real estate - benefits - foreclosure - banks - florida realtors - public policy
magazine 3rd QUARTER july, august, september 2013
Osceola ReView
IRS HAS ONLY 10 YEARS TO COLLECT DEBT PAGE12
& BRITISH BUYERS AND THE US TAX SYSTEM
PAGE12
& GETTING THE MOST OUT OF LINKEDIN
PAGE25
EDGERANK: 2013 Awards YOUR KEY TO & Installation FACEBOOK Luncheon SUCCESS Highlights
PAGE27
WELCOMECONTENTS
002
WELCOME/ CONTENTS jul, aug, sep 2013 news 5 6
Third Quarter AE Message Osceola Women’s Council of REALTORS® Receives Gold
Level of Excellence
7 OSCAR Members Serve Community and Government 8 Strategic Alliance With Experience Kissimmee Brings New Leads
to Osceola REALTORS®
12 12 24
Florida Honors Society Recognizes OSCAR Members
technology
events
British Buyers and the US Tax System IRS Has Only 10 Years to Collect Debt
25 Getting the Most out of LinkedIn 27 Edgerank: Your Key to Facebook Success
10 July, August, September 2013 Calendar 15 Scenes From our Leadership Academy Training 16 Highlights From the RPAC Major Investor Award & Casino Night 19 REALTORS® Shine at NAHREP 20 Photos from Great American REALTOR® Days
14
local
trends
New Members and Other Events at OSCAR
28 Market Dynamics
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FROM START TO SUCCESS - Yes, Get Ready, Keep Looking, It’s Coming........ Your board members, fellow brokers, and our fabulous REALTOR® advocates have been working hard to make sure that you have the best education, information, and networking opportunities available in Central Florida. We realize that “If it’s important to you, our members, it’s important to us.” We will be rolling out our “Start to Success” program very soon. This comprehensive program is for all our members - new and long term. Whether you’re just getting started or already successful, we will be there for you. Our education component will cover the basics, the specialized markets (think property management or international), and the credentials we need to stay relevant and current. Educated REALTORS® are the key to successful closings and happy sellers, buyers, and fellow REALTORS®.
2013 OSCAR President, Susie Graves
We are taking new approaches to make sure you have the information you need to be competitive in today’s market. We are working hard on political advocacy and involvement to protect your profitability and advance the market. We have the ear of the community and its leaders to support our industry. Lastly, we are working hard connecting with people who are the best at what they do so that we can build a meaningful network and all learn from the best practices. I would encourage all our members to take advantage of the education, information, and networking opportunities we provide. I look forward to seeing you around the Association and in the Community. Remember: It’s all for you - our members - because From Start to Success, if It’s Important to You, It’s Important to Us.
magazine contact Published by Osceola County Association of Realtors®, 1105 Shady Lane, Kissimmee, FL 34744
advocates team
association Executive/editor: Carol Platt, CRB, e-Pro T 4078460117 E ae@osceola-realtors.com WEB MASTER: Chris Florence, CCIM, e-Pro webmaster@osceola-realtors.com COMMUNICATIONS: Nannette Cherry nan@osceola-realtors.com Membership SERVICES COORDINATOR: Eli Perez, e-Pro eli@osceola-realtors.com AE Assistant - professional development: Kim Wagar, e-Pro, AHWD kim@osceola-realtors.com AE ASSISTANT - EVENTS: Christina Barnhardt, e-Pro christina@osceola-realtors.com MEMBERSHIP SERVICES: Ally Vallecillo, e-Pro ally@osceola-realtors.com SOCIAL MEDIA & MEMBERship SERVICES: Shane Maloy, shane@osceola-realtors.com
contributing writers
Interested in contributing to our quarterly publication?! We would love to hear from you. We require that all works be original, meaning written by you, and do not allow promotion of your business.
advertising Digital or printed media packs available on request. HEAD OF SALES: Chris Florence, CCIM, e-Pro webmaster@osceola-realtors.com
distribution
ACCOUNTS: Bob St. Gordon, e-Pro bob@osceola-realtors.com
The ReView is printed quarterly. To subscribe contact our subscriptions team below. SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER: Nannette Cherry, e-Pro communications@osceola-realtors.com
www.osceolarealtors.org
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Thank you for your donation of $50.00 received in 2013. Your donation honors the memory of our founder and internationally recognized safety expert Andrew Wooten. With your support we can carry out our mission: to save lives by providing safety training and education to hospice, home healthcare, and school system employees and students. Generous gifts from donors like you help us save more lives every day. With Kind Regards, Robin Church Executive Assistant The Community Safety Foundation
JERRY KELLEY APPOINTED TO OSCEOLA SCHOOL BOARD AUDIT COMMITTEE
MFRMLS INSTALLS
NEW LEADERSHIP My Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service (MFRMLS) recently installed new leadership to its posts. Florida REALTORS® President, Dean Asher personally installed the current MFRMLS President, Steve Amburgey and former OSCAR Director and PastPresident Tim Weisheyer for the 2013-2014 leadership term. Tim Weisheyer MFRMLS offers an expansive suite of productivity and marketing tools to real estate professionals and leads the state of Florida in multiple listing services with over 33,000 subscribers. With over 16 shareholder REALTOR® Boards and Associations claiming ownership, it covers the area of Central and Southwest Florida.
Local REALTOR® Jerry Kelley has recently been appointed to the Osceola County School Board Audit Committee. Jerry Kelley has previously served as the Treasurer for the Osceola County Association of REALTORS® during the years of 2009 and 2010, and is now continuing his leadership endeavors with the School Board.
Osceola County Association of REALTORS® Association Executive, Carol Platt stated, “It brings a great deal of pride to see one of our own head such an illustrious board. Tim has proven himself to be a strong and capable leader over the years with OSCAR through his various posts. MFRMLS will be well served under his watch.”
The Osceola County School Board Audit Committee assists the School Board in the selection of an auditor to Jerry Kelley conduct the annual financial audit and provides advice and recommendations to correct deficiencies after the audit’s review. In addition they also give counsel on initiatives to improve operational efficiencies in order to incorporate business experience and best practices in action plans.
Dear Friends,
Jerry was appointed to this position by another OSCAR leader, Tim Weisheyer. Tim states, “I am grateful for Mr. Kelley’s willingness to serve on this important committee and know his expertise will be of great value to the School Board, our school district, and the tax payers of Osceola County.” Of his appointment Jerry says, “I am glad to lend assistance to the School Board Audit Advisory Committee and hopefully I can provide input that will help our schools.”
Thank you so much for the flowers you sent for Mother. They were beautiful sitting under Mother’s picture on the easel at the visitation and service.” Love, Carolyn Barnhardt
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OSCAR 3RD Quarter Association Executive MESSAGE
2013
F as t For w a r d i ng ou r RE ALTO R® F u tur e! MEDIA CONTACT: Carol Platt
Having just returned from the 2013 Midyear Meetings, I am once again honored to serve you as your Association Executive. Both your 2013 President Susie Graves and your 2013 President Elect Daisy Lopez-Cid were engaged in networking and communicating on your behalf, and I am always proud of our leadership. I was also proud to work with our Past President Cheryl Grieb in her new role as a Federal Political Coordinator and observe the activities of OSCAR members in the Osceola Women’s Council of REALTORS®, 2013 President Wanda Linscott, 2013 President-Elect Sue Vasquez and 2013 District Vice President Cindy DeCoster. The National Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors enacted changes that will directly affect you, our valued member, and the operations of
“Both your 2013 President Susie Graves and your 2013 President-Elect Daisy Lopez-Cid were engaged in networking and communicating on your behalf and I am always proud of our leadership.
PHONE: 407-846-0117
EMAIL: ae@osceola-realtors.com
associations and multiple listing services across the nation. The highlights are: 1. The continuance of the Consumer Advertising Campaign to 2014-2016 to promote homeownership, real estate investment, and professional REALTOR® advancement. 2. To fund two legal cases and one amicus curiae brief case to protect MLS copyrights and defend against antitrust allegations, to defend against unwarranted local disclosure laws that require Realtors to disclose zoning and occupancy municipal actions to buyers and tenants in Columbia, MO, and to file an amicus curiae brief in the Ohio Supreme Court that argues that a broker is not liable for an agent’s fraud in connection with a real estate transaction solely because the broker received a commission in the transaction. 3. To allow local determination of the services, information and products provided to subscribers as core or ancillary to their MLS packaged services, to not require an MLS to mandate the optional services of lockbox equipment and advertising and to disallow optional services as basic MLS packaged services unless an MLS does not receive an economic benefit from the arrangement as either a shareholder of the information, service or product company or profit by receiving more than the operational
Association Executive, Carol Platt costs of providing the information, service or product. All MLS subscribers will be able to decline optional services, without charge and must be notified of their right to decline. 4. To allow any person, both members and non-members to file an ethics complaint in their own name under existing procedures. 5. To ensure that complaints cannot be amended to add or substitute other individuals as complainants except as otherwise provided for in these proceedings or mutually agreed to by the parties to clarify that ethics complainants
CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 must be individuals and that complaints cannot be brought in the name (s) of third parties. 6. To amend that any evidence and documentation before a Grievance Committee will be considered only to the extent necessary to determine whether a complaint will be referred for hearing and that a Grievance Committee may, if necessary, gather additional information on the matters complained of if additional information is necessary to determine whether a complaint will be referred for hearing. 7. To stipulate that additional information required by the Grievance Committee when forwarded for hearing may include additional information other than the written complaint itself only if necessary to determine whether a complaint will be referred for hearing. 8. To stipulate that if a hearing panel considers prior violations and sanctions in making its recommendation of discipline, the rationale for the current disciplinary recommendation can be provided to the parties and the Directors as part of the decision. 9. To codify that Associations may, but are not required to, provide mediation services for disputes in the case of Tortious interference with business relationships, Tortious interference with contractual relationships, economic duress, intentional inflict of emotional distress, other tort claims such as libel/slander, employment claims other than commission disputes, fraud and misrepresentation claims and real and personal property claims.
10. To increase the maximum permissible fine that may be imposed for violations of the Code of Ethics and other membership duties from $5000 to $15,000. 11. To amend the Standard of Practice 3-2, to require that in any change in commission offered for cooperative services, the listing broker may not attempt to unilaterally modify the offered compensation with respect to that cooperative transaction after a REALTOR® has submitted an offer to purchase or lease property. 12. To provide issues mobilization funding to support Nevada against the use of eminent domain by local governments to seize performing “underwater” mortgages. 13. To state that “The National Association of REALTORS® opposes the application of state or local taxes to rent and real estate services and other professional services including real estate broker commissions, title searches, appraisals, home inspections, property management services, and any other services related to the real estate transaction. NAR finds that the impact of such taxation places and undue burden on homeowners and other consumers of real estate services, falls disproportionately on the real estate sector, and is ultimately detrimental to state and local economies.” 14. To reduce the GRI designation minimum hours of instruction from 90 hours to 60 hours instructing the committee to detail a program that focuses on relevance and needed skills to enhance REALTOR® professionalism in the spirit of quality targeted instruction. REALTORS® are on the move toward improving service, accountability and professionalism and OSCAR is there to help lead that effort!
OSCEOLA WOMEN’S COUNCIL OF REALTORS®
AWARDED GOLD LEVEL OF EXCELLENCE MEDIA CONTACT: Nannette Cherry
PHONE: 407-846-0117
The Osceola Women’s Council of REALTORS®, Inc. is being awarded with the Gold Level of Excellence by the National Women’s Council of REALTORS®. 2013 President Wanda Linscott, who has also served on the Board of the Osceola County Association of REALTORS® , was presented with this award during the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Mid-Year Meetings in Washington DC. Founded in 1938, The Women’s Council of REALTORS® (WCR) was organized to empower women to exercise their potential as entrepreneurs and industry leaders. It now boasts a community of 12,000 female real estate professionals and is backed by a network of more than 300 local and state chapters. The vision statement of the Osceola Women’s Council of REALTORS® states, “Through influence as successful business professionals, women will effect positive change in the profession and in the broader community.” As evidenced in this notable recognition, the Council is achieving that vision. This vision bears similarity to the OSCAR mission, which is to provide a dedicated success to its membership consisting of
EMAIL: communications@ososceola-realtors.com
real estate professionals and affiliates, while adding value to the community. OSCAR members like Wanda Linscott and the others who are part of the Osceola Women’s Council of REALTORS® take great initiative to lead by positive example, bolstering their professions and their community with their commitment and diligence. OSCAR Association Executive, Carol Platt has said, “I applaud the efforts of Wanda Linscott and the Wanda Linscott others being recognized. Women are an integral part of the real estate industry, and strong female leadership is imperative to demonstrating the power of women in their professional roles and in their communities. These women serve as exceptional role models to others who are just entering the industry.”
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OSCAR MEMBERS SERVE COMMUNITIES
& GOVERNMENT
MEDIA CONTACT: Nannette Cherry
PHONE: 407-846-0117
Here at the Osceola County Association of REALTORS® we have made it our mission to be dedicated to the success of our members, while adding value to the community. In fact, it’s our mission statement. Through our many distinguished leaders who serve and have served on our Board of Directors, we are working towards that very goal. Many of our Board leaders also serve on multiple committees as well as function as public servants in our local government. Former 2001 OSCAR President, Cheryl Grieb, for instance, currently serves as Vice Mayor of Kissimmee. Other OSCAR leaders who serve include: Jose Alvarez who is the Kissimmee Commissioner, Tim Weisheyer, who is a School Board Member, Micki Hopper, who serves as St. Cloud City Councilwoman, and Linda Goodwin, who formerly served as Mayor of Kissimmee. REALTORS® take pride in their communities and want to do their part to better them. This is not specific to Osceola County. Just look to our politicians at the national level, and you’ll find many of them have connections to the real estate industry. Those who are not directly in real estate are often tied to family members who are. Florida’s own Jeff Miller in the House of Representatives is a former Real Estate Broker. Mark Begich of Arkansas, serving on the Senate, is an active Commercial REALTOR®. Gary Miller, a House Representative from California is a Home Builder, and House Majority Leader, John Boehner of Ohio is husband to Debbie who works for Sibcy Cline. These are just a small sampling of Congressmen who are tied to the real estate industry. As you can see, real estate is heavily ingrained in politics. OSCAR would like to take this opportunity to thank our leaders for their continued service to this community, and would also like to encourage other members to consider volunteering for committees within the association. Through the dedication of each of us, we
EMAIL: communications@osceola-realtors.com
can all add value to the community. If you are interested in volunteering for any committees, please contact Association Executive, Carol Platt at ae@osceola-realtors.com or call 407-846-0117.
Volunteers
are always needed.
If you would like
to devote your
time to a committee,
Call Carol Platt 407-846-0117.
Dear Carol & OSCAR Team, Thank you so much for thinking of me during the recent loss of my father. The beautiful plant garden and your good wishes are so much appreciated. My mom will enjoy the plant as much as I will when remembering your kindness. Thank You, Mary Jo Coen
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Maria Grulich
Carol Platt
Imran Mohamed
Shelly Freeman
STRATEGIC ALLIANCE WITH
EXPERIENCE KISSIMMEE BRINGS nEW
LEADS TO OSCEOLA REALTORS® MEDIA CONTACT: Nannette Cherry
PHONE: 407-846-0117
The National Association of REALTORS® has recently given recognition to the efforts of the Global Alliance Committee of the Osceola County Association of REALTORS®, and Maria Grulich, International Development Director of Experience Kissimmee (The Osceola County Department of Tourism and Development). Their combined efforts have brought about an exciting new opportunity for REALTORS® and International investors who are looking to develop commercially in the county. In the NAR Global Weekly, The National Association of REALTORS® writes, “The Osceola County Association of REALTORS® (OSCAR) has signed an historic agreement with Experience Kissimmee.… This first-of-its kind agreement provides a fantastic model for global business councils looking to leverage their relationships with local and state economic development offices. “
EMAIL: communications@osceola-realtors.com
Spearheaded by members of the Global Alliance Committee, Imran Mohamed and Shelley Freeman, this effort has been two years in the making. This strategic partnership brings together foreign investors represented by the Osceola Department of Tourism and Development and OSCAR REALTORS® who can assist them in finding appropriate properties for their clients. The result is a win-win situation for all parties involved, with the added benefit of growing the local community by bringing in new businesses and creating jobs. OSCAR Association Executive, Carol Platt describes this as, “a mutual international economic development effort for the county.” The success of this venture has led to its inclusion in the National Association of REALTORS® best practices for Global Councils.
OSCAR BENEFITS MEMBERS AND AFFILIATES
During a recent MLS Learn and Earn meeting, REALTOR® member Martha Elena Parra brought her clients to express their thanks to affiliate Sara Near of Trustco Bank who helped them into a home. Their story demonstrates the value of membership at OSCAR by bringing together experienced REALTORS® and affiliates who work together to help would-be homeowners into the homes they desire. Sara and Martha both understand that homeownership matters, and through their combined efforts, they helped make this couple’s dream of homeownership come true. The client’s testimonial is given here: “My name is Jose F. Willmore and my wife’s name is Luz Figueroa, the purpose of our visit to a recent MLS Learn & Earn at OSCAR was to express our most sincere gratitude to Trustco Bank and Trustco Bank Manager Sara
Sara Near, Martha Elena Parra, Luz Figueroa, and Jose Wilmore
Near, for the excellent job and dedication in regards to our particular case. With the competition it took over 5 months of lies and false promises, and at the end we weren’t able to close the case, while Sara Near was able to close our case within 21 days. Also I want to thank our REALTOR® who supported us along our path of buying our house. Thank you!”
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kelly yerkes
reappointed to city of kissimmee affordable housing committeee OSCAR is pleased to announce the re-appointment of member Kelly Yerkes to the City of Kissimmee Affordable Housing Committee. Kelly previously served in 2009 and was reappointed on April 2nd of this year. The function of the City of Kissimmee Affordable Housing Committee is to review and approve housing incentive strategies for affordable housing for the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program - a program which provides funding to local municipalities to incentivize the creation of partnerships that produce and preserve affordable homeownership and multifamily housing. Carol Platt, Association
Executive at OSCAR said, “Kelly Yerkes brings a tremendous degree of experience and professionalism to the post. Her prior service was commendable and the Committee will be well served under her guidance again this year. We couldn’t be more proud to see one of our members take such leadership initiative towards the betterment of our community.”
Kelly Yerkes
new appointments to
mfrmls committees My Florida Regional MLS (MFRMLS) has filled a number of 2013-2014 committee posts in recent days, many of which are filled by OSCAR leadership. These installments are met with a great deal of pride on behalf of the association and underscore the commitment to community and leadership that each new appointee carries. New Committee Appointees are as follows: Tim Weisheyer now sits as Chair of the Technology Committee and is joined by Jeff Perry. Tim also sits on the Investment Committee. Jerry Kelley is a member of the Finance Committee, Wanda Linscott holds a position on the Marketing Committee, LaRue Allen is on the Hearing Panel, OSCAR President Elect Daisy Cid is now on the Policy Committee, and lastly, Kim Goodwin now sits on the FACT Committee. Congratulations to these OSCAR leaders for their well-deserved appointments. Their hard work and devotion make them perfectly suited for these leadership positions and they will no doubt prove an asset to their respective committees. My Florida Regional MLS is one of the largest MLS listing agents with over 30,000 subscribers, reaching 18 counties in Florida. With over 16 shareholder REALTOR® Boards and Associations claiming ownership, it covers the area of Central and Southwest Florida.
Member
Committee
Tim Weisheyer - Chair
Technology
Jeff Perry
Technology
Jerry Kelley
Finance
Tim Weisheyer
Investment
Wanda Linscott
Marketing
LaRue Allen
Hearing Panel
Daisy Cid
Policy
Kim Goodwin
FACT
Newly installed OSCAR members serving on committees
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events THIS JUL/AUG/SEP
SEMINAR
REGISTRATION CONTACT Kim Wagar
EMAIL aeassistant@ osceola-realtors.com
JULY 1ST
JULY 22ND
JULY 29th
Toastmasters
New Member Welcome
MLS Basic
TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM
TIME: 9:00AM - 12:30PM
New Member Ethics & Quadrennial Code of Ethics Video No CE’s TIME: 1:00PM - 4:00PM JULY 22ND
JULY 2ND
Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM
TIME: 1:00PM - 2:30PM INSTRUCTOR: Ivette Jiminez
MLS Adding & Modifying Listings TIME: 3:00PM - 4:30PM INSTRUCTOR: Ivette Jiminez
AUGUST 1ST
FHA/VA Financing, Markets & the Economy (iCE) 4CE’s TIME: 1:00PM - 5:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Paul Marek AUGUST 5TH
Toastmasters
MLS iMapp
Toastmasters
TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM
TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM
INSTRUCTOR: Ivette Jiminez
Toastmasters AUGUST 6TH
MLS Learn & Earn TIME: 9:00AM - 10:00AM AUGUST 7TH
JULY 15TH
MLS Listing Tools
Toastmasters
TIME: 1:00PM - 2:30PM JULY 24TH
TIME: 9:00AM - 1:00PM
Short Sales & Foreclosures Course: What Real Estate Professionals Need to Know
INSTRUCTOR: Denis Milonas
8CE’s
4CE’s
MLS Compliance 101
JULY 31ST
JULY 8TH
Roadmap to a Successful Closing (iCE)
Unless otherwise noted
TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM
TIME: 9:00AM - 10:00AM
JULY 19tTH
407.846.0117
INSTRUCTOR: Ivette Jiminez
TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM
MLS Learn & Earn
TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM
TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM
CALL
TIME: 8:30AM - 5:00PM Registration Begins at 8:00am INSTRUCTOR: Ric Giumenta COST: $99
INSTRUCTOR: Ivette Jiminez
MLS Agent Marketing Tools
TIME: 3:00PM - 4:30PM INSTRUCTOR: Ivette Jiminez
The Americas & International Real Estate (CIPS) 7CE’s TIME: 8:30AM - 5:00PM INSTRUCTOR: David Wyant COST: $99 AUGUST 10TH
RPAC Auction TIME: 6:00PM - 10:00PM COST: $30 LOCATION: Osceola Council on Aging - 700 Generation Point, Kissimmee, FL 34744 Classes are free to members unless otherwise noted.
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AUGUST 12TH
SEPTEMBER 5TH
Toastmasters
The REALTORS® Essential Technology Toolbox
TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM AUGUST 19TH
Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM
AUGUST 23RD
OSCARTechnology Lab Day TIME: 8:00AM - 4:00PM
4CE’s TIME: 9:00AM - 1:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Craig Grant SEPTEMBER 6TH
Risk Management (iCE) 3CE’s TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Ric Giumenta
SEPTEMBER 12TH
Financial Analysis Tools for Commerical Real Estate (CCIM) 7CE’s TIME: 8:30AM - 5:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Cynthia Shelton COST: $195 SEPTEMBER 13TH
Europe & International Real Estate(CIPS) 7CE’s
SEPTEMBER 9TH
New Member Welcome
TIME: 8:30AM - 5:00PM INSTRUCTOR: David Wyant COST: $99
TIME: 9:00AM - 12:30PM
AUGUST 26TH
Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM SEPTEMBER 2ND
Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM
New Member Ethics & Quadrennial Code of Ethics Video No CE’s TIME: 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Toastmasters
Toastmasters
SEPTEMBER 4TH
Core Law
SEPTEMBER 16TH
TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM
TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM SEPTEMBER 10TH
3CEs TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Richard Fryer LOCATION: Osceola Heritage Park Exhibition Building
MLS Learn & Earn
SEPTEMBER 23RD
TIME: 9:00AM - 10:00AM
Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM
Code of Ethics
SEPTEMBER 30TH
3CEs
Toastmasters
TIME: 1:00PM - 4:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Richard Fryer LOCATION: Osceola Heritage Park Exhibition Building The OSCAR office will be closed on July 4th and September 2nd
TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM
CA N ’T FI N D A N EVENT YOU W I S H TO AT T E ND? 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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IRS Has Only 10 Years to Collect Tax Debt REPORTER: Peter Pappas EMAIL: ppappas@pappaslaw.com
The IRS has ten (10) years from the date of a tax assessment to collect a debt from the taxpayer. The date the collection statute expires is called the Collection Statute Expiration Date or CSED. When this date passes, the IRS is barred from attempting to collect your tax debt unless you waive the enforcement of the statute.
When Does the Collection Statute Start to Run? The statute starts on the day an IRS assessment is made. Generally, the dates of assessment are as follows: • Filed tax returns - The date you mailed the tax return plus six weeks. • Audit Adjustments (agreed) - The date you signed the auditor’s report plus three weeks. • Audit Adjustments (unagreed) - The date the appeals process and the tax court process (if any) is completed and the tax court judge has issued his or her ruling.
What Will Cause the Collection Statute to be Extended? The Collection Statute can be extended (tolled) by one or more of the following acts or situations: • The filing of a bankruptcy petition - The statute is extended for the duration of the bankruptcy proceedings. • The filing of an Offer in Compromise - The statute is extended for the duration of the Offer or one year, whichever is greater. • The filing of requests for relief - The statute is
extended when a taxpayer files for a Collection Due Process hearing, Innocent Spouse Relief and any other form of relief that requires the IRS to suspend collection enforcement while it reviews the validity of the underlying assessment. • The signing of a waiver extending the statute - The statute is extended to date indicated in signed waiver. Never sign a statute extension without first consulting your tax advisor. • The taxpayer is out of IRS jurisdiction – The statute is extended for the duration taxpayer was out of the IRS jurisdiction.
Our Advice to Taxpayers In formulating a strategy for dealing with the IRS and in evaluating your options, it is critical that we accurately determine the date the collection statute expires. The IRS has incorrectly calculated the CSED on many prior occasions. Consequently, you should never rely solely on an IRS agent’s statement of the CSED. If you owe back taxes for several years, consult with an experienced tax professional before providing any financial information to the IRS collection office. As you might expect, the IRS doesn’t like it when the collection statute expires because that means it won’t get paid. This is why the IRS intensifies enforced collection actions as the CSED approaches. And some IRS agents will even try to trick the taxpayer into signing a statute of limitations waiver. This is why we strongly recommend that taxpayers do not represent themselves before the IRS collection division.
British Buyers & the US Tax system REPORTER: Shelley Freeman EMAIL: shelley@frontlinefloridarealty.com
British buyers need to understand the US taxation system. The US taxation system is a complex one and completely different than that in the UK. The US Taxation system involves payments to at least four different levels of government: local, regional, state and federal. Florida is one of only 7 states that does not levy personal income tax. One benefit for Brits looking to buy in the USA, is the Double Taxation Treaty between the US and the UK, which prevents double payment of taxes. It is important that you talk to a tax specialist, to understand the tax implication for your own specific situation. This state ranks lower than many other US states in terms of the tax burden it imposes. More than half of its non-federal revenue is collected at the local level, the majority being through property taxes approximates to about 1.5 per cent of a property’s value per annum.
For those looking to buy for an income property, it is important to know that in Florida, all rental income is subject to tax and is charged on a sliding scale, currently 15 to 34 percent, depending on the amount of income from renting. Intangible personal property, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc. is also taxable. Florida currently does not have an intangible tax. If you are not planning to rent out your home, you will not be required to complete a US tax return each year. Unless they have other types of US income such as interest, dividends, or are claiming a refund for tax withheld at source. Sales and Use taxes provide over half of Florida revenue. Sales tax is applied to most retail items, except groceries, medications, car rentals, theatre tickets and most service. The Florida current sales tax rate is currently 6%.
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Call to Register! 407-846-0117
www.osceolarealtors.org
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OSCAR Happenings New Member Orientation for April
New Member Orientation for June
Susie Graves presents Angel Ortiz of Team OSCAR with the Gold Level Award for his team’s outstanding fundraising efforts in the Relay for Life Event. Team OSCAR raised over $5,000 this year, easily beating their goals!
Carol Platt accepts the certificate of appreciation from OSCAR Toastmasters on behalf of the association.
Maria Grulich of Experience Kissimmee, Arlene Conow, and Susie Graves pose for a photo after the MLS Learn and Earn.
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leadership academy Facilitator Melynne Sight poses with Tim Weisheyer A sample of one of the leadership training exercises
Members discuss how to proceed with leadership training excercises. Even your member advocates took part in the Leadership Training. Eli Perez is shown here discussing course content with another attendee.
The attendees of the Leadership200 and 300 courses pose for a picture with their newly acquired certificates.
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RPAC Major investor award & casino night
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RPAC MAJOR DONOR AWARD RECIPIENTS 2011 Crystal R Jose Alvarez
10. 2013 RPAC Auction August 6pm - 10pm The Osceola Council on Aging 700Generation Point Kissimmee, FL 34744
Gold Sustaining Richard Knapp Marilyn Phelps
Golden R Hope Andrews
Sterling R Mickey Hopper Donald Shearer Linda Goodwin-Nichols Cheryl Grieb Tim Weisheyer
2012 Crystal R
$30 per ticket (register online) $300 per table of 8 (call to register)
Beverage Sponsor: Goodwin Realty Food Sponsor: Stewart Approved Title
1 2 2
Donnie Martinez
Gold Sustaining Richard Knapp Marilyn Phelps
Sterling R Daisy Cid Wanda Linscott Veronica Malolos Linda Goodwin-Nichols Cheryl Grieb Tim Weisheyer
Hall of Fame: Hope Andrews
Contributions are not deductible for income tax purposes. Contributions to RPAC are voluntary and are used for political purposes. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal and the National Association of REALTORS速 or any of its state associations or local boards will not favor or disfavor any member because of the amount contributed. 70% of each contribution is used by your state PAC to support state and local political candidates. Until your state reaches its RPAC goal, 30% is sent to National RPAC to support federal candidates and is charged against your limits under 2 U.S. C. 411a; after the state PAC reaches its RPAC goal it may elect to retain your entire contribution for use in supporting state and local candidates.
1105 Shady Lane, Kissimmee, FL 34744
407-846-0117
www.osceolarealtors.org
realtors速 shine at
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nahrep 2013-2015 NAHREP President, Daniel Hernandez
OSCAR President Elect Daisy Cid Affiliate Leslie Zimmerly speaks Ben Robles is swon in as a Board Member
Veronica Malolos
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scenes from great american
realtor days
Clara Quiroga
AE Carol Platt, Senator Denise Grimsley, and FREC Commissioner Chip Boring 2013 Florida REALTORS President Dean Asher
OSCAR President Susie Graves
Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Adam Putnam
Becky Chirillo and Daisy Cid on the street at GARD
AE Carol Platt poses with Cindy Castillo and Clara Quiroga
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8 CEs
021
Short Sales & Foreclosure:
What Real Estate Professionals Need to Know
Instructor: Ric Giumenta
July 24th 8:30am - 5:00pm registration begins at 8:00am
Short Sales and Foreclosures The New “Traditional” Transaction
$99
lunch will be provided
For many real estate professionals, short sales and foreclosures are the new “traditional” real estate trasaction. Knowing how to help sellers maneuver the complexities of short sales as well as help buyers pursue short sale and forecolsure opportunites are not merely good skills to have in today’s market - they are ciritical. And while short sales and foreclosures are not for the faint of heart, agents with the proper tools and training can use these specialty areas to build their business for the long term.
SFR gives you a framework for understanding how to: Direct distressed sellers to finance, tax, and legal professionals Qualify sellers for short sales Develop a short-sale package Negotiate with lenders Tap into buyer demand Safeguard your commission Limit risk Protect buyers
This one-day course is a qualifying core course for the Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource (SFR) certification as well as an approved elective for the Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) designation.
1105 Shady Ln. Kissimmee, FL 34744 407.846.0117 www.osceolarealtors.org
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022
International real estate opportunities are everywhere. New people move to the U.S. from other countries every day and foreign-born individuals residing in the U.S. move to new markets. Americans in your current market invest in property overseas. No matter which international audience you cater to, the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) Designation will provide you with the knowledge, research, network and tools to globalize your business.
The Americas and International Real Estate
This course is designed to introduce real estate professionals to the basic skills and knowledge necessary to facilitate international real estate transactions. You must complete 3 of 5 elective courses required to earn the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation. This course is one of five elective courses.
September 13, 2013
Europe and International Real Estate
This course will discuss the social, economic, political, and geographical characteristics of major European countries. Attendees will be able to identify important characteristics of certain European real estate markets, assess opportunities, identify ways to develop a business network with European clients or properties, and identify ways to promote properties, markets, and professional services
October 31, 2013
The Business of US Real Estate
The Business of U.S. Real Estate course outlines how real estate business in conducted within the United States. Learn about opportunities for referrals to help build your global real estate business.
Time
Each class will be scheduled from 8:30am-5:00pm and will earn 7CEs
Where
1105 Shady Lane, Kissimmee, FL 34744
Cost
$99 for members and non-members, $50 re-audit Continental breakfast and lunch provided
Instructor
David E. Wyant Across Borders School of Real Estate CIPS, TRC, ABR, GRI, AHWD, e-Pro, SFR,CDEI™ Arello Certified Distance Education Courses David has represented multiple international corporations on every continent. He has lived, bought, sold property and operated his own company internationally. He is able to communicate his experiences effectively and welcomes the opportunity to share his knowledge with other professionals.
R
August 7, 2013
7ce ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS INC.
CIPS Certification Courses
OSCEOLA COUNTY ,
About CIPS
About CIPS
www.osceolarealtors.org
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024
Florida realtors®
honor society recognizes oscar members
The Florida REALTORS® Honor Society recently recognized a number of OSCAR current and former Directors for their longstanding membership in the Society. Each designee was noted for their years of good standing and was awarded with a pin. Daisy Cid and John Goldsborough have each served their first year with the Honor Society. Wanda Linscott and OSCAR president Susan Graves are on their 2nd year. Third year recipients include Tim Weisheyer and Veronica Malolos. Renee Clark has served her 4th year, Cheryl Grieb has served 12 years, and Marilyn Phelps has put in an impressive 20 years. The Florida REALTORS® Honor Society recognizes members of local boards and associations who are active in the state association, and also lauds members for activity in the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Institutes. Additionally, it offers recognition for participation in societies and councils, for earned designations, for participating in educational activities, and for political involvement. Association Executive Carol Platt says, “These 2012 Honor Society members have demonstrated a high degree of leadership to our local and state associations. Their dedication to REALTOR® issues is meritable. Time and time again, they consistently make themselves available to better the industry and their community, and we are thankful for their service.” She goes on to say, “Through their actions these OSCAR leaders exemplify our mission statement: Real estate professionals dedicated to the success of our members, while adding value to the community.”
President Susie Graves enthusiastically receives her pin for service in the Honor Society
We are deeply grateful for the kindness and compassion you extended to our family during this difficult time. Whether you kept us in your thoughts, sent some lovely flowers, gave a memorial, or performed other acts of kindness, you have touched our hearts. Thank You, Audrey Wooten
TECHNOLOGYOSCAR
025
Getting the most out of
REPORTER: Nannette Cherry EMAIL: communications@osceola-realtors.com
LinkedIn is leading the way for professional social networking, standing out from other popular sites like Facebook and Twitter as a place to grow your business profile and have serious interactions with like-minded people in your profession. While the other sites are proliferated with posts about the banal and sometimes the inappropriate, LinkedIn is distinguished from them by conversations of a professional matter making it a far more sophisticated site than the others. Use LinkedIn to grow your professional network and demonstrate your expertise in your career. Share blog postings and useful articles, participate in group discussions on pertinent topics, and show yourself to be a source of authority in your field of work. By doing this, you will strengthen your presence on this very important network, and perhaps even expand your connections to gain some new leads. So how does one go about making the most of their LinkedIn presence? First, fill out your profile in its entirety. Think of your profile as your online business card. Start with your photo, making sure you use a photo of yourself, and one that looks professional in nature. Photos of you downing drinks with friends are not appropriate on this platform. You’ll want to follow that up with a headline that says a little about you. Consider something like, “Experienced Osceola REALTOR® bringing expertise to the Central Florida real estate market.” Your website should be included in your profile for potential clients to click through to. Also, take advantage of the customizable public URL to improve search engine optimization. Your LinkedIn profile will come with its own URL naming convention, but you are allowed to make it a little more specific to you. For instance, a profile URL might come
BLOG: www.osceolarealtors.org
with the default address of “http://www.linkedin.com/profile/ view?id=85199640&trk=hb_tab_pro_top.” You should edit your profile so that your LinkedIn profile URL looks like “http://www. linkedin.com/in/yourname”, or contains your agency name, or ‘realtor’. To do this, click the ‘edit profile’ button near your photo and pull down to the ‘manage public profile settings’ option. From there, you will see your public profile view. On the right hand column, there will be a link that says ‘customize your public profile url’, which will enable you to make that change. Continue to flesh out your profile by filling out all segments you are able to. If you have certifications or designations, there is a place for that. You can fill out your education history and degrees attained in the education section. Do you do “Use LinkedIn to grow your volunteer work or professional network and serve on a committee? There demonstrate your expertise is a place for that in your career. Share blog as well. And don’t forget to fill out postings and useful articles, the ‘Interests’ participate in group section. Here is a discussions on pertinent chance to break out of that strictly topics, and show yourself to business persona be a source of authority in and make yourself relatable to your your field of work. “ connections. Do you like
TECHNOLOGYOSCAR
026 cooking? Playing piano? Or are you an ardent sports fan? This is where you would talk about that.
“Having a large network is a
good thing, but
With the profile completed and don’t get in the out of the way, the next step is to start making connections. You should seek out co-workers, people you don’t former co-workers, alumni, friends know.” and clients. For a quick and easy way to find people you used to work with or go to school with, just hover your mouse over the link on your profile that tells where you worked or went to school, and LinkedIn will offer to find people you may know from these areas. Having a large network is a good thing, but don’t get in the business of adding people you don’t know. That’s a good way to open yourself up to spam. And don’t shy away from inviting friends who aren’t already on the network. Having a multitude of connections demonstrates your ability to reach out to people and make positive relationships something potential clients or employers will value.
habit of adding
As you build your network of past associates and classmates, start asking for recommendations and endorsements. These are key to bolstering your LinkedIn profile. Showing a large number of recommendations from people you have worked with tells others that many people have confidence in your work.
new connections. Lastly, WordPress is an ideal platform for you to communicate your blog posts to your network. Each time you publish a blog to your profile, it will automatically be visible to all of your connections. Lastly, experiment with LinkedIn Ads. This is a paid advertising service for you to promote your business. LinkedIn Ads works like Google AdWords or targeted ads on Facebook, allowing you to target ads by job title and function, industry and company size, seniority and age, and LinkedIn Groups. You can purchase text, picture, or even video ad space. The pricing plan is very flexible, allowing you to pay by clicks or impressions and without long-term contracts or commitments. I’d also like to add that LinkedIn offers their own handy mobile app so you can keep up to date with your network while you are on the go. This app provides pretty much all the main functionality the website offers. You can see updates from your connections, add new people to your network, send emails, make posts, join groups, and so forth. So, as you can see, LinkedIn is a dynamic tool to grow your presence and raise your profile in your industry. By following these recommendations, you will be on your way to generating more leads and making valuable connections.
Follow OSCAR on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/ groups?gid=2658078&trk=hb_side_g
Another important feature of LinkedIn is Groups. It is a good idea to seek out groups relevant to your profession and interests, and join them. Frequent participation in group discussion displays your level of expertise on the subject and could make you sought after for business purposes by people you encounter in these groups. And be sure to connect with frequent engagers. When someone outside of LinkedIn searches your name, these group discussions will show in their Google searches, making it evident to people outside your network that you are a realtor who knows his or her stuff. You may even want to start your own group and lead the majority of discussions. It’s a great way to make connections, garner leads, and promote yourself.
OSCAR Leader
If you are a broker or running your own real estate business, consider building a company page in addition to the group page and profile page. A company page will give readers a quick synopsis of your business. Here they can view who works at the company, where the company is located, and so forth, all while raising brand awareness. With a company page, other LinkedIn members can follow your company to get updates and alerts, and even search for jobs if you pay the premium cost which allows you to add a jobs tab.
The former Director and Past-President of Osceola County Association of REALTORS® (OSCAR) , Tim Weisheyer has taken up the post of Chairman of the MFRMLS (My Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service ) Technology, Products, and Services Committee. As of April 22nd, Tim took his lead over the committee, which states its purpose as “Reviewing existing and emerging technology that may benefit our members/subscribers.”
There are numerous add-on applications that can enhance your profile and overall LinkedIn experience. A popular one is the Reading List by Amazon. This allows you to list books you have recently read and give your own review. It’s a great way to generate conversation and perhaps even business. SlideShare is another popular add-on that could be very useful. This is basically a slideshow presentation with added animation and interactivity, which could be used to showcase houses you are looking to sell. The CardMunch application is a handy tool that allows you to scan business cards with your phone and automatically takes you to the individual’s LinkedIn profile where you can promptly add them to your network. Events is an application that could be useful to REALTORS®. This app recommends events in your industry that could help you become a better professional. Use this app to sign up for new events, browse the roster of other attendees, and make
heads mfrmls post
“Technology continues to change the way we all conduct business and live our lives in the 21st century. As such, it is imperative we remain at the forefront of this evolution and use sound decision-making when considering which products and services are relevant to our members and customers. I look forward to seeking solutions that will increase productivity and profitability for all our stakeholders,” stated Tim on the appointment. OSCAR Association Executive, Carol Platt echoed that sentiment, saying, “Technology is rapidly changing in real estate professional services. We are proud to have an OSCAR leader front and center at My Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service toward greater member input and consumer service.”
027
Edgerank: Your Key to Facebook success REPORTER: Shane Maloy EMAIL: shane@osceola-realtors.com
We all like posting on Facebook. We want people to see what we post, especially if using a page to promote a business or brand. Facebook is constantly changing how it ranks and sorts posts. In a recent update to the Facebook ranking system called “Edgerank”, the way posts appear on an individual’s news feed changed once again. In short, Edgerank is simply an algorithm that uses these three different variables: affinity, weight and time decay. Let’s run over each of these very quickly to help you understand.
1. Affinity In short, this is your interaction with your friends. Facebook calculates which friends you spend the most time engaging with (by liking photos, posts or being tagged in those activities) and they come up with the calculation for your personal affinity.
2. Weight This is a new feature. Facebook now weights your posts by determining what is in the post. Photos and videos (not YouTube however, since that is considered a link) are weighted the heaviest, followed by links, and then the good old text-only updates. The reason Facebook has changed this is because they want an ability to quietly encourage the use of newer features. Using this weight system, if a new feature were rolled out, they could weight it heavier so everyone sees more of it and hopefully decides to use it.
BLOG: www.osceolarealtors.org
3. Time Decay This should be pretty self-explanatory. Your post gets less important as time passes. There is one small exception however: if your post (regardless of age) is still being actively commented or liked by friends, your old post will still show up via the affinity method. So now that you know how it works, how can you make it work for you? Here are a few tips: * Use pictures or videos - People like seeing things and it’s proven. Photos get close to 120% more engagement which can really pay off for your company online. * Keep it short and conversational - Facebook users like reading short posts in nugget sizes that makes it feel like the content is personalized to them. They want to have conversations with brands or individuals, not be advertised to. * Be consistent - 96% of your fans aren’t ever coming back to your page on their own, they will rely on seeing your content in their stream. So keep those posts coming. Generally speaking, I try to keep the posts to around 4-5 a day. It’s all up to trial and error with your particular field or market. With this knowledge and these tips, you should be ready to make the most of your posts.
REVIEWTRENDS
028
MARKET
OSCEOLA COUNTY
DYNAMICS 2 years (monthly) - 5.1.11 to 5.31.13 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 -30.42 Monthly % -1.14 Total Change -730.09 Total % Change -27.44
FOR SALE -27.4%
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029
month’s supply of inventory (sold calculation) Monthly Change -0.11 Monthly % -1.68 Total Change -2.59 Total % Change -40.23
MSI SALE -40.2%
median price (sold) low, high, average, median Monthly Change 1,408.25 Monthly % 1.39 Total Change 33,798.02 Total % Change 33.40
FOR SALE 33.4%
OSCARAFFILIATES
030
professional
affiliates ADVERTISING/ PUBLICATIONS Guide To Homes, Inc. Rhonda Rogers 8297 Champions Gate Blvd # 381 Champions Gate, FL 33896 T 813-928-1885 guidetohomes@gmail.com Osceola Woman Newspaper Kena Blain P.O. Box 701509 St. Cloud, FL 34770 T 407-891-9771 F 407-891-0145 kblain@osceolawoman. com www.osceolawoman.com The Real Estate Book Tammy Birchler 2305 NewPoint Parkway Laurenceville, GA 30043 T 407-581-1490 F 407-581-1491 tbirchler@nci.com
AGENT MARKETING SERVICES BrandAid Chris Florence 7354 Bent Grass Drive Winter Haven, FL 33884 T 863-557-7953 chris@brandaid.com www.abrandaid.com
Jose G. Oliveira, P.A. Law Office Jose G. Oliveira 121 S. Orange Ave STE 1130 Orlando, FL 32801 T: 321-445-9458 F:321-275-5054 jose@oliveiralawfirm.com Law Office of Daniel Villazon, P.A. 1420 Celebration Blvd. Celebration, FL 34747 T 407-483-0041 dvillazon@yahoo.com frecattorney.com The Pappas Group Peter Pappas 4798 New Broad Street Suite #210 Orlando, FL 32814 T 407-648-2555 F 407-264-6580 ppappas@pappaslaw.com The Pappas Group Julie Pappas 4798 New Broad Street Suite #210 Orlando, FL 32814 T 407-648-2555 F 407-264-6580 jpappas@pappaslaw.com
Patricia L. Daugherty, Attorney at LawPatricia L. Daugherty 11 North Vernon Avenue ATTORNEYS Kissimmee, FL 34741 Charles P. Castellon, PA Law T 407-518-7674 Firm F 407-932-4387 Charles Castellon pld@daughertyyatlaw.com 14129 Town Loop Blvd, www.daughertyatlaw.com Suite 200 Roland H. Acosta Orlando, FL 32837 & Associates T 407-851-0201 Roland H. Acosta 399 Carolina Avenue, F 407-851-9411 Suite 210 ccastellon@ Winter Park,, FL 32789 centralflattorney.com T 407-644-2531 F 407-628-9289 racosta@acostaatlaw.com
CONSTRUCTION/ REPAIR/ RENOVATIONS Metro Home Builders Association Osceola Chapter David Couch 544 May Ave Maitland FL 32751 T 407-629-9242 F 407-629-6460 NFFS General Contractors Jerry Macnamara 9210 Cypress Green Dr. Jacksonville, FL 32256 T 904-683-8054 ext.30 F 904-683-7378 jerry@nffsinc.com www.nffsinc.com Servpro of Osceola County Dan Hougaard 1710 Kelley Avenue Kissimmee, FL 34744 T 407-933-0707 F407-933-5014 dhougaard@servprooc.com
FINANCIAL SERVICES/ INSTITUTIONS BB&T Wealth Lief Johnson 200 Broadway St. Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-933-3325 F 407-933-3385 lief.johnson@bbandt.com 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 407-847-3800 F 407-847-8482 sjohnson@centerstatebank.com
Farm Credit of Central Florida Johan Dam P.O. Box 8009 Lakeland, FL, 33802 T 863-682-7196 F 863-668-8145 jdam@farmcreditcfl.com www.farmcreditcfl.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 dqubty@qubtyfinancialgroup.com Trustco Bank Sarah Near 1525 East Osceola Pkwy Kissimmee, FL 34746 T 407-932-0398 F 407-932-0719 snear@branch.trustcobank.com trustcobank.com Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Cliff Frohn One Home Campus Des Moines, IO, 50328 T 515-213-6500 F 515-213-6102 wellsfargo.com
HOME WARRANTY 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty Cameron Foster 1900 Jake Street, Suite 109 Orlando, FL 32814 T 407-473-1972 cfoster@2-10.com
OSCARAFFILIATES
031
First American Home Warranty Corp Bobby Jo Justice 3281 Settlers Trail St Cloud, FL 34772 T 407-902-5237 bjustice@firstam.com Home Warranty of America Tammy Birchler PO Box 850 Lincolnshire, IL, 60069 T 888-492-7357 ext. 424 tbichler@ hwahomewarranty.com
INSPECTION SERVICES Budget Services, Inc. Ed Hogan 3617 Crosley Avenue St Cloud, FL 34772 T 407-892-8811 F 407-892-8516 budgettermite@earthlink.net budgetservicesfl.com Firm Foundations Home Inspections, Inc. Aubrey Kahn 2200 Sylvan Court Kissimmee, FL 34746 T 321-624-0254 akahn.firmfoundations@ gmail.com tophomeinspection.com Genx Property Services, LLC. Nestor Ramos 2701 Oak Hammock Preserve Blvd. Kissimmee, FL 34746 T 407-234-1327 nramos@ genxpropertyservices.com www.genxpropertyservices..com Housemaster Home Inspections 527 Brack Street Kissimmee, FL 34744 T 407-343-4677 F 407-947-5354 cawilliams@housemaster.com osceola.housemaster.com
Reliabel EBI Steve Rohal PO Box 450206 Kissimmee, FL 34745 T 407-460-4450 Steve@EBIBuilding.com www.ebibuilding.com TESK Field Service Gary Stewart 8845 Lake Marion Creek Rd. Haines City, FL 33844 T 863-207-9956 teskfieldserv@gmail.com Wayne Home Inspections Wayne C. Glover 1533 Trumbull Street Kissimmee, FL 34744 T 407-935-1127 F 407-935-1483 wayne.glover@netzero.net wayneshomeinspection.com
REAL ESTATE SCHOOLS/ EDUCATION IFREC Real Estate Schools Richard Fryer 5029 Edgewater Drive Orlando, FL 32810 T 407-644-7277 F 407-647-5227 robin@ifrec.com
REALTOR速 SERVICES Creating Wealth USA, LLC August Byllot P.O. Box 470654 Celebration, FL 34747 T 863-255-5858 augie@creatingwealthusa.com creatingwealthusa.com Propert Resource Specialists Rebecca Soto 1627 Vine St. #130 Kissimmee, Fl 34744 T 321-800-5772 F 407-250-1973 rebecca@shortsaleprs.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 bernie@azteamtitle.com
Smart International Title Eva Gordon 13538 Village Park Drive Suite 170 T: 407-854-2115 F 407-517-4505 eva@smartitleteam.com www.smartinternationaltitle.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
Stewart Approved Title, Inc. Becky Sheive 1201 Emmett Street Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-846-7477 / F 407-846-6573 bsheive@stewart.com
First American Title Leslie Zimmerly 1101 Miranda Lane, Suite 101 Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 877-833-1731 F 866-722-5957 Lzimmerly@firstam.com
OTHER SERVICES
Final Negotiations, LLC. Rhonda Owen 1201 Emmet Street Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-846-0978 rowen@stewart.com
Healthy Nutrition Center Olga Castano 1425 N. John Young Parkway Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-346-3194 herbalife729@hotmail.com
HIG Insurance Group Shawn Goepfert 890 E. State Road 434 Longwood, FL 32750 T 368-843-4663 F 407-260-0216 shawn@callhig.com www.callhig.com
Heritage Park Inn Mary Rivera 2050 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-846-4545 F 407-923-2268 maryriv65@gmail.com
Integrity First Title Betty M. Dobbie 908 Mabbette Street Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-846-4500 F 407-846-4533 bdobbie@integrityft.com
Ramon Gonzalez Blinds Specialist Ramon Gonzalez 1918 Binnacle St. Kissimmee, FL T 407-460-8970 rgonzalez1918@gmail.com
First International Title Shelly Dukes 1101 Miranda Lane, Suite 105 Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 321-443-6901 F 866-350-3338 shelly.dukes@firstintitle.com
Unidos Supermarket Jose Toribio 1200 Simspon Rd Kissimmee, FL 347414 T 407-962-0028 F 407-962-0020
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
DJ Dynomite Edward Martinez 501 Pinnacle Cove Blvd. Orlando, FL 32824 T 321-239-5622 edwardmmp@yahoo.com
Wild Palms Productions Victor Salgado 2420 Cypress Trace Circle Orlando, FL 328254 T 321-948-3512
wildpalmsproductions@ gmail.com wildpalmspro.com
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
members Betsy Barrantes - Exit Realty Central Eugene Bellew - Bellew Real Estate Emma Bencz - Live Oak Realty, Inc Deborah Bendall - FrontGate Realty Alecia Beyer - FWL Enterprises, LLC Vanessa Burgos - La Rosa Realty, LLC Patricia Cheeks - Express One Real Estate Mayerlin Cortes - Coldwell Banker Ackley Realty Pamela Cross - Century 21 Team Feltrim Maribell Cruz - Exit Realty Access, LLC Lautaro Cubas - Victoria Realty Pratik Daiya - Jose Orlando Rodriguez Ch ristopher Davies - Davies Realty, LLC El Habib El Moubarik - Varonia Real Estate Mark Erme - FWL Enterprises, LLC Kimberly Falkowski - Keller Williams at The Lakes Joseph Federico - Southern Dunes Realty Dario Gamboa - Florida Realty Team of Central Steven Gillispie - Keller Williams at the Lakes Letwiens Gonzalez - Invest Realty Group, LLC Carole Greenwald - DeNike Realty and Property Management, LLC Raphael Guanill - WF Realty Corp. Kerry Hendrick - Florida Horizons Real Estate, LLC Teia Hooper - La Rosa Realty, LLC Donna Jarvis - Exit Realty Access, LLC Maryann Jones - Home Bankers Realty, LLC Michaela Krause - Century 21 Metro Lifestyles Orlando Lajas - Resource One Realty Elamie Lanzone - Celebration Rental Group Fernando Leano - Florida Realty Team of Central Micheal Leatherman - Watson Realty Corp Analuz Lopez De Troitino - Luxury Realty, Inc. Gil Medina - Watson Realty Corp. Loreen Morris - Keller Williams Advantage III Barbara O’Hara - Dream Builders Realty Maria Mercedes Pabon - Easy Home Realty, Inc. Vivian Pena - Florida Realty Team of Central Rene Perez - Exit Realty Access, Inc. Rodrigo Pinto De Arruda - Victoria Realty Juarez Polidoro - Century 21 Team Feltrim Michael Richardson - Coldwell Banker Ackley Realty Maritza Rivero - Luxury Realty, Inc. Beda Rojas - Keller Williams at the Lakes Tania Romen - REMAX Premier Properties Hector Rosario - Homestead Realty, Inc. Rosely Ruiz - Luxury Team of Florida Real Estate Michael Salazar - Homestead Realty, Inc. Eyra Santiago - Harmoney Real Estate Co, LLC Satish Sharma -IRIS International
Jed Suhl - Davis Real Estate Group John Van Der Reyden - Watson Realty Corp. Michelle Vega - G World Properties Simoara Velazquez - Rainbow Homes Real Estate Flavio Vieira De Melo - Luxury Realty, Inc. Helen Weaver - Watson Realty Corp. John Weaver - Cornerstone Building Analsysis, Inc Christopher Woeste - Davis Real Estate Group
AFFILIATE
offices
2-10 Home Buyer’s Warranty BB&T Wealth CenterState Bank of Florida N.A. DJ Dynomite Healthy Nutrition Center Heritage Parkk Inn HIG Insurance Group Home Builders Association Osceola Chapter Home Warranty of America NFFS General Contractors Osceola Woman Newspaper Property Resource Specialists Ramon Gonzalez Blinds Specialist Reliable EBI Smart International Title TESK Field Service Unidos SuperMarket