Sarasota Realtor Magazine - May 2009

Social Networking

Blogging, Tweeting, E-mailing, IM, YouTube ...Realtors® riding the digital tidal wave

See Page 6

MAY 2009

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08-SWF-1459 SRM Jan09 Ad.indd 1 12/4/08 9:16:42 AM

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 OfficersPresident

William Geller Suncoast International Realty

President-Elect Erick Shumway

RE/MAX Alliance GroupSecretary

David Clapp RE/MAX Alliance Group

Treasurer Michael Bruno

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, Inc.Immediate Past President

Helen Sosso Prudential Palms RealtyChief Executive Officer

Kathy Roberts

Mission StatementThe 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 CommunicationsRay Porter

Director of Member ServicesDan Andrews

Director of MLS Information SystemsJesse Sunday

Director of Professional DevelopmentCatherine McCaskill

Governmental Affairs DirectorMarc Mansfield

ProductionCoastal Printing, Inc.

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

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.

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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.

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

In every issue10- Governmental Affairs12- Property Appraiser14- Ethics in Action16- Sales and Listing Statistics18- CID Update20- Education Programs24- Affiliate Focus25- Broker Corner27- International Real Estate28- WCR News30- Membership News32- Calendar of Education/Events

4 MAY 2009 Sarasota Realtor® Magazine www.sarasotarealtors.com

SAR seeks nomineesby May 8th deadline

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.

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 [email protected].

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!

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.

SAR Quarterly Meeting set June 15th

www.sarasotarealtors.com Sarasota Realtor® Magazine MAY 2009 5

iSocial NetworkingHow can you achieve greater success in the digital age?

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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

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

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.

Continued on P. 8, See SOCIAL

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.

By Peyman AleaghaPresident - RealtySoft.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

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

Continued on P. 8, See NETWORKING


• 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.

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.

Referral Expo slated May 18-29

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.

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

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.

SOCIALFrom Page 6

NETWORKINGFrom Page 7

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

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

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!


2008 Revenues

Membership dues and fees

MLS service fees

Communication and education

Committee programs

CID/CIX

Realtor® store

Misc.

2008 Expenses

Membership

MLS

Communication and educationCommittee programsCID/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 KiernanCERTIFIED GRADUATE REMODELER AGING-IN-PLACE SPECIALIST

SELECTED TOP 50 IN AMERICA

State Lic. #CBC040759

Fax

941 745-2558

Cell

941 726-2318

Phone

941 748-1219

4007 39th Street East,Bradenton, FL 34208www.kiernanremodeling.com

Quick Notes for Realtors®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.

Pre-foreclosure program availableIf 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 (pre-foreclosure 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/0a92a6dc28e76ae58525700a005d0d53/b84e143f383ff617852574aa004ecc57?OpenDocument

Chinese Drywall UpdateThe 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


New Septic Tank rules proposedby Florida Department of Health

wWith 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.

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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 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 AmericanRealtor® 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.

By Marc MansfieldGovernmental Affairs Director


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 month-to-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;

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

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


iPr

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iser Amendment 1 and Portability:

What does it mean to you?By Bill Furst, GRI, CRS, CIPSSarasota County Property Appraiser

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

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.

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

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.

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


The following is the current 2009 schedule of events for the Sarasota Young Realtors®, subject to change.Meetings begin at 4:00 P.M. at SARSocials begin at 5:30 P.M. (2nd Quarter at Clayton’s Siesta Grill, 1256 Old Stickney Point Rd., Sarasota); Luncheons begin at Noon at SAR

MayMeeting May 12, 2009Social May 20, 2009Luncheon May 29, 2009JuneMeeting June 9, 2009Social June 17, 2009Luncheon June26, 2009JulyMeeting July 14, 2009

Social July 15, 2009Luncheon July 24, 2009AugustMeeting August 11, 2009Social August 19, 2009Luncheon August 28, 2009SeptemberMeeting September 8, 2009Social September 16, 2009Luncheon September 25, 2009OctoberMeeting October 13, 2009Social October 21, 2009Luncheon October 30, 2009NovemberMeeting November 10, 2009Social November 18, 2009Luncheon TBDDecemberMeeting December 8, 2009Social December 16, 2009

Sarasota Young Realtors®announce 2009 schedule

Florida Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) visited the Lakewood Ranch area in April to meet with homeowners impacted by the Chinese (defective) drywall crisis. Nelson met with the media following his inspection to call for greater attention to the issue.

PORTABILITY: Part Two 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.

FAQ’s

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

o No. The previous homestead must have been abandoned by all homesteaders, but there is no requirement that the 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 the property, (the grantee), there is no portability available to the grantor.

o If both former spouses remain in title after the Dissolution of Marriage is recorded, by statute they become tenants in

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.


iCode of Ethics: Origin and Importance

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 CodeThe 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

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 LawThe 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

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.

Ethi

cs in

Act

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Continued on P. 19, See CODE


March 2009 sales up 33 percent;single family median sale price rebounds

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

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.

SAR statistics graphics, charts appear on Pages 16-17 in this issue


Sarasota MLSSM Statistics March 2009 Sarasota MLSSM Statistics March 2009

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.

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

Last Month 6266 260 4.1 166 $142,000 $225,000 24.1 611 9.7 837 218

YTD ‐ 1048 ‐ 159 $150,000 ‐ ‐ 1754 ‐ 2840 ‐

Single Family – Sale Price Vs. List Price % Rates Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

2008 92.0 92.0 93.2 93.3 92.0 93.0 93.0 92.0 93.1 93.1 92.0 93.0 2009 93.0 93.1 92.5 ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐

Source: Sarasota Association of Realtors®

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

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

Unit Sales Single FamilyCondo

Source: Sarasota Association of Realtors®

$0

$50,000

$100,000

$150,000

$200,000

$250,000

$300,000

$350,000

$400,000


Single FamilyCondoMedian Sale Price


Sarasota MLSSM Statistics March 2009 Sarasota MLSSM Statistics March 2009

Median sales price is the middle value, where half of the homes sold for more, and half sold for less. Listings sold were closed transac-tions 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.

Condo

#Active #Sold %Sold Average DOM

Median Sale Prices

Median Last 12 Months

Months ofInventory

Pending Reported

%Pending # New Listings

# Off Market

This Month 2714 128 4.7 186 $166,750 $256,000 21.2 175 6.4 345 269

This Month Last Year

5702 167 2.9 181 $235,000 $400,000 34.1 208 2.4 591 283

Last Month 2675 94 3.5 154 $198,000 $295,000 28.5 171 6.4 386 148

YTD ‐ 307 ‐ 171 $180,000 ‐ ‐ 488 ‐ 1176 ‐

Condo – Sale Price Vs. List Price % Rates Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

2008 91.0 91.1 91.0 91.0 92.0 92.0 93.0 90.0 90.0 91.0 91.0 91.0 2009 91.0 90.2 90.4 ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐

Sarasota Association of Realtors® MLS

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000


InventorySingle FamilyCondo

Sarasota Association of Realtors® MLS

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700


Pending SalesSingle Family

Condo


Financial Stability Plan, Economic Stimulus Bill contain important victories for commercial real estate

Com

mer

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Inve

stm

ent D

ivis

ion

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

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

CID programs and events for 2009

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 Treasury’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 asset-backed securities, including AAA-rated 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


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

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.

CODEFrom Page 14

Conference Room A The conference room is fully carpeted and per-fect for board meetings, small seminars and workshops. The room seats 30. Seating ar-rangement 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 re-quired (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.

The basic classroom setup, which allows in-structors to use technology as part of their teaching, is one in which there is a computer and a network connection. This allows instruc-tors to perform demonstrations, present mate-rial, illustrate how to use software, and show Web sites, etc.

Weekly Daytime Rates 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Half Day (up to 4 hours) $600 - Full Day (up to 8 hours) $1,200

• Anniversaries • Award Ceremonies • Bridal Showers • Celebrations • Corporate Functions • Employee Banquets • Engagement Parties • Fundraisers • Holiday Parties • Professional Lunches • Receptions • Recognitions • Rehearsal Dinners • Special Occasions • Weddings Auditorium The Sarasota Association of Realtors®’ Audi-torium is a spacious carpeted room designed to handle many special requirements. The room is designed to be multi-functional, which will accommodate business meetings, seminars, receptions, dinners and parties.

85 Parking spaces

150 Rectangular tables

150-200 Classroom style

Room Dimensions Approximately:

47’ x 80’ Sq. Ft. 3,760

Ceilings 11’ 4”

3 Double Doorways 6’W x 6’8”L

Stage 18’ L x 7’ W

Electric: 120v (20 AMP Circuits)12 Outlets

Kitchen Approximately: 9’ x 8’

Limited Kitchen Facilities

* Caterers must be approved by the Rental Coordinator

Auditorium Pricing 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 $100 (Prior to 8 a.m./after 5 p.m.)

Evening and Weekend Rates after 5 p.m.

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 Available upon request

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

For Room Reservations please contact: Pat Englerth

Room Rental Coordinator (941) 328-1153

[email protected]

SAR Room Rentals Available


Educ

atio

n Pr

ogra

ms

Run A Successful Consumer-Friendly Realty WebsiteDate: Wednesday, May 6Times: Noon to 3 p.m.Instructor: Craig Grant, EasyRealtySitesLocation: SAR AuditoriumCost: $25Credits: 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.

Date: Wednesday, May 13Times: 9 a.m. to NoonInstructor: Jason Kotar, President of Kotar & AssociatesLocation: SAR AuditoriumCost: $20 (members) $30 (non-members)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.

Real estate and government intervention

Mark your calendars for more classes in 2009NEW! Green Designation Residential Elective

May 14, 2009GRI 2

May 27-29 and June 2-3, 200930 hours broker post-license, 11 hours Continuing Education

GRI 3July 27-29 and Aug. 4-5

30 hours broker post-license, 11 hours Continuing Education14 Hours Continuing Education

Aug. 11-12, 2009


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 BasicMay 4, 9 a.m. to NoonJune 1, 9 a.m. to NoonJune 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

Entering and Updating Listings in MLXchangeMay 4, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.June 1, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.June 16, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

This class is mandatory if you will be entering and updating your own listings. You will be taught how to input and modify listings, enter photos, and add attachments along with valuable tips and techniques.- Listing maintenance authorization forms - Explain the importance of accurate

data - Rules and Regulations - Review the profile sheet - Entering a new listing, using tax auto pop, reviewing the fields that have specific entries in the Rules and Regulations - Adding images, attachments, open house information, Supra Key and ShowingTime - Inventory watch - easiest way to modify the listings

Creating Custom ReportsMay 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.

Design Web Pages, Capture LeadsMay 6, 9 a.m. to NoonJune 4, 9 a.m. to Noon

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

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

MLXchange AdvancedMay 19, 9 a.m. to NoonJune 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 CMAMay 19, 9 a.m. to NoonJune 15, 9 a.m. to Noon

One of the most crucial components in today’s real estate professional’s day-to-day business is capturing and handling leads along with time management. This course will teach you how to set up your personal agent and client web pages, contact management and scheduling features that go hand-in-hand with a successful real estate business.iMapp - Interactive Taxand Mailing LabelsMay 7, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

In this class you will learn how to use the tax search features of MLXchange, access iMapp’s interactive maps, tax data, comparables, auto-valuations, and easily create mailing labels for your favorite area.


REO series returns by popular demandREO CertificationDates: May 20-21Times: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.Instructor: Cathy McDaniel, RES, RETSLocation: SAR AuditoriumCost: SAR Members: $149Non-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 ListingsCompleting 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 ListingThis 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 TechnologyIt 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).

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


Lega

l Q&

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

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.

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,

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 pre-foreclosure 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:

“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 non-conforming 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

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

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 [email protected]

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


Affil

iate

Foc

usBy Jeffrey GrebeSAR 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 first-time 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 first-time 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,

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 first-time 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 first-time 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

Economic stimulus for first-time homebuyers


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

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

1. Target, targetConstantly 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 advertise on those sites. They were developed for social interaction, and if users feel the sites are being hijacked by advertisers, you’ll receive rejection.”

2. Do a listening tourYou can’t be certain of consumers’ needs without hearing

from them. “Focus groups and surveys are OK for top-of-mind results,” but for the most insightful feedback, Evers recommends a strategy called “account planning,” which involves conducting research in consumers’ environment by gathering small groups of friends in their homes.

“Consumers can draw from their surroundings to trigger responses on a more meaningful level,” says Evers, who adds that the conversation tends to be more fluid and natural than a traditional off-site focus group. “Friends can build on each other’s responses and hold each other accountable for honesty.” Account planning can give guidance for new ad messaging and help you learn what types of media consumers use.

3. Remember, message first

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.”

4. Avoid price comparisons

“Don’t turn your services into commodities by focusing 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 on the money aspects of the proposition. That’s got to be part of the mix, but consumers are looking for services and solutions that are deeper than a price proposition.” You might tell consumers: ‘We’ll find you a home that’s the best value in today’s market, and at every stage we’ll be there to answer your questions.’

5. Be sincere“Advertising is going from ‘tell and sell them’ to

‘join us on our journey,’” Evers says. “It’s more about conveying a higher sense of purpose, communicating the values that drive your brand, and being inclusive, which creates a more meaningful relationship with consumers.” For example, Rainmaker Properties in Palo Alto, Calif., publicizes the fact that it donates 10 percent of every commission to a local charity of the client’s choosing.

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.

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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

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

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, top-notch educational system, bountiful amenities, diverse lifestyle choices, and tremendous family and business communities.

SAR campaign officially ended April 30th

2nd Green Home Expo boosts eco-awareness

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.

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.


International Real Estate

Madrid again hosting SIMA 09 eventThe 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.

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


cIt 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

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

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

By Janice Litke2009 WCR President

Janice Litke President Prudential Palms Cell: 727-403-1814 [email protected]

Karen Grant President-Elect RE/MAX Tropical Sands 941-349-3460 [email protected]

2009 Line OfficersCindi Jackson Vice President of Membership Exit Realty Signature Properties Phone: 941-907-7730 [email protected]

Mary Conklin Treasurer RE/MAX Alliance Group Cell: 941-504-4292 [email protected]

Dave Swenson Recording Secretary EXIT Creative Realty Cell: 941-544-4366 [email protected]

Mary Mastro Corresponding Secretary Keller Williams Lakewood Ranch Cell: 586-2402 [email protected]


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

April Fools Day at McCurdy’sWCR 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 & CompanyRenate Rodgers, Independent Title & EscrowDimi DeRose, Green Gables Home InspectionSandy Rich, Horizon Realty of Anna Maria Carrie Starr Rummery, Starr Title Ins. Services

THANK YOU TO OUR2009 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 SPONSORSPLATINUM: HomeTeam Inspection Service, Magnolia

Insurance, North American Title Company, Wells Fargo

Home MortgageGOLD: Bank of America, Stewart Title Guaranty,

X-Caliber TitleSILVER: Anderson Auctions, Attorneys’ Title Insurance

Fund, Inc., Bright House Networks, Harper & Pinzino Island Realty, Hughes Exterminators, Paul Home , RE/MAX Alliance Group

Programs Calendar 2009May 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 SARJuly 10 - Program Meeting – Mary Wolf – Path to

SuccessAug. 14 - Jack Wolf – “It’s Never To Late To Learn

To Relate” and ElectionsAug. 18-23 - WCR/FAR Annual Conference –

OrlandoSept. 11 - Annual Fashion ShowOct. 9 - District ForumNov. 12 - Emily Sperling, Community Relations

Manager, EDCNov. 11-16 - WCR/NAR Annual Conference – San

DiegoDec. 10 - Installation and Farewell


Mem

bers

hip

New

sDesignated Realtors®

Browning, Charles, Charles Browning R E BrokerCohen, Dawn, Dawn Cohen and AssociatesMcClellan, Jess, HomeSense Realty Corporation

New Members

Ashley, Mary, Coldwell Banker Res R ECorso, Ellen, Cityscapes Int’l Realty GroupEduardo, Peter, Florida Resorts RealtyEmery, Forrest, Moynihan Realty Group Inc.Fevrier, John, Listing Services DirectFinley, Teresa, Coldwell Banker Res R EFox, Ana, WEICHERT Realtors On the KeyHewitt, William, Florida Realty GroupHilding, Lori, Hunt Florida Real EstateKatanic, Amy, Coldwell Banker Res R ELantos, Emery, Prudential Palms RealtyLaVire, Tina, Property ConnectionsLudewig, Carl, Florida Gulf Realty, LLCMadden, Cherub, Century 21 AdvantageMaslen, Sandra, Research Realty Services LLCMcElderry, Linda, Waterside Realty LLCMoon, Chris, Prudential Palms RealtyMorin, Rob, Prudential Palms RealtyNordstrom, Per, Prudential Palms RealtyNordstrom, Helena, Prudential Palms RealtyPennington, Lynda, Prudential Palms RealtyRego-Caplin, Mary, Argus Realty Group Inc.Rempert, Deborah, Prudential Palms RealtyRivera, Rigo, Cityscapes Int’l Realty LBKSaemisch, Steve, Ken Brand Lic R E BrokerSeidel, Brian, American Prop Group Of SarasotaShafer, David, RKW The Richardson Group LLCSharff, Mark, Kleiber DeVito Real Estate GroupShoultz, Cheryl, New Homes Specialist of TampaSiciliano, Jennifer, Investments In SarasotaSloan, Linda, Prudential Palms RealtySmith, E. Morris, Hembree And Assoc Inc.Stevens, Leslie, Florida Gulf Realty, LLCStinson, Brigida, Century 21 AdvantageSweenor, Jeffrey, Peens Property Group Inc.Swick, Michael, Candy Swick & CompanyThomas, Hugh, Exit Realty Signature PropTonkin, Michael, ELITE Properties LLC

Now WithArthur-Rodger, Pablo, Exit Realty Signature PropBailey, Steven, Hunt Florida Real EstateBalaz, Maria, Wagner RealtyBeckerman, Margaret, WEICHERT Realtors On KeyBeles, Cecilia, Wagner RealtyBeles, Fred, Wagner RealtyBennington, Donna, Good Life Realty LLCBest, Garry, RoseBay Real Estate Inc.Bradshaw, Diana, Florida Realty Group

Bruno PA, Michael, Prudential Palms RealtyBurns, William, Waterside Realty LLCCasey, Maryann, Michael Saunders & CompanyCaswell, Bernadette, Michael Saunders & CompanyCats, Ronald, Coldwell Banker Res R EChakos, Anne, Coldwell Banker Res R EChapman, Chris, Coldwell Banker Res R ECok, Michele, Horizon RealtyCourter, Dawn, RoseBay Real Estate Inc.Crawford, Marsha, Exit Realty Signature PropDuggan, Kevin, Century 21 AdvantageFenton, Todd, Coldwell Banker Res R EFinkelstein, David, Peens Property Group Inc.Finley, Teresa, Coldwell Banker Res R EFord, Pat, Seaside Resort Rentals & MgmtFord-Coates, David, Hook & Ladder Realty IncFrake, Janet, McKenna & Associates IncGomez, Hector, Realty Executives SolutionsHania, Georges, Maran Real Estate CorporationHarraway, Charley, Hunt Florida Real EstateHartwick, Roderick, Prudential Palms RealtyHatin, Holly, Prudential Palms RealtyHewitt, William, Florida Realty GroupHilding, Lori, Hunt Florida Real EstateJames, Michael, Cityscapes Int’l Realty GroupKalin, Nancie, Coldwell Banker Res R EKasper, Timothy, Engel & Volkers Sarasota RealtyKehrer, Gary, Wagner RealtyKempf, Joseph, Oasis RealtyKistler, Richard, Wagner RealtyKlanot, Michael, Realty Executives SolutionsKukie, Wade, Allison James Estates & HomesLadimir, Daniel, Horizon RealtyLantos, Emery, Prudential Palms RealtyMadden, Cherub, Century 21 AdvantageMahoney, Mary, Hunt Florida Real EstateMannion, Robert, FL Int’l Realty of SarasotaMichel, Diana, Prudential Palms RealtyMontagano, Cory, RoseBay Real Estate Inc.Morano, Lisa, Cityscapes Int’l Realty GroupMorin, Rob, Prudential Palms RealtyMulligan, Douglas, Prudential Palms RealtyOlson, Margaret, Coldwell Banker Res R EPadula, Sandra, Florida Gulf Realty, LLCPenzotti PA, Gina, Prudential Palms RealtyPerry, Psyche, Carefree Realty LLCPetsinger, Robert, Prudential Palms RealtyPittman PA, Troy, Cityscapes Int’l Realty LBKPratt, Elizabeth, Exit Realty Signature PropRempert, Deborah, Prudential Palms RealtySaemisch, Steve, Ken Brand Lic R E BrokerSchneider, Adriana, HomeSense Realty CorporationSherman, Robert, Prudential Palms RealtySloan, Linda, Prudential Palms RealtyStinson, Brigida, Century 21 AdvantageStrelec, Robert, Billib & Billib P AStutzman, Tanya, Wagner Realty

The Association is pleased to welcome new members!


Tannenbaum, Sharon, Coffey & Company RealtyWeeks, Stephen, Prudential Palms RealtyWhittington, Jack, Wagner RealtyWiedeman, Bonnie, Coldwell Banker Res R EWilson, Diana, Exit Realty Signature PropZack, Emelie, Prudential Palms Realty

New Affiliates

Bella Luna Services, Inc.669 Trenton WayOsprey, FL 34229Phone Number: 941-445-4862Representative: David BlackSpecialty: 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 Productions1360 13th StSarasota, FL 34236Phone Number: 561-504-2887Representative: Linda LuppinoSpecialty: Production Services-Images & Virtual Tours. High Resolution-Brightly Enhanced Photographs; Interior, Exterior & Community. Customized Virtual Tours(Posting on MLS/Websites)

Gateway Bank Of Southwest Fla2035 Main Street Ste 200Sarasota, FL 34237Phone Number: 941-306-0108Representative: Dennis MurphySpecialty: 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 LLCPresidentSarasota, FL 34236Phone Number: 941-955-6333Representative: Jim AmbergerSpecialty: Commercial and Residential Land Surveying

RE Crawford Construction6771 Professional Pkwy Ste. 100Sarasota, FL 34240

Phone Number: 941-907-0010Representative: Autumn SolomonSpecialty: 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.

Sarasota/Bradenton Attorneys’ RE Council1920 Golf StreetSarasota, FL 34236Phone Number: 941-366-1600Representative: Kenneth D ChapmanSpecialty: 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 DriveTampa, FL 33605Phone Number: 813-258-5561Representative: Craig FusaroSpecialty: 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 Companies240 S. Pineapple St. Ste 201Sarasota, FL 34236Phone Number: 941-955-1874Representative: Lisa VirkusSpecialty: Triton Companies is a full service real estate investment & development company.

West Coast Home Inspection1940 Rain Forest Tr.Sarasota, FL 34240Phone Number: 941284-0322Representative: Mike PaigeSpecialty: 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.


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Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

4 9 a.m. MLXchange Basic 1:30 p.m. MLXchange E & U

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 a.m. Power Marketing (University Park CC) 9 a.m. MLXchange Reports 1:30 p.m. iMAPP

8 9 a.m. CID Deal Making

11 9 a.m.– 4 p.m. New Member Orientation & Code of Ethics

12

13 9 a.m. Impact of Government Intervention

14 8 a.m. Power Marketing (Knights of Columbus) 8:30 a.m. Green Residential Elective


18 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

21 8 a.m. Power Marketing (Knights of Columbus) 9 a.m. REO Certification Course Noon Referral Expo

22 9 a.m. CID Deal Making (Offsite) Noon Referral Expo

25 Noon Referral Expo SAR Office Closed Memorial Day Holiday

26 Noon Referral Expo

27 8 a.m. Tech Tuneup—MAR 8:30 a.m. SAR Board Meet 8 a.m. GRI Course 2 Noon Referral Expo

28 8 a.m. Power Marketing (Knights of Columbus) 8 a.m. GRI Course 2 Noon Referral Expo

29 8 a.m. GRI Course 2 9 a.m. CID Deal Making (Location TBD) Noon Referral Expo

June 1 9 a.m. MLXchange Basic 1:30 p.m. MLXchange E & U

2 8 a.m. GRI Course 2

3 8 a.m. GRI Course 2 9 a.m. iMAPP

4 8 a.m. Power Marketing (University Park CC) 9 a.m. MLX Design WEB Page 1:30 p.m. MLX Tools/Mongo Fax


MAY 2009

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® EDUCATION/EVENTS CALENDAR

Sarasota Realtor Magazine - May 2009

Documents

Transcript of Sarasota Realtor Magazine - May 2009