Sarasota Realtor Magazine - January 2011

JANUARY 2011

Mike Bruno, 2011 SAR President, strives for synergy and results

Inside this issue - INSTALLATION - COVER STORY

P. 5 P. 6

- STRATEGIC PLAN

P. 8

- MONTHLY STATS

P. 15

- EDUCATION

P. 20

IMPORTANT DUES INFORMATION INSIDE - See Page 14

America’s Builder Is

EVERYWHERE! 1

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OA K H u r S T

WA L K E r’ S C OV E AT r I V E r PL AC E

Single-family Homes from the upper $100s

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Single-family homes from the mid $200s

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C OV E r E d Br I d G E E S TAT E S

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3

10

Single-family homes from the mid $100s

SuG A r m I L L LAKES

Single-family homes from the low $100s

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5 ry E W I L dE r n E S S E S TAT E S Single-family homes from the low $200s

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6 G r E y H AW K L A n dI nG

Single-family homes from the upper $100s

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7 L E G E n d S B Ay Single-family homes from the mid $300s

8

Single-family homes from the mid $300s

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941-479-4971

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PH I L L I PPI PI n E S

11

Single-family homes from the upper $100s

4 6

7

Single-family homes from the low $200s

10 11 14

9 12 13

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941-922-4969

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W l o

r E d H AW K r E SE rV E

Single-family homes from the mid $300s

941-312-6470

13 L A n dm A r K E S TAT E S

Single-family homes from the mid $300s

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14 PA L m E r OA K S Single-family homes from the upper $100s

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CGC1513647 Home and community information, including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities are subject to change without notice or obligation.

Pictures are for illustration purposes only and will vary from the homes as built. Please contact a sales representative for details. Locations are approximate and not to scale.

SARAd12.3.indd 1

e

2

Single-family homes from the mid $300s

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Contents

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine Volume 8, Issue 1 JANUARY 2011

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

6

New Leadership

2011 SAR President Michael Bruno defines his personal

philosophy and leadership approach as the association

prepares to embark on a new year of challenges and goals.

10 State Government

How does the Florida Legislature work behind the scenes, putting together legislation that can impact real estate? Learn about the inner workings of Tallahassee in this month’s column.

12 Annual Report

Volume 8 • Issue 1 •JANUARY 2011

President Michael Bruno Prudential Palms Realty President-Elect Laura Benson Michael Saunders & Company Secretary Dave Swenson EXIT Creative Realty Treasurer Roger Piro Town & Country Realty Immediate Past President Erick Shumway RE/MAX Alliance Group Chief Executive Officer Kathy Roberts

Sarasota County Property Appraiser Bill Furst releases the 2010 Annual Report, highlighting the year’s statistics and a wealth of other data for county taxpayers and residents.

15 Market Climbs

4

2011 Officers

The November 2010 sales statistics rebounded from their

October lows, and the median sales prices also improved.

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

18 CID Outlook

Anthony Homer, newly installed CID President for 2011, offers his thoughts on commercial real estate as the new year looms.

Governmental Affairs Director Marc Mansfield

10- Governmental Affairs

Production Coastal Printing, Inc.

12- Property Appraiser

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

15- Sales and Listing Statistics 18- Commercial Investment Division 24- On the SAR Scene 27- Broker Corner

Visit SAR on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SarasotaRealtors See a few of the photos this month on Page 24!

28- WCR News 30- Membership News

Subscriptions: The annual dues of every member of the Sarasota Association of Realtors®, Inc., includes a one-year subscription to Sarasota Realtor ® magazine.

A yearly subscription for Sarasota Realtor ® magazine is available to non-members for $25, plus Florida sales tax.

Editorial ideas and manuscripts are welcome. Byline articles and columns express the opinions of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the policies or sentiments of the Sarasota Association of Realtors®, Inc. All submitted copy is subject to editing.

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

JANUARY 2011

Director of MLS Information Systems Jesse Sunday Director of Professional Development Catherine McCaskill

In every issue

20- Education Programs

Director of Member Services Dan Andrews

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Quote of the Month “Calling home ownership the American Dream is not a mere slogan, but rather it expresses a bedrock value. Owning a piece of property has been central to American values since Plymouth and Jamestown. Homes are the foundation of our culture, the place where families eat and learn together, the basis for community life.

The cottage with a picket fence is an iconic part of our heritage.”

- NAR President Ron Phipps

2011 SAR Officers, Board installed

The Sarasota Association of Realtors® installed the 2011 Officers and Directors on Dec. 8th at Michael’s on East, and also honored Realtor® of the Year (Judy Schomaker), Humanitarian of the Year (Christina Pitchford), Meritorious Service Award recipient (David Clapp) and President’s Award winner (Bob Milhoan).

Also receiving a special award in 2010 was Tina Darling, owner and president of Innovative Agent Services, for her outstanding contributions to SAR as chair

of the Affiliate Committee.

SAR thanks our Platinum Sponsor for the event, My Florida Regional MLS; Silver Sponsors, DK Consulting Group, Inc., pix360.com, and Supra Systems; and Bronze Sponsors, Bank of America Home Loans, BB&T Mortgage, Lakewood Ranch Communities, LLC, Neal Communities, Regions Bank, and 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty. See Page 24 for photos from the annual event, and many more at facebook.com/SarasotaRealtors.

Steve Bennion: SAR Affiliate of the Month for January 2011 Steve Bennion, President and Owner of Silver Fox Pest Management Group, Inc., is the SAR Affiliate of the Month for January 2011.

Although a relatively new company, Silver Fox employees have over 30 years experience.

Steve Bennion, along with VP of Operations and co-owner Cathy Seaman, have been very involved in community services and have a long, close relationship with our SAR. Cathy, originally from New York, has lived in the Sarasota area for 16 years and had been

active in owning her own business, with her husband.

Steve’s smiling face has serviced the Sarasota, Tampa, Bradenton area for over 20 years.

Originally, from Utah, Steve is actively involved in many Realtor® functions as well as community services, including Habitat for Humanity, Shriners, and many others.

Steve can be reached at 941-379-9000, or 941-256-6325. His web site is: www.silverfoxpestmanagement.net

Steve Bennion

Title-ist.

Representing Your Interests, From Concept To Close.

When it comes to representing your interests in a real estate transaction, look to attorney Steven R. Greenberg.

Steve is a Florida Bar Certified Real Estate Specialist with more than 25 years experience and handles hundreds of closings each year. Call us!

A Firm Commitment To You.

Steven R. Greenberg

Board Certified Real Estate Attorney

2033 Main Street, Suite 500 Sarasota, FL 34237 Call: 941.365.6216

For Immediate Service: Linda Witt, Director of Marketing Call 941-586-4412

e-mail: REinfo@icardmerrill.com

Cover Story 6

Synergy=Results

f

2011 SAR President Mike Bruno encourages teamwork

Focusing on the future and the incredible opportunities that often spring from change is the philosophy and leadership direction of newly installed Sarasota Association of Realtors® 2011 President Michael Bruno.

“We should never fear the change that is coming,” explained Bruno. “As Realtors®, we should always embrace changes, and look for the opportunities those changes create.”

Michael Bruno, a successful real estate agent with Prudential Palms Realty, has been very active in SAR and Florida Realtors® for many years. He has served as the chairperson of the SAR Grievance and Professional Standards Committees, as well as the RPAC, Community Outreach and SAR’s Nominating Committees. He was last year’s SAR President-Elect, and is a proud graduate of the 2010 Florida Realtors® Leadership Academy.

In all of his association involvement, Bruno has always strived to keep his colleagues “focused on the goals ahead,” and stressed the need to define and mark a path for future leaders to follow.

“We always need to think about our legacy, so we make it easier for those who will follow us to take SAR to a higher level,” said Bruno. “Our overriding concern should be to do what is best for the members.

Determining what members need must be done through a two-way street of communication. Next year, we intend to conduct several surveys to ensure we are doing everything we can to help our members be successful in the real estate profession.”

Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Bruno spent 16 years as a retail executive in both department and discount store merchandising in Wisconsin and Connecticut. Prior to real estate, Bruno conducted training seminars for large and small manufacturers across the country on business development. While in Connecticut, he obtained his real estate license.

Shortly thereafter he relocated to Sarasota and joined the Sarasota Association of Realtors® in the spring of 1988. He is recognized as a consistent top producer and believes his enthusiasm and knowledge has contributed to his work for the Association.

“I would describe my leadership style as more casual than some others,” explained Bruno. “I’m perhaps not as structured in my approach, although I do stress a need for focus on our overall goals. But I think we should have fun in our volunteer capacity at SAR. We all need to enjoy what we do, and be true team players.

We work in a difficult industry that is going through

JANUARY 2011

SAR 2011 President Michael Bruno incredible change. We’ve been through so much, and yet we’re still here and maintaining a positive attitude.

That’s so important to our success.”

Part of this positive approach involves teamwork, and the need to seek out members and encourage participation at all levels of the organization. Bruno said one of his goals will be to help develop greater synergy between the various committees that form the backbone of SAR’s annual activities. By inspiring more members to join the various committees and groups under the SAR umbrella, he hopes to achieve a greater unity of purpose in 2011.

“We’ve done so much great work in 2010 and prior years, and we’ve set the stage to take it to an even higher level,” said Bruno. “For example, last year’s Tech Expo was an incredible event, and we’ll do it again in 2011.

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

Continued on P. 8, See BRUNO www.sarasotarealtors.com

“We should never fear the change that is coming. As Realtors®, we should always embrace changes, and look for the opportunities those changes create.” SAR 2011 President Michael Bruno

BRUNO From Page 6

“Our members are clamoring for information and education, and look to SAR to provide that.”

Other areas that SAR will continue to stress include international real estate, and the need to broaden the perspectives of members when it comes to the growing European and Asian markets. Bruno hopes the SAR International Congress event continues to grow and succeed in attracting more members to this fertile field.

Staying ahead of the curve has been crucial to SAR and its members, Bruno noted, with education a vital component as our industry adapts to an historic series of changes.

“There is always a light at the end of the tunnel, and we need to stay focused on that fact,” said Bruno. “In 2010, it seemed like every day there was a new challenge. From the new wave of distressed sales to the oil spill, from the foreclosure paperwork issues, to Amendment 4, to the new challenge of the mortgage interest deduction proposal. We

should be encouraged that through it all, we made it! And we’re better off than we were 12 months ago.”

Bruno said he has a sense that SAR members “are feeling a little better about things” in recent months, and he hopes that trend continues in 2011 and beyond.

“We’ve learned how to handle the hits, and get back up and carry forward,” said Bruno. “We’re a resilient group of professionals. In the next 10 years, there will continue to be transformational changes in our industry. In 2020, we won’t recognize our business compared to what it is today. But through our strategic planning process, the association will keep our vision focused on the changes, and we’ll adapt.”

Instead of a threat, the Internet has turned out to be a vital tool for Realtors® in their daily work. Other changes will buffet the real estate industry. But Michael Bruno believes these changes will only make the real estate industry stronger and more vital going forward.

“We simply need to prepare ourselves and embrace the changes, and I think we’ll come out on top,” said Bruno.

“SAR has always stayed ahead of the curve.”

2011 Strategic Plan Mission

Vision

“To be the advocate and resource for real estate in Sarasota.”

“To be the association of choice for real estate professionals.”

Objective One

aDvOcacy anD Public awareness

Objective twO

PrOfessiOnal DevelOPment

Objective three

Goals

Goals

Goals

• Increase Realtor® voter turnout • Formulate positions on local political issues • Localize impact of state and national regulations • Meet state RPAC goal • Publish real estate trends and issues • Encourage and publicize Realtor® volunteerism in the community

8

JANUARY 2011

member benefits

• Encourage members to seek designations

• Survey members for feedback on what they value

• Provide technology education

• Promote SAR’s programs, products and services

• Host a Tech Expo • Enlighten members about tech ideas, concepts and tools they can use

• Publish an annual report

• Employ live broadcast, webinars, and video presentation

• Provide tools to leverage international opportunities in our local market

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

• Analyze facility needs and alternatives

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Participate in our Gold Medallion Treasure Hunt and start collecting $500 gold coins* redeemable when you sell a Medallion Home in any of our neighborhoods.

Here’s how it works: • Visit www.medallionhome.com to locate a sales center near you and pick up a treasure map with details about our neighborhoods.

• Receive a $500 Gold Medallion* at each neighborhood that you visit.

• Sell a Medallion Home and receive $500* for each coin collected, in addition to your commission at closing. Must present coins at time of registration.

• No more than 10 Medallions ($5000 value)* may be redeemed per sale.

• Partner with your team to collect Medallions and split the bonus.

• Visit all seven Medallion neighborhoods by 1/31/11 and qualify for a drawing to win a weekend getaway for two to Longboat Key Club. Includes accommodations, dinner at Sands Point or Portofino on Friday and Saturday, breakfast in bed on Sunday, and a massage for two at the Island Spa House. See

treasure map for details.

• Opt-In to receive text messages by visiting our web site. Be the first to know about new neighborhoods, floor plans, events, and special opportunities to receive additional Medallions. Be one of the first 100 to opt-in and receive an additional two $500 Medallions.* *

Medallion Home Gold Coins have no cash value until the closing of a Medallion Home.

www.medallionhome.com/sar • 2212 58th Ave East • Bradenton

941-359-9000

Governmental Affairs 10

Florida Legislative committees important to Realtors速 on a variety of political issues

t

By Marc Mansfield Governmental Affairs Director

The work of the Florida Legislature is done in its committees. The number of committees and councils and their names change virtually every legislative session. The name of the council or committee generally describes its policy jurisdiction. The Speaker of the House and Senate President appoint chairs, vice chairs, and all members for each council and committee.

Committees provide an opportunity for members to closely study a proposed bill. The committee may go outside of the Legislature to learn the opinion of interested persons who may be better informed on the subject of the bill. Committees can subpoena witnesses and records. Committees can also use the research facilities of the Legislature to analyze and provide information about a particular bill. And of course ordinary citizens who wish to be heard are allowed to speak at committee meetings.

Basically, there are standing, select and conference committees for each session. The Florida House of Representatives also uses councils to help oversee legislative policymaking for committees with certain jurisdictions. It should also be kept in mind that nearly every bill must travel the same long road in each house. A bill passed in the Senate may be referred to one or more committees when it reaches the House of Representatives. And the same is true in the Senate of a House-passed measure. To better understand the purpose of these committees and/or councils a summary provided by the Florida House of Representatives is shown below: Councils: Councils have committee groups within them. A council is comprised of House members appointed by the Speaker to direct the development of policy within a wider jurisdiction than that of a standing committee. Bills, upon filing or introduction may be referred by the Speaker to a council. A council chair, after receipt of a referred bill, may refer the bill to one or more committees within the council. A council may report a House bill unfavorably, favorably, or favorably with a council substitute. A council may report a Senate bill favorably, favorably with amendment(s) or unfavorably. A council may also introduce a council substitute embracing the same general subject matter of one or more bills in possession of the council.

Standing Committees: Standing committees are those with a continuing authority to consider matters within their subject field, including bills filed by members of the House. A standing committee may report a bill unfavorably, favorably, favorably with

JANUARY 2011

amendment(s) or in the case of a House bill, favorably with a recommended council substitute. In the Senate, standing committees may vote a bill favorable, favorable with amendments, favorable with committee substitute or unfavorable.

Select Committees: Select committees are created for the purpose of dealing with a specific and usually narrow situation or issue. Unlike standing committees that continue in existence for the duration of the session or term, a select committee usually goes out of existence when the purpose for which it was created has been accomplished. Often a select committee will be an interim committee, meaning it will do its work between regular sessions of the Legislature.

Conference Committee: A conference committee is actually two committees, one appointed by the House Speaker and the other by the Senate President to resolve differences on a specific piece of legislation. A majority of members of the committee from each house must agree before a conference committee report may be submitted to the Senate and House. Neither house is obligated to accept the report but they usually do since the alternative could be the failure of the legislation for that session.

Joint Committees: Joint committees are comprised of House and Senate members and sometimes include non-legislators. They do not have power to introduce or act on legislation. Their primary purpose is often administrative but will, on occasion involve policy matters.

Sarasota Realtor速 Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

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Property Appraiser

2010 Annual Report

THE PROPERTY APPRAISER’S 2010 ANNUAL REPORT IS NOW AVAILABLE

Property Appraiser’s Report is now available

s

Shortly after assuming office in 2009 I discovered the treasure trove of past ten years. You’ll find data on By Bill Furst, GRI, CRS, CRB how exemptions and portability data found in the property appraiser’s office. I started sharing this Sarasota County have benefited our residents and bounty of information when I addressed you, my fellow Realtors®, and Property Appraiser Shortly after assuming office affected taxable values, as well other civic groups. Many of you expressed interest and asked me to in 2009 I discovered the treasure as millage rates, mobile home, publish this data to help you monitor and evaluate trends. In response, trove of data found in the property agricultural, and tangible personal I asked my staff to gather the most significant and useful information appraiser’s office. I started sharing property information. they could find and present it in a format that would be easily Every individual has their own this bounty of information when I understood by everyone. The result was the 2009 Annual Report, addressed you, my fellow Realtors®, learning style. Knowing that, published in early 2010. The feed‐back from users has been and other civic groups. Many of we’ve made the data contained overwhelmingly positive. I’ve received many encouraging comments you expressed interest and asked in the Annual Report available and suggestions. me to publish this data to help in text, bar graph, pie chart, line you monitor and evaluate

trends.

In late November 2010, we launched the 2010 Annual Report, our second edition, and published it on the property appraiser’s website.

In response, I asked my staff to gather the most We hope using this platform to present the Annual Report will allow us significant and useful to alert as many Sarasota residents as possible to the wealth of data information they could available for their use. You can view or download the Annual Report, find and present it in a and the parcel database, from the property appraiser’s website, format that would be easily www.SC‐PA.com. understood by everyone.

The result was the 2009 In publishing the Annual Report our objective is to provide both a Annual Report, published current and historical overview of the trends in market and taxable in early 2010. values, as well as other relevant statistics to the citizens of Sarasota The feed-back from users chart and trend table formats.

County. The report contains information on parcels of property by has been overwhelmingly positive. Feel free to copy and use any of classification and trends over the past ten years. You’ll find data on I’ve received many encouraging the information contained in the comments and suggestions. how exemptions and portability have benefited our residents and report. affected taxable values, as well as millage rates, mobile home, In late November 2010, we A note of caution; the statistics launched the 2010 Annual Report, for each year are derived from the agricultural, and tangible personal property information. our second edition, and published it annual assessment rolls certified on the property appraiser’s website. for the collection of taxes in the We hope using this platform to early part of October. The figures present the Annual Report will for each year relate to values as of allow us to alert as many Sarasota January 1, the assessment date in

residents as possible to the wealth Florida.

of data available for their use. You Every individual has their own learning style. Knowing that, we’ve The data for 2010 relies on can view or download the Annual made the data contained in the Annual Report available in text, bar sales and property characteristics Report, and the parcel database, evident on or before January 1, graph, pie chart, line chart and trend table formats. Feel free to copy from the property appraiser’s 2010.

The same applies to prior and use any of the information contained in the report. A note of website, www.SC-PA.com. year’s data. caution; the statistics for each year are derived from the annual In publishing the Annual Report My aim is to publish an Annual assessment rolls certified for the collection of taxes in the early part of our objective is to provide both a Report relevant to the needs and October. The figures for each year relate to values as of January 1, current and historical overview of For more concerns of the people of Sarasota the trends in market and taxable the assessment date in Florida. The data for 2010 rely on sales and information, County.

Let us know of any values, as well as other relevant property characteristics evident on or before January 1, 2010. The contact the additional information, other data, statistics to the citizens of Sarasota same applies to prior year’s data.

Property or formats you would find helpful County.

Appraiser’s office and would like to see included The report contains information in future editions. You can email at 941.861.8200. My aim is to publish an Annual Report relevant to the needs and on parcels of property by your suggestions to PA@SC-PA. concerns of the people of Sarasota County. Let us know of any classification and trends over the com. additional information, other data, or formats you would find helpful 12

and would like to see included in future editions. You can email your JANUARY 2011 Sarasota Realtor® Magazine suggestions to PA@SC‐PA.com.

2010 ANNUAL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS

Did you know Sarasota County’s 2009 Taxable Value Ranked 10th in the State of Florida? See Page 34.

(Data based on 1st Certification of 2010 Assessment Roll on October 5, 2010.)

% Change

From 2009 Market Values:

Sarasota County ‐10.60% ($55.66 billion) City of Sarasota ‐10.93% City of Venice ‐10.13% Longboat Key ‐10.24% City of North Port ‐13.12%

Taxable Values: Sarasota County ‐9.31% ($42.20 billion) City of Sarasota ‐10.20% City of Venice ‐9.73% Longboat Key ‐8.30% City of North Port ‐16.06%

Save our Homes: Value sheltered from ad‐ valorem taxes ‐43% (Avg. SOH cap $51,417) Parcels with SOH caps ‐27% (43,096 parcels)

Average Market Value: Single Family $201,294 ‐10.4% Condos $225,781 ‐10.8%

NEED A SPEAKER FOR YOUR MEETING? BILL FURST WILL COME AND TALK WITH YOUR GROUP AND ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS.

To set up an appointment call our office at 941.861.8200 or email us at PA@SC‐PA.com

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Realtors® fight to preserve mortgage interest deduction The following is a statement by National Association of Realtors® President Ron Phipps.

“As the leading advocate for housing and home ownership issues, NAR firmly believes that the mortgage interest deduction (MID) is vital to the stability of the American housing market and economy.

“The MID must not be targeted for change. NAR is actively engaged on behalf of the nation’s 75 million home owners and 1.1 million Realtors® to ensure that the current deduction is not repealed or modified as was recommended in the Deficit Reduction Commission report released today.

“The tax deductibility of interest paid on mortgages is a powerful incentive for home ownership and has been one of the simplest provisions in the federal tax code for more than 80 years. In a new survey commissioned by NAR and conducted online in October 2010 by Harris Interactive of nearly 3,000 homeowners and renters, nearly three-fourths of homeowners and two-thirds of renters said the mortgage interest deduction was extremely or very important to them.

“Recent progress has been made in bringing stability to the housing market and any changes to the MID now or in the future could critically erode home prices and the value of homes by as much as 15 percent, according to our research. This would negatively impact home ownership for millions of Americans, including those who own their homes outright and have no mortgage.

“Any further downward pressure on home prices will hamper the economic recovery, raise foreclosures and hurt banks’ abilities to lend and likely tip the economy into another recession resulting in further job losses for the country. It will effectively close the door on the American dream.

“NAR will remain vigilant in opposing any plan that modifies or excludes the deductibility of mortgage interest.”

• Any tampering with the MID in the midst of a foundering economy, a sluggish housing market and high unemployment is way off base.

• Specific government incentives for home ownership in this country have existed for more than 150 years. That’s because home ownership helps foster communities, creates social stability, builds wealth over the long term, and contributes significantly to the U.S. economy.

• Realtors® believe that anyone who is able and willing to assume the responsibilities of owning a home should have the opportunity to pursue that dream.

• We look forward to working with public policy makers and industry leaders to ensure a model for responsible, sustainable home ownership.

• NAR is actively engaged on behalf of Realtors® and the nation’s home owners to ensure that the current MID is not changed – the tax deductibility of interest paid on mortgages is both a powerful incentive for home ownership and one of the simplest provisions in the tax code.

• NAR opposes any tax reform plan that does not retain the deductibility of mortgage interest. NAR also opposes any effort to convert the MID from a deduction to a tax credit.

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS Short Sales Foreclosures Bankruptcy

Call 941-366-1300 For A

FREE CONSULTATION Jefferson F. Riddell, Esq. (Board Certified Real Estate Attorney) Cynthia A. Riddell, Esq.

Riddell Law Group R L G

3400 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida www.toomuchdebtsarasota.com The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements.

Before you decide, ask us to send you free, written information about our qualifications and experience.

IMPORTANT DUES INFORMATION – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

2011 Dues Invoices are now available and due For the Who, What, When, Where, and Why’s regarding mandatory electronic online dues payments, please visit the SAR website at www.sarasotarealtors.com and click on the MEMBERS tab near the top of the page, FAQ’s, Dues and Accounts.

Changes Affecting 2011 Dues Only Realizing that many of our members are still struggling in this economy, SAR is implementing billing changes on a one time only basis which we hope will positively impact our members. We will be billing all charges on 1 invoice; however, the changes affecting late fees and past due dates will remain the same as last year: 1. Members will be given an additional 30 days to pay.

Service will remain intact until 5 pm on February 15 instead of January 15.

2. A late fee will not be assessed on payments received

by February 15.



Reinstatement or Application fees will be assessed for payments after 5 p.m. on February 15.

Due Dates, Termination of Services, and Refund Policy  Due: December 15, 2010; Past Due: February 15, 2011, 5:01 p.m.  Members with open balances a/o 5:01 p.m. on February 15, 2011 will be terminated and lose all Realtor® services, including Supra.  Reinstatement before 5 p.m. on February 28, 2011 will require payment in full of all amounts due at date of termination, as well as a $75 reinstatement fee.  Reinstatement after February 28, 2011 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 a member whose license is placed inactive prior to Jan. 1st and who has paid their invoice, the inactive member will receive a full refund of the payments made.  For a member whose license is placed inactive on or after Jan. 1st and who has paid their invoice, all payments received are 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.



When and Where are dues invoices sent?  Individual dues invoices will be available at http://www.sarasotarealtors.com (under MY SAR ACCOUNT at top of the page) on November 1st, where they can be viewed, printed, and paid. In addition, an email will be sent to all members notifying them when the invoices have been produced and are available for payment.



What will be included on this dues billing?  Annual dues: Local, State, National, CID (if applicable), and voluntary RPAC.

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JANUARY 2011

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

n

November sales and prices rise as season gets into full swing

n

2010 from 15.9 months November 2010 saw resurgence “There certainly appears to be a in October 2010. It was at in the Sarasota real estate market, solid foundation for consistent, 14.6 months in November with more sales and higher median 2009. Once the market sale prices indicating a healthy stable sales and prices as we reaches the 6 month level seasonal boost. There were 534 enter the new year.” - SAR it is considered to be in total sales reported last month, President Erick Shumway equilibrium between a compared to 487 in October buyers and sellers market.

2010 and 553 in November 2009.

The median sale price for single There was good news family homes rose to $160,100, from last month’s figure on the distressed property sales front, as short sales and of $147,500, and for condos the price stood at $159,000 – foreclosure sales fell to 46 percent of the overall sales. slightly higher than the October 2010 figure of $158,525. Much lower sales prices for distressed sales continue to The stability in the median sale prices shows signs of be the primary reason for the overall median price at a improvement. level lower than would be expected, with normal arm’s Overall sales rose by 9.7 percent in November 2010 length sales garnering three-times as much as bank-owned compared to last month, but about 7 percent lower than last properties, and twice as much as short sales on average.

November, when the $8,000 homebuyer tax credit buoyed “The level of distressed sales dropped in November to sales as the initial period was due to expire. Looking at the 46 percent, from 50 percent in October and 54 percent in most recent five months, there has been a fairly steady trend September,” noted Shumway. “There are still two distinct in sales and prices, a sign of recovery. markets in the Sarasota area – one consisting of distressed Pending sales were also strong in November 2010, and sales, and the other normal, arm’s length sales. But it’s at 764 were very near the total in November 2009 (793), encouraging to see that downward trend, and once the when the market was strengthened by the homebuyer tax distressed sales get back to a normal, historical percentage, credit initiative. With no tax credit currently in effect, the we should see a return to traditional appreciation levels.” high pending sales figure is evidence of a stronger market.

This statistic is a strong indicator for the next two or three months of sales, as pending sales reflect current buyer activity.

The property sales breakdown in November 2010 was 369 single family home sales and 165 condos. Condo sales saw the biggest resurgence, growing 21.3 percent from October 2010.

“There certainly appears to be a solid foundation for consistent, stable sales and prices as we enter the new year,” said 2010 SAR President Erick Shumway. “While the foreclosure situation remains a potential barrier to quicker price appreciation, the local market seems to be absorbing that factor and adjusting to the new reality.”

The median sale price for single family homes over the past 12 months was $163,000, and for condos was $165,000. Last year at this time, looking back over the previous 12 months, the median sale price for single family was $160,000, and for condos was $198,500.

Inventory rose slightly in November 2010 to 6,207 from 6,069 in October 2010. But due to the higher sales volume, the months of inventory for single family homes dropped to 10.9 months in November 2010 from 11.1 months in October 2010. The figure was 9.4 months in November 2009. Months of inventory represents the number of months it would take to sell all available homes at the current pace.

For condos, the figure fell to 13.3 months in November www.sarasotarealtors.com

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

JANUARY 2011

15

Sarasota MLSSM Statistics November 2010 Single Family Condo

Unit Sales 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 Nov‐09

Dec‐09

Jan‐10

Feb‐10

Mar‐10

Apr‐10 May‐10

Jun‐10

Jul‐10

Aug‐10

Sep‐10

Oct‐10

Nov‐10

Single Family Condo

Median Sale Price $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 $0 Nov. 09 Dec‐09

Jan‐10

Feb‐10 Mar‐10

Apr‐10 May‐10

Jun‐10

Jul‐10

Aug‐10

Sep‐10

Oct‐10

Nov‐10

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

4,012

369

9.2

182

$160,100

$163,000

10.9

547

13.6

775

186

This Month Last Year

3,906

417

10.7

179

$162,500

$160,000

9.4

561

14.4

731

191

3,889

351

9.0

170

$147,500

$163,950

11.1

608

15.6

544

197

‐

4,956

‐

175

$162,700

‐

‐

6,854

‐

8,800

‐

Oct 94.4 95.2

Nov 94.1 94.8

Dec 94.2 ‐

Last Month YTD

Jan 93.0 94.4

2009 2010

Single Family – Sale Price Vs. List Price % Rates Feb 93.1 92.8

Mar 92.5 95.2

Apr 92.4 94.8

May 93.2 95.2

Jun 93.8 95.3

Jul 93.2 94.7

Aug 93.6 95.2

Sept 94.2 94.6

Statistics were compiled on properties listed in the MLS by members of the Sarasota Association of Realtors® as of Dec. 10th, 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

JANUARY 2011

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Sarasota MLSSM Statistics November 2010 Single Family Condo

Inventory 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0 Nov‐09 Dec‐09

Jan‐10

Feb‐10 Mar‐10 Apr‐10 May‐10 Jun‐10

Jul‐10

Aug‐10 Sep‐10

Oct‐10 Nov‐10

Single Family Condo

Pending Sales 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 Nov‐09

Dec‐09

Jan‐10

Feb‐10

Mar‐10

Apr‐10 May‐10

Jun‐10

Jul‐10

Aug‐10

Sep‐10

Oct‐10

Nov‐10

Condo

#Active

#Sold

%Sold

Average DOM

Median Sale Prices

Median Last 12 Months

Months of Inventory

Pending Reported

%Pending

# New Listings

# Off Market

2,195

165

7.5

230

$159,000

$165,000

13.3

217

9.9

297

169

2,355

161

6.8

236

$178,750

$198,500

14.6

232

9.8

306

255

2,170

136

6.3

206

$158,525

$165,000

15.9

211

9.7

293

179

‐

1,950

‐

207

$164,250

‐

‐

2,599

‐

3,368

‐

Nov 92.3 94.5

Dec 93.1 ‐

This Month This Month Last Year Last Month YTD

2009 2010

Jan 91.0 92.5

Condo – Sale Price Vs. List Price % Rates Feb 90.2 92.4

Mar 90.4 92.5

Apr 92.2 93.2

May 90.1 94.2

Jun 91.4 93.7

Jul 92.1 94.2

Aug 92.4 93.5

Sept 91.5 93.2

Oct 92.4 94.3

Median sales price is the middle value, where half of the homes sold for more, and half sold for less. Listings sold are 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

JANUARY 2011

17

CID (Commercial Investment Division)

Strap yourself in for a long, slow slog

By Anthony Homer CID President

“Good riddance to 2010” seemed to be the mantra at the end of last year. Retailers pulled out all the stops to get shoppers in the mood, banks made a flurry of real estate deals to get REOs off the books, and even the CMBS markets were starting to thaw out.

Here’s a quick recap and outlook of where we are in the Sarasota/Bradenton market, and where the market is expected to go in 2011: • Office Market – The strong get stronger and the weak keep getting pummeled. Lease rates have stabilized in Class A/B properties, notably in Downtown Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch. The I-75 Corridor market continues to lose ground, however, adding to vacancy numbers.

Downtown Bradenton is also fighting to find solid footing. Expect to see continued softness outside the 1st choice locations and newer buildings in 2011. Sales have also stabilized in 10,000+ SF product with an average price tag of $130PSF. • Industrial – No area has gone untouched, with prices averaging out around $50PSF for newer and older construction alike. It seems the positive activity we saw in the 1st quarter of 2010 was just a blip, and did not sustain throughout the year. Lease rates are still scattered, with portfolio properties not as aggressive as single property owners.

• Multifamily – This might be the bright spot for 2011.

A few investors and brokers already know the area is enjoying a very high occupancy rate for most apartments and complexes. Expect well managed complexes to break the 10% CAP barrier on sale as more money competes for these assets. Smaller investors will benefit from the market under 50 units, as large investors will vie for the 100+ unit complexes.

• Retail – No better indication of the local market than Main Streets of downtown Sarasota, and Lakewood Ranch. Both saw significant absorption in the third and fourth quarters of 2010, showing positive outlook

Officers:

2011 CID Officers & Directors

President: Anthony Homer, Lakewood Ranch Commercial President-Elect: Brad Lindberg, Hembree & Associates Vice-President: Linda Emery, Michael Saunders & Co. Secretary: Diane Lee, Wagner Realty Treasurer: Tim Mapp, Mapp Realty Past President: Lee DeLieto, Jr., Michael Saunders & Company

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JANUARY 2011

by retailers and restaurateurs alike. Benderson is also showing good growth, and Commodore Realty and North American Properties are both managing to sign new big box users. Expect retail rates to stay the same in anchor centers, with continued competition in the smaller strip centers.

The CID will continue to strive to offer the most relevant and timely information to our members this year through our monthly programs and special panels.

I’m excited to be the President of this dynamic group, and believe we truly enjoy a level of professionalism most markets simply do not have. If you have feedback, comments or suggestions, please feel free to contact me at ahomer@lwrcommercial.com.

Again, thank you for making me your 2011 CID President, and I look forward to the long, slow slog ahead!

Directors:

Pete Skokos: Norton, Hammersley, Lopez & Skokos (1 year - 2011) Eric Massey: Michael Saunders (1 year - 2011) David Roth: RE/MAX Alliance (2 years - 2012) Sarah Olesen: Keller Williams Lakewood Ranch (2 years - 2012) Bob Milhoan: Hembree & Assoc. (3 years - 2013) Lori Hellstrom: Osprey Management (3 years - 2013)

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Opening the doors to opportunities

By Brad Lindberg CID President-Elect

We are about to venture into a new year, putting on a happy face and being optimistic about the economy turning around. New faces and new ideas will soon blossom in the SAR as in our community. It’s a fresh start and a new year. So what inspiring words can I give my readers for 2011?

Having difficulty coming up with a topic for the January issue that would inspire, educate or humor the reader, I decided to take a break and cleanse my thoughts. To do that, I decided to take a drive.

At the time of this writing, I was up at our family home in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We had stopped by the house on our way back from a memorial service for a beloved Aunt who was a Titan of business in a time when women had only just won the right to vote.

The house is about 10 miles out of town, so any venture out to the store or to get gas is a road trip. The car was in dire need of a wash and the town center had a gas station/grocery/ car wash facility all in one. The car wash was an automated - stay-in-your -car drive through type.

After paying for the wash, a garage door opens and you drive in and the door shuts behind you. While in this enclosed washer contraption, the program starts and your car gets the whole treatment. When the cycle is done, the other door opens so that you can exit. That was the intended plan.

I waited for the exit door to open, but it didn’t. I’m now captive by a

robotic carwash. Fortunately, there is an emergency telephone number posted on the wall. I dial the number and explain to the person who answers the phone that I am stuck in the car wash. Shortly thereafter, a technician shows up. Unfortunately, the technician has no clue what to do and is not having any luck getting the doors to open. So again, I wait for a solution to the problem.

During my confinement, I had time to reflect on my topic for the New Year. I was inspired by the dilemma I was in. I accomplished my goal of getting the car washed, but I was at the mercy of the system to exit the deal. It made me think about how real estate transactions are similar to my predicament. I did everything I

was supposed to do, but I had to rely on others doing their jobs to complete the transaction.

I was finally freed from my robotic captor. All had worked out OK. The car was clean and I had a new topic for the magazine.

Somehow I was able to equate my experience with real estate and the trials and tribulations of the art of the deal. I know now that the doors will open in 2011 for opportunities and some of those doors will shut prematurely.

I also know that there can be solutions to those closed doors and persistence and determination will pave the way to success and 2011 will be a great year!

CID plans continuation of program schedule for 2011 The Commercial Investment Division of SAR will continue the same program schedule for 2011.

The CID will hold the Commercial Marketplace marketing and networking sessions on Friday mornings at 9 a.m. at SAR, with the third Friday of the month session held at Manatee Association of Realtors.

The General Membership Meetings will be held on the

www.sarasotarealtors.com

third Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m., usually at SAR. The meetings will feature informative and educational programs for CID members and guests.

CID also plans to hold the annual charity golf tournament in the fall, and the annual holiday program in early December 2011. CID is ready for another great year of commercial real estate!

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

JANUARY 2011

19

Education Programs

Lunch ’n Learn features title insurance info Title: What to Know About Title Insurance When Buying or Selling REO Property - Realtor®Attorney Joint Committee Lunch ‘n Learn Date: Jan. 13, 2011, Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Cost: FREE to SAR Members, $10 Others The Jan. 13th Realtor®-Attorney Joint Committee’s Lunch Seminar topic is :What to Know About Title

Insurance When Buying or Selling REO Property.”

Speakers who are knowledgeable in the issuance of title insurance policies, underwriting, and curing problems when they arise will present. The seminar is intended to help Realtors® better advise their clients on the potential perils of buying and selling REO properties. Register online at www.sarasotarealtors. com.

Learn tax strategies that make good sense

that may surprise you Title: Tax Strategies for the Real Estate Professional Date: Jan. 19, 2011, 9 to 11 a.m.

• Double Entertainment Deductions – How to safely Location: SAR Main Auditorium transform 50 percent entertainment deductions into Instructor: Kelly Clark, Bradford & Company 100 percent deductions Cost: $10 (SAR Members); $20 • Audit-Proofing - Documentation (Others) tips that will save you time, all the Many of us assume our accountants time take care of our taxes, but forget that • Help Your Accountant – How WE are the ones giving them the you can help your accountant work numbers and records they are using to more effectively on your behalf prepare our tax return. This seminar is • Car Strategies - Six methods that guaranteed to identify between $2,500 produce Thousands in deductions. and $27,500 in NEW deductions that can be used right away to pocket • Actual Expenses vs. IRS Method thousands in tax savings.

Mileage – New $25,000 - $250,000 automobile deductions you don’t • Stimulus Package Deductions want to lose.

– Learn about important Vehicle deductions. Plus, new first year auto • IRS Audit - Reduce your chances depreciation deduction updates!

– Red flags to avoid • Increase your income – How to This seminar is presented by Kelly use the tax side of your business to Clark of Bradford and Company, increase your spendable income Inc., and excerpted from the Bradford and Company, Inc. Tax Strategies • Entertainment Strategies – Two Kelly Clark for the Self-Employed audio course remarkable entertainment deductions (available for purchase). available to Real Estate Professionals

What are the tax implications of distressed sales?

Title: Tax Implications of Short Sales & Foreclosures Date: March 2, 2011, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Instructor: Ira H. Zlatkin, CPA, MST, ITI & GRI Tax Instructor Cost: SAR Members, $20; Others, $30 4 Hours CE (DBPR Course # 0012331) In these turbulent times, homeowners and investors alike are increasingly faced with short sales, foreclosures, and even abandonments. In these cases, property owners are surprisingly faced with the potential of cancellation of indebtedness income and even a gain or loss on the property’s disposition.

Recent economic stimulus legislation allows a limited

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JANUARY 2011

exclusion of income from the forgiveness of debt on a personal residence. Learn how the amount of taxable income reported by the bank due to debt forgiveness on a personal residence could be totally eliminated. Also, learn how sellers of investment property and real estate used in a trade or business may also avoid taxation of debt forgiveness income. Learn how to protect, for future use, the most valuable tax benefits which may have been accumulated by the seller, such as unused tax credits and suspended losses, from being taken away

by Uncle Sam to offset the allowed reduction of debt forgiveness income.

Register at www.sarasotarealtors.com.

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Earn NAR Designations in 2011 with local courses GRI Course 1 “Standards of Practice” Jan. 24-26, 31 - Feb. 2, 2011:

The GRI designation indicates to buyers, sellers and other real estate industry professionals that you have made the commitment to provide a high level of professional service to your clients by securing a strong educational foundation.

14 Hours of CE and 45 Hours Salesman Post-License. Also offers Code of Ethics renewal. Courses can be taken in any order. Instructors: Chuck Bonamer, Grant Simon, Steve David.

14 Hours CE - Feb. 8-9, 2011:

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. Instructors: IFREC.

GREEN - April 5-6, 2011:

NAR’s Green Designation provides advanced training in green building and sustainable business practices so that you can seek out, understand, and market properties with green features. Stand out with the only green designation for real estate agents and property managers recognized by the National Association of REALTORS®. Instructor: Jean Dorazio, Vice President, North American Title Company

GRI Course 2 - May 2-4, 10-11, 2011:

The GRI designation - Graduate, Realtor® Institute - is the nation’s top real estate designation. It is earned through state associations whose courses of study meet the standards established by the National Association of Realtors®. The designation is available only to members of NAR. Course carries 30 hours of Broker’s Post-License credit and 11 hours CE.

SFR - Short Sale & Foreclosure Certification: June 1, 2011:

GRI 3 - July 25-27, Aug. 2-3, 2011:

For many real estate professionals, short sales and foreclosures are the new “traditional” real estate transaction. Knowing how to help sellers maneuver the complexities of short sales as well as help buyers pursue short sale and foreclosure opportunities are not merely good skills to have in today’s market — they are critical. And while short sales and foreclosures are not for the faint of heart, agents with the proper tools and training can use these specialty areas to build their business for the long term. Instructor: Jim Dague

An NAR survey in 2008 shows that the gross income for GRI designees was $69,800; gross income for Realtors® without designations or certifications was $37,300. This course carries 30 hours of Broker’s Post-License credit and 11 hours CE.

14 Hours CE - Aug. 9-10, 2011:

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.

Instructor: IFREC.

SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) - Oct. 11-12, 2011:

Adults aged 50+ represent more than 20% of the U.S. population. For most senior adults, the homes that they live in are their largest asset and account for most of their net worth. Completion of the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) Designation Course is an essential step for Realtors® in understanding the distinct real estate goals, concerns, and needs of seniors today. This course looks at key differences in housing options, from agerestricted communities to age-in-place design to assisted living; applications of the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA); the ins and outs of reverse mortgages; the use of pensions, 401k accounts, and IRAs in real estate transactions; and developing a team of senior specialists, including estate planners, reverse mortgage lenders, clutter and staging specialists, and more.

Instructor: Jim Dague www.sarasotarealtors.com

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

JANUARY 2011

21

Learn QuickBooks II for Real Estate Professionals Title: QuickBooks II for Real Estate Professionals Date: March 9, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: SAR Main Auditorium Instructor: Abby Barboza Cost: $20 (SAR Members); $40 (others) This course is Part 2 in a series designed specifically for real estate brokers and agents. As business owners, you need to be able to take control of your finances.

Learning QuickBooks allows you to be in control of gathering and entering of your financial information. It allows you to use basic accounting principles to your advantage.

Register today to become one of the smart real estate licensees who has total knowledge and understanding of basic elements of financial statements. Receive a FREE 30 days trial in addition to discounts on QuickBooks software when you attend the class.

Module II covers the following: • Customizing QuickBooks • Excel & Word for QuickBooks • Setting up Multiple Users • End of year closing.

• Creating Statements for Property Management clients

• Payroll • Preparing 1099’s & W-2’s • Depreciation • Cash vs. Accrual Accounting • Accounts Payable • Accounts Receivable • Sending all information to your tax preparer.

Sarasota hosts GRI Course 1 in 2011!

Title: GRI Course 1 Dates: Jan. 24-26 & Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 2011 - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (varies daily) Credits: 45 hours salesmen’s post-license credit, or 14 hours Continuing Education credit and NAR Code of Ethics Requirement for 2012 Cost: $310 (by Jan. 10, 2011) After Jan. 10, add $25 Did you know Realtors® who hold just one designation make on average twice as much as Realtors® who don’t? Only one in every three Realtors® holds any designation at all. 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 through the Florida Realtor® Institute. Instructors for the Sarasota course are: Grant Simon (Finance); Steve David (Contacts to Contracts and Negotiating Skills); Chuck Bonamer (Professional Standards, Law, Business Planning and Fair Housing) and Ira Zlatkin (Tax).

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 2011 and we expect the course to fill up quickly.

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JANUARY 2011

Award-winning printing and customer service Specializing in pocket portfolios, die-cutting and foil-stamping done in-house FSC and SFI certified to help you go green

Sarasota’s Premier Real Estate Printer 1730 Independence Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34234 (941) 351-1515 • (941) 351-8639 F • www.coastalprint.com sales@coastalprint.com

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

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Start the year right with MLXchange education 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 Jan. 3, Jan. 17, 9 a.m. to Noon Mandatory session for all new users.

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. This year, 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.

- 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 Jan. 3, Jan. 17, 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 - Entering a new listing, using tax auto pop, reviewing the fields that have specific entries in the Rules and www.sarasotarealtors.com

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 Jan. 26, 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 Creating a Professional CMA Jan. 26, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

This class is designed to teach you the skills needed to create a comprehensive CMA. You will learn how to import properties that are listed outside of the MLS, into your CMA along with valuable tips and techniques for creating a professional CMA. - Create a new seller or buyer CMA - Importing subject property from MLS or tax search and entering additional information about the subject property - Adding MLS and tax comparables - Adjustments, pricing, net sheet, selecting pages, and viewing report - Edit and remove reports - Emailing, saving, and printing CMA Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

- Customizing a personal CMA and setting it as the default Design Web Pages, Capture Leads Jan. 31, 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 handin-hand with a successful real estate business.

- Changing the site style, domain name, search engine tools and redirecting web sites - Designing the web page content, adding featured properties - Illustrating the property search - Lead capture shows in today’s summary and schedule - Reviewing schedule, adding/editing appointments, tasks, adding notes and reminders - Plans manager, copying and modifying the action plan - Emailing the client private webpage - Customizing email templates MLXchange Advanced Jan. 31, 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 - Edit favorite reports, personalize home page resource link, setting defaults JANUARY 2011

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On the SAR Scene

Installation and awards bring out crowd Visit SAR on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SarasotaRealtors

SAR members are active, energized and out in force in the community!

You can find hundreds of photos from our regular events at www.facebook. com/SarasotaRealtors Please visit soon and tag your friends and business associates!

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Special thanks to Detlev von Kessel for photography!

•P P 2011 SAR President Michael Bruno (left) presents a plaque of appreciation to outgoing 2010 SAR President Erick Shumway at the Dec. 8th Installation event.

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Steve Bailey and Andrew Vac, both longtime, active SAR members, attend the annual SAR Installation and Holiday Luncheon.

Tina Darling was presented with a special, one-time Exceptional Service Award by SAR for her oustanding contributions for recruiting and encouraging Affiliates.

The newly-elected SAR Officers and Board of Directors for 2011, plus the CID 2011 Board and Officers, were installed on Dec. 8th at the event, held at Michael’s On East.

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JANUARY 2011

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

MORTGAGES DESIGNED TO ACHIEVE YOUR DREAMS Let us develop the blueprint for making your clients’ dreams come true!

• Local, in-house decision making, streamlining the approval process & ensuring on time closings • Portfolio jumbo mortgages & Foreign National Programs available Linda McConnell

VP/Mortgage Production Manager Sr. Loan Officer Urban Trust Bank Mortgage Division 235 N. Orange Ave. Suite 101 Sarasota, FL 34236

• Robust traditional lending capabilities, ranging from FHA, Conventional, VA, USDA, Bond and more!

• Low fixed rates & closing costs

Office: (941) 893-4923 Cell: (941) 504-0823 Efax: (877) 338-1586

• Exemplary service from a dedicated Mortgage Banker

lmcconnell@urbantrustbank.com

CONGRATULATIONS! Dedication and hard work pay off!! We congratulate our members who have successfully completed the National Association of Realtors designation and certificate programs, Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS).

CERTIFIED INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY SPECIALIST (CIPS) Michel Bergier F. McKay (Kym) Biggar Chaim Gleitman Bryan Guentner Charles Jeff Kratz Larry Mitchell Christina Pitchford Gail Linnell Sanderson Pamela Strom

Keller Williams Lakewood Ranch Allison James Estates and Homes Xena Vallone Realty RE/MAX Platinum RE/MAX Platinum Michael Saunders & Company Allen Real Estate Services Keller Williams Lakewood Ranch RE/MAX Platinum

CERTIFIED RESIDENTIAL SPECIALIST(CRS) Michelle Crabtree

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

Michael Saunders & Companye

JANUARY 2011

25

ETHICS IN ACTION

Protecting the privacy of your clients

Having a policy in place for dealing with the sensitive personal information you collect from customers is more than just smart business.

In most states, it’s the law, and soon, there may be a federal baseline requirement in place.

So if you don’t have a corporate policy regarding customer data—or haven’t revisited your policy in a while— now’s the time to take action.

In a survey conducted earlier this year by the National Association of Realtors®, a quarter of Realtors® said they collect Social Security numbers and 12 percent said they collect financial account numbers from customers.

Yet more than half of all brokers said they had no privacy policy in place, and almost 60 percent of sales associates said they didn’t know whether their brokerage had a policy.

More than 80 percent of practitioners weren’t sure whether their state had consumer privacy laws—even though nearly every state does.

State laws typically cover specific types of data, such as personal health or financial information, and spell out what businesses must do in the event of a security breach.

(To see what’s in effect in your state, visit the National Conference of State Legislatures Web site, www.ncsl. org.)

Hot Topic on the National Level

On top of those state laws, Congress and several regulatory bodies—including the Federal Trade Commission, Federal Communications Commission, and the U.S. Commerce Department—are working on new rules that will give consumers more control.

In the House, Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) has introduced the Best Practices Act, H.R. 5777, which establishes consumer privacy rights and sets forth obligations for companies that collect sensitive data. If the bill passes, businesses that collect names, postal and e-mail addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, and information that’s classified as a “unique persistent identifier” (for example, your computer’s unique address) must include a notice that explains what information is collected,

26

JANUARY 2011

what it’s used for, and who sees it. Also, businesses must allow consumers to opt out.

Information that’s deemed sensitive— such as personal financial and health information—will be off-limits to you unless you get permission from your customer. Financial account information falls into this sensitive category.

How Can You Prepare?

The federal legislation is expected to move forward in 2011. But whether or not a new law results, privacy measures are likely to come out of the regulatory agencies. In the meantime, there are some common-sense steps you can take to get your policies in better shape.

The Federal Trade Commission says a sound data security plan is based on these five principles: 1. Take stock. What types of customer information are in your paper files and on your computer? You probably have bank statements and forms with clients’ Social Security and driver’s license numbers. Understand how this information moves into, through, and out of your business.

2. Scale down. If you don’t have a legitimate business reason to have sensitive information in your files or on your computer, don’t keep it.

3. Lock it. Be aware of physical security, electronic security, and the practices of your vendors. Decide which information should be password-protected and who can access it.

4. Pitch it. Dispose of what you no longer need, but do so in a secure way. Documents containing personal information should be destroyed.

5. Plan ahead. Create a plan for responding to security incidents. How will you notify people? What agency will you notify? What other actions will you take?

The best time to start crafting a data security plan is the present. For more FTC resources on strengthening your policy, visit www.FTC.gov/infosecurity. - Realtor® Magazine

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

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By Pamela Dittmer McKuen Realtor® Magazine Online

Chad Goldwasser was a superstar athlete while growing up in his hometown of Apple Valley, Minn.

He played hockey and soccer, but his main sport was football. He loved winning, and he won often.

But during his senior year of high school, his football team, the Apple Valley Eagles, missed the 1991 state championship by one game. Nearly two decades later, Goldwasser still feels the pain of that loss.

“I was devastated,” says Goldwasser, ABR, CRS, who went on to become a top producer in real estate sales and broker-owner of Goldwasser Real Estate in Austin, Texas.

Yet even more vividly than he remembers losing the game, he recalls what his coach said to him afterwards.

“I was captain of the team, sitting by myself in the locker room, bawling my eyes out. My coach came up to me and said, ‘Chad, you have nothing to be sad about.

You’re one of the greatest leaders to come through this school.’ That left a mark on me. I realized that those kinds of encouraging words can change someone’s life.”

That experience, along with other positive influences from athletic coaches, turned Goldwasser into a believer that great coaching can lead to success. After moving to Austin and entering the real estate business in 1998, he worked with various mentors, trainers, and coaches who helped guide his career.

Goldwasser led the No. 1 sales team for closed transactions worldwide for Keller Williams Realty in 2007, the same year he founded his own corporate coaching and speaking business. In 2008, he opened his brokerage. “It’s not that I’m a better leader than anyone else, but when someone says you are, it’s

www.sarasotarealtors.com

amazing what you can do to lead others,” he says.

During these lean and mean economic times, when spirits often sag and deals are harder to come by, a little coaching could go a long way in inspiring your team and helping them through the rough spots.

You don’t even have to hire an outside expert. Real estate coaches and broker-owners who champion the “coach” role say there’s plenty that an owner or manager can do to motivate staff and help them achieve great things.

Choose a Coaching Plan Whether you purchase a coaching program or write your own curriculum is up to you. What’s important is to institute some sort of dedicated process to guide sales associates toward success.

“You can’t teach someone to play a Beethoven sonata without the music,” says real estate coach and motivational speaker Carla Cross, crb, gri, who’s also a professional pianist and flutist. “If you let agents make up their own program, they’ll do whatever protects them the most.

If they don’t like to generate leads, they’ll make a plan that is light on lead generation. If you give them a program, they’ll follow it, and they’ll go faster than if they don’t have one.”

Cross recommends researching coaching programs to find one that best fits your team’s needs. Most programs include guidelines for setting goals and taking steps to reach them.

For example, a salesperson who wants to earn $100,000 a year must have a certain number of closings, which means making a certain number of presentations and a certain number of telephone calls per month, plus doing an array of network-building activities that ultimately lead to sales.

But Cross cautions that a single program may not suit everyone at

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

your office. Sales practitioners have different production issues during different phases of their career. Her Issaqua, Wash.–based Carla Cross & Co. offers several programs for both managers and associates including one called “Up and Running in 30 Days.”

“For the new agent, we talk about what to do, how to do it, how much to do, and how to measure it,” says Cross, who founded her company in 1992 and has three decades of experience in real estate sales and management. “For the experienced agent, we look at past business to see what works and why.”

Unlike Goldwasser, who coaches because he was coached well, Erica Ramus coaches because she wishes that she had been.

Ramus, a voracious reader who estimates she owns hundreds of self-help books on sales and successbuilding, coached herself during the decade she has been in real estate.

Three years ago she became the broker-owner of Realty Executives in Pottsville, Penn., and she now provides customized coaching to each of her six associates.

“I don’t believe every agent can be a jack-of-all-trades,” she says. “Not everybody is suited to work with first-time buyers or can pick up a commercial listing and sell it well.

I’ve created a culture where each person names a niche, and I create an educational program for them to become an expert in that niche.”

Occasionally, she’ll use materials from other coaches, including Carla Cross and Jennifer Allen of Pensacola Beach, Fla. In one case, an introverted associate was too shy to promote herself or ask for listings. Ramus recommended she enroll in an eight-week course to build her assertiveness skills. When the associate resisted because of time constraints, Ramus offered to pay half.

“That’s what she needed to push through to the million-dollar level.

JANUARY 2011

Broker Corner

Keep your sales team motivated, productive

27

Celebrating 2011 - Focusing on Success!

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By Cindi Jackson 2011 WCR President

Are you ready to succeed in 2011? As a real estate professional, in order to be successful over the next 365 days you will need an abundance of the following: • A persistent positive mind-set • A well-reinforced self-image • A strategic game plan • Diligence • Drive • Competence • Determination • Enthusiasm • Optimism When you’re equipped this way, the market place and the economic conditions that prevail are of no consequence!

2011 is the year we at Women’s Council of Realtors® are focusing on your SUCCESS! Our 2011 Programs and Education Committee has exciting business resource meetings scheduled to deliver timely and essential information, businessbuilding tools plus networking opportunities to help our members grow and succeed in 2011.

The Women’s Council of Realtors® is a community of men and women real estate professionals creating business opportunities, developing skills for the future and achieving individual potential for success.

Success in business today is achieved through focusing on positive, productive relationships.

The Women’s Council of Realtors® provides an environment in which members can form, build and maximize relationships at several levels, from bottom-line real estate transactions to ongoing mentoring for career development. Our members know that participation in the Women’s Council of Realtors® is the opportunity to contribute to change, and be changed, personally and professionally.

With more than 290 chapters and 14,000 members, Women’s Council of Realtors® isn’t just one the of the nation’s largest women’s professional organization, we’re a powerful engine for the industry, one that helps drive our members’ careers to greater heights. Our mission statement says it all – “We are a network of successful Realtors®, empowering women to exercise their potential as entrepreneurs and industry leaders.” We invite you to attend a business resource meeting, get acquainted and join the Women’s Council of Realtors®!

Please contact Cindi Jackson for more information at 941-400-6091.

Upcoming WCR Business Resource Meetings Jan. 14, 11 a.m.: “Sarasota County Update” Speaker: Bill Furst Sarasota County Property Appraiser University Park G&CC Feb. 11, 11 a.m.: “Safety for Real Estate Professionals” Speaker: Kathy Vacca Hyatt Sarasota – Downtown March 11, 11 a.m.: “Time Management” Speaker: Cheryl Stock Michael’s on East 11 a.m. – 12 noon Business Networking 12 noon – 1 p.m. Business Resource Meeting - For reservations contact Linda Witt at MZWitt@aol.com - For Business Resource Meeting information contact Leslie Lauritano at leslie.lauritano@ regions.com

2011 Line Officers Cindi Jackson President Exit Realty Signature Properties Cell: 941-400-6091 cindi_title@yahoo.com

Mary Hellhake Vice-President Membership Michael Saunders & Company Cell: 941-544-0763 maryhellhake@michaelsaunders.com

Carrie Starr Rummery Recording Secretary Starr Title Insurance Phone: 941-365-7827 carrie@starrtitle.net

Marianne LeBar President-Elect Michael Saunders & Company Cell: 941-650-0337

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

Mary Mastro Corresponding Secretary Keller Williams Lakewood Ranch Cell: 941-586-2402 marypmastro@kw.com

mariannelebar@michaelsaunders.com 28

JANUARY 2011

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

LWRC-152 LWR LIfe FP January 2011 Full Page

Live. Work. Play.

At the very least come play.

Lakewood Ranch Main Street is always a hub of activity.

Don’t Worry...

our to-do list is all fun and games: www.lakewoodranch.com

Get a FREE 2-day VIP pass to the Golf & Country Club.

941-907-6000 / 800-307-2624

Models & Information Centers Open Daily:

Take a stroll through more than 150 miles of nature trails.

Catch a world-class Polo or Cricket match during season.

Go to www.lwrevents.com for a complete listing of current events.

Mon. - Sat. 10 am - 5:30 pm Sunday 12 - 5 pm Homes with home site from the mid $100s to over $5 million EXIT 220

70

FREE 2-DAY VIP PASS TO THE LAKEWOOD RANCH GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB CALL 941-907-6000 TODAY TO FIND OUT HOW!

OVATION IS COMING!

Don’t miss the highly anticipated day of the arts!

SAT. FEB. 5 TH AT 10AM ON MAIN STREET! Go to www.lwrevents.com for details.

64

BRADENTON EXIT 217

EXIT 213

LORRAINE RD.

Tour more than 30 model homes in Lakewood Ranch.

LAKEWOOD RANCH BLVD.

Dine, shop, catch a movie or enjoy a FREE concert on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch.

MAIN ST.

UNIVERSITY PKWY.

75 FRUITVILLE RD.

41

SARASOTA

TO MAIN STREET : Take I-75 to exit 213, head east on University Parkway; take left onto Lakewood Ranch Blvd. then take right onto Main Street.

For a directory of Main Street use this TAG. Find out more about TAGs at www.lakewoodranch.com BROKERS WELCOME. All prices are subject to change without notice. *While supplies last. Offer subject to change without notice.

Membership News 30

The Association is pleased to welcome new members!

Designated Realtors®

DeLuca, Anthony: Deluca Realty Inc. Dilley, Beth: Ascendia Real Estate Kalantyrsky, Edward: Ed “K” Associates Moyer, Minne: Minnie Sue Moyer R.E. Broker

New Members

Abbott, Christopher: Ryntal Atkins, Lillian: Real Estate Boutique LLC Baggerman, Len: RE/MAX Alliance Group Bell, Richard: Century 21 Advantage Bell, Cathy: Century 21 Advantage Block, Steven: James M. Hendrix Broker Ciampolillo, Todd: Prudential Palms Realty Fippinger, Tracy: Waterside Realty LLC Flossmann, Cathleen: Charity & Weiss Int’l Realty Geweye, Charles: York Real Estate Inc. Holt, Anna: Coldwell Banker Res R E Johnston, Pamela: Keller Williams On The Water Kovacs, Laszlo: Realty Executives Solutions Lasley, Sheri: Horizon Realty International Loughman, Kieran: EXIT Creative Realty Loughman, Cecelia: EXIT Creative Realty Nawatny, Gary: Engel & Voelkers Anna Maria Papaioannou, Spyridon: Zupa & Associates Phillips, Shawn: Coldwell Banker Res R E Rajakar, Margarett: RKW The Richardson Group LLC Thomas, Debra: Sandals Realty of Sarasota Wagenhauser, Thomas: Ryntal Yahraus, Matthew: Harry Robbins Assoc Inc.

Now With ...

Aldea, Eugen: Atchley International Realty Anderson, Robert: RE/MAX Alliance Group Bryant, Teresa: LWR Communities LLC Callas, Christopher: RE/MAX Alliance Group Carson, Ryan: RE/MAX Alliance Group Carson, S. Dudley: RE/MAX Alliance Group Coffey, Brandy: Keller Williams On The Water Corneau, Perry: Signature Sothebys Internat’l Correll, Joseph: Sandals Realty of Sarasota Dale, Gary: Horizon Realty International Del Viscio, Stephen: RE/MAX Alliance Group Del Viscio, Judith: RE/MAX Alliance Group Evans, Alan: RE/MAX Alliance Group Evans, Ellen Ferber: RE/MAX Alliance Group Freed, Daniel: Michael Saunders & Company Fritz, Robert: RE/MAX Alliance Group Haddad, Andrew: Keller Williams On The Water Heindel, Kirsten: RE/MAX Alliance Group Ivin, David: Michael J Moser RE Broker Johnson, Kyra: Mount Vernon Property Mgmt Inc Jones, Timothy: Beachside Resorts Inc Kalin, Nancie: Michael Saunders & Company Kayser, Bradley: RE/MAX Alliance Group Kimsey, Benny: RE/MAX Alliance Group Koplin, Joan: Signature Sothebys Internat’l Kozak, Ingrid: RE/MAX Platinum Realty La Rue, Judith: Sunset Realty Langer, W. Jeff: Prudential Palms Realty Marquard, Janice: Sarasota Premier Properties McCann, Mark: RE/MAX Alliance Group McNally, Jennifer: Beachside Resorts Inc. Mollasis, Gus: RE/MAX Alliance Group Morgan, Kathleen: Premier Properties Realty Inc. Padgett, Don: Keller Williams On The Water JANUARY 2011

Paquette, Bruce: Beachside Resorts Inc. Parker, Ryan: Atchley International Realty Parks, Douglas: Michael Saunders & Company Phillips, Rosalie: Michael Saunders & Company Ruiz del Vizo, Ricardo: Keller Williams On The Water Salamakha, Marina: Impulse Realty LLC Sharff, Mark: Ian Black Real Estate Shkrob, Eleonora: Deluca Realty Inc. Sieger Jr., Fred: RE/MAX Alliance Group Slifstein, Siegrid: Coldwell Banker Res R E Sokol, Robert: REAL ESTATE.COM Spiess, Bridget: Ken Brand Lic R E Broker Thomas, Jill: Michael Saunders & Company Ussio, Ellen: Peens Property Group Inc. Ward, Brian: Keller Williams Lakewood Ranch Wu, Xia: Sandals Realty of Sarasota Yniguez, Kimberly: Peens Property Group Inc.

New Affiliates

House Calls Maintenance, Inc.

70 Sarasota Center Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34239 Phone Number: 941-377-8444 Representative: Jim Reid Specialty: Finally, a professionally operated maintenance company you can count on. Whether you require small handyman services, or want a full remodel, House Call’s highly skilled, reliable staff can handle the project! Painting, Drywall, Ceramic Tile, Pressure Washing, Carpentry, and Many More Services.

Email: Jim1.housecalls@verizon.net

Building Inspections, LLC

1020 10TH Ave W. Ste 115 Palmetto, FL 34221 Phone Number: 941-722-2221 Representative: Barry Batson Specialty: Complete Home Inspections, Wind Mitigation, 4-Point Inspections, Roof Certifications, etc…

Email: b.batson@WindInspect.com

Kroboth & Helm Mortgage Company Inc.

1444 1st Street Suite A Sarasota, FL 34236 Phone Number: 941-955-7115 Representative: Debra Kroboth Specialty: Unlike banks and mortgage brokers, Kroboth & Helm is a licensed correspondent mortgage lender. With one easy call or visit, we can help you access residential and commercial loan products from more than 50 wholesale lending companies nationwide Email: debra@KHmortgage.com

Larson Educational Services

1400 Colonial Blvd, Suite 44 Fort Myers, FL 33907 Phone Number: 239-344-7510 Representative: Brad Larson Specialty: Florida approved Real Estate School, CAM School and NMLS Mortgage Loan Originator School.

Pre-Licensing, Post-Licensing, Exam Preparation and Continuing Education Classes.

Email: brad@LarsonEd.com

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

Continued on P. 31, See MEMBERS www.sarasotarealtors.com

Event: Realtor® Quest - Toronto, Canada Dates: May 4, 2011, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; May 5, 2011, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More Canadians purchase real estate in Florida, particularly on the west coast, than any other nationality.

This is your chance to connect with 8,000 Realtors® at Realtor® Quest, Canada’s largest Realtor® trade show and

conference. Maximize your marketing potential in the Canadian market, business to business, with Realtors® around the Toronto area. SAR has reserved a booth and is now making time slots available to SAR members who want to expand their referral network in this hot market.

Please contact Catherine McCaskill at 941-328-1167 or email her at Catherine@SarasotaRealtors.com.

Realtor.com going global in 2011 The National Association of Realtors® announced in November 2010 that Realtor.com, NAR’s official website, will be going global, extending its lead as the world’s largest online source of residential property listings.

Realtor.com, the nation’s No. 1 homes-for-sale website, will add translation services and increase its presence in international markets to attract even more international visitors to U.S. listings. More than 575,000 consumers from non-U.S. destinations currently visit Realtor.com each month.

“Realtor.com will expand the exposure of U.S. real estate listings to global markets and add international listings,” said NAR President Ron Phipps, brokerpresident of Phipps Realty in Warwick, R.I. “While all real estate in the U.S. is local, the same is not true for property owners. The U.S. continues to be a top destination for international buyers from all over the world. Foreign buyers understand the value of owning a home in this country and can rely on Realtors® to help guide them through the process of buying property in the U.S. With expertise, knowledge and experience, Realtors® have a global perspective, reflecting the increasing importance of foreign buyers to U.S. home sellers,” Phipps said.

NAR will work with Move Inc., (NASDAQ: MOVE), the leader in online real estate and operator of Realtor. com, to add features to Realtor.com, making it easier for international consumers to search for listings in their language and through personalized views.

“Realtor.com is committed to delivering the most comprehensive, timely, and accurate real estate information on the Internet to consumers, wherever they

may live,” said Realtor.com President Errol Samuelson.

“We’re very pleased to explore expanding the reach and search power of Realtor.com internationally. For U.S. home sellers, this means they’ll be able to generate even greater international exposure for their properties, while U.S. home buyers will be able to shop for global properties and connect with real estate professionals who can help them with international transactions.”

NAR’s 2010 Profile of International Home Buying Activity cites the strength of the dollar, value and desirability of U.S. real estate as the chief factors making U.S properties increasingly attractive to international buyers. Between April 2009 and March 31, 2010, $66 billion of residential property, amounting to 7 percent of the total U.S. residential market, was sold to foreign nationals, recent immigrants and temporary visa holders.

More than a quarter of Realtors® – 28 percent – reported working with at least one international client in the past year, up from 23 percent in 2008. The median price paid by foreign buyers ($219,400) is higher than the national median price. Fifty-five percent of foreign buyers paid cash compared to about 8 percent of domestic buyers, according to NAR’s study.

Buyers from 53 different countries around the world bought residential property in the U.S last year. The leading sources of buyers were Canada, Mexico, the U.K. China, Germany and France.

MEMBERS

integrated team and high standards for customer satisfaction make the mortgage process easy for everyone involved.

Email: Sklinowski@remn.com

3021 Manatee Ave. West Bradenton, FL 34205 Phone Number: 941-961-2449 Representative: Sue Klinowski Specialty: As a REMN Mortgage Banker, Sue understands how to build a mortgage solution perfect for each buyer’s unique needs. She is committed to providing each customer with the highest level of service and professionalism. Sue’s innovative approach to business, emphasis on working as an

Sears Commercial 12987 Kealeston Circle Fort Myers, FL 33912 Phone Number: 941-545-2162 Representative: Cheryl Frogge Specialty: Sears Commercial offer conceirge service to your clients and realtors for 10 major brands of appliances as well as a post close program for additional products, such as, mattresses, TV, exercise equipment and outside equipment.

Email: cheryl.frogge@searshc.com

From Page 30 Real Estate Mortgage Network

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Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

JANUARY 2011

International Real Estate

Realtor® Quest slated for May 4-5 in Toronto

31

E DUCATION & E VENTS C ALENDAR Monday Jan. 3

9 a.m.

MLXchange Basic 1:30 p.m.

MLXchange Entering & Updating Listings

Tuesday 4

Wednesday 5

7:30 a.m.

Toastmasters

Thursday 6

8 a.m.

Power Marketing (University Park CC)

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

JANUARY 2011

250 200 150 100 50

Friday

0

7

9 a.m.

CID Commercial Marketplace

1,200 1,000

9 a.m.– 4 p.m.

New Member Orientation & Code of Ethics

17

9 a.m.

MLXchange Basic 1:30 p.m.

MLXchange Entering & Updating Listings

11

12

9 a.m.

Emerging LeadersSeminar #4

18

19

13

8 a.m.

Power Marketing (SAR) 12 Noon Realtor/Attorney “Lunch & Learn”

20

9 a.m.

CID Commercial Marketplace

400

0

21

9 a.m.

8:30 a.m.

7:30 a.m.

8 a.m.

CID Commercial CID General Membership Toastmasters Power Marketing Marketplace-Off Site 9 a.m.

(SAR) Tax Strategies Seminar 12 Noon Affiliate-Lunch & Learn Florida Realtors Mid-Winter Meetings - Orlando Renaissance

25

26

27

28

31

Feb. 1

2

3

4

8 a.m.

GRI #1 9 a.m.

Design WEB Page 1:30 p.m.

MLXchange Advanced

600

200

24

8 a.m.

GRI #1

800

14

8 a.m.

GRI #1 5 p.m.

Affiliate Social-Gecko’s on Hillview

8 a.m.

GRI #1

8 a.m.

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

Creating a CMA

8 a.m.

GRI #1

8 a.m.

Power Marketing (SAR) 10 a.m.

Photographer-Anthony Babarcane

8 a.m.

Power Marketing (University Park CC)

9 a.m.

CID Commercial Marketplace

9 a.m.

CID Commercial Marketplace

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

My Florida Regional MLS Training

18.0 16.0 14.0 12.0 10.0 8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0

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 Education and Training.

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

10

Condo

250 200 150 100 50 0 Nov‐09

Dec‐09

Jan‐10

Feb‐10

Mar‐10

Apr‐10 May‐10

Jun‐10

Jul‐10

Aug‐10

Sep‐10

New Listings

Oct‐10

Nov‐10

Single Family Condo

1,200 1,000 800 600 400 200 0 Nov‐09

Dec‐09

Jan‐10

Feb‐10

Mar‐10

Apr‐10 May‐10

Jun‐10

Jul‐10

Months of Inventory

Jan‐10

Feb‐10 Mar‐10 Apr‐10 May‐10 Jun‐10

Oct‐10

Nov‐10

Oct‐10

Nov‐10

Condo

Jul‐10

Aug‐10

Sep‐10

Single Family

Sales Volume $200,000,000 $180,000,000 $160,000,000 $140,000,000 $120,000,000 $100,000,000 $80,000,000 $60,000,000 $40,000,000 $20,000,000 $0

Sep‐10

Single Family

18.0 16.0 14.0 12.0 10.0 8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0 Nov‐09 Dec‐09

Aug‐10

Condo

Sarasota Association of Realtors® MLS

Nov‐09 Dec‐09 Jan‐10 Feb‐10 Mar‐10 Apr‐10 May‐10 Jun‐10

Jul‐10 Aug‐10 Sep‐10 Oct‐10 Nov‐10

The Xtra Pages - Digital Version Only

Single Family

Days on Market

2010 - Third Quarter Report Single Family Sales ‐ By Quarter

REO

Short

Arm's Length

1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 2007‐Q4 2008‐Q1 2008‐Q2 2008‐Q3 2008‐Q4 2009‐Q1 2009‐Q2 2009‐Q3 2009‐Q4 2010‐Q1 2010‐Q2 2010‐Q3

Condo Sales ‐ By Quarter

REO

Short

Arm's Length

500 400 300 200 100 0 2007‐Q4 2008‐Q1 2008‐Q2 2008‐Q3 2008‐Q4 2009‐Q1 2009‐Q2 2009‐Q3 2009‐Q4 2010‐Q1 2010‐Q2 2010‐Q3

Single Family Median Sale Price

REO

Short

Arm's Length

$300,000 $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 $0 2007‐3rdQ 2007‐4thQ 2008‐1stQ 2008‐2ndQ 2008‐3rdQ 2008‐4thQ 2009‐1stQ 2009‐2ndQ 2009‐3rdQ 2009‐4thQ 2010‐Q1

Condos Median Sale Price

REO

Short

2010‐Q2

2010‐Q3

Arm's Length

$450,000 $400,000 $350,000 $300,000 $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000

Source: Sarasota Association of Realtors®

$50,000 $0 2007‐3rdQ 2007‐4thQ 2008‐1stQ 2008‐2ndQ 2008‐3rdQ 2008‐4thQ 2009‐1stQ 2009‐2ndQ 2009‐3rdQ 2009‐4thQ 2010‐Q1

2010‐Q2

2010‐Q3

Single Family Condo

REO Sales ‐ By Quarter 600 500 400 300 200 100 0

2007‐Q2 2007‐Q3 2007‐Q4 2008‐Q1 2008‐Q2 2008‐Q3 2008‐Q4 2009‐Q1 2009‐Q2 2009‐Q3 2009‐Q4 2010‐Q1 2010‐Q2 2010‐Q3 Single Family

Short Sales ‐ By Quarter

Condo

400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0

2007‐Q3 2007‐Q4 2008‐Q1 2008‐Q2 2008‐Q3 2008‐Q4 2009‐Q1 2009‐Q2 2009‐Q3 2009‐Q4 2010‐Q1 2010‐Q2 2010‐Q3

Arm's Length Sales ‐ By Quarter

Single Family Condo

1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 2007‐Q3 2007‐Q4 2008‐Q1 2008‐Q2 2008‐Q3 2008‐Q4 2009‐Q1 2009‐Q2 2009‐Q3 2009‐Q4 2010‐Q1 2010‐Q2 2010‐Q3

Source: Sarasota Association of Realtors®

Annual Sales ‐ 2000 to 2009 Single Family

Condo

Total

11267 10562 9697 8167 7,596 6533

7036

6,841

6,504

6358

5,603

6739 6042

5,183

4,940 4,353

4,349 3,193 2,184

2,096

5820

3,671

3,721

2,564 2,005

4,626 3,922

2,120 1,194

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

1,556

2009

Annual Median Sale Price ‐ 2000 to 2009 Single Family $351,000 $305,000

$342,000

$336,250

$301,225

$303,000

Condo

$320,000

$272,500 $226,000

$230,000

$225,000

$210,000 $172,500 $142,000 $132,300

$145,000

2000

2001

$191,000 $173,000

$191,000

2002

2003

$160,000

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009