VOL. 3 ISSUE 2 SECOND QUARTER

President

President-elect

Vice President

Secretary

Treasurer

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Past President

Ed Anderson

Toby Caroline

Deborah Catterton

Margie Bradley

Alex Koumiss

Tonya Bouvette

Vicki Derbes

Lynn Mooney

Pete Rundel

Joan Staut

Patsy Peterman

CPAR 2013 Leadership Team

4 - 10:00 AM CPAR Leadership Strategy Meeting @ Pebble Creek Golf & Country Club

4 - 11:30 AM CPAR Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting @ Pebble Creek Golf & Country Club

11-15 Florida Realtors Mid- Winter Meetings, Buena Vista Palace, Orlando

14 & 15 - Great American Realtor Days (GARD) - Tallahassee

25 - 10:00 AM Property Management Seminar

9 - 11:30 AM General Membership Meeting (GMM) @ Pebble Creek Golf & Country Club

9 - 1:30 PM BOD @ Pebble Creek Golf & Country Club

21 - 9 AM - 12 Noon FHA 203K Seminar @ Meadowpoint II Clubhouse

21 - 12:30 PM Audit Committee Meeting CPAR Conference Room

8 - 11:30 MFRMLS Welcome and Rules Review @ Pebble Creek

9 & 10 - Business Expo & Taste of the Town (Land O’Lakes)

22 - MLS Class @ CPAR Conference Room

28 - 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM “Before Dark Meet & Greet” @ Rapscallions – 4422 Land O’Lakes Blvd

12 - 11:30 AM GMM @ Pebble Creek Golf & Country Club

19 - 10 AM – 12:30 PM Educational Seminar “Mobility Plan for Pasco County”

@ MeadowPoint Clubhouse II County Line Road; John Gallagher, County Administrator

10 – 9AM – 12Noon Reducing Risks in Real Estate – Mercedes Gonalez-Hale

Meadowpoint II Club house

14 - 19 - NAR Meetings Washington D. C.

28 - 10 AM – 11:30 AM BOD Meeting Clubhouse 2 at MeadowPointe

26 – 11:30 AM “How Many Ways Can You Lose Your License?” Margy Grant, FR General Counsel

@ Pebble Creek Golf & Country Club

2 - 11:30 AM Annual GMM @ Pebble Creek Golf & Country Club

2-- 1:30 PM BOD Meeting @ Pebble Creek Golf & Country Club

8-12 FR Trade Convention at Marriott World Center Orlando

6 - 11: 30 AM Affiliates Fair/Chinese Auction at Pebble Creek Golf & Country Club

13 - 1:30 PM BOD Meeting @ Pebble Creek Golf & Country Club

11- Point 2 seminar at MeadowPointe 2 Clubhouse from 10 AM to 11:30 AM

9-12 NAR Conference & Expo Orange County Convention Center Orlando FL 15 – GMM & BOD Meeting at Pebble Creek Golf & CC

1 – Installation & A Banquet 6:00 PM Place TBD

13 - 11:30 AM Christmas Party w/gift exchange

Register and pay online at www.CPARfl.com

Patsy Peterman

Broker-Owner

Seagrass Realty

Hello again! This year is zipping by so fast I cannot believe it is already

September. Business is picking up, we have (knock-on-wood) avoided

hurricanes in our area so far and it has been a pleasant summer as well. One

of my summer events, was attending the Florida REALTORS® Conference in Orlando in August. If

you did not have an opportunity to go this year, I would encourage you to mark your 2013 calendar

to attend next year’s event – you will learn a lot and have fun at the same time.

Did you know that FR gave $3,200 to over 300 students this year in scholarship money? Did

you know that FR has a charity that they support? It’s called the Silent Angels Fund and they have

raised $86,000.00 this year! This fund gives monetary assistance to families in need with no

questions asked. Are you aware that there are 999,000 REALTOR® members nationwide with

110,846 of them in Florida? Makes you proud to be a part of an organization that does such good

things for others!

Here are a few things I learned at the Conference:

Legal Updates:

If you place your listings in Craig’s List, Facebook, etc, be sure you place a “google alert”

on them. They have found that other agents are taking listings from these types of

advertising and using them as their own listings.

To have full documentation in your file, be sure you obtain a form stating that the escrow

deposit has been deposited. This form should be provided to you by the closing agent/

agency or your broker if they maintain their own escrow account.

FR announced that they support the following amendments that will appear on the November

ballot:

Amendment 2 – Veterans Disabled Due to Combat Injury Homestead Property Tax

Discount

Amendment 3 – State Government Revenue Limitation

Amendment 4 – Property Tax Limitations; Property Value Decline; Reduction for

Non-Homestead Assessment Increases; Delay of Scheduled Repeal **

Amendment 9 – Homestead Property Tax Exemption for Surviving Spouse of Military

Veterans or First Responders

Amendment 10 – Tangible Personal Property Tax Exemption

Amendment 11 – Additional Homestead Exemption: Low Income Senior who Maintain

Long-Term Residency on Property; Equal to Assessed Value

** FR very strongly supports Amendment 4 and suggests that we all add a line to our emails that

states you support Amendment 4. FR estimates that over 220,000 jobs within the next 2 years will

be a result of Amendment 4 passing. The CPAR office has the yard signs to Vote Yes on 4

(continued next page )

(continued from previous page)

if you would like to place one in your yard or at your office. Contact Joan Eustice to pick up signs.

Additional News From FR:

FR has bought out Sentri-Lock.

HTML (for all of your forms) will be available to the membership by the end of this year.

In November the REALTOR® Property Resources (RPR) Board will introduce its

appraisal tool sets in beta. If you share your data with RPR, you will also get their data.

If you don’t share with RPR, you will get limited data.

If you haven’t contributed to RPAC, we have until October 21st to send in additional

funds.

The NAR Conference will be held in Orlando on November 9 thru 12th at the Orange County

Convention Center. There will be over 400 vendors at the Business Expo and you can register by

going to www.realtor.org. FOR FREE TICKETS TO THE EXPO ENTER THE CODE FR2012.

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE IN NOVEMBER –

THIS IS AN IMPORTANT YEAR FOR OUR COUNTRY!

If you have any questions or would just like to talk, please do not hesitate to call me at

813-927-9336 or email me at Patsy.Peterman@gmail.com

Code of Ethics Training

REALTORS® have until Dec. 31, 2012, to complete the

Code of Ethics Training Requirement. REALTORS®

are required to complete ethics training of not less than

2 hours, 30 min. of instructional time within a four-year cycle. The training must meet specific learning

objectives and criteria established by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS®.

Go to http://www.realtor.org/code-of-ethics/training/for-existing-members/ to take the training now.

Charles Rutenberg Realty

Robert Eaton

Coldwell Banker Action Realty

Douglas Casamiri

Stephanie Herz

Emily Ann Santana

Exit Extreme Realty

Tamara Bernal

Florida Capital Realty

Aarambh Shah, Broker

David Chen

Intl. Realty Plus-Tampa Bay

Anali Dishmey

Prudential Tropical Realty

Wesley Chapel

Sharon Cole

Gary Custer

Patricia Hurlburt

ReMax First in Real Estate

David Birr

Weichert Realtors Homes & Land

Scott Ulery

Meet’n Greet on Tuesday, October 9th

at Prime Bar

Shops at Wiregrass

5:30 - 7:30 pm

Meet New 2013 CPAR Director Vicki Derbes

Prudential Tropical Realty - Wesley Chapel

My caring philosophy is complimented by my extensive business background which spans more than 30 years in real estate related fields including residential, new home construction and commercial build-ing. A long-time Tampa resident I have an in-depth knowledge of the surrounding areas. As a result, I can provide the local expertise and competitive pricing informa-tion necessary to effectively assist you with the purchase or sale of your home. Throughout each step of your transaction I remain focused on making your experience as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

AE’s Corner…

GREETINGS FROM CHICAGO! This summer I had the

opportunity to attend 2 NAR training sessions in Chicago. Highlights of the two are as follows:

In the first session, the Leadership Summit, we partici-pated in the Kick0ff of the REThink Initiative. Between August 2012 and May 2013, cross-country workshops will be held to gather participants’ thoughts and ideas in answer to the following questions: In an ever-changing world, what is the future of the real estate industry in 5 to 10 years? How will this impact: Consumers, including buyers and sellers? Agents, brokers and companies? NAR, state and local associations? All of this data will be compiled and used by the Strategic Planning Committee in developing NAR’s strategic plan for the future. For more information go to www.rethinkfuture.com. At the training for Association Executives, we received in depth information on all facets of the NAR

organization. One of my favorites is the “Virtual Library”. Did you know that as a NAR member benefit you have access to eBooks, ProQuest (journals), Blogs/Tweets, Podcasts & Videos, special reports, Association archives, and more? Take advantage of this amazing resource by going to www.realtor.org/library. Before you buy that new Real Estate book everyone is talking about, check there first. It could save you a lot of time and money .

NAR BUILDING

Joan A. Eustice,

Association Executive

CTRL + CLICK ANYWHERE ON ADS TO GO TO WEBSITES FOR MORE INFORMATION

CPAR Welcomed Margy Grant, Esq.

General Counsel, Florida Realtors®

At the July 26th meeting, Margy Grant spoke with CPAR members with a Florida Realtors

update. Some points she made:

1). FREC will step up investigations into companies with escrow accounts

2). If you end up in front of FREC, have legal counsel

3). Make sure your brokerage E & O insurance is solid and in place

4). RESPA violations and brokerage administrative fees can be researched at Realtor.org

Phil Schulman podcast “RESPA”. In MLS 3.0% - $300 is NOT an MLS fee. There is no such

thing as an MLS fee.

5). Take a look at Freeman v. Quicken Loans Inc - Supreme Court Ruling. A violation of

Section 2607(b) occurs only when a real estate settlement service provider pays a portion of

a settlement service fee to a third party who performs no services in exchange for the fee.

6). Craig's List fraud on vacant listings; check your listings

7). Money laundering in real estate is happening

8). NAR has mandated Board of Choice. As a member of NAR and Florida Realtors, you

can be a member of any local board. Membership is not based on geographic location but

the brokerage must be a member first. Some brokers are multiple board members.

9). IDX feed and rules - You cannot advertise another broker’s listings without their written

permission

10). Amendment to Code of Ethics - required to communicate any change in compensation prior to

procurement of contract.

EVER WONDERED HOW MANY

CANDIDATES PASS AND FAIL WHEN

TAKING THE FLORIDA REAL ESTATE

EXAM?

As of May, 2012

Registered Candidates—3,370

Total Number of Tested Candidates—

3,109

Total Number of Absentees—258

Unknown—3

FL Real Estate Broker

First Time Takers—172

Exams Passed—91

Exams Failed –81

Pass Rate—52.91%

FL Sales Associate

First Time Takers—1321

Exams Passed—729

Exams Failed—592

Pass Rate—55.19

Retakers

Broker—170

Exams Passed—63

Exams Failed—107

Sales Associate—1,368

Exams Passed—457

Exams Failed—911

Source: Florida Division of Real Estate

2012 FR CONVENTION & EXPO

We would like to thank the following members who represented CPAR in our Global network-ing area of the Expo: Patsy Peterman, Ed Anderson, Toby Caroline, Mike Harris,

Felicia Wells, Lynn Mooney & Joan Eustice.

CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of our four drawings:

$100 gift card: Matt Grattenthaler Broker Associate Jones & Co. Realty, Fort Myers, FL

$50 gift card: Harvey Zarchin Broker/Owner, Signature Service Realty Co WPB, FL

$50 gift card: Skip Cole, Realtor Ocean Properties & Mgmt. New Smyrna Beach, FL

2 Busch Gardens Tickets: Marge Coffing, Realtor Beach & Luxury Realty, St.Petersburg, FL

Risky Business…not the movie version by Matey Veissi

Probable Cause - What is it? Why do we need to know? Why should we care? If you or someone you know has a complaint filed against you to the Florida Real Estate Commission you need to know happens next:

• The complaint is forwarded to a “complaint analysis,” who determines if it is “legally sufficient.” If it is, a case number is assigned and the case is forwarded to the Investigative Field Office in this area. • The investigator determines the facts, as best they can, by talking with all sides of the issue and files a report to the FREC legal department. • If the legal department determines that there has been a possible violation, the case is referred to the Probable Cause Panel of the commission. This panel is comprised of two commission members (two Commissioners, one past and one current) who are not employed by the state. • If the panel determines there is Probable Cause, it is remanded to the legal department, which negotiates a settlement with the person involved based on standard penalties. • If the person accepts the penalties, the case goes to the Commission for approval or renegotiation of penalty. • If the person and the attorneys cannot agree on penalties, or dispute the facts, they can go before an administrative law judge for a hearing.

After serving two terms (8 years) on the Florida Real Estate Commission, I still continue to participate in the Probable Cause Panel for the Commission. In the course of the past 14 years, I have sat on many Probable Cause panels, but this is the first time I was totally ashamed of many of the real estate licensees in our state. Of the 40 complaints almost three-fourths were Escrow thefts. Now I understand that mistakes are made. A deposit check in the wrong account and it is rectified quickly. Depositing the escrow check 1 or 2 days beyond the mandatory due date. The Probable Cause Panel and the Commission understands these...but the escrow problems we are now encountering are outright thefts, with absolutely no intention of returning the deposits. And the comments of the real estate licensees? "Well I didn't know I couldn't do that". How about when the licensee just moves with no forwarding address and no way for anyone to contact them?

Now we are not talking about small amounts of money. We are talking 5 and 6 figures. Something is seriously wrong here. Do they not know it is not their money? Do they not know that we do not get paid till it closes and certainly not before? Where is the integrity? Where is the professionalism? Dare I ask, where is the moral fiber here? I guess they reason that it is happening in many professions so that makes it OK? I used to tell my Dad, "But everyone is doing it." And he would quietly say, " You are not everyone".

We all need to remember that we are entrusted with what, for many, is the biggest investment of their lives. We need to maintain the public's trust. We need to maintain our integrity. We need to maintain our professionalism. Remember: We are not everyone. We are REALTORS. Let's set the example and keep the bar raised high.

MEMBERSHIP FEES Local $75.00 (pro rated quarterly)

FR Dues & Issues Advocacy $126.00 (pro rated monthly)

NAR Dues & Public Awareness $155.00 (pro rated monthly)

Campaign Assessment

Total $356.00

Secondary Membership $75.00 (pro rated quarterly)

RPAC Voluntary Contribution $25.00

Application Fee - New Member- $85.00

Application Fee - New Member-FR $30.00

Application Fee - New Brokerage $100.00

Change Office Fee $25.00

Supra

Active KEY 2012 Dues $149.76 plus tax (ANN FEE)

Activation Fee $80.00 NEW ACTIVATION

eKEY-Basic Service (Smartphone) $17.78 plus tax MO. FEE

eKEY-Activation Fee $50.00 NEW ACTIVATION

Lock Boxes $50.00 plus tax MEMBERS

Car Charger Special Order

Fob for Smartphone Special Order

MLS

Annual Fee (June 2012-May 2013) $339.00 (subscription fee)

Application Fee - New Broker in-

cludes $90.00 application fee $215.00

Application Fee - New User $75.00

Reinstatement Fee $150.00

plus past due in-

voices

NOTE: The above fees are subject to adjustment by the vendors. -

3/10/2012

Why Join CPAR?

CPAR BOARD OF DIRECTOR’S MINUTES

August 2012

MOTION that CPAR reduce member application fee to $75 and change policy to reflect same. PASSED

MOTION that application fees for affiliate members be waived for the remainder of 2012. PASSED

MOTION that the Affiliate Committee be renamed to CPAR Business Partners and those bylaws changed to reflect this change. PASSED

MOTION to ratify the Nominating Committee members selected in June, 1012 - Ron Raimondi and Joyce Pelham. PASSED

MOTION that voting for 2013 officers and directors be electronic held for ten (10) days September 7 - 17, 2012. Results will be reported at Annual Meeting September 20, 2012 PASSED

September 2012

MOTION that CPAR offer the new Florida Military

Specialist designation November 1 & 2, 2012 at

Pebble Creek Golf & CC. PASSED

MOTION that Realtors transferring from another local

board/association have the $75 application fee waived

and receive three (3) months of October, November

and December 2012 FREE. PASSED

MOTION that Board of Directors elect Lynn Mooney to

fulfill Director Russ Laggan’s term for 2012 and 2013.

PASSED

Business Partners A big thank you to everyone who came out for our last After Hours Mixer at GrillSmith on August 14

th. We had a great turnout with over 35 people

in attendance. Sponsorships are offered for each of these mixers and we plan to host one on the second Tuesday of every other month. Our next After Hours Mixer is on Oct. 9

th 5:30 to 7:30 PM at

Prime Bar at the Shops at Wiregrass Mall. It is their famous Burger night and a great networking opportunity for all. Thank you for all the donations for our Chinese Auction held on Sept. 20th. We appreciate your support and look forward to growing CPAR with all of you.

In Case You Missed It . . . At a recent CPAR meeting, I made a presentation about some of the new mortgage programs that our realtor members should have available in their “hip pocket.” In case you missed it, here is a short recap.

When a homebuyer wants to purchase a house in need of repair or modernization, the home-buyer usually has to obtain financing first to purchase the home; additional financing to do the

rehabilitation construction; and a permanent mortgage when the work is completed to pay off the interim loans with a perma-nent mortgage. The Section 203(k) program allows the borrower to get just one mortgage loan to finance both the acquisition and the rehabilitation of the property. There are 2 types: the 203k streamline, and the 203k full/consultant program.

The Streamline 203K is intended to help finance uncomplicated improvements or repairs to a home that does not re-quire plans, consultants, engineers, or architects and can be used for up to $35,000 in rehab costs (no minimum). Contractors will be paid 50% at closing and the rest when work is completed. The 203k Full/Consultant program is designed for more com-plicated projects that require structural changes. There is no maximum amount for repairs, but the entire project must be supervised by a trained HUD inspector. Steve Whallen from Affordable Home Inspection, who made the presentation with me, and your other CPAR business partners are available to help with these inspections.

We also talked about the HARP 2.0 program, which was created to help underwater homeowners. This is a govern-ment initiative that has gone into effect just this Spring to help underwater homeowners refinance at current rates. Eligible homeowners can refinance their mortgage, often without an appraisal, and with virtually no limit on how much they are under-water. To be eligible, homeowners must be current on their payments; their mortgage must be owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac; and it must have been sold to Fannie or Freddie on or before May 31, 2009.

Lastly, don’t forget that a home buyer 62years of age or older can purchase a home with a reverse mortgage, resulting in no monthly mortgage payments as long as they live in the home.

There you go – some hip pocket thoughts for more sales!

George Cooper Your Florida Mortgage Advantage

NMLS#367456 www.FloridaMortgageAdvantage.com

813-996-6100

CTRL + CLICK ANYWHERE ON ADS TO GO TO WEBSITES FOR MORE INFORMATION

http://www.cpar.realtorteamstore.com/

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Sponsor: Central Pasco Association of REALTORS®

Date: Thursday, October 11th, 2012

Time: 10:00 am to 11:00 am

Location: Meadow Pointe Clubhouse II

Address: 30051 County Line Road, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

Seating is limited, so reserve your seat today!

We hope to see you there!

Regards,

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