real estate - benefits - foreclosure - banks - florida realtors - public policy
magazine 4TH QUARTER OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, DECEMBER 2017
Osceola ReView
Thankful for our Members Six Ways to Get More Press for Your Business PAGE12
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What REALTORS® Should Do When Natural Disaster Strikes PAGE22
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Protect Yourself Against Copyright Claims PAGE26
CREATE
QUALITY 2013 Awards BACKLINKS TO & Installation Luncheon YOUR SITE Highlights
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WELCOME/ CONTENTS OCT, NOV, DEC 2017 news 4 5 7 8 12 22 25
20 26
OSCAR Community Involvement New Designation Awardees Fourth Quarter CEO Message Planning Ahead for a Successful 2018 6 Ways to Get More Press for Your Business What REALTORS® Should Know When Natural Disaster Strikes Create Quality Backlinks to Your Website
technology Don’t Be a Cybercrime Statistic Protect Yourself Against Copyright Claims
events
10 October, November, December 2017 Calendar 14 New OSCAR Members 16 Highlights from the RPAC Auction
local trends
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Market Dynamics
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4TH QUARTER PRESIDENTS MESSAGE The year is almost over…from the day I put my pen to paper for this article there will be less than 100 days till Christmas and about 80 days till the installation of the new Board of Directors. So much has happened this year. When the 2017 Board of Directors met in September 2016 at the strategic planning session, we set lofty goals for our Association to accomplish or initiate some 185 initiatives. We can all be very proud as we have met the majority of our goals and still have time left in this year to complete the others. It’s not to late for you to step up and get involved…..give me a call and see what you can do to help. Your Board of Directors has successfully completed the negotiations with Osceola County for Cross Prairie Parkway as it will cut through the front portion of our property…. yes, this will be an ongoing endeavor as we make decisions to stay or should we go. The foundation is being laid for the changes that will take place in the next few years. This parkway will go from Neptune Road at Kindred through the cow pasture to meet up with part of Shade Lane and then onto the Turnpike entrance. The 2018 Board of Directors met in August to plan for the events of next year. Some of the ideas include an innovative phone app, increasing our exposure in social media and a face lift for our website. We are looking for ways to reach the masses of our members. 2017 Board President, Wanda Linscott The number one question the Board of Directors ask themselves each year is “how do we involve our members”….if you have any ideas or “the” solution, please call or email me…..we are open to your suggestions. The 2017 Awards and 2018 Officer & Director Installation Luncheon date was changed to December 8th. Mark your calendar and call the Association for your tickets. You will get to see first hand the successes of 2017. It has been an honor and pleasure to serve the Association and you, the member for 2017. I look forward to serving in 2018 as your Past President. May you each prosper in all the good things you set out to accomplish. Leave the past, engage the present & Create the Future.
magazine contact Published by Osceola County Association of REALTORS®, 1105 Shady Lane, Kissimmee, FL 34744
advocates team
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES: Elvira Perez, e-Pro, AHWD, INTERIM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER / Elvira@osceola-realtors.com EDITOR: MEMBERSHIP SERVICES: Jonathan Guttierrez Dave Garrison, RCE, CAE, CIPS, e-PRO, AHWD Jonathan@osceola-realtors.com T 4078460117 E ae@osceola-realtors.com MEMBERSHIP SERVICES: Jasmin Gonzalez WEB MASTER: Chris Florence, CCIM, e-Pro Jasmin@osceola-realtors.com webmaster@osceola-realtors.com SOCIAL MEDIA: COMMUNICATIONS: Nan Cherry, e-Pro, AHWD, SMU Nan Cherry, e-Pro, AHWD, SMU nan@osceola-realtors.com 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
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.
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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LENDING A
HELPING HAND
August and September brought rough weather to Texas and Florida as hurricane season ramped up, but OSCAR REALTORS® were on hand to help those affected. Members volunteered their time to assemble Totes for Hope - tote bags filled with toiletries and other essential items - to assist victims of flooding in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. Our selfless volunteers filled more than 130 bags to benefit those who were displaced, bringing some degree of comfort to those facing hardship in this trying time.
The Osceola County Association of REALTORS® was among sponsors at a recent fundraiser put on by the Womens Council of REALTORS® (WCR) called ‘Bags and Bling’ which auctioned handbags to raise funds for various charities. OSCAR Directors Wanda Linscott (2017 President) and Patrice DeNike were among participants who helped raise money for ‘Voices for Osceola’s Children.’ Thanks to all of our volunteers who are out there in the community showing that REALTORS® care!
EDUCATION:
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YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS!
We’re seeing an incredible growth in membership at our association as more and more turn to real estate to take advantage of the robust demand in the current housing market. But with so much competition in our industry, how does one set themselves apart from the rest of the pack? By taking advantage of educational opportunities at OSCAR! We bring the classes and industry experts that help you succeed. And as a member, you can attend classes free or at a discount! Member Sue Vasquez (pictured right) recently earned her Certified Real Estate Professional (CRP) designation to help position herself as a knowledgable industry professional. What classes or designations are you interested in taking to help build your credentials in real estate?
Other members working hard at OSCAR to gain their edge through education include: (middle row from left to right) Carolyn Taylor - CRP Designation, Heather Johnson CRP Designation, Jennifer Morrison - GRI Designation, (bottom row from left) Sue Ellen Blanchard Florida Military Specialist, Maria Flores Garcia - GRI Designation, and Santiago Lopez Insua - CRP Designation. Congratulations to these members for their hard work! If you are interested in furthering your career through classes at OSCAR, contact Professional Development Director, Clarence Zarnes at clarence@osceolarealtors.com with any questions you might have.
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4TH QUARTER ASSOCIATION
EXECUTIVE MESSAGE
2017 CHANGE MEDIA CONTACT: Dave Garrison
PHONE: 407-846-0117
My wife and I are in the middle of the empty nest transition. Our two oldest are out of the house and our youngest has just started commuting to her first year of college. Change can be scary. In this case, we are asking such natural questions as: “Did we prepare them well enough?” “Will they be ready for life?” “What are the choices we’ll make with more time on our hands?” And yet change is a natural part of things. It seems the secret is to take advantage of the positive opportunities that result. We get the choice to make every day the best it can be. While the yesterdays will be remembered for lessons learned and the joy they brought. It is no different for REALTOR® brokers and agents within an everchanging landscape. REALTOR® Associations and MLS’s are no longer immune, either. Rapid change can create an uneasy feeling, especially when there are so many
EMAIL: ae@osceola-realtors.com
players outside the industry that want a stake in the game. We in the REALTOR® family know that we will always have the secret ingredient, however. No matter what technology comes along, the secret ingredient will be us. The knowledge, expertise and personal touch our members bring to the transaction will always set us apart within the real estate space. Having just come from the 2018 Osceola Association Board Planning retreat, I am just as confident of this association’s future. The leaders and team in place are ready to look to the future and bring the entire organization along with them. There is a true commitment to growing future leaders and continuing to move the organization towards new heights of service and membership. The board can grasp the significance of all the exciting projects on tap within Osceola County. Technology, transportation, and land make for an outstanding real estate future in the region.
OSCAR INTERIM CEO, DAVE GARRISON CPA, RCE, CAE, CIPS, e-PRO
The leaders I’ve had the privilege of spending time with also view things like I do. Whether you have 12 minutes, 12 days, 12 weeks or 12 years, if you choose wisely you can make a difference. You can write a letter with your life that blesses those around you. The Osceola County Association of REALTORS® is committed to excellence and has a very bright future indeed.
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Each year, leadership comes together to plan for the upcoming year during our strategic planning session. As we wrap up 2017 and get ready for 2018, we prepare for a new incoming Board of Directors to share their vision for our association. We’ll be kicking the year off early in December during our annual Award and Installation event where we celebrate our 2017 awardees for their accomplishments and officially induct our 2018 Board of Directors. Be sure to get your seats for this exciting networking opportunity before they fill up! Hope to see you all there!
PLANNING AHEAD
After a hard day’s work planning for a prosperous 2018, the incoming Board of Directors poses for a group shot: From the back, left to right: Donnie Martinez; James Williams III, John Goldsborough; Jeff Perry. Middle Row: Alexandra Arena-Gil; Jose Ortiz; Joe Johnson; Tina Campbell; Jason Daugherty; Maria Flores Garcia; Tim Weisheyer; Front Row: Danny Hernandez; Becky Chirillo; Wanda Linscott; and Jose Alvarez (not pictured).
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EVENTSCALENDAR
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EVENTS THIS OCT/NOV/DEC
SEMINAR
REGISTRATION CONTACT Clarence Zarnes Professional Development Director
OCTOBER 11TH
Certified Certified International International Property Specialist Property Specialist (CIPS) Institute Day (CIPS) Institute Day 5: The Americas 2: Transaction Tools and International 7 CE’s Real Estate TIME: 8:30AM - 5:00PM OCTOBER 6TH
INSTRUCTOR: David Wyant COST: $119 for class or $479 for full 5 day institute OCTOBER 2ND
Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM OCTOBER 3RD
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
MLS Advantage
2 CE’s TIME: 2:30PM - 4:30PM INSTRUCTOR: Kaz Cisowski OCTOBER 4TH
MLS Marketing Tools TIME: 10:00AM - 12:00PM
MLS iMapp TIME: 1:00PM - 3:00PM OCTOBER 5TH
Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) Institute Day 1: Local Markets 7 CE’s TIME: 8:30AM - 5:00PM INSTRUCTOR: David Wyant COST: $119 for class or $479 for full 5 day institute
OCTOBER 9TH
7 CE’s TIME: 8:30AM - 5:00PM INSTRUCTOR: David Wyant COST: $119 for class or $479 for full 5 day institute
Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) Institute Day 3: Asia/Pacific and International Real Estate 7 CE’s TIME: 8:30AM - 5:00PM INSTRUCTOR: David Wyant COST: $119 for class or $479 for full 5 day institute
Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM OCTOBER 10TH
Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) Institute Day 4: Europe and International Real Estate 7 CE’s TIME: 8:30AM - 5:00PM INSTRUCTOR: David Wyant COST: $119 for class or $479 for full 5 day institute
EMAIL clarence@ osceola-realtors.com
CALL 407.846.0117 Unless otherwise noted
How To Build a New Homes Niche
3 CE’s & The New Homes CoBroker Designation TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM INSTRUCTOR: David Fletcher LOCATION: Providence Golf Club, Davenport, FL
SocialMediaforRealtors 0 CE’s TIME: 2:00PM - 4:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Craig Grant OCTOBER 18TH
MLS Basic TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM OCTOBER 12TH
How Much Does Culture Affect the Real Estate Transaction?
MLS Compliance 101 TIME: 1:00PM - 2:15PM
MLS Adding & Modifying Listings TIME: 2:30PM - 3:45PM
0 CE’s TIME: 10:00AM - 12:00PM SPEAKER: Darryl Freeman
OCTOBER 23RD
OCTOBER 16TH
OCTOBER 24TH
New Member Welcome TIME: 8:30AM- 12:30PM
Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM OCTOBER 17TH
Become an Internet Whiz 4 CE’s TIME: 9:00AM - 1:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Craig Grant
Our office will be closed on November 23rd & 24th for Thanksgiving & December 22nd, 25th, and 29th for Christmas and New Years
Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM
Effective Risk Reduction 3 CE’s TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Cynthia DeLuca COST: Free for members, $59 for non-members
REALTOR® Professionalism and Follow-Thru
4 CE’s TIME: 1:00PM - 5:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Cynthia DeLuca COST: Free for members, $69 for non-members Classes are free to members unless otherwise noted.
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OCTOBER 25TH
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
NOVEMBER 13TH
3 CE’s TIME: 1:00PM - 4:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Omar Capellan NOVEMBER 13TH
Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM
OCTOBER 26TH
Current Trends Lunch
TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM NOVEMBER 1ST
TIME: 1:00PM - 3:00PM NOVEMBER 6TH
Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM NOVEMBER 8TH
MLS Basic TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM
MLS Compliance 101 TIME: 1:00PM - 2:15PM
MLS Adding & Modifying Listings TIME: 2:30PM - 3:45PM NOVEMBER 9TH
Understanding Buyer Brokerage Agreements
3 CE’s TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Cynthia DeLuca
NOVEMBER 15TH
Military Relocation Professional (MRP) Certification Course
7 CE’s TIME: 9:00AM - 5:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Grant Simon COST: $$59 for members, $99 for non-members NOVEMBER 16TH
Evictions: Real World Facts and Best Practices
3 CE’s TIME: 1:00PM - 4:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Cynthia DeLuca NOVEMBER 17TH
Boot Camp iCE (Live Streaming Course)
3 CE’s TIME: 1:00PM - 4:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Patricia Sherman
How to Know If Your NOVEMBER 20TH Transaction Is Going New Member South Welcome 3 CE’s TIME: 1:00Pm - 4:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Cynthia DeLuca
DECEMBER 6TH
MLS Advanced Matrix TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM NOVEMBER 21ST
How To Build a New Homes Niche
3 CE’s & The New Homes CoBroker Designation TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM INSTRUCTOR: David Fletcher LOCATION: Providence Golf Club, Davenport, FL
TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM
Toastmasters
MLS Realist
TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM
MLS Basic (Spanish)
OCTOBER 30TH
TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM
Toastmasters
NOVEMBER 29TH
0 CE’s TIME: 11:00AM - 1:00PM SPEAKER: TBD
MLS CMA Tools
DECEMBER 4TH
Property Management for the Real Estate Practitioner (Spanish)
TIME: 8:30AM- 12:30PM
Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM
MLS Intro to Transaction Desk TIME: 1:00PM - 3:00PM DECEMBER 7TH
And Then There Were Four 4 CE’s TIME: 9:00AM - 1:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Grant Simon DECEMBER 14TH
MLS Basic
MLS Compliance 101 (Spanish)
TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM
TIME: 1:00PM - 2:15PM
MLS Adding & Modifying Listings
MLS Adding & Modifying Listings (Spanish)
MLS Compliance 101 TIME: 1:00PM - 2:15PM
TIME: 2:30PM - 3:45PM
TIME: 2:30PM - 3:45PM
CAN’T FIND AN EVENT YOU WISH TO ATTEND? 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. Email: Communications@osceolarealtors.com
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6 WAYS TO GET FREE PRESS FOR YOUR BUSINESS MEDIA CONTACT: TONYA EBERHART AND MICHAEL CARR
There are several local resources you can use to generate buzz about your real estate expertise, and it won’t cost you anything to get the word out. The only thing better than being acknowledged as a leading real estate authority in your market is not having to pay advertising dollars to earn such recognition. There are plenty of free public relations opportunities to bring awareness to your business; they just require some advance planning and a little research. Here are six ways you can promote your expertise using local resources without spending an extra dime on marketing. 1.
Create content about newsworthy events
with your own spin. One of the best ways to establish credibility is to be cited as a source or contributor to reputable publications in your area. But first, those publications have to notice you. Start by thinking about the knowledge and expertise you have about a specific topic, and blog about that topic when it’s timely. For instance, if national news reports are focused on a sudden shift in housing data, write a blog about how the statistics are reflective of your local area—and reference a specific neighborhood to serve as an example. That way, when reporters are doing their research, they’ll find your content and reach out to you. Most other agents probably aren’t focused on creating content tied to current events, so this is where you can stand out from your competitors. 2. Research the newsmakers you want to know. Most local journalists have LinkedIn profiles and Twitter accounts they use for professional purposes. Follow the ones who write about real estate, spend some time reading their articles, and get familiar with the news angles
of their stories. When you reach out to them as a potential source, you will be able to better connect with them by recalling articles they’ve written in the past. Another way to connect with local journalists is to join an organization called Help a Reporter Out, which connects reporters with expert sources. You can register as a source; membership is free, and you can select specific categories or topics for which you’d like to provide expertise. The website also sends daily notifications for new opportunities in the categories you have chosen. 3. Try different kinds of community involvement. You already know that participating in local events will put you in front of more prospects. But go further than setting up the traditional trade show booth. For example, perhaps your community puts on an annual home and garden show, which includes a room-design contest for local college students. In this case, your experience selling homes, staging, and planning for renovations could make you a good judge for the contest. Such involvement would likely earn you a mention on the event’s website and in printed marketing materials, as well as in local news coverage of the contest. 4. Write your own press releases. Whenever you or your company celebrates a newsworthy occasion—such as winning a prestigious award, hosting a charity event, or helping to launch a new development—write a press release about it. Not only will such content improve your search engine optimization, there’s also a chance that news sources in your area may print it. When it’s time to distribute a press release, visit the websites of local publications, where most will have instructions for submitting releases online. Always publish your press release on your own website as well, and link to it in blog posts and articles you write.
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A $533 VALUE
5. Develop a media kit for your business. When news organizations are seeking sources, a professional package representing who you are, along with your accomplishments and background information, can catch their attention. It makes you appear as a credible source not only to journalists but also to the public. A media kit also provides upfront information about you that reporters need, allowing them to publish your work faster. In most cases, a digital version of a press kit—a downloadable PDF—will suffice. A few items you’ll need in your press kit are a cover letter, biography, photos, contact info, accomplishments, topics of expertise, and other previous media coverage (if you have it). Add a “media” section on your website where your media kit will live, and link to it on your “about me” page. 6. Leverage your advertising relationships. Though the editorial department of a publication is supposed to operate independently of the advertising department, there are times when an advertiser will take priority over a nonadvertiser in news coverage. So if you are spending money on ads with a media outlet, try to leverage that relationship in a subtle and respectful way. But don’t assume that your story should take precedence. Send your submission through appropriate editorial channels, but make sure to copy your sales representative—or at least let them know you have submitted newsworthy information for review. Here’s an excellent approach via email: “I have attached some information for a unique story about [insert subject matter] that I thought you might consider newsworthy. I realize this is separate from my advertising agreement with you, and it may not receive coverage. But if it’s of interest to you, I will make myself available at your convenience for further discussion.” Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online, May, 2017, with permission of the National Association of REALTORS®. Copyright 2017. All rights reserved.
IN OSCAR CLASSES
$40,000-$50,000 VALUE TO BROKER FOR IN-HOUSE T R A I N I N G
get your crp designation to chart your course to success! JUST 9 COURSES TO GET YOU ON THE RIGHT TRACK FOR SUCCESS IN REAL ESTATE
Next Class: EFFECTIVE RISK REDUCTION INSTRUCTOR: CYNTHIA DELUCA
3 CEs
OCTOBER 24, 2017 9:00AM - 4:00PM
REALTOR® PROFESSIONALISM AND FOLLOW THROUGH INSTRUCTOR: CYNTHIA DELUCA
4 CEs
OCTOBER 24, 2017 1:00PM - 5:00PM
REGISTER: OSCEOLAREALTORS.ORG
qUESTIONS ABOUT THE CRP PROGRAM?
CONTACT: CLARENCE@OSCEOLA-REALTORS.COM
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WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS! We’ve had another quarter of packed New Member Orientations! We’re so excited to see so many new faces in our REALTOR® family! Welcome to OSCAR, everyone! Top: Members from our July orientation, Midle: Our August orientation, Bottom: Our September orientation
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Stewart Title
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AT THE 2017 RPAC AUCTION Each summer we come together to show our support for a very important cause - the REALTOR® Political Action Committee. RPAC exists to advocate for the rights of property owners by supporting legislation that affirms these rights and facilitates the access to homeownership for millions of Americans. When REALTORS® give to RPAC, they are investing in the strength of their industry and the strength of our economy. That’s why our annual RPAC Auction is so important. During this year’s event, our members helped us raise $24,554 for the PAC. Our sincerest thanks go out to all who have contributed at our Auction, our Bingo Night in Spring, and to those who have contributed their $20 ‘fair share’. Our engagement in the political arena is necessary to let those in legislature know that Homeownership Matters, and REALTORS® are fighting for the cause.
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A big Thank You to our food sponsors, Stewart Title and drink sponsors La Rosa Realty for their contributions. And thanks to all who came out and bid on our many auction items!
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DON’T BE A CYBERCRIME STATISTIC
MEDIA CONTACT: ERICA CHRISTOFFER
Learn how to protect your business and your clients from the onslaught of cyberattacks . occurring in the real estate industry Apart from digging a hole in your back yard, throwing your computer in, dousing it with gasoline, and lighting it on fire, there’s no foolproof way to protect yourself from cybercrime, said National Association of REALTORS® Associate Counsel Jessica Edgerton. Since few if any brokers and agents would work without a computer or smartphone, industry pros need to address the threat head-on, Edgerton said, speaking at the Emerging Business Issues & Technology Forum at the REALTORS® Legislative Meetings in Washington, D.C. She offered warning signs and practical strategies for warding off cybercriminals. “Cybercrime is a global problem,” Edgerton said, one that’s becoming more prevalent and more urgent. According to Juniper Research, the annual cost of data breaches through cybercrime is expected to reach $2.1 trillion globally by 2019. And it’s not just government agencies or large multinational corporations that are targets. Smaller and midsized real estate companies—where transactions involve multiple players and large sums of money—are an ideal target for criminals, Edgerton said. Among small businesses victimized by a successful cybersecurity breach, she said, 60 percent go out of business within six months.
THE PROBLEM: EMAIL ATTACKS Hackers can gain access to email accounts through simple schemes. It took Edgerton a five-minute Google search to learn how to hack an email herself. Hacking can come in the form of an infected attachment or link that appears to come from a benign sender. “Clicking is something that’s deadly dangerous,” Edgerton says. Her motto: “Think before you click.” Opening a bad link or attachment can trigger a key logger, which is malware that reads keystrokes to capture your passwords. It can also open ransomware, a wicked malware that will encrypt everything on your system it can reach, including connected drives and networks. Just in the past week, a global attack with ransomware known as WannaCry, hit dozens of entities. “It’s insidious and powerful,” she said. You’ll see a popup window that notifies you that your files have been encrypted. To remove the encryption, you’ll be asked to pay the ransom in bitcoin, a currency that virtually untraceable. Generally, if you don’t pay, you’re not getting your computer back. If you’re hit with a ransomware attack, disconnect your computer immediately. Talk to your IT people, report the hack to the FBI, and decide if you want to pay the ransom. Another way hackers gain entry is through brute force attack on your email password. If you use a simple
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password, hackers have software that can usually crack it in seconds. Hackers may also be stalking your online profiles and social media accounts, looking for names and dates that are meaningful to you that you may also be using in your passwords. “They’re exploiting you and how you work online,” Edgerton said. Once hackers capture your email password, they can search for messages related to real estate transactions, Edgerton said. They can then send a spoof email to a buyer that looks virtually identical an email from your account providing “new wiring instructions” that will divert funds to the hacker’s account. If a buyer takes the bait, the funds are usually gone for good.
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THE SOLUTIONS •
• •
• •
•
Keep your operating systems up to date. A simple way to protect your devices from hackers and malware is by updating your operating system when you’re prompted to. “Don’t ignore those notifications just because you’re busy,” Edgerton said. Check your social media privacy settings. Don’t allow identifiable information such as your birth date be viewable by the public. Develop good email hygiene. Use complex passwords, and change your passwords on a regular basis. Consider using a password manager, such as 1password, and two-step verification. Check your email settings. Hackers can put a rule in your settings that will forward certain emails to their account. Avoid sending sensitive information via email when possible. Attaching forms, financials, and confidential files to an email is an efficient way to communicate, and criminals are taking advantage of that, Edgerton said. Encrypted email is a good practice, but that generally means it’s encrypted in transit only, a legal requirement in some states. Be aware of your state laws are, Edgerton said. She recommended using a secure documentsharing platforms. Warn clients. Educate your clients on the prevalence of wire fraud, and advise them to
•
•
pick up the phone and verify information before they wire funds. Also, they should be careful about what number they’re calling; scammers will sometimes spoof a signature box, replacing the phone number with their own. To ensure they’re reaching the right person, buyers should contact you (and other real estate service providers) using numbers provided in advance. Don’t hold on to personally identifiable information. Know your state’s definition of personally identifiable information (PII). Usually that’s first and last name, Social Security number, state ID or driver’s license number, and credit card information. Then, take stock of what client PII is kept in your office, on your computer, in your desk drawers, and in your email. Don’t keep PII any longer than you need to. Create a document retention policy with specific instructions on how to store and dispose of files. Don’t use your email as a data repository. Once criminals are in, they can go back and pull data from years ago. Don’t keep anything you don’t need. Do regular backups of your critical data and keep it in a separate, secure area. Brokers should consider hiring a third party to conduct an IT audit to figure out their company’s cyber weaknesses. Don’t forget your phone and tablet. Be aware of what you’re downloading and what your kids are downloading. Be leery of text messages with links in them; phones are just as susceptible to ransomware as computers. Call your provider to find out if it includes data encryption. If not, look into it.
State law may require you to have a data protection policy. In addition, you may be required by law to notify clients if a breach of PII does occur. Currently, 22 states require you to notify the state attorney general of a breach. If you fail to take the appropriate steps under state law, Edgerton said, you can be fined and may also lose your license. Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online, May, 2017, with permission of the National Association of REALTORS®. Copyright 2017. All rights reserved.
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WHAT REALTORS
SHOULD KNOW WHEN NATURAL DISASTER STRIKES
MEDIA CONTACT: IMRAN MOHAMED
EMAIL: IMGLOBALREALTY@GMAIL.COM
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As IRMA approached I’m sure we had a lot on our minds. Not only did we have to secure our own homes and prepare for our family’s well-being, but we also had to address the needs and concerns of our clients. Depending on the nature of our activities we would have had to deal with a combination of Sellers, Buyers, Investors, Landlords & Tenants - and each category would have some unique concerns. This would most certainly be compounded when dealing with remote or international clients. This is an expansive topic and for this article I’ll focus just on the effect the storm will have on your contracts and your buyers and sellers. It is designed to provide you with key principles and FAQ’s that should help guide you through the impact of this or similar events. The following responses were provided by one of our affiliates, Attorney Lewis Oliver (Lew) of Oliver Title Law. Q. Was Irma a “Force Majeure” event? A. Yes, beyond any possible doubt, Hurricane Irma is very clearly a “Force Majeure” event under the FR/BAR contract and under Florida Law. Therefore, Sections 5(b) “Extension of Closing Date” and 18G “Force Majeure” of the contract are now activated. Q. What happens when a “Force Majeure” event occurs? A. The first thing to know is that ALL time periods for ALL performances of ALL duties for BOTH Buyers and Sellers are automatically extended for a period of 7 days. This means deposit dates, inspection period end dates, loan approval period end dates, closing dates, etc. Some people appear to have the impression that only closing dates are affected. Not so. Section 5(b) refers only to the Closing Date, but Section 18G refers to all other dates and periods as well. Q. When did the Hurricane Irma “Force Majeure” event begin and end? A. In my opinion, the Hurricane Irma Force Majeure “event” probably BEGAN on either Thursday or Friday, September 7 or 8, 2017, since that is when insurance clearly stopped, and major government offices began
to shut down. If inability to get insurance is the cause of a delay, then the start date for that probably extends back to Tuesday, September 5 when insurance underwriting stopped in Florida. In my further opinion, the event arguably ends September 11, 2017, since at that the storm was no longer in our state. HOWEVER, please note that there is no clear authority on this subject, and there is no additional guidance in the contract. I strongly suggest that all parties not be TOO strict on the beginning or ending time frames of the Hurricane Irma “event” - you really do not want to litigate being a hard-ass. This is stressful for all, and pushing the envelope on strict enforcement is not likely to be well received in a court room. To be safe and conservative, I would suggest that you assume the “event” began on Thursday, September 7, 2017 (unless related to insurance, and which event go back to Tuesday, September 5) and will end September 12, 2017. I suggest that any deadline for any performance that was to have taken place anywhere in that time frame be extended to September 19, 2017. That should be safe for all and not subject to any violent argument. However, please NOTE: I do think that if a property is without some utility service, all parties should be given until 7 days after all utility services have been restored. Q. What if nothing happened in the storm that really has any impact on anyone’s ability to perform? A. Do they still get the extension? Let’s say for example that there was no damage, no utility loss, and the lender is still ready to go, etc. Does the Buyer still get the extension? Yes, they do. There is no requirement to “prove” that the hurricane actually interfered with any duty; the interference is ASSUMED. Q. What if there was damage to the home and Buyer is not sure they want to proceed? A. First, if the inspection period in the “As Is” contract is still ongoing (as extended by Irma), the Buyer can clearly walk as always; there is no special clause that ties a Buyer to the deal in an “As Is” contract just because of a Force Majeure event. But what if the Inspection Period had ended, or this is a standard contract, not an AS IS contract? In this case, refer to Section 18M “Risk of Loss”. (See below) Q. Can a Buyer be forced to buy a damaged home?
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A. Yes, the Risk of Loss section basically states that the buyer must still proceed, even if the home is damaged, provided that: (a) the cost to fix the damage does not exceed 1.5% of the purchase price and (b) Seller makes efforts to repair up to 1.5% of sale price and (c) that if Seller is unable to start or complete repairs in time for closing, Seller escrows at closing an amount equal to 125% of the total cost to undertake (or complete) repair. So yes, this means that Buyer is indeed contractually required to buy a damaged home, or risk losing the deposit. Again, In the event of damage, the seller is required to TRY to fix it before closing UP TO A TOTAL COST of 1.5% of the sales price, but if the seller cannot reasonably do so, then the escrow reserve is triggered. The Seller cannot just cancel the deal because it is “too much trouble”, although the Seller has NO OBLIGATION to spend more than 1.5% of the purchase price for repairs, and if it is clear that repair will exceed that 1.5%, then Seller may decline to close unless Buyer agrees to take the home despite the lack of repairs (in which event, the seller would be required to at least give a 1.5% credit see below). Q. Can a buyer’s lender provide an excuse not to purchase a damaged home? A. SOMETIMES. If the Buyer is financing, and the loan is FHA or VA, the FHA/VA Rider MAY provide an out based on the special requirements of the FHA/VA, but not if the lender is conventional. If a conventional lender refuses to close because of the damage, the Buyer will likely be in default. Remember, that this unhappy result applies ONLY AFTER the Loan Approval Period has EXPIRED. If the Loan Approval Period has not yet expired, both the lender and the Buyer can cancel the transaction in the normal manner for failure to obtain financing - the reason in that case does not matter, and need not be proved or stated - hurricane damage is as good an excuse as any not to finance. Q. So who decides of the damage is under or over 1.5% of the contract price? A. And who decides the exact cost of repairs on which the 125% escrow reserve is based? HMMMM…. WELL…. UMMMM…. Unfortunately, the FR/BAR contract sadly DOES NOT SAY! The parties will just simply have to agree. I realize that this is NOT a good answer, but unfortunately it is the only answer there is.
I do have a “real world” suggestion: As a practical matter, most buyers have already hired a professional inspector ANYWAY. I strongly suggest that the buyer try to get the inspector to estimate the number in writing. Although the inspector works for buyer, they are still an independent licensed professional, and courts will not generally assume that such a licensed professional would risk their license or reputation for one single buyer. It will be hard to argue with the opinion of an independent professional. Seller is also entitled to get an estimate, but it will likely be harder for seller to find someone quickly under the posthurricane crush of business. Certified contractors are also good sources of opinions, but they tend to be all over the board. This is just my suggestion. There is no “perfect” answer. Q. What if Buyer wants the house despite the damage and the damage exceeds 1.5%? A. In that event, sale proceeds, Seller provides credit of 1.5% of the purchase price and Buyer has to absorb the rest. This one is fairly simple. Essentially, the seller cannot be compelled to repair anything that costs more than 1.5% of the sales prices (similar to the standard “default” repair clause of the Standard FR/ BAR contract), but seller does have to give the 1.5% credit if the buyer wants to close despite the damage being higher than that. Q. What if no one agrees on any of this (time frames, 1.5%, 125%, etc.)? A. I personally think it will be relatively hard for a Seller to win a case forcing a buyer to buy a damaged home when there is halfway decent argument that repairs exceed 1.5%. I also think that seller defaulting a buyer (or vice versa) because of a difference of a day or 2 over when the Irma event began or ended is a fool’s errand. Courts are going to expect everyone to be “reasonable” in the wake of a genuine disaster. “Hard asses” are likely to be disappointed. In short, DON’T PUSH IT TOO HARD. Try to agree. If you can’t, don’t go crazy. Let it go. This sort of thing only happens once every 10 or 20 years. It’s no one’s fault.
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CREATE
QUALITY BACKLINKS TO YOUR WEBSITE
MEDIA CONTACT: CHRIS FLORENCE EMAIL: CHRIS@ABRANDAID.COM
Search engines receive over one billion queries a day, returning pages of results to searchers. Whether your website provides services, sells products, spreads information or develops content, elevating your website ranking is vital to success. There are several methods to position a listing well on search engines. Creating a backlink plan is an effective method to drive traffic to your website. Search engines collect content from every page on the internet, rank that content by its relevance, and positions listings on their pages. Factors that impact the ranking of the listing include the number and quality of links back to a page. A high number of backlinks prompt search engines to conclude that a site is popular and contains quality information. There are several ways to achieve backlinking to a website, from letting the backlinks develop naturally and organically to aggressive Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Google recently redesigned its search engine algorithm to bypass links it considers spam or mass purchases from questionable sources. The following methods will pass Google search engine standards. Don’t forget to link to a variety of pages on your site, not just the home page. HOW TO EFFECTIVELY SUBMIT ARTICLES Submit articles as a guest poster to popular sites in the fields of SEO, social media, blogging, technology and design. Create high quality, fresh content and your chances of appearing on the site rise. Alternately, create controversial content to ignite
backlinks. There are significant guidelines to meet, but a guest post on these sites will generate a large number of useful backlinks. FORUMS AND DISCUSSION BOARDS Start relevant threads on quality forums and discussion boards with links to your website. Use the signature area to backlink to your site. ASK AND ANSWER QUESTIONS AS A GUEST POSTER Post on sites designed to allow questions and answers. Link to your website when asking a question, and use information from your website to answer questions. SYNDICATE YOUR ARTICLES FOR MORE ADVANCED SEO Submitting one article to various publications is syndicating an article. Recent Google changes mean that a backlink will only occur the first time an article is published. The algorithm has changed and rejects multiple copies of the same article. It requires fresh content to earn a backlink. You too can create quality backlinks to your website as a component of your SEO strategy will drive traffic to your website and increase your ranking on search engines.
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PROTECT YOURSELF
AGAINST COPYRIGHT
CLAIMS
MEDIA CONTACT: ROBERT FREEDMAN
Learn how to protect your business and your clients from the onslaught of cyberattacks occurring in the real estate industry Brokers and sales associates are vulnerable to becoming the target of copyright infringement claims, but there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of receiving a demand letter from the copyright holder, an attorney told the NAR Risk Management Issues Committee. First, make sure you own or have a license to use any listing or other photos you use in connection with a listing or that appear on your website. If you contract with a photographer, make sure you have a written agreement that either gives you ownership of the photos or a broad license to use the photos, which includes use beyond just an active listing. That’s because the photos might appear on an IDX feed or virtual office website, or be pushed to listing aggregators like realtor.com®. Listing photos are also often times used beyond just the life of an active listing. For example, photos might be used in determining comps or for property appraisals. “You need to be able to use the photo for more than just to market and sell the property,” said Mitch Skinner, an attorney with Larson Skinner PLLC in Minneapolis. Skinner pointed members to the sample photography agreements available on nar.realtor. NAR members
can use these agreements as a great starting point, he said, and work with their own counsel to customize the agreements to ensure that they secure appropriate ownership or license in the copyrighted work. He also pointed the audience to Creative Commons, which makes photos available for use under Creative Common licensing, provided the user complies with attribution and other terms of the license. These photos can come in handy when an agent needs a photo of a nearby landmark for one of their listings. You can go to Creativecommons.com to find out more. You can also filter your searches on Google and at YouTube to bring up Creative Commons-licensed content. Finally, Skinner informed the audience about The Digital Millennium Copyright Act, passed in 1998, which offers a safe harbor that protects MLSs, listing aggregators, and other web service providers from copyright infringement claims related to content placed on the website by third parties. The safe harbor includes a requirement that a copyright agent be designated and registered with the U.S. Copyright Office. In addition, and among the safe harbor’s other requirements, the website service provider must post the copyright agent’s contact information, and have a takedown procedure for when it is notified that infringing material is on its site. More on nar.realtor. 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) - 8.1.15 to 8.31.17 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 -0.43 Monthly % -0.02 Total Change -10.22 Total % Change -0.39
FOR SALE -0.4%
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MONTH’S SUPPLY OF INVENTORY (SOLD CALCULATION) Monthly Change -.0.06 Monthly % -1.04 Total Change -1.40 Total % Change -24.97
MSI SALE -25.0%
MEDIAN PRICE (SOLD) LOW, HIGH, AVERAGE, MEDIAN Monthly Change 1,960.70 Monthly % 1.11 Total Change 47,056.75 Total % Change 26.74
FOR SALE 26.7%
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PROFESSIONAL
AFFILIATES
ADVERTISING/ PUBLICATIONS
Harmon Homes Melissa Eddy T 330-478-3550 melissa.eddy@cellahome.com www.HarmonHomes.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
CONSTRUCTION/ REPAIR/RENOVATIONS ABD Development Matt Brown 131 Chadwick Drive, Suite 200 Davenport, FL 33837 T 863-420-2100 ext 103 matt@abddevelopment.com abddevelopment.com CalAtlantic Homes - The Lakes at Harmony
Kathleen Caron 3310 Sagebrush St Harmony, FL 34773 T 32-242-7403 kathleen.caron@calatl.com calatlantichomes.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
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 MB Financial Bank Juan Falcon 13574 Village Park Dr, Ste 265 Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-512-5999 jfalcon@mbmortgage.com mbfinancial.com
American Growing Group Luisa Scott 7350 Futures Dr, Ste 19, Office 4 Orlando, FL 32819 T 40731-997 luisa@aggls.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
Centennial Bank Rebecca Escote 325 N Central Ave Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-414-3960 F 407-957-3022 rescote@my100bank.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
Centennial Bank Patricia Del Bagno 625 N Central Ave Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-414-3313 F 407-957-3022 pdelbagno@my100bank.com
The Moneyhouse, Inc. Kathielly Soto 8751 Commodity Cr, Suite 17 Orlando, FL 32819 T 407-730-9899 ksoto@moneyhouseus.com www.moneyhouseus.com
Centennial Bank Michelle Ortiz 625 N Central Ave Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-552-0240 F 407-847-1499 mortiz2@my100bank.com
Quicken Loans Caroline Isern 21249 Clayton Dr Macomb, MI 48044 T 313-545-4057 carolineisern@quickenloans.com quickenloans.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
RP Funding Melissa Barry 500 Winderly Place, Ste 300 Maitland, FL 32751 T 407-925-6689 melissa.barry@rpfunding.com rpfunding.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
RP Funding Jeff Bauer 500 Winderly Place, Ste 300 Maitland, FL 32751 T 321-397-4420 jeff.bauer@rpfunding.com rpfunding.com
Centerstate Bank of Florida, N.A. Fred Wright 349 W. Oak St Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-758-7486 fwright@nbcsecurities.com
Southeast Mortgage Tina Willoughby 3496 Club Dr Lawrenceville, GA 30044 T 770-279-0222 tina.willoughby@southmortgage.com
Suntrust Mortgage Kim Lundstrom 1377 N Clyde Morris Blvd, Ste 120 Daytona Beac, FL 32117 T 407-717-5220 kim.lundstrom@suntrust.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 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 Budget Professional Services Mike Larson 2185 James Dr St Cloud, FL 347721 T 407-892-8811 F 407-892-8516 budgettermite@earthlink.net
REVIEWOSCAR Buy Your Side Inspection Tommy Joynes 1101 Pennsylvania Ave St. Cloud, FL 34769 T 407-780-0911 thefloridainspector@gmail.com thefloridainspector.com 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
Solano Home Inspections Jason Solano 2569 Aventurine St Kissimmee, FL 34744 T 407-932-8121 jason.s@solanohomeinspections.com ValueCast Home Inspection Neil Delgado 648 Waterscape Way Orlando, FL 32828 T 407-434-1419 valuecastinspections@gmail.com valuecastinspections.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
ValueCast Home Inspection Luis Fabian Almeida 648 Waterscape Way Orlando, FL 32828 T 407-434-1419 valuecastinspections@gmail.com valuecastinspections.com
Firm Foundation Home Inspections, Inc. Aubrey Kahn 2200 Sylvan Court Kissimmee, FL 34746 T 321-624-0254 akahn.firmfoundations@gmail.com tophomeinspection.com
REAL ESTATE SCHOOLS/EDUCATION
Hearts of Florida Home Inspections Mychell Romero 243 Strathmore Circle Kissimmee, FL 34744 T 321-624-7485 mychellelromero@gmail.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
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
Stewart Title Rhonda Owen 1401 Budinger Ave. St. Cloud, FL 34769 T 407-846-7477 F 407-846-6573 rowen@stewart.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 Rayelynne Ketchum 1401 Budinger Ave. St.Cloud, FL 34769 T 407-957-9000 F 407-957-8055 rketchum@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 Gennie Esteves 1201 W Emmett St Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-624-1699 gennie.esteves@stuart.com Stewart.com/Orlando
First InternationalTitle Tammy Dietz 12 S Clyde Ave Kissimmee FL, 34741 T 407-350-3338 F 407-350-5966 tammy.dietz@firstintitle.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
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 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
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Luis Adams - CIMA REALTY INC Alvaro Aguilar - La Rosa Realty LLC Libni Alvarado - Dream Builders Realty Ivan Alvarez Fernandez - La Rosa Realty, LLC John Arena - Keller Williams at The Lakes Alberto Arroyo - La Rosa Realty LLC Jaime Ayuso - JC International Realty Group, LLC Motiullah Baburi - Property Outlet International Kerlyn Marie Barbosa - Roman’s Pro Realty LLC Kerri Barglof - Charles Rutenberg Realty Esther Carolina Batista - V Properties Inc Maria Bauzo - La Rosa Realty LLC Wilma Consuelo Bejar - Zea Realty & Associates Elyn Boada - Interinvestments Realty, Inc. Stevens Botero - Keller Williams Classic II Realty Isaura Buitrago - Advanta Realty Janiel Nadine Calvin Watson - Watson Realty Corp. Angel Camacho - The Anderson Group & Co Pl Jessica Caminero - Prestige Realty Professionals LLC Donnette Campbell - One Way Realty Inc. Angela Liliana Castaneda - La Rosa Realty, LLC Amira Cheikh-Khalil - Lababidi Realty Group Elin Jose Cintron - Keller Williams Classic III Realty Judith Colmenarez Huglimar - La Rosa Realty LLC Janet Colon - NewMark Investment Group Joselyn Colon - GPS Property Group Inc. Oral Desmond Daley - Watson Realty Corp. Luis Darcourt - Keller Williams Advantage III Jesus Enrique Davila - Trimarchi Realty CORP Patricia Del Bagno - Centennial Bank Sara B Duff - WF Realty Corp. Lesly Xiomara Echevarria Obregon - Four Corners Realty Group Paul Richard Edwards - Watson Realty Corp. Otto Alberto Erdody Montero - La Rosa Realty LLC Isaias Esteves - Heritage Park Realty Daniel Charles Fenell - The Property Pros Real Estate, Inc David Fiamingo - La Rosa Realty LLC Gilberto Figueroa - Keller Williams Classic II Realty Ramon Luis Figueroa Rolon - Four Corners Realty Group LLC Ernesto Enrique Finol Martinez - Deconova International Realty Kelvin E Flores - Ghali Realty, INC Ramon Arturo Francisco - Agent Trust Realty Corporation Christopher R Gabriel - C21 Blue Sky Realty Group Monica Garcia - La Rosa Realty LLC Yennifer Garcia - Florida Realty Investments Marcelo Adrian Garrido - La Rosa Realty, LLC Kevin Anderson Gomez - The Anderson Group & Co Pl Edwin Gonzalez - Watson Realty Corp Williams Stacey Grant - Property Outlet International Rodney Henson - Premier Neighborhood Realty LL Athena Hernandez - Keller Williams Classic II Realty Maria Celeste Herzog - La Rosa Realty, LLC Cindy L. Howle - Exit Realty Champions Jesette S Iturrino - Central FL Realty Group Maribel Jaca Mendez - Four Corners Realty Group LLC Dieudonne Jerome - Weichert Realtors Hallmark Pro Monica M Jones - BHHS Results Realty Diane Kazi - Contempo Real Estate, Inc. Alexandria Koklia - La Rosa Realty, LLC Evelyn Koulianos - The Agency Matthew Levanda - Rockrose Realty Nazly Ximena Loaiza - La Rosa Realty, LLC Amarilis Lugo Torres - La Rosa Realty LLC Donna Martin - Watson Realty Corp. Jose Gregorio Martinez - Agent Trust Realty Corporation Anthony McCarthy - Coldwell Banker Ackley Realty Juan Mercado - La Rosa Realty LLC Sandra Mercado - The Property Pros Real Estate, Inc Stephen Misciagno - Re/Max Titanium Teresa Morales Rolon - Weichert Realtors Hallmark Pro Sergio Morante - La Rosa Realty LLC Alejandro Naranjo - Keller Williams Advantage III Yassirie Nazario - La Rosa Realty LLC Julio Enrique Negron - Four Corners Realty Group LLC
MEMBERS
WELCOME NEW
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Osceola County Association of REALTORS® 1105 Shady Lane • Kissimmee, FL 34744
Lori Ann Nieves - Transcontinental Realty Group, Christian Efrain Orellana - Keller Williams at The Lakes Rafael Antonio Ortega - Agent Trust Realty Corporation Keila Parada - Agent Trust Realty Corporation Javier Enrique Parra - Agent Trust Realty Corporation Johanna Patino Leidy - La Rosa Realty LLC Sandra Fabiola Patino - Watson Realty Corp. Iris Melissa Paz - Coldwell Banker Ackley Realty Cesar Pizarro - Weichert Realtors Hallmark Pro Victor Pizarro - American International Realty Julian Quezada - Interinvestments Realty, Inc. Luz Marina Quintanilla - La Rosa Realty, LLC Lina Maria Quintero - Ameriteam Realty, Inc Nelson Quintero - Gallo Realty Keith Race - Fusilier Realty Group Harmony John Bradley Rains - Keller Williams at The Lakes Rosangela Reyes - Gilvan Realty Corp. Mario Jorge Rivera Garcia - La Rosa Realty LLC Margarita I. Rivera - La Rosa Realty, LLC Samuel David Rivera - Keller Williams Advantage III Sara Rizzo - Keller Williams Advantage III Anita Rodriguez - Weichert Realtors Hallmark Pro Diana C. Rodriguez - Lababidi Realty Group Giovanna Rodriguez - La Rosa Realty LLC Wanda Yvette Rodriguez - La Rosa Realty, LLC Nastia Rodriguez-Vale - Watson Realty Corp Mychelle Romero - Heart of Florida Home Inspections, LLC Rafael Rosado Jovet - My Florida Real Estate Group LLC Richard Rosales - Florida Property Homes Susan Patricia Rowe - Weichert Realtors Hallmark Pro Kristi Bethina Rujano - Orlando Regional Realty Eric Russo - Orlando International Realty Wanda Santini - La Rosa Realty LLC Bryan Seifert - Bryan Seifert Timonthy Sherman - BHHS Results Realty Lucas William Skay - Keller Williams Classic II Realty Jennifer Sarah Sloan - DeNike Realty and Property Management LLC Kimberley Renae Smith - Keller Williams Advantage III Richard Norman Smith - The Property Pros Real Estate, Inc Linda Spence - Keller Williams at The Lakes Luis Torres - Keller Williams at The Lakes Glendalie Traverso - Keller Williams Advantage III Carmen Zulay Uzcategui - La Rosa Realty, LLC Victor Manuel Valentin - Watson Realty Corp. Gladis Emilse Vanegas - La Rosa Realty, LLC Torres Luis O Vargas - My Florida Real Estate Group LLC Jeanne Varnum - LeMay Properties LLC Dileinis Vena Vento - Four Corners Realty Group LLC Fabio Dorival Victorelli - Coldwell Banker Ackley Realty Milainy Villalobos - La Rosa Realty LLC Heather Americe Wallace - Watson Realty Corp Lihong Ying - Re/Max Blue Water
AFFILIATE
OFFICES • CalAtlantic Homes- The Lakes at Harmony • Centennial Bank • Heart of Florida Home Inspections • ValueCast, Inc.