Q3 2017

real estate - benefits - foreclosure - banks - florida realtors - public policy

magazine 3RD QUARTER JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER 2017

Osceola ReView

Who’s More Educated? You or Your Competition? PAGE13

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All About Our Affiliate Sponsorships PAGE15

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Four Surefire Tips For Better Listing Photos PAGE24

WINNING

OSCAR 2013 Awards SCHOLARSHIP & Installation Luncheon ESSAYS Highlights

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WELCOME/ CONTENTS JULY, AUG, SEPT 2017 news 4 5 7 8 13 15 20

12 24

OSCAR Community Involvement Members and Staff Advance Through Education Second Quarter CEO Message More Questions Than Answers - If Only I Was There!

Who’s More Educated? Your Or Your Competition?

All About Our Affiliate Sponsorships Winning Essays From OSCAR Scholarship Awardees

technology Getting To Know Supra Products and Updates Four Surefire Tips to Better Listing Photos

events

10 July, August, September 2017 Calendar

14 New OSCAR Members

16 Highlights from the RPAC/PAF Bingo Night

local trends

28

Market Dynamics

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3RD QUARTER PRESIDENTS MESSAGE Every year in May, whilst the House and the Senate are is session, many of your REALTOR® family members make the trip to Washington D.C. to strengthen our relationship with Congress and this year was no different. We, our CEO - Carol Platt, Past President and NAR Director - Jeff Perry, your President Elect - Becky Chirillo, your Treasurer – Danny Hernandez, Tim Weisheyer, Veronica Malolos, Cheryl Grieb (all Past Presidents of OSCAR) and I made the long trip to DC to listen, learn and speak out for our profession and homeownership. There were many bills being presented that could make a negative impact on us as professionals/business owners and homeowners…..home mortgage interest deduction, the MI for the term of a FHA home loan, Flood Insurance… and many more. We were able to visit the “hill” and speak to our representatives and voice how we and our clients will be effected by these issues…and they listened. When we left their offices, we knew we had their support.

Being in DC was not all work…..once the meeting, seminars and forums were over, we were able to visit some of our Nation’s sacred and historic places….The Lincoln Memorial, The Vietnam War Memorial, The Korean War Memorial, Martin Luther King Memorial, The White House (we did not receive a special invitation to join them for dinner) and The Ford Theatre. I think the most impressive place we visited was the Arlington National Cemetery where we witnessed the changing of the guards and the replacement of the wreath for the unknown soldier. Our military guards have watched over the tomb uninterrupted since 1948. Please take a few moments to view the website, below, I hope 2017 Board President, Wanda Linscott you enjoy it as much as I did. www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore/Changing-of-the-Guard Summer is here and the children are out of school. Time for vacations and time to begin the planning for our next year….. election time. You will soon receive emails announcing the start of our nominating process for our Board of Directors and Officers. Traditionally, each Board of Director will serve a period of three years and the Officers will serve a one year term. This year we have several Board and Officer members that will be retiring and we are looking for “a few good (wo) men” to take their place. If you have a desire to serve your Association, please feel free to reach out to any of our current Board members or our CEO for more details.

Enjoy your summer and I hope to see you on the other side of a closing table.

magazine contact Published by Osceola County Association of REALTORS®, 1105 Shady Lane, Kissimmee, FL 34744

advocates team

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES: Elvira Perez, e-Pro, AHWD, Elvira@osceola-realtors.com

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER / EDITOR: Carol Platt, CRB, e-Pro, AHWD, RCE T 4078460117 E carol@osceola-realtors.com

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES: Jonathan Guttierrez Jonathan@osceola-realtors.com

WEB MASTER: Chris Florence, CCIM, e-Pro webmaster@osceola-realtors.com COMMUNICATIONS: Nan Cherry, e-Pro, AHWD, SMU nan@osceola-realtors.com PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR: Clarence Zarnes, MAT, SGM (R) USA clarence@osceola-realtors.com SENIOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT STAFF: Iyesha Strowder, ePro advocate319@osceola-realtors.com MEMBERSHIP SERVICES COORDINATOR: Yohanna Cruz, e-Pro, AHWD, SMU yohanna@osceola-realtors.com MEMBERSHIP SERVICES: Crystal Lopez, e-Pro, AHWD, SMU Crystal@osceola-realtors.com

SOCIAL MEDIA: Nan Cherry, e-Pro, AHWD, SMU nan@osceola-realtors.com

contributing writers Interested in contributing to our quarterly publication?! We would love to hear from you.

We require that all works be original, meaning written by you, and do not allow promotion of your business.

advertising Digital or printed media packs available on request.

HEAD OF SALES: Nan Cherry, e-Pro, AHWD, SMU nan@osceola-realtors.com

Distribution The ReView is printed quarterly. To subscribe, contact our subscriptions team.

SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER: Nan Cherry, e-Pro, AHWD, SMU nan@osceola-realtors.com

www.Osceolarealtors.org

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A DRIVING FORCE IN THE COMMUNITY

OSCAR is committed to being a driving force in our local community by making a positive impact to improve the lives of those who live within it. In the past quarter, our REALTORS® Care Committee has been busy reaching out to those in need through a variety of iniatives. One such initiative was a suitcase drive to benefit children in foster care who are otherwise forced to move their belongings in a trash bag as they relocate. With the help of members like you, we were able to deliver a number of suitcases to these children in need!

In addition to the suitcase drive, the committee has been active in assisting the Boys and Girls Club of Osceola County. They are pictured above presenting a $1,000 check to the organization, and taking a tour of the facility led by Kathy Sipio. Donations to the Boys and Girls Club help to provide a safe, positive, and engaging environment to young boys and girls while also offering programs to help them prepare for successful and productive futures. And let’s not forget the work they’ve done for Relay for Life! In addition to participating in the Relay, they’ve organized a dart and cornhole tournament to help raise funds to help the American Cancer Society fight cancer. Thanks for all your hard work in making OSCAR a driving force in our community!

ADVANCING

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THROUGH EDUCATION!

OSCAR members are getting their money’s worth by taking advantage of reduced costs for designation courses that will help them earn the credentials that will increase their knowledge and earning power.

Our Certified Real Estate Professional Designation has been created to help REALTORS® gain an understanding of the core competencies necessary for success in the business. Raquel Schroder and Larysa Tsyupenko, pictured from the left, are two such members who have earned their CRP designations. Members Lisa Holton-Phelps, Tina Campbell, and President Wanda Linscott can also

count themselves as recent designation awardees.

Congratulations on building your success through education!

OSCAR Professional Development Director, Clarence Zarnes has recently graduated from the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubator Program. This innovative program is designed to nurture and develop small business owners in the early and vulnerable first years of operation to help guide them to growth and independence.

educational program for real estate entrepreneurs within the O S C A R membership.

TheIncubator Programalsohelpsveterans,likeClarence through its Veterans Iniative with a stated mission to empower and support veteran entrepreneurs through “business guidance, education, and mentorship.”

Through this program, Clarence has gained insight into how to deliver relevance and quality in OSCAR’s

Clarence is eager to put his education to good use, saying “I thrive on being able to help individuals and organizations grow; personally, professionally, and organizationally. Now with the information gained through the entrepreneur program, I will be able to expand the help I provide to others.”

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OSCAR

3RD QUARTER ASSOCIATION

EXECUTIVE MESSAGE

ARE YOU

UTILIZING YOUR

YOUR INVESTMENT

2017

FOR SUCCESS? MEDIA CONTACT: Carol Platt

PHONE: 407-846-0117

EMAIL: carol@osceola-realtors.com

Last quarter, I was fortunate to get the opportunity to have lunch with retiring NAR CEO Dale Stinton and meet with NAR department heads in Chicago. As I met and explored each department options and spoke with staff leadership, we established an immediate bond steeped in our shared mission of delivering on the REALTOR® brand that you invested in that impacts your success and the communities and consumers that you serve. Witnessing that same commitment and belief in you on a national level is empowering and strengthens our resolve to deliver value to each member, meeting you where you are and facilitating where you want to go.

through your dues, an entire real estate research library?

Did you know…. NAR has the largest real estate research library in the world. They have five researchers on staff to assist you, digitalized documents, digital and physical lending options and low cost purchase options. If you are working on an op ed, news column, press release, essay or report, you have a team of researchers in Chicago that are just a phone call or email away to help you rock it! If you are assessing trends and markets for business decisions, statistical data is available to you along with manuals and business publications to help you make informed decisions.

Why pay a subscription to a news service, business book service, etc. when you own,

Did you know…. that when you approach your association with new ideas to impact your community or public policy effectiveness that NAR has a complete incentivized granting program and expert consulting to assist your association both in process and in meeting fiscal goals?

As you scan through the multitude of offers from companies that profess to get you more leads and make you prosper through products and services, before you spend more of your hard earned money, check with your local association and use the investment that you have already made to be a part of a 5 billion dollar brand first!

Did you know…. that NAR has an accredited REALTOR® University for advanced real estate studies and career development, plus the Real Estate Business Institute to provide current critical specialized education to advance your knowledge, your confidence in yourself and build your business and bottom line both online 24/7

We are part of an amazing professional association in a business that advances the cause of freedom, family wealth, health and financial security, our constitutional property rights and the communities in which we live. Whether locally or nationally, your association staff is proud to serve our members and awed by the impact that you have through the real estate profession.

Did you know…. that NAR plans conventions and workshops eight years in advance? Those of you who attend those events for valuable networking, education and leadership opportunities may call for registration and motel room recommendations, but did you realize that if you are planning a brokerage retreat, franchise convention or real estate specialty training workshop that NAR’s Convention department will consult and advise you toward logistics and pitfalls, including contract review?

OSCAR CEO, Carol Platt and in a live class format in cooperation with your local association?

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MORE QUESTIONS

THAN ANSWERS –IF ONLY I WAS THERE!

MEDIA CONTACT: Imran Mohamed

EMAIL: imrobin@earthlink.net

Given the amount of foreign investment that has and is still coming into the Central Florida market is it natural to assume that quite a number of Realtors would have channel at least some of their efforts into capturing part of the $19.4 Billion Florida International Market.

Some of us may have pursued it from a dedicated standpoint or just do it by happenstance. Either way, agents would have more than likely encountered at least some of the issues addressed at our breakfast event held on 6th, June 2017.

Whether or not you’re an experienced agents, one that dabbles or you’re still finding your sea legs there is

always something totally new or changing in the realm of International real estate.

I cannot over emphasize the benefits of getting your Certified International Professional Specialist –CIPS® designation which is now being offered right here at OSCAR, but being that as it may it is always good to learn from the top guns.

The GAC was were thrilled to have Garret Kenny and Zola Szerencses …. As our speakers.

• Garrett is one of the most well-known names in Central Florida real estate. He is the founder and CEO of Feltrim and also author of the book Buying and Owning

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Property in Central Florida. He regularly appears on television and radio in the US, UK and even in China and Brazil. Since 1996 has built and sold over $700 million worth of property in the Central Florida area.

• Zola is a member of the CIPS Faculty, Florida Realtors Faculty, 2015 DVP Florida Realtors® and 2014 Past President for the Orlando Regional Realtor® Association. He was the 2011 Chair for NAR International Local Council Forum, 2012 Chair for Florida Realtors Global Networking Forums, and past Chair of ORRA’s International Council (ORIC). He was also the 2014 Chairman for Florida Realtors® Global Business Committee, 2013 Chair for NAR CIPS Advisory Board and was honored to be the 2011 Realtor® of the Year in Orlando. Currently he is serving as NAR Director, Chairman of NAR Global Business Alliances, NAR Regional Coordinator for Central/Eastern Europe all while serving in his rock star role as CEO/Managing Broker of Keller Williams Winter Park Realty.

• When talking about International real estate most agents tend to think in terms of the foreign buyer but the foreign seller can be just as attractive. What issues should we be aware off when working with foreign sellers?

• The Vacation home market is a really big slice of the pie in so much so that Experience Kissimmee has trademarked the phrase Kissimmee “Vacation Home Capital of the World”. If I wanted to expand into this market what pointers can you provide?

Our “fireside chat” format kept the audience engaged as Garret & Zola responded to various questions previously fielded from our membership. While I will not go into the actual responses I’ll give you some of the questions that were posed with the hope that it will raise your awareness and stimulate you to research some of these things yourself and learn “How to avoid Pitfalls when working with an International Customer”

• In your experience, what networking, local board or state events, etc. would you recommend to Realtors wanting to gain knowledge and connections in our Global Market?

• In working with International buyers Agents can specialize in certain Product/s and then attract clients looking for that specific product/s or we can develop investment strategies for clients based on the specific needs. What are some of the positive and negatives of each scenario?

• Thinking back over all of your closings and exchanges with foreign customers.....Please share what your worst nightmare transaction was and how you were able to overcome the obstacle to get the deal closed.

• On many occasions Agents will encounter International buyers who don’t know much if anything at all about investing in US real Estate and they look to the Agent for Guidance. What are some of the pitfalls that the Agent can face?

• At what point in the buyer or seller relationship do you suggest a customer get in touch with a tax accountant or CPA and why?

To prevent having more questions than answers I hope to see you at the GAC Luncheon event to be held at Falcon’s Fire on July 20th. We are expected to have some riveting speakers as we explore the topic “Are you getting Your Share Of The $19.4 Billion Florida International Market” ….. Keep on the lookout for registration details from OSCAR.

• Given your vast experience in the Vacation / Short term rental market you must have or have heard of some nightmare issues faced by agents dealing with the International buyer or vice versa, can you please share.

• Please give some pointers on marketing to the international buyer as well as some of the things a Realtor should avoid?

• While a large percentage of foreign nationals buy cash, increasingly they are looking for mortgages.

Are there specific things that you’ve encountered on the financing side that would be wise to avoid?

CHOOSE

STEWART TITLE

AS YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER. 407.624.1699

gennie.esteves@stewart.com

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EVENTS THIS JUL/AUG/SEPT

SEMINAR

REGISTRATION CONTACT Clarence Zarnes Professional Development Director

EMAIL JULY 19TH

MLS Basic TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM

MLS Compliance 101 TIME: 1:00PM - 2:15PM

MLS Adding & Modifying Listings

JULY 3RD

Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM JULY 6TH

MLS CMA Tools TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM

MLS Realist TIME: 1:00PM - 3:00PM JULY 10TH

New Member Welcome TIME: 8:30AM- 12:30PM

Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM JULY 12TH

Monitor Training TIME: 9:00AM - 10:00AM

MLS Advantage

osceola-realtors.com

AUGUST 3RD

Unless otherwise noted

Core Law

TIME: 2:30PM - 3:45PM

3 CE’s TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Richard Fryer

JULY 20TH

Code of Ethics

Global Alliance Luncheon

Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM

JULY 24TH

RPAC Auction

TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM

TIME: 6:00PM - 9:00PM LOCATION: Kissimme Bay Country Club, Kissimmee, FL COST: $25

3 CE’s TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM INSTRUCTOR: David Fletcher LOCATION: Providence Golf Club, Davenport, FL

Toastmasters JULY 26TH

MLS Basic (Spanish) TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM

MLS Compliance 101 (Spanish) TIME: 1:00PM - 2:15PM

MLS Adding & Modifying Listings (Spanish) TIME: 2:30PM - 3:45PM JULY 31ST

AUGUST 7TH

New Member Welcome TIME: 8:30AM- 12:30PM

Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM AUGUST 9TH

MLS Marketing Tools TIME: 10:00AM - 12:00PM

MLS iMapp TIME: 1:00PM - 3:00PM

TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM

AUGUST 1ST

AUGUST 10TH & 11TH

11 CE’s TIME: 8:00AM - 5:00PM INSTRUCTOR: David Wyant COST: $129 for Members $145 for Non-Members LOCATION: Providence Golf Club, Davenport, FL

AUGUST 14TH

TIME: 11:30AM- 1:30PM

TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM

GRI 301: It’s More Than Just Sales

407.846.0117

AUGUST 15TH

Toastmasters

JULY 19TH & 20TH

CALL

3 CE’s TIME: 1:00PM - 4:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Richard Fryer

JULY 17TH

Toastmasters

clarence@

2 CE’s TIME: 2:30PM - 4:30PM INSTRUCTOR: Kaz Cisowski

Form Simplicity

3 CE’s TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Kaz Cisowski

Form Simplicity Broker Tools

0 CE’s TIME: 1:00PM - 2:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Kaz Cisowski

Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) 2 Day Class 11 CE’s TIME: 8:00AM - 5:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Cynthia DeLuca COST: $275 for Members and Non-Members

Our office will be closed on Independence Day, July 4th and Labor Day, September 4th

How To Build a New Homes Niche

AUGUST 21ST

Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM AUGUST 22ND

Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA)

6 CE’s TIME: 9:00AM - 4:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Cynthia DeLuca COST: Free for Members and $99 for Non-Members AUGUST 23RD

MLS Basic TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM

MLS Compliance 101 TIME: 1:00PM - 2:15PM

MLS Adding & Modifying Listings TIME: 2:30PM - 3:45PM

Classes are free to members unless otherwise noted.

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AUGUST 24TH

SEPTEMBER 4TH

Choosing & Writing Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM a Successful Contract 7CE’s TIME: 8:30AM - 4:30PM INSTRUCTOR: Steven David COST: Free for Members, $129 for Non-members

SEPTEMBER 6TH

AUGUST 28TH

MLS Intro to Transaction Desk

Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM AUGUST 29TH

Core Law

3 CE’s TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Richard Fryer

Core Law

3 CE’s TIME: 1:00PM - 4:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Richard Fryer

MLS Advanced Matrix TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM

SEPTEMBER 20TH

Core Law

3 CE’s TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Richard Fryer

Code of Ethics

3 CE’s TIME: 1:00PM - 4:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Richard Fryer

SEPTEMBER 12TH

Preparing & Navigating the Listing Contract

4 CE’s TIME: 9:00AM - 1:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Cynthia DeLuca

TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM

MLS Compliance 101 (Spanish) TIME: 1:00PM - 2:15PM

MLS Adding & Modifying Listings (Spanish) TIME: 2:30PM - 3:45PM

MLS Basic TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM

MLS Compliance 101 TIME: 1:00PM - 2:15PM

MLS Adding & Modifying Listings TIME: 2:30PM - 3:45PM SEPTEMBER 25TH

Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM SEPTEMBER 26TH

Demystifying the Appraisal Process 3 CE’s TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Kim Bell

CAN’T FIND AN EVENT YOU WISH TO ATTEND?

SEPTEMBER 18TH

Your REALTOR® Advocates work hard at providing you with the most up to date info going on here at the association. We are still human and may miss something so, if you can’t find information that you need, let us know. We welcome your encouraging input.

3 CE’s TIME: 9:00AM - 1:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Ben Crosby

Email: Communications@osceolarealtors.com

AUGUST 30TH & 31ST

MLS Basic (Spanish)

Know Your Numbers

SEPTEMBER 7TH

TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM

AUGUST 30TH

TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM INSTRUCTOR: David Fletcher LOCATION: Providence Golf Club, Davenport, FL

TIME: 1:00PM - 3:00PM

Toastmasters

11 CE’s TIME: 8:00AM - 5:00PM INSTRUCTOR: David Wyant COST: $129 for Members $145 for Non-Members LOCATION: Providence Golf Club, Davenport, FL

How To Build a New Homes Niche

3 CE’s TIME: 5:30PM - 8:30PM INSTRUCTOR: Grant Simon

SEPTEMBER 11TH

GRI 301: It’s More Than Just Sales

SEPTEMBER 19TH

SEPTEMBER 14TH

What to Expect When FREC Inspects

3 CE’s TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Danny Villazon

Under All is the Land

Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM

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GETTING TO KNOW SUPRA PRODUCTS AND UDPATES MEDIA CONTACT: Yohanna Cruz & Crystal Lopez

EMAIL: Yohanna@osceola-realtors.com, Crystal@osceola-realtors.com

Supra has provided products to the real estate industry since 1955 bringing efficiency to real estate professionals.

The Supra system makes it easy for agents to access properties and track showing activities. The Latest Supra Bluetooth lockbox communicates with newer smartphones allowing these boxes to be opened using Bluetooth or infrared signals. A data record is created each time a key box is opened.

Supra currently offers 3 types of keys.

1. eKEY 2. Active Key 3. Express Key

eKEY FOR SMARTPHONES You know what they say; “We live in a Mobile World� and I think Supra took this very seriously.

The eKEY app is the latest and fastest technology that SUPRA has created. It is available on the App store for iPhones and in the Google Play Store for Androids. This app works solely through Bluetooth and does not need internet service. It is easily accessible and no other accessories such as a device or charger is needed. If you ask me, I totally recommend the Supra eKEY

ACTIVE KEYS The Supra Active Key is a small portable device designed to be active and ready to open lockboxes.

The Active key updates itself

automatically and sends information to the Supra network using its cellular radio. The ActiveKey is simple, convenient and secure.

EXPRESS KEYS The Express Key is a compact touchscreen key that is quick and easy. The Express Key connects to our lockboxes wirelessly. It has many great functions, like recording showing times and sending verifications via email or text right away. Like the eKEY the Express Key does not need a cellular signal. The Express Key is a very safe and durable device as well as pocket-sized for safe keeping. The battery life is longlasting and very reliable. Supra has definitely stepped up with this one!

LOCKBOXES Supra has evolved to working wirelessly and through Bluetooth!

Their newest lockbox is the iBox BT LE This lockbox works with any Supra Key. It is easy to open and easy for placement on houses.

This BT LE box can withstand all sorts of weather and is dependable for securing the keys.

SUPRAWEB The SupraWEB allows you to create showing reports, which contains all showing activities. This option creates key activity reports, assists with adding your key boxes to your account, obtaining an update code for your key, and ordering Supra accessories online.

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WHO’S MORE EDUCATED, YOU OR YOUR COMPETITION? MEDIA CONTACT: Clarence Zarnes

I’m sure you have heard that knowledge is power. Well, it’s true! The more you know about a given subject, the more successful you will be in answer questions and dealing with issues related to it.

For REALTORS®, as with most licensed professionals, there is a requirement for continuing education. Continuing education requirements were established to help ensure that these professionals are staying current in their fields, as well as growing their knowledge base. So whether you are new to the REALTOR® world or if you have been around it for some time, things are always changing and new opportunities are always presenting themselves. The more continuing education you complete, the more prepared you will be for those changes and opportunities.

To remain a relevant and competitive REALTOR®, you must be continually growing your knowledge base. This pertains to both those who wish to remain focused on a particular segment of Real Estate, such as a residential REALTOR®, and those who wish to expand their segment opportunities to land and or commercial Real Estate as an example.

EMAIL: Clarence@osceola-realtors.com

My suggestion is to not focus on the minimum credit or class requirements for your renewal, but to focus on taking as many classes as possible. In turn, you will far exceed your minimum credit requirements for your renewal.

As a member of OSCAR you are provided many opportunities to attend classes at our association for free. And for those times when you cannot attend in person, we also offer many online classes at a very minimum cost.

So start growing your knowledge base today and become more educated than your competition. Open your calendar and OSCAR’s Education Calendar, then start plugging in your education days. Further, start setting education or class goals for yourself. If you have staff, do the same for them. Example, I plan to attend at least one three hour class per week and one, six to eight hour class per month or quarter. For some that may seem aggressive, but after a short while it will become a habit, a good habit.

It is my goal and desire to help each of you grow; personally, professionally and organizationally. So if you would like some assistance in setting up your future education plan or goals, just let me know.

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WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS!

Top Left: Members from our April orientation, Top Right: May orientation, Left: June Orientation Every quarter we are pleased to see so many new faces who are excited to start a new career in real estate.

We’re here to help our members be the best REALTORS® they can be through professional development opportunities, networking functions that will help connect them with other REALTORS® and affiliates, and through benefits that help establish them in their trade. Welcome to OSCAR, guys!

We look forward to helping you achieve your success in real estate!

Congratulations to our newest members to receive Leadership Academy training with Melynn Sight this year! You guys are going places with the special skills you’ve learned in this session. Nice work!

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ALL ABOUT OUR AFFILIATE SPONSORSHIPS MEDIA CONTACT: Iyesha Strowder

Affiliates are imperative to the Osceola County Association of REALTORS速 organization. There are numerous benefits that we provide to our Affiliate members, which is an encouragement to all potential Affiliates. All primary and secondary members within our Association, are active licensed real estate professionals. Affiliates get the opportunity to sponsor.

There are currently over 3,000 members within our Association, and that number will continue to grow over the next coming months. The number of benefits you receive as an Affiliate are extensive. You and your organization will be listed in the Osceola County Association of REALTORS速 Affiliate Roster.

This Affiliate roster is included in our New Member Packet as well as our OSCAR ReView magazine each quarter, which alone reaches more than 3,100 REALTORS速, community leaders, and government officials. You will receive the OSCAR eView and OSCAR edView weekly, which provides information on all upcoming Association events and educational opportunities. In addition to all the great items you receive, you may also sponsor educational classes, seminars, workshops, and social events. These programs can be sponsored at various rates. These sponsorship opportunities provide an avenue to give your organization exposure to all the REALTOR速 members and Affiliates in our Association, as well as detailing how your organization can benefit them.

OSCAR is your target market so, reach out to us!

EMAIL: advocate319@osceola-realtors.com

annual awards luncheon. With your involvement in our Association, you have additional opportunities to join non-confidential committees as an ad hoc member, to assist with activities, which allows you to give back to our communities and build relationships with other members.

The value of sponsorship for an organization comes from the business relationships that you build. As an Association, we understand the importance and value of sponsorship, and identifying that it is built off the relationships you build with our members. At OSCAR, we remain attentive in identifying classes and events based on both the needs and wants of our members.

We provide exposure and acknowledgement by listening to our members and ensuring we provide the maximum benefits as well.

Ensuring that we provide constant open communication, whether face-to-face, or through phone/email, is imperative to the success of the sponsorship program. It is also imperative to building effective successful business relationships.

Some of the major events the Association holds are the Broker Round Tables, Night at the OSCAR, Annual RPAC Auction, Annual Awards and Installation Luncheon, as well as other various Association Networking events. All our events and classes provide opportunities to network and build business relationships.

As a bonus, while being a member of our Association and continuing to be involved, you will be provided an opportunity to be selected to receive awards such as Affiliate Member of the Year Award, Affiliate Rising Star of the Year Award, or the Affiliate Company of the Year Award. All of these awards are presented during our

Stewart Title

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RPAC / PAF

BINGO NIGHT

Olga Forero and Gina Perra show their winning Bingo cards On May 11th, OSCAR turned out our 2nd RPAC/PAF Bingo Night which brought members together to enjoy festivities and good company while helping the REALTORS® Political Action Committee raise funds to protect our industry and members like you from legislation that could hurt your bottom line and discourage access to homeownership. RPAC is an investment in your business, and that’s why we encourage members to contribute their $20 fair share

to the cause. And with events like these it’s easy and fun to do! But if you couldn’t make it out to our Bingo Night, don’t despair. We’ll have another spectacular RPAC themed networking event just around the corner! Our annual RPAC Silent Auction on August 3rd. Make sure to check your emails for details on this exciting event and others to come. Your attendance at these functions helps you build your network and helps RPAC advocate for you in the political arena.

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Angel Ortiz, Olga Forero, Eloisa Forness, Gil Medina, and Gladys Thayer

Front Row: Julio Salgado, Olga Forero, Gladys Thayer, Lauri Varner, and President Wanda Linscott. Back Row: James Williams III, Richard Knapp, Gil Medina, and Angel Ortiz

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CONGRATULATIONS

TO OUR SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!

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SCAR’s REALTORS® Care Committee awarded not one, but ELEVEN scholarships to Osceola County high school seniors in the 2nd Quarter, helping these students get their financial footing on their way to college! Entrants in our annual scholarship competition were asked to write a short, 250 word essay conveying the value that REALTORS® bring to the community.

Each student brought their own unique perspective to their essays, delivering a rich detailing on the importance they place on our profession and our contributions. While there were many outstanding essays to choose from, ultimately only eleven could be selected. See the winning essays here!

An early 17th century philosopher named John Locke developed his trinity of natural rights which are Life, Liberty, and Property. Property has always been a valued part of society which means that it needs to be heavily regulated as to not become unfair or corrupted. Dealing with tedious laws and regulations would be a heavy burden on people looking to purchase a house if not for the people who deal with this on a regular basis, REALTORS®. While there are many different people that contribute along the process of buying or selling property, real estate consultants are there to guide and council you along the whole process. These individuals can spend hours on end researching to find the best properties possible for the consumer. They are the people who know the ins and outs of the business and act as a mediator between parties.

They truly are an invaluable resource that without them, would add a plethora of unnecessary stress and headache to the consumer. Not only is this their occupation, but a responsibility to serve the community with high integrity and ethical code.

Without our local REALTORS®, the excitement and joy of purchasing a home would be lost and the thought of moving to our community would be a chore.

- Matthew Geiger

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Shelter is a basic, yet imperative, necessity for human survival.

Without it, families would be exposed to the temperamental nature of the elements along with other unpleasant dangers found outside the comfort of their home. Thankfully, our society has developed over the ages a mutualistic relationship with REALTORS®. Having community members of this profession is invaluable, for only they are able to satisfy our primitive drive to find a residence that is both protective and aligned to our individual nuances.

REALTORS® are never given enough credit. Not only do they possess vast quantities of knowledge about specific housing properties and the overall market, they are also an empathetic people as a whole. Few other professionals in our community are able to connect with families and individuals so extensively while still maintaining that personal and deep connection with them. This is actually one of the qualities that makes them so successful at what they do; as they are able to really unite with their clients on such an intimate level, they can, for the most part, infallibly decipher the clients’ unspoken wishes and match them with a home that is suitable to these exact desires. This empathy serves to put those that may be uneasy with purchasing a home at peace with their decision. In doing so, they are satisfying our most primal psychological need for safety, that which can only be found within a home of our own.

REALTORS® provide the public with stability and security, of both the mind and the body.

Without this valued profession, chaos would reign supreme in the realm of shelter-seeking, so I, for one, am glad that we have come to put such an emphasis on the hard work realtors put into their career.

- Ethan Missigman

At a first glance, most people believe that a REALTOR’S® only function is to sell houses to individuals. However, REALTOR® Professionals have a much bigger impact: benefiting individuals, the society, and especially the country’s economy. REALTOR® Professionals allow customers to easily buy homes. In effect, the customer can have a satisfactory and stable living space, in which they can feel better about themselves and have a higher societal standard and standard of living. Although it seems like owning a house only affects the individual, commercial real estate sales have a significant impact on the economy of the country. Firstly, when the customer (consumer) purchases a house, the transaction is considered as an increase to the investment sector of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Secondly, when customers of REALTOR® Professionals buy a house, they feel more wealthy and as if they are worth more since they personally own something highly expensive.

As a result, the consumer is willing to spend more money in the market, again, adding onto the country’s GDP. For instance, Florida has a growing population, requiring more homes and therefore REALTORSî. With the rise in home sales, REALTOR® Professionals contribute to the United States’ presently expanding economy. Therefore, not only do REALTOR® Professionals contribute to the well-being of an individual, but also the society and the country’s economy as a whole by encouraging growth and development.

- Gavin Gui

I am lucky enough to live in a large, very close family, who has lived in the same town for over 34 years and with those things comes a great respect for the benefit of establishing roots, developing relationships and contributing as a citizen of the community that you live in. One of my uncles, John (Jay) Wetzel, is a real estate agent and has been since the early 2000’s. The value that real estate professionals bring to their communities are those same things that I have learned to appreciate growing up in my family and in my town; lasting relationships, a sense of being a part of something special like my town and making contributions to the community.

Real estate professionals help individuals and families not only find their dream homes but also help these same people understand all that their communities have to offer. I believe that real estate professionals also value lasting relationships, which is a cornerstone of strong communities. I also believe that the best real estate professionals almost can’t help but to make lasting connections with their clients simply due to the very personal nature of finding the perfect home for those clients that they serve. I, through my uncle, also see how involved in civic organizations real estate professional seem to be. And through their participation, they contribute to the betterment of their community.

This summer with the help from my Uncle Jay, I’m planning to obtain my real estate license and work for his company throughout my college career. What I hope to gain from that experience is not only practical application of my college business courses but I will also be exposed to the legal, negotiation, and social aspects of the profession.

- Jonathan Wetzel

“As professionals, REALTOR® take pride in their work, expertise, and experience they offer to clients.”

These certain individuals devote their lives to real estate and to society members who depend on them to help. They also are not like all real estate agents REALTORS® are different in many ways. Not anyone can be a REALTOR®, only those who abide by a higher standard and work ethics of their profession.

Using these qualities and personal abilities is how REALTORS® are helpful to the community. REALTOR® professionals help people fulfill their dreams by buying or selling real estate. These professionals are important because they assist individuals in reaching their life long goals of owning their own business and/ or home. This also affects the community in a big way, such that REALTOR® professionals are a key to the economic flow and a major piece in making sure that the economy is actually flowing consistently. With their knowledge and expertise in this field, buyers/sellers know that REALTORS® are the way to go, because they can get them the best service they need.

- Bryan Lopez

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If you came to my home on any given day during my childhood you might have found me in a tree, my brother practicing in the batting cage, and my oldest brother riding a four­wheeler. This is all possible because a REALTOR® helped my parents sell our old house in Orlando so we could afford the home we live in now. The REALTOR® coached my parents with advice on staging the house, recommended professional repairmen, arranged the appraisal, and helped negotiate a selling price more than imagined. Our REALTOR® not only used their knowledge, experience, and expertise to sell our house, but they made the transaction smooth for our family to move to St. Cloud where our home has produced memories I will never forget.

A REALTOR’s® job is much more difficult than locating a house with a for sale sign.

They first need to become familiar with their client’s needs and wants. For example, does the client want to live in a metropolitan area in a high-rise or a rural area where one can have a horse? The checklist the REALTOR® must complete to maximize the greatest opportunity for a family is not a simple task. A typical checklist could include, price range, pool, neighborhood, schools, distance to work, crime rate, noise levels, property size, parks, nearby attractions, and restaurants. The pressure of meeting all these needs and staying within a budget is why an individual couldn’t do this alone, they need the professional advice of a REALTOR® that follows the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

REALTOR’s® contribute so much to our St. Cloud community.

Their job is so important because they are going to place the family in a home that will help the family make their dreams come true and future memories to last a lifetime.

- Shaye Herman

REALTOR® professionals are important because without their expertise perspective home buyers, land buyers, or any type of person trying to purchase real estate may be lost in the immense amount of paper work, not to mention all of the legal terms. In reality most people wouldn’t know where to start with the process of buying a home because it can be so overwhelming, but REALTORS® help to find locations that are suitable, and guide buyers through the whole process, which makes it a much less stressful situation than if one had to go through it on their own. The magnitude of the importance that REALTORS® have is truly shown through the fact that they help their customers through a very large financial commitment.

Procuring real estate is a commitment that not only benefits the buyer, but the economy too. It is estimated “that each home sale at the median generates $63,101 of economic impact (2008)” and that is only the direct economic impact, based off of this fact “the sale of new homes is associated with a direct contribution to GDP [Gross Domestic Product]” (Hale 2). As one can discern, a REALTOR’S® job is about more than transferring the titles of property from one owner to the next. The job is about aiding a family in finding their dream home, assisting a business owner in finding their new shop, and helping to stimulating the economy.

- Madison Cloud

Upon reading the prompt I instantly realized how REALTOR® Professionals change lives and communities, because they changed mine. I lived in a house in Polk County where from basically kindergarten to 8th grade.

While we lived in Polk County my mother, my 2 siblings and I commuted to Celebration K-8, because my mother was a teacher there. As my siblings and I grew older, we had trouble joining extracurricular programs and making friends because of the far distance we lived from the community we attended school in. We contacted a local Realty Agency and our REALTOR® Professional was able to find us the ideal house as if it was tailor-made for our family. I was able to ride my bike to my friend’s house for the first time in my life, get my first job and use the money to make college a reality, and even make the Varsity Baseball team as a freshman. I realized how thankful I was for the Realtor Professional who was able to place my family and I in the quintessential community, which allowed me to have opportunities I never would have had without their help. After my own experience, I noticed that each child and their family in our community had been given the life changing opportunities I too was given, by a REALTOR® Professional. The ability to change lives and construct communities is the true value of a REALTOR® Professional.

- Cameron Kanner

Purchasing a home, estate, or commercial property is usually one of the biggest financial decisions someone can make in their lifetime. Buying property in the real estate sector is not just daunting financially, but also the ethics codes, regulations, and contractual agreements can appall the average home buyer. Any sane person knows that the best and most responsible way to purchase, or sell, real estate property is getting guidance from a REALTOR® professional.

The biggest misconception with REALTORS® is that the client’s best financial interest is not taken to heart. In reality, REALTORS® have a fiduciary responsibility to do what is best for their client. Negotiating for the best deals and least amount of risk in all contracts is usually a win-win for the client and the REALTOR® professional.

To conclude, if someone decides to purchase a home without the valuable guidance from REALTORS®, they will usually regard their purchase as a nightmare that murdered their wallet. REALTOR® professionals have fiduciary responsibilities to their clients, can fully understand all the evolving regulations and ethics, can help find the right home at the right price, and can negotiate a large contract that the average citizen cannot. With all this being said, REALTOR® professionals are not real estate agents, they are actually professional samaritans that make the world and economy a better place.

- James B. Sturgill

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REALTORS® are truly critical to the creation of a successful community that thrives and grows. While researching for this essay, I noticed a common theme: REALTORS® add value to the real estate transaction. I think it goes beyond this however, because REALTORS® add value in many more ways. They add value to communities by protecting consumers, and building communities in efficient, productive organizations. Even beyond this, they protect our right in this nation as American citizens to possess land we can afford, live on, and enjoy. They are there to recognize the interests of individuals in a community. To be honest, I think this role is often overlooked, even when much of our happiness depends on our sense of home. REALTORS® give us this sense by genuinely listening and providing good options. The fact that we can be and feel like a community truly boils down to what the REALTORS® do for home, business, and land buyers. Of course there are such leaders as local politicians and, influential business owners in a town or community, but the question must be asked, who made all that possible? At the very foundation, REALTORS® gave those leaders the desire to stay in a community because they feel they have a home that truly fits their needs and lifestyle. While people, leaders, and businesses make up a community, REALTORS® act as the glue in cementing all these aspects together by allowing people to have home options that allow them to be happy with where they live.

- Larissa Barnes Help! This dream is turning into a nightmare.

Recently, my parents went looking for a new home.

Every weekend was a new adventure of searching communities and calculating numbers. My dad finally decided to call a REALTOR®. The REALTOR® listened and offered expert advice. He explained that he belonged to the National Association of REALTORS®.

We soon realized the value of REALTORS® in our community. They help families buying or selling their homes. Also, REALTORS® participate in community events that bring people together.

First, our agent helps families, like mine, by using new technology for research and up­-to-date information.

The agent was knowledgeable about the community, schools, hospitals and businesses. The REALTORS® make sure that people understand the process for buying a home. REALTORS® listen to family’s needs and offer guidance in a friendly and helpful manner.

Secondly, REALTORS® sponsor events to create relationships between local businesses, schools, and services offered in a community. Participation in these events encourage and educate residents. In addition, The Osceola County Association of REALTORS®, Inc. helps students with the opportunity to apply for scholarships. The young people are the future firsttime homebuyers who will need the services of a REALTOR®.

As a result of my family’s personal experience, I have learned about the value REALTORS® contribute to our community. Their hard work and dedication support the dreams of multiple families buying a house come true. I look forward to having a REALTOR® help me with the purchase of my first home.

- Christian A. Aponte

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FOUR SUREFIRE TIPS FOR BETTER LISTING PHOTOS

MEDIA CONTACT: ERIN VAUGHAN

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It can’t be stressed enough: Great photos help sell homes.

The National Association of REALTORS®’ own research shows that well over 90 percent of home shoppers look online for at least a part of their search. For almost half of all buyers, accessing digital listings is the very first step in their process. And while there’s been much speculation as to the homebuying behaviors of millennials, this much is known for sure: Digital natives are much more comfortable with browsing home listings from mobile devices.

None of this is breaking news, but it does highlight just how important digital representation can be when you’re trying to show a home. One industry study found that when listings were accompanied by high-quality photos taken with professional equipment, they spent significantly less time on the market and fetched a premium of $3,400 on average.

Unfortunately, interior shots pose a variety of photographic challenges that are difficult for amateur photographers. Real estate pros shouldn’t be expected to transform overnight into

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professional camera wielders, but you can certainly benefit from a few tricks up your sleeve and some decent equipment.

DON’T TURN TOWARD THE LIGHT This scenario might feel familiar: You want to show off the new windows in your client’s living room, but every time you snap a photo, the image is totally blown out. Photos with dark foregrounds and overexposed windows are a common problem that happens when ambient light from the outdoors tricks the camera’s light meter into overcompensating. A flash will balance out the lighting in the room, giving you a better shot. Alternatively, you can use your camera’s manual controls and settings. The right settings depend on the kind of equipment you have, however. For many point-and-shoot digital cameras, it’s mainly a matter of adjusting the ISO, although you may want to set the aperture to f/2.8 as well, if your camera offers that flexibility. For shots near a window, typically an ISO setting of around 400 to 800 works well, although you may want to go higher if you have particularly low light in the foreground. If you have full manual control of your camera, you can increase the shutter speed, which will allow less light into the camera sensor.

TRY HDR TONEMAPPING The main problem with photographing daylit interiors is that it’s difficult to balance between ambient daylight, artificial lighting, and dark shadows behind walls and in rooms away from the foreground. This situation presents a range of different exposures, and while the human eye automatically adjusts for the various levels, the camera will have a hard time making sense of it all. HDR, which is short for high dynamic range, is a common tool for handling such lighting situations. In essence, the photographer takes three or four photos in rapid succession, which are then combined into one image using specialized software like HDRSoft. Usually, one shot is at normal exposure, one is overexposed, and one underexposed. When those three exposures are combined into one, you’ll see all the details that the human eye can perceive. This results in photos with a vibrant, luminous quality.

Many point-and-shoot cameras have an exposure value meter, which can help you compose under- and overexposed shots. Generally, the meter reads a value of zero on the normal setting, +1 or +2 for overexposed shots, and —1 or —2 for underexposure. Use a tripod so you can play with different exposures while maintaining the same angle on each shot. You’ll also want to make sure automatic flash is turned off for this method. It takes time to perfect this technique, of course, but it can help you capture more detail in challenging settings.

BUY THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT Unless you have a surgeon’s steady hands, you’re going to need a tripod in some situations. A tripod helps compose

poised shots and avoid blurry photos, but it’s also incredibly important if you’re dabbling in HDR or mixing up shutter speeds. The longer your exposure time, the more likely it is that subtle movements will show up in the final product. You should use a tripod anytime you nudge the ISO to a higher range. Also, if you’re taking wide shots of the home’s exterior or enlarging your photos, even the tiniest shake will be a lot more obvious. In certain conditions, even the slightest breath can create a shaky shot. Avoid this dilemma with a lightweight foldable tripod.

You may also want to invest in a point-and-shoot with a wide-angle lens. When buyers are browsing through real estate listings, they really want to get a sense of the space.

But that’s difficult to translate into photos unless you have a wide-angle option. This is important not just for exterior shots but for indoor compositions as well. A wider lens in the interior gives rooms a sense of luxury and space that you just can’t get with a regular shot. Point-and-shoot cameras that have a large range in their focal length specification are ideal; the lower the value at that end of the range, the wider the shot will be.

If you’re really interested in refining your shots, you’ll want a camera with manual controls that allow you to adjust shutter speeds on your own. Or it may be time to graduate to a digital single-lens reflex camera, especially if you want to experiment with wide-angle lenses (with focal lengths under 35mm, used for very wide shots). DSLRs have come down in price recently, especially since manufacturers like Canon and Nikon have introduced entry-level DSLRs aimed at beginner photographers. Usually these run for around $300 to $700, and they are available with bundled lens kits to get you started trading out lens lengths for sharper photos.

GET RID OF THE CLUTTER Staging photos ahead of time by cleaning off counters, tabletops, and floors can turn an ordinary listing into a real stunner. Clear your photography appointment with your client before you arrive, and tell them to clean, clean, clean.

Even a detail as minute as a crooked picture frame or a rolled carpet edge can detract from your photos, so be sure to run over your shots with a fine-toothed comb. Decluttering means no power cords or vacuum cleaners in the shot—but it doesn’t mean completely sterile surfaces. A few welcoming touches like a stack of books, a vase of flowers, or a set of candles will make the space feel lived-in and homey. After all, that’s what you’re really selling anyway: a vision of buyers’ future lives in a new and welcoming abode.

Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online, May, 2017, with permission of the National Association of REALTORS®. Copyright 2017. All rights reserved.

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MARKET

OSCEOLA COUNTY

DYNAMICS 2 years (monthly) - 4.1.15 to 4.30.17 KEY INFORMATION CONSTRUCTION TYPE All

OSCEOLA SFH DISTRESSED VS. TOTAL SALES UNITS SOLD

BEDROOMS All

BATHROOMS All

PROPERTY TYPES Residential (Single Family Home)

LOT SIZE All SQ FT All

THIS DATA IS DEPENDENT UPON TIMELINESS OF SALES AND TOTALITY OF INFORMATION REPORTED BY PARTICIPANTS. THE DATA REFLECTS ONLY THE SALES PUBLISHED THROUGH THE MID-FLORIDA REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE (MFRMLS) AND DOES NOT INCLUDE ALL SALES IN REPORTED AREAS. NEITHER THE ASSOCIATION NOR THE MFRMLS IS IN ANY WAY RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS ACCURACY. DATA: TOTAL SALES = ALL MFRMLS OSCEOLA SINGLE FAMILY HOUSING (SFH) & PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD).

(SFH), (PUD)-REO/BANK OWNED/SHORT SALE FROM SPECIAL SALE PROVISION. AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET IS: DAYS TO CLOSED

SUPPLY & DEMAND NUMBER OF UNITS (FS) Monthly Change -13.27 Monthly % -0.49 Total Change -318.59 Total % Change -11.80

FOR SALE -11.8%

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MONTH’S SUPPLY OF INVENTORY (SOLD CALCULATION) Monthly Change -.0.03 Monthly % -0.52 Total Change -0.63 Total % Change -12.59

MSI SALE -12.6%

MEDIAN PRICE (SOLD) LOW, HIGH, AVERAGE, MEDIAN Monthly Change 2,045.0 Monthly % 1.22 Total Change 49,079.88 Total % Change 29.33

FOR SALE 29.3%

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PROFESSIONAL

AFFILIATES

ADVERTISING/ PUBLICATIONS

CONSTRUCTION/ REPAIR/RENOVATIONS

Harmon Homes Melissa Eddy T 330-478-3550 melissa.eddy@cellahome.com www.HarmonHomes.com

ABD Development Matt Brown 131 Chadwick Drive, Suite 200 Davenport, FL 33837 T 863-420-2100 ext 103 matt@abddevelopment.com abddevelopment.com

The Osceola Gazette Matt Plocha 108 Church St. Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-846-7600 ext107 F 407-846-8516 mplocha@osceolanewsgazette.com osceolanewsgazette.com

AGENT MARKETING SERVICES BrandAid Chris Florence 7354 Bent Grass Drive Winter Haven, FL 33884 T 863-557-7953 chris@abrandaid.com www.abrandaid.com

ATTORNEYS Fred H Cumbie, Jr 100 Church St Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-847-5151 F 407-847-3353 fcumbie@omcflaw.com Law Office of Daniel Villazon, P.A. 5728 Major Blvd Orlando, FL 32819 T 407-483-0041 dvillazon@yahoo.com frecattorney.com Oliver Title Law Leslie Zimmerly 11513 Lake Underhill Rd, Ste A Orlando, FL 32825 T 407-249-5050 F 407-249-5008 leslie@QFPO.com www.QFPO.com Overstreet, Miles, Cumbie & Finkenbinder, P.A. Jennifer Bondy 100 Church St., Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-847-5151 jbondy@omcflaw.com www.omcflaw.com Patricia Daugherty, Atty at Law Patricia Daugherty 11 N Vernon Ave Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407 932-4387 pld@daugherty@law Roland H. Acosta & Associates Roland H. Acosta 399 Carolina Avenue, Suite 210 Winter Park, FL 32789 T 407-644-2531 F 407-628-9289 racosta@acostaatlaw.com

Integrity Total Home Solutions Jeff Perry 2025 Hickory Tree Rd St Cloud, FL 34772 T 407-792-1101 F 407-870-9339 order@mytotalhomesolution.com www.mytotalhomsolution.com Linscott Plumbing Services Wayne Linscott 2009 Jaffa Dr. St. Cloud, FL 34771 T 407-891-1700 linscottplbg@aol.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES/ INSTITUTIONS Alterra Home Loans Tayron Baena 7380 W Sandlake Rd, Ste 500 Orlando, FL 32819 T 407 519-0318 tbaena@goalterra.com www.goalterra.com American Growing Group Luisa Scott 7350 Futures Dr, Ste 19, Office 4 Orlando, FL 32819 T 40731-997 luisa@aggls.com Centennial Bank Rebecca Escote 325 N Central Ave Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-414-3960 F 407-957-3022 rescote@my100bank.com Centerstate Bank of Florida, N.A. Scott Johnson 349 W Oak St Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-847-3800 F 407-847-8482 sjohnson@centerstatebank.com Centerstate Bank of Florida, N.A. Karen Giel 4898 E Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy St Cloud, FL 34771 Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-891-8396 kgiel@centerstatebank.com Centerstate Bank of Florida, N.A. Fred Wright 349 W. Oak St Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-758-7486 fwright@nbcsecurities.com Freedom Mortgage Will Perez 2250 Lucian Way, Ste 120 Maitland, FL 32751 T 321-821-6951 F 866-462-1978 william.perez@freedommortgage.com freedommortgage.com

Home Solutions Network Amarilis Oropeza 3956 Town Center Blvd, #275 Orlando, FL 32837 T 407-489-7473 oropezaamarilis@gmail.com thecreditladyusa.com Interline Mortgage Services Antionette Jarrett 105 E Monument St Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-483-7420 ajarrett@lincloan.com antionettejarrett.com The Moneyhouse, Inc. Angel Vasquez 8751 Commodity Cr, Suite 17 Orlando, FL 32819 T 407-730-9899 F 888-679-8890 av@moneyhouseus.com www.moneyhouseus.com The Moneyhouse, Inc. Juanita T DelValle 8751 Commodity Cr, Suite 17 Orlando, FL 32819 T 787-310-3030 jdelvalle@moneyhouseus.com www.moneyhouseus.com The Moneyhouse, Inc. Kathielly Soto 8751 Commodity Cr, Suite 17 Orlando, FL 32819 T 407-730-9899 ksoto@moneyhouseus.com www.moneyhouseus.com Quicken Loans Caroline Isern 21249 Clayton Dr Macomb, MI 48044 T 313-545-4057 carolineisern@quickenloans.com quickenloans.com RP Funding Melissa Barry 500 Winderly Place, Ste 300 Maitland, FL 32751 T 407-925-6689 melissa.barry@rpfunding.com rpfunding.com

Suntrust Mortgage Tony Martinez 1000 N Main St Kissimmee, FL 34743 T 407-914-4765 tony.martinez@suntrust.com Trustco Bank Sarah Near 1525 E Osceola Parkway Kissimmee, FL 34746 T 407-932-0398 F 407-932-0719 snear@branch.trustcobank.com trustcobank.com Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Arlene Allert One Home Campus Des Moines, IA, 50328 T 513-213-6500 mlsmemberships@gmail.com wellsfargo.com Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Cliff Frohn One Home Campus Des Moines, IA, 50328 T 513-213-6500 mlsmemberships@gmail.com wellsfargo.com

HOME INSPECTION ACF Home Inspection Luis Figueroa 509 S Chickasaw Trail, Suite 118 Orlando, FL 32825 T 407-466-8921 F 407-381-5556 info@acfinspection.com www.acfhomeinspections.com Amerispec Home Inspection Melinda Kalogridis P.O. Box 471038 Celebration, FL 34747 T 407-607-4302 inspect@amerispec.net Amerispec Home Inspection Goff Norris P.O. Box 471038 Celebration, FL 34747 T 407-607-4302 inspect@amerispec.net

RP Funding Jeff Bauer 500 Winderly Place, Ste 300 Maitland, FL 32751 T 321-397-4420 jeff.bauer@rpfunding.com rpfunding.com

Budget Professional Services David De Arce Diaz 2185 James Dr St Cloud, FL 347721 T 407-892-8811 F 407-892-8516 mlarson213@yahoo.com

Southeast Mortgage Tina Willoughby 3496 Club Dr Lawrenceville, GA 30044 T 770-279-0222 tina.willoughby@southmortgage.com

Budget Professional Services Mike Larson 2185 James Dr St Cloud, FL 347721 T 407-892-8811 F 407-892-8516 budgettermite@earthlink.net

Suntrust Mortgage Kim Lundstrom 1377 N Clyde Morris Blvd, Ste 120 Daytona Beac, FL 32117 T 407-717-5220 kim.lundstrom@suntrust.com

Buy Your Side Inspection Tommy Joynes 1101 Pennsylvania Ave St. Cloud, FL 34769 T 407-780-0911 thefloridainspector@gmail.com thefloridainspector.com

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Closer Look Home Inspections Keith Wilson 7862 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy, #115 Kissimmee, FL 34747 T 407-319-4608 Keith@CLIOrlando.com www.closer-look-inspections.com Closer Look Home Inspections Rodney Rollins 3441 Mount Hope Loop Leesburg, FL 34748 T 352-552-7250 rodney@CLIOrlando.com www.closer-look-inspections.com Firm Foundation Home Inspections, Inc. Aubrey Kahn 2200 Sylvan Court Kissimmee, FL 34746 T 321-624-0254 akahn.firmfoundations @gmail.com tophomeinspection.com Housemaster Home Inspections Colin Williams 527 Brack Street Kissimmee, FL 34744 T 407-343-4677 F 407-947-5354 cawilliams@housemaster.com osceola.housemaster.com Housemaster Home Inspections Tracey Williams 527 Brack Street Kissimmee, FL 34744 T 407-343-4677 F 407-947-5354 info.osceola@housemaster.com osceola.housemaster.com Housemaster Home Inspections Erica Santana 527 Brack Street Kissimmee, FL 34744 T 407-343-4677 F 407-947-5354 sales.osceola@housemaster.com osceola.housemaster.com Luis Martin Home Inspections Luis A Martin 5259 Images Circle, Apt 204 Kissimmee, FL 34746 T 407-535-3195 luisonmartin@gmail.com www.florida-inspector.us Pillar to Post Sam Grasso 8200 Lynch Dr. Orlando, FL 32835 T 407-512-5995 F 407-512-6707 sam.grasso@pillartopost.com www.pillartopost.com/samgrasso Pillar to Post / Kelemen Home Inspection, LLC Bryan Kelemen 5348 Mill Stream Dr St Cloud, FL 34771 T 321-895-5019 bryan.kelemen@pillartopost.com www.pillartopost.com Reliable Building Inspections Steve Rohal T 407-460-4450 steve@ebibuilding.com Sitepoint Inspection Services, Inc Luis Nigaglioni 529 Burford Circle Davenport, FL 33896 T 321-278-9238 luis@sitepointinspectionservices.com

Solano Home Inspections Jason Solano 2569 Aventurine St Kissimmee, FL 34744 T 407-932-8121 jason.s@solanohomeinspections.com

REAL ESTATE SCHOOLS/EDUCATION Cameron Academy of Real Estate Michael Cameron 12179 S Orange Blossom Trail Orlando, FL 32837 thecameronacademy@gmail.com thecameronacademy.com IFREC Real Estate Schools Richard Fryer 5029 Edgewater Drive Orlando, FL 32810 T 407-644-7277 F 407-647-5227 robin@ifrec.com REALTORÂŽ SERVICES New Homes Academy David Fletcher T 407-234--2349 davidf@newhomeco newhomecobroker.com

TITLE/ESCROW/ INSURANCE A-Z Team Title, LLC Bernard S. Edwards 102 Park Place Blvd.

Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-932-0529 F 407-932-1587 bernie@azteamtitle.com www.azteamtitle.com Blue Water Clear Title, LLC Jim Davis 2019 13th St St Cloud, FL 34769 T 407-593-6525 F 407-563-8805 james@bluewatercleartitle.com www.bluewatercleartitle.com Blue Water Clear Title, LLC Ronda Westfall 2019 13th St St Cloud, FL 34769 T 407-593-6525 F 407-563-8805 ronda@bluewatercleartitle.com www.bluewatercleartitle.com The Closing Agent Becky Robers 660 Celebration Ave, #100 Celebration, FL 34747 T 407-630-6777 F 407-630-6778 becky@theclosingagent.com theclosingagent.com First American Home Warranty Bobbi Jo Justice 3239 Lorimar Ln St Cloud, Fl 34772 T 407-902-5237 bobbijojustice@firstintitle.com First American Title Catherine Acosta 150 W Oak St Kissimmee FL, 34741 T 407-335-3205 F 866-722-5957 cacosta@firstam.com

First InternationalTitle Shelly Dukes 1155 Miranda Ln Kissimmee FL, 34741 T 407-350-3338 F 407-350-5966 shelly.dukes@firstintitle.com

Stewart Title Rhonda Owen 1401 Budinger Ave. St. Cloud, FL 34769 T 407-846-7477 F 407-846-6573 rowen@stewart.com

First International Title Bobbi Jo Justice 1155 Miranda Ln Kissimmee FL, 34741 T 407-350-3338 F 407-350-5966 bobbijojustice@firstintitle.com

Stewart Title Rayelynne Ketchum 1401 Budinger Ave. St.Cloud, FL 34769 T 407-957-9000 F 407-957-8055 rketchum@stewart.com

First InternationalTitle Tammy Dietz 12 S Clyde Ave Kissimmee FL, 34741 T 407-350-3338 F 407-350-5966 tammy.dietz@firstintitle.com

Stewart Title Gennie Esteves 1201 W Emmett St Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-624-1699 gennie.esteves@stuart.com Stewart.com/Orlando

Florida Insurance Specialist Erica Coran 1025 Greenwood Blvd., Ste. 295 Lake Mary, FL 32746 T 407-805-0200 Erica.coran@thefis.com www.thefis.com

Title and Abstract Agency of America, Inc. Yvette Mendez 840 N. John Young Parkway Kissimmee FL 34746 T 407 569 2109 F 407 569 2111 ymendez@logs.com www.titleandabstractagency.com

Home Warranty of America Tammy Birchler P.O. Box 850 Lincolnshire, IL 60069 T 888-492-7359 tbirchler@hwahomewarranty.com Integrity First Title Betty M. Dobbie 908 Mabbette Street Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-846-4500 F 407-846-4533 bdobbie@integrityft.com Mason Title & Escrow Shelly Dukes 1101 Miranda Ln, Ste 113 Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 321 443-6901 Shelly.dukes@firstintitle.com NewCastle Title Services Tammy Lynn Dietz 12 S Clyde Ave Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-218-5057 tammydietz@firstintitle.com Nona Title Tanya Hayes 1420 S Narcoosee St Cloud, FL 34771 T 407-556-3798 F 321-805-4694 tanya@nonatitle.com nonatitle.com Premier Title of Central Florida Barbara Robles 605 E Robinson St, Ste 670 Orlando, FL 32801 T 407-236-0009 F 888-429-2553 barbara@premiertitlecfl.com premiertitlecfl.com Quality Title & Escrow LLC Lisa Bennett 1801 Lee Road, Suite 205 Winter Park, FL 32789 T 321-304-3906 F 321-304-3009 lisa@qtefl.com

Your Title Connection, LLC Jessica Nazario 14129 Town Loop Blvd. Ste. 100 Orlando, FL 32837 T 407-722-7625

OTHER SERVICES Kemp Howland Photography Kemp Howland 355 Falling Waters Dr Poinciana, FL 34759 T 407-222-4847 F 407-705-2562 kemp.howland@gmail.com Spice Wellness Dianne J Hinckson 722 Patrick St Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 863-557-4197 wisesmartwoman@me.com wellnesswithdiannehinckson.us Systeco Pest Control Cesar Vergara P.O. Box 623475 Oveido, FL 32765 T 407-832-9124 info@systecoservices.com VAREP GeorgeFreelove 147 W Lyman Ave Winter Park, FL 32789 T 407-408-5167 glf929@hotmail.com www.varep.net Wild Palms Productions Victor Salgado 2420 Cypress Trace Circle Orlando, FL 328254 T 321-948-3512 wildpalmsproductions@gmail.com

wildpalmspro.com

Ray Acosta Perez - R A C International Realty Elena Alania - Empire Network Realty Inc. Gissel Alcantara - La Rosa Realty LLC Claudia Aldana - Florida Realty Team Of Central Kathy Alvarado Soto - Exit Realty Champions Daniel Arnold - Keller Williams at The Lakes Dhalma Arroyo Rodriguez - La Rosa Realty LLC Ed Aritco - Coldwell Banker Ackley Realty Arley Arwood - Clark Investment Properties Ivelisse Davila Astacio - Homs Realty Group Inc. Junaut Augustin - Homs Realty Group Inc. Justen Augustine - Exel Realty Corp.

Maria Avendano - Crespo Realty Belen Niz Avila - La Rosa Realty LLC Deborah Badger - Keller Williams at The Lakes Diego Barbosa - La Rosa Realty LLC Laurence Barren - TCA Realty, LLC Tony Bell - Coldwell Banker Solomon Federico Berrios - Preferred Real Estate Brokers Robert Bliven - Sotera Living Zachary Braman - OneRes International Realty Sasha Britenriker - Interocean Real Estate And Management Group LLC Barbara Brown - Mehrlich Properties & Real Joseph Brown - Mehrlich Properties & Real Lorena Bucay - Right Choice Realty & Services, Inc. Lorena Calderon - La Rosa Realty LLC Natasha Morgan-Campbell - Keller Williams at The Lakes Fabian Cancel - Golden Gate FL Corp Hector Caraballo - Viva Realty Loida Caraballo - La Rosa Realty LLC Bibi Carcani - Keller Williams Advantage III Claudia Carmona - JC International Realty Group, LLC Thomas Chalifoux - Thomas E Chalifoux, JR Cecelia Choi - Multi Choice Realty LLC Sandra Chourio - La Rosa Realty LLC Olga Clavier - Zewim International Realty Regina Constantino - La Rosa Realty LLC Sarai Cortes - Weichert Realtors Hallmark Pro Crystal Cruz - Keller Williams Advantage III Debbie Cruz - Right Choice Realty & Services, Inc. Loammi Cruz - La Rosa Realty LLC Nicole D’Elia - Exit Realty Champions Lloyd Dillard - Keller Williams Classic II Realty Christina Dixon - C21 Blue Sky Realty Group Maria Navarro Echenagucia - VIP Homes Orlando LLC Yeanette Espinosa - La Rosa Realty LLC Samuel Soto Feliciano - La Rosa Realty LLC Sherian Feliz - La Rosa Realty LLC Hector Fernandez - Agent Trust Realty Corporation Brenda Ferrandes - Premium Properties Real Estate Services Jose Flores - Dalton Wade Inc. Laura Gainey - Florida Lifestyle Properties Group Laura Georgieff - Charles Rutenberg Realty John Gomez - C21 Blue Sky Realty Group Martha Duran Gomez - La Rosa Realty LLC Jose Hooker-Gomez - Exit Realty Champions German Gonzalez - Rentas Realty Group LLC Kim Ngan Goodwin - The Real Estate Team, Inc. Denise Gordon - Mehrlich Properties & Real Becky Gramley- Goodwin Realty & Associates, Inc Mark Green - Right Track Realty Thomas Greenaway - Radius Realty Group LLC Francisco Guttierez - Keller Williams at The Lakes Neeru Guttierez - Keller Williams at The Lakes Richard Halquist - Fusilier Realty Group Randolph Harris - Re/Max Market Place Juan Hernandez - La Rosa Realty LLC Maricruz Hernandez - La Rosa Realty LLC Nelson Hernandez - Keller Williams Advantage III Martha Isaza - La Rosa Realty LLC Rosangela Jones - Dorn Lane Realty Kumarasri Kanakaratnam - Keller Williams Classic II Realty Steven Korb - Premium Properties Real Estate Services Brook Kwak - C21 Blue Sky Realty Group Paul Lambrides - Bella Vista Realty Faith Lavigne - Keller Williams Advantage III Paul Lee - BHHS Results Realty Dazi Lenoir - Weichert Realtors Hallmark Pro Andrea Livingston - Keller Williams at The Lakes Deborath Ludovic - Empire Network Realty Inc. Kama Luis - The Corcoran Connection LLC Meseydi Machado - TCA Realty, LLC Fabiola Magdaleno - La Rosa Realty LLC Vilmary Corcino Mangual - La Rosa Realty LLC Amber Marshall - Homepride Realty Services, Inc Andrew Martin - Jones Group Real Estate Emily Martinez - Odry Vargas Realty Group Letty Martinez - La Rosa Realty LLC

MEMBERS

WELCOME NEW

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Osceola County Association of REALTORS® 1105 Shady Lane • Kissimmee, FL 34744

Marianela Maza - Odry Vargas Realty Group James McClary - Re/Max Blue Water Martin Gonzalez Medina - Odry Vargas Realty Group Manuel Mejia - The Royal Family Investments LLC Jacqueline Miranda - Charles Rutenberg Realty Kristin Moore - Better Homes & Gardens Fine Living Rajesh Motee - Property Outlet International Camila Suisso Nazario - Premium International Realty Omayra Fernandez Nieves - Odry Vargas Realty Group Migdalia Mercado Nieves - Odry Vargas Realty Group Cezanne Norris - Advanta Realty Libia Ocampo - La Rosa Realty LLC Mercy Odwori - Florida Realty Marketplace LLC Rangel Roldan Oveido - Odry Vargas Realty Group Blanca Pagan - La Rosa Realty LLC Tatiana Pantoja - Lababidi Realty Group David Pantino -La Rosa Realty LLC Marilyn Permberthy - A & V Florida Realty Group LLC Angelo Pintos - Ashtian Realty Jorge Prat - Radius Realty Group LLC Hector Quirindongo - Keller Williams at The Lakes Delip Ramgadoo - La Rosa Realty LLC Jude Reaux - The Property Pros Real Estate, Inc Christian Renda - Premium Properties Real Estate Services Doris Restrepo - La Rosa Realty LLC Alvarao Rios - La Rosa Realty LLC Melitza Rios - Property Outlet International Jose Rivas - BHHS Results Realty Garth Robertson - Re/Max Prime Properties Diane Roche - Keller Williams Advantage III Alex Rodriguez - Coldwell Banker Solomon Leticia Rodriguez - V Properties Inc Santos Rodriguez PA- REMAX Premier Properties Golam Sadat - La Rosa Realty LLC Cynthia Sanchez - The Corcoran Connection LLC Susan Sanchez - Live Oak Realty Inc Suzanne Santamaria - Re/Max Blue Water Giovanny Santana - Keller Williams at The Lakes Caro Santana - La Rosa Realty LLC Ivan De Leon Santiago - La Rosa Realty LLC Sandra Schmidt - La Rosa Realty LLC Everett Scott - Florida Realty Investments Robert Secrest - Keller Williams Advantage III Morag Seever - Futura Real Estate LLC Lance SeRine - Jones Group Real Estate Karyna Shandor - Fusilier Realty Group Norshawndra Smith - MCO Realty Wilfredo Soto - La Rosa Realty LLC Lisa Thelemaque - Re/Max Market Place Diana Toledo - Re/Max Market Place Emilie Tomasina - FrontGate Realty Derek Torres - Keller Williams Advantage III Fabian Torres - Watson Realty Corp Confesor Torres - La Rosa Realty LLC Amparo Guevara Vargas - Contempo Real Estate, Inc. Theodore Van Bimmel - Arista Realty Group, LLC Edwin Velez - La Rosa Realty LLC Pedro Vianna - Premium International Realty Catherine Vidal - REMAX Premier Properties Sandra Vinas - La Rosa Realty LLC Katelyn Weikart - Keller Williams at The Lakes Adrianne Wesdock - La Rosa Realty LLC Zohair Zerrai - Watson Realty Corp.

AFFILIATE

OFFICES • Blue Water Clear Title • Cameron Academy • The Closing Agent • Freedom Mortgage • House Solution Network • Interline Mortgage Services • Nona Title • Premier Title of Central Florida • Quicken Loans