ELEVATE Magazine - RASM - March 2023 Issue

6 COVER STORY

Celebrating Women in Real Estate

Today’s woman wears many hats: wife, mother, sister, homemaker, business owner, executive, entrepreneur, and everything in between. Women have the innate ability to multitask, to balance work life with family life, display empathy, nurture, and fight for what they want with strength and grace. Once limited to only working in “traditional” gender roles, women today are proving their worth, equality, and excellent leadership skills in virtually every career category. The Woman’s Suffrage movement that began in the 1920s has given rise to opportunities unimaginable 100 years ago. Women have made enormous strides, and even though we are still battling equal representation and fighting the gender gap in certain fields, in the world of real estate, women are on fire. It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, and women in real estate should be feeeeling good!

Who Signs the Contract?

There are a lot of forms that Realtors® use in their work, but two stand out as absolutely essential: the listing agreement and the purchase and sale agreement (PSA). Knowing the right person(s) to sign these documents ensures that the agreements are valid.

RASM Members Visit Panama

Team Cashi traveled to Panama City, Panama, from January 24 to 29. We were joined by a group of agents from RASM, the Florida Association of REALTORS®, and several other Associations around the U.S., Latin, and South Americas, including Mexico, Columbia, Argentina, and others.

Investing in Yourself

“I am so busy I can’t add one more thing to my plate.” How many of you have said exactly that, either out loud or in your head? Well, I challenge that by saying that “professional development is absolutely imperative for every Realtor®!”

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

Women in the REALTOR® Association

By: Jeff Arakelian, RASM CEO

When the National Association of REALTORS® started in 1908, the membership was entirely male. Women began joining shortly thereafter but remained a minority in the organization for the first few decades. NAR has since seen a total of seven female presidents.

Since 1978, women have comprised the majority of Realtors®, representing 66 percent of the membership in 2022. Women have been particularly attracted to real estate’s flexible work hours and opportunities to help families.

While there are many women in the industry, they are less represented in executive roles. Changing leadership demographics will require a commitment to developing and promoting female talent at all levels.

The Women’s Council of REALTORS® (WCR) was founded in 1938 as the Women’s Division of NAR with the purpose of supporting the development of women’s business leadership skills. WCR has a strong presence in Sarasota and Manatee with two WCR Networks. This issue of ELEVATE Magazine features the role of women in real estate. Enjoy this issue as we acknowledge women in our industry during “Women’s History Month.” •

“Since 1978, women have comprised the majority of Realtors®, representing 66 percent of the membership in 2022. Women have been particularly attracted to real estate’s flexible work hours and opportunities to help families.”

Celebrating Women in Real Estate

To day’s woman wears many hats: wife, mother, sister, homemaker, business owner, executive, entrepreneur, and everything in between. Women have the innate ability to multitask, to balance work life with family life, display empathy, nurture, and fight for what they want with strength and grace. Once limited to only working in “traditional” gender roles, women today are proving their worth, equality, and excellent leadership skills in virtually every career category. The Woman’s Suffrage movement that began in the 1920s has given rise to opportunities unimaginable 100 years ago. Women are now seen in power positions such as Mary T. Barra, CEO of General Motors, Corie Barry, CEO of Best Buy, Inc., Jane Fraser, Citigroup, Inc., just to name a few, and of course, Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States. Even at the recent Super Bowl LVII, for the first time ever, the military aircraft flying over the game were piloted by all women. Women have made enormous strides, and even though we are still battling for equal representation and fighting the gender gap in certain fields, in the world of real estate, women are on fire. It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, and women in real estate should be feeeeling good!1

MARCH - INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Before we delve into the woman’s role in real estate, let’s take a moment to reflect on International Women’s History month, which is celebrated throughout the entire month of March, with March 8 dedicated to International Women’s Day. It began in 1908 in New York City when thousands of women united and marched for better labor laws, financial equality, working conditions, and the right to vote. The next year, on February 28, 1909, members of the Socialist Party of America (suffragists and socialists) gathered in Manhattan to host what they called the first International Woman’s Day. Leonora O’Reilly, labor organizer and recruiter for the Women’s Trade Union League (WTUL) from 1903-1915, addressed the crowd along with other early feminists to represent the needs of women, especially in the workforce. The idea of female equality quickly caught on internationally, and in March of 1910, German socialist Clara Zetkin introduced the concept at the International Conference of Women in Copenhagen. The 100 women in

attendance, representing 17 countries, all agreed. International Women’s Day was then formally honored on March 8, 1911, by Germany, Austria, Denmark, and Switzerland, with Russia following in 1917.2

So, what better time to reflect on and celebrate the many accomplishments women have made in the diverse field of real estate?

EARLY DAYS

Becoming a real estate agent is a great career choice for both women and men, and women today play a major role in the industry. However, when the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) was first established in 1908, the membership was entirely male. The Association’s founders declared that NAR’s purpose was “to unite the real estate men of America.” However, the organization wasn’t restricted to just men, nor was it limited to the United States. Women joined the National Association soon after its inception but remained a minority in the organization for the first few decades.

On the local level, boards decided who were qualified and who were not, mainly if women were to be accepted or not. This was due, in part, to the fact that there were very few professional women in real estate or in any other professional industry at that time in history. Of course, it was also due to the overall mindset that a woman’s place was in the home. This would slowly change, and various local, new boards were created; eventually, only “qualified” (as deemed by the organization) women were accepted.

EARLY PIONEER WOMEN IN REAL ESTATE TYPICALLY FELL INTO ONE OF THREE GROUPS:

1 | Widows or daughters of real estate men.

2 | Part of a mother-son or husband-wife team.

3 | Women who began as rental agents or office workers, but when pressed into service during an emergency or overall female ambitioned, they turned to sales.3

“Women first got into the business because they could do it part-time, and in many cases, they had a background in being a mother and a homemaker,” said Michael Saunders, Founder, and CEO, Michael Saunders & Company. “This meant that they knew how to schedule, how to balance multiple tasks, how to be flexible, and they instinctively cared deeply. Women realized that this was a job opportunity that fit their basic skills. In the early days, they didn’t need to worry about as many technological skills--that would come later-- but the same nurturing qualities that women possess, along with their strong determination, made women an excellent fit for this business.”

THE WOMEN’S COUNCIL OF REALTORS®

In the 1930s, NAR witnessed a growth of women working in real estate and increased participation of women at national conventions, as they were becoming aware of their potential and importance to the industry. A Women’s Division had already been created in 1924 by the California Real Estate Association. In 1938, National President Joseph Catherine encouraged the formation of a national Women’s Council after being impressed by the California group. At the time, most local boards were resistant to offering membership to women. However, during the Annual Convention in Milwaukee in November 1938, a women’s division was formed by thirty-seven ambitious women who represented nine states, thus forming the first Women’s Council of Realtors®. Since then, many dedicated members have served as role models and achieved many “firsts” in the industry and in their communities.

Today, the Women’s Council of REALTORS® is a nationwide community of 13,000 real estate professionals who include many of the best and brightest in the business. The backbone of the Council is its network of more than 250 local and state networks in nearly 40 states, with volunteer managers trained to position their groups as a business resource in their REALTOR® communities. This group represents the largest network infrastructure in the Realtor® family, which represents 1,200 elected officers nationally that drive over 1,500 programs annually that focus on business leadership.4

“I believe women have made huge strides in the business place, especially in real estate,” said Rachel McCoy, Realtor® with Florida Suncoast Real Estate, Inc. and 2023 President of the Women’s Council of Realtors® Manatee Network. “Women are being heard and respected more than ever before. Opportunities for women have been on the rise for years, and there’s no end in sight.”

BY THE NUMBERS

Despite a rocky start in the industry, women in real estate have forged ahead, making great strides. According to NAR, since 1978, women have comprised the majority of Realtors®, representing 66% of the membership in 2022, up slightly from 65% last year. 5 At the Realtor® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM), female Realtor® members make up 58.4% of the membership, and with that, 38% of those females are active brokers.6 While women are particularly attracted to real estate’s flexible work hours and opportunities to help families, there are fewer women represented in executive roles. However, changing leadership demographics shows a commitment to developing and promoting female talent at all levels. NAR has seen a total of seven female presidents, most recently, 2022 NAR President Leslie Rouda Smith.

KEYS TO SUCCESS - IT’S ALL ABOUT GRIT

Whether you’re male or female working in the real estate market, you need to know the business. If you want to be taken seriously, you need to be serious about what you do. Determination, ongoing education, dedication, and perseverance are keys to success, and more than ever before; women are showing that they have what it takes to rise to the top. In the competitive field of real estate, where the legislation and the landscape are subject to changes, success demands that you stay up-to-date on trends, legislation changes, and ongoing education.

“Real estate is a demanding business, a servicebased business. We need to know all the inventory, and all about construction, you need to at least know a good attorney and engineer that you can refer to when questions arise, and they will. You need to

know what makes you better than the competition. Realtors® need to be educated, and they need to know the market inside and out. We are the docents when we show people around our beautiful area, so we need to be ready to answer any type of question our buyers or sellers ask or know who to go to for the correct answer,” Saunders added.

The real estate industry attracts people from all different backgrounds, allowing agents to excel, unlike any other industry. It’s truly a melting pot of professionals, from those who are new to the job market, to those taking a stab at a second career or agents who have been a pillar of the industry for years. Whatever category you fall into, you need to stay educated and relevant. The market, the community, and the laws are subject to change, and in order to serve your clients well, savvy Realtors® need to stay on top of their game.

“Coming from a corporate background, I think one of the most incredible aspects of the real estate profession is our ability to achieve without limits,” said Meagan West, Realtor® and CEO, The Coffey Group Fine Homes International, KW Suncoast & Keller Williams Island Life Real Estate, and 2023 WCR president, Sarasota. “There are no boundaries on what we can achieve financially or organizationally. There is no top rung to this ladder, only how high we’re willing to climb and what we are willing to dream of and strive for.”

Another key to success is knowing who to lean on and who will encourage you along the way. There is no shame when asking for help – whether male or female, we all need those people who will build us up and be a mentor. Find someone who is willing to walk with you through the ups and the downs of the market and who you can trust. In turn, you can use what you’ve gained to help someone else.

“Fortunately, today, the real estate industry is easier for women than it was for me when I started my company 47 years ago,” said Saunders. “It’s more welcoming for women today to take their rightful place as industry leaders, but you must have grit - you have to be curious and be a continuous learner. You must stay focused on your goals, be passionate and bold, take calculated risks and keep your core values as your guiding light and never deviate from them. I often advise agents to find a good mentor, someone you can truly trust, and you don’t need a gender match for your mentor. When I was growing in this business, there simply weren’t any female mentors for me, but I did lean on someone who truly cared, encouraged me, and whom I admired.”

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP ROLES

If you’re excelling in this business, it won’t be long before someone taps you on the shoulder and asks you to take on a leadership role. Will you be ready? Being a leader in any profession takes time, determination, and drive.

“When I first got into this business, there was not much room for women in leadership in the Bradenton and Sarasota area,” said Saunders. “So very early on, I set my sights on being involved both nationally and internationally. When you recognize a need, be the one to meet that need. If you want more female leadership, step up and be that leader. But there is a price to be paid for everything. If your goal is to become a leader in this industry, you need to be prepared to pay the price with your time, commitment, enthusiasm, positive attitude, empathy, and never, ever give up.”

“Leadership can be a lonely journey, and I think it’s important to surround ourselves with other successful women leaders along the way,” said West. “There are some really impressive female leaders who love empowering others and creating more leaders! This industry is so cool because so many are willing to openly and freely share what they are doing to be successful because there is plenty of business to go around. We don’t have to live with a scarcity mindset, and there are plenty of amazing leaders willing to help us!”

WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

According to NAR, when compared to residential real estate, the commercial real estate sector is quite different than its residential counterpart for women. As of 2020, women made up only 36.7 percent of the CRE workforce.

“I see more and more women coming into commercial real estate,” said Susan H. Goldstein, LLC, CCIM, MBA, Senior Commercial Advisor with Michael Saunders & Company Commercial Division, and 2019 CREA president. “Residential real estate tends to have a faster return, so that may intrigue a new agent (male or female). For me, commercial real estate was really about the right fit, you must find what works for you. What I especially love about the commercial real estate market is that there is a steep learning curve, and every deal is different. I love learning about my client’s businesses and their investment goals. I came from a business background, so the commercial side of the real estate business was just the perfect fit for me.”

As with residential real estate, both networking with professionals and pursuing ongoing education are important pieces of the puzzle to overall success. Earning the prestigious CCIM designation (Certified Commercial Investment Member) is one way to truly set yourself apart from the competition, as it is known as the “gold standard” for commercial real estate professionals, including appraisers, asset managers, brokers, developers, investors, lenders, and other allied professionals. Joining the Commercial Real Estate Alliance (CREA), the RASM commercial arm, is another great way for men and women to connect with other commercial agents. CREA is a supportive and welcoming group of men and women whose mission is to be the commercial leader in our marketplace.

“I am thrilled to see more women in the Commercial Real Estate arena,” said Goldstein. “My

advice for anyone new to the business is to focus on serving your clients with professionalism and integrity. Always work to enhance your knowledge base and forge good relationships. Do not ever be afraid to let someone know you do not have the answer, but get the information for them quickly. As a woman in commercial real estate, I lean into my strengths because of what I have learned or the intrinsic skills I have. I do not try to act like a man, nor do I try to hide that I am a woman. I have felt that I need to act and always dress professionally to be taken seriously in some part because I am a woman, but also because of the clients I serve and the way I want to build my brand. I do believe I need to be on top of my game in terms of skills and relevant knowledge. I am proud to be a commercial real estate professional utilizing all my attributes to best serve my community.”

GLOBAL MARKET

When working with the international real estate market, there are always different risks and challenges. To be successful, it takes a different level of research, education, and immersion into the culture of the nation that you wish to do business. This is especially important when considering different gender roles and etiquette in other countries.

“As an international real estate practitioner, it is important to understand the culture of the customers you work with,” said Patricia Tan, International real estate expert with Coldwell Banker Realty and coowner along with Carla Rayman Kidd, of Your Global Agents, a business specializing in working with domestic and international buyers and sellers. “Female Realtors® should be aware of the role of women in the customer’s culture and may have to modify their approach accordingly. Dress standards are a simple example. You may wish to dress more conservatively, for example, covering your shoulders, wearing long sleeves, etc., as this may be more acceptable in some cultures. In other cultures, where older generations [

still observe more traditional roles for men and women, offering to pay lunch or dinner for a male customer would not be appropriate.”

Delving into the international market is a natural fit for some agents. Although there can be additional obstacles for women, it doesn’t seem to be holding them back.

“Over the years spent in the global market, I am encouraged to see women taking a more prominent role in business in general and in real estate in particular, even in those countries typically considered to be more male-dominated societies like those in the Middle East,” added Tan. “In many countries, real estate is considered a true ‘profession’ with significantly higher barriers to entry than here in the United States. As less developed countries continue to make educational opportunities available to women, I am hopeful to see more women entering the real estate profession in those countries.”

“Globally, the challenges for women are more evident,” said McCoy. “There are still obstacles and stigmas that are still in play. If you look at the history of the Women’s Council of Realtors® and its origin, it really demonstrates how we can overcome and show our value in both leadership and professionalism. We have truly come a long way!”

WE’VE COME A LONG WAY

Women have indeed come a long way in the workforce and in the real estate industry. Women have proved that they deserve a place at the table, and often, they take the lead. Whether male or female, we all deserve the same opportunities, appreciation, and respect.

“Women have had a major impact on the real estate market for decades to the point where I feel they ‘own the space,’” said Carla Rayman Kidd, PLLC, International real estate expert with Coldwell Banker Realty and co-owner along with Patricia Tan, of Your Global Agents. “The NAR statistics reflect this, as females make up 65% of their membership numbers. With respect to being a woman in this market, it’s always a moment of clarity when you get to shine at what you do - like the iconic scene in the movie, “My Cousin Vinny,” where Marisa Tomei defends herself and proves her knowledge on the witness stand. Know your market and define your niche in it – that’s how people understand your worth!” •

sources

1 | www.catalyst.org/research/women-ceos-of-the-sp-500/

2 | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonora_O%27Reilly

3 | www.nar.realtor/women-in-real-estate

4 | https://www.wcr.org/about/womens-council-history

5 | https://www.nar.realtor/women-in-real-estate

6 | RASM membership demographics

“It’s been a beautiful journey, but it has not always been easy, but looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing because those hard times just made me and my company stronger, and more resilient. One of my favorite quotes is by Eleanor Roosevelt, ‘A woman is like a tea bag. You can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.’ I have been in a lot of hot water over my 47 years in this cyclical business, dealing with the ups and downs of the industry, challenging financial times, and working with fair and unfair competition, but you always have to keep your standard high and raise the bar,” said Saunders.

“One of my favorite quotes is by Eleanor Roosevelt,” added Saunders. “‘A woman is like a tea bag. You can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.’”

Driftwood Title

By: Jenna Baird, Vice President Driftwood Title

Jenna graduated from Keiser University with a degree in Paralegal Studies and then later pursued a degree in Legal Studies. She has experience in many different fields of the real estate industry, ranging from Paralegal Services, Title and Settlement Services, and Mortgage Loan Closing.

During her real estate career, she has enjoyed helping customers achieve their dream of home ownership and she takes great pride in assisting buyers, sellers, Realtors®, and lenders to guide gracefully through the real estate closing process.

Jenna presently oversees operations at Driftwood Title as Vice President. Driftwood is a premier Title Company owned by a Veteran Real Estate Attorney. Driftwood Title has two office locations and serves customers throughout the state of Florida, with locations in Bradenton and Cocoa, Florida:

West Coast Branch: 3125 53rd Ave E. Bradenton, FL 34203

East Coast Branch: 526 Brevard Avenue Cocoa, Florida 32922

For more information on Driftwood Title or to contact Jenna directly, visit driftwoodtitle.com.•

Use of Harassing Speech Against Protestors

By: National Association of REALTORS® Interpretations of the Code of Ethics Agreement

Agroup of protestors, supporting the equal treatment of women, gathered peacefully for a march in Washington, D.C. The group requested and was approved for the appropriate permits, and while local law enforcement was on site to provide assistance, no criminal activity was reported.

Realtor® A, in response to the march, posted on social media, “These morons have nothing better to do than come all the way to Washington to gripe about a problem that doesn’t even exist. This is why women shouldn’t be allowed to leave the house. Get back in the kitchen where you belong.” Realtor® B saw Realtor® A’s comments, and filed a complaint with the local Association of REALTORS® alleging Realtor® A’s comments against the protestors constituted harassing speech against members of a protected class, and as such were a violation of Article 10 as illustrated by Standard of Practice 10-5. The Association’s Grievance Committee forwarded the complaint for a hearing.

At the hearing, Realtor® B argued that Realtor® A’s comments constituted objectively harassing speech against individuals on the basis of sex. In response, Realtor® A argued that his comments were directed at protestors, which are not a protected class, and that, in fact, the group was comprised of both men and women.

Case

10-8:

(Adopted May, 2021)

In their decision, the panel noted that while Realtor® A’s comments were addressed to a group of both men and women, they included disparaging, discriminatory comments about women such that the complainant had demonstrated with clear, strong, and convincing proof that Realtor® A had used harassing speech under Standard of Practice 10-5 and thus was in violation of Article 10. •

Who Signs the Contract? I Don’t Know. Third Base

By: Peter J. Pike, Esq., Pike Law Firm, PA

here are a lot of forms that Realtors® use in their work, but two stand out as absolutely essential: the listing agreement and the purchase and sale agreement (PSA). Knowing the right person(s) to sign these documents ensures that the agreements are valid.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Before signing a listing agreement, you should always look up the most recent deed for the property so that you know who actually owns it. Is it owned by a married couple, an entity (e.g., a corporation or LLC), or held in trust? If it is owned by individuals, are they alive and competent? Is this homestead property?

The answers to the above questions may lead you to have to do additional research. If the property is held by an entity, you will need to find out in which state the entity was formed, to look up who has the authority to sign on behalf of that entity. You should always look at the Florida Department of State’s website, www.sunbiz.org, to determine whether the company is licensed to do business in the state of Florida (note, generally speaking, merely buying, selling, mortgaging, or holding real property is not considered activities that would require a company to be licensed to do business in the state of Florida). Different types of entities have different rules as to who may sign and bind the company.

HOMESTEAD PROTECTIONS

If the property is owned by a married person, a determination should be made whether the property constitutes homestead property. There are actually three different homestead protections, and simply because one does not apply does not necessarily mean that the others do not apply! Most Florida agents are aware of the real property tax exemption available for homestead. However, just because a seller does not have the homestead exemption on their property does not mean it is not protected homestead under the Florida Constitution. Article X, Section 4(c) of

Tthe Constitution prohibits a Florida resident from devising homestead property by will or trust if the decedent has a minor child or surviving spouse. For example, if the owner did not file for the homestead tax exemption, the spousal homestead rights under the Constitution would still be in place. For our purposes, this means that even if only one spouse is on the deed, both will need to sign so that any spousal rights under the Constitution are also conveyed.

If the property is titled in a trust with one or more trustees, then unless the deed specifically notes that only one trustee is needed to act on behalf of the trust, all of the named trustees must sign. If one of the trustees is an entity, you will need to look up that entity to see who can sign for it. If one of the trustees has died, or is no longer competent, you may need to see the trust document itself, to figure out who can now sign for the trust.

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Further muddying the waters would be when your customer wants to use a power of attorney (POA) to execute documents. The POA must include language that the agent can sell and convey real property. Even with that language, if the property is owned in trust or by an entity, the POA probably will not be effective.

WHAT IF THE OWNER DIES?

What happens when an owner (individual, trustee, manager of an LLC, or officer of a corporation) dies? Depending on how the property was titled (husband and wife; joint tenants with right of survivorship, tenants in common, named successor trustees in the deed, etc.) can mean that simply having the death certificate would be enough, to requiring that a probate be opened, and a personal representative named before any contracts could be binding upon a seller.

If you are confused by this (and you should be!), then make sure that you either attend the upcoming class on Who Signs the Deed?, being presented through the Realtor® Attorney Joint Committee on March 27, 2023, at 1:30 PM at RASM South, or speak with your friendly neighborhood real estate attorney to ensure that you get the right person(s) to sign your agreements. •

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NAR Legislative Meetings & Local Updates

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

The REALTORS®

Legislative Meetings will be in the heart of Washington, D.C., at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Network with leaders and influencers in the industry who come to discuss and learn about the most important issues facing real estate. The profound importance and powerful impact of NAR’s advocacy work have become increasingly clear over the last several years.

NAR LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS REGISTRATION & THE REALTORS® TRADE EXPO

Registration for NAR Legislative Meetings open March 3, 2023. The REALTORS® Legislative Meetings allow us to build on that momentum and continue the critical policy conversations among Realtors®, lawmakers, and industry leaders. The 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 Capitol Hill visits, 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.

So, make sure to mark your calendar! Realtors® pay no registration fee, and booking your hotel during registration gives you access to exclusive hotel rates around the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. Join Realtors® from across the country at the premier real estate conference, May 6-11, 2023.

REALTORS® LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS INFO:

ƒ Legislative Meetings Dates: May 6-11, 2023

ƒ Trade Expo Dates: May 8-9, 2023

ƒ Legislative Meetings and Trade Expo

Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place NW

ƒ NAR Headquarters Location: Marriott Marquis, Washington. DC, 901 Massachusetts Avenue NW

ƒ Affiliate Meetings (WCR) Location: Renaissance D.C. Downtown Hotel, 999 9th St NW

ƒ Affiliate Meetings (REBI) Location: Conrad Washington, D.C., 950 New York Avenue NW

ƒ Estimated Attendance: 9,000 Realtors® and guests

ƒ Estimated Number of Exhibitors: 100

WHO ATTENDS?

NAR members who are involved in the governance of the association and who volunteer on association committees attend this event each year. The event also attracts Federal Political Coordinators (FPCs) and other politically active members who visit congressional representatives on Capitol Hill.

Local members in the D.C. area are invited to attend the REALTORS® Trade Expo, which features 100 exhibitors. The event is free for members with a valid NAR Member ID.

LOCAL UPDATE

2023 is well underway, and so is your association, staying involved with key local decisions that impact you and your business. Here are some of the issues we are monitoring and taking positions on locally:

ƒ Sale of Downtown Bradenton City Hall for revitalization: RASM supports this initiative to revitalize and renew a key area of downtown with mixed-use projects.

ƒ Zoning Text Amendments in Sarasota: After the successful passage of the Sarasota City Comprehensive Plan last year, the city will initiate zoning text amendments throughout the year that relate to the new comprehensive plan. RASM will be supporting the passage of these important amendments as they pertain to smart growth, affordable housing, and economic development.

ƒ Vacation Rental Ordinances: RASM monitors and advocates on VR ordinances annually, and 2023 will be no different. We are hearing potential VR ordinances being proposed in the city of Sarasota as well as the island municipalities in Manatee County. Our goal is always to strike a fair balance between private property rights, eliminating regulations for private property usage, and the needs of the community.

ƒ Comprehensive Land Use Plan in Manatee: Like last year with Sarasota, Manatee County is researching updating its comprehensive land use plan. This plan is what most, if not all, land use decisions stem from. This presents a great opportunity for RASM and Realtors® in Manatee County to take part in shaping our communities for decades to come. We will be heavily advocating for Realtor® priorities during the formation and passage of these plans. •

Home Prices Hold Steady in January, Despite a Downturn in Sales

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

The Sarasota and Manatee housing market starts off the year with a continued rise in the supply of homes for sale.

According to data from Florida REALTORS® and compiled by the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM), the month’s supply of inventory for both property types increased year-over-year by more than 400 percent in the North Port-SarasotaBradenton MSA. Home prices continue to increase year-over-year in January, showing no sign of decreasing back to pre-pandemic levels.

Across the two-county region, there were 1,168 closed sales reported in January, a year-over-year decrease by 33.9 percent. For single-family homes, closed sales decreased by 31.7 percent to 368 sales in Manatee County and by 37.1 percent to 411 sales in Sarasota County. Condo sales decreased by 24.4 percent to 170 sales in Manatee County and by 37.2 percent in Sarasota County to 219 sales.

“The real estate market in Sarasota and Manatee Counties continues to be less active than the same time last year with significant decreases in the number of closed sales across all property types. Despite the decrease in sales, median sales prices for all property types are still higher than last year, with the exception of Sarasota single-family homes, indicating that property values are holding steady,” said Brian Tresidder, 2023 RASM President and Strategic Growth & Sales Manager at William Raveis Real Estate. “It’s important for potential homebuyers and sellers to consult with experienced REALTORS® who can provide up-to-date information on local trends as well as guidance so that they may make the most informed decisions regarding their real estate needs.”

The median sale price for condos remains higher than the same time last year with a 14.6 percent increase to $345,000 in Manatee County and a 19.3 percent increase to $417,500 in Sarasota County. For single-family homes, Manatee County increased by 5.4 percent to $505,710, while the Sarasota median home price decreased by one percent to $459,999.

“Historically, inventory levels are still relatively low, but they have increased significantly over the course of the past 12 months. Additionally, we’re seeing fewer closings at or higher than the original asking price when compared to last year,” added Tresidder. “As for pending sales, there were 60.8 percent more pending sales for single-family homes this month than the previous month, which signals that future closings may not drop to the large levels we’re currently seeing.”

The month’s supply of inventory was at 3.2 months for both property types in Manatee County, a 700 percent increase for condos and a 433.3 percent increase for single-family homes, representing the largest year-over-year increase to date. In Sarasota County, there was a 2.7-month supply for condos and a 2.8-month supply for single-family homes, an increase of 350 percent and 366.7 percent respectively.

The total inventory for both property types at the end of the month was 5,236 active listings in the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton MSA, a 288.4 percent increase from the same time last year. Broken down for each property type in the MSA, condo inventory increased by 317.6 percent to 1,633 listings and single-family home inventory increased by 276.5 percent to 3,603 active listings.

In January, a total of 2,580 listings were added to the market for both property types in the two-county region, a year-over-year increase by 14.4 percent. When compared to December of 2022, new listings in the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton MSA increased by 56.8 percent.

The median time from listing date to contract date was 26 days for condos in Manatee County, a 333.3 percent increase, while Sarasota County condos increased by 171.4 percent to 19 days. For single-family homes, the median time to contract was 29 days in Sarasota County and 32 days in Manatee County, an increase of 314.3 percent and 357.1 percent respectively.

For comprehensive statistics dating back to 2005, visit www.MyRASM.com/statistics. •

Monthly Market Summary - January 2023

Single-Family Homes

Sarasota County

Monthly Market Summary - January 2023

Single-Family Homes

Manatee County

Monthly Market Summary - January 2023

Sarasota County

Monthly Market Summary - January 2023

Manatee County

RASM Members Explore Panama

By: Lori Cashi-Haught, Associate Broker, Team Cashi, Coldwell Banker Realty

Team

Cashi was fortunate enough to travel to Panama City, Panama, from January 24 to 29. We were joined by a group of agents from RASM, the Florida REALTORS®, and several other Associations around the U.S., Latin, and South Americas, including Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and others. From the direct flight on Copa Airlines, departing from Tampa, Orlando, or Miami, it was a smooth sail, slightly less than 3 hours nonstop to the personal pick-up at the airport. At a low traffic time, the ride to the airport will take only 20 minutes, but if traveling during peak times, you can expect a 35 to 45 minute ride.

A WARM WELCOME

A welcome reception kicked off the event on a private man-made island, the only one in Panama, which will be home to only 400 families upon its completion. We were hosted in the welcome center overlooking the Marina, which showcases views of the Pacific Ocean, mountain range, and the line-up of large vessels awaiting their transport through one of

the “Eight Wonders of the Engineering World,” the Panama Canal. Local tapas were served, and specialty Panamian cocktails flowed as we got to meet the group of 50+ Realtors® we would be spending the next four days with, getting to know Panama and her real estate community. The current and incoming Presidents of the Panamanian Association of Real Estate Brokers and Promoters (ACOBIR) were also onboard to meet and greet, and souvenir bags with Panama hats were gifted to every attendee.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS

Throughout the course of the 4-day mission trip, our time was spent primarily on visiting developments. The majority of which was focused in the city, several on the outskirts. Green City, an e-community set in the mountains overlooking the Panamanian skyline, offers Green Building, solar energy, an awesome line-up of amenities, the coolest of which we found to be the ziplining over the river, which is carved out 50 feet below the forest setting. Located 20 minutes outside of the city, an 1,800 SF, 2-story townhouse can be purchased starting in the $300,000’s.

We visited new construction projects that offered smaller footprints, 40 - 60 SM, and one bedroom in the heart of the city, starting in the $160,000’s. A 2/2 lockoff that can be managed on-site for short-term rentals with a bit of a view and an outdoor balcony can be purchased for $230,000’s. This type of building offers tons of amenities, including an infinity pool and spa, gym, rooftop bar, coffee shop, valet parking, and much more for $2 per square meter, equating to less than $200 per month for fees. Some of the buildings are very close to completion, while others won’t be ready for 18 - 24 months.

Team Cashi with incoming President of ACOBIR, Alvaro Boyd.

In another part of the city, we visited some aweinspiring luxury waterfront condos that are being built ranging from 150 SM - 450 SM and priced from $850,000 - $2 million with outrageous amenities including rooftop bars, whiskey & wine tasting rooms, infinity pools, golf simulators and 12 person theater rooms with stages for performances. The finishes are garnished with marble flooring, luxury fixtures, and views for miles. Depending on your budget and time frame, Panama has an investment opportunity for everyone.

2023 ACOBIR EXPO INMOBILIANIA

We also attended the 2023 ACOBIR Expo Inmobiliania, a trade show that highlighted many of Panama’s developers showcasing the products and communities they are currently building. It was an amazing experience to be able to network with so many different representatives from all over Central America and become familiarized with the different offerings they provide.

Our hotel, the Riu, was the host to the Panama Day,

which featured a panel of professionals who specialize in taxes, mortgages, tourism, and city planners, as well as the current and incoming President of Panama’s Executive Committee, i.e., Board of Realtors®. We gathered some interesting info about the day-to-day workings of the industry in Panama. For instance, if you purchase a property in Panama and it becomes your primary residence, even as a U.S. citizen, your tax rate is .5% As a second or vacation homeowner, your taxes would be somewhere between .8 and 1%, depending on the price of the property. This cuts down considerably on a budget of someone looking to retire in a warm climate close to the beach with big city benefits compared to most U.S. cities. Mortgages may also be attained, usually at 50% of the LTV, but there are exceptions for an even higher amount with certain developers.

A mission trip to this hurricane-free Central American country proved to be highly informative and successful. I would recommend putting Panama on the top of your list of countries to explore not only for your personal enjoyment but for clients that want to invest, but perhaps cannot afford the lifestyle they desire in the Sarasota and Bradenton marketplace.

JOIN THE GLOBAL BUSINESS COUNCIL

Join the Global Business Council to stay tuned for other upcoming mission trips both virtual and in person for 2023. Membership is only $25 for the year. We have a lot of exciting locations on the horizon!

Team Cashi with David McCoy, NAR Global Coordinator for North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Team Cashi with Brian Woods and Dan Negulescu, Global Council President of Romania and NAR’s Global Embassador to Eastern Europe.

Women in Real Estate: Let’s Start From the Beginning

By: Julianna Burns, Realtor ®, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty

Women in real estate... let’s start at the beginning.

HISTORY

The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) was founded in 1908 with the purpose “to unite the real estate men of America.” There were no gender or racial requirements for membership; however, there were explicit bylaws that banned women from joining some local Realtor® associations, which in turn did not allow all women to be a part of NAR. Twenty years later, thirtyseven women from nine states changed the face of real estate by creating the Women’s Council of Realtors® (WCR) in November of 1938. Today, Women’s Council is a nationwide community of 13,000 real estate professionals from more than 250 local and state networks in nearly 40 states. Female mentorship in real estate was rare when women were first starting out. Today’s new Realtors® can benefit from a wealth of knowledge from all the ladies who came before them. Knowing the history of women in this industry and the responsibilities held, I was honored to be installed as the 64th President of WCR Sarasota.

PRESENT DAY

We have made big strides since membership was 100% male. There have now been seven female NAR Presidents. Today women represent the industry majority in the United States, making up over 60% of Realtors®. However, we still have a long way to go. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that in female-dominated industries, men are 75% more likely than women to hold an executive-level position. Flexible work schedules, equitable earnings, a desire to help families, and recognition of achievements, I believe, are the driving forces behind this female-dominating industry.

This career has changed my life. Since obtaining my real estate license in 2016, I have joined and served on many different organizations and committees. Those experiences have created numerous growth opportunities as a professional and as a leader. By joining WCR, I had the opportunity to meet women from all across the United States with insight and experience that I was able to transfer into my business. I became more involved philanthropically with organizations like Mote Marine, American Cancer Society, Humane Society, and Impact 100, that not only opened my eyes to different needs locally but introduced me to some real powerhouse women and men that have since become friends and clients. This industry has the potential to open doors and present lifechanging opportunities for those that are willing to accept

the challenge with a competitive drive. I love determining my own schedule and being completely in control of my own growth, achievements, and destiny.

However, it was far from easy when starting out. I realized immediately after obtaining my real estate license I would be underestimated in this business. Not knowing that I had an introduction to the real estate and construction world at a young age, I was over-quoted jobs from contractors, dismissed by male clients, and had plenty of back and forth with attorneys regarding real estate transactions.

KNOW YOUR WORTH

Having experience in “fix and flips” combined with education from my local board and beyond has helped me combat these problems and win on behalf of my customer and my reputation. You have to earn respect and credibility every Day. Winning a $50,000 plus advantage in a female seller vs. male attorney conflict, correcting a $60,000 over-bid from a male contractor for an out-of-state buyer... Those situations stick with you, fuel your passion, and earn your keep in this industry. You must constantly educate yourself on the market, supply chain, contractual changes, marketing, etc. to remain in the game. Know your worth and never back down. All those experiences have brought me to where I am today and are constantly offering opportunities to network with a variety of professionals in the community, as well as make my own contributions.

I met Leigh Brown at a conference, and she said it best. “Own the skin you’re in. Your story, your life journey, past jobs, and roles and skills - all matter. Find someone to be your mentor, take what they do well, and put your own spin on it,” said Leigh Brown, Broker and Owner of One Community Real Estate, Charlotte, North Carolina. All those experiences have brought me to where I am today.

THE FUTURE: SHATTERING GLASS CEILINGS

Women in real estate are not only leading in helping their customers and clients play the game, but they’re also getting on the field themselves! Single women are 5% more likely to own a home than single males. Single women are also two times more likely to owner-occupy homes than single men in every U.S. city. Women are giving the term “homemaker” a whole new meaning. The best part? We are just getting started!

ORGANIZATIONS FOR WOMEN IN REAL ESTATE:

ƒ National Association of Women in Real Estate Business (NAWRB)

ƒ Women’s Council of Realtors® (WCR) Conference

ƒ Women in Real Estate (WIRE)

ƒ Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW Network) •

Mission Valley, Nokomis

By: Craig McCoy, Realtor®, McCoy Real Estate Group, Keller Williams on the Water Sarasota

ission Valley, Nokomis was originally settled by the Sioux, Cherokee, and Iroquois tribes. This wide area is located east of Route 41, west of Route 75 in Nokomis off Laurel Road (also known as North Venice on area maps), and .75 miles from Route 41 near the Legacy Trail overpass.

Once you turn north on Mission Valley Blvd., you enter the Mission Valley community or the north Venice area. In the 1920s, turpentine and lumber were the trades in the area, and stills and camps were connected by rail. Prisons leased prisoners as laborers to these companies. The Palmer family leased 4,000 acres to them.

Planned development in the 1960s platted land in 5-acre segments as “equestrian estates,” advertised as “a home with a barn,” and now most areas have been subdivided. A few remaining equestrian and farm properties do still exist. Many streets were named for horses, such as Clydesdale, Arabian, and Pinto. It is not unusual to see deer, bobcats, and raccoons in this country-like setting.

MRumor says the community was home to many Ringling Circus performers, and some still reside here. The circus train would pass mere yards from this area, so it was plausible.

The area features well-manicured and hidden country-style roads that are canopied with hanging Spanish Moss. In 1967 the gated Mission Valley Country Club and Calusa Lakes Country Club community were designed for 200+ homes, which are more modern and upscale than the equestrian community. An extremely well-maintained HOA and many homes border the course. Private and semiprivate golf clubs are available.

Nearby attractions include Nokomis beach, Casey Key, Venice jetty, Oscar Scherer park, schools, Publix, hospital, downtown Venice, shops, restaurants, boating, biking, and legacy trail.

Home styles range from traditional block ranch to modern and artistic architecture in the equestrian community, and the gated community has more modern, affluent, upscale stucco designed, open plan interiors, high ceilings, pools, and terracotta roofs.

Recent sales range from $500K to $1.14M, with an average sale price of $759K. New listings are available, ranging in price from $650K to 1.65M, with an average selling price of $1.067M. •

RASM Team Member Updates

RASM happily recognizes the workplace anniversaries of our professional staff.

Jessica Montague, Member Services Manager, celebrates her eighth anniversary with RASM in March. She oversees the Realtors® in regard to membership and all member services, such as maintaining the membership database, processing applications, transfers, and more. Jessica is also the staff liaison for the RASM Business Partners.

Jessica greatly enjoys interacting with the members and feels that every day brings something new and exciting. She also loves her RASM coworkers. Jessica enjoys reading, concerts, and spending time with her two beautiful and energetic kids.

Tiffany Chamberlain, Financial Administration Coordinator, celebrates eight years with the association this month.

Tiffany works with the many day-to-day accounting functions and responsibilities at RASM and helps to ensure that accounting services run smoothly and efficiently.

Tiffany loves the family atmosphere that RASM embodies. She also loves the members and RASM staff and genuinely feels appreciated.

When not at the office, Tiffany enjoys spending her free time with her husband and their three amazing kids (daughter Zoe, age 7, son Blaze, age 4, and two-year-old daughter Skylar).

She also enjoys going to the beach, relaxing outdoors, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Denise Ricciotti, Professional Development Manager, celebrates her three-year anniversary with the association this month. Denise works to bring new and exciting education, training, and programming to our members.

She also works as the liaison to several committees, including Professional Development, the Leadership Academy, Global Business Council, and the Realtor® Attorney Joint Committee. During her three years at the association, she is proud to have earned her CIPS, AHWD, and GREEN designations.

In her free time, Denise enjoys exploring local beaches, bike riding on the Legacy Trail, reading, and working with charities. She also enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, and their rescue dog, Jaxson.

Cynthia

Association

Manager, celebrates her fifth anniversary with RASM in March.

Cynthia manages the RASM North office and is in charge of the RASM store products and inventory. She also provides member services, including processing applications, office transfers, MLS listings, assistance with Supra products, and assisting members with general calls and emails.

She enjoys meeting our RASM members and encourages everyone to stop by the beautiful RASM North office to say hello!

In her free time, Cynthia enjoys traveling, reading, checking out the local restaurants and museums, and cooking for her husband, family, and friends.

[ Continued on page 27]

Small,

Services

RASM Team Member Updates

Shaniece Mathew, RASM Association

Services Coordinator, celebrates her one-year anniversary with the association this month.

Shaniece works primarily at the new RASM North office in Bradenton.

Shaniece manages the front desk, works in the RASM store, and assists with membership.

In just one year with RASM, Shaniece has made great strides in her position and is loved by her RASM teammates and members.

In her free time, she enjoys watching movies, cooking, and baking. She also loves the beautiful Florida weather and enjoys being outdoors.

Stevi Murphy is the new RASM Member Services Coordinator

Stevi came to RASM from the Aiken Association of Realtors® in Aiken, South Carolina, a small-town association, where she served as Office Coordinator for four years.

Stevi is excited about the challenges of working with RASM, a mega association with an innovative and busy office.

Originally from Florida, Stevi grew up on Marco Island and is happy to have relocated back to the Sunshine state. She looks forward to exploring the Sarasota area and getting to know our members.

Stevi is a happy wife whose husband is a golf course superintendent, rebuilding the Bobby Jones course in Sarasota. Stevi is also a mom of one middle schooler, two adult children, Gam Gam to one precocious granddaughter, and a dog mom to a fun but very obnoxious dog.

The Benefits of Professional Development: Investing in Yourself is Essential for Success

By: Jennifer Young, Realtor®, C2EX, BRG Suncoast

am so busy I can’t add one more thing to my plate.” How many of you have said exactly that, either out loud or in your head? Well, I challenge that by saying that “professional development is absolutely imperative for every Realtor®!”

BENEFITS OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Professional development helps Realtors® to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the real estate industry, as well as the law and regulations that govern it. Ongoing training also helps Realtors® stay competitive in the market by providing them with the knowledge and the skills they need to succeed.

In fact, according to the 2022-2023 Real Estate Agent Income Guide from Real Estate Express, real estate professionals who invest in educational opportunities annually earn $72,000 more than those who don’t! Do I have your attention yet? Additionally,

Iprofessional education can help Realtors® build relationships with other professionals in the industry, leading to cooperation among professionals and more business opportunities.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Professional development can be achieved through webinars, live-streamed classes, in-person learning, and self-paced online learning. Class offerings are never hard to come by at RASM, as our learning calendar of opportunities expands every day. On behalf of the entire professional development committee, we can tell you that we work hard to provide valuable, relevant, and interesting classes for our RASM members. Have an idea or suggestion? Send it over to education@myrasm.com. We’d love to hear from YOU! •

2023 ANNUAL SPONSORS PLATINUM

Battaglia Law, PLLC

Carotti Engineering, LLC

LeeWay Home Inspection

Sunshine Movers of Sarasota

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Get Ready to Give Your Business a BOOST

By: Denise Ricciotti, RASM Professional Development Manager

ou completed the biggest step, passing the real estate exam, but there’s still so much to learn. RASM’s BOOST series offers education on subjects like how to treat real estate as a business, draft a business plan, recognize tax deductible expenses, build your personal brand and market yourself, and how to attract clients. Classes are complimentary and take place every Wednesday in April from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at RASM South

BOOST SPRING SCHEDULE

RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS AS A BUSINESS: APRIL 5

Running Your Business as a Business is designed to help you get your business started and 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 much more. Instructed by Larry Geimer, CPA, Kerkering, Barberio & Co., and Thomas Heimann, Realtor®, Realty Partners. LLC.

MARKETING YOURSELF AND OPEN HOUSES: APRIL 12

Marketing Yourself and Open Houses prepares the new agent for hosting an effective open house, including farming techniques and social media advertising. Discover why it is important to build your brand from the beginning and how to market yourself effectively. Learn how to focus on what makes you unique and what value you bring to clients. Instructed by Annette Bentley Reilly, Properties Title, LLC

BUILDING YOUR CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT: APRIL 19

Building your Customer Relationship Management is an introduction to some of the Client Relationship Management platforms on the market. To effectively manage leads, potential home buyers, and current clients, agents need a decent CRM. Knowing how to generate and organize leads is imperative for a successful Realtor®. Instructed by Alex Krumm, Realtor®, Next Home Excellence.

THE ART OF COMPS: APRIL 26

The Art of Comps explains how to create a CMA, or “Comparative Market Analysis,” one of the first skills a real estate agent should learn. Discover how to utilize the tools available to you so you can prepare an accurate price for your listings. Instructed by Sharon Gould, Realtor®, Michael Saunders & Co.

YREALTORS® NEWLY DESIGNATED & CERTIFIED

Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®)

ƒ Catherine Noelia Calix, KW Suncoast

ƒ Geoffrey A. Lopez, Radius Realty Group LLC

ƒ Tiffany Anne Nisbet, RE/MAX Alliance Group

C2EX

ƒ Forest Layn Balderson, Fine Properties

ƒ Tiffany Anne Nisbet, RE/MAX Alliance Group

ƒ Monica M. Waterman, Allison James Estates & Homes

e-PRO®

ƒ Katherine Barrie, Michael Saunders & Company

ƒ Ronan Jeffrey Bray, LPT Realty

ƒ DuRynda Brusco, Michael Saunders & Company

ƒ Maria Veronica Manes, Michael Saunders & Company

ƒ Alexandra Marks, Robbins & Marks, LLC

ƒ Pamela German Modisett, Michael Saunders & Company

ƒ Maria Randazzo Barone, Keller Williams Island

Life Real Estate

ƒ Mirtha M. Sozen, Baron Holdings Real Estate LLC

Graduate, REALTOR® Institute

ƒ Jason M. Baker, RE/MAX Platinum Realty

ƒ Liza Courtney Knipe, RE/MAX Platinum Realty

Military Relocation Professional

ƒ Donna Faye Vissing, Century 21 Beggins Enterprises

Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource

ƒ Katherine Barrie, Michael Saunders & Company

ƒ Kent Ellermets, Ellermets Realty, Inc.

ƒ Leah Marie Ellermets, Ellermets Realty, Inc.

ƒ Mark Lewis Evans, Michael Saunders & Company

ƒ Tamora Horner, Keller Williams Island Life Real Estate

ƒ Norann Radu Manos, Bright Realty

ƒ Tiffany Anne Nisbet, RE/MAX Alliance Group

ƒ Shelley Elaine Panas, Century 21 Beggins Enterprises

ƒ Eva Saab, EXP Realty LLC

ƒ Cynthia Therese Stillings, Coldwell Banker Realty

ƒ Walter I. Sugamura, Horizon Realty International

ƒ Christine Walters, Realty By Design LLC •

MARCH 2023 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

THURSDAY, MARCH 2

8:45 a.m. YPN Trolley Tour: Golf Communities [ South ]

FRIDAY, MARCH 3

8:30 a.m. CREA Marketplace [ South ]

MONDAY, MARCH 6

9:00 a.m. 14 HR CE (Day 1 of 2) [ South ]

TUESDAY, MARCH 7

9:00 a.m. 14 HR CE (Day 2 of 2) [ South ]

THURSDAY, MARCH 9

9:15 a.m. Business Partner Membership Meeting [ North ]

1:00 p.m. Code of Ethics [ Online ]

FRIDAY, MARCH 10

8:30 a.m. CREA Marketplace [ South ]

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

7:30 a.m. Habitat for Humanity Build Day [ Sarasota & Manatee ]

MONDAY, MARCH 13

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

1:30 p.m. New Member Orientation [ South ]

FRIDAY, MARCH 17

8:30 a.m. CREA Marketplace [ South ]

TUESDAY, MARCH 21

11:30 a.m. Commercial Lenders Panel [ South ]

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22

9:30 a.m. Property Management Class [ Online ]

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22

2:00 p.m. Global Spotlight: South Africa [ South & Online ]

FRIDAY, MARCH 24

8:30 a.m. CREA Marketplace [ South ]

8:45 a.m. Annual Sporting Clays Tournament [ Sarasota Gun Club ]

MONDAY, MARCH 27

1:30 p.m. RAJC: Who Signs the Contract? [ South ]

TUESDAY, APRIL 4

1:15 p.m. How to Create a Better To-Do List [ Online ]

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 6

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 7

8:30 a.m. CREA Marketplace [ South ]

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 and Open Houses [ South ]

FRIDAY, APRIL 14

8:30 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

8:30 a.m. Downtown Horizons [ Pier 22 ]

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19

1:30 p.m. BOOST: Building Your CRM [ South ]

FRIDAY, APRIL 21

8:30 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 [ TBD ]

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

8:30 a.m. CREA Marketplace [ South ]

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

CALENDAR KEY:

[ South ] 2320 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL 34232

[ North ] 2901 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205

[ Hybrid ] Class offered online or at specified location

[ Online ] Class is only offered through webinar

UPCOMING CLASSES

UPCOMING CLASSES

Learn more at myrasm.com/calendar to register.

14 HR CE

Mon., Mar. 6 - Tues., Mar. 7 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. [ South ]

This two-day course will provide the full 14-hours of continuing education needed for licenses renewal. You will take away information that will help you in your real estate career and keep you out of trouble with FREC. Members $89. 14 CE HRS.

CODE OF ETHICS

Thursday, March 9 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. [ Online ]

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

INTRO TO CONTRACTS

Monday, March 13 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. [ South ]

The real estate contract is always evolving. In this class, instructed by Erin Christy, students will be introduced to the basic elements of a real estate contract. Members Free.

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION

Monday, March 13 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. [ South ]

This session is required for new REALTOR® members and serves as an introduction to the Association. This class covers membership benefits, resources, MLS rules and regulations and more. Members Free.

COMMERCIAL LENDERS PANEL

Tuesday, March 21 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. [ South ]

This Commercial Lender’s Panel will cover the latest on what they’re seeing in the market, as well as best practices to know and issues to look for when financing your next commercial real estate deal. CREA Members Free. $5 for Non-CREA Member.

THE PROPERTY MANAGER RELATIONSHIP

Wednesday, March 22 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. [ Online ]

The Owner/Property Manager relationship is the most important aspect of property management. Learn how to protect yourself, call the shots, set down the rules and get paid by creating a rock-solid property management agreement and implementing best practices. $10 Members. 2 CE HRS.

GLOBAL SPOTLIGHT: SOUTH AFRICA

Wedneday, March 22 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. [ South & Online ]

Learn how to work effectively with Africa’s real estate agents and their customers. Hear from our international panel of experts as they share their knowledge and expertise. GBC Members Free. NonGBC Members $25 (includes free GBC membership for the remainder of the year).

ANNUAL SPORTING CLAYS TOURNAMENT

Friday, March 24 8:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. [ Sarasota Gun Club ] Join CREA for their Annual Sporting Clays Tournament in March! Network with business partners and commercial members. All proceeds benefit the RASM REALTORS® Charitable Foundation and Harvest House. $400 Foursome. $120 Individual.

WHO IS AUTHORIZED TO SIGN CONTRACTS AND LISTING AGREEMENTS?

Monday, March 27 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. [ South & Online ]

This RAJC panel will discuss how to determine who really owns a piece of property, how to make sure you have all the rightful owners, and how to prevent common mistakes and pitfalls. Members Free.

MLS REQUIRED CLASSES

In-person MLS Classes take place at RASM South on the first Wednesday of the month. Live webinars are available for required and elective classes. If you prefer to complete your required education by taking a selfpaced 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 additionally, 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

Anna Allen, Preferred Shore

Elia Junior Aumua, Keller Williams Realty Select

Forest Layn Balderson, Fine Properties

Laura Houston Bell, Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc.

Brenda J. Boynton, Good Life Realty LLC

Linda Brand, Preferred Shore

Amanda Bray, LPT Realty

Jeffrey Bray, LPT Realty

Holly Faith Bush, LPT Realty

Louise Cabral, Coldwell Banker Realty

Kimberly Cameron, Coldwell Banker Realty

Courtney Claxton, EXP Realty LLC

Tonya Michelle Cleckner, Fine Properties

Josie Cline, Locals Realty LLC

Ivelisse M. Diaz, Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc

Jenna Didiego, Keller Williams On The Water

Robert S. Dinan, Homefront Realty LLC

Vincent Paul Diorides, Compass Florida, LLC

Alexander B. Doubiago, Realty One Group Skyline

Tina Ellis, Preferred Shore

Kaia Emerald, Wagner Realty

Stacey Ann Emmett, Preferred Shore

Karl Erickson, EXP Realty LLC

Elba Estrella, KW Suncoast

Amy Rae Fehr, Real Broker LLC

Mary Elizabeth Frazier, KW Suncoast

Michael Gagg, Privada Realty

Julie Marie Genson, Ranch Realty

Djoudlin Germinal, Align Right Realty SRQ Opulence

Kate Germinal, Align Right Realty SRQ Opulence

Kevin Andrew Gerry, Fine Properties

Jeffrey Gobuty, Sato Real Estate Inc.

Michele Gregoire, Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate

Kimberly Griffith, Real Broker LLC

Gina Fabiola Guarneri, KW Suncoast

Ashley Irie Guzman, EXP Realty LLC

Leanne Hall, KW Suncoast

Jessica Harris, Preferred Shore

Taylor Harris, Blakeley & Associates Realty

Barbara L. Haskins, Ascendia Real Estate

Rebecca Hayden, Keller Williams Realty Select

Natalie Hebert, Fine Properties

Mark Andrew Hinkel, Better Homes & Gardens

Real Estate

Mark J. Huber, Michael Saunders & Company

Eric Jarvis, Keller Williams On The Water

Virginia L. Jerrems, MS Realty Mickey Schweitzer & Associates LLC

Erick Alex Jones, Gulf Shores Realty

Kevin Princeton Kao, Florida Homes Realty & Mortgage

Rian Patrick Kelly, Realty Hub

William J. Keogh, Robert Slack LLC

Christopher Kernan, RE/MAX Alliance Group

Eric Knight, Keller Williams On The Water

Patty Lance, Compass Florida, LLC

Cedrick Dewayne Lane, Align Right Realty SRQ Opulence

Spencer Lawrence, Blakeley & Associates Realty

Alexandra Leigh Lawson-Baker, Living Vogue LLC

Dzung Le, Dalton Wade Inc.

Brittany Nicole Livingston, Coldwell Banker Realty

Antonio Lopez, Mangrove Realty Associates

Tricia Ann Loreto, LPT Realty

Daniel Vincenzo Lustro, Preferred Shore

Fauna MacLaren, Keller Williams On The Water

Logan S. Malloy, Preferred Shore

Erika Daniela Martinez-Gonzalez, LPT Realty

Bryan Casimir McGuire, Showtime Realty

Victoria Ann McKenzie, Keller Williams On The Water

Christopher Meekins, RE/MAX Alliance Group

Margo Shaffer Miller, Sarasota New Homes Realty Inc.

Samantha Montgomery, Preferred Shore

Matthew William Moore, EXP Realty LLC

Danielle Jean Morieko, Channell Real Estate & Investments

Ashlee Ray Morrell, Preferred Shore

Keith J. Mosley, Keller Williams Realty Gold

Marina Myers, Preferred Shore

Kelli Ann Nold, TNG Real Estate

Marianne Carson Oden, Fine Properties

Heather Marie Palo, Keller Williams Realty Select

Alex Paulus, Prime Time Real Estate Inc

Kym E. Paxton, KW Suncoast

Philip A. Paxton, KW Suncoast

Stephanie Paxton, KW Suncoast

Rosemary Penland, Premiere Plus Realty Company

Lela Halen Pentsa, Wagner Realty

Matthew A. Perea, Keller Williams Realty Select

Carleton Hoang Pergerson, Coldwell Banker Realty

Jonathan Robert Pergerson, Coldwell Banker Realty

Sterling Perkins, Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc.

Dennis Joel Permut, Premier Sothebys Intl Realty

RASM MEMBERS NOW WITH (CONTINUED)

Aaron Perry, Fine Properties

Barbara Peters, Harry Robbins Assoc Inc. Christy

Peterson, Compass Florida, LLC.

Tracey Ann Peterson, Florida Homes Realty & Mortgage

Judyanne M. Pfarner, Michael Saunders & Co.

Dante R. Profita, Dalton Wade Inc

Aaron Pyman, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Florida Realty

Christopher Rayborn, Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty

Rayborn Erica, Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty

Janice Kay Reed, Keller Williams St Pete

Jeffrey Rencher, Preferred Shore

David John Renner, Beyond Realty LLC

Karen Marlen Reyes, SRQ International Realty LLC

Ronald Richards, Realty Hub

Renate Richter, Showtime Realty

Leigh Anne Rodgers, Fine Properties

Scott Arleigh Rowe, KW Suncoast

Roznos Cassandra, EXP Realty LLC

Victoria Rudenko, Weichert Realtors® Hallmark

Properties

Ann Marie Rue, Miranda R E Group Naples FL

David Salmon,Weichert Realtors® Hallmark

Properties

Giulia Salustri, Bright Realty

Marianne Salvatore, Coldwell Banker Sarasota Cent.

Carlos Santana PA, TNG Real Estate

Anne M. Schneider, Coldwell Banker Realty

Ivey Nicole Shelley, Legacy Premier Realty LLC

Barbara Ray Sigurdson, Bright Realty

Christopher Smargisso, Anna Maria Life Real Estate

Karyn L. Smith, Living Vogue LLC

Heidi Marie Smithers, BRG Suncoast

Victoria C. Sousa, Keller Williams On The Water

Solveiga A. Spalvins, LPT Realty

Ridge Harrison Spring, Preferred Shore

Mirjana Spurnic, Michael Saunders & Company

Kimberly Kaye Stanford, Ayers and Associates Real Estate

Wojciech D. Suchanek, Wojciech Suchanek PA

Belkis Xiomara Symlar, KW Suncoast

Amy Terzuoli, Bright Realty

Wanda Thoreson, Coldwell Banker Realty

Banning Quinn Tibbetts, KW Suncoast

Gloria Totti-Cervoni, Coldwell Banker Realty

Jennifer Mullen Trager PLLC, TNG Real Estate

Javier Vargas, Preferred Shore

Natasha Vassilev, Preferred Shore

Nataliya Veshapidze, Medway Realty

Lismary Vicente, Coastal Luxury Partners, Inc.

Albert John Wenzel, Compass Florida, LLC.

Andrea P. Williams, Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate

Latesha Yvette Williams, Align Right Realty SRQ

Opulence

Ann Winger, RE/MAX Platinum Realty

Walter Boit Winship, LPT Realty

Traute Winsor, Compass Florida, LLC

Ann B. Wolpers, Wagner Realty

Jessica Wren, Michael Saunders & Company

Kim C. Wright, EXP Realty LLC

Carolyn G. Yates, Coldwell Banker Sarasota Cent.

Yekaterina A. Zalesova, Anytime Realty

NEW DESIGNATED REALTORS®

Monica Michaela Birta, Florida MorningStar Realty Inc.

Matthew Derocher, Arterra Luxe-Florida LLC

Yarin Yehezkel Dori, Dori Homes Realty LLC

Maria Howell Dudley, Vacasa Florida, LLC

Michael A. Faline, West Coast Real Estate GP

Brandi J. Gabbard, Suncoast Realty Solutions, LLC

Shelley Renee Hanrahan, Shelley Shellz Sells Homes

Travis Hart, SRQ Inspection Service

Margo Shaffer Miller, Sarasota New Homes Realty Inc.

Kenneth J. Rankin, Florida Quest Realty Services

Jennifer J. Richards, Homefront Realty LLC

Crystal Schwartz, Coldwell Banker Realty

Wojciech D. Suchanek, Wojciech Suchanek PA

Lucious Renard Sumlar, Bear Realty Inc.

Kathryn J. Zorn, Better Homes And Gardens RE

NEW REALTORS®

Angela Biviana Acosta, Keller Williams On The Water

Cynthia D. Adams, Keller Williams Island Life Re

Jacob Angelo, Real Broker LLC

Shimagi Nicole Botero, Wagner Realty

Timea Brown, Keller Williams Island Life Re

Diana Bucurescu, eXp Realty, LLC

Jonathan Michael Canavan, Keller Williams On The Water

Brendyle Chavers, Leslie Wells Realty, Inc.

Joanne Clark, Fine Properties

Alison Cuskey, Tampa TBI Realty LLC

Stacy Davis, EXP Realty LLC

Anne Diaz-Verson, Coldwell Banker Sarasota Cent.

Stephanie Anne Edgerly, Preferred Shore

Alexander Kenneth Etchison, Coldwell Banker

Sarasota Cent.

Sheri Fiset, Fine Properties

Johnathan Eric Fourthman, Keller Williams On The Water

Kathleen Ann Gagg, Privada Realty

Jessica Galie, Fine Properties

Brad Glance, Keller Williams Island Life Re

Andrew James Grant, Florida Dream Team Realty Services LLC

Catherine Greco, Michael Saunders & Co.

Gina Fabiola Guarneri, KW Suncoast

NEW REALTORS® CONTINUED

Kirk William Gustie, Coldwell Banker Realty

Alex Hanely, Keller Williams On The Water

James M. Hannigan, Oakstrand Realty

Donald Tracy Harper, Baron Holdings Real Estate LLC

Curtis Hatch, Keller Williams On The Water

Jonathon Hess, Coldwell Banker Realty

Diana Marie Hill, Living Vogue LLC

Kimberly A. Ide, Premier Sothebys Intl Realty

Gloria Insua Massa, White Sands Realty Group FL

Derek A. Johnson, Michael Saunders & Company

Cara Marie Kapuscinski, Worth Clark Realty

Lisa Kroshus, Keller Williams On The Water

Cathy Lynn Lanzalotti, Preferred Shore

Benjamin Larzelere Bryant, Duncan Real Estate, Inc.

Michael Lazzari, Keller Williams On The Water

Kyle N. Le, Coastal Luxury Partners, Inc.

Dariusz Legowski, Living Vogue LLC

Karen Lima, Bright Realty

Bryan E Lipps, Preferred Shore

Linda Lobo, Michael Saunders & Company

Franklin Fred Luke, Berkshire Hathaway HomeService

Donna Rose Mafera, Maferas Realty LLC

Rimma Magdessian, Sterling Realty

Lisa Maher, Preferred Shore

Habib Massari, Beyond Realty Powered by Sell State

Michael Tyler Miller, EXP Realty LLC

Jack Thomas Mochty, EXP Realty LLC

Nancy J. Moore, Michael Saunders & Company

Ashlee Ray Morrell, Preferred Shore

Alda Myrteza, Fine Properties

McKenzie Norton, Equity Central Florida RE. LLC

Marianne Carson Oden, Fine Properties

Nicole Marie Ojeda, The Ray Williams Group LLC

Michelle Olds, Fathom Realty FL, LLC

Michelle Marie Olivo, Coldwell Banker Realty

Jessica Olsen, Living Vogue LLC

Nancy Patricia O’Rourke, Premier Sothebys Intl Realty

Amanda Helen Osborne, Keller Williams On The Water

Stephen Matthew Oswald, Realty By Design LLC

Nataliya I. Petrovets, LPT Realty

Chayna Picard, Coldwell Banker Realty

Deborah Ann Pingree, Preferred Shore

Maria M. Ploshansky, W.I.T. Realty LLC

Richard Alan Plotkin, Coldwell Banker Realty

Frances Polar, Locals Realty LLC

Alessandro Raneri, Keller Williams On The Water

Elizabeth Rice, Keller Williams Island Life Re

Freya Robbins, Robbins & Marks, LLC

McKinleigh Rutledge, Signature Premier Properties

LLC

Carlos Andres Salgado, SRQ International Realty LLC

David Salmon, Weichert Realtors® Hallmark

Properties

Julie Cline Sattler, Michael Saunders & Company

Victoria Shepard, Living Vogue LLC

Joseph N. Sikorski, Anna Maria Island Beaches RE

Jacole Snyder, Align Right Realty SRQ Opulence

Delynn Carol Solomon, BeachSalesMobi LLC

Ridge Harrison Spring, Preferred Shore

Jessica St. Andre, Premier Sothebys Intl Realty

Larry C. Starkey, Keller Williams Island Life Re

Valerie Szymaniak, Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc.

Jonathan David Tanner, Coldwell Banker Realty

Nathan John Thomas, Coastal Luxury Partners, Inc.

Minhchau Tran, Coldwell Banker Realty

Teresa Lorene Tyrrell, Coldwell Banker Realty

Jeffrey Eugene Underwood, Weichert Realtors®

Hallmark Properties

Oscar Eduardo Valencia, Trend Realty

Jessica Melissa Vargas Sosa, Preferred Shore

Steven M. Verdelli, Exit King Realty

Keller Walling, Compass Florida, LLC

Kevin Richard Watkins, LoKation

Lucas Michael Westphal, Keller Williams On The Water

Lori Renee Wheeler, Align Right Realty SRQ

Opulence

Cynthia Wickson, Premier Sothebys Intl Realty

Nathalie Christine Williams, Florida Homes Realty & Mortgage

Taylor Wilson, EXP Realty LLC

Carolyn G. Yates, Coldwell Banker Sarasota Cent.

Jadonia Dontrese Zmiejko, Suncoast Realty Group

LLC

Tracie Zuschnitt, Living Vogue LLC •

NEW BUSINESS PARTNERS

DAVI VALENTI MOVERS

3125 Lakewood Ranch Blvd

Lakewood Ranch, Florida 34211

Representative: John Savage

Email: John.Savage@davivalenti.com

Our team of experienced relocation professionals focuses on every detail of your move. From packing and packing material to the loading, transportation, and delivery of your belongings, our team will be there to handle every aspect of your moving needs with a great deal of care and respect.

FEHL SAFE WATER SYSTEMS, LLC

24605 53rd Ave E

Myakka City, Florida 34251

Representative: Jordan Richards

Email: fehlsafewatersystems@gmail.com

Safe Water Treatment Solutions - Safe drinking water is fundamental to life. Fehl Safe Water Treatment has more than 30 years of experience in making water safe. Fehl Safe Water Treatment uses its proprietary technologies to provide decentralized, standard, and custom-designed water treatment solutions that can reliably deliver safe drinking water to both residential and commercial entities.

FLORIDA FIRST CAPITAL FINANCE

1351 N. Gadsden St.

Tallahassee, Florida 32303-5668

Representative: William Wilson

Email: wawsacca@gmail.com

Whether you are expanding, remodeling, converting, refinancing or just starting out, with Florida First Capital/ First Capital Finance as your trusted SBA 504 lender, you’ll spend less time worrying about your loan and more time doing what you do best – running your small business, creating jobs and supporting the economy.

GULF VIEW INSPECTIONS

4836 Deep Creek Ter Parrish, Florida 34219

Representative: Joseph Gibson

Email: gulfviewinspectionsfl@gmail.com

Whether you are buying your first home or vacation rental, we are here to make sure your home is one to last.

IREM SOLUTIONS, INC

7221 Delainey Court, Unit 11 Lakewood Ranch, Florida 34240

Representative: Anne Carroll

Email: annie@iremsolutions.com

IREM Solutions provides residential and commercial appraisal management services to lenders, banks, brokers, attorneys and consumers. By the utilization of Collateral Nexus appraisal technology platform our entire process is designed to help you close more loans on-time!

ISLANDGIRL CLEAN LLC

709 50th St Ct W

Bradenton, Florida 34209

Representative: Brenda Erickson

Email: islndgrl2015@gmail.com

We are very experienced cleaners and love making sure our customers are fully satisfied! Give us a call today to schedule a free estimate.

LEGACY TITLE & ESCROW, LLC

1800 2nd St, Suite 700

Sarasota, Florida 34236

Representative: Kathy Morgan

Email: kathy@legacytitleusa.com

We are a company dedicated to creating exceptional settlement experiences for our customers through the passionate delivery of truly remarkable service. Legacy Title and Escrow LLC is built on a tradition of excellence and guided by a spirit of integrity throughout all aspects of the closing process. As your title and closing provider, we want to assure satisfaction for everyone involved in the transaction, whether you are a buyer, seller, agent or lender.

MOCKMARKET

4771 Maid Marian Lane

Sarasota, Florida 34232

Representative: Ashley Najjar

Email: Ashley@mockmarket.org

Mock Market is a training program designed to fully immerse its participants in Real Estate scenarios to teach how to handle and negotiate transactions from contract to close without having to be under contract.

SKYWAY TITLE SERVICES, LLC

1201 6th Ave W, Suite 100

Bradenton, Florida 34205

Representative: Christina Barrett

Email: Christina@skywaytitlesvc.com

Skyway Title Services, LLC serves Lenders, Real Estate Consumers, and Professionals for all their real estate buying and selling needs. We provide courteous professional services, speedy title searches, and timely disbursements. Considerate flexibility is key to our success. Your satisfaction, as our client, is important. We are here to assist you and ensure a efficient, organized transaction.

STELLAR MEDIA COLLECTIVE LLC

4918 Harris Ave

Sarasota, Florida 34233

Representative: John Markadakis

Email: info@stellarmediacollective.com

We partner with individuals and businesses to help them distinguish their brand, giving them the power to change the lives of their customers.

SUDDATH RELOCATION

4156 122nd Avenue N

Clearwater, Florida 33762

Representative: Davina Jones

Email: Davina.Jones@suddath.com

From home moving and commercial relocation to distributing products around the globe, Suddath’s goal is to be the easiest and most reliable company to work with, delivering expert results with a personal touch.

THE INSURANCE HUB

5969 Cattlemen Lane

Sarasota, Florida 34232

Representative: Rita Proctor

Email: rita@theinsurancehub.net

If you are looking for the most trusted insurance agency to protect your life, family, business, and personal assets, you have found the right place! The Insurance Hub’s mission is to provide excellent services, quality advice, and extensive education on various health insurance types and plans. We are focusing on working on your behalf to save your time and money and getting the best possible insurance coverage for you!

THURBER FINANCIAL GROUP LLC

5266 Office Park Blvd.

Bradenton, Florida 34203

Representative: Jason Thurber

Email: jt@tfgmtg.com

We understand that every borrower is different, and we offer a variety of products to meet your individual requirements. We make the process of securing a mortgage simple and straightforward by offering you the latest in financial tools that enable you to make sound financial choices.

TOP NOTCH CLEANING SERVICES

24605 53rd Ave E

Myakka City, Florida 34251

Representative: Shelby Cutchineal

Email: topnotchcleaningservicesFL@gmail.com

Looking for the perfect clean to fit your needs? Here at Top Notch, we strive to provide clients with outstanding service and professionalism. We go above and beyond your expectations with everything from our one-time deep cleans to our recurring clients. Inquire today to see how we can help you make your life easier.

VALLEY BANK

1680 Fruitville Road

Sarasota, Florida 34236

Representative: John Bryan

Email: jbryan@valley.com

Valley is one of the most trusted and respected banks in the industry. We have approximately $56 billion in assets and more than 200 convenient branches and commercial banking offices across New Jersey, New York, Florida, Alabama, California, and Illinois. Since 1927, the Bank has never produced a losing quarter. Even during the most challenging economic times, we have never stopped lending to our customers.

VANGUARD TITLE

4110 Central Sarasota Parkway Unit 114

Sarasota, Florida 34238

Representative: Wendy Smith

Email: wsmith@vgtitle.com

We take pride in utilizing the latest title and closing technologies to ensure a smooth and seamless transaction, as well as adhere to federal and state consumer protection statutes. Implementing ALTA’s Best Practices makes our customers confident in our service. •

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 TO 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 - January 2023

Sarasota County Single-Family Homes

Monthly Distressed Market - January 2023

Sarasota County Townhouses and Condos

Monthly Distressed Market - January 2023

Manatee County Townhouses and Condos