Sarasota Realtor Magazine - February 2010

FEBRUARY 2010

L2 Takes the Helm Lee DeLieto, Jr.

(L2 to his friends) Leads the SAR Commercial Investment Division into 2010 With Confidence Page 6

Important 2010 Dues Information - See Page 24

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Contents

Sarasota Realtor® Volume 7, Issue 2 FEBRUARY 2010

Sarasota Association of Realtors®, Inc. 3590 South Tuttle Avenue Sarasota, Florida 34239 Phone: 941/923-2315 FAX: 941/923-0191 www.sarasotarealtors.com

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L2 Takes the Helm

Lee DeLieto, Jr., known as L2 to his friends, leads the CID

into 2010 with confidence and some degree of caution

as the commercial market faces more uncertainty.

President-Elect Michael Bruno Prudential Palms Realty

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Distressed Sales

A review of the fourth quarter of 2009 reveals distressed property sales are still negatively impacting the overall median sale prices.

Secretary Roger Piro Town & Country Realty

A high quality education system, supported by adequate tax dollars, ls good for children and families, and also good for local business.

Volume 7 • Issue 2 • FEBRUARY 2010

12 Don’t Miss Exemptions

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Property owners face some very important deadlines for property tax

exemptions in early 2010, so this is a great opportunity for you

to make contact with your clients and potential clients.

18 Say NO to Amendment 4!

The Commercial Investment Division of SAR joins Floridians for Smarter Growth in strongly opposing Amendment 4 this fall.

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 Communications Ray Porter Director of Member Services Dan Andrews Director of MLS Information Systems Jesse Sunday

Production Coastal Printing, Inc.

12- Property Appraiser Visit SAR on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SarasotaRealtors

Sarasota Realtor® Advertising: For information on advertising rates and deadlines, contact Ray Porter at 941/328-1168 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.

18- Commercial Investment Division 20- Education Programs 25- Broker Corner

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.

28- WCR News 30- Membership News

2010 Copyright© by the Sarasota Association of Realtors®, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

32- Calendar of Events/Education

FEBRUARY 2010

Chief Executive Officer Kathy Roberts

Governmental Affairs Director Marc Mansfield

10- Governmental Affairs

15- Sales and Listing Statistics

Treasurer Laura Benson Prudential Palms Realty

Director of Professional Development Catherine McCaskill

In every issue 14- Ethics in Action

President Erick Shumway RE/MAX Alliance Group

Immediate Past President William Geller RE/MAX Platinum Realty

10 Good for Business

2010 Officers

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

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Quarterly meeting focuses on Habitat for Humanity SAR’s first Quarterly Membership Meeting will be held on Friday, March 12th, with lunch at noon and the business meeting beginning at 12:20 p.m. The tentative location is Pine Shores Community Center, 6210 Crestwood Ave., Sarasota.

The meeting will feature a presentation by Tom Randle, the acting executive director of Habitat for Humanity Sarasota.

Mr. Randle’s presentation will include: • History of Sarasota Habitat.

• Overview of process for potential homeowners to be included in the program and requirements for acceptance.

• Cost of building a home, mortgage structure and homeowner’s payment responsibilities.

• Building process and types of products used to build the new “Green” homes.

• Rehabitat of foreclosed properties.

• Volunteer base – people and groups from all walks of life.

• Restore – types of items sold – Sarasota Habitat’s store is in the top six in the country.

By joining together as neighbors, Habitat believes we can change the future of families in need and give their children a fair chance for a life of hope.

Habitat for Humanity Sarasota is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing low-income working families the hope and transforming experience of homeownership.

Habitat for Humanity offers this dream to those who would otherwise not be able to afford a home of their own. The new home owners help to build the house alongside many dedicated volunteers in the community. Habitat sells the house to the home owner at cost and finances the mortgage at zero interest.

Habitat provides capital, not charity. It creates a stable environment for children in safe and communal neighborhoods that work and grow together. Local churches, businesses,

individuals, foundations and civic organizations work together in our community to make this dream come true.

SAR asks its members to join with Habitat through the Community Outreach Committee and become involved in this great endeavor. Join us as neighbors, making a monetary contribution, swinging a hammer, or wielding a paintbrush.

We can help families improve their housing ... we can help families climb out of poverty. We can change the future of families in need by giving their children a fair chance for a life of hope.

Habitat for Humanity Sarasota, Inc. is an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a non-profit, ecumenical, Christian organization. All contributions are taxdeductible.

Gina Damico is SAR Affiliate of the Month for February

Gina Damico with America’s Mortgage Broker LLC, is the February SAR Affiliate of the Month.

A native of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, Gina holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from California University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s degree in Health Education from Pennsylvania State University Her motto, “Deeds not words,” has set the tone for a level of service that has earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor for life.

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Gina Damico, CMPS® Cell: 941-350-6276 Phone: 941-487-8858 Fax: 941-296-7455 Email: gina@ginadamico.com www.GinaDamico.com 2831 Ringling Blvd., E215, Sarasota, FL 34237

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

FEBRUARY 2010

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Cover Story 6

Cautious Optimism

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2010 CID President Lee DeLieto, Jr. looks forward Editor’s Note: Lee DeLieto, Jr. was sworn in as the new President of the Commercial Investment Division in December 2009. This is his introductory article, and prognostication for the next year in the local commercial market.

By Lee DeLieto, Jr. 2010 CID President

As the commercial real estate market takes its turn riding the downward slope of declining property values, I still have nothing but high hopes for the local market in 2010.

By my calculations, it was in March 2007 when we began to see the market slow to a halt.

But over the course of these past three years, I have not seen such an abundance of activity so early on in the year as I have seen in January 2010. Typically, the year gets off to a rather slow start coming off the holiday break. But this year. we have been going gangbusters since our first day back to work.

What does this foretell for the coming year? It’s difficult to predict. But the obvious pent-up demand has started to release in the early days, and hopefully this will continue.

The Commercial Investment Division went through a transition last year as it relates to our commercial real estate information exchange web site.

In conjunction with MFR (My Florida Regional) MLXchange service and Catylist, we became the pilot program for the new My Florida Commercial Real Estate service (MFCRE).

I would have to say there was definite friction within the ranks to “fix” something that didn’t seem broken, but in the long run the CID board feels this was the right move. Now as a regional commercial real estate exchange, we have an opportunity to expose our listings statewide with other Realtor® associations.

As a parallel, the residential site is used by 13 Florida Realtor® associations. Our new MFCRE is planned to have this same reach and beyond.

With the influx of foreclosures first hitting the residential side of the market and then of course our commercial side, we all have our theories as to the potential shift.

FEBRUARY 2010

I recently wrote an article in this magazine (see January 2010 issue) referring to the “second shoe” theory. The theory states that the already depressed state of the commercial market will further slide downward as the bottlenecked court cases for commercial foreclosures are finally closed. This in turn is expected to flood the already flush commercial inventory, dragging down values.

As an optimistic person, I would simply say opportunity knocks. Although some sellers are just now seeing the light as to market valuations, for the most part, pricing is becoming more realistic to push some sales off the shelf.

Yes, there are foreclosures and short sales, but the majority of this bank-led activity is going the way of the capital investor - large firms acquiring bulk notes from banks at incredible discounts. Buying “right” allows the buyer to carry for longer hold periods for improvements or lease ups.

The CID plans to continue its progressive series of programs and events, charitable contributions and outreach to other nearby commercial groups and associations in 2010.

Who Is Lee DeLieto, Jr.?

As an under grad at the University of Florida, I recall wanting to be in business. I saw my Dad, Lee DeLieto, Sr., working as a successful businessman and I wanted to be like him.

As it came time to begin taking business classes, it quickly became apparent I was not cut out for accounting, statistics and economics all in the same semester.

After a quick shift in direction and a few lost tuition dollars, I finally got my BA in Communication Studies.

As my Mom says, I always seemed to have a knack for selling. Start with communicating and let the numbers follow suit. Thanks for the advice, Mom. You’re awesome!

In May 2001, I began my real estate career on the

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

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Newly installed 2010 CID President Lee DeLieto, Jr. (left) is shown with his Dad, Lee DeLieto, Sr., at the 2009 SAR Holiday Luncheon & Installation residential side with at that time Arvida in Plantation FL. Arvida was eventually bought out by Coldwell Banker NRT with whom I remained until returning to Sarasota. I think it was 2003 when I decided to go back to class and get my Brokers license with the wild intention of opening my own firm.

Fast forward to 2005. Dad had been in Sarasota for a number of years, but I only visited on holidays. He called me up out of the blue to ask if I was ready to get into commercial real estate.

I thought, “Wow, what an opportunity!” I get to sell commercial real estate and hang out with my Dad. Of course, coming from the east coast lifestyle to the slower pace of the west coast left me a bit anxious. However, it took me all of one day to realize I wanted to be here. I was working with clients discussing the best location for a retail store, not a swing set.

(Can you tell I don’t have kids?). I was learning a craft and I was being taught by one of the best in the area, my Dad.

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OK, so aside from the fact that he booted me out of his house six months after moving here, and the fact that some days we would rather communicate via text as opposed to in person, and the fact that he programmed his caller ID to identify me as Grumpy, it has been an awesome ride so far!

I think Dad and I had the best of both worlds. We have a great team, DeLieto & Associates within the firm Michael Saunders & Company. It’s almost like having your own firm without the added headaches.

If I was to add to my bio from a personal side, I would want to mention my wonderful girlfriend Valarie Wadsworth.

She is my driving force each morning, encouraging me with thoughts of spinning the wheel for Big Money. In addition to being an incredible cook and loving me for who I am, she also loves to ride my Harley. I think she is the perfect mate.

The CID and I look forward to taking 2010 head on and wish the best of success to all of everyone operating in the commercial real estate sector!

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

FEBRUARY 2010

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Distressed property sales still creating drag on market’s median sale prices The year 2009 will likely go down in Sarasota real estate history as the “Year of the Distressed Property Sales,” as foreclosures and short sales produced 40.7 percent of the total property sales. This compared to only 18 percent in 2008, and virtually none in 2007.

The biggest impact of these sales on the overall market has been felt in the median sale prices for single family homes and condos. But the result has also been the creation of two very distinct markets and sets of statistics. Deciphering what the numbers are telling us, and what the impact will be for the remainder of 2010 and into 2011 and beyond is crucial to understanding how the Sarasota real estate market will likely return to robust health.

The final quarter of 2009 saw a rise in the percentage of distressed property sales. The percentage climbed above 40 percent for the second time in 2009, after dipping in the second and third quarters.

Short sales saw the largest increase, for both single family homes and condos, and REOs also increased during the quarter. For single family homes, the normal arm’s length sales

The final quarter of 2009 saw a rise in the percentage of distressed property sales. The percentage climbed above 40 percent for the second time in 2009, after dipping in the second and third quarters. dropped slightly, while condo arm’s length sales rose.

Looking at the charts (Page 9) indicating the Median Sale Price, we can clearly see the impact of the distressed market on the normal arm’s length market in terms of the median sale prices. As the median prices of distressed property sales dropped in 2008 and last year, the sale price of arm’s length sales also started dropping substantially.

However, after the second quarter last year, the effect has been less noticeable, and the median price for arm’s length sales has actually started to rise in Sarasota.

This could be significant as we enter 2010. If the value of the non-distressed segment of the market continues an upward trend, this could mean that the buyers have realized

Single Family Sales ‐ By Quarter

REO

Short

Arm's Length

1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 2007‐Q1 2007‐Q2 2007‐Q3 2007‐Q4 2008‐Q1 2008‐Q2 2008‐Q3 2008‐Q4 2009‐Q1 2009‐Q2 2009‐Q3 2009‐Q4

Condo Sales ‐ By Quarter

REO

Short

Arm's Length

700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 2007‐Q1 2007‐Q2 2007‐Q3 2007‐Q4 2008‐Q1 2008‐Q2 2008‐Q3 2008‐Q4 2009‐Q1 2009‐Q2 2009‐Q3 2009‐Q4

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FEBRUARY 2010

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

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that there is often a big quality difference between distressed properties and non-distressed properties.

In addition, this realization could become more pronounced among appraisers and lenders. Comparables in a particular neighborhood or geographic area will still weigh heavily on the market, particularly if an area has a much higher percentage of distressed sales. But for areas where there is a higher percentage of normal arm’s length sales, the impact of the distressed segment of the market could show far less of an impact. In effect, the market could begin to demonstrate the truth that one should compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges If a particular home has been well-maintained and properly cared for by a resident, perhaps upgraded and improved over the years, there should continue to be a higher value placed on the property, despite the fact that some homes in the neighborhood are in foreclosure and have been allowed to deteriorate.

Eventually, once the distressed properties have been sold and the level of foreclosures and short sales begins to subside, owners of well-maintained homes will become the predominant sellers in the Sarasota market. As we have noted before, the analogy is valid to a department store with a bargain rack. Once these bargains are depleted, buyers are left with the prime merchandise. The fact is that even with a bargain rack, some buyers are typically drawn to the newer

merchandise. This is true in housing as it is true in clothing or electronics or almost any product on the market.

Once the bargains are gone, normal property appreciation would logically begin to occur. This would be expected to begin once the local and regional economies are finally in recovery following the Great Recession. The fact that Sarasota has already started to see some appreciation in the nondistressed property segment is good news as we enter 2010.

But whether or not this trend continues remains to be seen.

There are obviously many factors that will converge to drive the market down the road. The educated real estate agent will be able to take advantage of this uncertain future by preparing for the days ahead when the level of short sales and REO properties are far lower.

How to approach buyers and sellers and educate them on this coming change in the market will be key to ongoing success.

We will continue to chart these numbers as we enter the new year and provide quarterly progress reports. These statistics will also be posted soon on a new SAR Statistics Page on our web site.

The page will contain links to all the charts and articles that have appeared in previous issues of SR Magazine, plus additional charts not seen in the magazine. Stay tuned!

Single Family Median Sale Price

REO

Short

Arm's Length

$350,000 $300,000 $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 $0 2007‐1stQ 2007‐2ndQ 2007‐3rdQ 2007‐4thQ 2008‐1stQ 2008‐2ndQ 2008‐3rdQ 2008‐4thQ 2009‐1stQ 2009‐2ndQ 2009‐3rdQ 2009‐4thQ

Condos Median Sale Price

REO

Short

Arm's Length

$500,000 $450,000 $400,000 $350,000 $300,000 $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 $0 2007‐1stQ 2007‐2ndQ 2007‐3rdQ 2007‐4thQ 2008‐1stQ 2008‐2ndQ 2008‐3rdQ 2008‐4thQ 2009‐1stQ 2009‐2ndQ 2009‐3rdQ 2009‐4thQ

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Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

FEBRUARY 2010

9

Governmental Affairs 10

SAR supports school millage tax extension

By Marc Mansfield Governmental Affairs Director Acting upon a recommendation from the Sarasota Association of Realtors® Public Policy Committee the SAR Board of Directors recently voted to support the continuation of the current school millage tax slated for voter approval on March 16, 2010.

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The SAR Board of Directors also approved contributing $10,000 in RPAC funds to help support passage of the tax after receiving a recommendation from the Sarasota Association of Realtors® Political Action Advisory Trustees (SARPAAT).

In March 2002 and March 2006 the voters of Sarasota County approved a millage referendum permitting the School Board of Sarasota County to levy an additional one mill of ad valorem taxes for the operating expenses of the School District. In 2006 SAR supported the continuation of the tax and also contributed $10,000 in RPAC funds to ensure passage of the school millage tax extension.

In order to better understand the tax and how it will impact our local school district, a series of questions and answers about the tax has been provided by Citizens for Better Schools, a local group of volunteers working to ensure the passage of the tax. Due to space limitations not all of the questions and answers have been provided. However, for more information on the school tax extension and to view the complete list of Q & A please visit: www.sarasotacbs.com: Does the school district still need the 1 mill? The 1 mill renewed in 2006 has allowed the district to retain and recruit high quality teachers. The state’s financial support for schools has been reduced by more than $80 million over the past two years and is expected to decrease further in the next two years.

Will continuing the mill cost property owners more money? No! Voting to continue the mill will not increase your taxes. Voting yes will only continue the funding at the current level. 1 mill=$100 for a $100,000 house. With a $25,000 homestead exemption, the owner of a house valued at $300,000 would pay $275, or approximately 75 cents per day.

How much money has the district received from the voter-approved school millage? For the first four years the millage brought in an average of $36 million a year. In 2007-08 the millage produced $60 million; but due to falling property values it declined to $54 million in 2008-09 and is projected to fall to about $47 million in 2009-2010.

How much will continuing the 1 mill raise from

FEBRUARY 2010

2010 to 2014? The 1 mill is projected to raise $40$50 million per year from 2010 to 2014.

How has the district spent the referendum dollars and what will it do with the funds if the 1 mill is renewed in 2010? As in the past the millage will be used to attract and retain high quality teachers; fund professional development and training for teachers, counselors and other instructional staff; enhance programs for art, music and career education; keep class sizes low in subjects that are not covered by the state’s class size amendment and continue the district’s dedication to our children’s educational excellence.

Doesn’t the state of Florida send school districts enough money to cover their needs? The state of Florida funds only 3.3 percent of the cost of our schools through sales taxes. The rest of the school funding must come from local revenue. According to the National Education Association, Florida ranks 41st in funding per student among the 50 states. If the people of Sarasota County want better than an average Florida education, in a state that already ranks below average, we must pay for it ourselves.

What will happen if the vote to continue the 1 mill fails? The district will do its best to protect the classroom; however without continuation of the 1 mill there will be severe budget cuts and many of the excellent programs that exceed minimum state requirements will be on the chopping block. This may include: increasing class size, cutting courses and specialized programs such as music, art, dual enrollment and advanced placement classes, summer school and dropout prevention programs; reducing or eliminating technology programs; instituting fees and reducing or eliminating extracurricular activities such as athletics, band and clubs; and teacher pay cuts of at least 13 percent.

Some SAR members might ask why we are involved in an education issue. The answer is really very simple. Every Realtor® knows what surveys and studies confirm: The quality of public schools influences where people buy a home and what they pay for it.

Regardless of whether they have children, buyers care about the reputation of the local schools because they know that schools directly affect a community’s vitality.

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Without continuation of the 1 mill there will be severe budget cuts and many of the excellent programs that exceed minimum state requirements will be on the chopping block

A recent National Association of Realtors速 survey showed that Americans rank quality of public schools second only to crime when deciding where to live. So yes this is an issue that impacts Realtors速. SAR encourages you to register to vote, and vote to support the continuation of the school millage tax extension on March 16, 2010. SAR members can help by walking neighborhoods, placing signs in their yards and businesses or personally endorsing the continuation of the millage tax. For more information about how you can help please contact

Citizens for Better Schools at www.sarasotacbs.com or contact Marc Mansfield at marc@sarasotarealtors.com or 328-1159.

Voter Information: For voter registration information please contact the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections at www.srqelections.com Last day to register for the March 16th election is February 16, 2010.

Property Appraiser

Don’t miss out on 2010 Homestead and other potential exemptions!

DON’T MISS OUT ON 2010 HOMESTEAD

OR OTHER EXEMPTIONS!!!

By Bill Furst, GRI, CRS, CRB

Sarasota County Property Appraiser The March 1st application deadline for 2010 Homestead Exemptions and various personal exemptions is fast approaching. Take advantage of this follow‐up contact The March 1st application deadline by March 1st. There are additional opportunity to remind your customers and clients who purchased a home in 2009 documentation requirements for for 2010 Homestead Exemptions to apply for homestead exemption. Your clients would qualify if they: those exemptions, including income and various personal exemptions is limits and physician certifications. fast approaching. Take advantage of this(1) follow-up contact opportunity established themselves as Florida residents by January 1, 2010, and The income limits for 2010 are to remind your customers and clients (2) had legal or beneficial title to, and occupied, their new permanent posted on our website. Contact our who purchased a home in 2009 to office for further information and the residence on January 1, 2010, apply for homestead exemption. necessary forms.

Your clients would qualify if they: Encourage your clients to gather up their records that prove residency and Charitable, educational, scientific, literary and religious organizations (1) established themselves as ownership and come to either of our offices to file their application. Florida Law wishing to apply for exemption from Florida residents by January 1, 2010, requires the applicant and their spouse to provide their social security numbers to ad-valorem taxes must apply by and the Property Appraiser. The property appraiser considers a number of factors to March 1.

(2) had legal or beneficial determine whether an applicant is entitled to the homestead exemption. For your The property must be owned by title to, and occupied, their new convenience those factors are listed in the box to the right. Applicants will be the organization and used for the permanent residence on January 1, asked to produce their Florida Driver Licenses or identification cards, vehicle exempt purpose on January 1, 2010.

2010, registration information, and voter registration information. Please have your Organizations that qualify for this Encourage your clients to gather clients contact the property appraiser’s office if they were not able to apply by exemption may still be responsible up theirst. records that prove residency March 1 for non-ad valorem assessments. and ownership and come to either of Contact our office at 861-8200 for an our offices to file their application.

To qualify for the $500 widow/widower exemption benefit the departed spouse application and details on applying Florida Law requires the applicant must have passed away on or before January 1, 2010. For the disabled veterans’ for this exemption. and their spouse to provide their exemption, the grant date of the veteran’s disability, as stated on his or her Another ad valorem tax benefit social security numbers to the Veterans Administration rating letter, must be on or before January 1, 2010. that must be applied for by March Property Appraiser.

The property appraiser considers 1 is the Agricultural Classification, commonly referred to as the “green Applicants for civilian disability and senior exemptions also need to apply by March ast number of factors to determine belt” assessment. While not an . There are additional documentation requirements for those exemptions, 1whether an applicant is entitled to exemption, the classification may including income limits and physician certifications. The income limits for 2010 are the homestead exemption. For your result in lower property tax bills for convenience those factors are listed posted on our website. Contact our office for further information and the qualified property owners. in the box to the right. Applicants necessary forms.

If your land is used for a bona will be asked to produce their Florida fide commercially viable operation Driver Licenses or identification Charitable, educational, scientific, literary and religious organizations wishing to producing an agricultural product cards, vehicle registration apply for exemption from ad‐valorem taxes must apply by March 1. The property that is actively marketed, you may information, and voter registration must be owned by the organization and used for the exempt purpose on January request an agricultural filing at the information.

1, 2010. Organizations that qualify for this exemption may still be responsible for Property Appraiser’s Office.

Please have your clients contact the non‐ad valorem assessments. Contact our office at 861‐8200 for an application and Your commercial agricultural property appraiser’s office if they were details on applying for this exemption. operation must be in existence as of not able to apply by March 1st.

January 1 of the year for which you To qualify for the $500 widow/ Another ad valorem tax benefit that must be applied for by March 1 is the apply, and only lands actually used in widower exemption benefit the Agricultural Classification, commonly referred to as the "green belt" assessment. the operation may qualify. departed spouse must have passed While not an exemption, the classification may result in lower property tax bills for The Legislature has yet to act away on or before January 1, 2010. qualified property owners. If your land is used for a bona fide commercially viable on implementing legislation for For the disabled veterans’ operation producing an agricultural product that is actively marketed, you may the renewable energy, hurricane exemption, the grant date of the hardening, and working waterfront request an agricultural filing at the Property Appraiser's Office. Your commercial veteran’s disability, as stated on his or For more properties amendments that Florida agricultural operation must be in existence as of January 1 of the year for which her Veterans Administration rating information, voters approved in recent elections. you apply, and only lands actually used in the operation may qualify. letter, must be on or before January This year’s legislative session may contact the 1, 2010. adopt legislation to implement these Property The Legislature has yet to act on implementing legislation for the renewable Applicants for civilian disability and mandates.

Appraiser’s office energy, hurricane hardening, and working waterfront properties amendments that senior exemptions also need to apply at 941.861.8200. Florida voters approved in recent elections. This year’s legislative session may adopt legislation to implement these mandates.

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FEBRUARY 2010

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

Section 3, §196.015, F.S.: Permanent Residency

“…the following are relevant factors that may be

considered by the property appraiser...”

1. A formal declaration of domicile recorded in the public record of the county in which the exemption is being sought.

2. Evidence of the location where the applicant’s dependent children are registered for school.

3. The place of employment of the applicant.

4. Proof that the previous permanent residency of the applicant in a state other than Florida or in another county was terminated.

5. Proof of voter registration in this state with the voter information address matching the address of the physical location where the exemption is being sought.

6. A valid Florida driver license or valid Florida ID card and evidence of relinquishment of a driver license from any other state.

7. Issuance of a Florida license tag on any motor vehicle owned by the applicant.

8. The address listed on federal income tax returns.

9. The location where the applicant’s bank statements are registered.

10. Proof of payment for utilities at the property for which permanent residency is being claimed.

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Residential retrofit program promoted

Vice President Joe Biden recently announced a new “Recovery Through Retrofit” initiative that includes creation of “energy performance labels” and “national energy performance measures” for existing homes.

This program seeks to create a national home energy retrofit market by providing: (1) access to home energy retrofit information; (2) access to home energy retrofit financing methods; and (3) access to a trained home energy retrofit workforce.

NAR strongly supports providing property owners with the education, incentives and resources they need to voluntarily improve their homes and save energy. However, NAR is very concerned that this proposal intends to use the home buying process as the vehicle to implement the labeling of homes.

NAR strongly opposes this concept.

If the goal is energy efficient homes and buildings, the most effective approach would be to provide the financial resources and incentives that educate and empower property owners to make needed energy improvements.

NAR President Charles McMillan wrote the White House and the heads of all Federal departments involved in the labeling initiative, requesting an immediate meeting to share our strong concerns about the stigmatizing effects of these labels on real estate at one of the most critical moments in the nation’s economic recovery.

NAR has also written a subsequent letter from President Vicki Cox Golder describing NAR’s concerns in more detail. NAR staff will continue to engage the responsible federal agencies in this process, as well as alert key congressional offices regarding the association’s concerns in this area. NAR

Leaping Into A Short Sale Negotiation Can Be A Dangerous Move.

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With short sale negotiations, there are many problems and issues that may arise; many you may never see coming.

So before you leap into a short sale negotiation, consult with attorney Steven R. Greenberg.

Steven and his team offer: • Comprehensive short sale services by a Board Certified Real Estate Attorney • Fixed fee short sale negotiations for Sellers • Experienced, full-time short sale coordinator working with loss mitigation negotiators and Realtors • Pre-foreclosure counseling available for Sellers with CPA/Attorney

STEVEN R. GREENBERG Board Certified Real Estate Attorney

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www.sarasotarealtors.com

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

FEBRUARY 2010

13

Ethics in Action 14

Changing With the Times

From land sales to advertising, the 2010 Code of Ethics reflects the current realities of real estate business

t

By Linda Page Realtor® Magazine Online

The 101-year-old National Association of Realtors® has another centennial to look forward to: In 2013, the NAR Code of Ethics turns 100.

What’s clear to anyone who looks at the Code is how relevant it continues to be despite constant changes in real estate business practices, market conditions, and technology.

Our Code’s dynamism stems from its design as a living document—a guide that’s continually updated to ensure that its bedrock principles of fairness and transparency apply no matter what the issue of the day is.

We see this in the changes to the Code and Standards of Practice made by the NAR Board of Directors at its 2009 meeting in San Diego. Here’s a brief summary of the updates. You’ll find the Code in its entirety on the Sarasota Association of Realtors web site - www. sarasotarealtors.com - under the Professional Standards tab.

• Land sales. Recognizing the special skill and expertise of land brokers, the Delegate Body amended Article 11 to include “land brokerage” as a distinct real estate specialty.

• Opinions of value. Standard of Practice 11-1 was amended to take into account that clients or customers requesting opinions of value or price may require specific types of reports or data different from that otherwise required under the Standard.

• Advertising. Questions regarding advertising by real estate “teams” were addressed by expanding the scope of Standard of Practice 12-5 to require that advertisements of “real estate services” disclose the firm’s name in a reasonable and readily apparent manner. Additionally, two case interpretations (#12-25 and #12-26), dealing with advertisements of sold property where a broker or sales licensee changes firms, were adopted.

• False and misleading statements. Article 15’s duty to “not knowingly make false or misleading statements about competitors, their businesses, or their business practices” was clarified through an amendment to Standard of Practice 15-2 and by adoption of new Standard of Practice 15-3 which establishes “the duty to publish a clarification about or to remove statements made by others on electronic media once the REALTOR® knows the statement is false or misleading.”

FEBRUARY 2010

• Breaching contractual agreements. Housekeeping amendments were approved to Standard of Practice 16-20 to ensure it’s clear that the duty to refrain from inducing clients to breach existing exclusive contractual agreements applies whether a REALTOR® voluntarily or involuntarily ends his or her relationship with a firm.

• Other changes. A new Standard of Practice addressing access to listed property was added under Article 1. And Standard of Practice 3-2, dealing with changes in offers of cooperative compensation, was clarified. Detailed information about these changes and other actions of the Professional Standards Committee can be found on REALTOR.org.

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

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Sarasota bucks national trend with best property sales report in 33 months

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With 648 total property sales reported in December 2009, the Sarasota real estate market saw the most closed transactions since March 2007, a 33 month span. Overall sales in December 2009 were also 52 percent higher than December 2008, when only 406 properties changed hands, and 70 sales higher than the 578 sales reported in November 2009.

Median sale prices were also up last month for both single family homes and condos.

For the full year 2009, the trend lines have been dramatic. Monthly home sales have climbed to the high 500s and low-to-mid 600s, compared to 2008 when sales often dipped to the low 400s and even into the 300s. The overall number of closed sales in 2009 stood at 6,699, compared to only 5,459 in all of 2008, for a 22.7 percent increase. In addition, the overall property inventory has plunged from the 10,000 to 13,000 range in 2008, down to the low 6,000 level at the end of 2009.

For local Realtors®, the monthly and annual trend stands in contrast to the national picture. Sales nationally have slowed during the early winter months, but not in Sarasota.

“This is very good news, especially considering the fact that our market is showing considerable strength against a national backdrop of uncertainty,” said 2010 SAR President Erick Shumway. “Sales are continuing to rise, and we’re starting to see a return of appreciation as the available property market tightens and buyers look more toward arm’s length sales instead of short sales and foreclosed properties.”

Locally, pending sales stood at an even 700 in December 2009, a drop of 11 percent from the 794 in November, but much higher than December 2008, when only 571 pendings were reported. Pending sales are an indicator of current buyer activity and are a strong indicator of closed sales for the next one to three months.

The first-time homebuyer tax credit was extended and expanded to include many other homebuyers on Nov. 6, so the home buying sales rush could easily continue through the season and the first quarter of 2010. Recent statistics continue to point to a local market in a prolonged recovery period.

The median sale prices for single family homes and www.sarasotarealtors.com

condominiums have apparently stabilized after the extended drop experienced in 2008. The median sale price for single family homes actually jumped by 4.7 percent to $170,000, almost identical to December 2008’s figure of $175,000.

For single family homes, the median for the full year was $163,000.

The condominium median prices continue to see-saw, rising to $199,000 in December 2009 after dropping to $178,750 in November from the $220,000 figure reported in October.

In December 2008, the median price stood at $255,000, which was somewhat of an aberration due to the low volume of sales that month. Only 80 condos were sold in December 2008, and many were in the milliondollar plus range. The median sale price for condominiums for the fullyear of 2009 was $190,000. This puts December 2009 on the upside for the year in both categories.

Short sales and bank-owned property sales continue to impact median sale prices locally. Normal arm’s length sales bring more than double the price on average than those for distressed properties. For the full year 2009, distressed property sales accounted for 40.7 percent of all sales, compared to 2008’s total of only 21.2 percent. Thus, while the median sale prices did drop in 2009, this was due in very large part to the distressed segment of the sales.

The inventory level in December 2009 was at the lowest level since late summer of 2005 and the years prior to the boom period from 2003 - 2005.

“One of the biggest statistical positives in December was the month’s supply of homes, which fell to 8.1 months for single family homes and 12.3 months for condos,” noted Erick Shumway. “These are the lowest figures in two years.

Once they reach 6 months, the market is considered to be in equilibrium between buyers and sellers. Last year at this time, the figures were 19.1 months for single family and 31.8 months for condos. This is a huge difference in only a short period of time.”

Looking at the complete statistical year for 2009, and the big finish seen in December, it appears the Sarasota real estate market has turned the corner and is heading toward even brighter days ahead.

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

FEBRUARY 2010

15

Sarasota MLSSM Statistics December 2009 Single Family Condo

Unit Sales 500 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 Dec‐08

Jan‐09

Feb‐09

Mar‐09

Apr‐09 May‐09

Jun‐09

Jul‐09

Aug‐09

Sep‐09

Oct‐09

Nov‐09

Dec‐09

Single Family Condo

Median Sale Price $300,000 $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 $0 Dec‐08

Jan‐09

Feb‐09

Mar‐09 Apr‐09 May‐09 Jun‐09

Jul‐09

Aug‐09

Sep‐09

Oct.09 Nov. 09 Dec‐09

Single Family

#Active

#Sold

%Sold

Average DOM

Median Sale Prices

Median Last 12 Months

Months Inventory

Pending Reported

%Pending

# New Listings

# Off Market

This Month

3810

469

12.3

194

$170,000

$163,000

8.1

521

13.7

667

211

This Month Last Year

6224

326

5.2

159

$175,000

$225,000

19.1

468

7.5

819

283

3906

417

10.7

179

$162,500

$160,000

9.4

561

14.4

731

191

4939

‐

181

$160,000

‐

‐

8142

‐

9464

‐

Oct 93.1 94.4

Nov 92.0 94.1

Dec 93.0 94.2

Last Month YTD

‐

Jan 92.0 93.0

2008 2009

Single Family – Sale Price Vs. List Price % Rates Feb 92.0 93.1

Mar 93.2 92.5

Apr 93.3 92.4

May 92.0 93.2

Jun 93.0 93.8

Jul 93.0 93.2

Aug 92.0 93.6

Sept 93.1 94.2

Statistics were compiled on properties listed in the MLS by members of the Sarasota Association of Realtors® as of January 11th, 2010, including some listings in Manatee, Englewood, Venice, and other areas. Single-family statistics are tabulated using property styles of single-family and villa. Condo statistics include condo, co-op, and townhouse.

Source: Sarasota Association of Realtors® 16

FEBRUARY 2010

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Sarasota MLSSM Statistics December 2009 Single Family Condo

Inventory 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0 Dec‐08

Jan‐09

Feb‐09 Mar‐09 Apr‐09 May‐09 Jun‐09

Jul‐09

Aug‐09 Sep‐09

Oct‐09 Nov‐09 Dec‐09

Single Family Condo

Pending Sales 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 Dec‐08

Jan‐09

Feb‐09

Mar‐09

Apr‐09 May‐09

Jun‐09

Jul‐09

Aug‐09

Sep‐09

Oct‐09

Nov‐09

Dec‐09

Condo

#Active

#Sold

%Sold

Average DOM

Median Sale Prices

Median Last 12 Months

Months of Inventory

Pending Reported

%Pending

# New Listings

# Off Market

2210

179

8.1

202

$199,000

$190,000

12.3

218

9.9

233

232

2546

80

3.1

177

$255,000

$310,000

31.8

103

4.0

320

345

2355

161

6.8

236

$178,750

$198,500

14.6

232

9.8

306

255

‐

1766

‐

211

$210,000

‐

‐

2286

‐

3589

‐

Nov 91.0 92.3

Dec 91.0 93.1

This Month This Month Last Year Last Month YTD

2008 2009

Jan 91.0 91.0

Condo – Sale Price Vs. List Price % Rates Feb 91.1 90.2

Mar 91.0 90.4

Apr 91.0 92.2

May 92.0 90.1

Jun 92.0 91.4

Jul 93.0 92.1

Aug 90.0 92.4

Sept 90.0 91.5

Oct 91.0 92.4

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. Pending sales are sales where an offer has been accepted during the month, but the sale has not yet closed. Even though some pending sales never close, pending sales are an indicator of current buyer activity. 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

FEBRUARY 2010

17

CID (Commercial Investment Division) 18

Commercial Real Estate says NO to Amendment 4

By Lee DeLieto, Jr. 2010 CID President

As the newly elected President of the Commercial Investment Division and the simultaneous Chair of the Public Policy Committee, my conversations can sometimes become morphed into one topic. This is not more evident than in the rearing of Amendment 4’s ugly head. Amendment 4, you ask? Maybe you recognize its clever Trojan nickname Hometown Democracy.

About a year and a half ago, you may have been one of the many asked (bamboozled) to sign a petition to “Save our beaches and wetlands”. Come on, who wouldn’t sign such a petition? I love our beaches and wetlands. Unfortunately their heart-strings tug neglected to mention their true tactic; to shut down development and choke our economy. They simply didn’t want to have to explain the complicated and detrimental path that Amendment 4 would impose.

Below is the exact verbiage that will be on the November ballot: REFERENDA REQUIRED FOR ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLANS “Establishes that before a local government may adopt a new comprehensive land use plan, or amend a comprehensive land use plan, the proposed plan or amendment shall be subject to vote of the electors of the local government by referendum, following preparation by the local planning agency, consideration by the governing body and notice.

Provides definitions.”

Tell me you didn’t need to read that three or four times! I’m in the business of marketing and selling commercial real estate and I still need an education.

Imagine the number of laypeople reading this and then voting without regard to consequences.

Let’s see if we can break this down. What is a Comprehensive Plan? Even though this will be a state wide referendum vote, I have pulled verbiage directly from the Sarasota County’s website www.scgov.net : A Comprehensive Plan is an official public document adopted by the Board of County Commissioners to guide decision making related to the physical development of the county. The plan provides the policy direction used in framing land use decisions and growth management initiatives. The plan is subject to an annual amendment cycle as well as the Evaluation and Appraisal Report requirement every seven years.

The 11 chapters that comprise the Sarasota County Comprehensive Plan include data and maps on existing FEBRUARY 2010

conditions, analyses of those conditions, and banded on that information, goals objectives, and policies to guide future development and conservation activities.

The Comprehensive Plan can be amended at a special time of year called the yearly amendment cycle.

Amendments can be initiated by private citizens and the county. The Sarasota County Commission may approve an amendment after the State Department of Community Affairs considers the proposed change to be in compliance with state law.

Keep in mind, the city and county each already have a Comprehensive Plan. It’s the amendment process that is now being challenged. On the county site, there is a list of active petitions for amendments to the county’s comp plan. That list extends four pages, many of which are simply language changes that simply involve a change in grammar.

Again, read the ballot language. It’s calling for a vote for each and every individual amendment change to every local government’s comp plan. A process by which an appointed Planning Commission pours through pages upon pages of zoning information, architectural plans, landscape engineering plans, and the like. If passed, it then goes before the scrutiny of the respective county or city Commissioners for approval.

If professionals appointed or elected are challenged to resolve said amendments after months of research and discussion, how can we expect the typical voter to make a rational decision by simply checking ‘yes’ or ‘no’ in a ballot box?

What’s the old saying? There is a tool for every task.

I think that’s it. Have you ever tried to bang a nail into a wall using the flat side of a pair of pliers? Well yeah, but it sure would have been easier using a hammer. The right tool for the task. OK, now let’s take that same nail and bang it into the wall using a sledge hammer.

Can you guess who will be holding the nail? The taxpayers. It is estimated that each amendment brought in from the public to be voted on could cost upwards of $400,000. With this massive increase in doing business, these costs are eventually passed on again to the consumers.

For more answers to frequently asked questions or how you can get involved to oppose Amendment 4, go to www.Florida2010.org. Membership and assistance is also appreciated within the Public Policy Committee here at SAR. Floridians for Smarter Growth say NO to Amendment 4. (See more, Page 31) If you have questions, comments or topics for discussion, please feel free to write me at LeeDeLietoJr@MichaelSaunders.com

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Fall in love with your career … Again!

By Brad Lindberg CID Director

The month of February is synonymous with Valentine’s Day. February 14th has been celebrated around the world since the middle ages. This is the day that celebrates the exchange of the expression of love for that very special person.

For many of us, it represents a way to heal the wounds of our past mistakes or the short comings we may have inflicted upon our loved ones during the year. It also represents the annual trip to the flower shop, card store or confectionary counter.

Technology has helped those of us who get caught up in the monotony of the daily schedule by providing a working calendar through the magic of Microsoft Outlook. You just highlight the date and set the reminder to pop up two weeks before the event. Everyday….that little reminder is like the countdown from NASA for a shuttle launch.

Unfortunately…having thirteen more days of reminders only gives me a pass to the definition of procrastination.

Yikes ... it’s suddenly February 13th and once again I don’t have a card and nothing planned. I make my usual trek down to the drug store to buy that heart-warming, super sensitive, mushy card. I make my way through the throng of husbands, boyfriends, and general procrastinators to find that one of a kind card…..you know…the one that is written by the consummate romantic spewing poems of tenderness and bliss…like “My life is fulfilled with the precious gifts of love and you are the most precious gift of all”. Unfortunately…those cards were picked over by the well organized romantics who reacted to their calendar on day one, not on day thirteen, leaving me with only sappy verses like “Roses are red, violets are blue, I waited too long and got stuck with you”. (This is where cupid rhymes with stupid)

CID plans offsite program Feb. 16th

This month’s CID program will be held offsite in Venice, and will include a discussion of commercial real estate involving an appraiser, a banker and an attorney.

The event will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 16th at 8:30 a.m. at The Galleria, 1500 East Venice Avenue, Venice. Watch the web site and weekly e-mail updates for more information.The meeting will be chaired by 2010 CID President Lee DeLieto, Jr. Stay tuned for future program announcements! www.sarasotarealtors.com

By now you are asking yourself, “What does all of this have to do with loving my career, especially in this challenging market we have been experiencing for the last three years?” As a matter of fact, loving this job is not the adjective you would use right now to describe your career ...

Am I hitting home yet?

It is time to reflect on your priorities and reorganize. Act like it is day one and not day thirteen. Treat your job like you did when the market was hot. Go to work every day and plant the seeds for the future harvest. As our new SAR President, Erick Schumway has said: ”Have a winning attitude” and have the willingness to be positive. A positive attitude will equate into success and the success will equate into the renewed love for your career.

2010 CID Officers & Directors

Officers:

President: Lee DeLieto, Jr., Michael Saunders & Company President-Elect: Anthony Homer, Lakewood Ranch Commercial Past President: Jag Grewal, IanBlack Vice President: Rachel Neves, Neves Properties Secretary: Tim Mapp, Mapp Realty Treasurer: Linda Emery, Michael Saunders & Company Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

Directors:

Dave Altwies: Exit Gulf Coast Realty (1 year term - 2010) Lori Conable: Osprey Real Estate (1 year term-2010) Eric Massey: Michael Saunders (2 year term - 2011) Mike Sporer: Interstate Commercial Brokers (2 year term - 2011) Brad Lindberg: Hembree & Associates (3 year term - 2012) Diane Lee: Wagner Realty (3 year term - 2012) FEBRUARY 2010

19

Education Programs 20

Get motivated! Richard Flint visits SAR

Title: How to Stand Tall When Others Are Falling Down Date: Wednesday, Feb. 3, 9:30 a.m. to Noon Title: Becoming a Creator of Business Date: Monday, Feb. 3, 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Location (both): SAR Auditorium Cost: SAR members, $10 each class National speaker Richard Flint will present two programs for Sarasota Realtors® on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010. These seminars are just what you need to get fired up for 2010!

“A shift in the market only knocks those down who have been doing business, not continuing to develop their business.” - Richard Flint As America’s TOP Personal Development Speaker, Richard travels the country delivering his powerful self-improvement messages to audiences of all sizes.

His programs are practical, personal and powerful all at the same time. One sentence from Richard Flint can change the whole direction of your life. To Richard, helping people get back on the right track for personal

success is his purpose in life— it is his mission and ministry.

Read more about Richard Flint and his programs at http://www.richardflint. com/.

The registration fee is $10 for each program. Check out the complete details of each program on our web site. We expect these session to fill up well ahead of time, so register now.

Richard takes the approach that the market is never the enemy. Rather, it is the lack of understanding and acceptance of the shift that a market is going through which creates the reaction that makes people less productive.

If you are still using the business model you were using five years ago, you need to hear Richard’s 10 Business Creation Principles.

Two seminars focus on real estate investments Title: Foreign Investment in Real Estate for Immigration Purposes Date: Wednesday, Feb. 17, 9 a.m. to Noon Location: SAR Auditorium Instructor: Don Gonzalez, Esq. SAR Members: $10; Others, $20 - 3 Hours CE This seminar is sponsored by the International Council and will be of particular interest to Realtors® working with foreign buyers or sellers.

- Learn to understand the two keys of value to the foreign investor: Immigration Status and U.S. Tax considerations.

- Learn the importance to Realtors® of the different Business Visas: E-1, -2, EB-5, L1A and how they influence property and business purchasing.

- Learn the best types of business entities to recommend for foreign investment in Real Estate of Business Opportunities.

SAR members should register online. Click on “education registration” at www.sarasotarealtors.com.

Others: complete the form online and fax it to 941923-0191.

FEBRUARY 2010

Title: Purchasing Real Estate Through Retirement Accounts Date: Wednesday, Feb. 17, 1 to 4 p.m.

Location: SAR Auditorium Instructor: Don Gonzalez, Esq SAR Members, $10; Others, $20 3 Hours CE - Learn the tax and investment difference between Roth, Traditional and Self-Directed IRA accounts.

- Learn to market to the Baby Boomer who has rescued his IRA investment assets from the falling stock market.

- Learn how land, foreclosure and short sale properties are the best alternative for IRAs. - Learn the benefits, tax pitfalls and risks of the SelfDirected IRA for both domestic and foreign investors from an attorney.

SAR members should register online. Click on “education registration” at www.sarasotarealtors.com.

Others: complete the form below and fax it to 941923-0191.

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Get 14 hours of Continuing Education Title: 14-Hours Continuing Education for License Renewal Dates: Tuesday & Wednesday, Feb. 9-10, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Instructor: IFREC Real Estate School Cost: SAR Members $79; Non-members, $99 The Institute of Florida Real Estate Careers, headquartered in Orlando, Florida, will be the provider this year of the 14-hour license renewal course for SAR. Founded in 1983, the Institute of Florida Real Estate Careers, Inc. (IFREC) is recognized as the leader in Florida real estate education.

This session provides the full 14-hours of continuing education needed for license renewal. The 14-hours CE includes 3 hours of Core Law. Or, you may opt to take Core Law only which consists of the first three hours of the 14 hours.

SAR members, please go to www.sarasotarealtors.com to register for the live course. Non-members, go to the education tab at the top of the home page (www.sarasotarealtors.com) to download a registration form that can be completed and faxed to SAR.

Mark Your Calendars: 2010 Designation Courses GRI 1 ABR GRI 2

Feb. 22-24, March 1-3, 2010 March 23-24, 2010 May 24-26, June 1-2, 2010

GREEN June 7-9, 2010 CIPS Inst. June 21-25, 2010 GRI 3 July 26-28, Aug. 3-4, 2010

GRI Course 1 offered in Sarasota this year!

Title: GRI Course 1 Dates: Feb. 22-24, March 1-3, 2010 Times: 8a.m. to 5 p.m. (varies) Credits: 45 hours salesmen’s post-license credit, or 14 hours continuing education credit NAR Code of Ethics Requirement for 2012 Cost: SAR Members by 2/9/10: $325 Non Members by 2/9/10: $350 After 2/9/10: Add $25 Set yourself apart. Earn the designation that makes a difference and increases your income.

• According to the data in the 2003 National Association of Realtors® Profile, 19 percent of all Realtors® have earned the GRI designation.

• According to the member survey conducted in 2003 by the National Association of Realtors®, Realtors®with a designation earned over $33,200 more annually than non-designees.

• Expand your network of real estate professionals through course contacts to generate more leads and referrals In today’s competitive business environment you need more than just motivation and initiative to succeed, you need the advantage of the education you receive in the GRI program.

This GRI series is offered by FAR through its Florida Realtor® Institute. All the instructors have been carefully screened for their knowledge of the subjects as well as for their teaching techniques—they’re the best real estate teachers in the state. Instructors for the Sarasota course are: Grant Simon (Finance); Steve David (Contacts to Contracts); Dick

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Fryer (Professional Standards & Law); Ira Zlatkin (Tax I); Chuck Bonamer (Business Planning and Fair Housing).

But don’t wait too long to sign up for GRI Course 1! SAR is the only Realtor® Association in the vicinity that’s offering any of the courses in 2010 and we expect the course to fill up quickly.

Mark your calendar for GRI 2 (May 24-26 and June 1-2, 2010) and GRI 3 (July 26-28 and August 3-4, 2010).

GRI Is Online: Don’t wait in line, go online! GRI Courses I is now available online through a special Florida Association of Realtors® website: www.fargri.com. Online convenience places the course at your fingertips, whenever you want it, and offers the same license renewal menu of credits that the live version does. GRI 2 is available at a special discount (but offers no CE credits at this time).

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

FEBRUARY 2010

21

ABR® core course coming to SAR in March Title: The Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR®) Designation Core Course Dates: March 23-24, 2010 Instructor: Jimmy Dague Cost: SAR Members: $199; Others: $219 Registration Deadline: March 9, 2010 (After this date, add $25) So why get the Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR®) Designation? What are the qualifications?

The Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR®) designation is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. This coveted designation is awarded to real estate practitioners by the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (“REBAC”) of the National Association of Realtors® who meet the specified educational and practical experience criteria.

There are five major requirements to attain and use the ABR® designation: 1) Meeting the REBAC® education requirement -- completion of a 2-day ABR core course through an accredited course provider,

- or completion of the REBAC® Web course, - or completion of the satellite television education programming through the RE/MAX Satellite Network 2) Completion of one elective course. Current members who have already obtained the ABR® designation are grandfathered as to the elective course requirement.

3) Passing a written examination on legal and practical aspects of agency representation.

4) Practical experience requirement of acting as a buyer’s representative in 5 documented and verifiable transactions.

(Valid transactions are those that occurred anytime prior to and up to 36 months after the date the course was completed.)

5) You must, at all times, be a member in good standing with REBAC® and the National Association of Realtors®.

We have a buyer’s market—learn how to work it! The instructor, Jimmy Dague from Las Vegas, was very well received when he taught the RSPS course at SAR last October.

You are in for a treat!

CONGRATULATIONS! Dedication and hard work pay off!! We congratulate our members who recently completed the requirements for these National Association of Realtors® certificate programs: Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) and Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS)

Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) Charles A. Suarez

True Real Estate Inc.

Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) Maria Mesarosova

22

FEBRUARY 2010

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

Impulse Realty

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Knowledge is Power: MLXchange Pre-registration is required for all MLXchange classes at www.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!

MLXchange Basic Feb. 1, Feb. 22, 9 a.m. to Noon Learn the basic tools of MLXchange.

It does the work for you, emailing the listings that match your client’s criteria automatically through auto notification.

Learn the quick way to find a listing or view your inventory with one click right from the home page or create a professional CMA in less time than it takes to drive to work.

Mandatory session for all new users.

- Review the home page features - Add a new client from the search module, saving a search and setting prospecting notification features - Searching and viewing listings, using the map, showing road, aerial, hybrid, and locator features - Adding additional search criteria - Viewing/printing/emailing reports, images, virtual tours, tax, map, driving directions and MLS listing history - Customizing hotsheet configurations - Search Tax - Creating a professional CMA - Personalize user contact information Entering and Updating Listings in MLXchange Feb. 1, Feb. 22, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

This class is mandatory if you will be entering and updating your own listings.

You will be taught how to input and modify listings, enter photos, and add attachments along with valuable tips and techniques.

- Listing maintenance authorization forms - Explain the importance of accurate data - Rules and Regulations - Review the profile sheet

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Using MLXchange to Effectively Manage Time & Contacts Feb. 17, 9 a.m, to Noon Learn how to use MLXchange with Outlook.

- Entering a new listing, using tax auto pop, reviewing the fields that have specific entries in the Rules and Regulations - Adding images, attachments, open house information, Supra Key and ShowingTime - Inventory watch - easiest way to modify the listings iMapp - Interactive Tax and Mailing Labels Feb. 9, 9 a.m. to Noon In this class you will learn how to use the tax search features of MLXchange, access iMapp’s interactive maps, tax data, comparables, auto-valuations, and easily create mailing labels for your favorite area.

- MLXchange tax search, using map and field searches, printing mailing labels - iMapp tax search, viewing parcel, GIS, MLS listings, zoom levels, street, aerial and flood zones - Measuring tool, pan and save map - Creating, viewing and downloading mailing labels - Illustrate the link to the tax appraiser website - Viewing and modifying the criteria for comparable properties - MLS and foreclosure searches Design Web Pages, Capture Leads Feb. 9, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

One of the most crucial components in today’s real estate professional’s day-to-day business is capturing and handling leads along with time management. This course will teach you how to set up your personal agent and client web pages, contact management and scheduling features that go hand-in-hand with a successful real estate business.

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

Toolbox—Maximizing Your MFR Productivity Using Toolbox Feb. 17, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

This class introduces the user to the often overlooked plug-ins and features that are designed to save you time and money, as well as adding an extra level of service to your customer.

- MongoFax - Fax any document directly to any email address in the world - RatePlug - Include mortgage options from your three favorite lenders for each listing - ShowingTime - Automate and document showing appointments - MLX Wireless - Access MLXchange from your mobile phone Creating a Professional CMA Feb. 23, 9 a.m. to Noon One of the most crucial components in today’s real estate professional’s day-today business is capturing and handling leads along with time management. This course will teach you how to set up your personal agent and client web pages, contact management and scheduling features that go hand-in-hand with a successful real estate business.

MLXchange Advanced Feb. 23, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Take MLXchange to the next level!

In this session you will learn how to customize a search & display screens, personal website links and setup & save advanced searches.

- Creating a custom template, adding fields, changing the display order - Foreclosure, fixer upper, and vacant listings with lockbox access - Customizing columns, adding/ removing fields, changing the column headers and changing the field sort order

FEBRUARY 2010

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IMPORTANT DUES INFORMATION – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

2010 Dues Final Deadline Monday, Feb. 15 th , 5:01 p.m.  Due Dates, Termination of Services, and Refund Policy  Due: December 15, 2009; Past Due: Monday, February 15, 2010, 5:01 p.m.  Members with open balances as of 5:01 p.m. on February 15, 2010 will be terminated and lose all Realtor® services.  Reinstatement before 5 p.m. on February 28, 2010 will require payment in full of all amounts due at date of termination, as well as a $75 reinstatement fee.  Reinstatement after February 28, 2010 will require licensee to apply as a new member and pay the $150 application fee plus amounts owed at time of termination plus the FAR interest assessment.  For member’s whose license is placed inactive prior to Jan. 1st and whom have paid some or all of the invoices, the inactive member will receive a full refund of the payments made.  For members whose license is placed inactive on or after Jan. 1st and who have paid some or all of the invoices, all payments will be non‐refundable.

 Payment Methods: ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS ONLY!!!  Two payment options: 1. Deduct directly from your checking account via: A. Debit card (MC,V) – the easiest way to have the payment deducted from your checking account.

B. Electronic check – use same information as on your check.

2. Credit card (MasterCard, Visa, or American Express).  Instructions for all payments  go to www.sarasotarealtors.com  click on MY SAR ACCOUNT at top of page  under My Services, click on “Pay/View Bill Online”  online charges will appear on your bank and credit card statements as “Realtor Association/MLS”  to print a copy of invoice, click on the invoice number

OR Come to the SAR offices and use our computer in the library which is programmed to open directly into the log‐in screen and has easy instructions located at the workstation for your use  Once payments are made online, they are updated to your account within 72 hours. We encourage you to go online to check the status of your account.

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FEBRUARY 2010

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

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By G.M. Filisko Realtor® Magazine Online

Becoming savvy in your use of social media makes perfect sense in these budget-conscious times. Sheri Moritz, the broker-owner at Real Living Realty Experts in Garner, N.C., is an enthusiast, in large part because it doesn’t cost anything but her time.

“I decided my company needed to cut spending on postcards and newspaper ads,” she says. Moritz, who left another company to open her Real Living office last year, relies on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and Yahoo instant messaging. She posted the news of her company’s grand opening last March on all her social networks. She got about 100 RSVPs—about 15 from competitors’ sales associates. “I got a much better response than any e-mail campaign or newspaper ad, and it’s all free.”

Moritz is part of a surge of brokers who’ve realized that Webbased social networks can help them build business with fewer resources, just as their salespeople have done.

Some, like the Better Homes & Gardens franchise, are steeped in social media. From its launch in July 2008, BH&G touted its nextgeneration Web 2.0 principles.

With 25 percent of Americans between the ages of 45 to 54 active in social networks, there’s still plenty of growth potential in the brokerage community, as managers—many of them Baby Boomers—grapple with how to make the best use of the sites.

Juicing the Engine

Brokers are recognizing that social networking can help enormously in building a brand, not just www.sarasotarealtors.com

promoting events and property listings. For example, the value of posting Twitter messages goes far beyond whether your followers actually read your tweets. The messages themselves can come up in Google searches, boosting your brokerage’s place in the search engine hierarchy and driving traffic to your business. Cameron Novak, broker-owner at The Homefinding Center in Corona, Calif., has been awed by the impact.

“The best benefit we find from social media comes from search engine results.”

It’s also the most convenient way to stay connected with sales associates and staff. Brad Pearson, vice president of sales at Prudential California Realty in Yorba Linda, Calif., depends on Facebook and LinkedIn as communications and recruiting tools. “I put on daily messages, positive quotes, company updates, even Prudential TV commercials,” he says. In the second half of last year, Pearson’s managers have recruited about 40 sales associates using social media.

“By making contact on Facebook, with its nonintrusive way to build rapport,” he says, “those associates ended up coming to our firm even though my phone calls to them weren’t getting returned before.” Moritz cleverly offers social networking training to groups of practitioners beyond those affiliated with her brokerage. “Once a month, I train any company’s associates who want to learn social media,” she says. “That’s a great way to recruit.”

Use It or Lose It

Social networking isn’t for Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

everyone. If you’re not committed to spending regular time online working your networks, don’t bother. “The ones who dabble won’t get any sustainable benefits,” says Novak.

Also, don’t look to the medium as a way to pare your marketing budget. “It’s an add-on,” says Johnson, “not a replacement for paid marketing.”

Novak agrees. “I don’t think I’m saving any money with social networking, but if I needed to generate the same benefits through other media, it would cost me more.”

There’s also the risk that others could try to tarnish your company’s image. “The biggest fear [among brokers] is that you’ll create a page on Facebook, someone will post something negative about you, and you’ll have to run damage control,” says A. Bradley Nelson, director of marketing at New Broad Street Realty in Orlando, Fla. “You need a point person who’s monitoring that regularly.”

But Nelson says time devoted to social networking is worth the effort. “Our social networking generates 40 unique visitors to our Web site each day,” he says. “It’s quantifiable.”

FEBRUARY 2010

Broker Corner

Don’t let Facebook intimidate you or Twitter make you twitch

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MLS FAQ

MyFlorida Regional MLS offers MFCRE Many people recognize the New Year as a time to reach new milestones, and My Florida Regional MLS is no exception. It is with much excitement that SAR and MFRMLS announced on Jan. 4th the launch of a new commercial real estate service to Florida and the global community.

My Florida Commercial Real Estate (MFCRE) premiered on Monday, Jan. 4, 2010. This full-functioning Commercial Information Exchange (CIE) may be accessed at www.MFCRE.com.

Powered by Catylist—a leader in commercial real estate technology and the partner of SAR’s Commercial Investment Division for the past three years—this Commercial Information Exchange (CIE) offers a complete suite of products and services. These include a powerful search database, a comprehensive marketing engine, a social networking platform and a commercial property search engine with national exposure.

“We at MFCRE are proud to have been able to bring this new tool and service for commercial practitioners in our market area,” noted Carlos A. Fuentes, MFRMLS President. “We are excited about the opportunities to promote commercial listings throughout the Catylist

national network. A great start for 2010.”

Any commercial venture is not complete without customers—in this case, subscribers. MFCRE is currently accepting applications for Charter Members to join My Florida Commercial Real Estate.

If either you or a colleague specializes in commercial real estate, or have a healthy blend of commercial and residential, MFCRE would love to hear from you.

Charter Memberships will run from January 2010 to June 2010 for $27.50 per month, with a one-time administrative fee. Beginning July 2010, all subscribers within MFRMLS and MFCRE will have the option of the following three levels of service: • Membership in My Florida Regional MLS only (MLXchange) • Membership in My Florida Commercial Real Estate only (Catylist) • Membership in both MFRMLS and MFCRE. To request your application and to view the MFCRE Rules and Regulations, simply drop Connie Kazakowitz an email at ConnieK@mfrmls.com. Visit the web site at www.mfcre.com

Syndication with Point2 Agent has arrived

SAR has joined the Point2 Agent network to provide our Realtor®members with more listing advertising and exposure opportunities.

This integration was completed in early February, and you are now able to advertise your listings to 35-plus consumer search sites like Trulia, Google Base, Yahoo!, Point 2 Homes and more, with your listing displaying on over 300 destinations, at no cost.

Not only do you have free advertising of your listings in as many places as possible, but all statistics and prospects generated by your listings are now provided right

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back to you - free of charge.

All MLS members should have now received a Syndication Dashboard to manage their syndication preferences.

Your Syndication Dashboard is a webpage you access to control the syndication of your listings.

If you already have a Point2 Agent account, your work will get a lot easier. You will need to follow a few important steps to identify your account as belonging to MFRMLS. Please take a few moments to visit our website for further details. As of now, your listings should be fed right into your Point2 account.

The increased exposure for your listings at no cost using the Point2 Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

Agent Syndication Network is very exciting. The system is set up to syndicate your listings to all partners that the office Broker has determined, but if you’d like to specify further, it is very easy to do.

The additional exposure for your listings using the free Point2 Agent Syndication Network is sure to increase the interest in your listings.

For more information about this important new service, please visit www.sarasotarealtors.com/Point2 This page has been set up in Q&A format, and will be updated as we learn about any additional questions you might have. www.sarasotarealtors.com

Buyer’s Guide: Tech Wish List for 2010

By Michael Antoniak Realtor Magazine Online

The new year is a new opportunity to upgrade, integrate, and streamline your operations. Learn more about the technologies that can make you a more effective professional.

With each new year comes an opportunity to rethink the products and services that empower your real estate career.

As 2010 dawns, the desire to upgrade is tempered by the economic realities of today, forcing many to selectively invest in technology to improve service and attract clients in a challenging marketplace.

Real estate professionals are now so reliant on such a mix of equipment and technologies that simplification and integration of multiple solutions seems to be a common goal.

Seasoned pros and those new to the trade want easy solutions for their essential needs.

While a few anxiously await that next “big thing,” more will target specific needs, upgrade proven tools to this year’s model, and find more in the bargain. For those new to the profession, or anyone on a tight budget, the question is: What investments will reap maximum rewards?

Online, the overarching importance of a Web site and the buzz around social networking has many exploring ways to boost site traffic and nurture relationships that promise

referrals and clients. Some look to blogging to establish their unique expertise and boost search engine placement. Video continues to grow in importance as a tool for tours and testimonials. Associates and brokers alike are on the hunt for fully integrated solutions, or piecing them together to put them in the “cloud” of Web-based productivity.

In the office, the new lineup of very affordable desktop systems and print solutions gives ample cause to revisit these categories. In the field, a smartphone seems de rigueur. With prices starting under $100, there’s something for every real estate professional. But no single product yet fully realizes the promise of having one device for all your needs. If you want a phone that can truly serve as your camera, for instance, you will still carry a netbook or notebook. Netbooks, especially will find their ways into more hands, given the low price and convenience.

But stay tuned: two highly speculated-on products expected to appear in 2010 could redraw many wish lists and the tech landscape in coming months. If and when Apple unveils its version of a tablet/netbook, it could promote a new mobile standard. Then there’s the anticipated Google version of a smartphone running the Google Android operating system.

And Google being Google ... well, we’ll just have to wait and see what’s in store for 2010.

Get technology on a tight budget

The following products are available for less than $250.

Blog Multiple platforms FREE A blog costs little, except your time.

Solutions like Blogger, TypePad, and Wordpress make it easy to get started.

Even if you opt for a fee-based premium plan, blogging is an investment in your career. It can enhance your reputation, demonstrate your expertise and improve search engine placement. If you do plan to blog in 2010, approach it as a yearlong resolution.

Smartphone Curve 8530 Available through Verizon Wireless for $99, after rebate, with a two-year service contract Blackberry’s new Curve 8530 is one of several models that make it easy and affordable to get started with a www.sarasotarealtors.com

smartphone. Running the Blackberry OS, the 3G Curve 8530 has built-in WiFi, GPS, and a 2-megapixel camera with digital zoom and video capabilities.

There’s also a mini-QWERTY keypad and microSD memory card slot.

USB Camcorder Flip Ultra $149; HD version available for $199 The Flip Ultra is an easy-to-use, inexpensive solution for posting video tours and testimonials. With 4 GB of internal flash memory, it can record up to two hours of video at 640x480 resolution. The Flip has a USB connector and FlipShare software for formatting, editing, and uploading video to a computer and the Web. Printer Epson WorkForce 1100 $199 Prices have come way down, so you Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

can get a lot more printer for your money now. Case in point: Epson WorkForce 1100. Maximum print size for this color inkjet is 13x19 inches, big enough for quick signs on the fly.

To reduce consumables, it has separate ink cartridges for each color. Maximum print speed for standard sized pages is rated 30 pages per minute (ppm) black, 17 ppm color; and 13 ppm black, 5.5 ppm color in its laser-quality mode.

Cameraphone Memoir T929 $199 through T-Mobile, with service contract At this writing, Samsung’s 8-megapixel Memoir T929 is one the highest resolution cameraphones available, but that will surely change as the year progresses. If you don’t need a true smartphone, consider something like this full-featured product with GPS for your communications and photography needs.

FEBRUARY 2010

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Sarasota Chapter of WCR off and running

By Karen Grant 2010 WCR President The new year got off to a great start in January with the program “A Toddler’s Guide to Effective Communication,” presented by Candace McElyea, Public Relations & Promotions Manager with Schroeder-Manatee Ranch. The event packed the Laurel Oak Country Club, and provided a perfect beginning to another anticipated wonderful WCR slate of 2010 programs.

The new WCR board and officers are now in place for 2010 (see bottom of page). They are ready to lead the WCR through the coming year with energy, passion and a strong sense of duty and commitment.

We have a great tradition to uphold, and we certainly won’t let you down!

WCR 2010 Programs

Feb. 12, 3:30 p.m., Bird Key Yacht Club: “Ringling College of Art and Design: World-Class Community Leadershop, Industry Pre-eminence” Lance Burchett March 12, 11 a.m., Michael’s On East: “How to Overcome Adversity” - Beth Barnett, Real Estate Professional, Coldwell Banker April 9, 8:30 a.m., Bent Tree Country Club: “Young Producers Panel” - Christina Pitchford, Coordinator May 7, 11 a.m., Lakewood Ranch Country Club: “Honoring Past Women’s Council Presidents” (Joint Meet with Manatee WCR June 18 - Joint Meet Wth SAR

July 9, 11 a.m., Laurel Oak Country Club: “Lynn McDonald - Topic TBA Aug. 13, 11 a.m., University Park Country Club: “Legislation That Affects Florida Realtors Ron Reagan, Speaker Pro-Tempore, FL House of Representatives September - Fashion Show - Date and Location TBD Oct. 8, 8:30 a.m., Bird Key Yacht Club: Program TBA Nov. 12, 11 a.m., University Park Country Club: Award Ceremony and Farewell Dec. 10: Installation of 2011 President and Board, Time and Place TBA

Sponsors Gold: University Park Lifestyles, Inc. Silver: Lakewood Ranch Communities

Neal Communities Bronze: Regions Mortgage

BB&T Oswald Trippe - Joe Sikora

Silver Fox Pest Management

2010 Line Officers

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Karen Grant President RE/MAX Tropical Sands Cell: 941-504-4952 karenlgrant@comcast.net

Marianne LeBar Vice President of Membership Michael Saunders & Company Cell: 941-650-0337 mlebar8900@aol.com

Leslie Lauritano Recording Secretary Regions Bank Cell: 941-504-1028 leslie.lauritano@regions.com

Cindi Jackson President-Elect Exit Realty Signature Properties Cell: 941-400-6091 cindi_title@yahoo.com

Sharyl Smith Treasurer The Bank of Commerce Cell: 941-374-06302 ssmith@bankofcommerce.com

Melia Favorite Corresponding Secretary American Family Financial Cell: 941-807-0303 melia@americanfamilyfinancial.org

FEBRUARY 2010

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Title: CIPS Institute (Certified International Property Specialist) Dates: June 21-25, 2010 Location: SAR Main Auditorium Instructors: David Lauster, CIPS, & David Wyant, CIPS Cost: $499 for SAR members (a $126 discount); $575 for non-SAR members (a $50 discount) This Institute will be one of the first to be offered after NAR compresses the courses for the designation from 7 days down to 5, effective June 2010.

The low price for the complete designation is possible because of NAR’s Right Tools, Right Now program which has been extended through 2010, and also because the program has been shortened by two days. Get your CIPS designation while the price is the lowest you’ll ever see!

The complete series of classes leading to the CIPS designation is $499 for SAR members, a $126 discount.

The complete series is $575 for non-SAR members, a $50 discount.

CIPS Institutes concentrate five of the required international CIPS courses into a 5-day format, allowing students to save travel costs and to complete the program quickly.

June 21: International Real Estate for Local Markets.

Analysis of the international real estate business environment, government regulations and cultures. The practical aspects of international brokerage, networking, marketing and selling are discussed (Lauster) June 22: Investment & Financial Analysis for International Real Estate: Provides the tools needed to present investment information to international clients—in their currency and area. HP-10B calculator required. (Lauster) June 23: Europe & International Real Estate 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 (Lauster) June 24: Asia/Pacific and International Real Estate 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 (Wyant) June 25: The Americas & International Real Estate: 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 (Wyant)

“….Canadian buyers predominated among all foreign clients, accounting for 18% of international real estate purchases in 2009.”

--2009 NAR Profile of International Home Buying Activity Interested in reaching the Canadian market?

SAR is reserving several booths to create a Sarasota “pavilion” at Realtor® Quest, the Toronto Board of Realtors® annual Expo. The Expo will be held May 5 & 6, 2010 in Toronto.

Attendance at the Expo, which targets real estate agents, averages about 250 exhibitors and 8,000 Realtor ® attendees. The event will occupy over 250,000 square feet of space at the beautiful and newly expanded Toronto Congress Centre.

Here’s an amazing opportunity to:

- Establish relationships with Canadian Realtors ® and get referrals - Gain exposure for your listings through onsite presentations - Gain exposure for your development - Rent your own booth in the Sarasota Pavilion Be among the first to make your reservation for this tremendous networking event! Even if you don’t anticipate traveling to Toronto yourself, there will be opportunities for individuals, real estate firms and developers to participate. Final details and costs are still being hammered out.

Discover the Canadian opportunity in 2010

www.sarasotarealtors.com

International Real Estate

Complete CIPS designation in 5 days!

Please email Catherine@sarasotarealtors.com if you would like to be sent further information.

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

FEBRUARY 2010

29

Membership News

The Association is pleased to welcome new members!

Designated Realtors®

Buchanan, E Waltraud: Waltraud Buchanan RE Broker Diamond, S Michael: Luxury Estates International Godin, William: Coldwell Banker Residential RE Reedy, P Daniel: Bluewater Realty Group of SRQ Roettele, L Donald: AARK Realty LLC

New Members

Barr, David: Coldwell Banker Residential RE Brink, John: Sandals Realty Brock, Gregory: RE/MAX Tropical Sands Byrdak, Wladyslawa: Prudential Palms Realty Dean, Helena: Coldwell Banker Residential RE Dudley, Hayden: Wagner Realty Graham, Donna: Exit Realty Signature Prop Guilfoyle, Dayna: Zupa & Associates Gumbs, Debra: EXIT Creative Realty Johnson, JoAnne: Keller Williams Lakewood Ranch Kozak, Ingrid: Coffey & Company Realty Leftwich, Sharon: Coldwell Banker Residential RE Manning, Marlene: Coldwell Banker Residential RE Marin, Dora: Keller Williams Lakewood Ranch Mascorro, Neftali: Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT McKinnon, Molly: Blakeley & Associates Realty McLeod, Calvin: Atchley International Realty Pearson, Laura: Coldwell Banker Residential RE Sindoris, Chris: Coldwell Banker Residential RE Skorupa, Mary: RoseBay Real Estate Inc Snyder, Brian: Signature Sothebys Internat’l Snyder, Elisabeth: Coldwell Banker Residential RE Spinelli, Mary Lou: Wagner Realty Spraggins, Dianne: RE/MAX Tropical Sands Wampler, Sarah: Integra Realty Group Yochim, Schascle: Zupa & Associates

Now With ...

Bachtle, Edward: Atchley International Realty Barr, David: Coldwell Banker Residential RE Bernas, Mary: Billib & Billib P A Brown, Gary Lee: RoseBay Real Estate Inc Carper, Janice: Michael Saunders & Company Citrin, Victor: Allison James Estates & Homes Corso, Ellen: Sandals Realty Cremer, Rick: Wagner Realty Davis, Wendy Sue: Sandals Realty Dudley, Hayden: Wagner Realty Evans, Alan: Wagner Realty Evans, Ellen Ferber: Wagner Realty Fitzpatrick, Marion: Allison James Estates & Homes Furneaux, Jean: Wagner Realty Germain, Patrick: Zupa & Associates Glah, Patricia: Coldwell Banker Residential R E Hays, Michael: Michael Saunders & Company Heckert, Michael: Charity & Weiss Int’l Realty Horne, Joseph: Realty Services Inc Huber, Joyce: Prudential Palms Realty Hughes, Helen: Realty Services Inc Hutter, Margaret: Prudential Palms Realty Johnson, Eldon: Waterside Realty LLC Leftwich, Sharon: Coldwell Banker Res R E Lempel-Husak, Lesley: Blakeley & Associates Realty Liga, Kathy: RE/MAX Alliance Group Manning, Marlene: Coldwell Banker Residential RE Masucci, Giuseppe: Julie C Lalande Lic RE Broker Mathews, Terry: Realty Services Inc Mazelin, Caroline: Sandals Realty McNamara, Thomas: Coldwell Banker Residential RE

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FEBRUARY 2010

Mezey, Tom: Realty Services Inc Morris, Sheryl: Michael Saunders & Company Murphy, Mary Anne: Wagner Realty Murphy, Brian: Wagner Realty Pellicot, Brian: Waterside Realty LLC Pippin, Valentina: Prudential Palms Realty Pirot, Gerard: Horizon Realty Pujol, Cher: Prudential Palms Realty Roettele, Dorothy: AARK Realty LLC Rose, Barbara: Realty Services Inc Ryan, Kelly: Cristello and Co Real Estate Short, Patricia: Michael Saunders & Company Simpson, Jeanne: Sandals Realty Thomas, Carol: Michael Saunders & Company Tjaden, Thomas: Exit Realty Signature Prop Tobiason, Alan: RE/MAX Premier Services Wardlaw, James: Michael Saunders & Company Wexler, Steven: Signature Sothebys Internat’l Witte, John: Atchley International Realty Wolff, Peter: Coldwell Banker Residential RE Yochim, Schascle: Zupa & Associates Zaback, Jerry: Signature Sothebys Internat’l Zheleznyak, Maryna: Sandals Realty Zupp, Eleanor: Century 21 Advantage Please note a majority of Hunt Real Estate agents transferred to Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate.

New Affiliates

Accredited Staging Professional

63 Cayman Isles Blvd Englewood, FL 34223 Phone Number: 941-928-6689 Representative: Mary Milburn Specialty: We are a full service Home Staging and Decorating business. We take pride in offering our clients exceptional service at a fair price. We will work within your budget to offer you the perfect solution to your home staging and decorating needs. “Decorating to Live, Staging to Sell, Designing New Possibities”.

Kitchens By Kerrie

996 Laguna Dr. Suite B Venice, FL 34285 Phone Number: 941-993-7455 Representative: Robert Dinan Specialty: Listen to my clients and translate their needs, ideas and dreams into reality; all-the-while making the design, selection and installation process an enjoyable event which they will be proud of. I use subtle details to express my client’s personality. I have a keen understanding of building construction and trades and am often a liaison between contractor and homeowner.

I communicate design with artistic hand drawings and schematics which reflect the artful kitchen exclusive to each individual homeowner.

Premier Inspections of Fla LLC 3946 De Foe Sq. Sarasota, FL 34241 Phone Number: 941-441-6606 Representative: Brian McCrone

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

Continued on P. 31, see MEMBERSHIP

www.sarasotarealtors.com

The Fight Against Amendment 4: Know the Answers Q: I want to see Florida’s growth more carefully planned - will the “Hometown Democracy” amendment make things better?

A: No, the Vote on Everything amendment will simply make matters far worse, not better. That’s why respected environmental leaders refuse to support the amendment.

They know this amendment will not put a stop to all development, but will make well-planned, smarter growth impossible - thereby encouraging sprawl that reduces green space and makes effective growth management unachievable.

Q: But the lawyers at Florida Hometown Democracy say this amendment gives decision-making power to ordinary citizens - is that true?

A: No, they are trying to mislead you. Right now local neighbors and neighborhood associations have significant leverage in the development approval process - which involves multiple meetings and public hearings and often negotiations between developers and neighbors. But if the Vote on Everything amendment passes, voters who live in other parts of the city or county will have just as much of a say, even though they are unfamiliar with the project or the neighborhood. The voices of those most directly affected would ultimately be diluted in a citywide or countywide political campaign.

Q: Is it realistic to expect voters to approve every change to hundreds of comprehensive land use plans?

A: With hundreds of ballot questions every year, the Vote on Everything amendment is unworkable, unrealistic and ridiculous. Statewide over the last four years, it would have triggered an average of 10,599 local referenda per year. According to research into Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) data, Broward County voters would have had to decide an average of 686 amendments per year. And you can’t get away from it in a smaller town. According to the same research, in 2006, people in Carrabelle (Franklin County) would have voted on 617 amendments. It would not be unusual for local voters across Florida to be expected to vote on 200 to 300 comprehensive plan amendments per year.

Q: What are the costs associated with this amendment?

A: The Vote on Everything amendment will raise taxes,

MEMBERSHIP From P. 30

Specialty: Your Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch & Manatee Inspector: Premier Inspections is the leading source for fullservice commercial building and home inspections in Sarasota and Manatee. Our State of Florida Building Code inspector and ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) certified home inspector will provide you with a quality, accurate and comprehensive inspection report. Whatever your home inspection needs are – Our professional inspector, will help www.sarasotarealtors.com

increase spending and waste tax dollars. Local governments - city and county - will be required by this new law to hold expensive referenda on hundreds of amendments every year.

Voters will be asked to vote not only on big development projects but also on any and all minor or technical changes to their City/County’s existing Comprehensive Land Use Plan. In the last four years alone, this would have meant over 10,000 extra and costly elections across Florida - and more elections require more tax dollars to pay for them. Also, if the extreme special interests sponsoring the amendment are successful stopping development, the supply of real estate will be reduced and home prices will increase - that means higher assessments and higher property taxes.

Q: Is anything being done already to assure smarter growth in Florida?

A: Yes, many communities have undertaken local or regional visioning efforts. These efforts are designed to engage citizens directly in planning the future of their communities. While these projects vary across Florida, they generally seek the input of all citizens through thoughtful discussion and dialogue. However, Amendment 4 is a onesize-fits-all proposal that will sideline ordinary citizens.

Under this Vote on Everything amendment, special interest groups on both sides of the development debate will gain influence while communities with the most at stake will find their voice drowned out in countywide media campaigns.

Rather than encouraging compromise solutions, Amendment 4 promotes conflict that results in uncoordinated, piecemeal planning and more sprawl.

For more information, please visit www.florida2010.org. ensure that your purchase is worth the investment you want to make. Taking the time now to learn everything about a property may save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars in the future.

Rainbow Paint Services

1228 South Brink Ave Sarasota, FL 34237 Phone Number: 941-356-7582 Representative: Daniel Salajka Specialty: Interior & Exterior Painting, Residential & Commercial, Re-Screening & Preassure Washing.

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

FEBRUARY 2010

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S ARASOTA A SSOCIATION OF R EALTORS ® E DUCATION /E VENTS C ALENDAR Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

1

2

3

4

5

8

9

10

11

12

19

9 a.m.

8:30 a.m.

MLXchange-Basic Short Sale Seminar 1:30 p.m.

(SFR) Entering & Updating Listings

9 a.m.– 4 p.m.

New Member Orientation & Code of Ethics

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

14-Hours CE & Core Law

9 a.m. iMAPP 1:30 p.m.

Design Web Page

7:30 a.m.

Toastmasters 9:30 a.m.

How to Stand Tall 1 p.m.

Becoming a Creator of Business

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

14-Hours CE

8 a.m.

Power Marketing (University Park CC)

8 a.m.

Power Marketing (SAR)

15

16

17

18

7:30 a.m.

Toastmasters 9 a.m.

Custom Reports 9 a.m.

Foreign Investment 1 p.m.

Purchasing Real Estate /IRA 1:30 p.m. Toolbox

8 a.m.

Power Marketing (SAR)

22

23

24

25

8 a.m.

GRI Course 1 9 a.m.

Design Web Pages 1:30 p.m. iMAPP

8 a.m.

Power Marketing (SAR)

March 1

2

3

4

Presidents Day SAR Office Closed

8 a.m.

GRI Course 1 9 a.m.

MLXchange -Basic 1:30 p.m.

Entering & Updating Listings

8 a.m.

GRI Course 1 9 a.m.

MLXchange-Basic 1:30 p.m.

Entering & Updating Listings

9 a.m.

CID General Membership

8 a.m.

GRI Course 1 9 a.m.

Creating a CMA 1:30 p.m.

MLX Advanced

8 a.m.

GRI Course 1

8 a.m.

GRI Course 1

8 a.m.

Power Marketing (University Park CC)

9 a.m.

CID Commercial Marketplace

9 a.m.

CID Commercial Marketplace

9 a.m.

CID Commercial Marketplace (Manatee Association of Realtors®)

26

9 a.m.

CID Commercial Marketplace

5

9 a.m.

CID Commercial Marketplace

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

My Florida Regional MLS Training

The classes E & U (Entering & Updating), Tools, Design Web Pages, MLX Intro, MLX Advanced, iMAPP, Custom Reports and CMA are all My Florida Regional MLS training classes offered at no cost to MLS participants. All classes (except E & U) are HANDS-ON in the SAR Tech Center. Please register for all MLS classes at the MFRMLS website: http://mfrmls.com. Click on “Training,” then “Quick Class Registration” and follow prompts.

Sarasota Association of Realtors®, Inc. 3590 S. Tuttle Ave. Sarasota, FL 34239

Monday

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

FEBRUARY 2010