewart Title Company Systeco Services, Inc. The AlfaOmega Financial Group 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
WELCOME NEW VIPS Casey Baker - Land Title Professionals, LLC
VITAL INDUSTRY PARTNERS
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Hotsmaro Salazar - Mi Casita Realty
Catherine Reyes - Charles Rutenberg Realty Orlan
Mariet Ostos - Luxury Realty, Inc.
Brandon Brooks - Keller Williams at The Lakes
Diego Martinez Liendo - La Rosa Realty Kissimmee
Mohamed Filali - Keller Williams Legacy Realty
Maria Arango - Magic Homes Realty LLC
Kathryn Zerilli - Keller Williams at The Lakes
David Gonzalez Martell - La Rosa Realty Lake Nona INC
Carol Neff - Weichert Realtors Hallmark Pro
Victoria Torres - Orca Homes, LLC
Dillan Tate - Roberts & Roberts Realty Inc
Juan Nieves III - Keller Williams at The Lakes
Melanie Powers - Watson Realty Corp
Eliana Mujica - Agent Trust Realty Corporation
Franklin Valdison - The Landrua Group Real Estate Inc
Guilherme Batini - Vitoria Realty Corporation
Eden Shultz - Positive Edge Real Estate
Jurene Ashley Denton - Keller Williams at The Lakes
Soufian Guendouz - Keller Williams Legacy Realty
Vannessa Santini - Marland and Associates
Joselyn Salcedo - La Rosa Realty Kissimmee
Samantha Almodovar - Bellalago Brokerage Inc.
Mirella Cologero - La Rosa Realty, LLC
Kelly Volcy - Keller Williams at The Lakes
Glenda Camarillo - Orlando Rents Free, LLC
Glenda Rodriguez De Apruzzese - Gilvan Realty Corp.
Carla Moreno Pineda - La Rosa Realty Internacional LLC
Sabrina Gramley - Dream Builders Realty
Nancy Pardo - Athens Realty Professionals In
Vilma Lara - Watson Realty Corp
Sridharan Balakrishnan - Rockrose Realty
Yulimar Betancourt Caldera - Agent Trust Realty Corporation
Sindy Godoy - Keller Williams Legacy Realty
Chiara Michalowitz - Coldwell Banker Realty
Hannah White - La Rosa Realty, LLC
Guillermo Ribeyro - Roman’s Pro Realty LLC
Darius Norman - Century 21 Homs Realty
Scarlett Sans - Agent Trust Realty Corporation
Yerimar Aguero Gamez - La Rosa Realty Kissimmee
Felix Pinto - Empire Network Realty
Peggy Dearing - Better Homes & Gardens Fine Living
Antonio Hadjar - La Rosa Realty Kissimmee
Hefang Cao - Golden Sun Realty INC
Elizabeth Rodriguez Bello - Watson Realty Corp
Jhony Guzman - Odry Vargas Realty Group LLC
Jeanet Torres De Ricciardelli - The Royal Family Investments LLC
Karen Simao - American International Realty
Maylene Gil - Larimar Realty Christopher Stumpf - Keller Williams at The Lakes Vienna Jacek - Keller Williams at The Lakes Thais Lips - Bella Verde Realty LLC Robert Neal - Call It Closed International R Claudia Villegas - Orca Homes, LLC Neysha Roman Robles - HomeTrust Realty Group Mathew Ramsey - Keller Williams at The Lakes Adriana Boscan - Keller Williams at The Lakes Alex Gonzalez - Watson Realty Corp Ross Chalarca - Keller Williams Legacy Realty Latisha Hunter - Coldwell Banker Realty Silverio Mata - Keller Williams at The Lakes Yonica Squires - Charles Rutenberg Realty Orlan Richard Tavarez - Weichert Realtors Hallmark Pro Jonathan Puleo - Alcala Holdings LLC Simon Puleo - Alcala Holdings LLC Btissam Merrouane - Keller Williams at The Lakes
Ralph Carrion - EXP Realty LLC Carolina Monroy - La Rosa Realty, LLC Claudia Gamez - Weichert Realtors Hallmark Pro Manuel Naranjo - Watson Realty Corp Maarit Stigell - Keller Williams at The Lakes Tanisha Danzey - EXP Realty LLC Abigail Fainstain - Century 21 Carioti Edward Lopez - La Rosa Realty Lake Nona INC Filippo Balzan - Keller Williams at The Lakes Kaydian Wedderburn - Keller Williams at The Lakes Josephine Faqiri - Keller Williams at The Lakes Yasmine Warszavsky Span - Keller Williams at The Lakes Stellamare Rivero - Athens Realty Professionals In