March - April ReView

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

magazine Osceola ReView

EDITION #002 ▪ MAR/APR 2012

realtor® Ethics PAGE011

& love is in the air!

PAGE012

& CONTINUING EDUCATION PAGE025

2012 oscar installation luncheon a pictorial overview of the banquet and achievement awards

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WELCOMECONTENTS

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WELCOME/ CONTENTS Mar/apr 2012

features

03 President’s Message 11 REALTOR® Ethics 12 Love is in the Air 25 Continuing Education

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14

04

2012 Installation Luncheon

technology Goomzee

events March/April 2012 calendar

trends

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Market Dynamics

contributors

local

17 The Cost of Nondisclosure 27 Leadership is important!

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24 26

Florida Realty Association -

New Member Welcome

December 12th, 2011

Osceola County OSCAR professional affiliations OSCAR Etcetera

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2011 REALTOR®

Of The Year & Lifetime

Achievement

Winner

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MESSAGE FROM

THE President President: Renee Clark

EMAIL: renee@reneeclark.net

BLOG: www.osceolarealtors.org

From the 2012 Installation and Awards Luncheon Good Afternoon and Thank you very much for coming to our Installation and Awards Luncheon! First, I would like to thank Nancy Riley for being our Master of Ceremonies this afternoon. I had the privilege of serving as District Vice President under Nancy Riley when she was president of Florida Realtors® and she did an absolutely amazing job for all the Realtors® of Florida, and still continues to champion the Realtor® platform to this

day. Thank you, Nancy!

As I stand here on this stage, I think back to the time, 20 years ago, when I first got my Real Estate license, I was 18 years old. It was such an exciting time for me. I had worked in my Parents real estate office since 1987, but now, I was the real deal. It was official. Now what do I do? My parents had been in the real estate business for years so; they suggested that I go get involved in the Osceola County Association

of Realtors®. I remember going to a Tuesday Marketing Meeting and standing in the back of the room trying to figure out how I was going to get involved. Nick Nichols happened to be standing next to me and I leaned over to him and asked, “What do I need to do to get involved at the Association?” He said, “Join a committee”. So, that is exactly what I did. I was amazed at the opportunities that awaited me.

There were so many active and interesting committees to

choose from. As I remember, it was the Realtors®. Political Action Committee that I joined first. Thank you, Nick!

Many years later and many committees later, I am proud to be a standing here before you as your 2012 President. First, I would like to thank Tim Weisheyer for a great year in 2011. It was certainly a pleasure serving with him and I look forward to continuing to work with him this year. I am extremely excited about 2012. Not continued on page 06 //////

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

advocates team

contributing writers

aE: Carol Platt, CRB, e-Pro T 4078460117 E ae@osceola-realtors.com

Interested in contributing to our monthly 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.

Membership: Eli Perez, e-Pro membership@osceola-realtors.com AE Assistant: Kim Wagar, e-Pro aeassistant@osceola-realtors.com SENIOR DESIGNER: Chris Florence, CCIM, e-Pro webmaster@osceola-realtors.com

advertising

education: Dorothy Campbell, e-Pro education@osceola-realtors.com

Digital or printed media packs available on request.

HEAD OF SALES: Chris Florence, CCIM, e-Pro webmaster@osceola-realtors.com

REALTOR® Advocate: Christina Barnhardt advocate319@osceola-realtors.com

ACCOUNTS: Bob St. Gordon, e-Pro accounts@osceola-realtors.com

REALTOR® Advocate: Ally Vallecillo advocate617@osceola-realtors.com

distribution The ReView is printed monthly. To subscribe contact our subscriptions team below.

SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER: Chris Florence, CCIM, e-Pro webmaster@osceola-realtors.com

www.osceolarealtors.org

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2012 installation

LUNCHEON

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Bob St. Gordon, Eli Perez and Christina Barnhardt at Banquet Check-in, Osceola Heritage Park, Kissimmee

Florida REALTORS速 Past President Nancy Riley & Nick Nichols

Past President Gavel Pass

Renee Clark taking the oath of office

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OSCAR President renee clark’s welcome speech & opening remarks Committee and Board of Directors to work with but, I also have an extraordinary Association Executive and her staff. All of which are very focused on giving the best service to our members.

I encourage all members to get involved. You will be (astonished or overwhelmed) at the connections that you will gain in our Association and in the Community. Join a committee, go to an “after hours” function or attend some of our regularly scheduled education. This will give you an opportunity to meet someone new, each and every time you attend. If politics is what interests you, please make an effort to attend our Public Policy meetings, presentations and activities and learn how the Osceola County Association of Realtors® is working

with City and County Governments on issues that affect, not only Realtors®, but also affect private property rights. If you are a Broker, make an effort to attend the Osceola Brokerage Committee Roundtables and Classes to get up to date information on issues that affect your Brokerage.

We also have a Community Involvement Committee to share in Community events. Last year we participated in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Back to School Expo and collecting food and clothing during the holidays to provide for the less fortunate. We also gave two $1,000 scholarships to Osceola County High School Seniors. So, if you like to do community service and help those that are in need or would like to be on the committee that gives scholarships to qualified Osceola County

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High School Seniors, we have a place for you!

There are opportunities for you to get involved at our state association, Florida Realtors速, and the National Association of Realtors速. As you can see, there is a place for everyone to get active.

For those of you that want to use the additional technology that the Association provides to you as part of your membership, you have the opportunity to use; Listingbook, Goomzee, and the Reality Statistics Subscription. Please contact our Realtor速 Advocates to learn more about these programs.

Our members are the backbone of our Association. We really want to see all of you succeed. Our Board

of Directors and our Staff is committed to that very thing. I hope you will get involved in your Association and make it a profitable and enjoyable place to be for you and your fellow Realtors速. I invite all the members who may not have been to the Association for a while to see our new renovations. They look really beautiful, but more importantly, they help us to serve you better. Thank you so much for coming today and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Renee Clark 2012 OSCAR President

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District 12 Trustee, Bob Caldwell with Nick Nichols

OUR MEMBERS, OUR COMMUNITY The Osceola County Association of REALTORS ® hosted their 2012 Annual Awards & Installation Luncheon on January 18 in Kissimmee.

Florida REALTORS® Past President Nancy Riley & Tim Weisheyer

“Our members ~ Our community” was the theme for this year’s event, which was held at Osceola Heritage Park off of Highway 192, East Irlo Bronson Hwy in Kissimmee.

The mission of the Osceola County Association of REALTORS® is to provide a dedicated success to its membership consisting of real estate professionals and affiliates, while adding value to the community.

Renee Clark, President

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Exemplary Service Awards were presented to Cheryl Grieb, Richard Knapp and Renee Clark

by Kim Goodwin and Karen Dierickx

OscAR President Renee clark and Immediate Past President Tim Weisheyer

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RE/Max Premier Properties won the “REALTOR® Office of the Year”

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the invitation to your awards luncheon. I had a great time seeing all of the award winners. It was also very encouraging to see all of the energy that was being projected by all in attendance. May the real estate market improve in the coming months and year.

I wish you all the best in the coming year.

Russell Holmes Deputy Mayor City of St. Cloud, Florida

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REALTOR®

ethicS REPORTER: Carol Platt, CRB, e-Pro

EMAIL: ae@osceola-realtors.com

a REALTOR® Core Commitment While recently reviewing the five dimensions of personal and social responsibility utilized for goal setting by the American Association of College and Universities, I noticed the similarities between OSCAR’s strategic plan and the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. The five core commitments of personal and social responsibility are: 1. Striving for Excellence REALTORS® have a strong work ethic. Working evenings, weekends and holidays is a commonplace activity to meet client needs, plus REALTORS® train and research when they aren’t with clients. In our current market, REALTORS® complete more “paperwork” than ever before and, to complete a transaction, negotiation with multiple parties, multiple times is often the norm. Our association develops continuous improvement into our strategic plan and we hold ourselves accountable for results.

2. Cultivating Personal and Professional Integrity REALTORS® pledge to honor the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. They agree to collaborate in the best interests of the consumer and hold themselves accountable through professional standards and grievance procedures. Our association publishes REALTOR® “best practices” that go beyond the Code of Ethics as well.

3. Contributing to a Larger Community REALTORS® are involved in community schools, churches, government, and charities in record percentages. OSCAR’s mission statement clearly outlines the collaborative will of Osceola REALTORS® within the ending words “while adding value to our community”.

OSCAR members are involved in the Florida REALTORS® professional association and the National Association of REALTORS®. In 2012, OSCAR kicks off its Global Alliance Committee to facilitate the global real estate market!

“Check our educational calendar and contact our Director of Professional Development, Dorothy Campbell by email: education@osceola-realtors.com or by phone at 407.846.0117, for information on registering for ethics classes, online options and video course arrangements.”

4. Taking Seriously the Perspectives of Others REALTORS® originated the fair housing laws across the nation and developed the At Home with Diversity® designation. They initiate ongoing non-discriminatory practices in real estate and attend numerous conflict resolution and negotiation professional development classes. OSCAR’s Board of Directors engages in Myers Briggs assessments to facilitate leadership self-realization and respect and trust for fellow leaders and members. REALTORS® fund and engage in local, state and national government and public policy discussions and proposals. At OSCAR, diversity and stewardship are two of the four key values stated in our strategic plan.

5. Developing Competence in Ethical and Moral Reasoning and Action Ethical competence and training is a requirement to maintain REALTOR® status across the nation. Every new member at OSCAR takes a three hour ethics class as part of their membership contract.

Antitrust and professional standards training are a leadership requirement annually. Florida REALTORS® provides a legal Hotline to all members to ensure REALTORS® comply with all contract law. OSCAR offers training in completing effective purchase and sale agreements, listing agreements and all multiple listing data forms. Optimizing professional competence is important to REALTORS® for consumer protection and development of our profession where “Caveat Emptor” or Buyer Beware is never an element in REALTOR® generated transactions!

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LOVE

is in the air REPORTER: Imran Mohamed/TheKnot.com

EMAIL: imrobin@earthlink.net

BLOG: www.osceolarealtors.org

Every February 14, across the United States and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. The actual origin of St. Valentine’s Day is not clear but many have linked it to the pagan custom of Lupercalia.

Love is however a global language and so that we may understand a bit more of some of the traditions, culture and customs of other peoples here are some Wedding Facts & Trivia from across the globe.

From TheKnot.com • Hey, brides, tuck a sugar cube into your glove -- according to Greek culture, the sugar will sweeten your union.

• The English believe a spider found in a wedding dress means good luck. Yikes!

• In English tradition, Wednesday is considered the “best day” to marry, although Monday is for wealth and Tuesday is for health.

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• • • •

Saturday is the unluckiest wedding day, according to English folklore. Funny -- it’s the most popular day of the week to marry!

Ancient Romans studied pig entrails to determine the luckiest time to marry.

Rain on your wedding day is actually considered good luck, according to Hindu tradition!

For good luck, Egyptian women pinch the bride on her wedding day. Ouch!

Middle Eastern brides paint henna on their hands and feet to

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“...Love is however a global language... ” Imran Mohamed

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protect themselves from the evil eye.

Peas are thrown at Czech newlyweds instead of rice.

A Swedish bride puts a silver coin from her father and a gold coin from her mother in each shoe to ensure that she’ll never do without.

A Finnish bride traditionally went door-to-door collecting gifts in a pillowcase, accompanied by an older married man who represented long marriage.

Moroccan women take a milk bath to purify themselves before their wedding ceremony.

In Holland, a pine tree is planted outside the newlyweds’ home as a symbol of fertility and luck.

It’s Got a Ring To It •

• •

Engagement and wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because it was once thought that a vein in that finger led directly to the heart.

About 70% of all brides sport the traditional diamond on the fourth finger of their left hand.

Priscilla Presley’s engagement ring was a whopping 3 1/2-carat

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rock surrounded by a detachable row of smaller diamonds.

Diamonds set in gold or silver became popular as betrothal rings among wealthy Venetians toward the end of the fifteenth century.

In the symbolic language of jewels, a sapphire in a wedding ring means marital happiness.

A pearl engagement ring is said to be bad luck because its shape echoes that of a tear.

One of history’s earliest engagement rings was given to Princess Mary, daughter of Henry VIII. She was two years old at the time.

Seventeen tons of gold are made into wedding rings each year in the United States!

Snake rings dotted with ruby eyes were popular wedding bands in Victorian England -- the coils winding into a circle symbolized eternity.

Aquamarine represents marital harmony and is said to ensure a long, happy marriage. continued on page 16 //////

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events THIS

mar/apr

SEMINAR REGISTRATION Contact Dorothy Campbell Email education@ osceola-realtors.com CALL 407 846 0117 Unless otherwise noted

Creating Custom Reports

Affiliate Council Meetings

MARCH 8TH

MARCH 14TH

TIME: 1:00PM - 4:00PM

Short Sales & Foreclosures MARCH 1ST

7 CE Hours TIME: 8:30am - 5:00pm COST: $99

Core Law

TIME: 9:00aM - 12:00PM

TIME: 1:00pM - 4:00PM

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

TIME: 10:0AM - 11:00AM

Advanced Communication

3 CE Hours TIME: 2:00pM - 5:00pM

MARCH 6th

Community Involvement Committee

TIME: 9:00aM - 10:00AM

Conflict Resolution for Realtors®

MARCH 7TH

TIME: 8:30AM - 9:30AM Host: 2012 Public Policy Chair – Tim Weisheyer Speaker: St. Cloud Mayor, Rebecca Borders “An update and conversation about our Community - St. Cloud”

Global Alliance Committee

3 CE Hours TIME: 10:00AM - 1:00PM Instructor: Susan Collins

Code of Ethics

MLS Learn & Earn

TIME: 10:00AM - 11:00AM

MARCH 11TH

Spring Forward daylight Savings begins MARCH 12TH

Grant Writing

TIME: 10:00AM - 12:00PM Instructor: William Campbell, Florida Realtors®

Monitor Training

TIME: 1:00PM - 3:00PM Instructor: William Campbell, Florida Realtors®

Property Management for Residential Practitioner

MARCH 22ND

Executive Committee TIME: 8:30AM - 9:00AM

BOD Meeting TIME: 9:30AM - 11:00AM MARCH 23RD

Sinking or Syncing/Internet Security 3 CE Hours TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM

Property Management Meeting TIME: 11:00AM - 12:00PM

How to Make the Most of Property Mgt. Business 4 CE Hours TIME: 1:00PM - 5:00PM

TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM

MARCH 19th

TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM

MARCH 13th

TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM

TIME: 8:30AM - 9:30AM

TIME: 8:30AM - 9:30AM

4 CE Hours TIME: 8:30AM - 12:30PM

Toastmasters MLS Learn & Earn

MLS Learn & Earn

MARCH 26TH MARCH 15TH

MARCH 7th

MLS iMAPP

MARCH 20TH

Toastmasters

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

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Community MLS Learn Involvement & Earn Marketing Committee TIME: 10:0AM - 11:00AM Session APRIL 3RD

TIME: 8:30AM - 9:30AM Speaker: Derek Bruce Edge Public Affairs, LLC Topic: Building Public Policy Alliances

APRIL 11th

Global Alliance Committee TIME: 9:00aM - 10:00AM

MARCH 27TH

MLS Learn & Earn

TIME: 8:30AM - 9:30AM SPEAKER: Daniel Villazon, P.A. Topic: Unlicensed Real Estate Sales. Unlicensed activity is a threat to the ethics and professional status of REALTORS, but it is also a danger to both buyers and sellers. It’s also a 3rd degree felony! Did you assist?

Did you pay? Much needed information for associates and brokers, too!

Professional Development Committee Meeting TIME: 9:45AM - 10:45AM

Affiliate Council Wine & Cheese Meeting TIME: 4:00PM - 6:00PM MARCH 28 - 29TH

Accredited Buyers Rep

7 CE Hours TIME: 8:00AM - 5:00PM COST: $179 Early Registration and $199 thereafter.

APRIL 2ND

APRIL 4TH

Communication/ MLS iMAPP (Español) Customer TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM Service Skills TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM Creating a Professional CMA (Español)

4 CE Hours TIME: 9:00AM - 4:00PM APRIL 16TH

Visual Marketing Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM Photo Class TIME: 3:00pM - 4:00PM

7:30pM - 8:30PM PRESENTER: Kemp Howland

APRIL 17TH

APRIL 5TH

TIME: 8:30AM - 9:30AM presentER: Ivette Jimenez, My Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service Topic: Using Real Estate Statistics for Fun and Profit

MLXchange Basic

TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM

MlXchange Entering & Updating Listings

TIME: 1:00PM - 4:00PM

Code of Ethics TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM

Your Computer: Considerations When Purchasing TIME: 10:00AM - 12:00AM INSTRUCTOR: Chris Florence

At Home with Diversity

APRIL 10th

Toastmasters

APRIL 25TH

APRIL 12TH

APRIL 9TH

TIME: 1:00pM - 3:00PM

TIME: 9:45AM - 10:45AM

TIME: 1:00PM - 4:00PM

New Member Orientation TIME: 9:00aM - 12:30PM

Professional Development Committee Meeting

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

MLS Learn & Earn

TIME: 8:30AM - 9:30AM

MLS Learn & Earn

APRIL 19TH

Executive Committee

TIME: 8:30AM - 9:30AM

BOD Meeting TIME: 9:30AM - 11:00AM APRIL 23RD

Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM APRIL 24TH

MLS Learn & Earn

TIME: 8:30AM - 9:30AM

APRIL 28-29TH

National Association of REALTORS® Open House Weekend APRIL 30TH

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

CAN’T FIND SOMETHING YOU WANT TO ATTEND? Your REALTOR® Advocates work hard at providing you with the most up to date information 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 webmaster@ osceola-realtors.com

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Fashionable Lore •

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Queen Victoria started the Western world’s white wedding dress trend in 1840 -- before then, brides simply wore their best dress.

In Asia, wearing robes with embroidered cranes symbolizes fidelity for the length of a marriage.

Ancient Greeks and Romans thought the veil protected the bride from evil spirits. Brides have worn veils ever since.

Of course, Jackie Kennedy’s bridesmaids were far from frumpy.

She chose pink silk faille and red satin gowns created by African-American designer Ann Lowe (also the creator of Jackie’s dress).

In Japan, white was always the color of choice for bridal ensembles -- long before Queen Victoria popularized it in the Western world.

Most expensive wedding ever? The marriage of Sheik Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s son to Princess Salama in Dubai in May 1981. The price tag? $44 million.

In Korea, brides don bright hues of red and yellow to take their vows.

In Denmark, brides and grooms traditionally cross-dressed to confuse evil spirits!

Food and Family • •

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Show Off at a Cocktail Party •

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In Egypt, the bride’s family traditionally does all the cooking for a week after the wedding, so the couple can…relax.

In South Africa, the parents of both bride and groom traditionally carried fire from their hearths to light a new fire in the newlyweds’ hearth.

The tradition of a wedding cake comes from ancient Rome, where revelers broke a loaf of bread over a bride’s head for fertility’s sake.

The custom of tiered cakes emerged from a game where the bride and groom attempted to kiss over an ever-higher cake without knocking it over.

Queen Victoria’s wedding cake weighed a whopping 300 pounds.

Legend says single women will dream of their future husbands if they sleep with a slice of groom’s cake under their pillows.

An old wives’ tale: If the younger of two sisters marries first, the older sister must dance barefoot at the wedding or risk never landing a husband.

•

In many cultures around the world -- including Celtic, Hindu and Egyptian weddings -- the hands of a bride and groom are literally tied together to demonstrate the couple’s commitment to each other and their new bond as a married couple (giving us the popular phrase “tying the knot”).

The Roman goddess Juno rules over marriage, the hearth, and childbirth, hence the popularity of June weddings.

Princess Victoria established the tradition of playing Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus” during her wedding processional in 1858.

The bride stands to the groom’s left during a Christian ceremony, because in bygone days the groom needed his right hand free to fight off other suitors.

On average, 7,000 couples marry each day in the United States.

Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve are the two busiest “marriage” days in Las Vegas -- elopement central!

The Catholic tradition of “posting the banns” to announce a marriage originated as a way to ensure the bride and groom were not related.

Stag parties were first held by ancient Spartan soldiers, who kissed their bachelor days goodbye with a raucous party.

www.TheKnot.com © Copyright 2012, The Knot.

Reproduced by Permission. All Rights Reserved.

“Queen Victoria started the Western world’s white wedding dress trend in 1840 -- before then, brides simply wore their best dress”.

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case study on professional standards REPORTER: OSCAR Ghost Writer

We should all be celebrating since Punxsutawney Phil didn’t see his shadow, so spring is on its way, thank goodness. I won’t be sad to see the cold weather go away, I look forward to the warm weather. Before you know it, we will all be sitting around soaking in that sunshine. Here is this month’s case and it is all about money.

Imma Wright was a real estate broker and property manager who, in addition to managing property for others, buys and sells property frequently. Imma makes a good living on her real estate investments. Needing capital for another project, Imma decided to sell one of her investment properties. To maximize her market exposure, she listed the property with her real estate brokerage and entered the listing into the MLS. She put a sign in front of the property indicating that it was “For Sale By Owner”. She placed ads in the local newspapers, indicated that the seller was a “broker-owner.”

Gabriel Boyd, who lived near the property, saw the “for sale” sign and called Imma. He Introduced himself as a broker and as a REALTOR®. Gabriel asked what the asking price was and whether Imma was interested in listing her property with his brokerage, Boyd Realty. Imma did not indicate that she had listed her own property in the MLS system nor did she disclose that she was a broker or a REALTOR®. She did indicate that she would pay a commission to Gabriel if he procured a purchaser for the property but added that she preferred not to enter into an exclusive relationship with any broker and that she didn’t want to put anything into writing.

Gabriel had been working with his dentist, Woodrow Forest, and thought he might be interested in looking at the property so he wanted to get as much information together as possible on other properties with the same features before showing him this one property.

He returned to his office and starting searching the MLS system for similar property and, loand-behold, Imma’s property was in the MLS and she was the listing broker. Gabriel was upset that Imma didn’t tell him that she was a licensed broker. Gabriel called Imma and stated that he found the listing in the MLS and asked her why she had not told him that she was a licensed broker and that the property was listed in the MLS. Imma told him that

she did not have to disclose that she held a license since she was acting as the owner of the property and not as a licensed broker. She stated that she knows the rules and she was not going to discuss the matter with him any further. Gabriel decided that he would file a complaint against Imma with the Association at a later date.

Gabriel called his dentist and set up an appointment to show the property to him.

Needless to say, after several viewings, the dentist and his family fell in love with the property. He sent Imma an offer to purchase which she subsequently accepted.

At the closing, Imma had instructed that only half of the previously agreed upon commission was to be disbursed to Gabriel.

When Gabriel protested the $3,800 shortfall, Imma responded that her property was highly desirable, had “practically sold itself,” and, in any event, he had expended minimal efforts in bringing about the quick sale.

Gabriel disagreed with Imma’s reasoning and, after appeals to her sense of fairness went unheeded, he filed an arbitration request and an ethics case with the Association of REALTORS®. Gabriel was informed by the Association that the arbitration case would proceed forward and the ethics case would be held in abeyance until after the arbitration case had been completed. Faced with the request to arbitrate, Imma declined, referring to Article 17 of the Code of Ethics and noting that it relates to disputes between REALTORS® “. . . arising out of their relationship as REALTORS® . . .” whereas she had been the seller.

Imma’s refusal to arbitrate was referred to the Board of Directors for their consideration.

Imma repeated her defense that, as the seller, she was not obligated to arbitrate a dispute with another REALTOR® who had been acting within the scope of his broker’s license, absent a specific arbitration agreement. She pointed out that the agreement between them was oral and Gabriel admitted that the question of arbitration had never even been discussed.

Gabriel produced a copy of a recent MLS compilation and pointed out that information regarding the property appeared in it. Imma responded that inclusion of information in the MLS had been a “technicality” and that she had “listed with herself” merely to comply with MLS rules and that she had considered herself

the seller, first and foremost. The Directors agreed with Imma that she obviously had been a principal in the sale of her own property but went on to conclude that by listing the property, albeit with herself, she no longer was exclusively a principal in the transaction but had also acted within the scope of her broker’s license. As such, she had become embroiled in a contractual dispute with another REALTOR® “. . . arising out of their relationship as REALTORS®. . .” and had become obligated to arbitrate.

The Board referred the case to the Professional Standards Committee for Hearing. Gabriel presented his case to the panel members, along with the MLS printout that showed the compensation that was to be paid to the selling office at closing. Then it was Imma’s turn to present her case. She explained to the panel that, in fact, Gabriel didn’t do much of anything to sell her property and that the property sold itself. She went on to say that Gabriel didn’t deserve the full commission since she did most of the work and, therefore, she adjusted his compensation to a lower amount.

The panel chair thanked both the parties for attending and informed them that they would receive the panel’s decision within 7-14 days.

I don’t know about you, but I have never seen property that sells itself, especially in today’s market. Someone has to do the work to get the property to the closing table. Remember the definition of procuring cause is considered to be the initiation of the unbroken chain of causal events that results in a successful transaction, defined as a sale that closes or a lease that is executed. So who do you think is the procuring cause in this transaction, Gabriel Boyd or Imma Wright?

Do you think Imma Wright violated the Code of Ethics? The panel has ruled on the ethics case, read next month’s story to see what they decided.

The panel having heard all the evidence and the arguments of the parties in the arbitration case, by a majority vote, awarded $3,800 to be paid by the Respondent, Imma Wright, to the Complainant, Gabriel Boyd.

The payment shall be paid by Ms. Wright to Mr. Boyd within ten (10) days from the award becoming final.

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2011 OSCAR

winners REPORTER: Wendi Jeannin

EMAIL: wjeannin@earthlink.net

Tim Weisheyer 2011 OSCAR President, pinning the CBR pin on Veronica Malolos

LOCAL REALTOR® VERONICA MALOLOS EARNS CRB CERTIFICATION Past-President Veronica Malolos of the Osceola County Association of REALTORS® (OSCAR) was recently pinned for her earnings of a CRB Certification.

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) joined forces to provide a Performance Leadership seminar for a group of inspiring REALTORS®. Malolos, a board member and past president for OSCAR completed the course.

The Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers (CRB) is a notfor-profit affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS®, and the premier industry organization for managers, brokers and owners. For over 40 years, the Council has helped real estate professional’s education with an edge.

The curriculum is designed to deliver the knowledge and resources needed to create opportunities to excel. After taking their courses, individuals will be better positioned to develop and streamline operating practices, market and position their company, and understand and keep costs in check.

The mission of the Osceola County Association of REALTORS® is to provide a dedicated success to its membership consisting of real estate professionals and affiliates, while adding value to the community.

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LOCAL REALTORS® RECEIVE TOP HONORS Local REALTORS®, community leaders and elected officials all gathered for the Annual Installation Banquet for the Osceola County Association of REALTORS® to welcome a new President and honor top REALTORS®.

During the event, the Association officially swore in Renee Clark of Clark Investment Properties as the new 2012 President of OSCAR. Clark was once the Association President in 2004 and has remained very active on the Board of Directors. She is committed to its mission and toward achieving the goals set annually by the Association and its members. Tim Weisheyer, 2011 OSCAR President officially passed the gavel during a warm and touching luncheon.

REALTOR® of the Year honored was Veronica Malolos. This award is the most prestigious honor and is presented annually. Malolos has served on numerous committees, embraced leadership roles with dedication and perseverance, utilized her skills in local and national REALTOR® service, and expanded her service and leadership to develop affiliated membership opportunities in the Osceola Women’s Council of REALTORS®, the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, OSCAR Toastmasters, and the Florida Chapter of Certified Real Estate Brokerage Managers.

(L-R) Committee Chairs Karen Dierickx and Kim Goodwin, Veronica Malolos and Gerald Kelley-2010 REALTOR® of the Year

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The Lifetime Achievement Award, has only been awarded two previous times... ...and those recipients were Linda GoodwinNichols and Jo Williams. Honored to become part of this elite group is Ms. Karen Dierickx.

Dierickx was recognized for her long term, exemplary and exceptional service to the association, the type of service that makes such a difference in the success of our association that we would not be the same association without the benefit of this member’s leadership.

“From this day forward and forevermore, we all feel lucky and honored to be able to call Karen Dierickx our lifetime achievement award recipient,” says Kim Goodwin, 2011 Awards Committee Chairperson.

Our Affiliate Office of the Year Award was given to Charles P. Castellon, P.A., this office has gone above and beyond for the Association.

This office has sponsored so many of our membership events and celebrations this year, plus given valuable educational and informational presentations to our members.

The Public Policy Advocate Award is new to the Association this year. This individual has been in many leadership roles at OSCAR and has been actively involved for many years, with a passion for public policy issues. OSCAR’s first public policy advocacy award goes to Tim Weisheyer.

Several top honored awards were distributed during the annual banquet: Affiliate of the Year Tony Fletcher; Rising Affiliate Star of the Year Rhonda Owen; Exemplary Service Award Renee Clark, Cheryl Grieb and Richard Knapp; Real Estate Office of the Year Re/Max Premier Properties; Realtor® Rising Start of the Year Susie Graves; Star of the Year Angle Ortiz, Jr. The mission of the Osceola County Association of REALTORS® is to provide a dedicated success to its membership consisting of real estate professionals and affiliates, while adding value to the community.

(L-R) Karen Dierickx and Committee Chair Kim Goodwin

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2012

FLORIDA REALTORS®

OSCAR Member Committee Appointments JOSE ALVAREZ

Realtors® Political Involvement Committee Board/Association Representative Board Of Directors DAISY CID

Key Contacts Subcommittee MICHELLE CLARK Insurance Subcommittee

Legislative and Regulatory Business Issues Subcom

Realtors® Political Involvement Committee

Local Board Pres. Info Exchange Board/Association Representative Board Of Directors JARROD DAVIS Board Leadership Forum SUSAN GRAVES Board/Association Representative Board Of Directors

Local Board/Association President-elect Board Leadership Forum CHERYL GRIEB

Key Contacts Subcommittee State and Local Taxation Subcom MICHAEL LEVINE

Leadership Academy Committee Property Management Committee Chairmen Public Policy Committee

WANDA LINSCOTT Board Leadership Forum VERONICA MALOLOS

Legislative and Political Forum

Great American Realtor® Days Forum Curriculum Development & Instructor Subcom WILLIAM NICHOLS Risk Management Committee

Legislative and Political Forum MIRNA “ELI” PEREZ

MLS Administrators Info Exchange MARILYN PHELPS Curriculum Development & Instructor Subcom Property Management Committee CAROL PLATT

Land Use, Property Rights, and Sustainable

Development Subcommittee Association Executives Council DENISE SACKS

Local Board Treas. Info Exchange DANIEL VILLAZON

Local Board/Association Attorney Council TIM WEISHEYER Board/Association Representative Board Of Directors

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MARKET

DYNAMICS

OSCEOLA COUNTY

2 years (monthly) - 1.1.10 to 1.31.12 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 -84.39 Monthly % -2.04 Total Change -2,025.46 Total % Change -48.85

FOR SALE -48.9%

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month’s supply of inventory (sold calculation) Monthly Change -0.22 Monthly % -2.27 Total Change -5.34 Total % Change -54.56

MSI SALE -54.6%

median price (sold) low, high, average, median Monthly Change -449.31 Monthly % -0.39 Total Change -10,783.39 Total % Change -9.37

FOR SALE -9.4%

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professional

affiliates ADVERTISING/PUBLICATIONS Guide To Homes, Inc. Rhonda Rogers 8297 Champions Gate Blvd # 381 Davenport, FL 33896 T 407-508-9899 guidetohomes@gmail.com searchguidetohomes.com HarmonHomes.com 4501 Hill & Dales Road NW Canton, OH 44708 T 813-681-5117 / F 813-661-9036 harmonhomes.com PIP Printing & Marketing 929 W. Oak Street Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-847-5565 / F 407-847-2698 dale@pipmarketing.com pipmarketinggroup.com The Real Estate Book 2305 NewPoint Parkway Laurenceville, GA 30043 T 407-581-1490 / F 407-581-1491 tbirchler@nci.com AGENT MARKETING SERVICES Concordia Film Studios; Div. of Howland International, Inc. Kemp Howland 355 Falling Waters Drive Kissimmee, FL 34759 T 407-222-4847 kemp.howland@gmail.com concordiastudios.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES/ INSTITUTIONS Butler Mortgage Harry Urban 1012 W. Emmett Street, Suite B Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-931-3800 / F 407-931-3801 hurban@butlermortgage.com Center State Bank Scott Johnson 920 North John Young Parkway Kissimmee, FL 34746 T 407-866-324-4005 sjohnson@centerstatebank.com

Qubty Financial Group David Qubty 7680 Universal Blvd., Suite 405 Orlando, FL 32819-8998 T 407-370-3030 / F 407-370-2040 dqubty@qubtyfinancialgroup.com Qubty Financial Group Sami D. Qubty 7680 Universal Blvd., Suite 405 Orlando, FL 32819-8998 T 407-370-3030 / F 407-370-2040 squbty@qubtyfinancialgroup.com

Budget Services, Inc. Ed Hogan 3617 Crosley Avenue St Cloud, FL 34772 T 407-892-8811 / F 407-892-8516 ed@budgetservicesfl.com budgetservicesfl.com Housemaster Home Inspections 527 Brack Street Kissimmee, FL 34744 T 407-343-4677 / F 407-947-5354 cawilliams@housemaster.com osceola.housemaster.com Pilar Home Inspectors Peter Boorman 106 Haversham Way Davenport, FL 33897 T 863-420-3596 Wayne Home Inspections Wayne C. Glover 1533 Trumbull Street Kissimmee, FL 34744 T 407-935-1127 / F 407-935-1483 wayne.glover@netzero.com wayneshomeinspection.com ZAP Home Inspections, LLC Adrian Colon 1006 Eiffel Lane Kissimmee, FL 34759 T 407-870-2630 / F 407-870-2630 zap9@juno.com

ATTORNEYS

Trustco Bank Patricia Del Bagno 2300 Deer Creek Commerce Lane Davenport, FL 33837 T 863-424-9493 / F 863-424-1449 pdelbagno@branch.trustcobank.com PROPERTY MANAGEMENT trustcobank.com Wayne Home Inspections Trustco Bank Wayne E. Glover Sarah Near 1533 Trumbull Street 1525 East Osceola Pkwy Kissimmee, FL 34744 Kissimmee, FL 34746 T 407-935-1127/ F 407-935-1483 T 407-932-0398 / F 407-932-0719 wayne.glover@netzero.net snear@branch.trustcobank.com wayneshomeinspections.com trustcobank.com REAL ESTATE SCHOOLS/ HOME BUILDERS/DEVELOPERS EDUCATION

Law Office of Daniel Villazon, P.A. 1420 Celebration Blvd.

Celebration, FL 34747 T 407-483-0041 dvillazon@yahoo.com frecattorney.com

Harmony Development Tim Hultgren 3500 Harmony Square Drive West Harmony, FL 34773 T 407-891-2605 / F 407-891-0459 thultgren@harmonyfl.com

IFREC Real Estate Schools Richard Fryer 5029 Edgewater Drive Orlando, FL 32810 T 407-644-7277 / F 407-647-5227 robin@ifrec.com

CONSTRUCTION/REPAIR/ RENOVATIONS

Pilar Home Service Inc Peter Boorman 106 Haversham Way Davenport, FL 33897 T 863-420-3596

REALTOR速 SERVICES

PIP Printing & Marketing Dale Bohman 929 W. Oak Street Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-847-5565 / F 407-847-2698 dale@pipmarketing.com

Property Preservation Experts John Canonico 1809 E. Broadway Avenue Oviedo, FL 32765 T 407-588-7443 ppexperts@gmail.com Servpro of Osceola County Dan Hougaard 1710 Kelley Avenue Kissimmee, FL 34744 T 407-933-0707 / F 407-933-5014 dhougaard@servprooc.com

HOME WARRANTY First American Home Warranty Corp Leslie Zimmerly 3281 Settlers Tr., St Cloud, FL 34772 T 407-902-5237 lesliez@firstam.com INSPECTION SERVICES A.C.F. Home Inspections, Inc. Luis A. Figueroa 509 S. Chickasaw Trail, Suite 1 Orlando, FL 32825 T 407-466-8921 / F 407-381-5556 acfinspection@aol.com

Creating Wealth USA, LLC August Byllot P.O. Box 470654 Celebration, FL 34747 T 863-255-5858 augie@creatingwealthusa.com creatingwealthusa.com TITLE/ESCROW/INSURANCE SERVICES A-Z Team Title, LLC Bernard S. Edwards 102 Park Place Blvd.

Kissimmee, FL 34743 T 407-932-0529 / F 407-932-1587 azteamtitle.com

First American Title Deborah Dudley 1101 Miranda Lane, Suite 101 Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 877-833-1731 / F 866-722-5957 ddudley@firstam.com Premier Title Agency, LLC 113 E. Monument Avenue Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-350-4401/ F 407-350-4414 premiertitleagency.com Prominent Title Insurance Agency, LLC 827 Cypress Parkway Kissimmee, FL 34759 T 407-343-1560/ F 407-343-1561 bdobbie@prominenttitle.com Premier Title Services Eva Gordon 13538 Village Park Drive, #170 Orlando, FL 32837 T 407-854-2115 / F 321-250-7857 Integrity First Title Betty M. Dobbie 908 Mabbette Street Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-343-1560 / F 407-343-1561 bdobbie@integrityft.com Mason Title & Escrow Company Shelly Kiker 1101 Miranda Lane, Suite 113 Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 321-443-6901 / F 866-326-2097 skiker@masontitle.com Quality Title & Escrow, LLC Lisa Bennett 1801 Lee Road, Suite 205 Winter Park, FL 32789 T 321-304-3906 lisa@qtefl.com Real Estate Closing Solutions Heidi Foster 7575 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Suite 140 Orlando, FL 32819 T 407-615-8550 / F 407-615-8555 hfoster@recsfl.com Stewart Approved Title, Inc. Becky Sheive 1201 Emmett Street Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-846-7477 / F 407-846-6573 bsheive@stewart.com Stewart Approved Title, Inc. Rayelynne Ketchum 1401 Budinger Avenue St Cloud, FL 34769 T 407-957-9000 / F 407-957-8055 rwoeste@stewart.com additional affiliates Good Samaritan SocietyKissimmee Village Ken Lyons 4250 Village Drive Kissimmee, FL 34746 T 407-933-1999 klyons@good-sam.com

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continuing

education CONTRIBUTOR: Chris Florence

EMAIL: webmaster@osceola-realtors.com

How Many Continuing Education Credits Do I Have?!

If you’ve ever wanted to find out how many CE’s the state has on file for you then you will want to read this article. To find this page on DBPR’s website go here http://bit.ly/CheckMyEd. DBPR’s system will allow licensees to check the following account information: • • • • • • • • •

• • • • •

Register with an e-mail address and secure password Receive registration confirmation via e-mail confirmation Link an existing license(s) to online profile Retrieve a forgotten password Answer eligibility questions to ensure you are using the correct application Attach necessary documents for licensure Receive an application summary and payment summary via e-mail Check your application status Log in and finish an incomplete application before submission if you were not able to complete the application when initially applying Renew licenses Make payments Update an address View Continuing Education history, if applicable Maintain license relationships

Once you have registered, you will receive an e-mail with a temporary password and then you will create your own unique, secure password. If you do not receive the e-mail with the temporary password after a short amount of time, be sure to check your Junk E-mail or SPAM folder for the e-mail.

After you have successfully logged in you will be able to link your license to the online account you created.

Here are some helpful instructions to create an online account, link an existing license and maintain license relationships.

QUESTIONS ABOUT CLASSES? If any of you have questions about these instructions you may call the REALTOR® advocates here at the association at 407.846.0117

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OSCAR

etcetera We will be unveiling many new innovations/enhancements soon. We went live with a “Welcome� step in our setup wizard when agents first log into the web admin.

Carol Platt and Renee Clark at Regional Business Summit at Sea World, Orlando

Given we have SSO integration with the MLS system in more markets, and agents often click the link out of curiosity, we wanted something simple to give them an overview of what Goomzee is before they begin. Nothing else has changed, just a little more context for those do-ityourselfers.

Stay tuned for our new website launch.

Mike Sparr CEO, Founder Goomzee

Marty Mann speaks on Protecting Lakefront Property Values

Bank of America speaks to Osceola Brokers Committee Roundtable

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Dancing with the Chamber Stars Winners are honored by the Kissimmee Chamber of Commerce

Leadership is important!

Why do I feel that leadership is so important to us all? The more people I meet, the more my world expands.

Recently, I attended a LEADERSHIP Retreat for the Osceola County Association of REALTORS®, Inc. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is for us all to connect. The more we find things to admire about others and share it with them, the better we feel - and make them feel. We also find out more about what we have in common. We become connected and it makes a more positive impact on our own little world that we live in, as well as our profession. I wanted to write this for all the people that say, “You are always into something, don’t you know how to say no?” Thank you to all the volunteers in their communities - your organizations need you! ­ Sue Foels 2011 President of the Osceola Women’s Council of REALTORS® 2012 Director for OSCAR

PRSRT STD U S POSTAGE PAID MID-FL FL PERMIT NO. 581

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

welcome new NEW AFFILIATE

offices

ZAP Home Inspections LLC Adrian Colon Guide to Homes Rhonda Rogers

NEW REAL ESTATE

offices CD Investments Realty, LLC Celebration Dream Homes Central Home Realty, Inc First Universal Real Estate, Inc Gomez & Loaiza Realty, PA My Castle Realty Nona Management Perdomo Realty & Co, Inc Rental And Realty Group

members

Housemaster Home Inspections Colin Williams Coldwell Banker Ackley Realty Diane Allen Realty Group USA, LLC Luis Arias Weichert Realtors® Hallmark Pro Holly Baker La Rosa Realty, LLC Oscar Cadiz CD Investments Realty, LLC Jose Nel Carreno Weichert Realtors® Hallmark Pro Ruth Daye Watson Realty Corp. Clarissa Estevez Watson Realty Corp. Francisco Garzon Coldwell Banker Ackley Realty Roger Hurdle Abbey Road Realty, LLC Julian Libertad Fusilier Realty Group Cherisa Lawerence Morris Williams Realty Donnamarie Leiba-Gough RE/MAX Pros Annamaria Martz Agent Trust Realty Isaac Mendez Watson Realty Corp. Rafael Miranda Max Homes Realty, LLC Kerry Nelmes Fusilier Realty Group Pamela Ortiz Central Home Realty, Inc. Julio Paucar Keller Williams Homestead Realty Melitza Perez Montes Florida International Realty of Orlando Jean Pierre RE/MAX Marketplace Paul Reynolds Bustamante Real Estate Inc. Derell Roberson First Universal Real Estate Inc. Ernesto Rodriguez La Rosa Realty, LLC Kathleen Sipio Celebration Dream Homes Mike Trowbridge Agent Trust Realty Heide Velez-Cruz Hamilton Realty Claire Wynters