FEBRUARY 2024
MEMBERS FIRST
NEWSLETTER
Curious about what’s in store
the next 12 months. Plan to
for the real estate market in
cover and learn more about
2024? Join our president, James
topics such as home values,
Lowe, on Thursday, February
mortgage rates, inventory, and
• President’s Message
8 at 7:30 a.m. as he shares
affordability.
• CEO Message
valuable market insights at the
• New VIPs
St. Cloud Chamber’s February
IN THIS ISSUE • St. Cloud Chamber Quarterly Breakfast
• VIP Milestones • Welcome New Members • Osceola Growth Update • New Member Benefit
Quarterly Breakfast taking place at the Osceola County Association of REALTORS®.
Not a St. Cloud Chamber member? You can still attend for only $30 — breakfast included! Make plans to attend and reserve your spot today!
• Upcoming RPR Courses
Don’t miss out on this
Tickets can be purchased at
• December Market Statistics
opportunity to hear and
OsceolaRealtors.Org/Chamber
• February Class Calendar
discuss what to expect from
• Vital Industry Partner Directory
the real estate industry over
See you there!
(407) 846-0117 | 1105 CROSS PRAIRIE PKWY, KISSIMMEE, FL 34744 | OSCEOLAREALTORS.ORG
President’s Message
Welcome to February! We had a really busy January… Great American Realtor® Days (GARD) – Our journey to Tallahassee to talk with and work with our Legislators. This has been a most successful strategy used to put forward and advocate for legislation that benefits our community. We continued to work for expansion of the ‘Hometown Heros’ which last year helped over ten thousand first-time buyers realize the dream and power of homeownership. In addition, we are on track for extending and expanding the hundreds of millions in both state and local housing programs. And continuing the over one billion in state-wide projects for improving our water quality and environmental issues. Florida Realtors® Mid-Winter Meetings – Right after the GARD meetings in Tallahassee we convened with Florida Realtors® for our Mid-Winter Meetings and Florida Realtors® Board of Directors right next door in
James K. Lowe
2024 PRESIDENT
Orlando. We learned of Florida Realtors® strong efforts to defend against the various litigation that has come our way and it was most encouraging to hear from the powerful and highly qualified legal team representing us. Not to mention OSCAR being recognized as an elite ‘Triple-Crown’ award-winning local Association! And a great new benefit for all of us in OSCAR started in January - the FOREWARN system! Available to you both online and through a mobile app, Forewarn provides you the ability to mitigate risks by verifying identities and validation information provided by potential clients – using just a phone number! If you have not already enrolled, then please take advantage and check the Florida Realtors website or just call us to get the details. All of this is to help you operate with greater confidence and safety. We look forward to a very productive February and continuing to provide exceptional service and support to you – our OSCAR members – the best Realtors® anywhere!
CEO MESSAGE Would you like to get more involved in supporting homeownership, property rights, and the real estate profession? Great! Because we need you! With upcoming elections, this year is crucial in supporting legislation and candidates who understand our interests in the real estate community. The easiest way to protect and promote the real estate industry is by investing in the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC). Contributions are voluntarily given by REALTORS® to advance public TWIS LIZASUAIN policies and candidates that build strong communities, protect property CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER interests, and promote a vibrant business environment. Each year, we encourage members to contribute their fair share amount so that we can ensure our industry goals and priorities advance. Fair share is calculated by taking the state’s annual goal and dividing it by the number of Realtors at each local association. Our current fair share amount is $35. For those that regularly make your fair share investment each year, thank you! If you are ready to level up and join an elite group that is passionate about the future of our profession, then you may want to consider becoming a 2024 RPAC Major Investor. To qualify to be a Major Investor, you must contribute a minimum of $1,000. Of course, becoming a Major Investor comes with some nice perks as well, which you can read about by visiting OsceolaRealtors.Org/Invest. If you would like to discuss becoming a Major Investor and how to become a vocal leader in the real estate industry, then call me at 407-846-0117 Ext. 201 or email tlizasuain@osceola-realtors.com
Welcome New VIPs Francisco Morales Noble Property Inspections
Enrique Galvan OZ Home Inspection
Kelly Cutchin MoneyCorp Inc.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Do you know any businesses that would benefit from joining our Association? We are looking for companies that provide products or services to the real estate industry. As part of our membership, Vital Industry Partners (VIPs) receive many benefits including: • Free Advertisement. Our VIP roster is included on our website and our monthly newsletter. Both of these platforms put your contact information into the hands of every member a part of the Association. Additional paid advertisements are also available. • Sponsorship Opportunities. VIPs are given the opportunity to sponsor educational classes, luncheons, and events. Sponsorships include logo placement on all promotional materials, social media marketing, recognition during the event/class, and the ability to distribute promotional material regarding your company.
• Relationship Building. VIPs may join certain committees as a non-voting member to assist with Association activities, give back to our community, and build relationships with our members. Being involved in the Association activities will lead to an increase of our members recognition of your company. To apply as a Vital Industry Partner member, please visit www. osceolarealtors.org/vital-industry-partners, call 407-846-0117, or email Nancy Hubbard at nhubbard@osceola-realtors.com for more information. Becoming a VIP is an excellent opportunity to get your company’s name out to individuals that can directly benefit from your products and/or services.
Vital Industry Partner Milestones Please help us congratulate and thank our Vital Industry Partners who are celebrating very exciting milestones with us this month! We are thankful for your membership and the invaluable services that you provide to our association and its members!
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Zoe Gonzales-Rabathaly - Keller Williams Advantage III
Maria Rojas - MBT Realty LLC
Alex Kawall - Elevated United Realty Inc
Elita Joasil Pierre Louis - REMAX PIONEER
Richard Portilla - Fortex Realty Inc
Leonardo Lima Monteiro - FL MAJESTIC REALTY LLC
Maricelys Diaz - Naim Real Estate LLC
Joseph Joel Garcia Munoz - EXP Realty, LLC
Elise Courtney - IAD Florida LLC
Sabrina Moore - LPT Realty
Christopher Colon Bernardez - La Rosa Realty Orlando LLC
Gleidys Herrera - La Rosa Realty Kissimmee
Leandro Teixeira Ramos - EXP Realty, LLC
Gregory Zigon - Royal Realty Real Estate, LLC
Liliana Sanchez - EXP Realty, LLC
Luisa Lopez - La Rosa Realty Orlando LLC
Coralis Del Mar Pagan Garcia - Watson Realty Corp
Tanya Luque Cavadiana - Avanti Way Realty LLC
Jedidiah Peters - IAD Florida LLC
Shanya Santiago - Century 21 All Homes & Propert
Oscar Morales - Golden Key Homes Realty INC
Jasmine Harris-Williams - Keller Williams Realty at The Lakes
Yumey Alison Noriega Pacheco - EXP Realty, LLC
Carla Knutson - A+ Appraisals INC
Luis F Chavez Arroyo - The Landrua Group Real Estate Inc
Frank Jaimez - LPT Realty
Eusebio Rivera Velazquez - EXP Realty, LLC
Claudia Osorio - EXP Realty, LLC
Liliana Valencia - LPT Realty
Susana Solorzano - LPT Realty
Christopher Allison - EXP Realty, LLC
Derek Perez - Century 21 Edge
Nancy Baxter - EXP Realty, LLC
Katherine Palazzolo - La Rosa Realty, LLC
Harry Ruiz - My Realty Group, LLC.
Adriana Claib - Agent Trust Realty Corporation
Kyleah Marrero - EXP Realty, LLC
Sully Castro - La Rosa Realty Kissimmee
Noah Current - IAD Florida LLC
Daniela Quintero - MBT Realty LLC
Angel Torres - LPT Realty
Ada Simon - Macken Realty Inc
Fabiana Aguilera Suarez - La Rosa Realty Kissimmee
Elena Kambarova Garcia - Top Agency Realty INC
Jose Israel Del Orbe Antonio - My Realty Group, LLC. Jenine Lucas - Keller Williams Legacy Realty Juliana Gully - Fowlkes Realty Co Alfredo Aquino - La Rosa Realty Lake Nona INC Luz Rubiano Ochoa - EXP Realty, LLC Janet Rosado - La Rosa Realty Kissimmee Victori Koepsell - La Rosa Realty, LLC
Osceola County Growth Update 2024
Florida Realtors® New Member Benefit
All Properties Market Statistics
Check out more market statistics on our website! Visit: osceolarealtors.org/statistics/
FEBRUARY CLASS CALENDAR
REDEEM YOUR EDUCATION VOUCHERS BEFORE 12/31/24
Stellar MLS Basic (Spanish) Classroom Only - Daniella Blackburn
2/5/2024
10:00 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. Stellar MLS Compliance 101 (Spanish) Classroom Only - Daniella Blackburn
2/5/2024
1:00 pm-2:15 pm
0CE
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 (Spanish) Classroom Only - Daniella Blackburn
2/5/2024
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. Newly Licensed? Now What? Classroom Only - Paul Fedynich
2/6/2024
9:00 am-12:00 pm
3CE
You have passed a classroom and state exam that allows you to now practice real estate. So what is next? There is so much knowledge to comprehend, recall and apply. This course has been designed to set you up to succeed by answering some of the most important What is next? questions. Sure Fire Ways to Jump Start 2/6/2024 Your Real Estate Career - Classroom Only - Paul Fedynich
1:00 pm-4:00 pm
3CE
Welcome to real estate Boot Camp! This course is great for the newly licensed agent to jump-start their career as well as getting long-time licensees out of the rut they often fall into. Develop a business plan that will guide you through the next 90 days to 12 months. Property Management for the RE Practitioner - ZOOM Only - Denis Milonas
2/7/2024
9:00 am-12:00 pm
3CE
This is the course for a Realtor® who wants or needs to know enough about property management to get by, or whether they want to manage a property or two now, or as an introduction to property management if they are considering possible investment down the road. Boost Your Business with RPR ZOOM Only - Stephanie White
2/8/2024
9:00 am-11:00 am
2CE
This introductory, tutorial-based class will help you gain a basic understanding of what RPR has to offer and how it can enhance your business. In RPR you can: quickly conduct property searches, prepare for listing presentations, generate CMAs, efficiently prospect neighborhoods, share reports via email, text or on social media, and so much more. Understanding Buyer Broker Agreements 2/9/2024 & How to Implement Them - ZOOM Only - Michelle Rojas
9:00 am-12:00 pm
3CE
Learn important information on understanding buyer-broker agreements and how to implement them. Find out how to ask buyers to commit to an agent and stay loyal. Your Home Loan Tool Kit Classroom Only - Grant Simon
2/13/2024
9:00 am-12:00 pm
3CE
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued a 26-page booklet entitled “Your Home Loan Tool Kit.” Understanding this tool kit is essential for REALTORS® to fully comprehend the impact of the TILA-RESPA guidelines. This course will show you how to use the tool kit to make appropriate calculations.
Ins & Outs of a Successful Contract Classroom Only - Nishad Khan
2/13/2024
1:00 pm-4:00 pm
3CE
Contracts can be exciting! Learn the real ins and outs from one of the top Brokers in Florida. Complete a contract right at outset, and assure yourself of profitable closings for all concerned. Arms-length, short sale REO, your Instructor does them successfully every day. You will as well. Divorce & Real Estate Classroom Only - Nishad Khan
2/14/2024
1:00 pm-3:00 pm
2CE
When couples divorce, many assets need to be divided up. Of all the different assets involved in divorce cases, the division of real estate can be the most complex and contentious. Since real estate may generally be considered the most high-valued asset owned by a couple, many issues may emerge during negotiations of the division of marital assets. Roadmap to a Successful Closing Classroom Only - Denis Milonas
2/16/2024
9:00 am-12:00 pm
3CE
Over time, some Realtors® may go into closings without a “road map’ since they conduct them so often. Doing so, can be problematic. This course will help you understand the importance of knowing who is responsible for the various parts of the closing, and how to overcome the problems that may be encountered. AI, ChatGPT & Real Estate Classroom Only - Craig Grant
2/21/2024
9:00 am-12:00 pm
3CE
In this session, we will explore what AI is, how it can be used in your real estate business and everyday life, the legal and ethical implications, and much more. Best Uses for Generative AI & ChatGPT for Real Estate - Classroom Only - Craig Grant
2/21/2024
1:00 pm-4:00 pm
3CE
Artificial Intelligence or AI is powering a new generation of tools that help you run your business and life faster and more efficiently. In this session, we will explore some of the top things you can use to help you automate tasks, communications, content, plan your business, marketing, and more. Code of Ethics (Spanish) Classroom Only - Gonzalo Mejia
2/22/2024
9:30 am-12:30 pm
3CE
All active members must take a code of ethics class once every three years. The applicable dates are the same for all Realtors irrespective of when they join. The current cycle began on 1/1/22 and ends 12/31/24. Core Law (Spanish) Classroom Only - Gonzalo Mejia
2/22/2024
1:30 pm-4:30 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. This material will provide a “red flag notice” of when participants are potentially going into a danger zone—the unlicensed practice of law. Preparing and Navigating a Listing Contract - Classroom Only - Kim Bell
2/27/2024
9:00 am-1:00 pm
4CE
Listing contracts effectively communicate who is responsible for doing what, give time for those items to be performed, and guarantee the listing broker to be paid for these services. Learn the various types of listing contracts, the differences between them, and some other options to guarantee compensation while working to effectuate the sale of a property. Handling the RE Transaction: 2/28/2024 The Vacant Land Contracts - Classroom Only - Nishad Khan
9:00 am-12:00 pm
3CE
Whether you are interested in learning about new residential construction or multifamily/commercial construction, this class will teach you all you need to know about vacant land properties. Effective Risk Reduction Zoom Only - Cynthia DeLuca
2/29/2024
9:00 am-12:00 pm
3CE
This course will speak to and help you avoid the most common risks associated with the practice of Real Estate sales and management.
VITAL INDUSTRY PARTNERS
2020 Inspection Solutions A Clear Choice Title & Escrow A.C.F. Home Inspections, Inc. Acosta, Moore & Shrader, PLLC Accurate Ozone Solutions Adrian Colon Home Inspection American Ad Specialties, Inc. Americas Homes Inc. ANB Inspection Services, Inc. ARB Home Inspections, Inc. At Your Service Inspection LLC A-Z Team Title, LLC Budget Professional Services Butler Mortgage Celebration Title Group Centennial Bank Chief Inspection Services Choice Home Warranty Closer Look Inspections, Inc. CMG Home Loans Collaborative Wealth Lake Nona Cunningham’s Inc. Cutco Closing Gifts David Allen Productions Double S Home Inspection Factual Films Frank’s Home Inspection, LLC Gold Coast Schools Harding Bell International Home Warranty, Inc.
HouseMaster Home Inspections Infill Consulting JONI Home Inspection Services JVC Home Inspection Orlando, LLC Land Title Professionals, LLC LG Quality Home Inspections LightHouse Taxes, LLC loanDepot Luis A Martin’s Home Inspections Max Protection Group LLC MoneyCorp Inc. Mutual of Omaha Mortgage My Florida Mortgage Solutions Navy Federal Credit Union Noble Property Inspection Notary Hive Old Republic Home Protection On Point Inspections LLC Orange Fresh Cleaning Services Osceola County Property Appraiser OZ Home Inspection Photography by Skip Stowers Pillar to Post Home Inspectors Pro-Master Home Inspection Regions Bank RiteStart Home Inspections, Inc. SBS Inspections, LLC
See You, Ledger! LLC Smart International Title SnapHouss - Orlando Solano Home Inspections Inc. Stellar MLS Stewart Title Company Systeco Services, Inc. The V-Benefits Group Trustco Bank Two Men and a Truck ValueCast, Inc. Widerman Malek PL Women’s Council of Realtors®
VITAL INDUSTRY PARTNERS