ELEVATE Magazine - RASM - April 2023 Issue

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GREEN BUILDING: The Environmental and Economic Benefits of Sustainable Living

The term “green building” has been trending now for several years as more and more home and business owners are looking to build environmentally friendly homes to save money on cooling and heating costs and to reduce their overall carbon footprint. According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) in their annual 2022 Environment, Social, Governance and Resilience (ESG+R) Report, 50% of Realtors® reported helping their clients to buy or sell a home with green features in the past 12 months. The report also states that 34% of Realtors® noted rising anxiety about the effects of climate change and extreme weather events on their businesses, and 64% said that the promotion of energy-efficient features in their listings is valuable.1

Out-of-State & Country Signing

Signing real estate documents from out of the state or the country can be a challenging task. Here are some best practices to follow when signing real estate documents when you aren’t physically within the state of the property.

Beautiful Costa Rica

Costa Rica provides ample opportunities for both tourism and home ownership. With a maturing real estate industry focused on strengthening owner’s rights, it is the ideal Central American location

Fair Housing Month

Real estate professionals have a responsibility to protect their customers’ best interests, the public interest, and their own business interests, and knowing and understanding fair housing is crucial to fulfilling this responsibility.

RASM South - 2320 Cattlemen Road

Sarasota, Florida 34232

RASM North - 2901 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205

Phone: 941-952-3400

FAX: 941-952-3401

www.MyRASM.com

STAFF CONTRIBUTORS:

Vice President of Communications & Engagement:

Gina McCarthy

Vice President of Operations & IT:

Jesse Sunday

Vice President of Advocacy & Member Programs:

Maxwell Brandow

Professional Development Manager:

Denise Ricciotti

Member Services Manager:

Jessica Montague

Magazine Editor:

Beth Sunday

2023 ASSOCIATION OFFICERS:

President:

Brian Tresidder, William Raveis Real Estate

Vice President:

Tony Barrett, Barrett Realty, Inc

Treasurer:

Debi Reynolds, Florida SunCoast Real Estate

Immediate Past President:

Tony Veldkamp, SVN ® Commercial Advisory Group

Chief Executive Officer:

Jeff Arakelian

MISSION STATEMENT:

Empower and engage our REALTOR® Community by delivering essential services, resources, education and experiences that elevate member success and professionalism, while advocating for REALTOR® initiatives and private property rights.

VISION STATEMENT:

We are an innovative and relevant association that elevates the standards of professional excellence, and are critical to our members’ success, while providing value to our community.

SUBSCRIPTIONS:

The annual dues of every member of the REALTOR ® Association of Sarasota and Manatee, Inc., includes a one-year digital subscription to ELEVATE Magazine. Editorial ideas and manuscripts are welcomed.

Byline articles and columns express the opinions of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the policies or sentiments of the REALTOR ® Association of Sarasota and Manatee, Inc. All submitted copy is subject to editing. 2023 Copyright © by the REALTOR ® Association of Sarasota and Manatee, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

For information on advertising rates, artwork, and deadlines, contact Beth Sunday, Magazine Editor, at 941-952-3417 or email Beth@MyRASM.com

Differentiate Yourself in Real Estate: It’s Time to Go “All In” with RASM

By: Brian Tresidder, RASM President

Being a Realtor® in the last few years has been anything but “normal.” In our area, we saw some of the lowest levels of listing inventory ever, home values spiking to their highest amounts, and one of the most frantic real estate markets we have ever seen. Now, we are seeing a drastic drop in the number of transactions happening on a monthly basis compared to a year ago.

With fewer transactions happening and more licensed real estate agents in Florida than ever, the time is now to go “All In” with RASM to help differentiate yourself from the other real estate licensees in our area. Through RASM, you have access to a plethora of tools and services to help drive your business. Here are some that you need to make sure you are taking advantage of:

ƒ BOOST Class Series: A 4-part series on the core items you need to learn for your business. They include: Running Your Business as a Business, Marketing Yourself & Open Houses, Building Your CRM, and The Art of Comps.

ƒ

ePropertyWatch: Stay top of mind with property owners in your database. Sellers and homeowners are interested in two things: what’s happening in the market, and what’s my home worth. ePropertyWatch answers both those questions and keeps you top of mind automatically by sending them emails on changes to the market and their home value.

ƒ Remine: Discover opportunities through data-backed strategies to identify properties or individuals that may be interested in buying or selling soon. Remine generates move scores, property values, mortgage info, home equity, ownership time, and owner contact info.

ƒ Market Statistics: RASM produces monthly market statistics that can be used and shared by RASM members to highlight what is going on in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Looking for micro-neighborhood reports? Check out SmartCharts, SunStats, REALTORS® Property Resource, and Cloud CMA to generate reports and statistics on specific neighborhoods and areas.

ƒ Prospects CRM: A hub to centralize and organize your database and keep you top of mind. Access pre-built buyer and seller drip campaigns and track communication and customers.

ƒ Down Payment Resource: Help match your buyers to homes that are eligible for the various down payment assistance programs. The Down Payment Resource widget can be used on your website or elsewhere to help generate buyer leads who are looking for assistance with their down payments.

All of the items mentioned above are available to you by simply being a member. These programs and services will help you become a market expert in the eyes of your customers. They will also help you generate buyers, sellers, and referrals by staying top of mind with the email campaigns, infographics, and other content you can create and share. With competition in the real estate profession as competitive as it’s ever been, make sure you take advantage of all the resources available so that you stand out in the crowd when customers are deciding who they want to work with. •

GREEN BUILDING: The Environmental and Economic Benefits of Sustainable Living

The term “green building” has been trending now for several years as more and more home and business owners are looking to build environmentally friendly homes to save money on cooling and heating costs and to reduce their overall carbon footprint. According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) in their annual 2022 Environment, Social, Governance and Resilience (ESG+R) Report, 50% of Realtors® reported helping their clients to buy or sell a home with green features in the past 12 months. The report also states that 34% of Realtors® noted rising anxiety about the effects of climate change and extreme weather events on their businesses, and 64% said that the promotion of energyefficient features in their listings is valuable.1

WHAT EXACTLY IS GREEN BUILDING?

A green building is a building that is both environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout the lifecycle of the building design, construction, maintenance, and renovation. A green build considers the impact on the environment and quality of life of the residents. Non-hazardous, reusable, and recyclable material is used while

constructing the building. It also uses renewable energy, such as solar, and efficiently utilizes energy, water, and other resources. Green buildings strive to utilize sustainable energy sources while reducing costs. Initial startup costs for going green can seem overwhelming, and even though the result of green initiatives will save money in energy costs, the upfront investment can be quite expensive. In 2021, the green building market in the U.S. was valued at $83.1 billion, a growth of 10.8% over that in 2020.2

BENEFITS OF GREEN BUILDING

Construction is one of the most heavily regulated industries and is increasingly subject to more stringent rules about the environmental impact of constructing buildings. The World Green Building Council estimates that construction and the energy required to operate buildings account for around 40% of global carbon emissions. Green construction is increasingly a subject of concern to governments around the world and even to the United Nations. The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has reportedly played an influential role in the growth of more environmentally friendly construction.

Photo by Ryan Gamma Photography.

The benefits of building or retrofitting an ecofriendly home are significant. Green buildings help reduce the negative impacts on our environment by using fewer natural resources such as water and energy, and they utilize renewable energy sources and eco-friendly materials while reducing emissions and other waste. There are so many important benefits to having a green home, but just a few of them include:

ƒ Protect the environment

ƒ Conserve energy use

ƒ Better for your health

ƒ Saves you money

Investing in a green home may involve more upfront construction (or renovation) costs, but the benefits can make a huge difference in your bank account. The U.S. Green Building Council has found on average, eco-homes use 20-30% less energy and water than non-green homes, while some report up to 60% in savings, depending on overall energy use and location. So going green, even in small ways, means you’re not only conserving energy, but you’re also spending less money on utilities.

Florida’s per-household consumption of electricity is among the highest in the United States, mostly due to our state’s hot and humid weather, which keeps the air-conditioner running most of the year and therefore drives up our electricity demand. So, for that reason alone, it’s prudent to at least invest some time into ways to save energy in your own home.3

WAYS TO MAKE SIMPLE CHANGES

If you’re not in the market for a new build or a complete renovation, but you would still like to go green, there are some easy options to save both energy and money. Here are a few simple tips to save money and reduce your carbon footprint:

ƒ Change your lightbulbs: Replace your light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. The life cycle of the bulbs will reduce 1,663 lbs. of CO2. An individual can save more than $65 a year in energy costs. Energy-efficient bulbs use 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs.

ƒ Use Less Hot Water: Wash only a whole load of laundry and take shorter showers. The water heater is a large energy user in most homes. About 90% of the energy used to wash clothes is from water heating. This could save over 100 lbs. of CO2 per year.

ƒ Adjust your Thermostat: Cool your home at 78° or warmer with the thermostat fan set to “auto.”

ƒ Clean Air Conditioning Filters: Clean your A/C filters monthly to save energy and money on cooling costs. This could save 350 lbs. of CO2 per year.

ƒ Seal your windows and doors: Improve energy efficiency and comfort by sealing air leaks.

ƒ Energy-efficient appliances: This might cost more money up-front, but it will save you significantly on your energy bills.4

LEED CERTIFICATION

If you’re interested in building a green home from the ground up, consider utilizing a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified contractor. LEED green homes are transforming the residential market and improving our quality of life. The benefits of green homes go beyond construction and efficiency; they are part of creating healthier communities that support our environment. LEED homes are constructed specifically to provide a healthy and sustainable home. The design focuses on providing clean indoor air, maintain value over time, and saving on energy and water. In fact, LEED homes deliver at least 15% in energy savings compared to homes built to code and 20% in water savings.5

FLORIDA GREEN BUILDING COALITION

Another great green resource is the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC), a nonprofit 501(C)3 Florida corporation dedicated to improving the environment. FGBC provides a guideline system for green builds that educates the public and the construction industry on economical ways to make our homes more energy efficient. Their mission is to lead and promote sustainability with environmental and economic benefits through education and certification programs. FGBC was conceived and founded in the belief that green building programs will be most successful if there are clear and meaningful principles on which “green” qualification and marketing are based. The FGBC is continually finding new and innovative ways to educate builders, developers, local governments, and consumers about how to achieve a healthier, more environmentally sustainable future.6

ABOUT THE COVER: ELEMENT HOUSE

The cover of this magazine features the Element House in Sarasota. The challenge for Element House located in Sarasota, Florida on the bayfront was to “build the house of the future today” and a large part of this goal was to create a home that reduced dependency on the power grid with a focus on nature. The home uses energy-efficient systems and passive design. Passive lighting and ventilation work in concert with a focused approach to designing and constructing a high-performance building envelope, achieving the lowest air-infiltration rate tested in Florida. The result is now one of the highest rated sustainable homes constructed in the United States with a HERS Index of -26, which was the third lowest HERS score ever recorded in Florida at the time of completion. (A score of “0” - net zero - means the home produces as much energy through renewable resources as it consumes).

The home was completed in 2017. Jonathan Parks AIA, of SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture, designed the home with construction and engineering completed by NWC Construction and McCall & Young Engineering. The photography of the front cover and photo on page 4 and 6 is credited to Ryan Gamma Photography.

PROPERTY ASSESSED CLEAN ENERGY

Depending on multiple factors, home and business owners may have assistance in financing green improvements. The Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) is a great tool for property owners to finance private property improvements related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and hurricane hardening (improvements such as hurricane impact-rated doors and windows), through assessments levied on their property tax bill by special districts established for that purpose. PACE home improvements include rooftop solar panels, solar water heater, energy-efficient air conditioning unit, impact windows, insulation, and more.

WHAT IS THE STATUS OF PACE IN OUR AREA?

The Sarasota County Commission adopted an ordinance setting the framework for a PACE program in 2017 and signed agreements with four PACE providers in 2018. As of March 25, 2020, there are four approved PACE providers in Sarasota County.

The PACE Program also operates in the unincorporated areas of Manatee County. The program provides financing for property owners to make ecological improvements to their businesses or homes. It’s important to note that this program is still growing, so check with your local district to verify what options are available for each property.7

GREEN BUILDING IN THE COMMUNITY SARASOTA COUNTY

Sarasota County currently has 15 green buildings that have achieved LEED certification from the USGBC and one building that has achieved a Green Globes Certification from the Green Building Institute. Each of these buildings has incorporated new technologies and building techniques to decrease taxpayer dollars spent on operations, improve air and water quality, and provide a healthy indoor environment for visitors and employees. Sarasota County is home to some of the highest-rated green homes in the country and has more per capita green buildings than most other counties in Florida. Many local architects and builders are national leaders in applying sustainable strategies to homes and commercial buildings. In fact, your home may be certified green, and you may not even know it. Some whole developments have been certified green, including Lakewood Ranch and River Club (both communities occupy Manatee County as well), Venetian Golf, and Granada Park.8

MANATEE COUNTY

Manatee County advanced to the Florida Green Local Government’s “Platinum” designation for environmental stewardship after it successfully met the sustainability standards established in the FGBC Green Local Government Certification program in 2017. Manatee County became the first county to

achieve platinum status. A host of initiatives led to certification, including the county’s energy-efficient downtown chiller plant, the countywide transition to single-stream recycling, and community events. Manatee County Government also recommends LEED Silver Standards as the minimum criteria for all new County buildings and renovations.9

Whether you build an ecologically sustainable home from scratch or just make some simple modifications to your existing home and lifestyle, everyone can take steps to live a more green lifestyle and modify their carbon footprint. Saturday, April 22, is Earth Day, and it’s a great time to take stock of your green initiatives and show our support for environmental protection. Living a more sustainable lifestyle is not only cost-effective but essential to protecting and preserving our natural resources now and in the future. •

Sources

1 | www.nar.realtor/newsroom/realtors-see-sharpincrease-in-homes-with-green-features

2 | www.globaldata.com

3 | www.myfloridagreenbuilding.info/ 4 | www.broward.org/GoGreen/GreenGovernment/ Pages/TipstoGoGreen.aspx 5 | www.usgbc.org 6 | www.myfloridagreenbuilding.info/ 7 | https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/2019/06/11/ updated-faq-property-assessed-clean-energypace/#whatIsPACE 8 | www.scgov.net/government/sustainability/ sustainability/green-building 9 | https://manatee.hosted.civiclive.com/

Crews Bank & Trust

By: Ashley DeLuca, NMLS #1240667, VP, Commercial Banker

Ashley started her career with Crews Bank & Trust in 2004 and has been in lending for more than ten years. She was promoted to Vice President in 2022. As both a commercial and residential loan officer, Ashley helps oversee the lending process with her customers, instilling a strong understanding and confidence they carry from application to closing.

An active volunteer for the DeSoto County Chamber of Commerce, Ashley serves as a board member, treasurer for the

executive committee, member of the RASM Business Partner committee, and is a member of several other organizations throughout the communities she serves.

Ashley is also a graduate of the DeSoto County Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership DeSoto program Class VIII, and she is currently attending the Florida Banking School. •

Ascertainment and Disclosure of Pertinent Facts

By:

Mrs. A, a retired college professor, came to the office of Realtor® B, a cooperating broker, in search of a large house in which she could occupy a small apartment, using the remainder of the building to operate a residential club for graduate students. What she had in mind was a deluxe “rooming house” in which the tenants would have use of a parlor, dining room, kitchen, and laundry. She felt confident, from previous experience in the community, that she could obtain from 10 to 16 “roomers,” and indicated that she would be guided in her charges to the tenants by the amount of mortgage payments she would have to make.

Most of the large houses on the market were inadequate. Finally, Realtor® B located a massive old mansion listed with Realtor® C that appealed to Buyer A. After repeated visits to the house and after discussing financing with a local lending institution, Buyer A said she was interested in the house if it could accommodate as many as 11 tenants. Realtor® B accompanied her for another inspection to check on this point.

By planning double occupancy of the large bedrooms she found she could accommodate eight roomers. In addition, there were three small rooms upstairs that had been used for storage which Realtor® B suggested might make acceptable single rooms. Buyer A agreed, and the sale was made.

Two months later, the buyer filed a complaint with the local Board, charging Realtor® B with failing to disclose pertinent facts. The complaint alleged that Realtor® B knew the buyer was taking on a substantial obligation with the expectation of housing 11 persons in the structure; that Realtor® B had suggested that three rooms might make acceptable single rooms; and that she had been subsequently advised by the building department that these rooms could not be used as dwelling rooms since the windows were too small to meet code requirements. She had been advised that it would cost $1,480 to replace the windows. She charged Realtor® B with negligence in not advising her of this deficiency. After reviewing the complaint, the Grievance Committee referred it for hearing before a Hearing Panel of the Professional Standards Committee.

At the hearing, Realtor® B acknowledged the facts set out in Buyer A’s complaint, but advised that the complaint did not state all of the relevant facts. With respect to the house in question, as with many other houses shown to Buyer A, he had made a special check at city hall as to zoning regulations to be sure that the kind of occupancy intended by the buyer would be lawful; that the buyer’s specifications were unusual and that in attempting to meet them, he had devoted an unusual amount of time and effort to help her realize her objective; and that he had acted in good faith and had not deliberately failed to disclose any pertinent fact but had, in fact, urged the buyer to consult with an engineer and to check with the zoning authorities prior to making an offer to ensure that the property could be utilized as a residential club.

The Hearing Panel found that Realtor® B had satisfied his duty to the buyer by recommending that the advice of experts be sought out and considered by the buyer prior to making an offer to purchase. Realtor® B was found not in violation of Article 2. •

National Association of REALTORS® Interpretations of the Code of Ethics Agreement Case 2-5: (Revised Case #9-11 May, 1988. Transferred to Article 2 November, 1994.)

Best Practices of Signing Out-of-State & Out-of-Country

By: Maciek Zaremba, P.A., Broker Associate, Fathom Realty

igning real estate documents from out of state or out of the country can be a challenging task. However, with the advancement of technology and proper planning, it is possible to sign real estate documents from anywhere in the world. Here are some best practices to follow when signing real estate documents when you are out of the state or out of the country.

WHEN YOU NEED A NOTARY PUBLIC

When you’re out of state, it’s easy. Not all closings require you to notarize documents as a buyer. When you’re a seller, you will need a notary public.

1 | Hire a reliable and reputable notary public. When signing real estate documents remotely, it is essential to work with a reliable and reputable notary public. The notary public should be licensed in the state you are in, and have experience in handling remote signings. They should also be able to provide you with the necessary documents and guide you through the signing process. Closing attorneys can often arrange a notary public to meet you at home and make this process very easy.

2 | Use a reputable electronic signature service. An electronic signature service can make the remote signing process much more efficient and secure. It is important to use a reputable electronic signature service that is compliant with Florida law and has a strong track record of securing sensitive information.

3 | Understand the documents you are signing. Before signing any real estate document remotely, it is important to understand the document and its implications. This can include reviewing the document with your real estate attorney and asking any questions you may have. It is essential to ensure that you fully understand the terms of the document before signing it remotely. Often your real estate agent will not be present for remote closings, so be sure to have your agent and attorney available for questions during the scheduled closing time.

SOUT-OF-COUNTRY CLOSINGS

For out-of-country closings, the process is very similar. When you are selling a property, and you are abroad, then an American public notary is available by appointment at the U.S. Embassy & Consulate in the country you are in. The location may be hours away from the location you are in when traveling abroad, so be sure to call the U.S. Embassy to schedule an appointment. Situations can arise where there are no appointment spots available for weeks, so ensure you do this ahead of time, at least two weeks before closing. Often it will be required for you to have two witnesses present with you.

When purchasing property in Florida while traveling abroad, you may need to notarize documents. If a federally regulated loan is involved in your purchase, then follow the steps above to ensure you are prepared.

If you are purchasing using cash and no loan is involved, then you will be able to sign your purchase documents using an electronic signature service such as DocuSign. Your attorney should be equipped to handle the software for you and send everything over by email.

POWER OF ATTORNEY

You may also wish to consider using a power of attorney. A power of attorney allows you to appoint someone to act on your behalf and sign documents for you. However, it is important to use a reliable and trustworthy individual to act as your agent and to ensure that the power of attorney is properly executed. Also, they have strict requirements. The original power of attorney is required for recording deeds, and POAs cannot be used for LLCs or a trust.

In conclusion, signing real estate documents remotely can be a convenient and efficient option when you are out of state or out of the country. However, it is important to follow best practices and work with experienced professionals to ensure that the process is secure and legally compliant. By hiring a reliable notary public, using a reputable electronic signature service, understanding the documents you are signing, and considering using a power of attorney, you can sign real estate documents remotely with confidence.

To learn more, please join the RAJC and GBC for their session on Best Practices for Out of Country Contracts at RASM South on April 27 at 1:30 pm. •

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NAR Legislative Meetings & Advocating for Affordable Housing

By: Max Brandow, RASM Vice President of Advocacy and Member Programs

Spring is an active season for advocacy issues at RASM.

NAR LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS MAY 6-11

The 2023 REALTORS® Legislative Meetings are where NAR members take an active role in advancing the real estate industry, public policy, and the Association. Realtors® come to Washington, D.C., for special issues forums, committee meetings, legislative activities, and the industry trade show. This year’s Legislative Meetings take place May 6-11, 2023, and the REALTORS® Trade Expo takes place May 8-9, 2023. The event is held annually in Washington, D.C., each May.

This conference is always a fan favorite amongst members because it gives Realtors® throughout the country an opportunity to speak, interact, and learn from leaders in the industry and political decisionmakers in our country. This year’s format is changing slightly. Instead of typical hill visits inside the halls of congress, NAR is hosting a massive block party for Realtors® and members of Congress at Nationals Park on May 9. This event will be an opportunity to interact with members of Congress in a relaxed environment, and it’s a chance to showcase a sea of REALTOR® blue to Washington, D.C.

RASM & CREA MEMBERS ADVOCATE FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING AT SARASOTA TOWN HALL

Last month, the City of Sarasota held an affordable housing town hall in preparation for a handful of zoning text amendments aimed at incentivizing affordable housing in the city. In addition to RASM staff, members of both RASM and RASM’s Commercial Real Estate Alliance advocated in favor of the proposed changes and provided industry expertise and thoughts on the city’s plan. Anita and Frank Lambert gave insight into the successes and failures of affordable housing initiatives in the Rosemary District, and Joe C. Hembree gave a commercial and general business

perspective on the importance and need for affordable housing for the area’s residents and employers.

On behalf of the Association, we would like to thank these members for generously taking time out of their schedules to advocate on behalf of the industry on an issue that is of the utmost importance. As a 9,000+ member group, our voices can carry considerable weight when local decisions and plans like this are being constructed, and when our members can provide industry expertise on these subjects, it helps ensure that best practices are followed, and unintended consequences of legislation that are harmful to our industry and your clients are avoided.

CARS & COFFEE EVENT AT RASM APRIL 25

9:00-11:00 AM

Calling all car and coffee lovers! Our statewide tour celebrating Florida REALTORS® PAC’s advocacy efforts has kicked off. Florida REALTORS® President Mike McGraw will be “driving” by District 13 on April 25, and we want to see you there! Learn more about the event and register here: https://bit.ly/3w1JlBG Network with Florida REALTORS® and District 13 leaders while enjoying some coffee, donuts, and cars. •

Home Prices and Inventory Rise in Sarasota and Manatee

By: Gina McCarthy, RASM Vice President of Communications and Engagement

ome sales in Sarasota and Manatee counties showed a year-over-year decline but a month-over-month increase in February. According to data from Florida REALTORS® and compiled by the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM), inventory continues to increase significantly from the same time last year while the number of days from listing to contract has also increased by more than 250 percent in the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton MSA.

Closed sales decreased year-over-year by 16.3 percent to 1,515 sales combined for both property types in the two-county region. There were more sales in February than in January (1,168 sales), with a 29.7 percent increase from last month.

For single-family homes, closed sales decreased year-over-year by 10 percent to 503 sales in Manatee County and decreased by 24.7 percent to 520 sales in Sarasota County. Condo sales decreased by 21.1 percent to 195 sales in Manatee County and by 5.4 percent in Sarasota County to 297 sales.

“February continued the trend of fewer transactions in our area along with an increase in new listings when compared to last year. We also saw an increase in median sales price as well, which is not surprising considering we are still in what many call a seller’s market with less than 3.5 months of inventory,” said Brian Tresidder, 2023 RASM President and Strategic Growth & Sales Manager at William Raveis Real Estate. “One thing to note is that pending sales, or the number of properties that went under contract this month, are closer to what we saw last year, which should indicate more closed sales in March.”

There were more pending sales in February than in January of this year, increasing by 10.5 percent from the previous month. When compared to last year, pending sales decreased by 5.1 percent for condos but increased by 2.3 percent for single-family homes.

New listings decreased slightly from January to February, with 2,404 new homes on the market in February, compared to 2,580 reported in January.

HYear-over-year, new listings in the North Port-SarasotaBradenton MSA increased by six percent.

At the end of the month there were 5,240 active listings in the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton MSA, a 307.2 percent increase from the same time last year. Active inventory increased from 5,236 homes in January to 5,240 homes in February.

The month’s supply of inventory for condos in Manatee County was at 3.4 months, a 580 percent increase. In Sarasota County, there was a 2.8-month supply for condos and a 2.9-month supply for singlefamily homes, a year-over-year increase by 460 percent and 383.3 percent respectively. For single-family homes in Manatee, there was a 3.1-month supply, an increase of 416.7 percent year-over-year, but a decrease from the previous month, when the supply of inventory was at 3.2 months.

Median prices continue to increase year-over-year in the two counties. In Manatee County, single-family home prices increased by 2.5 percent to $490,000 and condo prices increased by 13.8 percent to $369,900. In Sarasota County, the median sale price for singlefamily homes increased by 10 percent to $495,000 and increased by 4.4 percent to $385,000 for condos.

The median number of days between listing date to contract date continues to increase, with February marking the ninth straight month of year-over-year increases. The median days to contract in Manatee County was 39 days for single-family homes and 29 days for condos, a year-over-year increase of 550 percent and 480 percent respectively. In Sarasota, the median time to contract for single-family homes increased by 250 percent to 21 days, while condos increased by 216.7 percent to 19 days.

Monthly reports are provided by Florida REALTORS® with data compiled from Stellar MLS. For comprehensive statistics dating back to 2005, visit www.MyRASM.com/statistics •

Monthly Market Summary - February 2023

Single-Family Homes

Sarasota County

Monthly Market Summary - February 2023

Single-Family Homes

Manatee County

Monthly Market Summary - February 2023

Sarasota County

Monthly Market Summary - February 2023

Townhouses and Condos

Manatee County

RASM Anniversary

ASM happily recognizes the workplace anniversaries of our professional staff. Kristen Oriente, RASM Communications and Marketing Coordinator, celebrates her one-year anniversary with the Association in April. Kristen is a Sarasota native who obtained her Bachelor’s in Marketing from the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee. Upon graduation, she worked briefly as a production assistant and handled marketing and sales for a construction company before finding a home at RASM.

As the Communications and Marketing Coordinator, Kristen assists with the website and social media content, weekly email newsletters, digital marketing materials, and the overall implementation of communications and marketing strategies. She is also the staff liaison for the Young Professionals Network (YPN).

In her free time, Kristen loves traveling, being active, reading, and spending time with friends and family. She also loves spending any chance she can on the water and at the beach. •

PUMP UP THE VOLUME.

Investing in Beautiful Costa Rica

By: Jason Truluck-Williams, Agent, Graystone Real Estate

Costa Rica provides ample opportunities for both tourism and home ownership. With a maturing real estate industry focused on strengthening owner’s rights with a very robust property management sector, it is the ideal Central American location for using the strong dollar, especially as the Florida market continues to be solid.

BEAUTIFUL LOCATION

With six different Provinces in Costa Rica, from the Pacific to the Caribbean, from beaches to volcanoes, relaxation, biodiversity, and activities are available everywhere. This beautiful area includes a huge dose of “Pura Vida,” the often-used term for “hello,” “goodbye,” “how are you,” “life is good,” and much more!

It would be best to take at least two weeks of vacation time to enjoy these two Provinces so that you can experience beaches and sloths one day, and some crazy zip-lining and rafting the next.

MUCH TO ENJOY

Our base is a small village outside Junquillal (JooHinki-Al) close to Tamarindo on the Pacific coast, so we can relax on an empty beach for most of our stay and then venture up to Tamarindo for its crazy daytime, nightlife, expansive shopping, and markets. We purchased a home back in 2016 and made extensive renovations – our builder was from California and used the American building code, but we used local artisans to build our kitchen, furniture, and landscape design, which included many native species.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

When my wife Dee and I aren’t there, a local property management company provides us with peace of mind and pays all of the local bills, and when we return, the house is clean, tidy, and well-stocked for our vacation.

The property sales market is still fragmented, with multiple calls and websites needed to identify all of the houses for sale, but with a brand new MLS started in 2022, the process will be much easier moving forward. Licensing is available for real estate agents, but beware that anyone can call themselves an agent!

TRAVELING

Traveling to Costa Rica is easy as no visas are required. All you need is a return ticket and a local address. English is spoken everywhere, and you can have fun with some of the local accents. The electrical system is the same as in the U.S., so no adapters are required.

Attorneys are also an integral part of Costa Rican life, with a title process similar to that in the U.S. with a land registry. A survey is always recommended to avoid encroachments and ensure that your neighbors become friends.

We have a great mix of ex-pats and locals (Ticos) for neighbors, so a morning walk becomes a daily catchup on life, families, the weather back home, and how long they are staying in town this time. Immigration automatically provides a 90-day visa in Costa Rica. If you want to stay longer, there’s a quick and painless land process at the border with Nicaragua, three hours away for a fresh stamp.

VISIT COSTA RICA

I hope you consider Costa Rica for a vacation, especially my Province, Guanacaste, where everything you need is just an hour from Liberia International Airport (LIR), which is only two and a half hours away from MIA, and an easy hop from TPA or SRQ.

And sunsets! We have the most incredible sunsets in the world! There are also many all-inclusive tour operators that can help you plan your vacation, from all the activities to private chefs, massages, yoga, and more! Check out https://www.visitcostarica.com/en for some ideas. Pura Vida and safe travels! •

Learn, Network, and Grow With the YPN

By: Vicki Haddow, Realtor®, Coldwell Banker Realty, 2023 YPN Committee Vice Chair

Learn, network, and grow with the Young Professionals Network (YPN).

YPN is a great way to get involved with the association and be around like-minded individuals. We like to keep things fun while still being professional!

TROLLEY TOURS

YPN organizes Trolley Tours every other month on that first Thursday. The Trolley Tours are a big hit and a great way to learn about areas that you may not be so knowledgeable about. So far this year, we’ve been to Palmetto and South Sarasota, where we learned about golf communities. These tours give you opportunities to preview properties in the area, along with learning about tips and tricks to showing these properties from top producers and local experts! You’ll want to register early, as the tours always sell out!

LUNCH & LEARN

This year, we’re excited to announce that our morning “Coffee Talk” series has now been revamped to “Lunch & Learns.” Our first Lunch & Learn in February was a huge hit, partnering with RASM’s Commercial Real Estate Alliance (CREA) and the Global Business Council (GBC) to discuss Economic Development and future plans for the Sarasota and Manatee region.

Join us on April 6 for our next Lunch & Learn with Certified Coach and Speaker, Mitch Lomazov. The topic is Become Unstoppable in Your Business, where you will learn how to overcome the comparison game, network with intention, and much more. Mitch dedicates his time to helping young professionals lead lives at their utmost potential and equipping them with the skill set to pursue their professional and personal goals. Come learn how to maximize your potential in the industry! Register at myrasm.com/calendar

CELEBRITY BARTENDING FUNDRAISER

Also coming up this year, we’re hosting our Celebrity Bartending Fundraiser on June 22. Last year, we successfully raised over $18,000 to benefit Heroes Welcome Home and the RASM REALTORS® Charitable Foundation (RRCF). Be on the lookout for more information soon about this great event. If you have any RASM “celebrities” you’d like to see behind the bar, let us know!

YPN REALTORS® TO WATCH UNDER 40

Lastly, keep an eye out for applications for YPN REALTORS® to Watch under 40. Applications will be out in April and will be due by May 31. Each year, RASM’s YPN committee recognizes a group of Realtors® who represent excellence in leadership, community involvement, and everything else that makes a well-rounded young professional succeed in real estate. If this is you, be sure to apply, as this is a great way to be recognized as an up-and-coming agent! Join YPN today! It’s free and a great way to stay up-to-date with all our upcoming events. Learn more at myrasm.com/ypn •

Foxfire West

By: Elizabeth Ward, Realtor®, Coldwell Banker Realty, Siesta Key

oxfire West, Sarasota’s rustic and close-to-town neighborhood of around 60 luxury homes, historically broke ground in 1981 as an equestrian community. As such, many homes include secondary structures like barns, additional garage space, fireplaces, gazebos, stables, and guest houses on Foxfire West’s spacious two-acre homesites.

NATURE FILLED PARADISE

Tree-covered acreage, an enormous central lake, incredible bird species and wildlife, and a variation of home styles converge to create a quietly eclectic, nature-filled paradise. Intriguing architectural styles are comprised of ranch-style, vernacular Florida cottages, Mediterranean, West Indies style, midcentury modern, and modern. East of I-75 and Proctor road, Foxfire West shares a country lifestyle with the

Fconvenience of nearby shopping and the world-class Siesta Key Beach, all while enjoying a close jaunt to downtown.

BEAUTIFUL DESIGNS

Foxfire West’s latest sale highlights an updated three-bedroom, two-bath, 2,450 air-conditioned square foot ranch with an attached three-car garage nestled on two lusciously wooded acres. Its front circular driveway weaves through hardwood trees to the welcoming front door. The generous 500 square foot covered and enclosed L-shaped patio is surrounded by 180 degrees of picturesque trees and a peaceful fire pit. As is often the case in Foxfire West, a detached structure houses an RV garage, another two-car garage, a private office, and a carport. Hence, Foxfire West blends old Florida’s nature and diverse home styles to create an idyllic storybook community that might feel otherworldly. •

FIGHTING FUTURE. FOR A FAIRER

HISTORY. LET’S MAKE UNFAIR HOUSING

Fair Housing Month: Understanding the Significance of Fair Housing Laws

By: Katie Cintron, Realtor®, Coldwell Banker Realty, & Douglas G. Christy, Esq., The Law Office of Douglas G. Christy, PLLC

eal estate professionals have a responsibility to protect their customers’ best interests, the public interest, and their own business interests, and knowing and understanding fair housing is crucial to fulfilling this responsibility. Statistics show the residential housing market continues to become more diverse, so real estate agents should recognize the unique differences among consumers to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity for housing and that agents comply with applicable laws.

FAIR HOUSING ACT BASICS

Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 is commonly known as the Fair Housing Act, and it was amended to expand its protections to individuals with disabilities and familial status. The Fair Housing Act is administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Florida has a virtually identical law found in Part II of Chapter 760, Fla. Stat., and several local governments in Florida have their own ordinances that provide similar or additional protections. At the most basic level, fair housing laws protect people from discrimination encountered in the process of buying, renting, or using a residence, obtaining loans, or in other practices related to accessing or using housing. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on any of the following protected classes:

1 | Race

2 | Color

3 | Religion

4 | National origin

5 | Sex

6 | Handicap

7 | Familial status

For more information about the Fair Housing Act and related requirements or obligations, please review the following page and related links: www.hud.gov/ program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/fair_housing_ rights_and_obligations

REXAMPLES OF ACTIONS PROHIBITED UNDER FAIR HOUSING LAWS

ƒ Refusing to show, sell or rent housing

ƒ Different treatment of potential buyers, renters, or occupants

ƒ Discriminatory advertising expressing or suggesting a preference for buyers or tenants that are contrary to any of the protected classes

ƒ Harassment that is based on any of the protected classes

ƒ The application of more burdensome criteria to applicants of protected classes

ƒ Blockbusting

ƒ Redlining

ƒ Steering

ƒ Failing to make reasonable accommodations to policies, procedures, or rules that are necessary to allow individuals with a disability to make use of the housing, or

ƒ Adopting or enforcing rules that have the effect of discriminating against any of the protected classes

Examples of cases where housing providers or related parties have engaged in discriminatory housing practices, have been pursued successfully by HUD as a result, and have been ordered to pay damages, penalties, attorneys’ fees and/ or compelled to take corrective actions to avoid further or continuing any discriminatory practices can be found in the press releases available at www.hud.gov/fairhousing

Real estate practitioners should be aware one way that HUD and other state or local agencies test for fair housing violations is the use of testers. Testers are persons who, without the intent to purchase a home, seek information about the availability of housing to determine whether discriminatory practices are occurring. HUD’s “Fair Housing; It’s Your Right” is available at www.hud.gov/ program_offices/administration/handbks_forms

Although the Fair Housing Act was enacted over 50 years ago, housing discrimination is still a prevalent problem in this country, and housing providers continue to run afoul of applicable laws for reasons including their ignorance of the law, their failure to ensure their practices are compliant with applicable laws, or their failure to ensure that those working with them or otherwise engaged in offering or managing housing are following applicable laws. As a real estate professional, it is our duty to educate ourselves, to treat everyone equally and with respect, and to avoid engaging in any prohibited practices to avoid or minimize the chances of fair housing discrimination claims being raised. For more information about how to do so, NAR and HUD have jointly developed the Realtor® Fair Housing Declaration, which is available at www.nar.realtor/fair-housing/fair-housing-declaration

2023 ANNUAL SPONSORS PLATINUM

Battaglia Law, PLLC

Carotti Engineering, LLC

LeeWay Home Inspection

Sunshine Movers of Sarasota

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Learn the Latest Green Trends and Tech with the Green Designation

By: Denise Ricciotti, RASM Professional Development Manager

Going green is important for environmental sustainability, health, and economic benefits. Here are some reasons why individuals, businesses, and Realtors® should consider going green.

1 | Environmental sustainability: Going green helps reduce our impact on the environment by conserving natural resources, reducing waste and pollution, and promoting renewable energy sources. By adopting sustainable practices, we can preserve the planet for future generations.

2 | Health benefits: Green buildings are designed to promote healthy indoor environments by improving air quality, reducing exposure to harmful chemicals, and providing more natural light. This can lead to better health and increased productivity.

3 | Economic benefits: Going green can help reduce costs by improving energy efficiency, reducing water usage, and minimizing waste. This can result in lower utility bills, reduced maintenance costs, and increased property values.

For Realtors®, obtaining the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Green Designation can provide several benefits. The NAR Green designations signifies that a Realtor® has received specialized training in green building principles, practices, and technologies. This can help Realtors® better serve clients who are interested in sustainable homes and properties, differentiate themselves from other Realtors®, and tap into a growing market of environmentally conscious buyers and sellers. Additionally, the designation can help Realtors® stay up to date on the latest green building trends and technologies and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.

For more information on joining the NAR Green Resource Council, obtaining the designation or taking the course visit https://green.realtor/

REALTORS® NEWLY DESIGNATED & CERTIFIED

Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®)

ƒ Tiffany Anne Nisbet, RE/MAX Alliance Group

At Home With Diversity

ƒ Felix Garcia, Bright Realty

ƒ Anita Lambert, Premier Sothebys Intl Realty

ƒ George Raju, NextHome In The Sun

ƒ Mirtha Sozen, Baron Holdings Real Estate LLC

C2EX

ƒ Forest Balderson, Fine Properties

ƒ Felix Garcia, Bright Realty

ƒ Tiffany Anne Nisbet, RE/MAX Alliance Group

ƒ Gayle Scott, Coldwell Banker Realty

ƒ Monica M. Waterman, Allison James Estates & Homes

e-PRO®

ƒ Ivone De Oliveira, Preferred Shore

ƒ Maria Veronica Manes, Michael Saunders & Company

ƒ Alexandra Marks, Robbins & Marks, LLC

Graduate, REALTOR® Institute

ƒ Lyndsey Ann Ashley, Keller Williams Realty Select

ƒ Caleb DeJarnette, Kingston Realty

ƒ Jana Nizny, M&M Property Management Group

ƒ Maria Randazzo Barone, Keller Williams Island

Life Real Estate

Military Relocation Professional

ƒ Kimberly Mills, RE/MAX Alliance Group

Pricing Strategy Advisor

ƒ Catherine Ann Rustin, First Light Real Estate

Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource

ƒ Walter I. Sugamura, Horizon Realty

International

ƒ Christine Walters, Realty By Design LLC

Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®)

ƒ Lisa Maher, Preferred Shore •

APRIL 2023

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5

1:30 p.m. BOOST: Running Your Business as a Business [ South ]

THURSDAY, APRIL 6

11:30 a.m. Become Unstoppable in Your Business [ South ]

FRIDAY, APRIL 7

RASM Offices Closed for Good Friday

9:30 a.m. Short Sale Essentials [ Online ]

TUESDAY, APRIL 11

9:00 a.m. Business Partner Orientation [ North ]

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12

1:30 p.m. BOOST: Marketing Yourself & Open Houses [ South ]

FRIDAY, APRIL 14

9:00 a.m. CREA Marketplace [ South ]

MONDAY, APRIL 17

9:00 a.m. Intro to Contracts [ North ]

1:30 p.m. New Member Orientation North ]

TUESDAY, APRIL 18

8:00 a.m. CREA Downtown Horizons [ Pier 22 ]

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19

p.m. BOOST: Building Your CRM [ South ]

FRIDAY, APRIL 21 9:00 a.m. CREA Marketplace [ South ]

MONDAY, APRIL 24

9:00 a.m. Summer Series: Commercial Core Law [ South ]

1:30 p.m. Business Ethics in Real Estate [ South & Online ]

TUESDAY, APRIL 25

5:00 p.m. After Hours Networking [ 88 Live Piano Bar ]

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26

1:30 p.m. BOOST: Art of Comps [ South ]

THURSDAY, APRIL 27

1:30 p.m. What to Know before Signing the International Contract [ South ]

FRIDAY, APRIL 28 9:00 a.m. CREA Marketplace [ South ]

MONDAY, MAY 1 8:30 a.m. CIPS: Africa [ North & Online ]

THURSDAY, MAY 4 11:30 a.m. 2nd Annual REALTOR® Day [ Palm Aire

MONDAY, MAY 15

9:00 a.m. Commercial Contracting [ South ] 1:30 p.m. Time Management Strategies [ South & Online ]

WEDNESDAY, MAY 17

1:30 p.m. Top Producer Panel [ South & Online ]

THURSDAY, MAY 18

9:00 a.m. New Member Orientation [ South ] 1:30 p.m. Intro to Contracts [ South ]

FRIDAY, MAY 19 9:00 a.m. CREA Marketplace [ South ]

MONDAY, MAY 22

8:00 a.m. GRI 202 (Day 1 of 2) [ South ]

MONDAY, MAY 23

8:00 a.m. GRI 202 (Day 2 of 2) [ South ]

WEDNESDAY, MAY 25

1:00 p.m. A Guide to Surveys [ Online ]

Advanced registration is requested. See event calendar at: myrasm.com/calendar

CALENDAR KEY:

UPCOMING CLASSES

UPCOMING CLASSES

Learn more at myrasm.com/calendar to register.

BOOST: RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS AS A BUSINESS

Wednesday, April 5 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. [ South ] Class 1 of this new agent program is designed to help you get your business started in order to make you successful right from the start. Learn tax strategies, how to decide to list your business as a sole proprietorship, time management skills, creating business plans, and more. Members Free.

BECOME UNSTOPPABLE IN YOUR BUSINESS

Thursday, April 6 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. [ South ] Join YPN for lunch with motivational speaker and coach, Mitch Lomazov, where he will help you maximize your potential in the industry. Topics include overcoming the comparison game, using body language to your advantage, networking with intention and more! YPN Members $15. Non-YPN $25.

SHORT SALE ESSENTIALS

Friday, April 7 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. [ Online ] This course will show you how to go through the process of the Short Sale in the safest and most stress-free way possible. Members $15. 4 CE HRS.

BOOST: MARKETING YOURSELF & OPEN HOUSES

Wednesday, April 12 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. [ South ] Module 2 of BOOST prepares you for hosting an effective open house, including farming techniques and social media advertising to get buyers in the door. Discover why it is important to build your brand from the beginning and how to effectively market yourself. Members Free.

INTRO TO CONTRACTS

Monday, April 17 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. [ North ] In this class, instructed by Natalie Coldiron, students will be introduced and updated on the basic elements of a real estate contract. Members Free.

DOWNTOWN HORIZONS

Tuesday, April 18 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. [ Pier 22 ] Join CREA for the 9th Annual Downtown Horizons program. This year we will hear from government and business professionals to discuss exciting changes and projects happening now and in the future in the City of Bradenton and Manatee County. Members $20.

BOOST: BUILDING YOUR CRM

Wedneday, April 19 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. [ South ] Class 3 of BOOST will introduce you to CRMs, providing you with the information you need to decide which style is best for you, such as CRM only or lead generation strategies. Members Free.

COMMERCIAL CORE LAW

Monday, April 24 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. [ South ] This class, part of the Commercial Summer Series, will give a brief overview of commercial transactions vs. residential; discuss commercial real estate agreements; and discuss legal issues unique to commercial transactions. CREA Members $15. Non-CREA Members $30. 3 CE HRS.

ETHICS IN REAL ESTATE

Monday, April 24 1:30 - 4:30 p.m [ South & Online ]

This class meets the NAR mandated requirement for completion of a Code of Ethics class and fulfills the FREC State Business Ethics requirement. Members $10. 3 CE HRS.

BOOST: THE ART OF COMPS

Wednesday, April 26 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. [ South ] In Class 4 of BOOST, you will learn how to utilize the tools available to you so you can prepare an accurate price for your listings. Members Free.

MLS REQUIRED CLASSES

In-person MLS classes take place in the beginning of the month at RASM South and RASM North. Live webinars are available for required and elective classes. If you prefer to complete your required education by taking a self-paced online class, please visit learn.stellarmls.com

MLS BASIC

Monday, April 3 9:00 a.m. – noon [ North ]

Wednesday, April 5 9:00 a.m. – noon [ South ]

This required class teaches every new Stellar MLS subscriber the basics of how to use the Matrix MLS System to power their real estate business. Topics include navigating the system, setting up a property search, direct and auto emails, managing contacts, and personalizing the Matrix system.

MLS COMPLIANCE 101

Monday, April 3 1:00 – 2:15 p. m. [ North ]

Wednesday, April 5 1:00 – 2:15 p.m. [ South ]

A key purpose of the MLS is to provide real estate brokerages a mechanism to compensate each other for bringing buyers to each other’s listings. In order for this to work, it is critical that we share accurate data, and enter listings in a way to maintain the cooperative nature of the MLS. This required class for new subscribers reviews the MLS comprehensive Rules & Regulations to ensure that all users have access to the best data possible.

MLS ADDING & EDITING LISTINGS

Monday, April 3 2:30 – 3:45 p.m. [ North ]

Wednesday, April 5 2:30 – 3:45 p.m. [ South ] This class is mandatory for agents who will be adding and modifying listings in the MLS. We walk through the process of gathering listing data, entering listings into the MLS, adding photos and attachments, and modifying listings, and share tips in the listing entry process. •

2023 GRI SCHEDULE

(Locations, dates, and times subject to change.)

ƒ GRI 201: May 8 - 9

ƒ GRI 202: May 22 - 23

ƒ GRI 301: June 7 - 8

ƒ GRI 302: June 28 - 29

ƒ GRI 101: July 26 - 27

ƒ GRI 102: August 9 - 10

ƒ GRI 103: August 23 - 24

RASM Membership Update

By: Jessica Montague, Member Services Manager

RASM MEMBERS NOW WITH

Claudia R. Aldave, SRQ International Realty LLC

Jessica Megan Alopaeus, LPT Realty

Andrew S. Azzarello, Fine Properties

Roger Peter Barnaby, Compass Florida LLC

Devon M. Bayliss, LPT Realty

Laura Houston Bell, House Match

Lisa Rotondo Bello, Caballero Realty Services

Joni Carol Berrettini, Sarasota Trust Realty Company

Marla S. Blair Sarlan, Bayshore Realty Inc

Matt Bohanon, House Match

Vincent W. Bower, Integrity Investments Realty

Debra Boyce, Waterside Realty LLC

Deanna L. Bradley, Realty Hub

Robert Leroy Burks, LPT Realty

Marian Ileen Carter, Bright Realty

Kelly A. Christie, LPT Realty

Cody James Cooper, House Match

Ashlyn Dobson, Sarasota Realty Center LLC

John W. Dooley, Locals Realty LLC

Karina Doroshenko, House Match

Debra Dreher, Real Broker, LLC

Kathryn Drost, Fine Properties

Kelly Drost, Fine Properties

Ryan Duncan, Island Investment Realty LLC

Wendy Robb Edmonson, Caballero Realty Services

Diana Erland, Radius Agent, LLC

Daniel Raymond Fairchild, Dalton Wade Inc.

Linda K. Formella, Linda Formella, Lic. Real Estate Broker

James Foster, House Match

Jenifer Susan Funk, NextHome Excellence

Terrence A. Garner, Gulf Income Properties, LLC

Jeffrey Kyle Gissinger, Living Vogue LLC

Julie A. Glennon, Sato Real Estate Inc.

Todd Golden, Corcoran Dwellings Realty

Diane Goodwin, EXP Realty LLC

Connie M. Gortney, Fine Properties

Michael Gray, Coldwell Banker Realty

Ralf Michael Guensch, 27 State Realty LLC

Elisabeth Haycook, Fine Properties

Hannah Herrig, Gailey Enterprises Real Estate

Jonathan Paul Hill, Coldwell Banker Realty

Susan Anderson Hill, Coldwell Banker Realty

Thomas Harry Hilt, Fine Properties

Kim M. Hinderliter, Fine Properties

Avery Hoff, Coldwell Banker Realty

Pamela A. Hoidge, Compass Florida LLC

Steven Howard, Fine Properties

Katie Sue Huss, Turner Real Estate Network

Daniel Ivanov, Preferred Shore

Stephen George Johnston, LPT Realty

Debra L. Julson, Keller Williams Realty Select

Stephanie Lea Katsiamakis, Living Vogue LLC

Renee C. King, Sterling Realty

Karen Kontout, Fine Properties

Kari Kushto, Beyond Realty LLC

Luis A. Labrador, Starlink Realty, Inc.

Abigail Lange, House Match

Angela Maria Lista, Michael Saunders & Company

Gina Lisa Long, Yorkshire International R.E.

Sabrina Lugo, Caballero Realty Services

Daniel Vincenzo Lustro, Luxio Real Estate LLC

Daniel Micah Manassa, LPT Realty

David Marcinko, NDC Commercial Real Estate

Stephanie Marlowe, Stephanie Marlowe P.A.

Trevor McClanahan, Dalton Wade Inc

Waldemar Medina, LPT Realty

Emilee Elizabeth Michael, HB Realty Group Inc.

Jennifer Milne, Oakstrand Realty LLC

Christine L. Morrell-Stinson, KW Suncoast

Rachel Mundy, House Match

Elaine Naccarato, KW Suncoast

Ronald Nevinger, Bright Realty

Spring Olivera, Marcus & Company Realty

Jennifer Owens, Trend Realty

Chad M. Palcic, LPT Realty

Ashley Parr, House Match

Stephen Michael Perez, Bright Realty

Danielle Pfeil, Locals Realty LLC

Mary Jo Pribe Pribe, Weichert Realtors® Hallmark Properties

Kevin Price, Preferred Shore

Toni Michelle Price, Preferred Shore

Rachel Lee Rademacher, House Match

Jeffrey Rampinelli, Exit King Realty

Lisa Rankin, House Match

Tiffany Mina Reis, Premier Sothebys Intl Realty

Valerie Alanie Rivera, LPT Realty

Antonio Joseph Rossitto, Preferred Shore

Mayelin Salazar, EXP Realty LLC

Richard Thomas Schatz, Locals Realty LLC

Margaret Schmitt, Meadows Realty Group Inc.

Jeff Martin Scholl, EXP Realty LLC

Crystal Schwartz, Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Atchley

Derrick D. Silvers, Coastal Properties Group Inter

Francis Edward Smith, ROVI

Richard Somphathai Souksengphet, LPT Realty

RASM MEMBERS NOW WITH (CONTINUED)

David L. Stasney, Keller Williams On The Water

Lori Summers, Corcoran Dwellings Realty

Lisa Sylvain, House Match

Alexxis Marie Taylor, Keller Williams Island Life Re

Michele Lynn Thomas, Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Atchley

Thomas State Thomsen, Nyla Group FL LLC

Melissa Torres, House Match

Saylor Gabrielle Tremaroli, House Match

Lisa Turnage, KW Suncoast

Ashleigh Urick, Compass Florida LLC

David Weiman, Duncan Real Estate, Inc.

McKenzie Weirich, The Sunshine State Company

Jozefina Tocheva Wells, Coastal Luxury Partners, Inc.

Joshua Wentzel, Fine Properties

Holly Marie Wikfors, Preferred Shore

Kendall Jordan Williams, House Match

Christine Ann Willis, Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty

Justin Cody Willis, Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty

Gregory Wood, Keller Williams On The Water

Rachel L. Woodruff, House Match

Lorraine Jeanette Woods, Caballero Realty Services

Cassandra Gene Yeager, Michael Saunders & Co.

Laura Ann Young, LPT Realty

Maciej J. Zaremba, Fathom Realty FL, LLC

NEW DESIGNATED REALTORS®

Matt Bohanon, House Match

Valerie Lynn Busic, Legacy Premier Realty LLC

Andrea D. Conner, Xome Inc.

Brad E. Cozza, Cozza Realty Group Inc

Robert J. Crawford, We Are Realty

Linda K. Formella, Linda Formella, Lic. Real Estate Broker

Gene F Gregory, NextHome PinPoint

Stephanie Marlowe, Stephanie Marlowe P.A.

Kathryn Irene McKinnon, Point South Realty PA

Jason Muenchow, Gulf Income Properties, LLC

Diana Munton, Equity Central Florida RE. LLC

Kristen Siddiquie, Kristen Siddiquie, Licensed Appraiser

Niles Bernard Smyth, Niles Smyth Appraisal

Julia Kotvas Stander, Coldwell Banker Realty

NEW REALTORS®

Maria D. Alonso, EXP Realty LLC

Sebastian Alonso Anchorena, Gulf Coast Paradise Realty Inc.

Robbi Lyn Armstrong, Medway Realty

Donald Bauer, Robert Slack LLC

Elvia Veronica Beltran Vargas, eXp Realty, LLC

Sudhir A. Bhatt, VN Commercial Advisory Group

Cristina Bonaccorso, Marcus & Company Realty

Jean Paul Bouvier, Realty One Group Skyline

Michael Broadfoot, Coldwell Banker Realty

Yvonne Buyers-Hicks, Coldwell Banker Realty

Kevin Matthew Campbell, Fine Properties

Benjamin Chalmers, Exit King Realty

So Yan Chan, London Foster Realty

Thomas Cole, KW Suncoast

Jason Cooper, Coldwell Banker Realty

Kevin Bernard Crenshaw-Zayas, Century 21 Beggins

Enterprises

Robert Roy Cunningham, Restra Realty

Robert Roy Cunningham, 1st Premier Realty LLC

Kathy Donahoe, HomeSmart

David Drewett, Preferred Shore

Amy Rae Fehr, Real Broker, LLC

Karlee Michelle Fielding, ROVI

Eric Richard Fountain, Coldwell Banker Realty

Dakotah Grant, Weichert Realtors® Hallmark Properties

David Gunning, Keller Williams On The Water

Deby Hagan, Oakstrand Realty LLC

Rebekah Margaret Hall, Michael Saunders & Co.

Joan Marie Harder Baron, Real Broker, LLC

Lisel Halmay Hardy, Keller Williams Island Life Re

Alicia La’Rece Harris, Exit King Realty

Robert Charles Hegedus, Fine Properties

Christopher B Jeanes, Michael Saunders & Company

Lindsey M Johnson, McConnell and Associates

Jared Allen Kanstoroom, 1st Premier Realty LLC

Mohammed Gibran Khan, Avanti Way Realty LLC

Elizabeth Joan Kollman-Bhandari, Berkshire

Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty

Vanessa M Kompothecras, Keller Williams On The Water

Dianna Koukoutchos, Exit King Realty

Charles A Kovacs, EXP Realty LLC

Sophia Kramedas-Ghanayem, ROVI

Lauren Elizabeth Lane, Keller Williams Realty Select

Tina Kay Leconte, KW Suncoast

Matthew B Lewis, Golf & Bay Properties LLC

Noah Livingston Maas, Florida’s Realty, LLC

Brooke C Malloy, Preferred Shore

Logan S Malloy, Preferred Shore

Kim Manson, EXP Realty LLC

Emily McAtee, Michael Saunders & Company

Vesla Nelson, SRQ Premier Realty LLC

Michelle Marie Nolan, Keller Williams Realty Select

Cameron Michael Pasco, Anna Maria Island Beaches RE

Christine Lynn Paul, EXP Realty LLC

Monica Raiden, Keller Williams On The Water

Rebecca S Ravitch, Premier Agent Network

Tony Ray, Compass Florida LLC

Garrett Blaine Reely, Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc.

Ronald Richards, Realty Hub

Michelle L. Richardson, Preferred Shore

Sarah Elizabeth Rodriguez Martinez, Starlink Realty, Inc.

Rebecca Rubinstein, Michael Saunders & Company

Jennifer Salome, Exit King Realty

Jannette Marcelle Scholl, EXP Realty LLC

Philippe Markes Sincere, MVP Realty Associates LLC

Randy Landon W. Starr, Coldwell Banker Sarasota Cent.

Roxanne Stephenson, Michael Saunders & Company

Tiffany Stockhausen, Exit King Realty

Jon Sullivan, KW Suncoast

Brandon Szczupaj, Living Vogue LLC

Luis Tamayo, Engel & Voelkers Venice Downtown

Lucas Roberto Da Silva Tavares, Coldwell Banker Realty

Cindy Votta, Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc.

Kristyna Marie Woods, Keller Williams Realty Select

NEW BUSINESS PARTNERS ACCUTECH RESTORATION

1600 Barber Road

Sarasota, Florida 34240

Representative: Tiffany Dvorak

Email: kpecirep@accutechrestoration.com

Accutech Restoration, located in Sarasota, Florida, is a full service, emergency water and fire restoration company. We handle fire and water based disasters, including leaking pipes, and broken water heaters. Our certified general contractors handle all repairs, providing the necessary work to restore your property to like-new condition.

In business since 1984, we have more than 30 years of experience providing exceptional service using state-of-theart equipment, including the Hydro-X Xtreme Xtractor™.

BAYPORT LENDING

750 Tamiami Trail 2

Port Charlotte, Florida 33953

Representative: Daniel Hughes

Email: daniel@bayportlending.com

BayPort Lending has a team of loan agents with experience and knowledge to guide you through the home buying process. We are local, based in Port Charlotte, Florida and serve the Southwest Florida region. Our team can get you pre-qualified to get a new home or refinance a home. We guide you through the entire process, helping you get the lowest rate so you can get the mortgage at the interest rate that is fair to you and your family. Get started today and get a home lean, making it fast and easy.

FLORIDA STATE INSPECTORS

16931 Trafalgar Dr W

Loxahatchee, Florida 33470

Representative: William Caravello

Email: bill@floridastateinspectors.com

Florida State Inspectors is South Florida’s most trusted home inspection company. Our certified inspection services include Residential, Wind mitigation, 4-Point, Roof inspections, 11-Month Warranty, and Mold inspections.

FREEDOM VILLAGE OF BRADENTON

6406 21st Ave W.

Bradenton, Florida 34209

Representative: Shawn Ahearn

Email: ahearnshawn@fvbradenton.com

Located on 34 lush, sprawling acres, Freedom Village retirement community in Bradenton, FL offers a wide variety of elegantly appointed residential options, a wealth of exceptional services and amenities, and a full calendar of fun, engaging activities—all just minutes from the beautiful beaches of the Gulf Coast!

GOTCHA COVERED OF BRADENTON

1201 6th Ave W. Suite 100

Bradenton, Florida 34205

Representative: Victoria Palomo

Email: vicky.palomo@gotchacovered.com

Whether you want to modernize a space with wooden shutters or make your living room feel more inviting with bamboo window shades, the right custom window treatments have the ability to tie a look together. Contact Gotcha Covered for quality custom window coverings services from professionals who genuinely care.

GTE FINANCIAL

711 E Henderson Ave

Tampa, Florida 33602

Representative: Josue Bautista

Email: josue.bautista@gtefinancial.com

We are a not-for-profit financial cooperative. This means we make decisions for the benefit of all our customers, whom we call member-owners, because each one has a stake, or ownership, in our cooperative. GTE doesn’t make a profit just to turn it over to anonymous shareholders. The money we earn is returned to our “shareholders” – our members –in the form of higher dividends, lower rates, as well as new products and services.

HANCOCK WHITNEY BANK

5817 Manatee Avenue West Bradenton, Florida 34209

Representative: John Balestrieri

Email: Michael.rahn@hancockwhitney.com

We combine a commitment to gracious hospitality with extensive expertise in all aspects of banking, financial planning and wealth management to help make your dreams a reality.

LARGO CAPITAL, INC

1605 Main Street

Sarasota, Florida 34236

Representative: Ian Fitzgerald

Email: KCoscia@largocapital.com

The Largo Group of Companies arranges, closes and services commercial mortgages for developers throughout the United States and Canada

MAID IN SRQ

6708 Ashley Ct

Sarasota, Florida 34241

Representative: Tyler Horn

Email: tyler.horn@maininsrq.com

No need to wait for someone to get back to you. Within 60 seconds, you can receive your quote and book your cleaning - all online.

OWNERSHIP MORTGAGE

3001 Brighton Blvd Suite 732

Denver, Colorado 80216

Representative: Christopher McIntosh

Email: chrism@ownershipmortgage.com

Our mission is to serve our customers with honesty, integrity and competence. Our goal is to provide home loans to our clients while providing them with the lowest interest rates and closing costs possible while helping borrowers overcome the frequent roadblocks that can arise while securing a loan.

PHOENIX COMMERCIAL LENDING, LLC

365 Interstate Blvd

Sarasota, Florida 34240

Representative: Jerry Strauss

Email: J.Strauss@applyphoenix.com

Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or looking to refinance an existing loan, our professionally trained staff of Mortgage Advisors are ready to help you.

PNC MORTGAGE

1549 Ringling Blvd

Sarasota, Florida 34236

Representative: Denise Ogg

Email: denise.ogg@pnc.com

For more than 170 years, we have been committed to providing our clients with great service and powerful financial expertise to help them meet their financial goals. We are proud of our longstanding history of supporting not only our customers but also our communities, employees and shareholders.

SOUTHSTATE BANK

1100 S. Tamiami Trail

Sarasota, Florida 34236

Representative: Chris Perkins

Email: melissa.alford@southstatebank.com

Our business structure is designed to value the unique character of the communities we serve and to encourage decision making by the banker that is closest to the action. We approach business decisions with an emphasis on long term growth, sustainable profits and the career development of our officers and staff. We will not sacrifice credit quality for short term gain. •

Lajoie Hermey Shareholder, Residential & Commercial Real Estate Attorney

MAY 4, 2023

PALM AIRE COUNTRY CLUB

12 - 5 PM GOLF TOURNAMENT

NAME YOUR GAME

REALTOR® DAY IS BACK!

Name Your Game at the 2nd Annual REALTOR® DAY fundraiser for the RASM REALTORS® Charitable Foundation.

2 - 5 PM PICKLEBALL PALOOZA

2 - 5 PM CORNHOLE COMPETITION

Get your company together for some friendly competition and a full day of giving back to our community; because That’s Who We R®!

All proceeds of this event benefit the RASM REALTORS® Charitable Foundation (RRCF).

5 - 8 PM AFTER PARTY

The mission of the RRCF is to support real estate related charities and housing needs in our community, provide college scholarships to local students, and help our members in need during times of crisis.

LIVE LIFE THE UNEXPECTED

Modern tropical style rises to meet urban sophistication in the heart of walkable downtown Sarasota. Pairing an intimate collection of luxury tower residences with the curated amenities of a boutique hotel, SOTA delivers serviced simplicity to a stylish new address overlooking the city.

Empower and engage our REALTOR® community by delivering essential services, resources, education, and experiences that elevate member success and professionalism, while advocating for REALTOR® initiatives and private property rights.

local association in florida

in scholarships awarded in 2022

We are an innovative and relevant association that elevates the standards of professional excellence, and are critical to our members’ success, while providing value to our community. $45,000 donated to local charities in 2022 $120,000 raised for the foundation in 2022

Monthly Distressed Market - February 2023

Sarasota County Single-Family Homes

Monthly Distressed Market - February 2023

Manatee County Single-Family Homes

Monthly Distressed Market - February 2023

Sarasota County Townhouses and Condos

Monthly Distressed Market - February 2023

Manatee County Townhouses and Condos