Srmag april2014 web by REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee

Sarasota

APRIL 2014

REALTOR

速

The Official Monthly Publication of the Sarasota Association of Realtors速

Growing Green

Page 6

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Contents

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine Volume 11, Issue 4 APRIL 2014

Sarasota Association of Realtors®, Inc. 2320 Cattlemen Road Sarasota, Florida 34232 Phone: 941/952-3400 FAX: 941/952-3401 www.sarasotarealtors.com www.facebook.com/SarasotaRealtors

Green Growing

There is a blossoming awareness of the benefits of ‘Green’ standards

in construction, real estate, and lifestyle choices, both in Sarasota

County and across the nation.

Several members of the Sarasota Association of Realtors® traveled

to Tallahassee in March to participate in the Great American

Realtor® Days event, designed to lobby local legislators.

12 Homestead Transitions

How do property transitions impact Homestead Exemptions?

The Property Appraiser’s office explains how caps impact

the bottom line.

15 Inventory Spikes

Volume 11 • Issue 4 •APRIL 2014

The Sarasota County inventory of available properties on the market has reached a three-year high, topping 5,000 in February, and sales are continuing at a high rate.

SAR’s Global Business Council is closing in on 200 members, and the new Steering Committee is seeking to further expand the reach and importance of international real estate.

In every issue 10- Governmental Affairs 12- Property Appraiser 15- Sales and Listing Statistics 18- Commercial Investment Division 20- Education Programs 24- On the SAR Scene 27- Pathways to Professionalism 30- Membership

Treasurer Xena Vallone Xena Vallone Realty Immediate Past President Roger Piro Town & Country Realty Chief Executive Officer Kathy Roberts Mission Statement The mission of the Sarasota Association of ® Realtors is to advance members’ professionalism through delivery of education and resources while upholding the Realtors® Code of Ethics. We are committed to be the leading advocate of real estate in the communities we serve by protecting private property rights and expanding relationships with individuals and organizations both locally and worldwide. Sarasota Realtor® is published monthly by the Sarasota Association of Realtors® Inc.

Editorial Staff Director of Membership and Administrative Services Dan Andrews Director of Information Technology Jesse Sunday Director of Professional Development Catherine McCaskill Governmental Affairs Director Marc Mansfield

ON THE COVER: From left to right, GRAS members Elizabeth Evans, Chair Christina Pitchford, Staff Liaison Catherine McCaskill, Vice-Chair David Consbruck and Susan Matteoli visit the Culverhouse Community Garden in the Palmer Ranch subdivision.

32- Calendar of Events/Education APRIL 2014

Secretary Amy Worth-Paul RE/MAX Platinum Realty

Director of Communications Ray Porter

25 Global Rising

President Peter Crowley RE/MAX Alliance Group President-Elect Stafford Starcher RE/MAX Alliance Group

10 Lobbying for You

2014 SAR Officers

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

Production Coastal Printing, Inc. Sarasota Realtor® Advertising: For information on advertising rates and deadlines, contact Ray Porter at 941/952-3405 or ray@sarasotarealtors.com. Subscriptions: The annual dues of every member of the Sarasota Association of Realtors®, Inc., includes a one-year subscription to Sarasota Realtor ® magazine. A yearly subscription for Sarasota Realtor ® magazine is available to non-members for $25, plus Florida sales tax. Editorial ideas and manuscripts are welcome. Byline articles and columns express the opinions of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the policies or sentiments of the Sarasota Association of Realtors®, Inc. All submitted copy is subject to editing. 2014 Copyright© by the Sarasota Association of Realtors®, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

www.sarasotarealtors.com

SAR seeks prospective leaders for 2015 and beyond In just a few months, SAR members will vote to elect the Officers and five new Directors to represent them in 2015, along with the Directors whose terms carry over. Through our new leadership program and other efforts, SAR has been striving to identify and train new leaders that reflect the diversity of the SAR membership. Our business model is constantly evolving, adapting to new paradigms and anticipating what we need to do next in order to not only survive, but thrive, and remain a strong, viable organization and the Board of Choice for our members. Would you, or someone you know, consider a nomination to one of the elected positions? During the three-year term, beginning January 1, 2015, one of your most important responsibilities as a Director would be to participate in the development of policy and major decision-making at monthly Board meetings. Service on a committee or task force as well as participation in Association events are also key to being an effective leader. For additional information and to help guide you in the process, we have posted information on our website SarasotaRealtors.com - 2015 Nominations under Hot Topics. If you wish to be considered as a candidate for the Board of Directors, or an officer, please send in the nomination form, located on the site, by April 4th. If you have questions, contact Kathy Roberts, CEO, at 9523403.

Affiliate Spotlight on Melia Favorite

The April 2014 SAR Affiliate Spotlight is on Melia Favorite, Loan Officer at Regions Bank. Melia just joined the bank in March 2014 to offer a greater lending portfolio and poduct line. Regions does everything from Jumbo mortgages to government loans and construction permanent, with hundreds of product options to fill every need. Melia has been working in banking for 25 years and in mortgage origination for the past 15 years in Sarasota and Manatee counties. She and her husband, Steve, have lived in Sarasota for 10 years. Melia Favorite Melia is also very active with the Sarasota Association of Realtors® and Sarasota Women’s Council of Realtors®, along with the Home Builders Association. Melia is extremely proud to be part of the Excellent Award Winning Regions Bank Mortgage Team. She can be reached at 941807-0303 anytime or e-mail: melia.favorite@regions.com

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Cover Story 6

The Future Is Green Sarasota striving to promote sustainable lifestyle

“Green,” gardens and the sustainable Sarasota lifestyle - why should the real estate community care?

What is “Green” about a community garden, aside from the obvious color connection? How does this relate to Realtors® and real estate? We asked David Consbruck, local Realtor®, member of the Green Realtors® Alliance of Sarasota *(GRAS), and Chair of the Friends of Culverhouse Community Garden to explain the vital connection. “I think ‘Green’ buildings and ‘Green’ homes are all about living the healthy lifestyle in a sustainable environment,” said Consbruck. “What is so exciting about the Culverhouse Community Garden in Palmer Ranch’s new Culverhouse Nature Park is just that - the garden helps empower connections between people, places and sustainable living.” Culverhouse Community Garden, one of the largest community gardens in the state of Florida, is up and thriving in its second year of operation. It is located within Sarasota County’s newest park, an unimproved 80+ acre natural area within the famous Palmer Ranch planned development, where 60 percent of the land area is designated as “open space”. It is one of eight community gardens in the county, where residents can apply for plots and grow their own small crops vegetables, flowers, tropicals. The Culverhouse park, located on land donated by the Culverhouse family of Tampa Bay Buccaneers football fame, also created a new access point to the north end of the highly popular Legacy Trail. The trail is a paved bike and jogging path which extends 18 miles north to south and ends far away at the shoreline in Venice. “The new garden is striving to uphold organic principles, with use of natural fertilizers and pest control measures,” explained Consbruck “Composting is a key part of the process, which involves recycling of garden materials, kitchen waste, and other natural materials from local sources. It is 100 percent recycling at its best!” The garden is self managed by volunteers under the oversight of the Sarasota County Agricultural Extension Service, in cooperation with Sarasota County Department of Parks and Recreation. “Green living is more than owning or living in an energy efficient home, that is built with non-toxic materials, and minimal waste of natural resources,” said Consbruck. “It’s about clean living, walking,

APRIL 2014

“Together we will build the kind of community of the future that we all want to live in today.” - David Consbruck, GRAS Member and Chair, Friends of Culverhouse Community Garden biking, playing, living close to nature, eating healthy fresh local foods, and sharing in low impact community activities and events.” The significance of this new development to Realtors® is enormous. In Sarasota, “Lifestyle is what we sell,” said Consbruck. “Sarasota has so much to offer in the way of choices, but the integration of diverse recreational opportunities within our community is becoming a major reason so many people want to live here. “Many of our residents, and those who are moving here, want healthy, active lifestyles, community involvement, and access to nature within walking or biking range. The interconnection of this community garden with others in the county system, and with the Sarasota County Parks and Recreation volunteer program, builds links to almost unlimited programs for growth, learning, and adventure,” Consbruck explained. “There are so many things to do here on Florida’s ‘Best Coast’, for young, old, and everyone in between. It’s all about active lifestyles with choices.” The basis of “Green” living is living with our environment to make the world a safer, healthier, and better place to live now and into the future, he noted. Building an awareness of the lifestyle impacts created by our planned residential communities, recreational opportunities, and close connection to our natural world is important. “I urge our Realtors® to get the word out,” said Consbruck. “Share your knowledge of your newest community organic garden and the nature park with your clients, friends and visitors. Together we will build the kind of community of the future that we all want to live in today.”

Explore ‘Green’ Mortgages

Nationwide, more buyers and current homeowners are weighing the merits of a “Green” mortgage, according to U.S. News & World Report (Feb. 10, 2014 issue).

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

Continued on P. 29, See GREEN

www.sarasotarealtors.com

How can we make our community more sustainable? Title: GRAS Seminar - “The Role of Affordable Housing and Land Conservation in a Vibrant, Sustainable Community” Date/Time: Thursday, April 17, 1 to 4 p.m. Location: SAR Auditorium, 2320 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota Cost: FREE to All Affordable Housing and Land Conservation are critical components of sustainable/balanced communities that serve the needs of all residents. Providing a variety of housing types and open space within our neighborhoods and throughout Florida promotes healthy, vibrant, and economically sustainable development for our region, its residents, and visitors. At this seminar, sponsored by the Green Realtors® Alliance of Sarasota (GRAS), nationally recognized speakers discuss the “why” and “how” for ensuring our communities invest in both land protection and affordable housing: two complementary elements of smart growth. Jaimie Ross, Affordable Housing Director at 1000 Friends of Florida and President, Florida Housing Coalition, will explain the context for the development and preservation of affordable housing within Florida’s growth management laws. She will also provide examples of what practices can be implemented at the local level to further affordable housing and conservation, including mixed income and mixed use development, accessory dwelling units, community land trusts, and best practices for ending homelessness and saving taxpayer money. Debi Osborne, Director of Land Protection for the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast and previously the Director of Real Estate for National Audubon Society, will discuss the benefits of land conservation to people, the environment, our communities and the economy. She will also explain www.sarasotarealtors.com

how land is conserved, and give examples of community greening and land protection projects that support community needs and priorities. SAR urges our members to attend

this important, free seminar on April 17th. Register today at www. sarasotarealtors.com. Non-members, please call Catherine at 941-952-3404 to register.

Jaimie Ross

Debi Osborne

Affordable Housing Director, 1,000 Friends of Florida

Director of Land Protection, Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

APRIL 2014

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Put yourself in a better place™

Prices shown are estimated base prices, do not include lot premiums or options and are subject to change without notice. Community Association fees required. Additional terms, conditions and restrictions apply. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be an actual representation of a specific community, neighborhood or any completed improvements being offered. Please see a sales associate for details. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required or if void by law. ©2013 Centex Real Estate Corporation. All rights reserved. 8/5/13. CBC057850.

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NORTH

Governmental Affairs

SAR lobbies Legislature on Realtor® issues

Editor’s Note: Many SAR members joined other Realtors® from across the state in Tallahassee on March 19th to lobby legislators on these issues.

Sales Tax on Commercial Leases (see more on P. 18)

Florida must begin to phase out the sales tax on commercial leases, according to Florida Realtors®

Florida is the only state in the union that charges a sales tax on commercial leases. For Florida to be competitive with other states and considered to be business friendly by prospective employers and companies seeking to relocate, Florida must begin to phase out the sales tax on commercial leases. Florida Realtors® support SB176 and HB 11 that lower the commercial lease sales tax from 6% to 5% beginning in 2014.

Guaranty Association (FIGA). FIGA is a nonprofit corporation that pays claims on behalf of insolvent insurance companies. If FIGA does not have sufficient funds to pay claims when another company goes bust, FIGA can issue two types of assessments against solvent companies to raise funds-emergency and regular assessments. HB 143/SB346 would allow FIGA to collect assessments in monthly installments if it has enough Sadowski Affordable Housing Trust Funds In 1992 Realtors® strongly supported an increase in funds to pay claims for six months or more. This the documentary stamp tax on deeds for all real estate is important to insurance companies considering writing policies in Florida because unexpected transactions by 10 cents per $100 value IF all of the assessments reduce a company’s surplus and the funds monies collected went to housing. Unfortunately, available to pay its own claims. that has not been the case since 2002. During years of state budget shortfalls legislators swept Sadowski Water Quality monies into general revenue. Florida Realtors® support programs that keep our Florida Realtors® support dedicating all monies springs, lakes and other water bodies free of harmful collected from the Sadowski Affordable Housing pollutants. Any approach to manage these levels Trust Funds for their intended purpose - housing should be science based and comprehensive. Florida - or reduce the amount of documentary stamp tax Realtors support $650,000 in funding to complete charged for the fund. the Department of Health’s Florida Onsite Sewage Nitrogen Reduction Strategies Study. Property Insurance Some areas of the state are starved for fresh water Continue to develop a private insurance market only to be inundated during the rainy season with alternative to the National Flood Insurance more water than ecosystems can handle. This has Program. Florida’s nearly 2 million flood insurance been the case in the Indian River Ragoon and Lake policyholders contribute more in premiums than Okeechobee basin. they get back in claim payments. And for that reason Florida lawmakers should continue to seek to When water levels rise to dangerous levels the provide a framework that will attract private market U.S. Army Corps of Engineers releases excess water alternatives. often polluted with toxic algae into nearby rivers and estuaries. Florida Realtors® support funding Florida Realtors® also support bills that lengthen alternative storage options that alleviate some if not the amount of time property insurance companies all of these disastrous outflows. have to pay assessments to the Florida Insurance

Marc Mansfield can be reached at 941.952.3410

APRIL 2014

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Property Appraiser

Tipss on the C Caps

Tips on the caps: Property transitions and their impacts

Constitu utional Articles, Statutes, Rules and Cou urt Cases related d to Homestead d us in recen nt weeks forr Seveeral propertyy owners havve contacted and Non n‐homestead Reesidential Assesssed inforrmation abo out the effect on assesse ed value whe en a propertty Value Ca apping. Tips on the Caps transsitions from non‐homesstead to hom mestead classification annd vice Constitutional Articles, Statutes, Rules versaa. Here’s a q quick summaary: and Court4): New homest Cases related toead Homestead Article V VII Section 4(d)(4 Several property owners have contacted us in recent weeks for and Non-homestead Residential as Assessed propertyy shall be assess sed at just value st Value Capping. information about the effect on assessed value when a property on Homeste eases in asse essed value ead property y have been Sincee 1994, incre of Januaary 1 of the yea ar following the By Bill Furst, GRI, CRS, CRB transitions frommore than 3 non-homestead to homestead classification and vice establishhment of the hoomestead, unlesss Consumer limitted to an inc crease of no 3% or the ch hange in the Sarasota County Property Appraiser provisions of [portabilityy] apply. versa. Here’s awer. Howeve quick summary: Pricee Index, whic chever is low er, in the yeaar a homesteead is Article VII Section 4(d)(4): New homestead Section 193.155 Florida established (the grant year), , the propert ty will be ass st value. property a Statutes: Prope shall be assessederty at just value as Several property owners have contactedsessed at jus us in recent weeks for st receivingg the homestea d exemption sha all Since 1994, increases in assessed value on Homestead property have been of the year following the of January 1 operty is new w to the own ner or previo ously owned d but not Wheether the pro information about the effect on assessed value when a property be assesssed at just value e as of January 1 1 of unless establishment of the homestead, limited to an increase of no more than 3% or the change in the Consumer transitions fromrequiremen non-homestead to homestead classification hom mesteaded th his statutory nt applies. T The only exce eption, and the the yearr in which the pr provisionsroperty receives of [portability] apply. Price Index, whichever lower. However, in the year a homestead is exemptiion unless the p vice versa. Here’s a quickis summary: rovisions of sincee 2008, is tie ed to whethe er the owne rs of the new w homestea ad are Section 193.155 Florida Statutes: Property [portabiility] apply. established (the grant year), the property be assessed at just value. Since 1994, increases in assessed valuefrom a prev onwill Homestead transsferring any homestead t difference assessment ious property receiving the homestead exemption shall have beenthe limited to anisincrease of noowner moreor than 3% or the Whether property new to the previously owned but not Section 193.1554 Florid da Statutes hom mestead – thi is is common nly called po ortability. An ny difference e between be assessed at just value as of January 1 of change in the Consumer Price Index, whichever homesteaded this statutory requirement applies.is lower. The only exception,Subsectiions (2) and (3): s receives the the year in: (2) For all levies which the property from ad just vvalue and as ssessed valu e as a result t of the cap i is sheltered However, in the year a homestead is established (the grant year), other th han school distric ct levies, non‐ exemption unless the provisions of since 2008, iswill tiedbetoassessed whether of the new the property atthe justowners value. Whether thehomestead property are homesteead residential p valorrem taxes. [portability] apply. property shall be e homestead assessment from a previous istransferring new to theany owner or previously owned difference but not homesteaded assessed d at just value ass of January 1 off Section 193.1554 Florida Statutes this statutory– requirement applies. The only exception, since homestead this is commonly called portability. Any difference between the yearr that the prope rty becomes l properties Sincee 2010, non‐ ‐homestead residential and non‐res sidential rea Subsections (2) and (3): (2) For all levies 2008, is tied to whether the owners of the new homestead just value and assessed value as a result of the cap is sheltered from ad eligible ffor assessment p pursuant to this other than school district levies, nonssed value f havee benefited f from a 10% c cap on incre eases in asse for all but are transferring any homestead assessment difference from a section. (3) Beginning in n the year follow wing valorem taxes. homestead residential property shall be previous homestead – this ishange of own commonly nership or co called portability. Any the yearr the non‐homesstead residential scho ool tax levies s. In the first year of a ch ontrol, or assessed at just value as of January 1 of difference between just value and assessed value as a status, the result of the propertyy becomes eligib ble for assessme ent when there is a t transition fr om homeste ead to non‐h homestead s the year that the property becomes Since non-homestead residential cap is 2010, sheltered from ad valorem taxes. and non-residential real properties pursuan nt to this section , the property sh hall eligible for assessment pursuant to this prop assessed at perty will be just value. A Any accumu lated assess sment be reass sessed annually on January 1. An ny have benefited from a 10% cap on increases in assessed value for all but Since 2010, non-homestead residential and non-residential section. (3) Beginning in the year following nt residential uch reassessme isappear. Th diffeerence will d here is no pr portability fo or non‐in the year the non-homestead real properties have fromofaa10% capof onownership increases school tax levies. In benefited the firstovision for p year change or control, change or resulting from s cent of the asses ssed may nott exceed 10 perc property becomes eligible for assessment assessed value for all but school tax levies. In the first year of a hom mestead prop perty when there is a transition from homestead to non-homestead status, the value off the property fo . property shall pursuant or the prior year. to this section, the change of ownership or control, or when there is a transition property will be assessed at just value. Any accumulated assessment be reassessed annually on January 1. Any from homestead to non-homestead status, the property will be FL Admiinistrative Code 12D‐8.0061: Re eal ’s say a non‐ For eexample, let ‐homestead property th hat has had t the 10% cap p change resulting from such reassessment difference will disappear. There is no provision for portability for nonassessed at just value. Any accumulated assessment difference propertyy shall be assess sed at just value may not exceed 10 percentas of the assessed for m many years t transitions to o homestead d status and did not homestead property will disappear. There is no provision ford the owner portability for non in which the of Januaary 1 of the year value of the property for the prior year. homestead property havee any portab bility. For pur rposes of de emonstration n we’ll hold tthe just propertyy first receives the [homestead]. FL Administrative Code 12D-8.0061: Real For example,let’s let’ssay sayaanon-homestead non-homestead property that that valuee equal from m one year to o the next, ( an unlikely ccircumstanc ce). has had the 10%District For example, property cap Court of Appeal l of Florida, Fifth property shall be assessedh at just value as the 10% cap for many years transitions to homestead status for many years transitions to homestead status and the owner did notDistrict, No.5D11‐240, 8 of January84 So.3d 1277, 1 of the year in which the and the owner did not have → any For purposes rt agreed with t 0, 2012: The Cou Prrior Year Non‐H Homestead portability. Current Y Year Homesteaadwe’ll ofhold the justApril 20, have any portability. For purposes of demonstration property first receives the he [homestead]. demonstration we’ll hold the just value equal from one year to Orange y Appraiser that County Property value equal from one year to the next, (an unlikely circumstance). the next, (an unlikely circumstance). District Court of Appeal ofn Florida, Fifth ges classification once thee property chang

Just V Value $ 500,0 000 $500,000 Accum mulated Cap $ 100,0 000 Prior Year Non-Homestead $ 0 → Current Year Homestead Assesssed Value $ 400,0 000 $500,000 First H Homestead Just Value $ 0 $ 25,000 $500,000 $ 500,000 Secon nd Homestead $ 0 $ 25,000 $ 0 Accumulated Cap $ 100,000 Taxab ble Value Non‐ ‐School $ 400,0 $ 450,000 $500,000 Assessed Value 000 $ 400,000 Taxab ble Value Scho $ 500,0 000 $ 475,000 $ 25,000 Firstols Homestead $ 0 Second Homestead $ 0 $ 25,000 Taxable Value Non-School $ 400,000 $ 450,000 To seee what wou uld happen i in reverse si mply flip the e scenario. TThe Taxable Value Schools $ 500,000 $ 475,000 ith a $100,0 prevvious year ho omestead w 00 cap woulld have taxa ble values

District, No.5D11-240, 84 So.3d 1277, from homestead to non n‐homestead, it April 20, 2012: The Court agreed with the must theen be revalued a at its fair market t Orange County Property Appraiser that value for ad valorem tax x purposes befo re it once the property changes classification can receeive the benefit of the ten perce ent from homestead to non-homestead, it limitatio on in future tax y years. The Court must then be revalued at its fair market cited Artt. VII, Sec 4(d)(4 ), (see above) in value for ad valorem tax purposes before it support of their decision n. can receive the benefit of the ten percent limitation in future tax years. The Court cited Art. VII, Sec 4(d)(4), (see above) in support of their decision.

For moree informatio on please contact

of $3 350,000/$37 75,000. In th he current ye ear, with the e homesteadd removed, For more To see what would happen in reverse simply flip the scenario. The the Prop perty appraisser’s office a at information, see what would happen in reverse oth cases the simply flip the the ttaxable valuTo e would incr rease to $50 00,000. In bo e scenario. previous yearyear homestead withwith a $100,000 cap cap would havehave taxable values PA@SC‐PA.com or 9 941.861.8200 0. The previous homestead a $100,000 would contact the For more information please contact appr ropriate cap would take effect in yea ar two of the e new status s. of $350,000/$375,000. In the current year, with the homestead removed, taxable values of $350,000/$375,000. In the current year, with Property the Property appraiser’s office at the removed, taxable wouldInincrease to the Appraiser the homestead taxable value would the increase to value $500,000. both cases PA@SC-PA.com or 941.861.8200. $500,000. Incap both casestake the appropriate cap would take effect in Bill Furst’s appropriate would effect in year two of the new status. year two of the new status. office at 941.861.8200. 12

APRIL 2014

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

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Lillian Sanders and family move into new home, thanks to SAR-Habitat for Humanity Team Build Sometimes, dreams do come true. The dream of homeownership has been in Lillian Sanders’ heart for a lifetime. For years, she has wanted to provide her family with a safe, happy environment to enjoy peace, security and a successful future. Now, thanks to her persistence and devotion, and with the help of the Sarasota Association of Realtors®, Habitat for Humanity, and many other partner organizations, Lillian’s dream is a reality. In March, Lillian closed on the new home at 1353 21st Street, a former neighborhood eyesore and crime magnet that was torn down and has been reborn as a beautiful threebedroom home with amazing fenced backyard and detached two-car garage. For the third year in a row, SAR has helped provide a home for a deserving family, thanks to a $25,000 contribution from SAR’s Affordable Housing Fund, and hundreds of volunteer After months of dedicated service and hundreds of hours of hard work, Lillian Sanders and her children - Michael, Myla, Solace and Mekayla - are work hours by SAR members. now enjoying the fruits of their labor - a brand new home! Welcome home, Lillian!

The first days of the SAR-Habitat for Humanity Team Build in May 2013 were devoted to digging the foundation, followed by wall building and raising, and then major construction. Finally, sodding and landscaping, along with interior finishing, culminated in the beautiful completed three-bedroom home with detached garage. www.sarasotarealtors.com

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

APRIL 2014

District 13 Conference Slated June 20th Don’t miss this year’s District 13 Conference and Trade Show at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in beautiful Punta Gorda, Florida. Mark your calendars for Friday, June 20. Cost for the entire day of informative seminars, plus a delicious breakfast and lunch, as well as real estate trade expo, is only $20. The Sarasota Association of Realtors® is this year’s organizing association for the districtwide event. Affiliated real estate-related businesses can optimize their visibility by reaching an elite audience of real estate professionals all on one day in one location from six Realtor® Associations in Florida’s Suncoast region. The theme for this year’s conference is “Believe: In Yourself, Your Market and Your Business.” SAR’s own Michael Bruno, District 13 Vice President, has worked behind the scenes to put together an incredible conference, filled with informational sessions. The keynote speaker will be Dr. John Tuccillo, Chief Economist of Florida Realtors®. Former chief economist for the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) and a highly respected business and planning consultant, Tuccillo is also

head of the Industry Data and Analysis Department for Florida Realtors®. Other speakers include: - Darla Furst and Juana Watkins, who will talk about the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC). Darla, a member of SAR with 33 years experience in real estate, customer service, marketing and leadership, was appointed to FREC by the Governor in 2010. She is a member of the leadership team of Michael Saunders & Company. Juana currently serves as Director of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate. Before coming to the DBPR, she was Senior Counsel to Florida Realtors. - Barry Grooms, 14-year real estate veteran and marketing specialist, will speak on the topic “Prospecting With Tools You Have.” - David M. Levin, Environmental Attorney, Icard Merrill, will provide a review of waterfront property laws entitled “Waterfront Issues.” - Denise Oyler, Realtor®/Trainer with Rosebay International Real Estate since 2008, will speak on the topic “Personal, Professional & Profitable.” The trade show expo will be open

from 9 a.m. to noon, close briefly for lunch and the keynote address, the reopen from 1 to 3 p.m. Closing ceremonies will follow, with drawings and prize giveaways. About 60 of the area’s premier affiliated businesses are expected to participate, and more than 300 Realtors® turned out last year for the don’t miss event of the year in District 13. For information on how your business can participate, call 9523402 before June 10th, or visit www. district13conference.org

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APRIL 2014

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Sarasota County market sales maintain steady pace

Property sales in Sarasota County for February 2014 maintained a very steady pace, and median sale prices for single family homes and condos also reflected market stability and integrity. Single family prices have been remarkably even for the past 12 months, while condo prices have seen somewhat more volatility. February 2014 closed sales of 787 were down slightly (2.4 percent) from last February, when they were at 807, but up slightly from January 2014 (767). The other notable market statistic was the recent marked decrease in short sales. Only 32 of the total 787 sales in February 2014 were short sales, compared to 98 in February 2013. Short sales have been trending lower since August 2013, and saw a significant drop off beginning in January 2014, when only 27 sales were short sales in the county. In June 2010, at the low point of the market, short sales accounted for almost 200 of the 933 total sales, and foreclosure sales represented another 207. Foreclosures were still trending at about the same pace in February 2014, with 131 recorded. The lack of short sales may reflect the growing reluctance of mortgage lenders and banks to negotiate with delinquent property owners as the economy emerges from the great recession and the unemployment picture in Florida and across the nation improves. Sarasota County continues to see healthy year-over-year median sales price increases. Comparing February 2014 to the February 2013 numbers, the median sale price for single family homes was up 10.3 percent and for condos was up 6.3 percent. During the last 12 months, March 2013 through February 2014, there has been a steady pattern of median sales prices in the single family category, fluctuating between $180,000 and $195,000 in that time period. Condo prices have fluctuated between $159,000 and $182,000. The median sale price for the 12-months ending in February, which moderates monthly swings, was www.sarasotarealtors.com

“Unless there are some major economic headwinds that haven’t yet been forecast, we should see a very good 2014.” - SAR President Peter Crowley

$188,000 for single family homes, about 20 percent higher than the previous 12-month period. For condos, it was $165,000, up 9.2 percent over the previous 12-month period. Pending sales maintained a high level in February from the previous several months, and economists consider pending sales to be a good indicator of potential future closed sales. If experts are again correct, we could see another very strong period of March, April and May sales, as we did in 2013. Inventory levels went up again in February 2014, topping 5,000 for the first time since May 2011 – almost three years ago. The low point in the recent market was in July 2013 at 3,747 – about 34 percent lower than the current level. In a recovering market, new listings and the overall inventory generally rise as sellers raise their estimation of a property’s value. The increase normally occurs only after the market has turned up. “If you had to describe the market with one word, it would certainly be steady,” said Sarasota Association of

the

Realtors® President Peter Crowley. “Volatility in real estate isn’t historically a healthy climate, so we don’t really mind the current state of the market. Sales levels are still quite high, and the moderation in median sales prices means the market has found a good equilibrium between buyers and sellers. We hope for the traditional price appreciation that this area normally enjoys as the season progresses.” Sales of distressed properties represented about 20 percent of overall sales in February 2014, down from January’s 24.9 percent, and much lower than the 50 percent level experienced in 2011. The current inventory includes about 10.9 percent percent distressed properties, down from the 12.1 percent in January 2014. “We anticipate the level of distressed sales and listings to continue to drop in 2014, as the overall health of the economy and real estate market improves,” Crowley noted. “That is the traditional pattern, and unless there are some major economic headwinds that haven’t yet been forecast, we should see a very good 2014.”

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APRIL 2014

Sarasota MLSSM Statistics - February 2014 Single Family

Unit Sales

Condo

800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 Feb‐13

Mar‐13

Apr‐13

May‐13

Jun‐13

Jul‐13

Aug‐13

Sep‐13

Oct‐13

Nov‐13

Dec‐13

Jan‐14

Feb‐14

Single Family

Median Sale Price

Condo

$250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 $0 Feb‐13

Mar‐13

Apr‐13

May‐13

Jun‐13

Jul‐13

Aug‐13

Sep‐13

Oct‐13

Nov‐13

Dec‐13

Jan‐14

Feb‐14

Single Family

#Active

#Sold

%Sold

Average DOM

Median Sale Prices

Median Last 12 Months

Months of Inventory

Pending Reported

%Pending

# New Listings

% Price Original

This Month

3,430

532

15.5

$185,000

$188,000

5.5

695

20.3

988

92.3

This Month Last Year

2,870

514

23.7

$167,725

$156,800

5.0

682

19.1

910

93.4

3,314

503

15.2

$189,500

$187,000

5.4

653

19.7

1,140

92.1

‐

1,035

‐

$188,000

‐

1,348

‐

2,128

‐

Last Month YTD

Statistics were compiled on Sarasota County properties in the MLS as of March 15th, 2014. Single-family statistics are tabu

lated using the property style single-family home. Median sales price is the middle value, where half of the homes sold for more, and half sold for less. Listings sold were closed transactions during the month.

Source: Sarasota Association of Realtors® 16

APRIL 2014

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Sarasota MLSSM Statistics - February 2014 Single Family

Inventory

Condo

4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0 Feb‐13

Mar‐13

Apr‐13 May‐13

Jun‐13

Jul‐13

Aug‐13

Sep‐13

Oct‐13

Nov‐13

Dec‐13

Jan‐14

Feb‐14

Single Family Condo

Pending Sales 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 Feb‐13

Mar‐13

Apr‐13

May‐13

Jun‐13

Jul‐13

Aug‐13

Sep‐13

Oct‐13

Nov‐13

Dec‐13

Jan‐14

Feb‐14

Condo This Month This Month Last Year Last Month YTD

#Active

#Sold

%Sold

Average DOM

Median Sale Prices

Median Last 12 Months

Months of Inventory

Pending Reported

%Pending

# New Listings

% Price Original

1,592

255

16.0

$170,000

$165,000

5.2

334

20.1

427

93.3

1,621

293

13.2

131

$160,000

$151,242

5.6

379

24.4

432

91.6

1,572

264

16.8

$176,000

$165,000

5.1

345

21.2

555

91.7

‐ 519 ‐ 90 $175,000 ‐ ‐ 679 ‐ 982 ‐ Statistics were compiled on Sarasota County properties in the MLS as of March 15th, 2014. Condo statistics include condo, co-op, villa and townhouse. Pending sales are sales where an offer has been accepted during the month, but the sale has not yet closed. DOM indicates the average number of days that sold properties were on the market before a contract was executed.

Sarasota Association of Realtors® MLS www.sarasotarealtors.com

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

APRIL 2014

Commercial Investment Division

Florida Realtors® urge sales tax phase out

One of the top legislative issues impacting commercial real estate in Florida is the Sales Tax on Commercial Leases. Florida stands alone as the only state that has a tax on commercial leases. Bringing new companies to Florida — to provide jobs, build strong communities and generate tax revenues — is critical to the state’s economic growth and development. One is the loneliest number, particularly when you’re trying to attract new business and you’re the only state in the country that charges a sales tax on commercial leases. For Florida to be competitive with other states and online retailers — and considered business-friendly by prospective employers and companies seeking to relocate — we must begin to phase out the sales tax on commercial leases. The time is now. Compared to other states, Florida ranks No. 36 in attracting new business from a tax perspective, according to a 2012 survey by Site Selection. We rank No. 20 in “Competitiveness” and No. 10 overall — well behind neighboring states of Georgia and Alabama, and other Southeastern states. A commercial lease sales tax shouldn’t be a deal breaker for companies looking to relocate to Florida. In the first year, a complete repeal of the tax would create 185,000 new jobs and $20 billion in economic impact. That’s five times more than the tax revenue impact

The state capitol is ground zero for the commercial lease tax fight.

CID Monthly Meeting Schedule

Commercial Marketplace Sessions Increase visibility for your properties, learn of new opportunities, and exchange information with commercial professionals. Deals are made at these sessions. 1st, 2nd & 4th Fridays at the SAR Auditorium 3rd Friday at the MAR offices The monthly general meeting (3rd Tuesday) includes a Marketplace session, giving members at least five opportunities each month to promote their listings and network with fellow members.

Officers:

Lori Hellstrom, 2014 CID President

(according to Economic Impacts of Sales Tax Reduction on Commercial Property Leases, Fishkind & Associates, August 2013). State legislators are being urged to VOTE YES for SB 176 by Sen. Dorothy Hukill (R-Port Orange) and HB 11 by Rep. Greg Steube (R-Sarasota) to lower the commercial lease sales tax from 6% to 5% beginning in 2014. Eventually, we hope this tax is eliminated entirely, creating a new surge of jobs and economic growth.

CID General Membership Meeting - Tuesday, April 15th, 8 a.m. - Update on MFCRE system - SAR Auditorium- CID Members Only

2014 CID Officers & Directors

President: Lori Hellstrom, Osprey Real Estate Services President-Elect: Tim Mapp, Mapp Realty Vice-President: Tony Veldkamp, Sperry Van Ness Secretary: Ron Struthers, Coldwell Banker NRT Treasurer: Dave Roth, RE/MAX Alliance Group Past President: Linda Emery, Sperry Van Ness APRIL 2014

Commercial Marketplace Sessions - Friday, April 4, 9 a.m. – SAR Auditorium - Friday, April 11th, 9 a.m. – SAR Auditorium - Friday, April 18th, 9 a.m. – MAR, 10920 Technology Terrace, Lakewood Ranch, FL - Friday, April 25th, 9 a.m. – SAR Auditorium

Directors: Rico Boeras: Sarasota Commercial Realty (3 years - 2016) Charlie Brown: Insignia Bank (3 years - 2016) Susan Goldstein: Michael Saunders & Company (2 years 2015) Roberta Kolton: Michael Saunders & Company (2 years 2015) Peter Skokos: Norton Hammersley (1 year - 2014) Joe C. Hembree: Hembree & Company (1 year - 2014)

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

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Education Programs Catherine McCaskill, Professional Development, can be reached at 941.952.3404

Learn the Foreclosure Process: Start to Finish Title: Foreclosure Process, What You Need To Know From Start To Finish Date/Time: Wednesday, April 23, Noon to 1:30 p.m. Moderator: David P. Clapp, Managing Broker RE/MAX Alliance Group Cost: $10 (members); $20 (non-members) I. The Foreclosure Process; from Lis Pendens to online bidding what can you expect? Nancy Cason, Attorney/Partner, Syprett, Meshad, Resnick, Lieb, Dumbaugh, will provide: • An overview of the current foreclosure numbers for the 12th judicial circuit in terms of how many are pending, rate of disposition, rate of monthly filing. • Brief overview of the process through the courts, a/k/a anatomy of a foreclosure • The foreclosure mediation process which will include brief overview of the various alternatives to foreclosure and resolution options, including, of course, short sales and trends with that. • Update on the Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Relief Act. II. The Online Bidding Process The New “Auction on the Courthouse Steps” what can you expect? Irene Plank, Attorney, Sarasota County Clerk of the

Court, Karen Rushing, will present: • Courthouse Steps v. Online Auctions • How to Get Started: Registration, Deposit Payment, Judicial Sales Calendar • Bidding Process • What Happens after the Sale? III. Foreclosure Title- What are the aftermath implications? Tom Fitzgibbons, Esq., with Norton Hammersley will address: • Incorrect legal descriptions • Foreclosing subject to superior liens • Efficacy of terminator lawsuits • Omitted junior liens • Claims by HOA’s and condo associations.

Learn how to best represent your buyers Title: Accredited Buyers Representative Designation Date/Time: April 2-3, 8:30 a.m. Location: SAR Auditorium Cost: $149 Register at www.sarasotarealtors.com The overall goals of the Accredited Buyers Representative® Designation Course are to: - Prepare real estate professionals to thoroughly represent buyer-clients in real estate transactions and provide the quality of service and degree of fidelity to buyers that sellers have customarily enjoyed. - Offer ideas and methods for building a buyer representation business. - Develop a self-customized tool for conducting a buyer counseling session. Upon completing the two-day course and successfully

APRIL 2014

passing the exam, you will have achieved ABR® candidate status, a three-year period during which you must fulfill the educational and experiential requirements to become an ABR® Designee. There are currently 16 courses you can select from to complete your elective course option. Get more information at: www.rebac.net/abr_course. cfm

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

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GRI 200 and 300 series continue in 2014 Title: Graduate, Realtor® Institute 2014 Location: SAR, 2320 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota Cost: $249 per Series (includes 2 modules) $130 (per single module) Plan on starting, or completing, your GRI designation with GRI 200 and 300 Series. Each Series offers 30 hours of broker’s post-license education, so if you recently earned your broker’s license, these courses together will earn you 60 hours which is all you need. Other licensees will earn 11 hours of CE with each Series. The Series can be taken in any order. GRI designees: • Have pursued a course of study that represents the minimum common body of knowledge for progressive real estate professionals. • Have developed a solid foundation of knowledge and skills to navigate the current real estate climate—no matter what its condition. • Are recognized nationally. • Act with professionalism and are committed to serving

their clients and customers with the highest ethical standards. Essential Real Estate Techniques (Series 200): GRI 201 “It’s All About You!” - April 21 & 22 GRI 202 ”Technology and Investments” - April 28 & 29 Real Estate Specialties (Series 300): GRI 301: “It’s More Than Just Sales” - June 23 & 24 GRI 302: “Thinking Outside the Box” - June 30 & July 1

New Agent Forum: How to become a success in real estate Title: New Agent Forum Date/Time: April 16, 1 to 3 p.m. Location: SAR Auditorium Cost: FREE Have you been licensed for less than two years, and are wondering just how to become successful? The New Agent Forum has been especially designed for agents with less than two years experience, and can provide your pathway to success! Michael Davenport, licensed real estate instructor for the SAR School of Real Estate, will help keep you “out of trouble” by discussing the top 10 common mistakes made by newer agents. John Sorenson, Loan Officer with Movement Mortgage, will clarify and explain the differences between a PreApproval, Loan Approval, and a Loan Commitment Letter. Joseph Sikora, Assistant Vice President with Innovative Insurance, will explain the basics of home owners insurance

and policy coverages. He will also cover why Wind Mitigation and Four Point Inspections Reports are important. Denise Oyler, Corporate Trainer and FAR Faculty Instructor, shares her experience and suggestions on how to prospect for new leads with a smaller marketing budget.

FHA 203K Renovation Program: Economic stimulus for your business Title: FHA 203K Renovation Program Date/Time: April 16, 9 a.m. to Noon Location: SAR Auditorium Cost: $10 members; $15 non-members 3 HR CE Learn how to increase your business immediately by closing properties “AS-IS” with only 3.5% down from the total loan amount. Learn how to use the FHA 203K that allows:

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Structural repairs; Room additions; Garages; Roof replacement; legal additions; HVAC; Termite Damage repairs; No limit to the amount of repairs. The seminar is set for Wednesday April 16, from 9am – 12pm. It offers 3 Hours of CE Credit, and the cost is $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register online at www.sarasotarealtors.com.

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

APRIL 2014

Matrix training to begin in late April Training dates have been announced for the new Matrix MLS system, the My Florida Regional MLS substitute for Fusion. The MFR Board of Directors last year moved forward with testing of a new MLS System that will replace the current system. SAR members will learn much more in the coming weeks - watch for informative emails and web site posts! The goal was one MLS system that was quick, fully mobile, performed seamlessly on any platform and on any device. MFR’s ultimate goal is to consolidate the MLS into one easy, smart, and intuitive system. Matrix should make life easier for agents after the less-than-successful roll out of Fusion, which has not provided the results all hoped it would. SAR will offer Matrix Overview classes on the following dates and times (Sign up for courses at gopherit.mfrmls. com): Tuesday, April 29th, 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. or 2:30 p.m. Thursday, May 1, 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. or 2:30 p.m. Thursday, May 22, 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 4, 9 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 12, 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. Thursday, July 10, 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. Agent Features Designed to power top-producing agents across North America, Matrix has been developed to boast the utmost speed and functionality. Offering the latest in agent-driven features, CoreLogic constantly strives to find new and innovative ways for agents to better serve their buyers and sellers. Performance Maximum speed is central to the Matrix product philosophy. Built for performance from the ground up, the optimized system architecture allows agents to search, email, and operate the system faster than ever before. Test drive Matrix and see for yourself how fast the system responds to even the most complex query. Integrated Mapping Seamlessly combining search criteria, map, and results, the dynamic mapping feature lets users click, zoom, and pan while results update in real time, automatically grouping map pins into clusters when there are too many to display. Users can select listings from the result list or directly from the map for superior versatility. Bird’s eye view, street view, satellite view, and driving directions are just a few of the many display options available to users.

APRIL 2014

Stats Generator One of the program’s most sophisticated features, the stats generator provides agents with an endless array of statistical analysis options. Starting with a search of any kind, agents can generate stats for a specific market area, time frame, listing status, or the entire multiple listing database! Matrix offers numerous preset reporting options, making it easy for agents to generate up-to-date statistical reports featuring attractive charts and graphs with just a few clicks. Advanced functionality allows for the comparison of virtually any two market stats on the same chart. Speed Bar From listing records and tax records to agents and search shortcuts, the Speed Bar dramatically reduces the time required to perform searches of any kind within the system. Enter any value to immediately search across the entire system and across all table types. Easy-to-learn shortcuts make searching faster than you ever dreamed possible Carts The program’s cart functionality offers agents greater listing management control. Users can drop listings into any client’s cart from virtually anywhere in the program, and then easily view, email, map or print the listings at their convenience. This functionality provides a tidy way to work with multiple clients while navigating around Matrix. Search History With Matrix, running a previous search is as simple as a single mouse click. Matrix automatically saves your recent searches—complete with a date/time stamp and the number of results—and displays them in a list conveniently located near the top of each page. Search History is a terrific time-saving feature that is perfect for the busy agent serving multiple clients at once.

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

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Improve your basic MLS skills in April Pre-registration is required for all MLS classes at gopherit.mfrmls. com. All classes are hands-on in the SAR Technology Center (except for Entering and Updating). Registration is limited to 18. Please be sure that you will attend if you reserve a spot! If you need to cancel, please call MFRMLS at 800.686.7451 (not SAR). MLS Basic April 2 or April 15, 9 a.m. to Noon Mandatory session for all new users, to be completed within 60 days of joining. This class will teach both new and returning agents the basic functionality in Fusion including search, printing and emailing. You will also learn about additional resources and member benefits provided by My Florida Regional MLS, and more. The class is also available online at: http://

for accurately listing properties in the MLS Database, along with additional educational materials available on MFRMLSUniversity.com. • Rules and Regulations • Profile Sheet Terms • iSmart Tool

mfrmlsuniversity.com or you may attend the class at SAR. MLS Compliance 101 April 2 or April 15, 1 to 2:30 p.m. This is a mandatory class for all new members to be completed within 60 days of joining. Existing members must complete the class every two year period, current period May 1, 2012 – June 30, 2014. In this class you will learn about the My Florida Regional MLS Rules and Regulations and compliance procedures

Fair Housing seminar slated April 24th A Fair Housiing seminar has been slated for April 24th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Northern Trust Bank, 1515 Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota, (11th Floor Conference Room, Northern Trust Bank Building).Park in the garage attached to the building. The seminar is sponsored by the Sarasota Office of Housing & Community Development. Facility and refreshments will be provided by Northern Trust Bank— includes a free continental breakfast. RSVP to Penny Francis at 951-3640 ext 3777 or e-mail Penelope.Francis@sarasotagov.com This 4-hour training session is FREE. Topics will include: • Description of the Fair Housing Act & What Is Required • Avoiding Liability • Best Practices • Question & Answer Session - Can I make my rental units just for Seniors? - I don’t want pets in my rental unit-is that ok? - Do I have to rent to families with children? - Will I be required to build a wheelchair ramp? www.sarasotarealtors.com

Adding/Modifying Listings April 2 or April 15, 3 to 4:30 p.m. This class is mandatory if you will be adding and modifying listings in the MLS. (but all agents are welcome to attend!) You will be taught how to input and modify listings, enter photos, and add attachments along with valuable tips and techniques. This class is available through live webinars or you may attend at SAR. • Profile Sheets • Adding listings information to MLS • Adding Photos, attachments and open houses • ShowingTime and Virtual Tours

CONGRATULATIONS!

Dedication and hard work pay off!! We congratulate our members who have successfully completed the GRI (Graduate, Realtor® Institute), Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES), Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Green Specialist (GREEN), Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR), and Military Relocation Professional (MPR) courses. GRADUATE, REALTOR® INSTITUTE (GRI) Ricardo Souza J Wood Realty SENIORS REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST (SRES) Thomas Wentzel Keller Williams LWR Kathleen Marlowe Kathy Marlowe & Assoc. CERTIFIED INTERNATIONAL PROP. SPEC. (CIPS) Judy Smith Waterfront 7 Realty Annette Santiago Keller Williams OTW CERTIFIED RESIDENTIAL SPECIALIST (CRS) Rita Lasky Berkshire Hathaway GREEN SPECIALIST (GREEN) Annette Stanoch Keller Williams LWR ACCREDITED BUYERS REP. (ABR) Joseph Harris Premier Sotheby’s Intl. MILITARY RELOCATION PRO. (MRP) Jonette Jones Jones & Co. Realty

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

APRIL 2014

SAR On the Scene

SAR members network for fun (and profit!)

Visit SAR on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SarasotaRealtors

Photos by Jesse Sunday

The Feb. 25th Affiliate After Hours event at Gecko’s on Hillview brought out networkers of all ages! Shown above - Mark Huber, his daughter Pamela, and her daughters Gia and Bella.

The Feb. 25th Affiliate After Hours event at Gecko’s on Hillview was another big hit! Here, Kerry and Sean Hegarty enjoy the event.

The Affiliate Smart Lunch on Feb. 26th at SAR attracted scores of Realtors® for a very informative session. The monthly event, featuring a great lunch and educational program, has proven a big success, and is a great opportunity for Realtors® to interact with Affiliates.

APRIL 2014

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

The Global Business Council of the Sarasota Association of Realtors® has a new Steering Committee, devoted to increasing the scope and importance of international business in our association. Led by Chair Robin Adair, the GBC hopes to achieve membership of 250 by the end of the year, and earn Platinum status in NAR’s Global Achievement Program. These are daunting goals, but Adair is convinced now is the perfect time to move in a strong direction toward the international real estate market. “We have a tremendous organization already, but now we want to take GBC to an even greater level,” explained Adair, a native of Great Britain. “Educating our membership on the international real estate arena is our major goal. As an example, when dealing with buyers from the UK, it’s important to understand that there is no such thing as Realtor® loyalty in Britain. There is no national MLS system, and real estate firms are mostly mom and pop operations. Agents should make it understood up front when working with a client from the UK that if they are working diligently to find them a property, they expect a certain loyalty to them for the eventual sale. It’s simply a matter of politely educating your potential clients.” International transactions are usually more complicated and generally require the assistance of a real estate

GLOBAL

Achievement Program

2013

GOLD

attorney schooled in international business, a currency exchange expert, and other professionals trained in foreign business standards. “Knowledge of culture and customs is also crucial,” said Adair. “In short, international real estate requires that agents raise their education to a whole new level.” In 2014, GBC hopes to give them that opportunity!

Certified International Property Specialist Course Set Title: CIPS Institute Dates/Times: June 2-6, 2014, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Location: SAR Auditorium Cost (full Institute): $550 for SAR members; $600 for non-members Registration form at www.sarasotarealtors.com Get your CIPS designation while the price is right! For complete information about this recently revised and streamlined designation, please go to http://www.realtor. org/cipshome.nsf/pages/education. CIPS Institutes concentrate five of the required international CIPS courses into a 5-day format over one week, allowing students to save travel costs and to complete the program quickly. Global Real Estate: Local Markets (June 2): This course is an analysis of the international real estate business environment, government regulations and cultures. The practical aspects of international brokerage, networking, marketing and selling are discussed (David Lauster)

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Global Real Estate: Financial Concepts (June 3): This course provides the tools needed to present investment information to international clients—in their currency and native land. HP-10B calculator required. (David Lauster). Asia/Pacific and International Real Estate (June 4): This course covers real estate practices in Asia and the Pacific with emphasis on cultural influences, economic trends and assessment of investment opportunities. A special chapter on working with the Japanese is included (Pat Tan and Carla Rayman) Europe & International Real Estate (June 5) : This course provides information on working with clients in Western and Central Europe. The European Union and its impact on international real estate are covered, along with economic and real estate trends, networking and relationship building, plus marketing and selling practices (Tan & Rayman) The Americas & International Real Estate (June 6): Practical information for professionals who work with Caribbean, North, Central and South American investors. Historical and cultural influences, regional relationships, and investment opportunities are covered along with a special focus on Mexico (Tan & Rayman)

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

APRIL 2014

Global Business Council

GBC seeks more members, improved training

RPAC gains support of Council

The NAR Midyear Meeting is now known as the Realtor® Party Convention & Trade Expo. The Realtor® Party Convention & Trade Expo is the event where Realtors® and association leaders come together to speak in unison on issues that pertain to real estate. And it’s an opportunity for all members to respond to and initiate change at all levels of government – federal, state and local. This event will be held May 12-17, 2014 in Washington, DC, with the Trade Expo on May 14-15. More than 8,000 Realtors® and Realtor® Association staff are expected to attend. Sound interesting? Women’s Council of Realtors® has been part of that common voice that is heard by national political leaders in Washington. The Realtor® Party Convention allows real estate professionals to learn about issues and act to impact decisions made by our Capitol Hill leaders. During this time, meetings will take place with Senators and key senior staff for the House of Representatives who are tuned in to real estate issues. Many Women’s Council members have been and will be attending those meetings. The Sarasota Chapter of Women’s Council of Realtors® supports the Realtors® Political Action Committee, RPAC, with a $1,000 donation every year. Our members are encouraged to contribute. This statement is included in every meeting on our slideshow and/or in our agenda. Since 1969, the Realtors® Political Action Committee (RPAC) has promoted the election of pro-Realtor® candidates across the United States. The purpose of RPAC is clear: Realtors® raise and spend money to elect candidates who understand and support their interests. The money to accomplish this comes from voluntary contributions made by Realtors®. These are not members’ dues; this is money given freely by Realtors® in recognition of how important campaign fundraising is to the political process. RPAC doesn’t buy votes. RPAC

enables Realtors® to support candidates that support the issues that are important to their profession and livelihood. This donation is not to a partisan committee. Some might be surprised that the committee’s efforts are focused on issues, not politics. It’s important that our members understand the impact that RPAC has had on recent issues. The most recent and perhaps one of the most important topics is the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act. NAR supports the act that will delay the costliest increases until FEMA can investigate and report to Congress with affordability solutions. Strengthening regulatory oversight of Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae with a focus on increasing the conforming loan limit for homebuyers is also a legislative priority. As well, RPAC continues to work to ensure that persons engaged in real estate only are exempt from any proposed mortgage registration requirements. The Women’s Council of Realtors® Mission Statement says it all: We are a network of successful Realtors®, advancing women as professionals and leaders in the business, the industry, and the communities we serve. We must be aware and focused on the issues that affect our ability to complete our mission. RPAC will be working to educate the decision makers on Capitol Hill and make a difference for the industry and the homeowners of America. It’s the best investment you can make in your career. Invest Now!

2014 Leadership Team

Susan Phelps WCR President

Susan Phelps President Cristello and Company RE Phone: 941-906-7653 sarasotasuze@gmail.com

Catherine Lamphier Vice-President Membership Michael Saunders & Company Phone: 941-907-9595 catherinelamphier@michaelsaunders.com

Tim Calpin Secretary JP Morgan Chase Phone: 941-705-0139 timothy.c.calpin@JPMChase.com

Kristin Triolo President-Elect Florida Homes eBroker Phone: 941-725-2486 kristintriolo@floridahomesebroker.com

Alfredda Smith-Odato Treasurer RE/MAX Alliance Group Phone: 941-360-7777 fred@alfredda.com

Jacqueline Abney Corresponding Secretary Berlin Patten Phone: 941-954-9991 jabney@berlinpatten.com

APRIL 2014

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Editor’s Note: One of the goals in SAR’s 2014 Strategic Plan is to increase the professionalism of our members so they are recognized as true professionals and trusted advisors. Pathways to Professionalism is the National Association of Realtors® voluntary guide to professional courtesy, originally created in 1998. Each issue of the magazine will include a column to increase members’ awareness of the key concepts in the document. BE CONSIDERATE OF SELLER’S PROPERTY - DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO EAT, DRINK, SMOKE, DISPOSE OF TRASH, USE BATHING OR SLEEPING FACILITIES, OR BRING PETS. LEAVE THE PROPERTY AS YOU FOUND IT UNLESS INSTRUCTED OTHERWISE. Please advise your buyers prior to beginning showings that the use of bathroom facilities in the properties you are going to visit is strictly prohibited. This might have happened to you OR could happen. A past client asked for assistance with her brother and his wife in locating the perfect home for them in the Sarasota area. On a beautiful sunny March afternoon I met the clients along with her brother and his wife at a villa in Lakewood Ranch, the first of four they were scheduled to see. The villa was unoccupied and had no furnishings. The prospective buyers, former clients and I toured the villa. We wound up in the kitchen, reviewing the benefits of the villa as far as meeting the buyers’ wants and needs. While continuing conversation with the past clients I noticed that the buyers were taking a second look at various rooms. Realizing that buyers often prefer to take second looks without their Realtor® accompanying them, I stayed in the kitchen area. The wife of the buyer couple returned to the kitchen area and after additional conversation we all left the villa. The door was locked and everyone began to move to vehicles. It was then that I noticed that the husband of the buyer couple was not with the group. I returned into the villa and shouted his www.sarasotarealtors.com

name. I heard him respond “coming” and observed him leaving the master bedroom moving toward the front door. When he made it to the front door he informed me that he had used the master bath toilet and found the water was not turned on. He indicated that it was VERY important to get the water turned on. I searched the property and could not locate the turn on valve for the water. I wound up having to go to the next property that we were scheduled to visit, locating a bucket; filling it with water and taking it back to the villa where the problem was. Rather than taking care of the problem personally, I asked the husband of the buyer couple to take the water into the bathroom to allow the toilet to empty. Lesson learned - make sure you specifically advise clients when you begin showing property that they are not to use the bathroom facilities of any property visited!

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

APRIL 2014

Pathways to Professionalism

Simple rules can help avoid embarrassing issues

Realtor®-Attorney Joint Committee 28

Fighting like cats and dogs: Pet restricted communities By Tamela Eady, Esq. Realtor®-Attorney Joint Committee

When planned communities became prevalent in Florida long ago, legal disputes arose over the rights of community associations to implement and enforce restrictive covenants. Florida courts recognized the rights of associations to impose conditions on ownership, occupancy and use which were more restrictive than those imposed by governmental entities. Over time, though, the authority of associations to enforce restrictions has been eroded by various Federal and state laws intended to prohibit housing discrimination against certain protected classes of individuals. The latest battleground is the right of associations to enforce pet restrictions vs. residents who claim that a diagnosed disability requires an animal for assistance, including “emotional support”, despite such restrictions. When is a pet not a pet? Community associations are subject to the Federal Housing Act (FHA). Under the FHA, unlawful discrimination means “a refusal to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices or services, when such accommodations may be necessary to afford such person equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling.” The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the agency that interprets and enforces the FHA, cares little about private pet restrictions. According to HUD, associations are required to make reasonable accommodations for a person with a “disability” to have an “assistance animal”. Included in the definition of assistance animal is an “emotional support animal”, or ESA. An assistance animal is not a service animal, is not just limited to a dog and does not have to be specifically trained. Perhaps most importantly, an assistance animal is not considered a “pet”, which automatically puts an association trying enforce pet restrictions behind the eight ball when faced with a request to allow an assistance animal. What is a reasonable request? When an association receives a request to allow an exception to its pet restrictions, it must grant the request if the person making it suffers from a defined “disability” and if the exception will accommodate the disability. A disability is a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, including sleeping, bathing, walking and working. Many disabilities may not be readily apparent or known to an association, including mental conditions, such as anxiety or depression. An association may not refuse a request for an assistance animal just because it is uncertain whether the person seeking the request has

APRIL 2014

a disability-related need for the animal. An association may request that the applicant provide documentation from a physician, psychiatrist, social worker or other mental health professional that the animal provides emotional support that alleviates one or more of the identified symptoms or effects of an existing disability. Associations have to navigate legal minefields even when it comes to requesting documentation from an applicant. Associations are not allowed to require access to medical records or to medical providers. Associations also cannot require extensive information or documentation of an applicant’s physical and/or mental impairments. So an association may have to make a decision based upon a note scribbled on a prescription pad from someone they do not know and cannot contact. Therefore, association decisions are highly fact-specific. Denying a reasonable accommodation request is risky business. The burden to prove that such a request is “unreasonable” seems to be firmly upon an association. Denying a request may result in an association being on the losing end of a discrimination complaint. How about the rights of everyone else? These developments are bad news for residents in pet restricted communities who may fear animals or made a housing decision because pets were banned, restricted to owners only, or limited by size, number or breed. The law does not address these types of concerns. Also vague is an association’s recourse if an assistance animal, once approved, becomes a nuisance. What can or should an association do if the animal barks excessively, exhibits threatening behavior to other residents or other pets, or if the owner cannot or does not properly pick up after the animal? These issues are already being litigated. Conclusion Pet restricted communities face increasing numbers of requests from individuals seeking exemptions based upon a claim of a medical need for an assistance animal. Certainly, some of these claims are valid. The problem is that because of the broad provisions of the FHA and the policies of HUD, concerns have been raised that certain individuals are using the law to do an end run around association pet restrictions. Associations need to take requests for reasonable accommodations for assistance animals seriously. Harsh penalties exist for improperly disapproving such requests. As HUD has stated, “it is the housing provider’s responsibility to know the applicable laws and comply with each of them.” This column is provided monthly by members of SAR’s Realtor®-Attorney Joint Committee.

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

SAR seeks applications for scholarships The 2014 Sarasota Association of Realtors® Scholarship application is now being accepted, and the deadline is fast approaching. The application has been posted on our web site and distributed to the various local high schools. The application must be received at SAR no later than May 1, 2014. Visit www.sarasotarealtors.com and look for the item under Hot Topics at the right side of the page. Then click DOWNLOAD FILE below and print the nine-page application and submit by mail or in person to SAR. Each scholarship is in the amount of $2,000, and four scholarships will be awarded - two to members of SAR (or immediate family members); and two to the public (nonSAR members). Please send to SAR, Attn. Scholarship Committee, 2320 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL 34232, or bring to the office prior to the deadline onThursday, May 1st (no later than 5 p.m.)

GREEN From Page 6

Energy-efficient mortgages allow homeowners to roll the cost of “Green” home improvements – such as solar panels, geothermal heating, tank-less water heaters and more energyefficient heaters or air-conditioning systems – into their mortgage financing. Fannie Mae, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and the Veterans Administration (VA) offer loan programs that include energy-efficient mortgages. On FHA loans, the cost of improvements usually can’t exceed 5 percent of the property’s value and is capped at $8,000. With VA loans, veterans can usually add up to $6,000 in energy-efficiency improvements. On conventional loans, funding for energy improvements is often capped at 10 percent of the appraised value of the completed property. Lending experts warn borrowers to be careful and make sure they’re comfortable with the higher monthly mortgage payments spurred by a bigger loan. But over the longterm, the decrease in a home’s energy costs may make up the difference. In fact, many lenders won’t even process an energy-efficient mortgage unless it will result in a net cost savings. The average homeowner spends about $2,200 annually on energy bills, according to the Department of Energy’s Energy Star Program. The Environmental Protection Agency says that adding insulation and improving the sealing of a home has the potential to curb total energy costs by 10 percent. According to Energy Star, programmable thermostats can save homeowners $180 annually; replacing single-pane windows can offer a $500 annual savings; solar water heaters offer a $140 savings; and energy-efficient HVAC systems can offer $200 or more in savings. www.sarasotarealtors.com

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APRIL 2014

Membership News Dan Andrews, Membership Director, can be reached at 941.952.3408

The Association is pleased to welcome new members! Designated Realtors®

Bommersheim, Fiona: Platinum Bay Realty LLC Brahler, Christine: Regal Touch Realty Inc Coppola, Thomas: Coppola Realty DeCastro, Julia: LWR Communities LLC Ferrari, John: Ferrari Realty LLC Jacques, Normand: By Giving Referral Network Trimpe, Julie: Community Realty Services

New Members

Anderson, William: Century 21 Beggins Enterprises Atwood, Molly: Coldwell Banker Res R E Bogdan, Dragan: Century 21 Beggins Enterprises Bommersheim, Fiona: Hook & Ladder Realty Inc. Brando Perez, Juliana: Michael Saunders & Company Brilliant, Robert: Coldwell Banker Res R E Brossard, Mike: Rosebay International, Inc. Bryceland, Kevin: RE/MAX Alliance Group Burns, Robert: Blakeley & Associates Realty Cadmus, Lacey: Keller Williams on the Water Channey, Renee: Florida Resorts Realty Collier, Ronald: Michael Saunders & Company Davis, Kimberly: Keller Williams On The Water Duthie, Veronica: Integra Realty Group Easton, Herdis: Blakeley & Associates Realty Elson, Kimberly: AUM Florida Real Estate LLC Fields, Ivana: Keller Williams On The Water Filosa, Jane: Coldwell Banker Res R E Giusti, Christian: Bright Realty Goar, Torii: The Real Estate Store Guerra, Abraham: SRQ International Realty LLC Hynes, Patrick: Keller Williams Rlty Englewood Jeltema, Alana: Atchley International Realty Kuty, Dennis: Premier Plus Realty Lang, Kaley: Coldwell Banker Res R E Lilja, Brian: AUM Florida Real Estate LLC Lilja, Nicole: AUM Florida Real Estate LLC Lowry, Sarah: Atchley International Realty Lyon, Antoinette: Premier Sotheby’s Intl. Realty Lyons, Amy: Premier Sotheby’s Intl. Realty MacDougall, Amy: Ian Black Real Estate LLC Mesarosova, Jana: Impulse Realty International Miller, Adam: Keller Williams Lakewood Ranch Niedospial, Kathleen: Meadows Real Estate Services Nunez, Maria: Coldwell Banker Res R E Parker, Pamela: Keller Williams On The Water Patella, Jonathan: Wagner Realty Pidghirnii, Ana: Mount Vernon Property Mgmt Inc. Playter, Jamie: Generous Property Proden, Robert: Exit King Realty Reardon, Linda: Coldwell Banker Res R E Reed, Janice: Michael Saunders & Company Skowronski, Jason: Coldwell Banker Res R E Slaalien, Noreen: Coldwell Banker Res R E Smith, Alexander: Danielle Gladding R.E. Broker Soiman, Daniela: Coldwell Banker Res R E Stoltzfus, Raymond: Exit King Realty Stone, Mary: Moynihan Realty Group Inc. APRIL 2014

Telis, Kimberly: Exit King Realty Van Riper, Elizabeth: Michael Saunders & Company Waters, Larry: Xena Vallone Realty Inc. Wisdom, Thomas: Community Realty Services

Now With ...

Anzellini, Elizabeth: RE/MAX United Realty Anderson, Linda: Swilley & Associates Realty Beausang, John: Sarasota Bay Real Estate P.A. Beriault, Richard: Sarasota Bay Real Estate P.A. Bosela, Hajasoa: Coldwell Banker Res R E Carver, E Rian: Ocean Real Estate LLC Chartier, Mike: Sarasota Bay Real Estate P.A. Cihal-Philpot, Carole: Keller Williams Lakewood Ranch Drake, Amy: Ascentia Realty Group Inc Dreyer, Nelle: Coldwell Banker Res R E Ferguson-Brown, Rachael: One Stop Realty of Sarasota Florand, Pearl: Sunset Realty Freeman, Eric: Medway Realty Fuchs, Todd: Premier Properties Gibson, Jo Ellen: RE/MAX Platinum Realty Gibson, Fred: RE/MAX Platinum Realty Gordon, George: Realty Masters of Florida Gray, Michael: Florida Internet Realty LLC Guthrie, Carol: Coppola Realty Group Haga, Elizabeth: Impulse Realty International Horne, Jennifer: Ocean Real Estate LLC Khalil, Jacklen: Venice Real Estate Company King, Stephanie: Century 21 Beggins Enterprises Kovach, Frank: Hope Realty Inc Krashchenko, Stella: Key Solutions Real Estate Grp Lang, Gaylyn: Coldwell Banker Res R E Laver, Sean: Key Realty Losch, Scott: Premier Sotheby’s Intl. Realty Lucas, Cynthia: Horizon Realty International McDonough, Meg: Horizon Realty International McWilliams, Andrew: Coldwell Banker Res R E Merriott, Robert: Keller Williams On The Water Moore, Jason: Andrews & Associates Realty Morris, Robert: Sperry Van Ness Commercial Morris, Lisa: Michael Saunders & Company Pillsbury, Robert: Keller Williams on the Water Reid, Patricia: Joyce Marie Steward R E Broker Sarajew, Nancy: Coldwell Banker Res R E Shape, Leslie: Johnston Realty of Sarasota Steele, Deborah: Exit King Realty Taylor, Kelly: Keller Williams Lakewood Ranch Uecker, Lucy: Keller Williams On The Water Valenti, JoAnne: The Real Estate Store Wallace, Bret: Argus Realty Group Inc Warren, Charles: Bright Realty Waters, J Allen: Florida Internet Realty LLC Weiler-Hill, Ruth: Horizon Realty International Wilcher, John RE/MAX Alliance Group Williams, Barbara: Impulse Realty International Wingardh, Peggy: DWELL Real Estate Winkle, Holly: Michael Saunders & Company Wolfe, Lisa: Sarasota Bay Real Estate P.A.

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

New Affiliates

24-7 Floors 2108 Whitfield Park Loop Sarasota, FL 34243 Phone Number: 860-250-1733 Representative: Scott D. Perron Specialty: We at 24-7 Floors are committed to selling top quality flooring for residential and commercial at low, affordable prices. We sell a wide range of goods including carpets, vinyl flooring, laminates and carpet underlay. We are a service supplier. Email: scott@24-7floors.com Island Mortgage Services 435 12th Street W. #202 Bradenton, FL 34205 Phone Number: 941-778-8448 Representative: Janine M. Petrarca Specialty: We offer a full range of Conventional and Government Loan Programs. We offer clients customized mortgage solutions to obtain the BEST rate possible. Our client-centric process is straight-forward and simple: We Always Put the Client First We provide a broad array of financing options for home buyers Our knowledgeable mortgage professionals have deep industry insights and years of experience as they have handled every aspect of the mortgage process from Origination to Closing. Email: jggirl@gmail.com Manasota Professional Title 1275 Whitefield Avenue Sarasota, FL 34243 Phone Number: 941-727-0040 Representative: Amiee Rothrock Specialty: At Manasota Professional Title we provide comprehensive title services to buyers, sellers, lenders, mortgage brokers and realtors. We handle all types of closings from simple residential refinances to commercial transactions. We do whatever it takes to ensure that closings are handled in a professional, efficient and timely manner. Email: mtitle2@verizon.net MCS Mortgage Bankers Inc. 2212 Shadow Wood Lane Sarasota, FL 34240 Phone Number: 941-323-1733 Representative: Leigh Durst Specialty: Here at Island Mortgage Services we are a group of seasoned professionals, offering a full menu of Mortgage Programs to fill every clients need. Our most important task: making certain each client we serve walks away from the settlement table with the confidence that brings them back to us & encourages family, friends & associates to contact us for all their mortgage needs. Email: ldurst@mcsmortgage.com Mr. Sandless of Sarasota 4679 Hackamore Road Sarasota, FL 34241 Phone Number: 941-586-2787 Representative: Neil Bass www.sarasotarealtors.com

Specialty: Mr. Sandless is the Quick, No Sanding Solution for Beautiful Wood Floors. Most projects completed in 1 day. Satisfaction Guaranteed. The Mr. Sandless service uses wet solutions and our high speed machine to prepare your floor, and then we seal your floor with two coats of our commercial grade sealer and then two top coats of your choice: matte, satin or gloss finish! Mr. Sandless is not just a solution for your floors, we refinish All wood! Cabinets, Tables, Doors, Benches, Stairs, Hand Rails, Dressers, Quarter Round and More! Email: sarasota@MrSandless.com Robert Reynolds Landscaping 4605 Watkins Avenue Sarasota, FL 34233 Phone Number: 941-356-2761 Representative: Robert Reynolds Specialty: At Robert Reynolds Landscape, we offer lawn maintenance and lawn care services for both commercial and residential clients located throughout the Sarasota, FL and surrounding areas. With our complete lawn maintenance services as well as our landscaping and irrigation system services, we are the single source for all of your outdoor landscaping and lawn care needs. To learn more about any of the lawn maintenance services that we offer or to schedule lawn maintenance services to keep your lawn looking its best, contact Robert Reynolds today! Email: rwreynolds112@yahoo.com Sarasota Family YMCA One South School Ave Ste 301 Sarasota, FL 34237 Phone Number: 941-951-2916 Representative: Craig Kroeger Specialty: Life Changing Experiences. The Sarasota Family YMCA, located in Southwest Florida, has been at the heart of Sarasota for over 65 years. Today, we touch over 70,000 lives through our four fitness branches and offer more than 50 youth and family development programs within four counties in Southwest Florida. We live our not-for-profit mission by providing life changing experiences and assistance to everyone of all ages, background, ability, race or religion. Email: ckroeger@thesarasotay.org Satterfield & Pontikes Const. 8141 Lakewood Main St. #N211 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 Phone Number: 941-684-3131 Representative: T. Craig Campbell Specialty: Satterfield & Pontikes Construction is a Construction Management/Design-Build firm with annual revenues of $500MM. The Florida office is located in Lakewood Ranch and is focused on Commercial and Industrial projects. Quality, budget, safety—the way we see it, you shouldn’t have to compromise any one for the others. This is where we outperform. Much of what we do, we do ourselves, which gives us the flexibility to adapt to the demands of each client and every project without sacrificing any of the important things along the way. Email: craigcampbell@satpon.com

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

APRIL 2014

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID MANASOTA, FL PERMIT NO. 451

APRIL 2014 E DUCATION & E VENTS C ALENDAR Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

March 31

April 1

21 8 a.m. GRI Course 200 Series (Module 201)

8 a.m. MLS Express (SAR)

9 a.m. CID Commercial Marketplace (SAR)

May 1

8:30 a.m. Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) course 9 a.m. MLS Basic 1 p.m. Compliance 3 p.m. Adding & Editing

1 p.m. Emerging Leaders

9 a.m. Orientation 1 p.m. MLS Orientation 1:30 p.m. Code of Ethics

8:30 a.m. Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) course

11:30 a.m. WCR luncheon

8 a.m. CID General Membership Meeting 1:30 p.m. Listing Book 9 a.m. MLS Basic 1 p.m. Compliance 3 p.m. Adding & Editing

8 a.m. GRI Course 200 Series (Module 202)

7:30 a.m. Toastmasters 8:30 a.m. Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) course 9 a.m. MLS Basic 1 p.m. Compliance 3 p.m. Adding & Editing

8 a.m. GRI Course 200 Series (Module 201) 5 p.m. Affiliates After Hours Networking (Gecko’s on Hillview)

8 a.m. GRI Course 200 Series (Module 202) 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. Matrix Training 5 p.m. Sales Associate Pre-License Class

7:30 a.m. Toastmasters 9 a.m. FHA Rehab Seminar 1 p.m. New Agent Forum

12 p.m. RAJC Seminar: What Happens on the Virtual Courthouse Steps

8 a.m. MLS Express (UPCC) 8:30 a.m. Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) course

8 a.m. MLS Express (SAR)

8 a.m. MLS Express (SAR) 1 p.m. Affordable Housing & Land Preservation Seminar 2 p.m. FIND Seminar

9 a.m. CID Commercial Marketplace (SAR)

9 a.m. CID Commercial Marketplace (SAR) 11:30 a.m. Portraits by Anthony Barbacane

9 a.m. CID Commercial Marketplace (RE/MAX Alliance Group 2000 Webber St.)

8 a.m. MLS Express (UPCC) 9 a.m. 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. CID Commercial Matrix Training Marketplace (SAR) 5 p.m. Sales Associate Pre-License Class

Note: All events/classes are at SAR, 2320 Cattlemen Road, except where noted

My Florida Regional MLS Training

The My Florida Regional MLS training classes are offered at no cost to MLS participants. All classes are HANDS-ON in the SAR Tech Center . Please register for all MLS classes at the MFRMLS website: http://gopherit.mfrmls.com. Click on “Register for Class” on the home page under the heading “Membership Director.”

Sarasota Association of Realtors®, Inc. 2320 Cattlemen Road. Sarasota, FL 34232

Monday