Sarasota Realtor Magazine - May 2009

MAY 2009

Social Networking Blogging, Tweeting, E-mailing, IM, YouTube ...

Realtors速 riding the digital tidal wave

See Page 6

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Contents

Sarasota Realtor® Volume 6, Issue 5 MAY 2009

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

2009 Officers

6

Digital Real Estate

Social networking has become a new, important tool for local real estate professionals, who interact using exciting new technologies!

11 Crist: Buy Now!

Florida Governor Charlie Crist has joined the growing chorus of voices indicating the time is now to buy real estate in the state of Florida.

Sarasota County Property Appraiser Bill Furst provides

a detailed explanation on the impacts of Portability.

15 Sales Surge

Sales of homes and condos by SAR members grew by 33 percent from February to March, and pending sales hit a new high for the year.

24 First-Time’s A Charm Volume 6 • Issue 5 • MAY 2009

4

If you are a first-time homebuyer, there may have never been a better time than now to purchase a home.

In every issue

Secretary David Clapp RE/MAX Alliance Group Treasurer Michael Bruno Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, Inc. Immediate Past President Helen Sosso Prudential Palms Realty

Mission Statement The mission of the Sarasota Association of Realtors® is to advance members’ professionalism through delivery of education and resources while upholding the Realtors® Code of Ethics.

We are committed to be the leading advocate of real estate in the communities we serve by protecting private property rights and expanding relationships with individuals and organizations both locally and worldwide.

Sarasota Realtor® is published monthly by the Sarasota Association of Realtors® Inc. Editorial Staff Director of Communications Ray Porter Director of Member Services Dan Andrews Director of MLS Information Systems Jesse Sunday

10- Governmental Affairs 12- Property Appraiser 14- Ethics in Action 16- Sales and Listing Statistics 18- CID Update 20- Education Programs 24- Affiliate Focus 25- Broker Corner 27- International Real Estate 28- WCR News 30- Membership News 32- Calendar of Education/Events

MAY 2009

President-Elect Erick Shumway RE/MAX Alliance Group

Chief Executive Officer Kathy Roberts

12 Get Portable

President William Geller Suncoast International Realty

Director of Professional Development Catherine McCaskill Governmental Affairs Director Marc Mansfield Production Coastal Printing, Inc. Sarasota Realtor® Advertising: For information on advertising rates and deadlines, contact Ray Porter at 941/328-1168 or ray@sarasotarealtors.com.

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

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

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

2009 Copyright© by the Sarasota Association of Realtors®, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Three local real estate professionals were recognized as Realtor Emeritus status at the SAR Quarterly Membership Meeting in April. At left, Mary Lewis of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate accepts her recognition plaque from SAR President Bill Geller. At right, Dan Page of Prudential Palms Realty accepts his plaque. Not pictured - Norma Jean Wright of Century 21 Advantage. Congratulations to all three!

SAR seeks nominees

by May 8th deadline

SAR Quarterly Meeting set June 15th

In just a few months, SAR members will vote to elect the Officers and five new Directors to represent them in 2010, along with the Directors whose terms carry over.

Through our new leadership program and other efforts, SAR has been striving to identify and train new leaders that reflect the diversity of the SAR membership. Our business model is constantly evolving, adapting to new paradigms and anticipating what we need to do next in order to not only survive, but thrive, and remain a strong, viable organization and the Board of Choice for our members.

Would you, or someone you know, consider a nomination to one of the elected positions? During the three-year term, beginning January 1, 2010, one of your most important responsibilities as a Director would be to participate in the development of policy and major decision-making at monthly Board meetings.

Service on a committee or task force as well as participation in Association events are also key to being an effective leader.

We have posted information on our website to help guide you in this process. Visit our website at www. sarasotarealtors.com and look for Leadership Nominations under Hot Topics on the front page of our website.

Deadline for submittals is Friday, May 8th.

If you wish to be considered as a candidate for the Board of Directors, or an officer, please send in the nomination form located there. If you have questions, contact Kathy Roberts, CEO, at 328-1170. www.sarasotarealtors.com

The next SAR Quarterly Membership Meeting will be held Monday, June 15th at noon at the Troyers Dutch Heritage restaurant, 3713 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota.

The program for the meeting will be Bob Clifford, Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority. He will discuss short and long-term transportation plans for the region.

TBARTA’s short-term vision includes light rail but not long-distance rail. It also has an ambitious bus system in both exclusive lanes and mixed traffic and managed lane express bus service. This plan is based on projected growth through 2035. The regional plan is to ultimately connect the entire region, from Citrus County south to Sarasota and east to Lakeland.

Tim Calpin, Harris Bank, Affiliate of Month in May The May 2009 Affiliate of the Month is Tim Calpin of Harris Bank. Congratulations!

Tim is a residential mortgage specialist with Harris Bank, 1800 Second Street, Suite 101, in downtown Sarasota. He has more than 20 years in the financial institutional service industry, with eight years in mortgage lending.

Tim can be reached at 941-363-2237, or by cell phone, 941-524-7035. His email is tim.calpin@harrisbank.com.

Sarasota RealtorÂŽ Magazine

MAY 2009

5

Cover Story 6

Social Networking

i

How can you achieve greater success in the digital age?

By Peyman Aleagha President - RealtySoft.com It’s interesting how many real estate professionals haven’t made the leap to social and business networking on the Web, especially considering how ingrained the old styles of networking are in their business plans.

They join local civic groups, go to meetings, sponsor events and groups, and more. The goal is to not only help their community, but to meet people to build that “sphere of influence” that leads ultimately to future business.

How many hands can they shake? How many meetings can they attend? What’s the cost to sponsor groups, and what’s the membership they impact?

These are all questions that illustrate the limiting nature of personal involvement at the local level. Once you realize that Internet social and business networking is exactly the same, but leveraged dramatically, you can get really excited about it.

After all, can someone in Oregon see what you’re doing in Florida? They can on Facebook or LinkedIn. Let’s take a look at the two dominant networks, Facebook and LinkedIn, and at the facets of these sites that can have a positive impact on your website’s traffic, and ultimately bring you a great deal of business.

Really, the positive aspects of these sites are exactly the same, though there are differences in how they’re accomplished and the makeup of the membership.

Facebook is more social, while LinkedIn is very business-to-business oriented. However, Facebook is showing very strong growth, and many business people are finding it to be an excellent resource. You’ll connect with far more consumers on Facebook than you will on LinkedIn. But, the business connections on LinkedIn can lead to referrals that leverage the value of the contacts.

• You place your personal and business profile up on these sites for all of the world to view. Accomplishments, awards, education, specialized training, and your business goals are all there if you want them to be.

Visibility.

• In a few minutes time online, you can ask or answer questions, interacting with people from all parts of the country and the world. Your direct contacts have their own direct contacts, creating a possible sphere of

MAY 2009

influence far greater than any you could develop locally via personal interaction.

• A referral or recommendation is much easier, thus you can get more of them. Your direct contacts can recommend you to someone else with a few keystrokes, no letter or personal meeting required. They’ll be

The goal is to not only help their community, but to meet people to build that “sphere of influence” that leads ultimately to future business. far more likely to do so. LinkedIn formalizes this process more than Facebook. On LinkedIn, there are formalized recommendation formats that can be keyed to your specific areas of expertise. What? Let’s say that you work both residential and commercial real estate.

You can have those two segments of your profile, each with recommendations specific to that expertise.

• Both sites allow the sending of questions, but again, LinkedIn has formalized the process more. A question, once answered by all who are interested, can be closed out, and a Best Answer and Good Answer selected.

The person who supplied that answer builds “expertise credit” in the category. In other words, if you are answering real estate related questions, Best and Good Answers get you more visibility in that category. That’s possible future business.

• While listings are all local, as that’s where the homes are that you service, buyers are world-wide. You can network locally for listings, but people moving into your area from afar have no way to know who you are unless they find you somehow. With almost 90% now using the Internet to search for real estate, these networks are one way in which they can locate you.

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

Continued on P. 8, See SOCIAL

www.sarasotarealtors.com

A r e Yo u B l o g g i n g , Tw e e t i n g , Yo u Tu b i n g ?

Web sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and ActiveRain present a golden opportunity to connect with friends, colleagues, and clients.

You hear a lot about social media today, and rightly so.

Get the most benefit from these tools by following these basic rules: Be authentic. Your profile is the first thing people will see when they visit your page. Be truthful about who you are and what you do.

Details are a good thing. Calling yourself a “real estate expert” isn’t as informative as “20 years working with Keller Williams, specializing in urban condos.” Providing nuggets about your life outside of work (everyone loves to see photos) adds

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a human element to who you are, and that builds relationships.

Be an observer. Spend time researching Facebook groups, fan pages, and events related to your niche. How do they communicate with their members? How does the administrator facilitate meetings? How active are the discussion boards and wall posts? After joining Twitter, follow key people related to your interest. Observe the types of information they provide and how they engage with their followers.

Be a giver, not a taker. Share information

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

Continued on P. 8, See NETWORKING

MAY 2009

7

Referral Expo slated May 18-29 The economy is shrinking and it’s getting harder even to maintain sales, let alone grow them. The old methods of advertising or buying leads just aren’t as effective in today’s market as they once were.

In times like these, building relationships is one vital key to success in the Real Estate profession. Developing new leads and getting referrals are strategies necessary for success in today’s Real Estate market .

That’s why Michael Beck of XLeaders.com and Melynn Sight of nSight Marketing have put together a line-up of some of the best and brightest referral marketing experts in the world to share exactly how to successfully generate referrals.

SAR is co-sponsoring the Referral Expo, set for May 18-29 from Noon to 1 p.m. daily. SAR members can register for free.During the 10 days in May, members can call in at noon (EDT) for a FREE 1-hour call presented live by an expert in referrals. You must register at www. referralexpo.org

NETWORKING From Page 7

withwith your network—without expecting something in return. Post a link to a great article or video, and provide insightful comments on links that other people post. Take time to build a relationship with people in your network. The more resources you provide, the more trust you build and the more potential clients you create.

Be a sleuth. Sign up at TweetBeep.

From Page 6

• Feed your site information to the networks with RSS feeds. Both of these sites have ways in which you can have your site content show up automatically once published. You write it once, and display it multiple places. It’s a personal form of the syndication that news organizations have used for many years.

An example of more focused networking is ActiveRain. The real estate and mortgage professionals who participate on this site are able to share information, as well as refer business.

MAY 2009

hands as possible.

Best of all - because everyone knows that education is important, but is usually cut from budgets when times are tight - this program has been put together so that anyone can attend this learning event. Attendance is FREE!

Don’t risk missing this landmark event. It is the first and only one of its kind. Simply enter your name and email address, and after you confirm, you will immediately be sent the call-in information.

You’ll be able to listen to a different expert every day as they share all of their referral magic, and you won’t have to pay one dime to attend. Each one hour presentation will be conducted over the phone on successive weekdays for your convenience.

Visit www.referralexpo.org today!

com to get e-mail alerts when keywords related to you or your business appear in a Twitter message, or “tweet.”

Be organized. Use Facebook lists to group your contacts—coworkers, high school friends, neighbors, past clients, and so on. You can create lists by clicking on the “Friends” link on the top of your profile page, and then clicking on “Make a New List” on the left side of the screen. This makes communications easier as you grow a large network of friends. Create similar

SOCIAL

8

Some of the names you’ve heard of, but the Referral Expo has uncovered a number of experts who offer a fresh perspective! The goal is to get as many new, innovative ideas in your

groupings with your Twitter contacts; check out the application called TweetDeck (click on “Apps” at the bottom of the Twitter home page) and TwitterGroups.

Source: Blagica Bottigliero is a social media specialist in the consumer brands group of public relations firm Edelman. She is the founder of GalsGuide.com and an Emmy winner for her work with NBC5 Chicago Street Team.

ActiveRain’s new Listing Router tool allows participating sites to receive leads from other ActiveRain sites around the country.

These networking sites are powerful exposure tools, and you simply can’t overlook them in planning for the future. In all of your entries and interactions on these sites, you’re placing links back to your website, and when you can, to specific pages or posts that answer specific questions. This builds credibility, but also site traffic. And, it’s coming from sources that are real estate related, as that’s the way you’ve set up your profiles.

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Quick Notes for Realtors®

2008 Revenues

Avoid sanctions for non-compliance

Are you aware of the sanctions imposed for failure to comply with the Escrow Deposit Receipt Verification requirements in Administrative Code Rule 61J2-14.00A? A first offense for failing to put in the contract the name, address, and telephone number of the attorney or title company holding the funds will result in a simple notice of violation. A second violation involving the same noncompliance will result in a $200 fine. A fine of $500 will result if the licensee fails to communicate or otherwise see the verification as required under the Rule.

Membership dues and fees MLS service fees Communication and education Committee programs CID/CIX

Pre-foreclosure program available

Realtor® store

If you are working with a homeowner who is in danger of losing their primary residence because they are unable to make payments, you might refer the homeowner (preforeclosure only) to a program created by the Florida Bar. Volunteer attorneys will work to negotiate with the lender on behalf of the client with the hope of creating a loan that allows the client to remain in the home and avoid foreclosure.

Homeowners can call for assistance at 866-607-2187 or complete the intake form on the Florida Bar website at http://www.floridabar.org/tfb/TFBConsum.nsf/0a92a6dc 28e76ae58525700a005d0d53/b84e143f383ff617852574 aa004ecc57?OpenDocument

Misc.

2008 Expenses Membership MLS Communication and education Committee programs

Chinese Drywall Update

The FAR Business Forms Group has assembled a task force to create a new form/addendum to add to the FAR forms library to assist members in the field. This task force is the result of reports of problems arising from the use of possible defective drywall that was imported from China between 2004 and 2008. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is investigating whether drywall made in China may be emitting toxic gases such as sulfur. FAR developed a white paper that outlines the issue.The white paper is available in PDF format in the Legal Center on floridarealtors.org

CID/CIX Realtor® store Operations

Natherson and Company once again performed the annual audit for the Sarasota Association of Realtors®. Their report was issued to the SAR Board of Directors at their March 25th regular monthly meeting.

John Kiernan Phone

CERTIFIED GRADUATE REMODELER AGING-IN-PLACE SPECIALIST SELECTED TOP 50 IN AMERICA State Lic. # CBC040759

4007 39th Street East, Bradenton, FL 34208

941 748-1219 Cell

941 726-2318 Fax

941 745-2558

www.kiernanremodeling.com

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

MAY 2009

9

Governmental Affairs

New Septic Tank rules proposed

by Florida Department of Health

By Marc Mansfield Governmental Affairs Director

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10

With much of our attention being diverted by the legislative session and the never ending series of negative news stories by local and national media it is no wonder many Realtors® might have missed a very important story posted on the FAR legislative microsite www. floridarealtorslegislative.org.

FAR developed this legislative website for the 2009 session. On the site there is breaking legislative news, calls-to-action, bill tracker and an overview of FAR’s top legislative initiatives One of the most exciting features of the site is the ability of FAR staff to submit blog entries while they are covering Committee hearings or between meetings in the Capitol.

One of the blogs dealt with proposed (and I stress proposed) new septic tank rules by the Florida Department of Health (DOH).

According to the Orlando Regional Realtors® Association these new proposed rules impact approximately 55,000 homeowners in the Wekiva River Basin.

The discussion centers around the basin and the effects conventional septic tanks have on the cleanliness of the water in the general area.

On March 12th Realtors® from the area converged in Orlando to discuss a proposed DOH rule that would require homeowners to have their systems inspected for nitrogen levels as part of any home sale.

Conventional septic tank systems would have to be upgraded or replaced over an 18 month period and the permit would need to be pulled prior to closing.

The new treatment systems proposed by DOH require electricity to operate and would cost, according to FAR, thousands to tens of thousands to install.

FAR supports a multi-year study to determine whether the new systems are effective at reducing nitrogen levels. The study is not yet complete and there is no clear consensus that these new systems are really necessary.

FAR has asked DOH to delay instituting what

MAY 2009

may amount to an unnecessary rule that would add tremendous cost to homeowners at a time they can least afford it.

While these new regulations currently do not impact Sarasota County, FAR cautions Realtors® that the way DOH is handling the Wekiva Basin could possibly become a blue-print for the entire state. FAR states it will continue to meet with interested parties and look for alternatives to meet the needs of the environment while protecting homeowners.

SAR Participates in Great American Realtor® Days at the Capitol Led by SAR President Bill Geller, several members of SAR and yours truly joined approximately 1,000 Realtors® from across the state to storm the capitol on April 14th and April 15th to encourage our elected officials to move quickly on issues important to all Realtors®.

During our two day stay, SAR met with Representative Keith Fitzgerald and Senators Michael Bennett and Nancy Detert.

While budget issues were on the minds of everyone, Realtors® reminded legislators that work still needed to be done on FAR priorities, which include property taxes, property insurance, affordable housing and economic recovery.

Great American Realtor® Days presents an opportunity for Realtors® to get up close and personal with area legislators.

If you have not participated in this event I strongly encourage you to do so next year.

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

This year’s Great American Realtor® Days was held April 14-15 in Tallahassee, and several members of SAR attended the event. Florida Governor Charlie Crist (far left) took the opportunity to join the chorus of voices noting the excellent opportunities available today in Florida’s real estate market.

Florida Realtors® and Gov. Crist agree: Now’s the time to buy a home in Florida Ten Realtors® from across Florida met with Gov. Charlie Crist in mid-April to discuss increased home sales and other positive trends in their markets, as well as offer insight into some current issues facing the real estate industry. It’s part of this year’s Great American Realtor® Days, April 14-15, when about 1,000 Realtors® from throughout the state join forces at the state capital to meet with their legislators and discuss concerns affecting all Florida residents.

Representing markets from Miami to Jacksonville and all points in between, Realtors® reported an upswing in existing home sales in the past three to six months, when comparing year-to-year activity and also monthto-month sales figures. John Sebree, vice president of public policy for the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR), kicked off the Real Estate Roundtable meeting with Gov. Crist by noting that February’s statewide existing home sales rose 20 percent over the same period last year, according to FAR data. He also reported that February’s home sales were about 17 percent higher than January’s statewide sales activity.

Realtors® also told the governor about other positive indicators such as: mortgage interest rates under 5 percent;

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reduced housing inventory levels as buyers take advantage of current, more affordable housing opportunities; and encouraging market reaction to the federal economic stimulus package, especially the new $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit.

Upon hearing these reports from around the state, Gov. Crist said, “It doesn’t get much better than this.

[Housing] supply and demand is going to come into balance here. Two to three years from now, people will be saying, ‘Back in April 2009 I could have gotten that home for so many dollars’ – so you don’t want to wait.

“Prices have gotten as low as they can. Now is the time to buy, while the deals still exist,” the governor said.

Discussing some of the challenges in today’s market, many Realtors® pointed to difficulties with so-called “short sales,” where the bank or lender agrees to accept less money on a home sale than the seller owes on the mortgage. They said that short sales are problematic not only because of how long it actually takes to finalize the sale, but also because of the inconsistencies in information and documents required by lenders. Streamlining the short-sale process and providing consistency in Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

required documentation among the lenders would boost the recovery of Florida’s real estate market.

Solutions to ease lenders’ restrictions on the state’s condo market are also needed, said Edgewater Realtor® Robert Clinton. “Not only is the prospective condo buyer having to be approved for a mortgage, but the condo owners association itself has to be approved and qualified, which is causing problems,” he said.

Largo Realtor® Alan Riley told Gov. Crist that 50 percent of buyers involved in recent home sales in the Tampa Bay area paid cash for their purchases, a strong indicator that investors have returned to the housing market.

“Savvy investors have returned to our market as well,” added Eric Sain, a West Palm Beach Realtor®. “But we’re also seeing a lot of young families buying a home to settle down and establish roots in the community.

That’s a sign that people aren’t leaving the area, aren’t leaving Florida.”

Gov. Crist agreed, saying, “Of course they are [establishing roots] – it’s Florida. Why would they go anywhere else?” - FAR

MAY 2009

11

Property Appraiser

Amendment 1 and Portability: What does it mean to you?

i

By Bill Furst, GRI, CRS, CIPS Sarasota County Property Appraiser

In November 1992, Amendment 10 to the Florida Constitution, commonly known as the Save Our Homes Amendment, was approved by the people of Florida.

Last month we discussed the history of Save Our Homes and the new benefit of Portability. This month, as promised, we’re providing additional information on the Portability provisions of Amendment 1.

For those of you who are better with formulae than narrative - of an “algebraic” frame of mind - we’ve included a set of simple equations for calculating portability.

These questions and answers aren’t meant as a comprehensive explanation of the Portability provisions but we hope they serve to focus your attention on how Portability works in the majority of cases. Situations that don’t fit the mold are inevitable. Share those situations with us and, together, we’ll find the right answer.

Q: Do I have to sell my previous homestead before I qualify for portability?

A: No. The previous homestead must have been abandoned by all homesteaders, but there is no requirement that the property be sold.

For more information, contact the Property Appraiser’s office at 941.861.8200.

12

Q: What is the deadline for filing for portability?

A: A homeowner must establish a new homestead within two assessment years of abandoning a previous homestead, NOT two years from the date of sale or the date you moved from your previous homestead. If you received your last homestead exemption in 2008 you must be approved for your new homestead by January 1st of either 2009 or 2010 in order to qualify for portability.

Q: What does “upsizing” mean?

A: When the Market Value of your new homestead is the same as or greater than the Market Value of your MAY 2009

previous homestead you can transfer up to $500,000 in Save Our Homes Cap value. (see example at right).

Q: What does “downsizing” mean?

A: When the Market Value of your new homestead is less than the Market Value of your previous homestead your portability will be calculated using the ratio of the Market to the Assessed Value of your previous homestead (see example at right).

Q: What if my spouse and I divorce? Who gets the portability?

A: If the spouse leaving the homestead, (the grantor), deeds their interest in the property to the spouse remaining in the property, (the grantee), there is no portability available to the grantor.

If both former spouses remain in title after the Dissolution of Marriage is recorded, by statute they become tenants in common, (§689.15 F.S.). If one person remained in the homestead, the property would be reassessed on the following January 1st showing only 50 percent of the value subject to homestead and Save Our Homes. The former spouse who left the property would be entitled to transfer 50 percent of the Save Our Homes Cap to a new homestead.

Q: If my co-owner and I abandon our previous homestead and move to a new homestead owned solely by me can we transfer all of our Save Our Homes Cap? A: No. Because both of you are not in title to the new property only you are eligible for a homestead exemption on the new property. You would only be allowed to transfer your share of the previous Save Our Homes Cap, in this case 50 percent. To transfer 100 percent of a Cap, all homesteaded owners of the previous homestead must move to the new homestead.

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

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The Portability Equation: Transferring Your Save Our Homes “Cap” = Tax Savings Terms MV = Market Value AV = Assessed Value TV = Taxable Value EX = Exemption Amount SOH = Save Our Homes Cap % = Ratio of MV to AV or SOH > greater than < less than x multiply by / divide by ­ subtract from = equals or equal to

Previous Homestead Values

MV – SOH = AV – EX = TV MV – AV = SOH AV/MV = AV to MV % SOH/MV = SOH to MV %

New Homestead MV = or > Previous MV “Upsizing”

Total previous SOH, up to $500,000, transferred to New Homestead.

New MV – Prev. SOH = New AV New AV – EX = New TV

New Homestead MV < Previous MV “Downsizing”

New MV x Prev. AV to MV % = New AV Or

New MV x Prev. SOH to MV % = New SOH

New MV – New AV = New SOH New MV – New SOH = New AV

New AV – EX = New TV

If you have specific questions and need an immediate answer call or come in to our offices and speak with our knowledgeable staff about how Portability works for you.

Sarasota Young Realtors® announce 2009 schedule

PORTABILITY: Part Two The following is the current 2009 Social July 15, 2009

schedule of events for the Sarasota Luncheon July 24, 2009 Last month we discussed the history of Save Our Homes and the new benefit Young Realtors®, subject to change.

August of Portability. This month, as promised, we’re providing additional August 11, 2009 Meetings begin at 4:00 P.M. at SAR Meeting information on the Portability provisions of Amendment 1.

Social August 19, 2009 Socials begin at 5:30 P.M. (2nd Luncheon August 28, 2009 Quarter at Clayton’s Siesta Grill, For those of you who are better with formulae than narrative ‐ of an September 1256 Old Stickney Point Rd., “algebraic” frame of mind ‐ we’ve included a set of simple equations for September 8, 2009 Sarasota); Luncheons begin at Noon Meeting calculating portability.

Social September 16, 2009 at SAR Luncheon September 25, 2009 These questions and answers aren’t meant as a comprehensive explanation October May of the Portability provisions but we hope they serve to focus your attention Meeting October 13, 2009 Meeting May 12, 2009 on how Portability works in the majority of cases. Situations that don’t fit the Social October 21, 2009 mold are inevitable. Share those situations with us and, together, we’ll find Social May 20, 2009 Luncheon October 30, 2009 the right answer.

Luncheon May 29, 2009 November FAQ’s June Meeting November 10, 2009

Meeting June 9, 2009 Social November 18, 2009 • Do I have to sell my previous homestead before I qualify for Social June 17, 2009 Luncheon TBD portability? June26, 2009 Luncheon December o No. The previous homestead must have been abandoned July Meeting December 8, 2009 by all homesteaders, but there is no requirement that the Meeting July 14, 2009 Social December 16, 2009 property be sold.

• What is the deadline for filing for portability? o A homeowner must establish a new homestead within two assessment years of abandoning a previous homestead, NOT two years from the date of sale or the date you moved from your previous homestead. If you received your last homestead exemption is 2008 you must be approved for your new homestead by January 1st of either 2009 or 2010 in order to qualify for portability.

• What does “upsizing” mean? o When the Market Value of your new homestead is the same as or greater than the Market Value of your previous homestead you can transfer up to $500,000 in Save Our Homes Cap value, (see example).

• What does “downsizing” mean? o When the Market Value of your new homestead is less than the Market Value of your previous homestead your portability will be calculated using the ratio of the Market to the Assessed Value of your previous homestead (see example).

• What if my spouse and I divorce? Who gets the portability? o If the spouse leaving the homestead, (the grantor), deeds their interest in the property to the spouse remaining in Florida Sen. the property, (the grantee), there is no portability available Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) visited the Lakewood Ranch area in April to meet withto the grantor. homeowners impacted by the Chinese (defective) drywall o If both former spouses remain in title after the Dissolution crisis. Nelson met with the media following his inspection to call for of Marriage is recorded, by statute they become tenants in

greater attention to the issue.

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Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

MAY 2009

13

Ethics in Action

Code of Ethics: Origin and Importance

i

In today’s world, preoccupied as it is with social responsibility and oriented as it is to consumer concerns, it is hard to visualize how truly revolutionary the Realtor Code of Ethics was when it was adopted in 1913.

The history of the real estate business for the preceding 150 years was a history of rampant land speculation, exploitation, and disorder. It was an era before the adoption of state regulatory licensing systems. It was a time when real estate agents, if they were licensed at all, were licensed as “peddlers.”

It was the era of the fraudulent subdivision, the fake city addition, the multiple “first” mortgage, the “net” listing, and a myriad of other “get rich quick” schemes involving the sale of land. It was the era of “caveat emptor” and the Robber Barons whose motto was not “Let the Public Be Served” but rather “Let the Public Be Damned.”

This was the era which produced the Code of Ethics of the National Association. With the exception of a now defunct association of printers, the Realtors® were the first business group outside the “learned professions of medicine, engineering, and law” to adopt a Code of Ethics. It was an uncommon event with uncommon men and women making an uncommon commitment to business integrity and fair dealing.

It was not a commitment coerced by threat of government sanction but a commitment predicated on a need perceived by Realtors® themselves. It was not a commitment mandated by the marketplace because it involved the voluntary acceptance of liabilities and responsibilities, duties and costs, limitations and obligations, which the public did not even perceive as their due. It was, in sum, a commitment to the concept of service to the public as an article of faith in professionalism.

Significance of the Code The significance of the Code rests not merely in the guidance it provides those who subscribe to it, but also in the guidance it has provided the National Association in its growth and development. From the very beginning, the Code has provided the impetus for Association involvement in education of Realtors® to support [the Preamble] and [Article] 11; in the protection of private property ownership to support [the Preamble]; in the creation and administration of

14

MAY 2009

multiple listing and other cooperative arrangements to support Articles [5] and [3]; in the arbitration of disputes to support Article [17]; in the protection of the consumer to support Articles [1] and [2].

The Code has been significant not merely in its impact on the focus of Association programs and activities, but also in its impact on Association organization and structure. Thus, the local Board of Realtors® is an indispensable constituent of the Realtor® family in large measure because it represents an effective forum for the enforcement of the Code. From this function, too, proceeds the need for Board jurisdictions and the structure of the State Association. Perhaps, more than anything else, the Code has provided the interdependent relationship which binds the National Association, its Member Boards, State Associations, and Institutes, Societies, and Councils into a single working constituency.

The Code and the Law The Code of Ethics is never opposed to the law.

The Code, in its application or implementation, must always be construed harmoniously and consistently with the law.

But the Code is not the law. It is supported not by the coercive power of the state but rather by the principles of contract. Acceptance of Realtor® membership creates a form of “professional compact,” the terms of which the Code defines. No matter how similar the mandates of the Code may be to the dictates of the license laws and other legislation, the difference between them is fundamental and unavoidable.

The relation of the Code to the law is two-fold. First, the Code defines those duties and obligations required in the public interest which are beyond the capacity or power of the law to mandate, and second, the Code supports the law by requiring a higher sensitivity to the duties and obligations which it imposes.

In the performance of its first role, the Code is

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

Continued on P. 19, See CODE

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March 2009 sales up 33 percent; single family median sale price rebounds SAR statistics graphics, charts appear on Pages 16-17 in this issue The Sarasota real estate market saw sales rise to the highest level of the year in March 2009, besting the previous month by 33 percent. In addition, the median sales price for single family homes rose after steadily declining since late last year, indicating a potential sign of the bottoming of the local market.

The overall sales level of 481 was the highest since June 2008, and nearly equaled the level of 504 sales reported in March 2008. Of those sales, 353 were single family homes while 128 were condominiums.

The good news also extended to pending sales, which once again rose in March 2009 to 817. The last time pending sales climbed over 800 was in March 2006, when pending sales also were reported at 817. The total of 817 was 21 percent higher than the 679 pending sales reported in March 2008.

According to statistics from the Mid-Florida Regional MLS for members of the Sarasota Association of Realtors®, 645 single family homes and 175 condominiums went under contract in March 2009, compared to only 471 homes and 208 condos in March 2008.

Pending sales have now exceeded the 500 level for the 15th consecutive month, and the statistic bodes well for the next two or three months, when many of these pendings will become closed sales. Pending sales reflect contracts executed by buyers and sellers during the month. The report continues to reflect a steady, strong pattern, and indicates buyers are more active in the Sarasota market even in the face of difficult economic times.

“We believe the current climate of historically low interest rates, major incentives for first-time homebuyers, and the many other government programs designed to stabilize the economy and the housing industry is all having a very positive impact,” said 2009 SAR President Bill Geller. “Every downturn is followed by an upturn – we know this to be true historically. We’ve been through a difficult time in the real

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estate industry, and hopefully we are seeing the beginnings of a new, dynamic era.”

The recently enacted first-time homebuyers’ tax credit of $8,000 will likely continue to boost sales this year, Geller said.

Those who meet eligibility requirements and purchase a home this year prior to Dec. 1 are eligible for a tax credit of up to $8,000, and unlike the 2008 tax credit, this one does not have to be repaid.

The median sale price for single family homes rose to $152,125 in March 2009 from $142,000 in February 2009 – a 7 percent increase. The median sales price for condominiums fell to $166,750 in March 2009 from $198,000 in February 2009, for a 15 percent drop.

The median price of all single family homes sold in the last 12 months was $217,000, compared to a median of $299,900 for the 12 months ending in March 2008.

For condominiums sold in the last 12 months, the median sales price was $256,000, compared to last year’s figure of $295,000. * Another important market tracker – the absorption rate of properties on the market – continues to track lower than last year at this time for both single family homes and condominiums, as inventories have declined.

Absorption rate is the number of months it would take to sell the entire remaining listed inventory in a particular category, based upon the sales for that particular month.

For March 2009, the absorption rate for single family homes stood at 17.1 months, compared to 24.1 months the previous month and 25.1 months in March 2008. For condominiums, the absorption rate was at 21.2 months, lower than the 28.5 months in the previous month, and much lower than the 34.1 months reported in March 2008. *A 12-month rolling median price is not as susceptible to the volatility that can occur within any particular month, which sometimes results in drastic statistical swings up or down from one month to the next.

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

MAY 2009

15

Sarasota MLSSM Statistics March 2009 Single Family Condo

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

Apr‐08 May‐08

Jun‐08

Jul‐08

Aug‐08

Sep‐08

Oct‐08

Nov‐08

Dec‐08

Jan‐09

Feb‐09

Mar‐09

Single Family Condo

Median Sale Price $400,000 $350,000 $300,000 $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 $0 Mar‐08 Apr‐08 May‐08

Jun‐08

Jul‐08

Aug‐08

Sep‐08

Oct‐08

Nov‐08

Dec‐08

Jan‐09

Feb‐09

Mar‐09

Single Family

#Active

#Sold

%Sold

Average DOM

Median Sale Prices

Median Last 12 Months

Months Inventory

Pending Reported

%Pending

# New Listings

# Off Market

This Month

6042

353

5.8

160

$152,125

$217,000

17.1

642

9.7

881

451

This Month Last Year

8429

336

4.0

152

$266,750

$299,900

25.1

471

5.6

1203

605

6266

260

4.1

166

$142,000

$225,000

24.1

611

9.7

837

218

1048

‐

159

$150,000

‐

‐

1754

‐

2840

‐

Oct 93.1 ‐

Nov 92.0 ‐

Dec 93.0 ‐

Last Month YTD

‐

2008 2009

Jan 92.0 93.0

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

Mar 93.2 92.5

Apr 93.3 ‐

May 92.0 ‐

Jun 93.0 ‐

Jul 93.0 ‐

Aug 92.0 ‐

Sept 93.1 ‐

Statistics were compiled on properties listed in the MLS by members of the Sarasota Association of Realtors® as of April 10th, including some listings in Manatee, Englewood, Venice, and other areas. Single-family statistics are tabulated using property styles of single-family, half duplex, and manufactured. Condo statistics include condo, co-op, townhouse, and villa.

Source: Sarasota Association of Realtors® 16

MAY 2009

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Sarasota MLSSM Statistics March 2009 Single Family Condo

Inventory 12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0 Mar‐08 Apr‐08 May‐08 Jun‐08

Jul‐08

Aug‐08 Sep‐08

Oct‐08 Nov‐08 Dec‐08

Jan‐09

Feb‐09 Mar‐09

Single Family Condo

Pending Sales 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 Mar‐08

Apr‐08 May‐08

Jun‐08

Jul‐08

Aug‐08

Sep‐08

Oct‐08

Nov‐08

Dec‐08

Jan‐09

Feb‐09

Mar‐09

Condo

#Active

#Sold

%Sold

Average DOM

Median Sale Prices

Median Last 12 Months

Months of Inventory

Pending Reported

%Pending

# New Listings

# Off Market

2714

128

4.7

186

$166,750

$256,000

21.2

175

6.4

345

269

5702

167

2.9

181

$235,000

$400,000

34.1

208

2.4

591

283

2675

94

3.5

154

$198,000

$295,000

28.5

171

6.4

386

148

‐

307

‐

171

$180,000

‐

‐

488

‐

1176

‐

Nov 91.0 ‐

Dec 91.0 ‐

This Month This Month Last Year Last Month YTD

Condo – Sale Price Vs. List Price % Rates

2008 2009

Jan 91.0 91.0

Feb 91.1 90.2

Mar 91.0 90.4

Apr 91.0 ‐

May 92.0 ‐

Jun 92.0 ‐

Jul 93.0 ‐

Aug 90.0 ‐

Sept 90.0 ‐

Oct 91.0 ‐

Median sales price is the middle value, where half of the homes sold for more, and half sold for less. Listings sold were closed transactions during the month, while pending sales account for contracts executed by buyers and sellers during the month, that may not have closed yet. 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

MAY 2009

17

Commercial Investment Division 18

Financial Stability Plan, Economic Stimulus Bill contain important victories for commercial real estate Both the Financial Stability Plan announced by Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner on February 10 and the $787 billion Economic Stimulus bill signed by President Obama on February 17, contain provisions beneficial for commercial real estate.

The Financial Stability Plan included a major expansion of the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility (TALF) to include commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS).

The TALF had been announced in November 2008 to address the credit shortfall in the consumer (credit card), auto, student loan, and small business credit markets.

Originally, TALF was funded with $20 billion from Treasuryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Troubled Asset Recovery Program (TARP) that would support $200 billion in lending by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to investors to purchase asset-backed securities.

The Financial Stability Plan increased this amount to $200 billion, which would support up to $1 trillion in lending by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to investors for purchases of assetbacked securities, including AAArated CMBS. Inclusion of CMBS in TALF is

expected to help restore activity in the CMBS markets, which has been a major source of financing for commercial real estate.

Currently, banks and the CMBS market represent 75 percent of all outstanding commercial real estate loans. However, banks have tightened their credit standards and reduced loan volume in reaction to pressure to increase reserve levels and decrease commercial real estate exposure.

The CMBS market has ceased to function with respect to new issuance - in fact, the CMBS market provided approximately $240 billion in financing in 2007 (nearly 50 percent of all commercial lending), but provided less than $13 billion in issuance in 2008, despite enormous demand for capacity from borrowers.

Hundreds of billions of dollars of commercial real estate loans from a variety of sources are expected to mature in 2009 and over $1 trillion in the next few years.

However, under current conditions, there is insufficient credit capacity to refinance this wave of loan maturities. With no liquidity, commercial borrowers face a growing challenge of refinancing maturing debt and the threat of

rising delinquencies and foreclosures, which could result in widespread systemic damage.

Economic Stimulus Package The $787 billion economic stimulus bill signed by President Obama on February 17th (the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) also included tax and spending provisions helpful to commercial real estate.

Among the most important of the tax provisions was the extension of the 50 percent bonus depreciation provision that had been included in the 2008 stimulus legislation, for another year, through the end of 2009. Businesses are allowed to recover the cost of capital expenditures over time according to a depreciation schedule.

Last year, Congress temporarily allowed businesses to recover the costs of capital expenditures made in 2008 faster than the ordinary depreciation schedule would allow by permitting these businesses to immediately write-off fifty percent of the cost of depreciable property acquired in 2008 for use in the United States.

The bill would extend this temporary benefit for capital expenditures incurred in 2009.NAR

CID programs and events for 2009

Tuesday, May 19, 2009 Industrial Development Authority (Offsite Meeting) Sponsor: Hembree and Associates Tuesday, June 16, 2009 TBD Tuesday, July 21, 2009 TBD MAY 2009

Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009 TBD Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2009 TBD Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009 TBD

Sarasota RealtorÂŽ Magazine

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SAR Room Rentals Available Conference Room A

For Room Reservations please contact: Pat Englerth Room Rental Coordinator (941) 328-1153 pat@sarasotarealtors.com

The conference room is fully carpeted and perfect for board meetings, small seminars and workshops. The room seats 30. Seating arrangement is a U shaped setting.

Room Dimensions: 24W x 30L x 11H Sq. Ft. 720 5 Electric Outlets White Board and Screen

Conference Room A Pricing

Weekly Daytime Rates 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

- $40/hour Evenings after 5 p.m.

- $50/hour After 5:00 pm an SAR attendant is required (with attendant fee). SAR members can call for more rental rate information

Tech Room

SAR has a Technology Room in our Education Building with eighteen terminals set up in classroom style.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

- Half Day (up to 4 hours) $600 - Full Day (up to 8 hours) $1,200

Electric: 120v (20 AMP Circuits)12 Outlets Kitchen Approximately: 9’ x 8’ Limited Kitchen Facilities * Caterers must be approved by the Rental Coordinator

Weekly Daytime Rates 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Half Day up to 4 hrs

$300

Full Day 4 hrs to 8 hrs

$400

Hourly Overtime Rate (Prior to 8 a.m./after 5 p.m.)

$100

Evening and Weekend Rates after 5 p.m.

Auditorium

Room Dimensions Approximately: 47’ x 80’

Stage 18’ L x 7’ W

Auditorium Pricing

Anniversaries Award Ceremonies Bridal Showers Celebrations Corporate Functions Employee Banquets Engagement Parties Fundraisers Holiday Parties Professional Lunches Receptions Recognitions Rehearsal Dinners Special Occasions Weddings

The Sarasota Association of Realtors®’ Auditorium is a spacious carpeted room designed to handle many special requirements. The room The basic classroom setup, which allows inis designed to be multi-functional, which will structors to use technology as part of their accommodate business meetings, seminars, teaching, is one in which there is a computer and a network connection. This allows instruc- receptions, dinners and parties. tors to perform demonstrations, present mate- 85 Parking spaces rial, illustrate how to use software, and show 150 Rectangular tables Web sites, etc.

150-200 Classroom style

Weekly Daytime Rates 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

3 Double Doorways 6’W x 6’8”L

Sq. Ft. 3,760

Half Day up to 4 hrs

$400

Full Day 4 hrs to 8 hrs

$550

Overtime charge

$100

Items Available at No Charge 8’ x 18” Rectangular Tables 175 Chairs 18’ L x 7’W Stage Refrigerator/Freezer 35 lb. Ice Machine Lectern Items Available at an Extra Charge upon request

Available

After 5 p.m. an SAR attendant is required with a required attendant fee. All Charges Subject to 7% Sales Tax

Ceilings 11’ 4”

CODE

From Page 14 concerned with identifying the extensions of professionalism to serve the public’s evolving needs. In the performance of its other role, the Code is concerned with the refinement and specific application of legal principles to real estate transactions.

When the Code was first adopted, there were no statutory definitions of the professional responsibilities necessary to protect and serve the public. That such definitions exist today in state license laws is in large measure the result of the Code.

Thus, as government came to recognize that the professional duties and obligations assumed by Realtors® voluntarily under the Code truly served the public interest, it then conditioned licensure on the licensee’s acceptance to protect the whole www.sarasotarealtors.com

public and not merely those served by Realtors®.

While the task of identifying the extensions of professionalism continues, certainly in recent years, with the general licensure of the profession, the role of the Code is sensitizing Realtors® to the full implications and applications of their legal obligations has become increasingly important. It is this role which has involved the Code so intimately with such legal doctrines as implied warranty, agency and fiduciary duty and equal opportunity.

Because the Code is a living document and real estate is a dynamic business and profession, the law need never be its substitute. So long as the aspiration to better serve the public remains the underlying concept of the Code it must evolve and grow in significance and importance consonant with but independent of the law.

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

MAY 2009

19

Education Programs

Run A Successful Consumer-Friendly Realty Website Date: Wednesday, May 6 Times: Noon to 3 p.m.

Instructor: Craig Grant, EasyRealtySites Location: SAR Auditorium Cost: $25 Credits: 3 hrs. CE SAR partner EasyRealtySites will offer its popular 3 CE class on how to run a successful consumer friendly website. Learn everything you need to know about how to have a successful website including: - How to plan, organize and run your website - Creating a good consumer user experience - Proper design and content - Offering services and generating leads - Building traffic to your site - Free or paid promotion/advertising options - Excelling on search engines with your free listing

- How to optimize your site yourself for free - How to re-register your site yourself for free - Building your reciprocal link network - Search engine pay per click (PPC) ads - Web rings, link networks, Google maps and more!

After this 3-hour class, a second presentation will be made from 3-4:30 p.m. intended for those who already have or are considering signing up for a site with EasyRealtySites.

Come learn all the tricks to build and run your website yourself. For more information or to register for the class, go to www.sarasotarealtors.com.

Real estate and government intervention Date: Wednesday, May 13 Times: 9 a.m. to Noon Instructor: Jason Kotar, President of Kotar & Associates Location: SAR Auditorium Cost: $20 (members) $30 (nonmembers) Credits: 3 hours “Specialty” CE

Recent changes from Fannie Mae have forced lenders to implement “Declining Market Policies.” These new policies have significant implications on Realtors when developing a CMA and require appraisers to meet minimum standards when establishing the market value of a property.

Failure to meet any of the

lenders’ established guidelines could negatively impact getting the mortgage approved in a timely manner; result in higher costs; or, outright rejection on the loan!

Learn the various changes being implemented by lenders, what factors you need to consider when developing a CMA and how to choose an appraiser.

Mark your calendars for more classes in 2009 NEW! Green Designation Residential Elective May 14, 2009 GRI 2 May 27-29 and June 2-3, 2009 30 hours broker post-license, 11 hours Continuing Education GRI 3 July 27-29 and Aug. 4-5 30 hours broker post-license, 11 hours Continuing Education 14 Hours Continuing Education Aug. 11-12, 2009

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MAY 2009

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

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Sharpen Your MLXchange skills!

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 May 4, 9 a.m. to Noon June 1, 9 a.m. to Noon June 16, 9 a.m. to Noon Learn the basic tools of MLXchange.

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

Learn the quick way to find a listing or view your inventory with one click right from the home page or create a professional CMA in less time than it takes to drive to work. This is a mandatory session for all new users.

- Review the home page features - Add a new client from the search module, saving a search and setting prospecting notification features - Searching and viewing listings, using the map, showing road, aerial, hybrid, and locator features - Adding additional search criteria - Viewing/printing/emailing reports, images, virtual tours, tax, map, driving directions and MLS listing history - Customizing hotsheet configurations - Search Tax - Creating a professional CMA - Personalize user contact information

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 Regulations - Adding images, attachments, open house information, Supra Key and ShowingTime - Inventory watch - easiest way to modify the listings

Creating Custom Reports May 7, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

June 4, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

This course is designed to give you the ability to personalize your own reports within MLXchange. You will learn the necessary skills to create and customize reports that help you succeed in your business.

- Report Manager: Add, modify and copy reports using Report Manager.

- Designer Tool: How to download and log in - Copy, save and customize a report, adding or removing fields, changing font style and color.

- Selecting multiple fields for customizing font, moving or deleting fields.

- Adding photos, map, date, time or additional fields.

features that go hand-in-hand with a successful real estate business.

MLXchange Advanced May 19, 9 a.m. to Noon June 15, 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 and setting defaults

Creating a Professional CMA May 19, 9 a.m. to Noon June 15, 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 Entering and Updating Listings in personal agent and client web pages, MLXchange contact management and scheduling May 4, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. features that go hand-in-hand with a June 1, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. successful real estate business.

June 16, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Design Web Pages, Capture Leads iMapp - Interactive Tax This class is mandatory if you will May 6, 9 a.m. to Noon and Mailing Labels be entering and updating your own June 4, 9 a.m. to Noon listings. You will be taught how to input One of the most crucial components May 7, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

In this class you will learn how to use and modify listings, enter photos, and in today’s real estate professional’s day-tothe tax search features of MLXchange, add attachments along with valuable day business is capturing and handling access iMapp’s interactive maps, tax tips and techniques. leads along with time management. This data, comparables, auto-valuations, and course will teach you how to set up your - Listing maintenance authorization personal agent and client web pages, easily create mailing labels for your forms contact management and scheduling favorite area.

- Explain the importance of accurate

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Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

MAY 2009

21

REO series returns by popular demand REO Certification

Dates: May 20-21 Times: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Instructor: Cathy McDaniel, RES, RETS Location: SAR Auditorium Cost: SAR Members: $149 Non-Members: $179 (After May 12, add $25) To obtain the designation of “REO”, receive your “REO” pin, “Helpful Tools” CD, and a list of 130 BPO Companies, 64 REO Asset Management Companies, 14 REO Organizations to register with, you must complete all four REO series and pass a 40 question test.

The course fee includes continental breakfast both days, manual, CD with forms and over 50 Bank contacts, Exam, Pin and Certification.

“REO - Real Estate Opportunities” Enhance your real estate business by learning how to connect with banks, lenders and REO 3rd party outsource companies. Attend the REO series provided by American Real Estate University and taught by Cathy McDaniel, a 16 year REO and mortgage lending expert, to learn about BPOs, listing and managing REO properties.

The course will cover job descriptions, theory and fundamentals required in the REO industry today.

REO 1 - BPOs and REO Listings Completing this course will provide you an overview of a BPO (Broker Price Opinion) format and review all the opinion questions that you may be asked by a lender or mortgage servicer regarding a pre-foreclosure or short sale property. You will also learn the job description of an REO (Real Estate Owned) listing agent and what requirements

are needed to apply for the job. Everything about the REO business is time sensitive.

REO 2 - Managing Your REO Listing This manual will cover listing and marketing instructions required by an REO client in managing their asset/property.

REO sellers provide over 30 management forms for reimbursement, property maintenance, vandalism, pre and post closing procedures.

REO 3 - Working With The Buyer Purchasing an REO Property Working with a buyer interested in purchasing an REO property is different from working with a local seller. REO sellers are not local. They have specific policies, procedures, addendums and timeline schedule to submit offers and complete a sales transaction on their property. These instructions vary in the REO arena.

REO 4 - Financing Your REO Property and Technology It is a great day to buy! Some interest rates are below 5 percent, and there’s a great selection of inventory and sellers are willing to roll out the carpet in buyer concessions to entice them to visit their property. There were many changes in the mortgage arena last year and more to come.

Financing an REO “as is” property today can be challenging. During this course study you will learn many new laws and regulations, qualifications and various “buy and repair” finance programs to purchase a home that needs “TLC” or the heating and AC unit is missing. We will discuss market conditions, future forecast regarding market value, declining area, over supply, and absorption rate, provisions of Regulation Z, IRS rules regarding “deficiencies” new regulations for appraisers plus the “Making Home Affordable” plan that the Obama Administration announced March 4th.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Dedication and hard work pay off!! We congratulate our members who recently completed the requirements for the National Association of Realtors® designation and certificate programs, Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI), Resort & Second Home Property Specialist (RSPS), and At Home With Diversity (AHWD).

22

MAY 2009

GRADUATE REALTOR INSTITUTE (GRI) Maureen D. Curtin Prudential Palms Realty Colleen Finnegan Signature Sothebys International Denise Marie Haggerty Florida Sun Realty AT HOME WITH DIVERSITY (AHWD) Olga Ortiz Olga Ortiz Real Estate Broker William True True Real Estate, Inc. RESORT AND SECOND HOME PROPERTY SPECIALIST (RSPS) Daniel Kijner Suncoast International Realty Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

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Editor’s Note: This column is produced by the Sarasota Association of Realtors® and the Sarasota County Bar Association Joint Committee as a service to our members.

Last November at the National Association of Realtors® Legal Seminar, Fannie Mae was apparently listening to Realtors® who were expressing their concerns over short sale lenders reducing real estate commissions.

unless the fee exceeds 6 percent of the sales price of the property in the aggregate. Servicers are reminded that they must continue to obtain any approvals that may be required by interested third parties in connection with preforeclosure sales.”

Consequently, you will need to know whether the mortgage is backed by Fannie Mae to know whether your real estate commission is protected under the new rule.

You can either call Fannie Mae at 1-800-7FANNIE, or go to Fannie Mae’s website www.fanniemae.com and click on the window that reads:

can go to Freddie Mac’s website www.freddiemac.com/corporate/ buyout to determine if the loan is backed by Freddie Mac. While we are on the topic of Short Sales, I would like to take this opportunity to address the short sale approval letters that are being issued by numerous short sale lenders.

These letters basically state if the Sellers and/or Buyers participated in fraud upon the short sale lender, then the short sale will be void and the Note and Mortgage will remain in full force and effect.

Also, short sale letters are being issued stating that the short sale

As of March 1, 2009, short sale lenders cannot require the real estate commissions to be reduced below 6 percent in connection with short sales involving Fannie Mae backed mortgages. Fannie Mae’s new rule came in the form of the following announcement: “Servicing Guide, Part VII, Section 504.02: Contacting Selected Borrowers Effective March 1, 2009, closing of pre-foreclosure sales may not be conditioned upon a reduction of the total commission to be paid to real estate agents to a level below what was negotiated by the listing agent with the borrower,

“Does Fannie Mae Own Your Mortgage?”

Once you click on this window, you will be prompted to enter the property’s street address, city, state and zip code. In addition, you will also have to check the box confirming that you are the owner of the property, or you have the consent of the property owner to look up this information.

If the loan was a jumbo or nonconforming loan, then it is probably not backed by Fannie Mae. Hopefully, Freddie Mac will follow in Fannie Mae’s footsteps and enact a similar rule. In the event Freddie Mac does follow suit, you

lender has to be contacted by the title company if the Buyer transfers the property within 30 days.

As a result, title insurance companies are issuing title bulletins to their agents stating these letters are not acceptable since the title companies cannot assume this risk.

Therefore, it is necessary that the short sale approval addendum be contingent upon the short sale approval letter’s terms and conditions being reasonably acceptable to the title insurance company and closing agent.

If you need any additional information you can reach me at jhorstkamp@kirkpinkerton.com

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

MAY 2009

By Julie A. Horstkamp Board Certified Real Estate Attorney w/Kirk Pinkerton P.A.

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Legal Q&A

Does Fannie Mae’s new rule apply to your Short Sale?

23

Affiliate Focus 24

Economic stimulus for first-time homebuyers

By Jeffrey Grebe SAR Affiliate The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 was recently enacted as a means of stimulating the economy. The most noteworthy real estate aspect of the Recovery Act is a refundable tax credit of up to $8,000 for first-time homebuyers. This article will summarize the main qualifications and limitations for taking advantage of this tax credit.

Timing. In order to qualify for this tax credit, a firsttime homebuyer must purchase a principal residence between January 1, 2009 and November 30, 2009. A home is “purchased” when the title is transferred, so closing must occur on or before November 30th to be eligible for the credit. Similarly, if you are building a home, you must move in by November 30th.

First-time homebuyer. The tax credit is available only to firsttime homebuyers. However, a “first-time homebuyer” is defined as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. All U.S. citizens who file a tax return, as well as resident aliens with an ITIN, are eligible for the credit.

Amount of Credit. The actual amount of the tax credit is 10% of the purchase price of the residence, capped at $8,000. So if the purchase price of the house is $70,000, the credit is $7,000, if the purchase price is $80,000, the credit is $8,000, and if the purchase price is $90,000, the credit is still $8,000.

Income Limitations. Individuals filing as single or head of household can claim the full credit if their adjusted gross income (AGI) is $75,000 or less. For married couples filing jointly, the amount is doubled to $150,000. The credit phases out between $75,000 $95,000 for singles, and between $150,000 - $170,000 for married couples filing jointly. For example, a married couple earning $165,000 would only receive a partial tax credit of $2,000.

Refundable Tax Credit. A tax credit reduces the income tax due on a dollar for dollar basis. So if you owe $8,000 of income tax, and you have an $8,000 tax credit, the credit cancels out the tax owed. Now let’s say you owe $6,000 in taxes, had $7,000 of withholdings, and qualified for an $8,000 tax credit. Under this example, MAY 2009

the $7,000 withholdings and the $8,000 tax credit are combined to equal $15,000, less the tax liability of $6,000, equals a tax refund of $9,000. Eligible purchasers can claim the tax credit by simply attaching IRS Form 5405 to their 1040 tax return.

Timing of tax credit. Although a qualifying purchase must occur in 2009 between January 1st and November 30th, you have the option of claiming your tax credit on your 2008 tax return. Even if you have already filed your 2008 tax return and subsequently purchased a home, you can file an amended tax return by using IRS Form 1040X. If you have not yet filed your 2008 tax return and plan to purchase a home, another option would be to file for an extension. The final alternative is to simply take the credit on your 2009 tax return.

Under this alternative, you can modify your income tax withholdings or adjust your quarterly estimated tax, as applicable, to take into account the tax credit you will be claiming.

Recapture. Another limitation is that any resale of the residence within three years of date of purchase will trigger a requirement that the entire credit be repaid to the government.

This is essentially an “anti-flipping” safeguard.

2008 Verses 2009. The 2009 firsttime homebuyer tax credit is actually a major improvement over a first-time homebuyer tax credit introduced in 2008. The 2008 version ran from April 9, 2008 through December 31, 2008 and included a $7,500 maximum tax credit. The 2008 tax credit, however, had to be repaid over 15 years (or sooner if the house was sold), so it was basically an interest-free loan. The 2009 version increases the incentive to take advantage of the tax credit by eliminating the recapture provision and by increasing the maximum credit to $8,000.

This stimulus measure essentially acts as a discount on the purchase price of a home, thereby encouraging firsttime homebuyers to purchase a principal residence even in an uncertain market. Additionally, if the seller was waiting to sell before buying another home, this domino effect could help to jumpstart the real estate market.

If you have any questions regarding this tax credit, please feel free to contact the author or any tax or real estate attorney in our firm- Williams Parker Harrison Dietz & Getzen law firm, 200 S. Orange Ave., Sarasota. 941-366-4800; www.williamsparker.com

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

The typical knee-jerk reaction in a down market is to slash advertising and then rebuild it when the market recovers. A more effective technique is to be smarter in how you advertise.

3. Remember, message first

Here’s some advice from advertising guru Paul Evers, owner of the ad agency TBD in Bend, Ore.

Even if you run high-visibility ads during the Super Bowl, they’ll flop if your message doesn’t connect with your target audience. “The key is saying something meaningful to your customers,” Evers says. “A lot of advertisers want to focus on what’s important to their message, but the way through this economy is to make sure you focus on your customers’ needs.”

1. Target, target

Constantly reevaluate whether advertising in traditional media is still doing the job. “Look at local, regional, and national online news sources,” Evers advises.

“Consider social media as well. Facebook use is escalating exponentially because it offers affordable regionally targeted advertising programs. Twitter is also very effective. But be careful in how you 4. Avoid price advertise on those sites. comparisons They were developed for social interaction, and if users feel the sites are being “Don’t turn your services into commodities by focusing hijacked by advertisers, you’ll receive rejection.” merely on your commission structure or other aspects of your service that are directly comparable to the competition,” Evers says. “That creates a dialogue strictly 2. Do a listening tour on the money aspects of the proposition. That’s got to be You can’t be certain of consumers’ needs without hearing part of the mix, but consumers are looking for services from them. “Focus groups and surveys are OK for top-of- and solutions that are deeper than a price proposition.” mind results,” but for the most insightful feedback, Evers You might tell consumers: ‘We’ll find you a home that’s recommends a strategy called “account planning,” which the best value in today’s market, and at every stage we’ll involves conducting research in consumers’ environment be there to answer your questions.’ by gathering small groups of friends in their homes.

5. Be sincere “Consumers can draw from their surroundings to “Advertising is going from ‘tell and sell them’ to trigger responses on a more meaningful level,” says ‘join us on our journey,’” Evers says. “It’s more about Evers, who adds that the conversation tends to be more conveying a higher sense of purpose, communicating the fluid and natural than a traditional off-site focus group. values that drive your brand, and being inclusive, which “Friends can build on each other’s responses and hold creates a more meaningful relationship with consumers.” each other accountable for honesty.” Account planning For example, Rainmaker Properties in Palo Alto, Calif., can give guidance for new ad messaging and help you publicizes the fact that it donates 10 percent of every learn what types of media consumers use. commission to a local charity of the client’s choosing.

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

MAY 2009

Broker Corner

Rather than cut your ad budget, think about how you can do a better job of targeting your message

25

2nd Green Home Expo boosts eco-awareness A large crowd of Realtors, “Green” industry experts and the public enjoyed the 2nd annual Green Home Expo, held March 27th at the Chelsea Center.

The event was a rousing success for the local “Green” practitioners and industries, and served to heighten awareness of the many ways the real estate industry can benefit from promoting environmentally sound practices.

Green features focus on energy efficiency, water efficiency, resource efficiency and indoor air quality and include such elements as Energy Star appliances, low-flow shower heads, carpets and paint with low volatile organic compounds, and building materials procured from local suppliers.

Tax credits and other financial incentives, coupled with green certifications, makes it easier for buyers, builders, and real estate professionals to go green.

Above, Sandy Keith, chair of the Green Realtors® Alliance of Sarasota, presents awards of recognition to Nicholas Gladding, P.A.,environmental law attorney with the firm Ruden McClosky, and Gabe Hament, student at Pine View School, at the 2nd annual Green Home Expo. The event was held this year at the Chelsea Center on the St. Thomas More Catholic Church grounds in Gulf Gate.

Nearly 200 people attended the popular event (see photo at left), which showcased the many “Green” industries now in operation in the Sarasota region.

SAR campaign officially ended April 30th The Sarasota Association of Realtors® has officially end the Time2Buy campaign and all use of the Time2Buy “slogo”. The date of April 30, 2009 was the last official date that the slogo can be used, per a legal agreement reached with the Assist 2 Sell company.

If you are using the slogo in your marketing materials, please discontinue using the Time2Buy image. The Time2Buy web site has also been

26

MAY 2009

discontinued, although much of the informational material will continue to be used on a page within the www. sarasotarealtors.com web site.

The SAR web site page URL will be announced in the Weekly Update e-newsletter in early May. In addition, the SAR Public Information Committee will continue

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

to promote the basic tenets of the campaign.

The PIC will promote the perennial message that the Sarasota area is always a great place to buy real estate, because of this area’s incredible climate, natural beauty, cultural resources, topnotch educational system, bountiful amenities, diverse lifestyle choices, and tremendous family and business communities.

www.sarasotarealtors.com

The next major overseas conference will be the Global Real Estate Congress (SIMA 2009), slated May 27-29 in Madrid, Spain.

The Madrid International Real; Estate Exhibition and Congress, which attracted more than 600 professionals last year, will analyze the current global crisis and propose strategies and solutions.

The Sarasota Association of Realtors® will have a contingent traveling to the annual event, including SAR 2009 President Bill Geller.

In addition, the International Council is working on

a number of other upcoming projects, including: June 22, International Round Table, with updates from local international practioners on how their business is performing.

Sept. 24-25, Sarasota International Real Estate Congress at the Hyatt Regency. This event will feature Dr. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist with NAR. SAR is still seeking sponsors for this event. Please visit our web site, www.sarasotarealtors.com, to download the sponsorship form, and to register for the event at the EarlyBird price.

International Real Estate

Madrid again hosting SIMA 09 event

Last year’s International Real Estate Congress at the Hyatt Regency in Sarasota was a rousing success. www.sarasotarealtors.com

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

MAY 2009

27

Sarasota Chapter - Women’s Council of Realtors® wins Mega-Chapter Gold Award

c

By Janice Litke 2009 WCR President

Congratulations to our Sarasota Chapter for achieving the Mega-Chapter Gold Award for outstanding performance in 2008!

It is a well deserved honor for the efforts that everyone in our chapter made last year and is continuing to make this year. With delivering the value of Women’s Council to our members, professional programs, dedication of officers and valued members, and the wonderful leadership support team in our local chapter ... it all shines through when we see our achievements.

We do shine!

Achieving Gold status means we’re the cream of the crop! We reached our goals with energy, enthusiasm and purpose... the proof of what Women’s Council of Realtor’s is all about. It takes an effort in this market to keep the chapter viable and strong. Congratulations for doing just that.

Keep up the good work and let’s help our chapter strive for gold and once again “Shine in 2009!”

Sarasota Women’s Council of Realtors goes Green at their monthly Programs meeting Green real estate is more than a passing trend.

Buyers are looking everywhere to save energy and trim costs. WCR’s March Programs meeting: It’s So Easy Being Green”, featured a Four Leaf Panel Discussion with local “Green” experts.

Moderator Lynn Nilssen, Fl Green Building Co. Certified Agent, led our panel of experts; Randy Moore, Ex Director Efest FL, Steve Ellis, MyGreenBuildings, Dan DiComo, London Bay Homes and Sandra Adomatis, SRA, Adomatis Appraisal Service.

Lack of awareness and perceived cost factors are two of the biggest challenges. Learning how to identify green elements and marketing those elements in potential listings, will improve a listing’s competitive position in the local market. With consumers focused on reducing ownership costs, adding value to their homes and improving the global environment, “Green” is the future of Florida real estate.

WCR Marketing to Women Summit, Chicago FL State Secretary Amy Worth-Paul, President Janice Litke, PE Karen Grant, along with other WCR members and leaders from around the country, attended the 2009 Chicago Marketing to Women Summit. High quality speakers shared the benefits of social networking, working with different generational differences, marketing to the woman consumer, and how to put it all together with a winning marketing plan.

From negotiation strategies to networking, from personal performance management to cultural differences in buying and selling, the Women’s Council of Realtors digs deep into the topics that are driving the marketplace and shaping the business.

As a Women’s Council member, you are positioned to stay on top of your competition, whether it’s by learning about business-building resources, staying up to date on industry trends or by your visibility in the National Referral Center. In

2009 Line Officers

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Janice Litke President Prudential Palms Cell: 727-403-1814 JaniceLitke@hotmail.com

Cindi Jackson Vice President of Membership Exit Realty Signature Properties Phone: 941-907-7730 cindi_title@yahoo.com

Dave Swenson Recording Secretary EXIT Creative Realty Cell: 941-544-4366 daves@exitcreativerealty.com

Karen Grant President-Elect RE/MAX Tropical Sands 941-349-3460 karenlgrant@comcast.net

Mary Conklin Treasurer RE/MAX Alliance Group Cell: 941-504-4292 mcconklin@comcast.net

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

MAY 2009

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

today’s challenging market, you need Women’s Council as your career partner.

April Fools Day at McCurdy’s WCR members and their guests enjoyed an evening full of laughs at McCurdy’s comedy club on April 1st.

Owner, Les McCurdy and Featured Headliner, comedian Pat Godwin, kept us laughing all night long. His songs were funny and his banter with the audience even funnier.

He even had a little bit of competition from the audience.

Women’s Council members really know how to put the “Fun” in fundraising.

We welcome our newest members: Marianne LeBar, Michael Saunders & Company Renate Rodgers, Independent Title & Escrow Dimi DeRose, Green Gables Home Inspection Sandy Rich, Horizon Realty of Anna Maria Carrie Starr Rummery, Starr Title Ins. Services THANK YOU TO OUR 2009 PROGRAM SPONSORS SILVER: Lakewood Ranch Communities, LLC and Neal Communities BRONZE: Alliance Appraisal Associates, Inc., Kelietza, Oswald Trippe-Joe Sikora, Regions Mortgage, Sarasota Costal Credit Union, and Silver Fox Pest Management.

AND OUR STATE SPONSORS PLATINUM: HomeTeam Inspection Service, Magnolia Insurance, North American Title Company, Wells Fargo

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Home Mortgage GOLD: Bank of America, Stewart Title Guaranty, X-Caliber Title SILVER: Anderson Auctions, Attorneys’ Title Insurance Fund, Inc., Bright House Networks, Harper & Pinzino Island Realty, Hughes Exterminators, Paul Home , RE/ MAX Alliance Group

Programs Calendar 2009

May 9 - Programs Meeting – Honoring Past Presidents and State Presidents Joint Meeting SAR/ MAR May 11-16 - WCR/NAR Mid-Year Washington, DC June 24 - Joint Meeting with SAR July 10 - Program Meeting – Mary Wolf – Path to Success Aug. 14 - Jack Wolf – “It’s Never To Late To Learn To Relate” and Elections Aug. 18-23 - WCR/FAR Annual Conference – Orlando Sept. 11 - Annual Fashion Show Oct. 9 - District Forum Nov. 12 - Emily Sperling, Community Relations Manager, EDC Nov. 11-16 - WCR/NAR Annual Conference – San Diego Dec. 10 - Installation and Farewell

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

MAY 2009

29

Membership News

The Association is pleased to welcome new members!

Bruno PA, Michael, Prudential Palms Realty Designated Realtors® Browning, Charles, Charles Browning R E Broker Cohen, Dawn, Dawn Cohen and Associates McClellan, Jess, HomeSense Realty Corporation

New Members Ashley, Mary, Coldwell Banker Res R E Corso, Ellen, Cityscapes Int’l Realty Group Eduardo, Peter, Florida Resorts Realty Emery, Forrest, Moynihan Realty Group Inc. Fevrier, John, Listing Services Direct Finley, Teresa, Coldwell Banker Res R E Fox, Ana, WEICHERT Realtors On the Key Hewitt, William, Florida Realty Group Hilding, Lori, Hunt Florida Real Estate Katanic, Amy, Coldwell Banker Res R E Lantos, Emery, Prudential Palms Realty LaVire, Tina, Property Connections Ludewig, Carl, Florida Gulf Realty, LLC Madden, Cherub, Century 21 Advantage Maslen, Sandra, Research Realty Services LLC McElderry, Linda, Waterside Realty LLC Moon, Chris, Prudential Palms Realty Morin, Rob, Prudential Palms Realty Nordstrom, Per, Prudential Palms Realty Nordstrom, Helena, Prudential Palms Realty Pennington, Lynda, Prudential Palms Realty Rego-Caplin, Mary, Argus Realty Group Inc. Rempert, Deborah, Prudential Palms Realty Rivera, Rigo, Cityscapes Int’l Realty LBK Saemisch, Steve, Ken Brand Lic R E Broker Seidel, Brian, American Prop Group Of Sarasota Shafer, David, RKW The Richardson Group LLC Sharff, Mark, Kleiber DeVito Real Estate Group Shoultz, Cheryl, New Homes Specialist of Tampa Siciliano, Jennifer, Investments In Sarasota Sloan, Linda, Prudential Palms Realty Smith, E. Morris, Hembree And Assoc Inc. Stevens, Leslie, Florida Gulf Realty, LLC Stinson, Brigida, Century 21 Advantage Sweenor, Jeffrey, Peens Property Group Inc. Swick, Michael, Candy Swick & Company Thomas, Hugh, Exit Realty Signature Prop Tonkin, Michael, ELITE Properties LLC

Now With

Arthur-Rodger, Pablo, Exit Realty Signature Prop Bailey, Steven, Hunt Florida Real Estate Balaz, Maria, Wagner Realty Beckerman, Margaret, WEICHERT Realtors On Key Beles, Cecilia, Wagner Realty Beles, Fred, Wagner Realty Bennington, Donna, Good Life Realty LLC Best, Garry, RoseBay Real Estate Inc. Bradshaw, Diana, Florida Realty Group

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MAY 2009

Burns, William, Waterside Realty LLC Casey, Maryann, Michael Saunders & Company Caswell, Bernadette, Michael Saunders & Company Cats, Ronald, Coldwell Banker Res R E Chakos, Anne, Coldwell Banker Res R E Chapman, Chris, Coldwell Banker Res R E Cok, Michele, Horizon Realty Courter, Dawn, RoseBay Real Estate Inc. Crawford, Marsha, Exit Realty Signature Prop Duggan, Kevin, Century 21 Advantage Fenton, Todd, Coldwell Banker Res R E Finkelstein, David, Peens Property Group Inc. Finley, Teresa, Coldwell Banker Res R E Ford, Pat, Seaside Resort Rentals & Mgmt Ford-Coates, David, Hook & Ladder Realty Inc Frake, Janet, McKenna & Associates Inc Gomez, Hector, Realty Executives Solutions Hania, Georges, Maran Real Estate Corporation Harraway, Charley, Hunt Florida Real Estate Hartwick, Roderick, Prudential Palms Realty Hatin, Holly, Prudential Palms Realty Hewitt, William, Florida Realty Group Hilding, Lori, Hunt Florida Real Estate James, Michael, Cityscapes Int’l Realty Group Kalin, Nancie, Coldwell Banker Res R E Kasper, Timothy, Engel & Volkers Sarasota Realty Kehrer, Gary, Wagner Realty Kempf, Joseph, Oasis Realty Kistler, Richard, Wagner Realty Klanot, Michael, Realty Executives Solutions Kukie, Wade, Allison James Estates & Homes Ladimir, Daniel, Horizon Realty Lantos, Emery, Prudential Palms Realty Madden, Cherub, Century 21 Advantage Mahoney, Mary, Hunt Florida Real Estate Mannion, Robert, FL Int’l Realty of Sarasota Michel, Diana, Prudential Palms Realty Montagano, Cory, RoseBay Real Estate Inc. Morano, Lisa, Cityscapes Int’l Realty Group Morin, Rob, Prudential Palms Realty Mulligan, Douglas, Prudential Palms Realty Olson, Margaret, Coldwell Banker Res R E Padula, Sandra, Florida Gulf Realty, LLC Penzotti PA, Gina, Prudential Palms Realty Perry, Psyche, Carefree Realty LLC Petsinger, Robert, Prudential Palms Realty Pittman PA, Troy, Cityscapes Int’l Realty LBK Pratt, Elizabeth, Exit Realty Signature Prop Rempert, Deborah, Prudential Palms Realty Saemisch, Steve, Ken Brand Lic R E Broker Schneider, Adriana, HomeSense Realty Corporation Sherman, Robert, Prudential Palms Realty Sloan, Linda, Prudential Palms Realty Stinson, Brigida, Century 21 Advantage Strelec, Robert, Billib & Billib P A Stutzman, Tanya, Wagner Realty

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Tannenbaum, Sharon, Coffey & Company Realty Weeks, Stephen, Prudential Palms Realty Whittington, Jack, Wagner Realty Wiedeman, Bonnie, Coldwell Banker Res R E Wilson, Diana, Exit Realty Signature Prop Zack, Emelie, Prudential Palms Realty

Phone Number: 941-907-0010 Representative: Autumn Solomon Specialty: Since 1979, R.E. Crawford Construction has been a nationally recognized General Contractor, Design Builder, and Construction Manager. Our organization is committed to completing each project on schedule and within budget while maintaining an unsurpassed level of quality and customer service.

New Affiliates Bella Luna Services, Inc. 669 Trenton Way Osprey, FL 34229 Phone Number: 941-445-4862 Representative: David Black Specialty: We have been in the home and property maintenance and renovation/improvement business for over 20 years. We specialize in updating beautiful luxury homes and commercial business properties to reflect your personal style and unique and discriminating taste. We pride ourselves on being able to envision the full potential of a home or business.

Our mission is to help you create the beautiful property that you desire.

Casa Bella Productions 1360 13th St Sarasota, FL 34236 Phone Number: 561-504-2887 Representative: Linda Luppino Specialty: Production Services-Images & Virtual Tours.

High Resolution-Brightly Enhanced Photographs; Interior, Exterior & Community. Customized Virtual Tours (Posting on MLS/Websites) Gateway Bank Of Southwest Fla 2035 Main Street Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34237 Phone Number: 941-306-0108 Representative: Dennis Murphy Specialty: Organized by local business leaders to meet the banking needs of Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

Gateway Bank provides the highly personalized service you expect from independent banks.

Jim Amberger Land Surveying LLC President Sarasota, FL 34236 Phone Number: 941-955-6333 Representative: Jim Amberger Specialty: Commercial and Residential Land Surveying RE Crawford Construction 6771 Professional Pkwy Ste. 100 Sarasota, FL 34240

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Sarasota/Bradenton Attorneys’ RE Council 1920 Golf Street Sarasota, FL 34236 Phone Number: 941-366-1600 Representative: Kenneth D Chapman Specialty: The Sarasota-Bradenton Attorneys’ Real Estate Council brings experienced real estate attorneys to the aid of buyers, sellers, lenders and real estate agents. Their goal is to make negotiations and closings easier on everyone involved, thereby promoting a timely closing for every transaction.

Streamline Environmental, Inc. 1821 Sahlman Drive Tampa, FL 33605 Phone Number: 813-258-5561 Representative: Craig Fusaro Specialty: Streamline Environmental, Inc. is a full service environmental consulting business providing environmental services for real estate professionals, commercial lending institutions and industry. Services include Phase I & II Environmental Site Assessment, Asbestos and Lead Based Paint Surveys, Storage Tank Compliance, Contamination Assessments and Remediation.

Triton Companies 240 S. Pineapple St. Ste 201 Sarasota, FL 34236 Phone Number: 941-955-1874 Representative: Lisa Virkus Specialty: Triton Companies is a full service real estate investment & development company.

West Coast Home Inspection 1940 Rain Forest Tr. Sarasota, FL 34240 Phone Number: 941284-0322 Representative: Mike Paige Specialty: I am ITA trained and certified Home Inspector. I will meet and exceed; FABI, NAHI & ASHI-Standards of Practice. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, having a professional home inspection from a leading home inspection company will give you peace of mind and assist you in a fair and smooth transaction.

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

MAY 2009

31

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

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

4

5

8:30 a.m.

CID Board of Directors

6

7:30 a.m.

Toastmasters 9 a.m.

MLX Design WEB Page 1:30 p.m.

MLX Tools/Mongo Fax

7

8

11

12

13

14

15

18

21

22

9 a.m.

MLXchange Basic 1:30 p.m.

MLXchange E & U

9 a.m.– 4 p.m.

New Member Orientation & Code of Ethics

8 a.m.

Power Marketing (University Park CC) 9 a.m.

MLXchange Reports 1:30 p.m. iMAPP

9 a.m.

CID Deal Making

9 a.m.

9 a.m.

8 a.m.

CID Deal Making Impact of Government Power Marketing Intervention (Knights of Columbus) 8:30 a.m.

Green Residential Elective

9 a.m.

MLXchange Basic Noon Referral Expo 1:30 p.m.

MLXchange E & U

19

8 a.m.

CID Membership 9 a.m, MLXchange Advanced Noon Referral Expo 1:30 p.m.

MLXchange CMA

20

7:30 a.m.

Toastmasters 9 a.m.

REO Certification Course Noon Referral Expo

8 a.m.

Power Marketing (Knights of Columbus) 9 a.m.

REO Certification Course Noon Referral Expo

9 a.m.

CID Deal Making (Offsite) Noon Referral Expo

25

26

27

28

29

Noon Referral Expo

Noon Referral Expo

8 a.m.

Tech Tuneup—MAR 8:30 a.m.

SAR Board Meet 8 a.m.

GRI Course 2 Noon Referral Expo

8 a.m.

Power Marketing (Knights of Columbus) 8 a.m.

GRI Course 2 Noon Referral Expo

8 a.m.

GRI Course 2 9 a.m.

CID Deal Making (Location TBD) Noon Referral Expo

2

3

4

5

SAR Office Closed Memorial Day Holiday

June 1

9 a.m.

MLXchange Basic 1:30 p.m.

MLXchange E & U

8 a.m.

GRI Course 2

8 a.m.

GRI Course 2 9 a.m. iMAPP

8 a.m.

Power Marketing (University Park CC) 9 a.m.

MLX Design WEB Page 1:30 p.m.

MLX Tools/Mongo Fax

9 a.m.

CID Deal Making

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

Mid-Florida Regional MLS Training

The classes E & U (Entering & Updating), Tools, Design Web Pages, MLX Intro, MLX Advanced, iMAPP, Custom Reports and CMA are all Mid-Florida Regional MLS training classes offered at no cost to MLS participants. All classes (except E & U) are HANDS-ON in the SAR Tech Center. Please register for all MLS classes at the MFRMLS website: http://mfrmls.com. Click on “Training,” then “Quick Class Registration” and follow prompts. **Referral Expo, May 18-29, Noon to 1 p.m.- See Article, Page 8**

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

Monday

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

MAY 2009