July 2020
MEMBERS FIRST
NEWSLETTER IN THIS ISSUE •
2021 Board of Directors Nominations
•
Education Update
•
Stellar MLS Announcement
•
New Building Update
•
May Market Statistics
•
Hurricane Preparedness
•
Clean Up Florida Waters
•
COVID-19 Consumer Guides
•
WIRE Conference
•
July Online Classes
•
Affiliate Directory
Board of Directors Nominations
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. Nominations are now open for the 2021 Board of Directors. If you would like to apply for an executive committee or board member position, please complete the application at bit.ly/2021oscarbod and return it to Twis Lizasuain at tlizasuain@osceola-realtors.com by July 17, 2020. If you have any questions check the FAQ sheet at bit.ly/2021oscarfaq.
- Joe Johnson
2020 President 194 NEOCITY WAY, SUITE 400, KISSIMMEE, FL 34744
Education Update In the past few months the real estate industry has been through unprecedented changes due to COVID-19. I’d like to provide our members with an education update about some OSCAR policy changes and recent approvals from DBPR.
Reduced No Show Fees Will Be Applied Effective July 1, 2020, if you’ve registered for an OSCAR online class and do not cancel ahead of time, you will be charged a reduced no show fee. Due to COVID-19, we have reduced the no show price to $10. You can cancel your registration anytime by calling or clicking the cancellation link in your confirmation/reminder emails. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Education Department at 407-846-0117 or education@osceola-realtors.com.
FREC approves live streaming of CE Courses Through Dec. 31
TWIS LIZASUAIN
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Due to COVID-19 and the popular demand of online-streaming educational opportunities, the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) approved offering classes online for Pre-License, Post-License and CE courses. After January 1, 2021 this rule will no longer be effective, so take the opportunity now to fulfill your education requirements. We do offer a variety of online classes for our members: osceolarealtors.org/online-classes/
DBPR Extends Deadline for Renewing Real Estate Licenses, Again In addition to continuing education credits, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) announced that real estate licensees with an original license renewal deadline of March 31 and September 30 have until December 31, 2020 to complete their required courses and pay their fees. DBPR email: “The Department of Business and Professional Regulation, on May 31, 2020, enacted the Emergency Order 2020-07, which extends the renewal deadline until December 31, 2020, for the holders of any licenses issued by the Florida Real Estate Commission with an existing renewal deadline falling within June 2020 through December 2020. This includes all licensees from the March 2020 renewal group that had their renewal deadline extended to June 2020 as well as the September 2020 renewal group. The necessary educational requirements for the renewal of the licenses extended by this Order is also suspended through December 31, 2020 In order to prevent any delays in the renewal process, we encourage you to renew your license prior to the end of the renewal period using your Online Services account.
RPAC Update
Justin Shrouder, RPAC Committee Chair
Thank you to everyone who helped us reach our goal of $15,000 with our All American RPAC Online Auction. We raised $15,435! Thank you to the following sponsors for their generous financial contribution: A Clear Choice Title & Escrow
$300
The Grove Resort & Water Park
$250
Land Title Professionals, LLC
$300
Homebridge Financial Services
$200
Stewart Title Company
$300
Home Warranty of America
$100
Oliver Title Law
$250
In addition, we appreciate The Grove Resort & Water Park for their in-kind donation. And, special thanks goes to Pam Rousch for her skill assembling the awesome gift baskets. While she is not a member, she always goes above and beyond to support the Association. As always, we appreciate your support of the Association and RPAC! Every dollar raised goes towards advocacy efforts which strengthen our industry.
Stellar MLS Announcement Jeff Perry Becomes President of the Nation’s Third Largest Multiple Listing Service On July 1, 2020, Past President and longstanding member, Jeff Perry, took the role of 2020 - 2021 President for Stellar MLS. Stellar MLS is the third largest multiple listing service in the United States, representing several areas in Central Florida and Puerto Rico. Perry has been a member of the National Association of Realtors® since 1990 and has repeatedly been ranked as one of Central Florida’s top producers by Real Trends Magazine. He also served as our President to our Association in 2016 and was voted Osceola County Realtor® of the Year in 2002 and 2015. Joe Johnson, the current president of our Association, was installed to the 2020-2021 Stellar MLS board of directors. Joe works alongside Jeff at Berkshire Hathaway as well. Join us in congratulating Jeff and Joe for this incredible professional milestone for themselves and our Association!
New Building Update
Our new building is coming together beautifully! The shutters were the latest update put in place. The street address has been changed to Cross Prairie Parkway. They started working on the interior and painting the walls inside and outside. The project has been ongoing for 172 days and is currently 63.7% complete! Pictured on the left is the view of our future parking lot. They started working on the parking lot that will provide 119 parking spaces. The construction on the main road has not impeded our project’s progress. Construction has been moving along swiftly and we should expect to move in sometime in early October. We’ll continue to keep you updated with pictures and updates of our new home!
All Properties Market Statistics
Check out more market statistics on our website! Visit: osceolarealtors.org/statistics/
National Real Estate Ethics Day
REGISTRATION DETAILS COMING SOON!
The Essential Guide to Hurricane Preparedness Hurricane knowledge - First, know your hurricane facts and understand common terms used during
hurricane forecasts. Storm conditions can vary on the intensity, size and even angle. Tropical depressions are cyclones with winds of 38 mph. Tropical storms vary in wind speeds from 39-73 mph while hurricanes have winds 74 mph and greater.
Storm terms: • Tropical storm watch: Tropical storm conditions are possible in the area. • Hurricane watch: Hurricane conditions are possible in the area. Watches are issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical storm force winds. • Tropical storm warning: Tropical storm conditions are expected in the area. • Hurricane warning: Hurricane conditions are expected in the area. Warnings are issued 36 hours in advance of tropical storm force winds. • Eye: Clear, sometimes well-defined center of the storm with calmer conditions. • Eye wall: Surrounding the eye, contains some of the most severe weather of the storm with the highest wind speed and largest precipitation. • Rain bands: Bands coming off the cyclone that produce severe weather conditions such as heavy rain, wind and tornadoes. • Storm surge: An often underestimated and deadly result of ocean water swelling as a result of a landfalling storm, and quickly flooding coastal and sometimes areas further inland.
Hurricane forecasts - Predicting a tropical cyclone’s path can be challenging – there are many global
and local factors that come into play. Forecasters’ computers take huge amounts of data and try to predict where the storm will go and usually are 2-3 days out. This is where you hear the terms “computer models” and “spaghetti models” being used. Generally, the forecast track or path is given using the average consensus of these models. The National Hurricane Center has the most up-to-date information on tropical cyclone developments, forecasts and weather alerts, discussions analyzing the data and more.
Hurricane kits - It’s important to create a kit of supplies you could take with you if forced to evacuate. This kit will also be useful if you are able to stay in your home but are affected by the storm, such as through a power loss. One common trend seen when hurricanes are approaching is a wide-spread panic. If you prepare a kit ahead of time, you can alleviate a lot of the potential stress of a very chaotic situation.
Recommended hurricane kit items: • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Nonperishable food (enough to last at least 3 days) Water (enough to last at least 3 days) First-aid kit (include prescription medication) Personal hygiene items and sanitation items Flashlights (have extra batteries) Battery operated radio Waterproof container with cash and important documents Manual can opener Lighter or matches Books, magazines, games for recreation Special needs items: pet supplies and baby supplies, if applicable Cooler and ice packs An evacuation plan
Securing a home
Power outages - In the event a storm leaves you without power, there are a few things to consider:
• Gas: Make sure your car’s tank is full far in advance of an approaching storm. Most people wait until the last minute, rush to get extra gas for cars and generators, and gas stations can run out. • Money: ATMs can run out of money if everyone tries to use them quickly, and they can shut down completely if the power goes out. • Cell phones: Charge cell phones pre-storm and limit use if the power goes out. • A/C: Try to prevent as much light from entering and warming the house by covering up windows on the inside. If you have back-up or battery-operated fans, don’t run them unless you’re in the room. • Water: Fill bathtubs and large containers with water for washing and flushing only. • Food: Turn your fridge temperature down and/or freeze any food or drinking water that can be frozen if you expect a power outage.
• Cover all windows with hurricane shutters or wood. Note: While tape can prevent glass from shattering everywhere, it does not prevent the window from breaking • If possible, secure straps or clips to securely fasten your roof to the structure of your home. • Trim all trees and shrubs, and clear rain gutters. • Reinforce garage doors • Bring in outdoor furniture, garbage cans, decorations and anything else not tied down • If winds become strong, stay away from windows and doors, and close, secure and brace internal doors.
Be Part of the Largest Florida Realtors Water Clean Up Project EVER
On July 4-11, 2020, join thousands of Florida Realtors® to clean up of our lakes, rivers, streams, retention ponds, bays, Intracoastal Waterway, Gulf and Ocean. Every effort will make a difference, whether you join a small group to pick up trash along a lake or arrange for local boat owners to ferry Realtors® for ocean clean-up. It does not have to be a major undertaking. It can be as simple as cleaning up the water retention area in your neighborhood. We invite our members to share your cleanup efforts by updating your Facebook profile photo with the special waterways clean up frame. Just search for frames by Florida Realtors® and use the hashtag #CleanUpFloridaWaters. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we recommend two ways for members to participate safely: Individual Project: Members are encouraged to plan their own small event with family and friends. Between July 4th - July 11th you can choose a waterway and comfortably social distance while cleaning and picking up trash. Group Project: Members can plan their own large-scale waterway project with family, friends, brokerages, and more. You can comfortably social distance while cleaning and picking up trash with your group while following CDC guidelines. Every effort makes a difference.
COVID-19 Consumer Guides PROTECT YOUR
CREDIT
Understanding the CARES Act & Your Credit
PROTECT YOUR
INVESTMENT A Guide For At Risk Homeowners
Help homeowners who are facing financial challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic by sharing these consumer guides, which are available in English and Spanish. Protect Your Credit English Guide: https://bit.ly/ProtectCreditEnglish
Protect Your Investment English Guide: https://bit.ly/ProtectInvestmentEnglish
Protect Your Credit Spanish Guide: https://bit.ly/ProtectCreditSpanish
Protect Your Investment Spanish Guide: https://bit.ly/ProtectInvestmentSpanish
HEROISM & TRIUMPH OVER ADVERSITY Keynote Speaker // Kirstie Ennis Sponsored by GREATER TAMPA REALTORS® Marine Corps Helicopter Door Gunner Amputee Seven Summits Climber Paralympic Snowboarder Hollywood Stuntwoman Realtor®
NEW DATE SEPT. 30, 2020 Tampa Marriott Water Street, Tampa, FL ALSO FEATURING
2020 MC // Leigh Brown WOMEN REALTORS® RECENTLY SURVEYED WERE ASKED...
What obstacles stand between you and leadership roles? What’s your biggest challenge? What and who inspires you?
ATTEND THIS YEAR’S WOMEN’S CONFERENCE FOR LIVELY DISCUSSION AND SOME SURPRISING ANSWERS.
REGISTER NOW
floridarealtors.org/WIRE #WIRE2020
Additional Sponsors: FLORIDA RRC CHAPTER / WOMEN’S COUNCIL OF REALTORS® FLORIDA / WISE AGENT
Register Now For The Women In Real Estate Conference The one-day Women in Real Estate conference (WIRE), presented by Florida Realtors, features a high-profile roster of speakers — women of influence in the real estate profession. The 2020 WIRE conference will take place Wednesday, September 30, at Tampa Marriott Water Street, 505 Water St., Tampa. Cost is $125 with online registration. After September 23, registration will be $150 and handled on-site. WIRE's goal is to educate, empower and promote women in the real estate profession.
Center for Realtor® Development Promotion
July Online Class Calendar 5 Steps to Define Your Brand
7/7/2020
9:00 am-10:30 am
0CE
How are you standing out from the competition? Does your marketing capture the attention of your desired customers? During this session we’ll learn to define a message that helps you attract the right customers for you while giving you an edge against your competition. Register: https://us02web.zoom. us/webinar/register/WN_-FrsMlxwTB2DRln-TSdidg
Marketing Ideas That Create Leads
7/7/2020
1:00 pm-2:30 pm
0CE
Real estate agents understand the importance of marketing and are constantly advertising however not all marketing ideas provide the desired results. During this session you will learn how to create a marketing plan that covers all 4 main goals of real estate marketing, maximizing your return of investment and generating the leads you want. Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/ WN_LTfuE64ST1W7tl1vn-XinA
Credit Scoring 1-2-3
7/8/2020
1:00 pm-3:00 pm
2CE
This 2 hour CE webinar covers everything you need to know about credit scores, current trends, minimum requirements, and how they can be increased for your buyer. Register: https://event. webinarjam.com/register/37/zyl2ghxy
Intro to International Real Estate
7/9/2020
1:00 pm-3:00 pm
2CE
International Buyers purchased $22.9 billion of Florida’s existing detached singlefamily, townhomes, and condominiums between 2017 and 2018. What portion of those transactions did you participate in? Register: https://mcusercontent.com/8281e70ea44d35aeb6dab6993/files/1bf38cc0-2299-4a59-a284ad40b247d96a/20.07.09_Introduction_to_Internatinal_Real_Estate_Flyer.pdf
1031 Exchange Seminar
7/10/2020
10:00 am-12:00 pm
2CE
The primary objective of this 1031 Tax Deferral Strategies course is to educate real estate professionals on the benefits of §1031 tax deferred exchanges for their customers and themselves. The course will detail the entire exchange process, start to finish, as well as covering some of the more complex applications of 1031 to ensure exchanges are well received by the IRS and the entire process is fluid and complete for both the professional and their client. Additionally, we have had some recent Revenue Procedures which are beneficial for real estate investors and are essential for Realtors® to understand. Register: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yH65sSCDR4avz4AttjeOGg
SunStats: Florida Realtors Most 7/13/2020 2:00 pm-3:30 pm Powerful Real Estate Market Research Tool for the Osceola County AOR
0CE
All the real estate metrics, charts, and data you need to master your market — branded to YOUR business and accessible on desktop, laptop, and mobile. As a Realtor®, knowing your local market and being able to share the latest local data trends is key to your business. And, Florida Realtors® has launched a new interactive data tool – SunStats – to help members do just that through this robust, user-friendly resource.Register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7579621252392718351
RLP 200: Becoming a Leader
7/14/2020
9:00 am-12:00 pm
0CE
This intermediate-level REALTOR® Leadership Program workshop is designed to help you understand your role as a REALTOR® association leader. The workshop covers the following topics that will help you strengthen skills and gain confidence in your role as a leader: Association Leadership, Staff/ Volunteer Relationships, Participating in Meetings, and Building Consensus. Register in Member Portal.
RLP 300: Enhancing Leadership Skills
7/14/2020
Code of Ethics (Spanish)
7/14/2020
1:00 pm-4:00 pm
0CE
This advanced REALTOR® Leadership Program workshop is for leaders who are interested in strengthening their leadership skills. This three hour course, led by a trained facilitator, builds on the topics covered in the Leadership 200 course. Through group activities and case study analysis, the workshop addresses the following topics to foster decision-making and conflict resolution skills: Strategic Planning, Meeting Management, and Communication. Register in Member Portal
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 begins January 1, 2019 and ends December 31, 2021. Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XPOwEGlYQEu3TtKvlfvMWg
Seller Representative Specialist
7/16-17/2020
9:00 am-4:00 pm
8CE
Designation The 2-day SRS Designation Course provides a comprehensive foundation of skill development, training and resources to help real estate professionals represent the interests of sellers in today’s marketplace. Students learn to: Increase listings and grow their business, demonstrate and communicate their value package to seller clients. Understand and apply the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Understand and comply with state license laws when representing sellers. Understand and apply methods, tools, and techniques to provide the support and services that sellers want and need. Register in Member Portal.
Real Estate Conversations:
7/20/2020
$65
9:00 am-11:00 am
0CE
What Effect Will Coronavirus Have on Real Estate? Will prices come crashing down? Is this the end of another bubble? How will coronavirus effect the real estate market? These are just a few of the questions we will answer together in this class. Also, we will discuss the possible market opportunities so you can come out of this crisis on the right foot and ready to make your business better than it has ever been. This class doesn’t just focus on what coronavirus will do to real estate, it teaches agents how to formulate a great real estate conversation from current events. Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1RnviEsaSck42bi2knU6Q
Construction Liens
7/21/2020
10:00 am-11:00 am
0CE
This class will review the various types of liens that can be recorded against real property. We will then discuss the process of filing a lien related to construction contracts under Florida statutes. We’ll conclude by examining the rights and obligations of contractors, sub-contractors and other licensed professionals.Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_A6zI8pgvRi-sTGQZ6jX8cQ
If Men Are From Mars and Women 7/23/2020 9:00 am-11:00 am Are From Venus, Where Are My Buyer and Seller From?
0CE
In this class we delve into the mind of who our customers are and what they need. Not just what they think they need but things they don’t even realize they need. Successful businesses meet customers’ needs better than their competitors. Don’t let the opportunity to stand out in your industry and develop a real competitive advantage pass you by. Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/ register/WN_1qmkSyD_RuK6dk5_VL8u3g
Pricing Strategies:
7/24/2020
9:00 am-4:00 pm
6CE
Mastering the CMA This course gives you the knowledge base and skills needed to successfully complete a comparative marketing analysis (CMA) and to clearly communicate it to your client(s). It is specifically designed to help residential real estate agents and broker. Register in Member Portal.
Accredited Buyer Representative Designation
7/27-28/2020
The goal of this 2-day Designation Course is to establish a foundation of training, skills, and resources to help real estate professionals succeed as a buyer’s representative. Register in Member Portal.
$30 8:00 am-5:00 pm
$60
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.
8CE
AFFILIATE BUSINESS COMMUNITY A&P Inspection Solutions LLC A Clear Choice Title & Escrow A.C.F. Home Inspections, Inc. Acosta, Moore & Shrader, PLLC Adames Pest Solutions, Inc. 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. Cross Country Mortgage Cunningham’s Inc. Cutco Closing Gifts Cutting Edge Gifts Double S Home Inspection First American Title Frank’s Home Inspection, LLC Freedom Mortgage Corporation Hamilton Group Funding Hanover Family Builders Home Warranty of America Homebridge Financial Services, Inc. Housemaster Home Inspections Howell International Tax IFREC Real Estate Schools Inspect Central Florida Integrity First Title Jet Realty Commercial Brokerage & Appraisals
K. Hovnanian Homes Land Title Professionals, LLC Luis A Martin’s Home Inspections Maronda 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 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 Sihle Insurance Group Smart International Title, LLC Solano Home Inspections Inc. Stewart Title Company Systeco Services, Inc. The AlfaOmega Financial Group The Grove Resort & Water Park The Mortgage Firm TrustCo Bank Two Men and a Truck Uniform Cottage ValueCast, Inc. Wayne’s Home Inspections, LLC Widerman Malek PL Windsor at Celebration
AFFILIATE BUSINESS COMMUNITY Gold Affiliate Sponsor
Bronze Affiliate Sponsor