ELEVATE Magazine - RASM - March 2024

2024 WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

SPONSORED BY

THURSDAY, MARCH 07

8:30 AM - 4:30 PM | RASM SOUTH

TICKETS $75

of Century 21 Hansen Realty Candidate for NAR 2025 First Vice President

RASM is celebrating Women’s History Month in partnership with the WCR Manatee County and the WCR Sarasota with this retreat-style leadership summit for emerging female leaders in real estate.

Questions?

Leah Desare, Director of Events 941-952-3415 | leah@myrasm.com

Sherry GroomsMichael Saunders

Xena ValloneToni Zarghami

Gia Arvin 2024 President Florida REALTORS ®

Erin Watson Director of Client Experience Game On Nation

Christine Hansen Broker-Owner

Spectacular Parade of Homes Celebration

GRAND OPENING OF 7 NEW MODELS DURING THE PARADE OF HOMES, MARCH 9TH–MARCH 28TH

With its prime Lakewood Ranch location, incredible amenities, and luxury single-family homes by some of the area’s finest builders, this waterfront community is the perfect blend of back-to-nature fun and resort-style living.

NEW ONSITE SALES CENTER NOW OPEN

6 COVER STORY

Balancing Act: Walking the Work-Life Tightrope

In today’s world, many of us find ourselves wearing multiple hats and balancing numerous essential responsibilities simultaneously. Maintaining balance in life is undeniably crucial, yet achieving it is often a challenging endeavor. The need to excel in our professional pursuits while simultaneously meeting the needs of our children, supporting a spouse or partner, connecting with friends, siblings, and parents, can often leave very little time for ourselves. What happens when you believe you’re managing everything just fine, only to find yourself suddenly overwhelmed by burnout? How do we find and maintain a healthy balance? To shed light on this topic, we’ve consulted with a few of our esteemed and accomplished RASM members to gather invaluable tips on avoiding overload, balancing work-life responsibilities, and managing the toll of everyday stress.

Both

state that on the day prior to the closing date, or on the closing date prior to the time of closing, the buyer may perform a walk-through inspection to confirm that all items of personal property are on the property, among other vital contractual obligations.

RASM South - 2320 Cattlemen Road

Sarasota, FL 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 Operations & IT:

Jesse Sunday

Vice President of Advocacy & Member Programs:

Maxwell Brandow

Communications Director :

Brandon Gay

Member Services Director :

Jessica Montague

Professional Development Director: Denise Ricciotti

Communications Manager:

Kristen Oriente

Magazine Editor:

Beth Sunday

2024 ASSOCIATION OFFICERS:

President:

Tony Barrett, Barrett Realty, Inc.

President-Elect:

Debi Reynolds, Florida SunCoast Real Estate

Vice President:

David Crawford, Catalist Realty LLC

Treasurer:

Anita Lambert, Premier Sothebys Int’l Realty

Immediate Past President:

Brian Tresidder, William Raveis Real Estate

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. 2024 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 and article submissions, contact Beth Sunday, Magazine Editor, at 941-9523417 or email Beth@MyRASM.com

Balancing Work and Personal Life

By: Jeff Arakelian, RASM CEO

Having been around Realtors® for many years, I’ve often heard stories about clients’ disregard for their agent’s schedule. Clients calling late at night or dropping into town without notice and expecting the agent to show them property. That’s the business you’ve chosen.

In the fast-paced, highly competitive real estate business, achieving a healthy work/life balance can be challenging. However, maintaining a balance between professional and personal life can be crucial for long-term success and overall well-being.

You may frequently work irregular hours, including weekends and evenings, to accommodate clients’ schedules. To strike a balance, top agents suggest establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life. Setting designated working hours and sticking to them helps create predictability, allowing for better planning of personal activities and downtime.

Utilizing technology can also be a big help for agents seeking a more balanced lifestyle. Mobile apps, virtual tools, and project management platforms can enable agents to streamline tasks, manage appointments, and communicate effectively with clients all from their smartphones. This efficiency can allow agents to reclaim precious time for personal pursuits.

Prioritization is essential when managing a real estate career and having a personal life. Identifying and focusing on high-priority tasks ensures that the most critical aspects of the job are addressed, leaving room for personal time. Realistic goal-setting and timemanagement techniques can aid in achieving this balance.

While the real estate business is demanding, finding a work/ life balance is not only possible but crucial for sustained success. By establishing clear boundaries, leveraging technology, prioritizing effectively, and incorporating self-care, real estate agents can create a fulfilling and sustainable career without sacrificing their personal well-being. In this issue of ELEVATE, we will explore many of these strategies for achieving that sometimes elusive work/life balance. •

Balancing Act: Walking the Work-Life Tightrope

In today’s world, many of us find ourselves wearing multiple hats and balancing numerous essential responsibilities simultaneously. Maintaining balance in life is undeniably crucial, yet achieving it is often a challenging endeavor. The need to excel in our professional pursuits while simultaneously meeting the needs of our children, supporting a spouse or partner, connecting with friends, siblings, and parents, can often leave very little time for ourselves. What happens when you believe you’re managing everything just fine, only to find yourself suddenly overwhelmed by burnout? How do we find and maintain a healthy balance? To shed light on this topic, we’ve consulted with a few of our esteemed and accomplished RASM members to gather invaluable tips on avoiding overload, balancing work-life responsibilities, and managing the toll of everyday stress.

DANGERS OF BURNOUT

Unfortunately, burnout can affect anyone at some stage of their life or career. When you’ve reached burnout, you may experience a range of symptoms, such as chronic fatigue, reduced motivation, decreased productivity, irritability, and physical or emotional exhaustion. It can also lead to negative impacts on your mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.

Additionally, burnout can affect your ability to effectively cope with stress and fulfill responsibilities both at work and in your personal life.

“Burnout is real, no matter what your occupation is,” said Barry Grooms, Realtor®, and Co-Owner of Florida SunCoast Real Estate Inc., along with his wife, Sherry Grooms. “Everyone is subject to burnout. We need to know its symptoms. It’s no different than any other mental or physical illness; it must be addressed. As soon as you identify the symptoms and you’re honest with yourself, the sooner you can address it and it will have less of a negative impact on you. But I don’t think burnout is simply from overworking. I think burnout is from not seeing the fruits of your labor with the work you’re putting in. If I’m prospecting and I’m doing everything that everyone tells me that I should be doing, but I’m just not getting the leads I am hoping for, then I’m going to feel burnout.”

STRATEGIES TO MAINTAIN BALANCE

Balancing work life with family life is undeniably challenging, but drawing from the insights of our esteemed RASM industry experts, here are some tried and true strategies aimed at nurturing this delicate balance.

NEED FOR COMMUNICATION

In the continuously changing landscape of the workplace, effective communication stands as a cornerstone of success. It serves as the conduit through which ideas, concerns, and challenges are exchanged, fostering collaboration and innovation. Without regular and open communication, it’s very difficult to make informed decisions and tackle problems.

“In the real estate industry specifically, we can work countless hours with little or nothing to show for it,” added Grooms. “One thing that I am very mindful of with my agents is communication. Someone can come to me with brilliant ideas, but if those ideas require too much of their time and don’t directly translate into transactions, then my very capable agent can become frustrated and exhausted. My advice is to always bounce your ideas off others that you trust, so that you can gauge your time vs. success ratio. Make sure that you are using your valuable time to leverage the best possible results. In addition, if you’re working too hard and running on empty, you need to communicate your frustrations with someone you trust. One insightful conversation might be all you need to get you back on track.”

SET PRIORITIES

“Setting priorities in business is essential, but if you’re not in the right mindset, those properties can be easily steamrolled by financial concerns,” said Grooms. “The bills might be adding up, and there are no deals in the pipeline. But financial stress will kill your instincts. This is where networking and engaging with others is so important. Be very mindful of your inner circle of friends and influences. Always have five people around you who are smarter than you, people who will help you become smarter, who will help you set micro goals that will ultimately lead to big goals achieved. Review your priorities with them and really listen to their advice. You might not be in a position to take a vacation, but you can go easier on yourself and work smarter and not harder.”

ESTABLISH BOUNDARIES

“I’m a dad to four amazing and energetic kids. They keep me pretty busy, especially during evenings and weekends,” said Brian J. Partie Jr. PA, Director of Growth & Business Development with Engel & Völkers Suncoast. “As a parent, I’ve learned the significance of establishing clear boundaries in my interactions with others. It’s essential to provide guidance on how people should engage with you and when you’re available. Certain crucial questions, like ensuring alignment in standards, expectations, needs, and desires, need to be addressed upfront. Not everyone will be a perfect match, and that’s perfectly fine. You can’t cater to everyone, but with the right mindset, there are ample opportunities for success. Mastering the art of saying no is key: recognizing your limits and being willing to decline additional commitments and connections that might overwhelm your time and energy.”

Establishing boundaries will mean something different for everyone, but we all have the same 24 hours each day, and it’s our discretion in allocating and managing that time that truly defines our productivity and well-being.

“It’s not healthy for anyone to work 24/7, it’s ridiculous,” said Grooms. “If my agents tell me how ‘dedicated’ they are by answering their phone anytime, day or night, I immediately tell them that they need downtime. There needs to be a very clear distinction between your calendar and someone else’s calendar. If you don’t take control of your own schedule, then it controls you. And if a client is demanding more of your time then you’re comfortable with, you need to make the decision of whether that is worth it to you. But if you don’t actively make that decision, if you just allow it to happen without reevaluating other obligations, then you are giving someone else control over your schedule, and that will lead to burnout every time.”

TIME-SAVING TECHNIQUES

With so much on our schedules, no one can afford to waste time. So when we have specific tasks to accomplish, being disciplined and managing your time, and avoiding distractions, will greatly improve your chance for success.

“Implementing effective, time-saving techniques can significantly enhance productivity, and there are three that have been game changers for me,” said Partie. “One valuable strategy is time blocking, where you allocate specific blocks for dedicated tasks, minimizing multitasking and ensuring concentrated attention on one aspect at a time. Another practical approach is to batch similar tasks, grouping related activities together during designated time blocks. This not only streamlines your workflow but also reduces the cognitive load of switching between different types of tasks. Additionally, maintaining a habit of regularly reviewing and adjusting your schedule is essential.”

“If you have a small task that can be done, then do it right away and get it off your list,” said Grooms. “Knock off those things that you can quickly and easily do, and before you know it, you’ve accomplished ten tasks that might have looked overwhelming at first. Also, time blocking is a fantastic tool. Block off two hours of your day, with your door closed and your phone muted, and focus only on your highest priority. You will be amazed at how much you will accomplish when you’ve given yourself two hours of uninterrupted, focused work time without distractions. Then, take the rest of the day off!”

DELEGATE AND OUTSOURCE

We all have different abilities and skill sets. Trying to be everything to everyone is not practical and will most definitely lead to burnout.

“Preventing burnout begins with self-awareness,” said Partie. “Burnout tends to arise quicker and intensify when dealing with tasks that aren’t aligned with our natural strengths or passions. Take the time to understand your purpose and why you do what you do; it significantly shapes your approach to work and life. When there’s alignment between your actions and the impact on others, putting in extra time and effort feels fulfilling rather than leading to burnout. Try to delegate or outsource the things that eat up your time and energy, that you might not be best suited for anyway. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where your efforts contribute to both personal satisfaction and serving others effectively.”

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

“If I don’t schedule small segments of time for myself on my calendar and treat these scheduled events with the same level of importance as any other task or meeting, then it just won’t happen,” said Charlotte Griffin, Business Development Director with Berlin Patten Ebling, PLLC. “I have three amazing daughters, and they are the driving factor for all that I do; they are the primary reason that I work so hard, and I strive for more. I love spending quality time with them. But if I don’t have time for me, then I’m not going to be the best version of me that my family deserves. I need a few moments throughout the week where I can just stop and be still. I need to reset my mind in a quiet space – maybe that means taking lunch by myself, or a small walk outside – it doesn’t have to be something big. But a few moments of quiet alone time are essential for me personally, and I think it could really help others as well,” added Griffin.

“Self-care” is a term that’s gaining significant attention lately, and for good reason. Real estate is a demanding industry and despite our best intentions, stress has a cunning ability to overwhelm us, often catching us off guard. Prioritizing our mental and emotional well-being is paramount in navigating life’s challenges. In addition, keeping an eye on our colleagues and friends who may be experiencing similar stressors is equally important.

“I suggest taking scheduled breaks throughout the day,” added Grooms. “These breaks can be as simple as going for a walk, taking a short nap, or whatever you need to do to recharge your batteries. Also, take some time to check on others who could use a positivity break in their own hectic schedule. And then when your break time is over, you are ready to hit the ground running because you feel relaxed and rejuvenated.”

SCHEDULE QUALITY TIME

Scheduling quality time goes beyond self-care and taking breaks throughout the day, it means planning events and activities with those you love and having something to look forward to. Plan these events as you would plan your workday. Make schedule quality time a priority - it’s essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and nurturing your relationships.

BE REALISTIC

“Life’s unpredictability ensures that despite our best-laid plans, there will inevitably be moments when circumstances diverge from our expectations,” explained Griffin. “And that’s perfectly alright, it’s bound to happen, we have to be realistic and can’t beat ourselves up over it,” she continued, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and self-compassion. “Maintaining a backup plan is invaluable for me in navigating these twists and turns, because inevitability, my plans will change without my control. It’s about communication with colleagues and loved ones, establishing a network of support for when life takes an unexpected turn. Whether it’s leaning on a trusted coworker or seeking assistance from family members, having these contingencies in place can alleviate stress and help us navigate the inevitable surprises.”

LEARN TO SAY “NO”

Mastering the art of saying “no” proves challenging for many, particularly in service-oriented sectors like real estate.

“Sometimes it feels like we’re juggling too many balls in the air, and one small slip can send them all crashing down,” said Griffin. “Overload happens to all of us. But it’s important to remember that it’s okay to prioritize, ask for help when needed, and just say ‘no’ when we need to. Saying ‘no’ isn’t being rude, but it’s often time selfpreservation. When we have too many obligations, then we need to be smart about what we can and can’t do. We’re only human, and we can’t do everything perfectly all the time.”

As professionals in the real estate industry, when too many tasks land on our plate, have strategies in place to weed through the essential priorities versus the items that can wait.

“Whenever I start to really feel overloaded, I take a few minutes alone to just organize my thoughts,” said Griffin. “I have one list of what I ‘have’ to do, and one list of what I ‘want’ to do. Seeing these tasks side-by-side really helps me to prioritize. Many of us have children, and relationships, and families to care for. Inevitably, the ‘want to do’ side of the equation starts to take priority because if I ignore it, my life will be out of balance. Family and loved ones must come first. I’m so grateful to work for a company that understands this and fully supports me.”

Juggling all of our diverse responsibilities can prove especially demanding, and there will inevitably be moments when maintaining this equilibrium seems nearly impossible.

“Life will be unpredictable – that’s a fact, and there is no avoiding stress for any of us. It’s important to realize that most of us are doing the best we can,” added Grooms. “But we have to remember the reasons why we work as hard as we do. Our families and loved ones need to come first, and with effort, the rest will fall into place. We also need to look out for one another. If you see someone who is struggling, don’t hesitate to throw out a life preserver to a sinking colleague, agent, or friend. Share what’s worked for you. The pursuit of work-life balance is an ongoing process that requires self-compassion, empathy for others, adaptability, and a commitment to always do our best, and at the end of the day, that has to be enough.” •

Donna Evans, Goodwill Manasota

By: Donna Evans, Director of Donation Development & White Glove Service, Goodwill Manasota

Not only was Donna RASM’s 2017 Business Partner of the Year, but she also handles Goodwill Manasota’s White Glove Service, which provides a FREE specialty service to those who are looking to empty their home by donating the contents due to downsizing, relocating, or selling the home.

The White Glove Service team packs all of the donated items with care, along with picking up the furniture, and delivers everything to Goodwill for resale in their stores. They also ensure that the donor receives an itemized tax donation receipt.

Those using White Glove Service include those selling their second home that is fully furnished, buyers who purchase a furnished home but have their own furnishings, seniors who are selling their primary residence and downsizing to a retirement home, and families disposing of things when selling their deceased relative’s home.

The money received from the sales of your donations helps Goodwill to create jobs and economic success for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment, including veterans returning home and needing help reintegrating into new job skills. The donor receives the satisfaction of knowing they’re changing lives through the power of work with their valuable donated belongings. It’s a win-win for all! Need a home emptied of your sellable items? Leave it to us!

For more information, call Donna at 941-355-2721, ext. 131. •

Exaggeration in Advertising

By: National Association of REALTORS®

In his efforts to sell a furnished apartment building, REALTOR® A, the listing broker, used advertising describing the property, including such phrases as “modern updates... most units have new appliances... excellent earnings record.” Buyer B saw the ad, called Realtor® A, was shown three nicely appointed units on the property, signed an offer to buy, and wrote a check for a deposit. A few days later, he made a more careful inspection of the property and its earnings statements, and filed a complaint against Realtor® A with the Association of REALTORS® charging misleading and exaggerated advertising.

The complaint was referred to the Grievance Committee which, after its review and evaluation, referred it to the Professional Standards Administrator, directing that a hearing be scheduled before a Hearing Panel of the Professional Standards Committee.

At the hearing, Buyer B explained that he had been looking for just such an investment property in the general location, that the price appealed to him, and that he had only a very limited time available on the day he was shown the property. The three apartments which he was shown were in excellent condition, so he had thought it advisable to make an offer, feeling that he could place full reliance on Realtor® A’s representation of the property both in his oral statements and his advertising.

His second, and more thorough, inspection revealed that the three apartments shown to him were the only apartments in the building that were updated; the other nine were badly in need of renovation. Moreover, he said, the earnings record of the building, which by ordinary standards was satisfactory for the two years immediately preceding, had shown high vacancy and a loss in two of the ten years of the building’s life, had shown a definitely low return in three years, and had never shown an earnings record that could be described as “excellent.”

Responding to Buyer B’s specifics, Realtor® A pointed out that the complaint did not charge him with misrepresenting anything in his oral statements to Buyer B; that the complaint, therefore, was based solely on his advertisement which he felt did not depart from accepted standards in advertising. Since the building was about ten years old, he felt free to say that all of its units were “modern”, and that when he stated “most units have new appliances,” he based

that, too, on the fact that the building was about ten years old. Finally, in his opinion, the earnings record of the building for its entire operating life, since it had shown a loss in only two of its ten years, could reasonably be described as “excellent”.

Questioning of Realtor® A revealed that the three apartments shown to Buyer B were, in fact, the only renovated units in the building, and that these three were the only apartments in which the original appliances had been replaced. Realtor® A’s comment on this was, “Naturally, in showing the building, I directed attention to the most attractive features. This is just ordinary competence in selling.”

It was the conclusion of the Hearing Panel that Realtor® A’s advertising used exaggeration and had not presented a true picture in his representations to the buyer. Realtor® A was found in violation of Article 12. •

Walk-Through Issues: How to Solve Quickly and Close on Time

By: Mallory Bauer, Esq., Berlin Patten Ebling, PLLC, Attorney

Both the AS IS Contract and Standard Residential

Contract state that on the day prior to the closing date, or on the closing date prior to the time of closing, the buyer or buyer’s representative may perform a walk-through (and follow-up walkthrough, if necessary) inspection of the property to confirm that all items of personal property are on the property, to verify that the seller has maintained the property as requested by the Maintenance Requirement, has met all other contractual obligations, and, in a standard contract, to make sure all necessary repairs have been conducted.

In an ideal world, the walk-through goes smoothly, and parties proceed towards closing. Unfortunately, walk-through issues do occur. A few examples of walk-through issues are:

1) AC is not working but was operable during the inspection, 2) the seller has not removed any personal property items, and 3) the seller did not properly repair items that were contractually required to be repaired. In the event a walk-through issue arises, there are typically three options to resolve and proceed toward closing, listed below.

1 | Extend the Closing Date:

a.This is the easiest and the least messy option. Extending the closing date allows the seller to resolve any walk-through issues at their cost and allows the buyer to re-inspect and close when the work is completed.

b.Many parties to a contract do not want to extend the closing for many reasons (i.e., simultaneous closing, lender restrictions, need to occupy the property today, etc.)

2 | Parties agree to close, but the seller provides a seller credit:

a.When parties proceed with this option, the seller provides the buyer with a closing cost credit so the buyer conducts the repair(s) themselves post-closing. Typically, the seller will obtain an estimate for the repair(s), and the credit will reflect that amount.

b.An addendum to the contract will need to be drafted in order to include the seller credit on the

closing statement. If a lender is involved, the credit addendum will need to be provided to the lender’s underwriter, which sometimes cannot be reviewed on the same day and may lead to an unwanted closing extension.

3 | Parties agree to an escrow holdback:

a.This option requires the seller to repair the item(s) post-closing, and the closing agent typically holds 125% of the estimated repair(s) back at closing. Once the repair(s) are completed, the funds are released as payment to the contractor and the remainder of the funds to the seller.

b.An escrow agreement is strongly encouraged in the event of an escrow holdback, which requires the closing agent to draft a legally binding document, and typically, a fee is incurred.

c.If a lender is involved, the escrow agreement needs to be approved by the lender’s underwriter. Dependent upon the type of repair(s), many lenders will not allow an escrow holdback. If a lender does allow an escrow holdback, the underwriter will have to approve, which sometimes cannot be reviewed the same day and may lead to an unwanted closing extension.

It is important for Realtors® to understand how to quickly resolve walk-through issues to best service their clients. While the above list is not exhaustive, and every walk-through issue is unique, it should provide good insight to all Realtors®. •

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2024 Scholarship Applications Open

By: The RASM REALTORS® Charitable Foundation

The REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM) has released the 2024 scholarship applications for eligible students in the 2024-2025 academic year, offered through the RASM REALTORS® Charitable Foundation Every year, the Association awards a minimum of six scholarships in the amount of $2,000 to deserving students in the Sarasota and Manatee area.

The awarded scholarships are split between applicants whose parents or grandparents are Realtor® members of RASM and applicants who are from Sarasota and Manatee counties. In 2023, the RRCF awarded 20 scholarships to local students for a total of $40,000, the most in RASM’s scholarship program history.

The application is open and available to local high school seniors who will be attending an undergraduate college or university; any student currently enrolled in an undergraduate college or university; or any student pursuing a graduate degree.

Scholarship awards will be “based solely on the merits of the selection criteria as set by the Scholarship Committee.” Criteria to be considered include, but aren’t limited to, academic achievements, financial need, and contributions to the school and community.

All application materials are due by 5 p.m. on March 29, 2024. Learn more and apply at myrasm. com/scholarships. •

2024 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS DUE MARCH 29 SCHOLARSHIPS

625 Sarasota includes two boutique condominiums in Downtown Sarasota. 625 at The Palm is Palm Avenue’s newest addition, offering a vibrant life at the epicenter of downtown. 625 at The Point offers a tranquil private sanctuary on Golden Gate Point. Each property will offer a limited collection of just 12 residences, complemented by resort-style amenities that provide every convenience. Construction is getting underway soon and getting your Clients in early will ensure they have the best selection and pricing, from the high $2 millions. To register your Client or arrange for a private appointment, visit 625Sarasota.com or call our Sales Gallery at 941-366-8070.

Sarasota Vacation Rental Rules Go City Wide & FEMA Flood Map Updates

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

The vacation rental rules that previously only applied to Sarasota city properties on barrier islands were recently expanded to apply to all vacation rentals (less than 30 days) in the City of Sarasota.

These new rules will require all vacation rental owners to apply to the city for a rental certificate, get an annual inspection from city officials, adhere to safety requirements, and have a point of contact available to address any complaints or issues. Maximum occupancy for vacation rentals was reduced from 16 to 14 persons per rental, depending on bedroom count. The new fee for registration is $500, with renewal registration $350.

RASM opposed this expansion at every commission meeting and workshop due to the negative impact it would have on small “mom & pop” operators of vacation rentals, as well as the lack of certainty that the new rules would address the city’s perceived problems with vacation rentals.

Registration for non-barrier island vacation rentals will be accepted starting July 1, 2024, and no later than October 31, 2024.

If not registered by Jan. 2025, those vacation rentals will be in violation. All rentals must be registered. Please make sure to inform your clients who operate vacation rentals of these proposed changes, and the new timeline to register!

NEW PRELIMINARY FEMA FLOOD MAPS WILL IMPACT SARASOTA COUNTY PROPERTY OWNERS

FEMA is rolling out new flood insurance rate maps (FIRMS) that could impact your client’s insurance requirements and premiums, due to a myriad of factors, including new construction, growth, environmental considerations, floodplains changing and shifting, alterations to local watersheds, and flood risk changes over time. Sarasota County has created a website to assist Realtors® and property owners in

navigating these changes. Also, there will be an “open house” via Zoom where County officials will answer questions about the proposed changes on March 13 from 5:00-6:00 p.m. To register for the Zoom, contact Steve Bell at Sarasota County Government at 941-8616615.

Please take a look at this site for important information: FEMA Flood Map Changes - SRQ. On this site and at the virtual town hall in March, you can find information on how to dispute and appeal new maps with FEMA, learn information about how you could possibly save your clients money on insurance before the preliminary FIRM is adopted, and much more.

CITY OF BRADENTON NEEDS REALTORS® INPUT

The City of Bradenton wants to hear how you use and experience the city. The information the city collects will be vital for future planning and community development, and as we know, Realtors® are on the front lines of the community. You all know where we’ve been and where we’re going. What do you like about the city? What do you dislike? What do you want to see in the future? All of these questions are on the table as the city and community create a vision for the future. Please head to this link HERE to be part of the process! •

Market Shifts and Buyer Leverage in the Sarasota and Manatee Housing Market

By: Brandon Gay, RASM Communications Director

The housing market in January 2024 mirrors the trends observed in the latter half of 2023, as per data released by Florida REALTORS® and analyzed by the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM). January saw a continued uptick in the months supply of inventory and a rise in median time to contract, indicating a gradual shift towards a more balanced market, favorable to buyers.

“As we witness sustained growth in inventory levels, it’s important to recognize that we are still below the levels represented in Q1 of 2019,” said Tony Barrett, 2024 RASM President and Broker/ Owner at Barrett Realty. “The transition towards a more normalized, higher inventory market presents advantages for buyers, offering them increased leverage in negotiating prices, repairs, and closing cost credits.”

Both Sarasota and Manatee counties experienced an uptick in median sales prices. In Sarasota County, the median sale price for single-family homes increased by 16.3 percent to $535,000, and in Manatee County, median prices increased by 3.8 percent to $525,000. The median sale price for Sarasota County condos increased by less than one percent to $420,000 and increased by 3.8 percent to $357,990 for Manatee County condos.

Across the two-county region, closed sales increased year-over-year by 14.9 for single-family homes and increased by 1.3 percent for condos. Single-family homes in Sarasota County witnessed an 18.5 percent increase in closed sales, while condo sales decreased by 4.6 percent. Meanwhile, closed sales in Manatee County saw a respective increase of 10.9 percent and 8.8 percent for single-family homes and condos.

The total number of active listings on the market almost doubled when compared to the previous year, providing buyers with a wider array of options. In Sarasota County, active inventory for single-family homes increased by 75.4 percent to 3,135 listings and the condo supply increased by 124 percent to 1,985

listings. Active listings for single-family homes in Manatee County increased by 33.3 percent to 2,420 listings, and increased by 79.4 percent for condos, with 1,340 listings.

Months supply of inventory (MSI) continued its upward trajectory across both counties. The MSI for single-family homes was at 4.9 months in Sarasota County and 3.9 in Manatee County, a year-over-year increase of 75 percent and 21.9 percent, respectively. The condo market reached new records for both Manatee and Sarasota County. There was a 6.2-month supply of Sarasota condos, which was last reported in April of 2019 and there was a 5.6-month supply of Manatee condos, which has not been reported since February of 2013. This is a year-over-year increase of 129.6 percent and 75 percent, respectively.

The median time to contract for Sarasota County averaged 38 days, marking a 58.3 percent increase from the previous year. In Manatee County, houses and condos remained on the market for approximately 41 days before going under contract, reflecting a 41.3 percent increase from January 2023.

Looking ahead, Tony Barrett commented, “In the coming months, potential shifts in interest rates and insurance costs could reshape the market dynamics. Should interest rates decrease and insurance costs follow suit, we may anticipate a resurgence of buyers entering the market once again.”

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 - January 2024

RASM Team Member Updates

RASM happily recognizes the workplace anniversaries of our professional staff.

Jessica Montague, Membership Director, celebrates her ninth anniversary with RASM in March. She oversees the Realtors® memberships and all associated services, including meticulously maintaining the membership database, processing applications, transfers, and more. Jessica is also the Staff Liaison for the RASM Business Partners and Scholarship Committees.

Jessica greatly enjoys interacting with the members and feels that every day brings something new and exciting. She also loves her RASM coworkers. Jessica finds fulfillment in various interests, including reading, attending concerts, and cherishing moments with her two vibrant teenagers.

Tiffany Chamberlain, Financial Administration Coordinator, celebrates nine 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 Zoey, age 8; son Blaze, age 5; and three-year-old daughter Skylar).

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

Denise Ricciotti, Professional Development Manager, celebrates her four-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, the Global Business Council, and the Realtor® Attorney Joint Committee. During her four years at the association, she is proud to have earned her CIPS, AHWD, and GREEN designations.

In her free time, Denise enjoys exploring local restaurants, 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. •

International Buyers Guide to U.S. Real Estate

By: Benjamin Nathan, PA. SRS, Realtor®

It’s not a secret that investing in real estate is rising across the United States. Foreign buyers’ purchasing of Florida residential real estate increased to $53.3 billion in 2023 compared to $19.4 billion in 2016. Florida remains the top destination for foreign buyers, accounting for 23% of all international purchases.

Generally, the U.S. is friendly to international buyers, and the process is equal for U.S. residents. However, there are some basic practices that all foreign buyers should understand before investing. Credit checks, financing, and tax policies will differ for foreign buyers.

WHAT FOREIGN INVESTORS SHOULD KNOW

In the U.S., most real estate agents secure an exclusive right-to-sale listing agreement, and properties are posted to the Multiple Listing Service (also known as the MLS), allowing active listings to be available to all agents. This differs from European countries, where it’s common practice for agents to have open listing agreements; in these situations, buyers go from agency to agency when searching for the ideal property.

Before purchasing a home in the U.S., foreign buyers must be ready to prove their identity. Although they don’t need U.S. citizenship, they need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) assigns this number to foreign nationals who must file income tax returns. Foreign buyers need a valid passport or several photo identifications, such as a driver’s license, to verify their identity and country of origin. Though real estate ownership isn’t tied to immigration or visa status, there are rules about how long foreigners can stay in the U.S. Generally, foreign investors can stay about six months per year.

FUNDING THE TRANSACTION

Nowadays, banks can offer mortgages to foreign buyers, but they usually require a relationship with the customer beyond just the mortgage. Some banks, such as HSBC (which offers financing options to many

foreign homebuyers), require that international buyers hold a $100,000 deposit with the bank. Generally, foreign buyers can obtain financing for properties with a 30% down payment. However, banks also want 12 months of reserves to cover the mortgage payments, maintenance fees, and taxes in addition to the $100,000 mentioned above.

From securing real estate loans to calculating FIRPTA tax withholdings, there is a great learning curve for any investor entering the U.S. real estate market. It is in the best interest of foreign investors to work with a local real estate agent who understands international buyers’ complexities and financial needs.

WHERE SHOULD FOREIGNERS INVEST?

While real estate in prime markets like Miami and Manhattan is expensive and vulnerable to the IRS, places like Southwest Florida are a very smart investment. Foreign real estate investors will yield higher returns here in Florida. To put things in perspective, the London and Hong Kong real estate market is about 50% more expensive than Manhattan. That said, investing in Florida real estate is an excellent way for international investors to keep their money safe (and appreciating). •

The Strategy to Success: How to Survive Tough Markets

By: Nicolas Mora, Broker/Owner, Streampoint Realty

Defining success as a real estate professional isn’t just about closing deals; it’s about crafting compelling solutions that resonate with your clients. With over 200,000 real estate professionals licensed in Florida, simply having access to the Multiple Listing Service will not equate to a sustainable career. For agents to have long-lasting and prosperous careers, they must focus their efforts on anticipating their client’s concerns to generate value-added solutions. By implementing this solution-driven approach, your clients will recognize you not as a salesperson, but as a real estate professional with a consultancy-like mindset. This professional distinguishment requires a well-defined strategy crafted by the combination of your greatest strengths and your clients’ greatest concerns.

THE CUSTOMER’S COMPELLING STORY: UNVEILING THE HEART OF REAL ESTATE

There’s no better way to develop a successful strategy than to begin with the customer in mind. It’s no secret that real estate agents are only paid when a property is sold. However, reaching the closing table requires real estate professionals to identify the needs of their clients. This identification process must go beyond finding, financing, or inspecting a property and align more closely with the client’s underlying motives. The most observed motives shared by both buyers and sellers are classified as the “Five D’s” of real estate: Diplomas, Diamonds, Diapers, Divorce, and Death. By taking a moment to anticipate the underlying motivation of a buyer or seller, real estate professionals can build long-lasting relationships and create strategies guided by their client’s greatest concern.

AN INTERNAL PERSPECTIVE: GLANCING IN THE MIRROR

Since most buyers and sellers share an underlying motivation, real estate professionals can create solution-driven strategies tailored to their skill set.

Separating strengths from weaknesses is important, however, real estate professionals should filter strengths between those that are energizing and those that are draining. This distinguishment is the key to creating a highly effective, yet sustainable, business strategy that will support your efforts during challenging markets.

SUCCESSFUL STRATEGIZING: BUILDING THE BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS

After identifying your greatest strengths, the real work begins with strategy development. Setting a well-defined goal that is achievable and measurable is critical to any successful strategy. To achieve this goal, and your overall strategy, it’s important to create action items that are detailed, yet obtainable. For example, an action item to farm a specific neighborhood may assist in achieving more listings; however, this action lacks clarity. There is no clear duration of time or effort related to the task. Instead, action items should have set timelines and be within your reasonable capabilities. By breaking down our goals into manageable tasks, we can measure the level of impact we make towards our goal.

INCREMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS: NURTURING GROWTH THROUGH CONTINUOUS LEARNING

The importance of setting timelines for our actions is not only for measurable impacts toward success. Timelines also play a pivotal role in refining our efforts, goals, and strategy. For example, if after farming a neighborhood, you receive zero communication from homeowners, you may have to adjust your approach. Perhaps this neighborhood is relatively new, and homeowners aren’t willing to sell. Maybe the content or quality of your marketing material did not resonate with them enough for them to trust your professional insights. Regardless of the reasoning, without timelines, you risk making a poor investment of your time and money towards an unprofitable strategy. By understanding the customer’s compelling story, charting a strategic course, and embracing continuous improvement, agents can not only win more listings and gain more leads but also leave a lasting imprint on the hearts of their clients. •

Indigo at Lakewood Ranch

By: Stacy & Kirk Weingarten, Executive Vice President at ROVI Homes

The Ind igo neighborhood, built by Neal Communities in Lakewood Ranch, FL, epitomizes suburban charm with a touch of luxury.

Nestled in the heart of Manatee County, this community boasts a rich history dating back to its establishment in the early 2000s as part of the master-planned development of Lakewood Ranch. Its prime location offers residents easy access to Sarasota and Bradenton, renowned for their cultural attractions, pristine beaches, and vibrant dining scenes.

Homestyles in Indigo range from spacious singlefamily residences to elegant villas, showcasing modern designs and upscale finishes. The average home prices typically fall within the mid-to-high range, reflecting the desirability of the neighborhood and its amenities.

Residents of Indigo enjoy a plethora of nearby attractions, including championship golf courses, scenic nature trails, Bob Garner Park, and recreational facilities such as Premier Sports Campus. The community also features its own lifestyle Director and resort-style amenities, including a clubhouse, two pools, a fitness center, a bocce ball court, pickleball courts, and a playground, fostering a sense of community and active lifestyle among its residents.

With its blend of luxurious living, convenient location, and access to top-notch amenities, the Indigo Neighborhood stands as a premier destination for those seeking an upscale yet laid-back lifestyle in the Sarasota and Manatee areas. •

$150 INDIVIDUALS

$450 FOURSOME

Whether you’re a rookie or an expert, all are welcome to learn, shoot, and compete at the 8th Annual Sporting Clays Tournament hosted by RASM’s Commercial Real Estate Alliance. Registration includes cart, lunch, ammunition and shells, ear protection, instructors, and gun rentals. Proceeds benefit: Heroes Welcome Home and RASM Realtors Charitable Foundation. ®

HOSTED BY

ANNUAL CREA

TOURNAMENT

SCHEDULE

REGISTRATION 8:15 AM - 9:15 AM

SAFETY COURSE 9:15 AM - 9:30 AM

SHOTGUN START 9:30 AM

LUNCH & AWARDS 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

EVENT CONCLUDES 1:00 PM

Questions?

Leah DeCesare, Events Director

941-952-3415 | leah@myrasm.com

3445 RUSTICRD

Ready to rock? C2EX can help you take it to the next level.

Amp up your career at C2EX.realtor

REALTORS ® COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

Utilizing AI in Real Estate: Enhancing Efficiency for Agents, Buyers, and Sellers

By: Brittany Geiman, PLLC, Realtor®, Keller Williams On The Water Sarasota

Ar tificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the real estate industry, empowering agents with advanced tools and technologies to streamline their tasks and enhance productivity. By leveraging AI-driven solutions, agents can optimize their workflow, improve decision-making, and provide enhanced services to clients. On the user end, buyers and sellers are able to utilize AI to improve their real estate transactions in various ways. Let’s dive into some of the ways you can use AI for your business and clients:

ƒ Lead Generation and Prospecting: AI-powered systems enable real estate agents to identify potential leads and prospects more efficiently. By analyzing large datasets, including online inquiries, social media interactions, and property listings, AI algorithms can identify individuals showing interest in buying or selling properties. These systems can also provide valuable insights into demographic information, preferences, and behaviors, aiding agents in tailoring their marketing strategies to target specific audiences effectively.

ƒ Customer Relationship Management (CRM): AI-assisted CRM platforms have transformed the way agents manage their client relationships. These systems can collect and analyze vast amounts of data, including past interactions, property preferences, and transaction history, to create comprehensive client profiles. By leveraging AI, agents can automate communication, personalize client interactions, and provide timely updates on property listings and market trends. AI also enables agents to identify potential upselling or cross-selling opportunities, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

ƒ Market Analysis and Predictive Modeling: AI empowers real estate agents with advanced market analysis and predictive modeling tools. By analyzing historical data, current market trends, and economic indicators, AI algorithms can generate accurate forecasts and insights. This enables agents to make informed decisions regarding property pricing, investment opportunities, and market timing. AI-driven predictive models can also assist agents in identifying emerging trends, potential demand fluctuations, and market risks, thereby guiding their strategic planning and decisionmaking processes.

ƒ Contract and Document Management: AI offers significant benefits to real estate agents in terms of contract and document management. AI-powered platforms can automate the process of drafting contracts, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal requirements. These systems can also analyze contracts and legal documents, flagging potential risks and discrepancies. By automating these tasks, agents can save time, reduce errors, and enhance efficiency in handling legal paperwork, enabling them to focus on more critical aspects of their business.

ƒ Virtual and Augmented Reality: AI-driven virtual and augmented reality technologies have transformed the way real estate agents showcase properties to clients. These immersive experiences allow potential buyers to virtually tour properties, visualize renovations, and experience the ambiance of a space before physically visiting it. Agents can leverage AI-powered platforms to create virtual property tours, enhancing their marketing efforts and providing clients with a more interactive and engaging experience.

ƒ Enhanced Property Search and Recommendation Systems: AI-powered algorithms have revolutionized property search and recommendation systems, benefiting both agents and buyers. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data, including property listings, buyer preferences, and market trends, to generate accurate and personalized recommendations. This functionality saves agents time by narrowing down options for potential buyers, allowing them to focus on more specific properties. Likewise, buyers benefit from AI-driven systems that match their preferences with suitable properties, streamlining their search process.

ƒ Improved Property Valuation: AI algorithms are capable of analyzing multiple variables, such as property features, market conditions, historical data, and comparable sales, to provide accurate property valuations. This benefits both sellers and buyers. Sellers can benefit from AI-powered valuations to determine an optimal listing price, ensuring a competitive yet realistic market value. Buyers, on the other hand, can rely on these automated valuations to assess the fairness of property prices, aiding in informed decisionmaking. •

Intro to Contracts: Boosting Confidence at the Closing Table

By: Denise Ricciotti, RASM Professional Development Manager

Real estate contracts are the backbone of property deals, and understanding them is vital. In the world of real estate, knowledge truly is power, as any oversight or misunderstanding in a contract can lead to significant, costly consequences.

That’s why RASM offers free monthly classes led by expert attorneys, covering every aspect of the residential contract. These sessions empower agents to navigate the contract with confidence and clarity. For agents aiming to excel in the real estate market, these classes are a must. Mark your calendars for our next sessions on March 13, April 11, and May 13 to increase your level of your contract knowledge and approach the closing table with greater confidence.

Plus, RASM goes the extra mile with a free class on March 18, “Breaking It Down: How Commercial Contracts Differ From Residential.” This resource highlights key differences, ensuring agents are wellprepared for any transaction.

REALTORS® NEWLY DESIGNATED & CERTIFIED

Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®)

ƒ Veronica R. Caron, Caron Realty Inc.

ƒ Dian Aristya Hapsari, Preferred Shore

ƒ George Raju, NextHome In The Sun

C2EX

ƒ David Hall, Compass Florida LLC

ƒ Tammy Annette Pogar, Wagner Realty

CWS

ƒ Cindy A. Greco, Wagner Realty

ƒ Eileen Patricia Saunders, Michael Saunders & Company

Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI)

ƒ Jessica Pierce, Wagner Realty

Military Relocation Professional (MRP)

ƒ Carla Michele Blethen, Leslie Wells Realty, Inc.

ƒ Michael Kevin Grant, Florida Dream Team

Realty Services LLC

ƒ Robert Minor, Michael Saunders & Company

ƒ Debra Petritsch, Keller Williams On The Water Sarasota

Pricing Strategy Advisor

ƒ Arlene Buckmaster, HouseMax Realty LLC

Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®)

ƒ John B Kelly, Keller Williams Realty Select

ƒ Hope E. Poole, Leslie Wells Realty, Inc.

ƒ Karen Elaine Whalen, Keller Williams On The Water Sarasota •

MARCH & APRIL 2024

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FRIDAY, MARCH 1

9:00 a.m. CREA Marketplace South

TUESDAY, MARCH 5

9:00 a.m. 14 HR CE (Day 1 of 2) NNorth

1:00 p.m. CIPS: Local Markets (Day 1 of 2)

Online

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6

9:00 a.m. 14 HR CE (Day 2 of 2) NNorth

1:00 p.m. CIPS: Local Markets (Day 2 of 2)

Online

THURSDAY, MARCH 7

8:30 a.m. Women’s Leadership Summit tSouth

1:00 p.m. FR Legal Hotline: Top 10 FAQs Online

FRIDAY, MARCH 8

8:30 a.m. CREA Marketplace tSouth

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13

1:30 p.m. Intro to Contracts tSouth

THURSDAY, MARCH 14

8:45 a.m. YPN Trolley Tour: Golf Communities tSouth

FRIDAY, MARCH 15

9:00 a.m. CREA Marketplace tSouth

MONDAY, MARCH 18

2:00 p.m. Commercial vs. Residential Contracts NNorth

TUESDAY, MARCH 19

11:30 a.m. Commerical Lenders Panel tSouth

1:00 p.m. CIPS: Asia/Pacific (Day 1 of 2)

iOnline

1:30 p.m. New Member Orientation tSouth

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20

1:00 p.m. CIPS: Asia/Pacific (Day 2 of 2) Online

FRIDAY, MARCH 22

8:15 a.m. CREA Sporting Clays Tournament iSarasota Gun Club

9:00 a.m. CREA Marketplace tSouth

MONDAY, MARCH 25

8:30 a.m. SRES: Senior Real Estate Specialist (Day 1 of 2) NNorth

TUESDAY, MARCH 26

8:30 a.m. SRES: Senior Real Estate Specialist (Day 2 of 2) NNorth

FRIDAY, MARCH 29

9:00 a.m. CREA Marketplace tSouth

MONDAY, APRIL 1

1:00 p.m. CIPS: The Americas (Day 1 of 2) iOnline

TUESDAY, APRIL 2

1:00 p.m. CIPS: The Americas (Day 2 of 2) iOnline

THURSDAY, APRIL 4

9:00 a.m. Fair Housing iOnline

11:30 a.m. How to Double Your Listings in 2024 tSouth

FRIDAY, APRIL 5

9:00 a.m. CREA Marketplace tSouth

9:30 a.m. CE: Crypto What? iOnline

MONDAY, APRIL 8

8:00 a.m. GRI 201 (Day 1 of 2) tSouth

TUESDAY, APRIL 9

8:00 a.m. GRI 201 (Day 2 of 2) tSouth

10:00 a.m. Fair Housing for All Online

THURSDAY, APRIL 11

9:00 a.m. New Member Orientation NNorth

1:30 p.m. Intro to Contracts NNorth

FRIDAY, APRIL 12

9:00 a.m. CREA Marketplace tSouth

TUESDAY, APRIL 16

11:30 a.m. CREA Lunch & Learn tSouth

MONDAY, APRIL 22

8:00 a.m. GRI 202 (Day 1 of 2) tSouth

TUESDAY, APRIL 23

8:00 a.m. GRI 202 (Day 2 of 2) tSouth

9:00 a.m. Business Partner Orientation NNorth

FRIDAY, APRIL 26

9:00 a.m. CREA Marketplace tSouth

TUESDAY, APRIL 30

9:00 a.m. Intro to Commercial Real Estate NNorth

2:00 p.m. Dealing with an Inflationary Market NNorth

Registration is requested. See event calendar at: myrasm.com/calendar

UPCOMING CLASSES

UPCOMING CLASSES

Learn more at myrasm.com/calendar to register.

14 HR CE

Tues., Mar 5 - Wed., Mar 6 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. [ North ]

This session provides the full 14-hours of continuing education for license renewal, including 3 hours of Core Law, 3 hours of Business Ethics, and 8 hours of Specialty Credit. Members $89. 14 CE HRS.

CIPS: LOCAL MARKETS

Tues., Mar 5 - Wed., Mar 6 1:00 - 4:30 p.m. [ Online ]

This course offers students an overview of the international real estate business environment, including capital flow, currencies, government regulations and cultures. Members $125. 6 CE HRS

TOP 10 FAQS: FLORIDA REALTORS® LEGAL HOTLINE

Thursday, March 7 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. [ Online ]

For this class, Florida REALTORS® Associate General Counsel, Joel Maxson, has compiled a list of the top 10 most frequently asked questions for the Legal Hotline. Members $10. 2 CE HRS.

INTRO TO CONTRACTS

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

Learn the basic elements of a real estate contract and stay up to date on your knowledge. Members Free.

YPN TROLLEY TOUR: GOLF COMMUNITIES

Thursday, March 14 8:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. [ South ]

Hop on the trolley and tour different golf communities and their amenities in Sarasota County. YPN Members $5. Non-YPN Members $10.

COMMERCIAL VS. RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTS

Monday, March 18 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. [ North ]

Students will gain a solid foundation in understanding the legal, practical, and strategic differences between commercial and residential contracts. Members Free.

COMMERCIAL LENDERS PANEL

Tuesday, March 19 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. [ South ]

A panel of commercial real estate and lending professionals will cover the latest on what they’re seeing in the market, how this market relates to past market fluctuations, and best practices to know.

CREA Members FREE. Non-CREA Members $5.

CIPS: ASIA/PACIFIC

Tues., Mar. 19 - Wed., Mar. 20 1:00 - 4:30 p.m. [ Online ]

This CIPS course address real estate practices in Asia and the Pacific with emphasis on cultural influences, economic trends, and assessments of investment opportunities. Members $125. 6 CE HRS.

CREA SPORTING CLAYS TOURNAMENT

Friday, March 22 8:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. [ Sarasota Gun Club ]

Join CREA for their annual Sporting Clays Tournament and enjoy a fun day of friendly competition while networking and raising money for charity. Foursome $450. Individual $150.

SRES: SENIOR REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST

Mon., Mar. 25 -Tues., Mar. 26 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. [ North & Online ]

The SRES® designation is for Realtors® who want to meet the special needs of maturing Americans when selling, buying, relocating, or refinancing residential or investment properties. Members $75. 7 CE HRS.

CIPS: THE AMERICAS

Mon., Apr. 1 - Tues. Apr. 2 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. [ Online ]

The Americas and International Real Estate course offers students practical information on working with clients from the Caribbean, North, Central, and South America. Historical and cultural influences, regional relationship, and investment opportunities are covered. Members $125. 6 CE HRS.

UPCOMING CLASSES CONTINUED

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

Wednesday, March 6 10:00 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

Wednesday, March 6 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

Wednesday, March 6 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. •

RASM MEMBERS NOW WITH

RASM Membership Update

By: Jessica Montague, Member Services Director

Mette Milland, Michael Saunders & Company

Kaisen Shawn Mitchell, Coldwell Banker Realty

Elaine Kaye Adair, NextHome Excellence

Patrick Adam Allard, Team Allard Realty LLC

Tracy Anderson, Preferred Shore

Joan Armon, Barrett Realty, Inc.

Annabelle Bennett, Anna Maria Island Beaches RE

Zachary Neil Bliss, Lights on Realty

Colton Evan Brantley, KW Suncoast

Michelle P. Brenner, Keller Williams Realty Select

Riccardo Bumbaca, Azzurro Realty

Kevin Burbank, Fathom Realty FL, LLC

Angela Marie Byers, Marcus & Company Realty

Glenn David Callaghan, Century 21 Integra

James C. Carpenter, EXP Realty, LLC

Coy Carter, Preferred Shore

Ernest J. Casali, Florida SunCoast Real Estate I

Patricia L. Chandler, Premier Sothebys Intl Realty

Cindy Melany Chavez Thornton, EXP Realty, LLC

Deborah M. Ciomei, Coldwell Banker Realty

Gregory Claxton, Preferred Shore

Sean Collier, Century 21 Integra

Donna Suzanne Deloach, Premier Sothebys Intl Realty

Sonia Dillon, Wagner Realty

Corbett S. Donovan, Preferred Shore

Erin M. Doran-Reid, Preferred Shore

Andrew John Doucett, Michael Saunders & Company

Brooke C. Doucett, Michael Saunders & Company

Jenna Drury, Keller Williams Classic Group

Michelle Duggan, Fathom Realty FL, LLC

Jeffrey Lee Edgerly, Michael Saunders & Company

Stephanie Anne Edgerly, Michael Saunders & Company

Robin Eekhof, Sarasota Land and Homes LLC

Yuliya V. Gaukhman, Medway Realty

Kevin Andrew Gerry, Marcus & Company Realty

Karma K. Gilchrist, Channell Real Estate & Investments

William Carlyle Givens, Dalton Wade Inc.

Michele Good, Marcus & Company Realty

Jill Ashley Gould, Exit King Realty

Vera Patricia A. Graca, Signature Premier Properties LLC

Kenneth A. Grant, Realty One Group Skyline

Inna Grigorov, MVP Realty Associates LLC

Grace Mary Guastella, Real Broker, LLC

Nahum Guerrero, LPT Realty, LLC

Gregory Scott Hanlin, Keller Williams Classic Group

Donata Hardison, Greco Real Estate

Lisa Jo Harris, Premier Sothebys Intl Realty

Lori M. Hilding, eXp Realty, LLC

Hannah Holmes, Keller Williams On The Water Sarasota

Charlene C. Horton, Michael Saunders & Company

Bryan Edward Howard, Harry Robbins Assoc Inc

Jesse Kelley, Coldwell Banker Realty

Sarah Kim, Keys To The Bay Real Estate

Marianne LeBar, Coldwell Banker Realty

Barbara Lenczowski, Dalton Wade Inc.

Jennifer L. McClendon, Preferred Shore

Jonathan Omar Molina, EXP Realty, LLC

David Wayne Muirhead, Preferred Shore

Renee Siegel Nadiv, William Raveis Real Estate

Vesla Nelson, Preferred Shore

Persefoni Nicolosi, Preferred Shore

Lisa Ann O’Hara, RoseBay International Realty, Inc.

Eva D. Oliva, Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc.

Ryan Olson, Real Broker, LLC

Lisa Otte, Douglas Elliman

Nicolette Owen Pfaff, Blakeley & Associates Realty

Elliott R. Owens, Coldwell Banker Realty

Albert G. Piecuch, Mapp Realty & Investment Co

Matthew Plucinski, EXP Realty, LLC

Hope E. Poole, Leslie Wells Realty, Inc.

Deanna L. Raczkowski, Keller Williams Classic Group

Claudia Ramos, LPT Realty, LLC

Jessica Y. Rangel Marrero, SRQ International Realty LLC

Gary Lee Ravan, ROVI

David John Renner, Preferred Shore

Patricia Ronderos, Fine Properties

Jose Rosado, United Nations Realty LLC

Shana Lynn Rosine, Fathom Realty FL, LLC

Kim Marie Rossi, Greco Real Estate

Ricardo Ruiz del Vizo, Preferred Shore

Jared Salzman, Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc.

William J. Santamaria, Preferred Shore

Angel Xavier Santana, Preferred Shore

Antonia Schemmel, Michael Saunders & Company

Jordan Scinta,Wagner Realty

Tamara Shaut, Medway Realty

Shuwan Shih, Dalton Wade Inc.

Tanya Slater, EXP Realty, LLC

Isabella Nell Strohschein, Florida SunCoast Real Estate

Faith Elizabeth Stutzman, Platinum Palm Properties

Joselyne A. Suazo, Preferred Shore

Audrey Hope Sullivan, Coldwell Banker Realty

Kevin Sullivan, Coldwell Banker Realty

Andrew Swartz, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Florida Realty

Carter William Sysak, Fine Properties

Luis Tamayo, Preferred Shore

Spangle Taylor, LPT Realty, LLC

Anthony Lawrence Thomas, Wagner Realty

Kelly Thomas, Preferred Shore

Christine Jacqueline Tutko, Fine Properties

Ellen Ussio PA, The Real Estate Store

Teresa Sue West, Michael Saunders & Company

Helen F. Wiegman, Preferred Shore

Nicolas Wikoff, EXP Realty, LLC

Elizabeth Williams, LPT Realty, LLC

Christopher John Wiseman, Coldwell Banker Realty

Kimberly B. Wolf, Albert Wooster & Company

Terry Thomas Woolard, William Raveis Real Estate

NEW DESIGNATED REALTORS®

Patrick Adam Allard, Team Allard Realty LLC

Monica Angulo Villalobos, Paradisus Realty Group CO

Thiago Souza De Ataide, WRA Business & Real Estate

Andrew D. Dias, Andrew Dias, Broker

David Drewett, Drewett Real Estate

Thomas S. Hennerty, Netrealtynow.com

Julie C. Lalande, Refer A Customer LLC

Kenneth Duane Lemoine, Zenas Properties LLC

Robert Howard Matthews, Azzurro Realty

John K. Peirano, Florida Sunsets Realty LLC

Joseph Edwin Prokop, Prokop Realty Inc.

Madeline Rousseau, Keys To The Bay Real Estate

Steven Whitmore, Florida Gulfshores Realty LLC

NEW REALTORS®

Shannon Abbe, Coldwell Banker Realty

Kerri Acosta Swires, Berkshire Hathaway HomeService

Melanie Albaric, Michael Saunders & Company

Irene E. Anderson, Keller Williams On The Water S

Keri Andino, Fine Properties

Emmanuel Angel Gonzalez, Limitless Sky Real Estate LLC

Forest Layn Balderson, Coldwell Banker Realty

Sonja Behn, Showtime Realty

Victoria Billups, EXP Realty, LLC

Anna S. Bisher, Coldwell Banker Sarasota Cent.

Ronald Bisher, Coldwell Banker Sarasota Cent.

Amanda Bowe, Orquera Florida Investments

Jonell Lynette Bozeman, Preferred Shore

David Anthony Brylowski, W.I.T. Realty LLC

Mark Butler, Keller Williams On The Water

Ariela Carmona, Keller Williams On The Water

Sarasota

Uma Carper, Century 21 All Keys Inc

Van Ceu Cin, Keller Williams On The Water

Dana J. Collazo, Fine Properties

Lisa S. Cordell, Century 21 Integra

Michael Francis Cordell, Century 21 Integra

Anne G. Cormier, EXP Realty, LLC

Courtney Suzanne Creekbaum, Fine Properties

Jose A. Crespo, Keller Williams Classic Group

Christian Criola, Robert Slack LLC

Jeffrey DeJongh, Premier Sothebys Intl Realty

Kerri Dewit, Keller Williams On The Water

Patrice DiZebba, Coldwell Banker Realty

Douglas Alfred Dolliff, LPT Realty, LLC

Maria Catharina Du Toit, Brock Realty Inc.

Isabella Erickson, Keller Williams Classic Group

Nicholas Daniel Forsberg, SimpliHOM

JohnPaul Fortin, Michael Saunders & Company

Eduardo Resendiz Garcia, Keller Williams Realty

Select

Carly Gates, Home Zone Realty Inc.

Bradford Glover, EXP Realty, LLC

Laura Beth Gonzales, KW Suncoast

Nicholas Groeschel,William Raveis Real Estate

Donata Hardison, Greco Real Estate

David Oliver Heron, Coldwell Banker Realty

Glenn Hoffman, Better Homes & Gardens Real Es

Tasha Monique Jeanty, Robert Slack LLC

Christina Jenkins, Dalton Wade Inc.

Robert Jovanovski, Keller Williams Realty Select

Christopher Kiesel, EXP Realty LLC

Leonid Yefim Kotlyar, Fishman Group Realty LLC

Wendy Kramer, KW Suncoast

Chance Krimmert, Fathom Realty FL, LLC

Christine Yee Kumar, Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc.

Justin Liggett, Keller Williams On The Water Sarasota

Lilian D. Lozano, Keller Williams Realty Select

Tara Jean Marano, Coldwell Banker Realty

Laszlo Marsi, BHHS Professional Realty

Stanley Clark McEwen, Fine Properties

Kimberly Michelle McLain, KW Suncoast

Adam S. Miller, Real Broker, LLC

Jessica Ann Miller, Real Broker, LLC

Cheryl Lynn Miraglia, Luxury Homes of Florida, LLC

Zoe Mitchell, Keller Williams Realty Select

Monika J. Albert Kent, Wooster & Company

Gloria A. Monks, KW Suncoast

Michelle Morin, Realty One Group Skyline

Astin Moseley, Realty Solutions SRQ

Heather Nave, Preferred Shore

Douglas Neal, ROVI

Shea Novakovic, Realty Hub

Taylor Jeanine Owens, Keller Williams Realty Select

Niall Phelan, LPT Realty, LLC

Jeffrey A. Polster, ROVI

Amanda Jennifer Price, William Raveis Real Estate

Robert L. Price, ROVI

Emily Ragland, Keller Williams Island Life Re

Thomas Rutherford, SimpliHOM

Janelle Rydberg, Living Vogue LLC

Thomas Rydberg, Living Vogue LLC

Sophia Sanchez, Michael Saunders & Company

Bradley Serpico, Realty Hub

Norma Janete Sierra, KW Suncoast

Vladimir Skibitsky, Sarasota Global Realty

Megan Smith, Keller Williams On The Water S

Svetlana Sokolovskiy, Coldwell Banker Realty

Robert Sowul, Keller Williams Island Life Re

Robert Edward Stobaugh, Michael Saunders & Company

Jennifer Leigh Szink, Virgil Ray Mills LLC

Judy Tagarelli, EXP Realty, LLC

Michelle Taksen, Keller Williams On The Water S

James Tate, Berkshire Hathaway HomeService

Karen Rachelle Turner, Century 21 Integra

Giovanni Valentino, Keller Williams On The Water S

Tonia Williams Vickery, Showtime Realty

Jacob Wittmer, The Sunshine State Company

Christopher P. Wosniak, Skipper & Associates, Inc.

Liu Yang, Re/Max Platinum Realty

Christopher William Zalopany, Keller Williams On The Water Sarasota

Kara Zellers, Keller Williams Classic Group

NEW BUSINESS PARTNERS

ATTORNEY’S TITLE FUND SERVICES

6408 Parkland Dr #105

Sarasota, Florida 34243

Representative: Kelsey Falcone

Email: kfalcone@thefund.com

Since 1948, The Fund has stayed true to the original Mission: supporting our real estate attorney Members in their protection of the public. Backed by the strength of Old Republic Title, only The Fund delivers next-level services, best-in-class education, and practice-enhancing resources to give our Members a competitive edge in Florida.

CLEAR PATH MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS

43 British American Blvd

Latham, New York 12110

Representative: Mike Rankin

Email: Mike@ClearPathMortgages.com

Loan products and programs to suit your unique financial situation.

COLONIAL MORTGAGE CORP

339 6th Avenue W Bradenton, Florida 34205

Representative: Tracy Tonitis

Email: tracy@colonialmortgagecorp.com

Colonial Mortgage Corp. provides the most professional mortgage services for the residents of Florida and North Carolina. We strive to make your experience with us the best you’ve ever had with a mortgage company, and our services to you are second to none.

CONCIERGE CLOSING

4964 Candlebush Circle Sarasota, Florida 34241

Representative: Jamie Black

Email: jamie@theconciergeclosing.com

At Concierge Closing, we understand the importance of making a lasting impression. We create memorable moments by conducting closings in the homes your clients are purchasing, accompanied by champagne and charcuterie. By partnering with Concierge Closing, you provide a level of luxury and personalization that sets you apart.

CURRENCIES DIRECT INC

4705 S Apopka Vineland Rd #114 Orlando, Florida 32819

Representative: Anne Schneider

Email: Anne.Schneider@currenciesdirect.com

If excellent exchange rates, friendly customer service and a simple process to move your money overseas is something you’re looking for, let’s talk.

FIFTH THIRD BANK - MORTGAGE

2035 Cattlemen Road

Sarasota, Florida 34232

Representative: Barry Shertzer

Email: Barry.Shertzer@53.com

Whether you’re looking to buy a home, refinance to save more money each month, or leverage your home equity, we’re here to help you take the next step toward your homeownership goals.

GILBERT DESIGN BUILD

6824 Professional Pkwy

Sarasota, Florida 34240

Representative: Jessica Gilbert

Email: jessica.g@gilbertdesignbuild.com

Serving and enriching lives by providing beautiful work, with care, on time and on budget. At Gilbert Design Build, we are obsessed with getting the details, even down to the very last nail, exactly right.

GOOD NEWS PEST SOLUTIONS

1080 Enterprise Court Ste A North Venice, Florida 34275

Representative: Adam Burnside

Email: david@goodnewspest.com

Pest Solutions With a Mission: Sure, we’re good at eradicating critters, but our vision extends beyond giving mosquitoes, termites, ticks, rodents, and other pests the ol’ heave-ho. We work to share the Good News by loving God, loving our neighbors, and respecting our beautiful planet with green solutions.

HIDDEN CREEK AT LAKEWOOD RANCH, FLORIDA

7720 Hidden Creek Lp #101 Lakewood Ranch, Florida 34231

Representative: Forest Balderson

Email: HiddenCreekLWR@gmail.com

Boasting reinforced concrete-block construction, Hidden Creek Townhomes at Lakewood Ranch Florida are built to resist storm-force winds up to 175 mph, including garage doors. Sound board and specialized insulation inside the concrete block and drywall, the same materials and technique used for quiet in luxury hotels, ensure exceptionally high sound resistance and privacy.

HOME WARRANTY INC

PO Box 1

Rock Rapids, Iowa 51246

Representative: Mark Doerr

Email: markd@homewarrantyinc.com

Home Warranty serves as an additional product source to a wide range of businesses including real estate agencies, utility companies, property management, mortgage lending, home inspection, financial planning, residential construction, and independent insurance agencies. We are committed to utilizing trusted, local servicers who can ensure a timely response to customer needs.

NEW BUSINESS PARTNERS CONTINUED

INTEGRITY TITLE SERVICES, INC

6311 Atrium Drive

Lakewood Ranch, Florida 34202

Representative: Bradley Moyer

Email: bmoyer@integrity-title.com

At Integrity Title Services, Inc., our mission is to be the industry’s leading title company by providing superior customer service. Our office will continually strive to set new standards of turn around time and focus our commitment toward our clients and the community in which we do business.

LEADERONE FINANCIAL

647 S. Commerce Ave

Sebring, Florida 34208

Representative: Michael Andrews

Email: michaelandrews@leader1.com

Looking for a simplified mortgage process? At LeaderOne Financial, we have personalized loan options that could save you time and money. I would be honored to help you get started on this journey. Reach out today to learn more!

METRO DEVELOPMENT GROUP

2502 North Rocky Point Drive

Tampa, Florida 33607

Representative: John Afflebach

Email: johna@metrodg.com

Since 2003 we have specialized in residential land development and master planned communities throughout Central Florida by partnering with trusted industry investors and award-winning homebuilders. Our portfolio includes more than 40,000 developed lots across more than 70 communities, all valued in excess of $3 billion.

MONEYLINE LENDING LLC

3913 Market St

Camp Hill, Pennsylvania 17011

Representative: Steve Gebhardt

Email: steve@moneylinemortgages.com

We make homeownership possible, so STOP RENTING! And stop making your landlord’s life easier than yours. Trust us, buying a home is easy, and instead of throwing away thousands of dollars each year, make the change and start putting it towards a place to call your very own.

PROMINENT TITLE

6400 Manatee Ave W

Bradenton, Florida 34209

Representative: Joseph Palacio

Email: Joseph.Palacio@ptagency.com

Prominent Title Agency was founded in 2004 by Debbie and Joe Brooks. Their goal was to provide a seamless closing experience with unparalleled customer service. Our team is comprised of knowledgeable title experts with more than 100 years of combined industry experience.

STEWART TITLE

2033 Main Street Suite 200

Sarasota, Florida 34237

Representative: Susan Hirtzel

Email: Susan.Hirtzel@stewart.com

We specialize in title insurance and related services required for settlement by the real estate and mortgage industries, provided by our family of companies and high quality network of Stewart policy-issuing offices. Our continued growth allows us to continue innovating and investing in key initiatives which propel us forward in the real estate space.

STORM ROOFING AND REPAIR, LLC

1016 67th St NW

Bradenton, Florida 34209

Representative: Barry Moffatt

Email: stormroofingandrepair@gmail.com

We are a small roofing company covering Bradenton, Sarasota, the Islands of Anna Maria, and Longboat Key for Manatee and Sarasota County. We specialize in all types of roofing repair including tile roof repair, shingle roof repair, flat roof repair, seal coatings, solar roof fans, and roof cleaning.

STRONG ROOFING

2740 Colorado Street

Sarasota, Florida 34237

Representative: Trey Martell

Email: strongroofingsrq@gmail.com

Strong roofing is committed to providing exemplary customer service and unequaled workmanship for all clients Strong Roofing partners with. Both licensed and insured, you can always count on Strong Roofing for speedy, reliable service when you need it most.

TAYLOR MORRISON

551 N. Cattlemen Road Ste 200 Sarasota, Florida 34232

Representative: Christina Magilson

Email: bs.anderson1520@gmail.com

At Taylor Morrison, we strive to go the whole nine yards, providing a seamless homebuying experience and building homes with heart. We are proud to be recognized as America’s Most Trusted® Home Builder nine years and counting, a testament to the trust our customers place in us every day.

THIRD EFFECT MARKETING AND DESIGN, LLC

13034 Peregrin Circle

Bradenton, Florida 34212

Representative: Nick DeCesare

Email: nick@thirdeffectmarketing.com

Building your company brand is about determining the things that make you different from every one else and shining a big bright spotlight on them. We help you explore, develop, distill and determine a distinctive brand essence, and create your visual identity and branding statement. •

Sarasota County