ELEVATE Magazine - RASM - May 2023 Issue

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Advocates in Action: Making a Difference for the Real Estate Industry

Why would Realtors® need to pay attention to local and state politics? It cannot be overstated, but the adage “If real estate is your career, policy is your business,” has never been more crucial than it is today. Our elected officials make important decisions relating to zoning codes and regulations, property tax rates, infrastructure changes, and several other crucial factors that affect the way real estate professionals carry out their dayto-day business. Those politicians are also the ones who hear from their constituents about a number of different policy issues including matters that have a real impact on the value of their property.

Force Majeure

Hu rricane season is right around the corner, and although your home may lose power, you won’t be left in the dark about the effects of the storm on your pending transaction if you have this article handy.

Upcoming Trade Missions

We are fortunate to belong to associations and organizations that provide numerous opportunities for us to expand both our knowledge and networking with industry professionals around the world. Read on to learn about opportunities that are right for you.

Marketing Expectations

Ma rketing in the real estate sector can be a challenging mission, especially in a shifting market. A shifting market is characterized by fluctuations in prices, demand, and supply of properties. As a real estate marketer, you must stay ahead of the curve.

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

Advocating for You and Your Industry

By: Jeff Arakelian, RASM CEO

Simply put, your Association advocates for legislation that is good for real estate and Realtors®, and against legislation that is harmful to real estate and Realtors®. Investing in RPAC is your professional insurance to protect your livelihood. The greater the number of members participating in advocacy, the greater the impact we can have through our strength in numbers.

Our professional legislative advocates are government affairs staff at the local, state, and national levels. They constantly monitor favorable or detrimental legislation to our industry and communicate the positions of the industry to legislators.

RPAC provides political contributions to support lawmakers or candidates who are sympathetic to our causes and issues. By contributing to their campaigns, we help build relationships with these lawmakers, gain access to them, and influence their decisions on real estate issues. This is why it is so important for Realtors® to invest in RPAC. Like it or not, this is how the game of politics is played.

The third pillar of our advocacy program is grassroots involvement meaning the participation of members in calls for action on an issue or simply investing in RPAC. Our Association has the greatest potential to positively influence public policy at all levels through our strength in numbers (our members).

In this issue, you can find more detailed information about our advocacy programs, how you benefit, and how you may get involved to protect your livelihood. As it’s often said, “Those that gain the most from our industry have the most to lose.”

President Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Every man owes a part of his time and money to the business or industry in which he is engaged. No man has a moral right to withhold his support from an organization that is striving to improve conditions within his sphere.” •

“Every man owes a part of his time and money to the business or industry in which he is engaged. No man has a moral right to withhold his support from an organization that is striving to improve conditions within his sphere,” Theodore Roosevelt.

Advocates in Action: Making a Difference for the Real Estate Industry

Why would Realtors® need to pay attention to local and state politics? It cannot be overstated, but the adage “If real estate is your career, policy is your business,” has never been more crucial than it is today. Our elected officials make important decisions relating to zoning codes and regulations, property tax rates, infrastructure changes, and several other crucial factors that affect the way real estate professionals carry out their day-to-day business. Those politicians are also the ones who hear from their constituents about a number of different policy issues including matters that have a real impact on the value of their property.

WHY ADVOCAY?

A Realtor® advocate means having your voice heard on issues that are important to you – and staying informed on those issues is key. You can’t promote and protect your rights if you aren’t aware that they are in danger of being infringed upon. The RASM Government Affairs Department interfaces with all local government entities on behalf of RASM members. We proactively monitor local legislation and regulatory policy for the impact it may have on private property rights and the ability to freely buy, sell, and lease property. But we also rely on the volunteer efforts of our members to join us in the fight to protect and maintain these rights.

“As Realtors®, we are on the front lines,” said David Crawford, Broker/Owner with Catalist Realty and 2023 Treasurer of RASM. “We hear from our clients every day what the barriers are to moving here. Who we vote for and what positions they take have a direct impact on private property rights, on smart growth, on local municipalities and how they vote on comprehensive plans. Having Realtor® champions in local, regional, and state levels is so important not only to our industry, not only to our brokers, our agents, and our members, but even more so, it matters to our clients. We need to keep our finger on the pulse of our community, to ensure that those who are making the big decisions are Realtor®-friendly, smart growthfriendly leaders.”

“Advocacy is where the rubber meets the road in terms protecting our profession, watching out for our clients’ interests and making sure Florida’s real estate industry stays healthy,” said 2023 Florida REALTORS® President, Mike McGraw. “If we don’t have a strong advocacy presence in Tallahassee and in Washington D.C., the other voices in the room win out, and that’s when you see harmful policies takeover that make our lives harder and take away from our bottom line. But you can advocate for your interests all you want to a closed door and get nowhere. It’s RPAC that opens that door up so you can talk to the decision-maker standing behind it.”

WHAT IS THE REALTOR® PARTY?

The REALTOR® Party is a powerful alliance of Realtors® working together to advance public policies and candidates that build strong communities, protect property interests and promote a vibrant business environment. RASM, along with Florida REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), works for our members by advocating for local, state, and federal policy initiatives.

PUBLIC POLICY

On local advocacy issues, RASM has adopted a Public Policy Guide when determining priorities for Manatee County and Sarasota County. We also follow state and national priorities as they pertain to our area. The RASM Public Policy Guide was created to collectively group RASM’s prime objectives as the local voice for real estate in our two-county area. The guide outlines the Association’s position under the following categories:

ƒ Land Use/Development

ƒ Taxation

ƒ Environment

ƒ Infrastructure

ƒ Landlord/Tenant

ƒ Government Budgets

ƒ General

ƒ Legislative Advocacy

ƒ Local Elections

ƒ Education

The RASM Public Policy Guide is continually being revised and updated to stay relevant and focused on our communities’ changing needs. The guide is available for RASM members only. To receive your own copy, email Maxwell@myrasm.com.

2023 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES & WINS

There are several important issues that Florida REALTORS® are watching closing during the Florida 2023 legislative session. RASM fully supports Florida REALTORS® and advocates locally for these key legislative issues.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

One of the main issues that has impacted our state is the issue of affordable housing and is a top legislative priority for Florida REALTORS®. In fact, affordable housing continues to be a hot button topic both locally and nationwide as many people struggle to live where they work, dine, and worship. Florida especially faces an affordable housing crisis as more people move to the state in search of a comfortable climate and lower taxes. This growth combined with a lack of adequate housing inventory is making it difficult for many Floridians to find homes that fit their needs.

On March 29, 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 102, known as the “Live Local Act,” a comprehensive, statewide, affordable housing act that expands on the successful Hometown Heroes Housing Program, builds on existing state housing programs, accelerates the development of new affordable rental units, and incentivizes multifamily apartment owners to reduce rent costs on existing units.

“Affordable housing is going to remain an issue that we need to monitor closely. While the Live Local Act provides some immediate housing relief, particularly with renters, Realtors® and others in our profession need to get the word out to our clients and business associates about many of the incentive and tax programs in the new law. If we can do a good job of bringing these programs to the attention of the business community, we can start an affordable housing boom that Florida has never seen,” added McGraw.

WATER QUALITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL FUNDING

Our water bodies, water ways, springs and other natural wonders are the foundation of our communities and must be protected if Florida wants to remain one of the fastest growing and successful states in the nation. Both Florida REALTORS® and RASM advocates will continue to passionately fight for Florida’s natural resources and a pristine environment. We will also encourage all stakeholders, including the state of Florida, to do their part to help solve environmental problems.

RENT CONTROL AND LANDLORD TENANT LAW

The struggle for rent control reform has been ongoing and is another issue that won’t resolve itself overnight. In areas of the country that have implemented rent control, the local housing pipeline is disrupted as developers look for more stable areas to build their units.

Both Florida REALTORS® and RASM advocates are asking our lawmakers to support Housing Bill 1417 and Senate Bill 1586, which protect Landlord Tenant Law in Chapter 83 of Florida Statutes by preempting local governments from passing burdensome regulations outside of state law. Supporting these preemptions will allow long-term affordable housing strategies to take root, leading to more units being built successfully and more competition that drives rent down.

RISING PROPERTY INSURANCE COSTS

Florida REALTORS® applauds the Florida Legislature for taking unprecedented steps during the 2021 Legislative Session, May 2022 Special Session, and December 2022 Special Session to stabilize Florida’s deteriorating property insurance market. Among other reforms supported by Florida REALTORS®, lawmakers eliminated the one-way attorney fee and the Assignment of Benefits provisions that have been major contributors to rising premiums and a lack of affordable options.

PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS

Being able to rent your home is a fundamental right of private property owners. Vacation rental units have also become a critical part of Florida’s successful tourism-based economy, producing billions of dollars of economic activity each year. Despite this, many local governments continue to enact new, overly burdensome ordinances designed to discourage property owners from exercising their right to rent their property.1

Additional state-wide top legislative priorities for Florida REALTORS® are listed at https://www. floridarealtors.org/advocacy/2023-legislative-priorities

LOCAL LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES & WINS

Some might think that most of the laws and rules that impact their business are decided at the state and federal levels, but often, rules and ordinances passed at the local level have the power to disrupt major aspects of our member’s businesses.

“I’m not sure if our members fully realize how common it is at County Commission and City Council meetings, that there will be rooms full of residents arguing in favor of ordinances that will assuredly harm the local real estate market and negatively impact our members’ bottom lines. We have strength in numbers as the largest trade organization in the area, but, like it or not, it’s hard to compete with some groups who have time on their hands to organize and complain loudly and often on these important issues. These elected officials are humans, and they’re susceptible to pressure from neighborhood groups that mobilize and fight against issues like vacation rentals, smart growth, and affordable housing,” said Max Brandow, Vice President of Advocacy and Member Programs at RASM. Here are some of the issues we are monitoring and taking positions on locally:

SALE OF DOWNTOWN BRADENTON CITY HALL FOR REVITALIZATION:

RASM supports this initiative to revitalize and renew a key area of downtown Bradenton with mixed-use projects. RASM, along with the business community in Bradenton have been on the front lines of this issue because the sale and redevelopment of the property has the opportunity to, as one resident put it, “take Bradenton from a town people drive through, to a town people drive to.”

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.

VACATION RENTAL ORDINANCES

RASM monitors and advocates on VR ordinances annually. We are always hearing of potential VR ordinances being proposed in various municipalities in our two county region.

“The vacation rental issue is one that is always on my radar as your local policy advocate,” said Brandow. “These local commissions and councils want to get their arms around issues that come with vacation rentals, but often they come in heavy handed, essentially making the practice of renting out your home overly burdensome and unprofitable for the individual property owners.”

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.

COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN IN MANATEE

Like last year with Sarasota, Manatee County is researching and 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.

“Zoning is one issue I’m really passionate about. Our built environment, the landscape of our cities, and the efficient organization of our businesses and neighborhoods all stem from zoning. I’m of the opinion that if we can get our local zoning codes in a better and more efficient market-friendly position than it has been in the past, a lot of issues like traffic, affordable housing, economic development and the like will fall into place,” added Brandow.

GET INVOLVED AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Now that we can see the importance of advocacy, we might be tempted to think that one person alone can’t make a difference. It can be a daunting task to send an email or a phone call to your state representative when you don’t know where to begin, and chances are, it will get lost in the shuffle. That’s where the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) comes in.

“A lot of people don’t feel like a political advocate, and most of us started out that way,” said Crawford. “But the most powerful thing you can bring is your experience. You don’t have to go to law school or be a politician to have an impact. Every single Realtor® has experiences, and those stories can be just as important. Realtors® can put some heavy lifting behind local elections. When we show up, we make an impact. They realize the magnitude and size of our reach. We make some noise. By investing in RPAC, you become one of many.” For more information on RPAC, go to page 14.

GREAT AMERICAN REALTOR® DAYS (GARD)

The Great American Realtor® Days (GARD) is an annual event hosted by Florida REALTORS® that gives you the opportunity to travel to Tallahassee and shake hands and meet face-to-face with lawmakers before they weigh decisions that will impact how you do business. You don’t have to be a member of RPAC; any RASM member is encouraged to join. Attendees can make sure our elected leaders have the right information before voting on legislation that could hurt your bottom line, threaten the growth of your business, or make it harder for Floridians to buy their dream homes or sell their properties.

“As Realtors®, we are on the front lines,” added Crawford. “We hear from our clients every day what the barriers are to moving here, to obtaining the right home that will meet their needs. Affordable housing and insurance reform are major issues. We are advocating on behalf of them, taking that word of mouth from the client directly to the legislature. When you have an organized group, who is showing up in force, taking the time to be in Tallahassee in person at GARD, and talking about the issues right where the laws are made, it carries weight. At over 9,000 members, RASM can carry some heavy weight in the local elections. We have a strong impact, and our officials can see our reach. Is there an instant solution? No, but we’re moving the needle in the right direction.”

HOW YOUR VOICE HAS MADE A DIFFERENCE

In past years, Realtors® who participated in GARD have been instrumental in legislation that:

ƒ Massively cuts the state sales tax on commercial leases.

ƒ Provides important insurance reforms to help keep premiums affordable.

ƒ Allocates significant funding for improved water quality throughout the state.

ƒ Caps certain fees charged by community associations.

ƒ Protects homeowners from excessive flood insurance increases.

ƒ Authorizes online/remote notaries for more streamlined transactions.

ƒ Provides new tools for closing open/expired permits.2

DANGERS OF IGNORING PUBLIC POLICY

One of the biggest, most direct impacts that we have experienced with our advocacy efforts was recognized when COVID-19 threatened to halt our economy. Because of our years of advocacy work, the relationships we’ve built with Florida REALTORS® and the legislature, our collective voices were heard. We had earned our seat at the table and even though we all had to adopt different business habits, we won the right to keep real estate as an essential service and managed to thrive even through a pandemic.

“During the pandemic, Realtors® were in danger of being forced into unemployment. RPAC stepped in and made sure the profession was deemed essential so our members could continue to work and keep the industry moving. And guess what? The real estate industry was the bright spot in our economy that year and helped Florida bounce back quicker than any other state,” said McGraw.

The essential service designation was huge for our members throughout the state, but not only that, at the federal level NAR made sure that Realtors® and independent contractors throughout the country were able to access much needed unemployment and covid assistance, even though those programs are historically only accessible to W2 type employees.

“We heard horror stories from Realtor® associations throughout the country about their members being outright forbidden to work during the pandemic. Transactions being stopped dead in their tracks, closings going by the wayside, and agents’ livelihoods being disregarded by lawmakers,” added Brandow. “What we saw during the pandemic was a major lift by all three levels of the Realtor® Association. The ability to continue working during a global pandemic, the ability to access emergency funds for their businesses, it was because we have made ourselves a known commodity to these lawmakers. I think when we reflect back on the pandemic and look at some of things we were able to secure for our members and the industry during that uncertain time, we can all be proud that even though various aspects of society were put on hold, our advocacy efforts went into overdrive.”

Another key concern moving forward for Florida residents is the issue of property insurance.

“We need to continue to keep an eye on property insurance as the changes that were made last year will take time to bring relief,” said McGraw. “That means continuing to talk with lawmakers about insurance issues to see if anything else can be done while we wait for insurers to come back to the state.

Being a Realtor® advocate means having your voice heard on issues that are important to you and staying informed on those issues is key. Pay close attention to the RASM Advocacy Update emails that you receive in your inbox every month. They include valuable information on proposed legislation that could impact your livelihood and your clients.

“It’s easy to just sit back and complain about something, but nothing will be accomplished if we don’t collectively take action to protect private property rights,” added Crawford. “Decisions that are made today can have major consequences for the next 10-20 years, especially when you’re talking comprehensive plans or state bills. We want to make sure that we’re not faced with a complaint after the fact. We need our legislation to receive input directly from the Realtor® community.” •

Offer to Buy Property He has Listed

Doctor A, a surgeon in a major city, inherited a summer house and several wooded acres on the shores of a lake over a thousand miles from Doctor A’s home. Being an extremely busy individual, Doctor A paid little attention to his inheritance for almost two years. Then, planning a vacation trip, Doctor A and his wife decided to visit their property since it was located in a part of the country that they had never seen. Doctor A and his wife spent a week in the house during which they concluded that it was too far from their home town to use on any regular basis. Consequently, Doctor A decided to sell the property and made an appointment with Realtor® B whose office was located in a town nearby.

Doctor A explained that he had inherited the summer house two years earlier and wanted to sell it since it was impractical to keep for his personal use. Doctor A mentioned that he had no idea what the property was worth since it had not previously changed hands in forty years and that he was not familiar with local property values.

Realtor® B explained that sales of vacation homes had been slow for a number of months and recommended a listing price of $75,000. When Doctor A commented that the price seemed low given that the house was located on a lake and included several wooded acres, Realtor® B responded by asking Doctor A what he thought the property was worth. Doctor A repeated that he really had no idea what it was worth since he was completely unfamiliar with the area and concluded that he would have to rely on Realtor® B’s judgment. Doctor A and Realtor® B executed an exclusive listing on the property and two days later Doctor A and his wife returned home.

Three weeks later, Doctor A received a letter from Realtor® B to which was attached a purchase contract for $75,000 less the amount of the listing commission signed by Realtor® B as the purchaser. Realtor® B’s letter indicated his belief that Doctor A should not expect any other offers on the property due to the slow market and that Realtor® B’s “full price” offer was made to “take the property off Doctor A’s hands.”

Doctor A immediately called Realtor® B and advised him that while he might agree to sell the vacation house to Realtor® B, he would not do so until he could have the property appraised by an independent appraiser. Under no circumstances, continued Doctor A, would he recognize Realtor® B as his agent and pay a commission if Realtor® B purchased the house.

Realtor® B responded that there was no reason to obtain an independent appraisal since Doctor A had little choice in the matter. In Realtor® B’s opinion Doctor A could either sell the property to Realtor®

B for $75,000 less the amount of the commission or, should Doctor A refuse Realtor® B’s offer, Realtor® B would be entitled to a commission pursuant to the listing agreement.

Believing that he had no choice, Doctor A signed the purchase agreement and returned it to Realtor® B. Shortly thereafter, the transaction closed.

Several weeks later, reading a local news article, Doctor A learned that Boards of REALTORS® had Professional Standards Committees that considered charges of unethical conduct by Realtor® and REALTOR® ASSOCIATES. He wrote a detailed letter to Realtor® B’s Board spelling out all of the details of the sale of his summer house. In his letter, Doctor A indicated that he had no problem with Realtor® B offering to purchase the property but rather his unhappiness resulted from Realtor® B’s insistence on being compensated as Doctor A’s agent even though he had become a principal in the transaction. Doctor A quoted Article 1 questioning how Realtor® B’s duty to promote Doctor A’s interests could have been served when Realtor® B had taken an essentially adversarial role in the transaction. Finally, Doctor A commented, Realtor® B’s “take it or leave it” attitude had certainly seemed less than honest.

The Board’s Professional Standards Administrator referred Doctor A’s letter to the Grievance Committee which concluded that a hearing should be held. At the hearing before a panel of the Board’s Professional Standards Committee, both Doctor A and Realtor® B told their sides of the story. After all of the evidence and testimony was heard, the Hearing Panel went into executive session and concluded that while the Code of Ethics did not prohibit Realtor® B’s offering to purchase property listed by him, Realtor® B had stepped out of his role as agent and had become a principal in the transaction. Article 1 of the Code of Ethics requires the Realtor® to “protect and promote the interests of the client.” Once Realtor® B expressed his interest in purchasing the property, he could no longer act as Doctor A’s agent except with Doctor A’s knowledgeable consent. This consent had not been granted by Doctor A. Further, Realtor® B’s advice that Doctor A had no choice but to view Realtor® B as his agent and to compensate him accordingly had been incorrect and had been a decisive factor in Doctor A’s decision to sell to Realtor® B. The Hearing Panel also found that Realtor® B had significantly influenced Doctor A’s decision as to the listing price, perhaps with knowledge that he (Realtor® B) would like to purchase the property for himself. Consequently, the Hearing Panel found Realtor® B in violation of Article 1. •

By: National Association of REALTORS® Interpretations of the Code of Ethics Agreement Case 1-22: (Adopted May, 1989 as Case #7-26. Transferred to Article 1 November, 1994. Revised November, 2001.)

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By: J.W. Gibson, InterNACHI© Certified Professional Inspector©

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J.W. cares about you and makes the information easy to understand for the sellers, buyers, and Realtors®. He loves to teach homeowners about how their homes work and how to maintain them.

J.W. retired from the Kentucky State Police at the rank of Captain after 25 years of service.

When you choose Gulf View Inspections, you choose more than a home inspector with advanced certifications and experience. You benefit from

having a knowledgeable inspector who is dedicated to his customers’ needs and satisfaction with an extensive background in investigations, construction, and training.

Let Gulf View Inspections give you the peace of mind you deserve by answering any questions during and after the inspection. Gulf View Inspections is fully licensed and insured. Go to www. gulfviewinspections.com to schedule your inspection today. •

Force Majeure: A Step-by-Step Analysis

By: Michael T. Hankin, Board Certified Real Estate Attorney, Hankin & Hankin

Hu rricane season is right around the corner, and although your home may lose power, you won’t be left in the dark about the effects of the storm on your pending transaction if you have this article handy. Both the FAR-BAR As-Is

Contract and the FAR-BAR Standard Contract contain a force majeure clause in Paragraph 18.G, which addresses hurricanes and other actions outside of the buyer’s and seller’s control, which prevent them from exercising their rights or performing their obligations.

The flowchart below is a visual representation of the clause and depicts the analysis which should be made whenever a Buyer or Seller is unable to perform due to circumstances outside of their control.

To learn more, join the Hurricane Preparedness Panel discussion on June 6 at 2:00 p.m. at RASM North. •

FORCE MAJEURE FLOWCHART:

Was there a hurricane, flood, extreme weather, earthquake, fire, or other act of God, unusual transportation delay, war, insurrection, civil unrest, or act of terrorism, government action, government mandate, a government shutdown, epidemic, or pandemic?

Did the event result in disruption, delay, or prevention of services, insurance, or required approvals essential to closing or result in the buyer or seller being unable to exercise their rights or perform their obligations under the contract?

Was the non-performing party, through the exercise of reasonable diligent effort, unable to perform?

All contract time periods are extended to a reasonable time (up to seven days after the event no longer prevents performance). If the event continues to prevent performance for more than thirty days beyond the closing date, then either the buyer or seller can cancel the contract, and the buyer will be refunded their deposit.

The rights and obligations of the buyer and seller continue and are unaffected by the event.

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Invest in Your Profession With RPAC

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

ince Spring 1969, the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) has promoted the election of proRealtor® candidates across the United States. The purpose is clear: Realtors® and Business Partners raise and spend money to elect candidates who understand and support their interests. The money to accomplish this comes from voluntary contributions made by members. These are not member dues; this is money given freely in recognition of how vital campaign fundraising is to the political process. The RPAC doesn’t buy votes. RPAC enables Realtors® and Business Partners alike to support candidates that support the issues important to their profession and livelihood.

“Investing in RPAC is the best way a Realtor® can protect their business,” said Amy Worth, Broker Associate with RE/MAX Platinum Realty. “RPAC is the only grassroots and issues mobilizing force that exists to protect and promote the tradition of home ownership and real estate investment. By investing in RPAC, you join a group of industry leaders who believe in protecting private property rights, preserving the American dream of home ownership, fighting for tax reform, and reducing burdensome regulations on our business. RPAC does not support any specific political party, but rather, it supports candidates that are committed to supporting the interests of our industry.”

MAJOR INVESTOR PROGRAM

RPAC’s Major Investors are an elite and passionate group of Realtors® whose investments shape the political future of the real estate industry. They know what it takes to get results that will help their bottom line, their industry, and homeowners throughout the state. Their continued generous support opens doors to conversations with key leaders and helps elect candidates who are Realtor® CHAMPIONS.

With a minimum annual investment of $1,000, there are four levels within the RPAC Major Investor Program:

ƒ Platinum R $10,000

ƒ Golden R $5,000

ƒ Crystal R $2,500

ƒ Sterling R $1,000

STAKE THE PLEDGE

Are you ready to become a Major Investor and let your voice be heard? Contributions can be made throughout the year and must add up to a minimum of $1,000 before November 2023 in order for a member to be considered a Major Investor. You can take the Major Investor pledge to indicate that you are planning to make your investment this year!

All who pledge are invited to this year’s Major Investor Reception, alongside all 2022 Major Investors. The event will be held at Sarasota Waterworks on October 2. This event will feature special guests and speakers and will give RASM an opportunity to thank all our members who are on the frontlines of our advocacy efforts. To take the pledge, visit https://www.myrasm. com/public-policy/realtor-party/major-investor-pledge/

BREAKING RECORDS

Last year, RASM reached the record number for the “total amount raised” for RPAC in 2022. From our $20 investors to our Platinum Hall of Fame Major Investors, all our Major Investors made it possible to raise over $300,000 for RPAC last year. This is an outstanding number, and all the credit goes to the 2022 committee, as well as past RPAC advocates at RASM, that have helped build such a solid foundation for last year’s committee to build on. We are excited to see what this year’s numbers will bring.

In addition, RASM now boasts a record-breaking total number of Major Investors at 50. This is a remarkable milestone as so many of our members now see the importance of supporting initiatives.

“RPAC is at the very heart of the success of every Realtor®,” said Mike McGraw, Florida REALTORS® President. “When we help someone sell a property, it’s RPAC that helped that transaction go through. It’s RPAC that spurred the creation of that downpayment assistance opportunity. It’s RPAC that made sure the disclosure process was fair and not over-burdensome. It was RPAC that helped push for a beach restoration effort that allowed properties in a area to retain their value. I could go on and on, but the truth of the matter is that RPAC is the behind-the-scenes powerbroker whose sole job it is to watch the back of every Realtor® and their clients.”

Whether you invest $20 or $5,000, your contribution is your best investment in real estate. In politics, money talks, and Florida REALTORS® PAC gives us a voice. When Realtors® speak through Florida REALTORS® PAC, Tallahassee listens. And the more money Florida REALTORS® PAC raises, the louder we speak. •

RASM’s RPAC Major Investors

The REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee is proud to recognize members who participate in RPAC’s Major Investor program. These Realtors® and Business Partners deserve sincere appreciation for investing in RPAC as a Major Investor.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2022 REALTOR® ADVOCATES

PLATINUM R ($10,000)

ƒ RASM’s Commercial Real Estate Alliance

GOLDEN R ($5,000)

ƒ Bill Furst*

ƒ Barry Grooms*

ƒ Julia Montei

ƒ Denise Oyler

ƒ Debi Reynolds

CRYSTAL R ($2,500)

ƒ Michael Bruno*

ƒ Nathan Butrum

ƒ Michelle Crabtree

ƒ Anita Lambert

ƒ Drayton Saunders

ƒ Michael Saunders

ƒ Amy Worth

ƒ REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee

STERLING R ($1,000)

ƒ Barbara Anson

ƒ Jeffrey Arakelian

ƒ Marie Avery-Withers

ƒ Tony Barrett

ƒ Beth Beckert

ƒ Maxwell Brandow

ƒ Julianna Burns

ƒ Jaymie Carter

ƒ Pamela Charron

ƒ David Clapp

ƒ Brandy Coffey

ƒ David Crawford

ƒ Peter Crowley

ƒ Samira Easton

ƒ Linda Formella

ƒ Sherry Grooms

ƒ Geri Kenyon

ƒ Brooke Mailloux

RPAC HALL OF FAME

The RPAC Hall of Fame is an exclusive group of REALTORS® throughout the nation that have reached and surpassed $25,000 lifetime investments in RPAC. RPAC Hall of Fame members are forever memorialized into REALTOR® history with their names added to the Hall of Fame Wall which is located on the rooftop terrace of the NAR D.C. offices.

*This year our very own Mike Bruno is being inducted into the RPAC Hall of Fame, and last year Barry Grooms was inducted into the Hall as well as Bill Furst being inducted for the second time ($50,000+). •

MAJOR INVESTOR PLEDGE

Reach Further™ by Investing in Your Profession.

ƒ Dave Marvel

ƒ Rachel McCoy

ƒ Marcia McLaughlin

ƒ Barbara Mollanazar

ƒ Mary Northrup

ƒ Derek Patti

ƒ Roger Piro

ƒ Gloria Reber

ƒ Trevor Rollison

ƒ Joseph Suarez

ƒ Brian Tresidder

ƒ Deborah Urban

ƒ Tony Veldkamp

ƒ Mousa Wakileh

ƒ Meagan West

ƒ Cassie Yeager

ƒ Berlin Patten Ebling, PLLC

ƒ Women’s Council of REALTORS® Sarasota

RPAC’s Major Investors are an elite and passionate group of REALTORS® and Business Partners whose investments shape the political future of the real estate industry. Show your commitment to the industry by taking the pledge to become a 2023 RPAC Major Investor. TAKE

Florida REALTORS ® Cars & Coffee

We had a great time with District 13 at the Florida REALTORS® Cars & Coffee statewide tour in April. 2023 Florida REALTORS® President Mike McGraw stopped by RASM South to enjoy a cup of coffee, a car show, and celebrate RPAC’s advocacy efforts with members from Florida REALTORS® District 13, which is made up of the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee, REALTORS® of Punta GordaPort Charlotte-North Port-Desoto, Inc., Englewood Area Board of REALTORS®, and Venice Area Board of REALTORS®. •

Sarasota-Manatee Home Sales Show Month-Over-Month Growth in March

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

h e housing market in Sarasota and Manatee counties reported nearly 50 percent more sales in March than the month immediately prior, while single-family home sales in Manatee County increased yearover-year for the first time in 12 consecutive months. According to data from Florida REALTORS® and compiled by the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM), inventory continues to grow while home values hold steady.

Closed sales across the two-county region decreased year-over-year by 3.4 percent to 2,271 sales combined for both property types. There were more sales in March than in February (1,515 sales), with a 49.9 percent increase from last month.

For single-family homes, Manatee County closed sales increased year-over-year by 4.4 percent to 756 sales while Sarasota County sales decreased by 3.8 percent to 826 sales. Condo sales decreased by 7.7 percent to 275 sales in Manatee County and by 11.7 percent to 414 sales in Sarasota.

“Manatee County’s single-family home market has bucked the trend we’ve seen in recent months, showing the first year-over-year increase in sales since February 2022 and the first year-over-decrease in median prices since February of 2019,” said Brian Tresidder, 2023 RASM President and Strategic Growth & Sales Manager at William Raveis Real Estate. “Meanwhile, single-family home sales for Sarasota and the condo markets for both counties have followed an opposite trajectory in March, albeit one similar to recent trends.”

Prices in the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton MSA have increased this month when compared to March 2022. However, in Manatee County single-family homes decreased by 6.3 percent to $491,988. For Sarasota County, the median price for single-family homes increased by 8.3 percent to $528,013, the second-highest median price recorded in the county with the previous record being $537,500 in October 2022. As for condos, Manatee County prices increased by 10.1 percent to $353,000 while Sarasota prices increased by 14.4 percent to a median of $423,245.

T“Across all markets in the North Port-SarasotaBradenton MSA, total home sales for both single-family homes and condos increased by 50 percent from February 2023,” added Tresidder. “With continued growth happening in Sarasota and Manatee, this data indicates the strength of Sarasota and Manatee’s housing market this season. Home values are holding steady while our growing inventory provides more options to buyers.”

Pending sales, or the number of homes that went under contract this month, decreased across all markets except for Manatee County single-family homes. For single-family homes, pending sales increased year-over-year by 7.9 percent in Manatee County but decreased by 2.7 percent in Sarasota. Condo pending sales decreased by 5.8 percent in Manatee County and by 10.8 percent in Sarasota County. Despite the year-over-year declines in pending sales, this figure has grown steadily for all markets in the two-county region since the start of the year.

At the end of the month, there were 5,541 active listings in the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton MSA, a 247.6 percent increase from the same time last year. When compared to last month, the total inventory for both property types increased by 5.7 percent.

The month’s supply of inventory continues to increase across the two counties. In Manatee County, condo supply increased by 428.6 percent to a 3.7-month supply and by 400 percent to a 3-month supply for single-family homes. In Sarasota County, there was a 3.3-month supply for condos and a 3.1-month supply for single-family homes, a yearover-year increase of 450 percent and 287.5 percent respectively.

The median number of days between listing date to contract date is up significantly in March. In Manatee County, single-family homes went under contract within a median of 46 days for single-family homes, a year-over-year increase of 820 percent, while condos sit at 23 days-to-contract which is an increase of 360 percent. In Sarasota, the median time to contract for single-family homes increased by 400 percent to 25 days, while condos increased by 260 percent to 18 days.

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

Monthly Market Summary - March 2023

Single-Family Homes

Sarasota County

Monthly Market Summary - March 2023

Single-Family Homes

Manatee County

Monthly Market Summary - March 2023

Townhouses and Condos

Sarasota County

Monthly Market Summary - March 2023

Townhouses and Condos

Manatee County

Upcoming Trade Missions to Build Your Business

By: Carla Rayman Kidd, Realtor®, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, President, FIABCI-USA 2023-2024

e are fortunate to belong to associations and organizations that provide numerous opportunities for us to expand both our knowledge and networking with industry professionals around the world. The National Association of REALTORS®, Florida REALTORS®, and RASM are constantly showcasing these conferences that they are participating in or simply sharing details for us to attend on our own or with colleagues. In addition, organizations such as FIABCI, AREAA, and NAHREP host events as well as our designations like CRS.

REALTOR® QUEST IN TORONTO, CANADA

Beginning in mid-May (16-17), agents can attend REALTOR® Quest in Toronto, Canada, where they can meet their Canadian colleagues at a two-day expo sponsored by the Toronto Real Estate Association. Florida REALTORS® will have a booth at the expo, and agents are invited to join them to help promote our state. To register, visit https://realtorquest.trreb.ca/. This is an annual event, so if you cannot make it this year, you can certainly plan on scheduling it for May 2024.

FIABCI WORLD REAL ESTATE CONGRESS

The Miami Real Estate Association will host the 73rd FIABCI World Real Estate Congress. Founded in 1951 in Paris, France, FIABCI is the International Real Estate Federation with the French acronym for Federation Internationale des Administrateurs de Bien-Conselis Immobiliers. This event is held in a different city around the world every spring, and we are fortunate to have it here in the United States for the first time in many years. The theme this year is “Building for the Future,” and there will be over 45 speakers, including former Florida Governor Jeb Bush as the Keynote. The event will be held at the Nobu Eden Roc Hotel from June 5-9. This prestigious conference features numerous government officials, authors, architects, and developers. There will be industry networking lunches, property tours, an opening reception, a Prix d’Excellence awards dinner, and a farewell banquet. Professionals involved in the real estate industry will be attending from some of FIABCI’s 70 chapters around the world. To register, visit www.MiamiFiabciCongress.com

WINMOCIONATE EVENT

Those who have their Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation may be interested in joining their colleagues around the world in Granada, Spain, on June 29-30. The 13th Inmociónate event is organized by UCI (Unión de Créditos Inmobiliarios) and SIRA (Spanish International Realty Alliance), which since 2010 has been bringing together real estate professionals from all over Spain. In recent years, there has been a growing representation of American and European attendees. In the 2022 edition, Inmociónate was attended by more than 700 professionals from 15 countries. To register, go to https://crs.com/ ProductCatalog/Product.aspx?ID=21899

PANAMA BEAUTIFUL

If you haven’t been to Panama, your chance is coming up July 31 - August 2. RASM has a Memorandum of Understanding with Panama’s real estate association ACOBIR, and is one of this year’s conference sponsors. Panama Beautiful delivers information on real estate projects, including residential and commercial developments in Panama City and its nearby beaches. This conference affords you the ability to visit projects and developers onsite and forge alliances with local real estate brokers. You will walk away understanding more about the legal system and popular pensionado program for retirees. Two optional side trips are also available to visit areas popular with ex-pat investors. For more information, visit uspanama@msn.com

TRADE MISSIONS

Trade missions allow you to connect with key markets and investigate new markets and business opportunities. Good research and preparation are essential. They are used to explore potential international business opportunities. Connect with others, and build relationships that can lead to friendships and business. It is also an opportunity to educate oneself. For best practices, review the “Upcoming Events and Key Elements of a Trade Mission” power-point available on the Voice blog at www.floridarealtors.org. •

Exceeding Marketing Expectations in a Shifting Market

By: Brian Craft, Marketing Director; The Coffey Group Fine Homes International

arketing in the real estate sector can already be a challenging mission, especially in a shifting market. A shifting market is characterized by fluctuations in prices, demand, and supply of properties. As a real estate marketer, you must stay ahead of the curve and adapt to these changes to remain competitive. The main component I weave into all of the messaging I disseminate is a sense of assurance and calm. I have broken it down into digestible strategies that will help you thrive in a shifting market.

MARKETING STRATEGIES THAT WORK

ƒ Understand the market - keeping your thumb on the pulse of the market. To effectively market real estate in a shifting market, you must first understand the market. Keep an eye on trends, price fluctuations, and other indicators that can affect the real estate market. You can use data like the statistical reports provided by RASM, local, and national publications, and industry reports to keep yourself informed. Understanding the market will help to make informed decisions and create marketing strategies that are relevant.

ƒ Target and segment your audiences. It’s important to target your marketing efforts toward the right audience. For instance, if you’re marketing a luxury property, you should target high-net-worth individuals who can afford it. Similarly, if you’re marketing a starter home, you should target firsttime homebuyers who are looking for affordable properties. Understanding your audience will help you create more effective marketing campaigns. With the proper tools, it is easy to target feeder markets, local areas, and proven demographics.

ƒ Focus on value. In a shifting market, buyers are looking for value. They want to get the best deal for their money and to work with an actual human who has a vested interest to help. You can capitalize on this by focusing on the value of the home. Highlight the unique features of your properties, such as location, amenities, and upgrades. Advising your client with proven statistics on staging their home, or having an inhouse staging company with design boards that you can easily share, can be a huge value add.

Mƒ Leverage Digital Marketing. Digital marketing is a powerful tool for real estate marketers. Use social media platforms, email marketing campaigns, and online ads to reach potential buyers and sellers. You can also create virtual tours of your properties to give buyers a better understanding of the property. A Matterport tour is fantastic, but today’s buyer wants to connect in a more authentic way. Try arriving early to an open house and going live on social media to give a glimpse into the home. This will not only peak the attention of potential buyers, but increase your visibility, increase traffic, and show that you are thinking outside the box.

ƒ Price competitively and realistically. In a shifting market, pricing is critical. To remain competitive, you must price your properties competitively. Research the market and analyze the prices of similar properties to ensure your pricing is in line with the market. You can also consider offering incentives such as closing cost assistance or a home warranty to make your property more attractive.

ƒ Highlight the potential for growth. Buyers are always looking for properties with potential for growth. If the property is located in an area that’s undergoing redevelopment, highlighting the potential for increased property values in the future, this also goes for things that they may not see when they visit the property for a showing, such as community events like a weekly Farmer’s Market or an annual Jazz Festival.

ƒ Exceed their expectations. Customer service is an essential part of real estate marketing. In a shifting market, providing excellent customer service can help you stand out from the competition. On my team, The Coffey Group Fine Homes International, it is our standard to exceed all their expectations and to provide the ultimate experience with a RitzCarlton approach. Respond promptly to inquiries, provide accurate information, and be transparent about any issues with the property. Providing excellent customer service can help you build a positive reputation and increase referrals.

Marketing real estate in a shifting market can be challenging, but it’s far from impossible. By understanding the market, targeting your audience, focusing on value, leveraging digital marketing, pricing competitively, highlighting the potential for growth, and providing excellent customer service, you can create effective marketing campaigns that attract potential sellers and buyers and build your brand through the most powerful lead generation tool; word of mouth. •

Palma Sola Trace

By: Kathy Cahill, Realtor®, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate

Located in West Bradenton, Palma

Sola Trace is a collection of homes, condominiums, and townhouses that combines convenience with a great quality of life developed by Taylor Morrison.

It all began with the Palma Sola Golf Club in 1968. This quickly became a hit with golfers and one of the best places to live in West Bradenton. It remained that way for nearly 36 years and in 2005 and 2006 a brandnew planned community began construction, today known as Palma Sola Trace. The community is a mix of 546 condominiums, villas, and single-family homes.

During construction in the community, a worker laying sewer pipes uncovered a 6-foot tusk, a 5-foot thigh bone, and a jawbone belonging to a Columbian mammoth, a larger but less-hairy version of the woolly mammoth, which is displayed in Bradenton’s South Florida Museum.

Palma Sola Trace is a maintenance-free, beautifully landscaped community with native plants, flowers shrubs, trees, and many small ponds throughout. It features a lagoon-style pool, fitness center, and a community room, which is an excellent place to enjoy the Palma Sola Trace lifestyle.

This active community hosts everything from book clubs, yoga, parties, and holiday activities. It’s the ideal lifestyle for either the sports enthusiast or nature-seeking adventurist alike. Located just 3 miles to the world-famous white sandy beaches, a block from Palma Sola Bay, and walking distance to several shops and restaurants. It’s also located within close proximity to several golf courses, the IMG Academy, and the Cortez Fishing Village. •

Get Ready for Hurricane Season: Tips for Sarasota and Manatee County

By: Denise Ricciotti, RASM Professional Development Manager

Hurricane season is just around the corner, and it’s important to be prepared.

Sarasota and Manatee County residents are no strangers to severe weather, and the best way to stay safe during a hurricane is to plan ahead. Here are some tips to help you get ready.

MAKE A PLAN

Create a family emergency plan that outlines how you will communicate, evacuate, and meet up if you are separated during a hurricane. Decide where you will go if you need to evacuate, and make sure everyone in your household knows the plan.

STOCK UP ON SUPPLIES

Gather enough supplies to last you and your family for at least three days, including non-perishable food, water, medications, and first aid supplies. Don’t forget to include supplies for your pets, too. Florida’s Hurricane Preparedness Tax-Free Week 2023 is scheduled for June 1 through June 7.

PROTECT YOUR HOME

Check your insurance policies to make sure you have adequate coverage, and consider installing hurricane shutters or boarding up your windows if a storm is approaching. Trim any trees or branches that could fall on your house during high winds. Put away or tie down patio furniture and loose objects around your home that can blow in the wind.

STAY INFORMED

Stay tuned to local news and weather alerts, and make sure you have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive updates if the power goes out. Follow local officials’ instructions if you are told to evacuate.

ATTEND A HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS CLASS

Join our class at RASM North on June 6 at 2:00 p.m. to learn more about how to prepare for a hurricane and what to do during and after a storm, especially as it pertains to your pending transactions. Our expert panelists will provide you with valuable information and answer any questions you may have. Register at myrasm.com/calendar.

By taking these steps to prepare, you can help keep yourself and your loved ones safe during hurricane season. Don’t wait until a storm is on its way to start getting ready – start planning now. •

The natural choice for luxury coastal living.

It's here! Unveiling the newest waterfront village in Lakewood Ranch.

It’s what you’ve been waiting for. Wild Blue at Waterside in Lakewood Ranch is a new luxury community with a relaxed coastal vibe and amazing lifestyle amenities, including a 13-acre community sports complex, 25,000-square-foot clubhouse, 6 tennis courts, 8 pickleball courts, sports pro shop, state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga lawn, kayak launch, indoor & outdoor dining, lifestyle director, and more.

Wild Blue at Waterside features outstanding water views, oversized homesites and luxury residences from the area’s finest regional builders.

SALES CENTER NOW OPEN

Introduce your clients to the most anticipated new community in Lakewood Ranch. Visit our sales center today!

8307 Lake Club Blvd., Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 l 941.313.3852

WildBluelwr.com

Residences from over $1 million

Featuring homes by:

BUILDERS • AR HOMES BY ARTHUR RUTENBERG • JOHN CANNON HOMES

BROKER PARTICIPATION WELCOMED. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. ALL RENDERINGS AND PLANS ARE PROPOSED CONCEPTS SHOWN ONLY FOR MARKETING PURPOSES AND ARE BASED ON THE DEVELOPER’S CURRENT PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN. DEVELOPER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY, REVISE OR WITHDRAW THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT PLAN IN DEVELOPER’S SOLE DISCRETION WITHOUT NOTICE. NOTHING HEREIN OR IN ANY OTHER COMMUNICATION SHALL BE DEEMED TO OBLIGATE THE DEVELOPER, OR ANY AFFILIATE OF DEVELOPER, TO CONSTRUCT THE PROJECT OR OFFER ANY OF THE PROJECT FOR SALE, AND NOTHING HEREIN SHALL BE DEEMED A GUARANTY OF ANY KIND. THIS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SALE OR SOLICITATION OF OFFERS TO BUY. PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

Proudly presented by

2023 ANNUAL SPONSORS PLATINUM

Battaglia Law, PLLC

Carotti Engineering, LLC

LeeWay Home Inspection

Sunshine Movers of Sarasota

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Graduate, REALTOR® Institute Opportunities

By: Denise Ricciotti, RASM Professional Development Manager

he GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute) 200 series is a set of courses designed to provide real estate professionals with advanced knowledge and skills in various aspects of real estate, including ethics, taxes, marketing, and technology. Realtors® who take the GRI 200 series can benefit in several ways:

ƒ Enhanced credibility: The GRI designation is recognized nationally and indicates that a Realtor® has undergone rigorous training and possesses advanced knowledge and skills in real estate.

ƒ Increased knowledge and expertise: The GRI 200 series provides in-depth training in various areas of real estate, including marketing, technology, and investments, which can help Realtors® enhance their expertise and provide better service to their clients.

ƒ Improved professionalism: The GRI 200 series emphasizes the importance of ethics and professionalism in real estate, helping Realtors® to uphold high standards of conduct and behavior.

ƒ Competitive advantage: Realtors® with the GRI designation have a competitive advantage in the marketplace, as they are seen as more knowledgeable, experienced, and trustworthy.

The GRI 200 series can help Realtors® to stand out in a crowded marketplace, enhance their knowledge and expertise, and provide better service to their clients, which can lead to increased success and satisfaction in their careers.

RASM is offering GRI 201: Tax, Marketing, and Technology on May 8 & 9, and GRI 202: Technology and Investment on May 22 & 23 at RASM South.

TREALTORS® NEWLY DESIGNATED & CERTIFIED At Home With Diversity

ƒ Felix Alberto Garcia, Bright Realty

ƒ Barry M. Grooms, Florida SunCoast Real Estate

ƒ Anita E. Lambert, Premier Sothebys Intl Realty

ƒ Evan McCloud Puckett, NextHome On The Water

ƒ George Raju, NextHome In The Sun

ƒ Mirtha M. Sozen, Baron Holdings Real Estate LLC

C2EX

ƒ Michael Baker, RE/MAX Alliance Group

ƒ Felix Garcia, Bright Realty

ƒ Eva Saab, EXP Realty LLC

ƒ Elena Stefanoski, Preferred Shore

e-PRO®

ƒ Ivone De Oliveira, Preferred Shore

ƒ Jean Marie Walsh, Fine Properties

Graduate, REALTOR® Institute

ƒ Caleb B DeJarnette, Kingston Realty

ƒ Jana L. Nizny, M&M Property Management Group

ƒ Maria R. Barone, Keller Williams Island Life Re

ƒ Emilie May Sebion, Premier Sothebys Intl Realty

Military Relocation Professional

ƒ Barry M. Grooms, Florida SunCoast Real Estate

ƒ Loren Edward Rosenthal, Nexthome Casa Bella Elite

Pricing Strategy Advisor

ƒ William True, True Real Estate Inc.

Professional Standards Administrator

ƒ Jesse Sunday, Realtor® Assoc. Sarasota Manatee Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource

ƒ Bradley Tayloe, Keller Williams Island Life Re

Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®)

ƒ Lisa Maher, Preferred Shore •

MAY 2023 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

THURSDAY, MAY 4

12:00 p.m. 2nd Annual REALTOR® Day Fundraiser [ Palm Aire Country Club ]

FRIDAY, MAY 5 9:00 a.m. CREA Marketplace [ South ]

MONDAY, MAY 8

8:00 a.m. GRI 201 (Day 1 of 2) [ South ] 2:00 p.m. Introduction to SunStats [ Online ]

TUESDAY, MAY 9

8:00 a.m. GRI 201 (Day 2 of 2 ) [ South ] 10:00 a.m. Master Your Market with SunStats [ Online ]

THURSDAY, MAY 11

8:45 a.m. YPN Trolley Tour: Lakewood Ranch [ Main St. @ LWR ]

a.m. Business Partner Member Meeting [ South ]

FRIDAY, MAY 12

a.m. CREA Marketplace [ South ]

MONDAY, MAY 15

Summer Series: Commercial Contracting [ South ]

Time Management Strategies [ South & Online ]

TUESDAY, MAY 16

Regional Sports and Economic Development [ South ]

WEDNESDAY, MAY 17

JUNE 9

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

MONDAY, JUNE 12

8:30 a.m. NAR Certification: At Home With Diversity [ North & Online ]

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14

9:00 a.m. Summer Series: Commercial Investment Properties [ South ]

1:30 p.m. Simplified Wealth Building [ South & Online ]

THURSDAY, JUNE 15

1:30 p.m. Avoiding Real Estate Fraud [ North ]

FRIDAY, JUNE 16

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

TUESDAY, JUNE 20

9:00 a.m. New Member Orientation [ North ]

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

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21

11:30 a.m. Exclusive Broker Lunch: REalize AI [ North ]

2:00 p.m. Global Spotlight: Portugal [ South ]

THURSDAY, JUNE 22

5:30 p.m. YPN Celebrity Bartending Fundraiser [ Cask & Ale ]

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

CALENDAR KEY:

UPCOMING CLASSES

UPCOMING CLASSES

Learn more at myrasm.com/calendar to register.

GRI 201

Mon., May 8 - Tues., May 9 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. [ South ] In GRI 201, you will learn the skills to create a personal promotion plan that is both effective and listings. The tax portion will provide an awareness of the many areas of the tax law and real estate. Members $60. 8 CE HRS.

INTRODUCTION TO SUNSTATS

Monday, May 8 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. [ Online ] This primer course, held by Florida REALTORS®, will get you up to speed to attend Master Your Market with SunStats on May 9. This session will cover the basics of logging in and setting up your account. Members Free.

MASTER YOUR MARKET WITH SUNSTATS

Tuesday, May 9 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. [ Online ] In this course, you will learn basic statistics concepts in the context of residential real estate and how to draw conclusions about the market. Using the SunStats tool, you will learn how to make customer charts and infographics to share your market knowledge. Membership Free. 2 CE HRS.

YPN TROLLEY TOUR

Thursday, May 11 8:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.[ Main Street @ LWR ] Hop on the trolley to tour different properties and communities in Lakewood Ranch. Hear from local legends on buying and selling in Lakewood Ranch. Hear from local legends on buying and selling in Lakewood Ranch. $5 YPN Members. $10 Non-YPN.

SUMMER SERIES: COMMERCIAL CONTRACTING

Monday, May 15 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. [ South ] In this class, you will learn how to explain the real estate contract to your customers, in addition to knowing the ins and outs. You will be prepared to be the best asset from start to finish in these transactions. Members $15. 3 CE HRS.

TIME MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

Monday, May 15 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. [ South & Online ]

This course is designed to help you to build a strong and flourishing real estate business. Agents will learn how to set their business up for success, how to set systems up to keep them accountable, and how to be more efficient with time. Members $10. 2 CE HRS.

REGIONAL SPORTS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Tuesday, May 16 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. [ South ]

Join CREA for lunch as we listen to a panel of representatives from the burgeoning sports industry in our region as they discuss how sports, sports tourism, and economic development all contribute to the commercial and residential real estate market. CREA Members Free. Non-CREA $5.

TOP PRODUCER PANEL: LAKEWOOD RANCH

Wednesday, May 17 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. [ South & Online ] Hear from two of the most successful sales agents about their secrets to success on buying and selling properties in Lakewood Ranch. Members Free.

GRI 202

Mon., May 22 - Tues., May 23 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. [ South ] In GRI 202, Technology Tools and Resources will provide you with the technology knowledge and services that will make you stand out from the competition. The Investment portion provides an introduction to investment real estate. Members $60. 8 CE HRS.

KNOW YOUR BOUNDARIES – A GUIDE TO SURVEYS

Thursday, May 25 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. [ Online ] In this class, students will have a broader knowledge of what a survey is, why a buyer should get one, and what protection it offers them. Members $10. 2 CE HRS.

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, May 3 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

Wednesday, May 3 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, May 3 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

myrasm.com

RASM Membership Update

By: Jessica Montague, Member Services Manager

RASM MEMBERS NOW WITH

Nicole Adams, Preferred Shore

Miriam R. Aguirre-Lennox, Locals Realty LLC

Scott Collin Anderson, Coldwell Banker Realty

Elizabeth C. Arnold, Dalton Wade Inc

Melissa Helen Bailey, Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Atchley

William Bambrick, LPT Realty

Maria Lorena Barona, Watermark Realty Co.

Gary T. Barsell, Realty One Group Skyline

Autumn Yves Beckett, RoseBay International Realty, Inc.

Kerry Lynn Behymer, Realty Hub

Cherie Cherie Bennett, Keller Williams Realty Select

Brian Randolph Blake, EXP Realty LLC

Grace Bonaccorso, Coldwell Banker Sarasota Cent.

Edith Ann Brissette, Robert Slack LLC

Jessica Brown, Coastal Luxury Partners, Inc.

Catherine Noelia Calix, Real Broker, LLC

Edward Thomas Campbell, Homes For Sale Realty Intl

Kori Campbell, KW Suncoast

Cassandra Capecchi, Coldwell Banker Realty

Liliya Chegrintseva, Wagner Realty

Julia Clark, Compass Florida LLC

Eva M. Colburn, Bright Realty

Sean Collier, Century 21 Integra

Cynthia Marie Creswell, KW Suncoast

Kellie Danks, Keller Williams Classic Group

Carmen M. Diligiro, Suncoast Global Realty

Brianna Marie Dine-Stisser, Marcus & Company Realty

Stephen James Dowling, Century 21 Beggins

Enterprises

Roxana Dumitrascuta, EXP Realty LLC

Ronnie H. Elkhatib, Beyond Realty LLC

Michael Patrick Fenton, Locals Property Management

Karlee Michelle Fielding, Beyond Realty LLC

David Freed, Fine Properties

Jacob Jason Freund, Living Vogue LLC

John J. Ghanayem, ROVI

Karma K. Gilchrist, Keller Williams On The Water

Ashley Irie Guzman, SimpliHOM

Dian Aristya Hapsari, Preferred Shore

Chase Kelly Hartvigsen, Fathom Realty FL, LLC

Jasbir K. Hayre, Bright Realty

Elizabeth Lee Helvey PA, Compass Florida LLC

Margaret Grace Holder, LPT Realty

Kelly Hood, Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc

Pamela Ann Johnston, LPT Realty

Benjamin Jones, Harry Robbins Assoc Inc.

Morgan T. Jones, Living Vogue LLC

Aiesha Kardos, Keller Williams On The Water

Jillian H. Kawecki, Wagner Realty

Geri R. Kenyon, Florida SunCoast Real Estate

Jayne D. Kocher, Boyd Realty

Robert Kurt Kraus II LLC, Preferred Shore

Kimberly Jo Kraus, Preferred Shore

Iliyana Lazarova, Michael Saunders & Company

Michael Lazzari, EXP Realty LLC

Philip Leber PLLC, LPT Realty

Tiffany Lynne Lewis, Coldwell Banker Realty

Maria Isabel Lima, Horizon Realty International

Corina Liranzo, Marcus & Company Realty

Ramon Lopez Aguilar, Steve D Smith 360 LLC

Christopher Lowe, Fine Properties

Francis Macomber, Coldwell Banker Realty

Shana Kathleen Macri, Coldwell Banker Realty

Jody Maleeny, Oakstrand Realty

Tracy Maloney, LoKation

BJ Mangrum, Coastal Properties Group Inter

Amanda Lynn Mapp, Mapp Realty & Investment Co

Katelynn Marcotte, Engel & Voelkers Venice

Downtown

Doreen Marino, Exit King Realty

Kathleen Maurice, The Sunshine State Company

Michael Mayo, Fine Properties

Gina Mazzoni, Coldwell Banker Realty

Sandra Jo McCourtney, Locals Realty LLC

Jack Medford, Keller Williams Classic Group

Latinka Milanova, Marcus & Company Realty

Barbara Ann Montgomery LLC, Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc

Kelly M. Mooney, The Sarasota Real Estate Comp.

Lana Moriece, Keller Williams Classic Group

Christy Lynn Mudd, ROVI

Tamera Nielsen, Fine Properties

Jessica Olsen, Keller Williams Classic Group

Christine M. Pearson, Premier Properties of SRQ LLC

Stanley D. Perkins, Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Atchley

Stephen Pesola, Exit King Realty

Chayna Picard, Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Atchley

Clayton Robert Prime, Ellermets Realty, Inc

Autumn Radosevich, Compass Florida LLC

Tiffany Mina Reis, Keller Williams Realty Select

Ronald Richards, LPT Realty

Tessa J. Robbins, Keller Williams On The Water

Dylan Michael Roberts, Sato Real Estate Inc.

Robert J. Sartore, RE/MAX Platinum Realty

George Dino Scarpias, Signature Premier Properties LLC

RASM MEMBERS NOW WITH (CONTINUED)

Caroline V. Schusterick, KW Suncoast

Jennifer Searle, Pellego, LLC

Mary C. Skorupa, Amerivest Realty

Brenee Solari, Salty Mermaid Real Estate LLC

Madison Stahley, Keller Williams Island Life Re

Norman Brian Sullivan, Locals Realty LLC

Aleksandra Tarica, KW Suncoast

Vitaliy Borisvich Tkachuk, Platinum Palm Properties

Cecilia Trummer, RoseBay International Realty, Inc.

Christina Rae Trussell, LoKation

Cheryl A. Tufano, Coldwell Banker Realty

Valeria Vilela, Realty Hub

Robert Welch, Keller Williams On The Water

Thomas C. Wentzel, Fine Properties

Teresa Sue West, Coldwell Banker Realty

Patricia L. Williams, Pat Williams Realty, LLC

William David Williams, G & E Realty Group, Inc.

Brian Jason Wilson, Boyd Realty

Linda Wu, Weichert Realtors® Hallmark Properties

NEW DESIGNATED REALTORS®

Michael Patrick Fenton, Locals Property Management

Billi Rhea Gartman, Anna Maria Life Real Estate

Robert Charles Gray, My Florida Homes Realty LLC

Santa L. Heredia, United Nations Realty LLC

Lauren P. Kohl, Lauren P. Kohl, Licensed RE Broker

Michael Ross McGuire, Michael Ross McGuire

Mark A. Middleton, Watermark Realty Co.

Brent Miller, Jones Lang Lasalle Brokerage Inc

Martin Rake, MVb Real Estate LLC

Wally Sabrii, Sabrii International Realty

Michael Webb, Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc.

Patricia L. Williams, Pat Williams Realty, LLC

Ulrike Anna Wills, Wills Real Estate LLC

Marisela Yolanda Aray, Relux Group LLC

NEW REALTORS®

Edward J. Acevedo, Keller Williams Classic Group

Elizabeth Acevedo-Santana, Coldwell Banker Realty

Isabelle Albert, Living Vogue LLC

Maria D. Alonso, EXP Realty LLC

Anastasia Alston, The Real Estate Store

Sebastian A. Anchorena, Gulf Coast Paradise Realty Inc.

Bradley Steven Anderson, Florida Internet Realty LLC

Robbi Lyn Armstrong, Medway Realty

Stephen Ault, Premier Sothebys Intl Realty

Alexei Bagrov, Preferred Shore

Karenna Bays, Keller Williams Classic Group

John Alan Bender, Star Bay Realty Corp.

David Both, SimpliHOM

Machaela Brabham, Keller Williams Classic Group

Timothy R. Brenenstuhl, Platinum Real Estate

Ross E. Brown, EXP Realty LLC

Kristi Lynn Campbell, Keller Williams Realty Select

James C. Carpenter, Coldwell Banker Realty

Regina Carter, Align Right Realty SRQ Opulence

Jeffrey D. Cummings, RE/MAX Alliance Group

Lisa Michelle Diggins, Berkshire Hathaway

HomeService

Keiko Donnelly, Coldwell Banker Realty

Stephen J. Dowling, Century 21 Beggins Enterprises

Yelenis Duarte, EXP Realty LLC

Suzanne Elizabeth Eason, Realty One Group Sunshine

Gabriel Elliott, Align Right Realty SRQ Opulence

Tamara Elsas, Century 21 Beggins Enterprises

Christopher J. PA Evensen, William Raveis Real Estate

Jeanette Diane Farkas, Premier Sothebys Intl Realty

Mary Elizabeth Frazier, KW Suncoast

Greg Georges, Weichert Realtors® Hallmark Properties

Stephen Charles Gruhl, Premier Properties of SRQ LLC

Stephanie Lynn Ham, Premier Sothebys Intl Realty

Brian Leigh Heavrin, RE/MAX Alliance Group

Kate Howard, EXP Realty LLC

Aaron Van Hunt, Keller Williams On The Water

Gus Jaramillo, Preferred Shore

Beth Johnston, Keller Williams Island Life Re

Michael J. Kushner, Hembree & Associates Inc.

Adamayrie Lima, Marcus & Company Realty

Jordan Long, KW Suncoast

Fauna MacLaren, Keller Williams On The Water

Alexandra Marks, Robbins & Marks, LLC

Karen Massey, Steve D Smith 360 LLC

Natalie Maute, PMI Sarasota

Aaron Allen May, Coastal Luxury Partners, Inc.

Juanita J. Mendez Isenburg, Coldwell Banker Sarasota Cent.

Gladys Messeroff, Premier Sothebys Intl Realty

Helen Charise Mims, Coastal Luxury Partners, Inc.

David Wayne Muirhead, Keller Williams On The Water

Sylvia Urszulla Munia, Dalton Wade Inc.

Nickolas Nordgren, Fine Properties

Shane D. O’Neill, Living Vogue LLC

Jennifer Owens, Trend Realty

Aubrey Shamilah Peacher, Network Real Estate Group

Teresa Pimentel, Coldwell Banker Realty

Donna Fulcher Plaster, Keller Williams On The Water

Barbara M. Pollack, Bright Realty

Randa Privett, Premier Sothebys Intl Realty

Amy Rabin-Margulies, KW Suncoast

Jelena Radosavljevic, Exit King Realty

Tiffany Mina Reis, Keller Williams Realty Select

Brenda Elaine Roberts, All Brokers Realty, Inc.

Erik Rocha, Xclusive Homes LLC

Brandon Thomas Roche, Mangrove Realty Associates

Simone Rose, EXP Realty LLC

Michael A. Ruben, Coldwell Banker Realty

Elisa Michelle Santamaria, Coastal Luxury Partners, Inc.

Samantha Schubert, Keller Williams Classic Group

Jennifer L. Scofield, Weichert Realtors® Hallmark Properties

Madison Stahley, Keller Williams Island Life Re

Alexander Stele, Michael Saunders & Company

Jeffrey Thompson, EXP Realty LLC

Sarah Thress, Keller Williams, LLC

Darrell Turner, Optimus CREIA

Andrey Vovkulin, All Seasons Realty LLC

Martin Walsh, Coldwell Banker Realty

Sarah Wampler, Marcus & Company Realty

Elizabeth Ann Ward, Coldwell Banker Realty

John F Werner, Blue Sky Real Estate

Lynne Marie Zettergren, Coldwell Banker Realty

NEW BUSINESS PARTNERS ACHIEVA CREDIT UNION

PO Box 1500

Dunedin, Florida 34697

Representative: Bill Werdell

Email: bwerdell@achievacu.com

Our Achieva mortgage advisors have helped thousands of homeowners right here in our community. They understand the process and have the local touch that will make you feel right at home.

AN ORGANIZED MOVE

299 Venice Golf Club Dr

Venice, Florida 34292

Representative: Adam Evans

Email: adam@anorganizedmove.com

Relocation does not have to be stressful. An Organized Move’s hands-on ownership treats every client as if they were family. Combining the best moving techniques and equipment with a strong game plan, our team is always prepared for the task.

BROOKS INSPECTION GROUP

1602 10th Ave. W.

Bradenton, Florida 34205

Representative: Thomas Brooks

Email: tommy@brooksinspectiongroup.org

We are a locally owned family inspection company, we get our inspection reports out the same day.

CADENCE BANK

25 S Links Ave

Sarasota, Florida 34236

Representative: Carrie Spradling

Email: Carrie.Spradling@cadencebank.com

We’re proud to be a financial services partner with a genuine difference. That difference can be seen in how we work with customers - and with one another - to help the people, companies and communities we serve prosper.

DART BANK

500 North Homer

Lansing, Michigan 48912

Representative: Joseph Sambaer

Email: vjsambaer@dartbank.com

Our iQ mortgage process is an intelligent mortgage process. Our iQ mortgage simple user-interface walks you through every step of the application process, with straightforward, easy-to-understand questions.

ELITE INSPECTIONS AND CONSTRUCTION

201 Whispering Oaks Court

Sarasota, Florida 34232

Representative: David Pape

Email: eliteinspectionsandco@gmail.com

Each of Elite’s inspectors carries the required licensure and actively participates in continuous education, guaranteeing our company’s exacting standards for quality. When you have your home inspected by a professional Elite inspector, you can rest assured that you are protected and your best interests are being looked after.

HOME AIR DEFENDER

4549 Mariotti Court #4

Sarasota, Florida 34233

Representative: Rafael Hernandez

Email: info@homeairdefender.com

We are licensed, bonded, and have 20 + years of experience in the Sarasota HVAC Industry. At HAD we believe in educating are customers to make inform decisions. So whether your getting your AC repaired or replaced HAD will help you make the best decision.

JUSTIN ADAMS SURFACE RESTORATION

1346 Western Pine Circle

Sarasota, Florida 34240

Representative: Justin Adams

Email: yourgunguy123@yahoo.com

Contact us for quotes and questions.

NORMAN INSPECTIONS

5123 22nd St Ct E

Bradenton, Florida 34203

Representative: John Norman

Email: normaninspections@gmail.com

Buying a home is made less stressful when you have a full understanding of the property’s operation, deficiencies, and repair and maintenance requirements. During an inspection, we uncover the things that you need to know about the home before your purchase.

NORTON, HAMMERSLEY, LOPEZ & SKOKOS P.A.

1819 Main St Ste 610

Sarasota, Florida 34236

Representative: Peter Skokos

Email: pskokos@nhlslaw.com

Norton Hammersley’s real-estate practice group provides comprehensive legal representation to individual and corporate clients in the acquisition, development and sale of residential and commercial real property, leasing and financing of single-family homes, multi-family projects, residential subdivisions, hotels, office buildings, condominiums, shopping centers and other real-property developments throughout Florida. •

OWNERSHIP MORTGAGE

3001 Brighton Blvd Suite 732

Denver, Colorado 80216

Representative: Christopher McIntosh

Email: chrism@ownershipmortgage.com

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

PHOENIX COMMERCIAL LENDING, LLC

365 Interstate Blvd

Sarasota, Florida 34240

Representative: Jerry Strauss

Email: J.Strauss@applyphoenix.com

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

PNC MORTGAGE

1549 Ringling Blvd

Sarasota, Florida 34236

Representative: Denise Ogg

Email: denise.ogg@pnc.com

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

SOUTHSTATE BANK

1100 S. Tamiami Trail

Sarasota, Florida 34236

Representative: Chris Perkins

Email: melissa.alford@southstatebank.com

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

Lajoie Hermey Shareholder, Residential & Commercial Real Estate Attorney

MAY 4, 2023

PALM AIRE COUNTRY CLUB

12 - 5 PM GOLF TOURNAMENT

NAME YOUR GAME

REALTOR® DAY IS BACK!

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

2 - 5 PM PICKLEBALL PALOOZA

2 - 5 PM CORNHOLE COMPETITION

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

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

5 - 8 PM AFTER PARTY

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

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 - March 2023

Single-Family Homes

Sarasota County

Monthly Distressed Market - March 2023

Manatee County Single-Family Homes

Monthly Distressed Market - March 2023

Sarasota County Townhouses and Condos

Monthly Distressed Market - March 2023

and Condos

Manatee County