1

The Realtors® Association of Citrus County, Inc. exists to inform, educate and uphold the high standards set forth in the REALTOR® Code of Ethics enhancing our members professionalism and image while fostering cooperation among our members and serving our communities. We provide education and leading-edge technology to better safeguard private property rights and promote equal housing opportunity.

September 2012 Realtors®Association of Citrus County Volume X , Issue 9

Recently I had a client say to me "I can't imagine trying to keep up with your day to day activities. When do you find time to sleep?" It pretty much threw me off balance for a couple of minutes. My reply to him was "You know that's Real Estate and pretty much what all Realtors® do on a daily basis." I am sure you - like me --have had those clients who have asked "Just what do you do for

the rare transactions where you list the property - get an offer within a week --a cash buyer quick close and no inspections. I know --those are the ONCE IN A BLUE MOON closings. Those are, I believe, the reward closings for the 10 previous ones that either fell apart - had lenders issues, or you ran around trying to put the fires out spending all of your commission on gas before it even closes!!!! Of course , when I heard about the Blue Moon on August 31st I automatically thought of these examples of what I feel happens also :

1. You are working floor and a buyer walks in knowing exactly what they want, where they want it, even know of a listing available (yours being the one) and have cash to pay for it! 2. You show the first listing of many and they say "This is it - 3. Your seller understands the market and takes the first reasonable offer. 4. You go on a listing appointment and they say "You know best, just tell us what to sell it for ...where do I sign?" 5. You have to show 10 vacant homes and most of them have the air on! Wheeeeew! 6. Sellers have left you and your buyer a little snack to revive and enjoy the home (actually happened to me re-cently ...nice touch listing agent!) 7. Your buyers give YOU a gift at closing :) 8. You receive a cold call from a buyer to see your listing and write contract with in hour!

I am sure you can add many, many more and I hope there are some of you that this list is a weekly or monthly happening, not a "Blue Moon" happening. But I am going to guess most of us smile and hope for next time to be one of these. We all can be grateful for the upswing of business recently ....good ,bad, frustrating, joyous, big commissions, not enough to cover your gas bill commissions, we are all still doing what we love REAL ESTATE! I truly believe for most of us, our clients not only appreciate what we do for them, they become friends and part of our lives............... Thank God that is NOT Once in a Blue Moon :) Board Happenings:

we need a quorum. Please be there.

Have you checked out all the new Icons and improvements in MLS? WOW if this isn't making your life easier you haven't truly used them!

Keep in mind the NAR convention is being held in Orlando November (7-12). What a great opportunity for some fantastic education and networking time!

Our annual Habitat Golf Tourney is October 1st....get your golf buddies and sign up TODAY! Need more info? Call Debbie Scott @352-665-8282.

Business Partner Showcase (Affiliate Fair) October 11th...if you've never attended, this is the year! What fun -great networking-great prizes-show BP's your appreciation!

Meet and Greet October 24th bring clients, friends, neighbors anyone with questions for our political arena. Use this opportunity to gather knowledge about who you want to vote for in the general election!

Respectfully Your President, Sarah Spencer

2

What an informative General Membership Meeting we had in August. Amy Ellis, Director of Communication & Government Relations for TBARTA was the guest speaker. Amy started the presentation by covering the trends in the Tampa Bay Region over the past 3 decades and the projected needs by 2050.

Amy explained that TBARTA (Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority) was created July 1st, 2007; she also talked about their capabilities, purpose and vision. TBARTA covers 2 FDOT Districts, 2 Highway Toll Authorities, 3 Regional Planning Councils, 5 Metropolitan Planning Organizations, 7 Counties, 7 Transits, 42 Cities and 6,000 square miles.

The master plan for TBARTA was updated in 2011 and benefits include boosting the economy, creating jobs and commuter services. In 2012 and beyond they plan to expand methods of transportation solutions as well in engage the private sector in the delivery of transportation services.

For more info visit www.facebook.com/TBARTA.TampaBay or www.transportationlounge.com Once again members and Business Partners had the chance to hear from Vince Cautero, Director of Planning and Devel-opment. Vince updated everyone on the status of the Aerobic Septic Tank issues, the request for a site in Ozello for Pirates Cove and the Kings Bay Marina project. Vince also talked about how many permits have been completed and the average turn-around time. To hear more about what is going on in Citrus County, please be sure to attend a break-fast or lunch Membership Meeting, Vince also provides us with an update at these events.

August also welcomed 8 new members: ~ Century 21 Nature Coast, Brogan Cunningham~ RE/MAX Realty One, Victoria Slocumb~Terra Vista Group. Dustin Bradley ~ RE/MAX Realty One ,James Howsare~ Weston Properties, Les Magyar ~ Craven Realty, Lisa Jimmo~ Terra Vista Group, Charlene Pilgrim~ ERA Suncoast

The Education, Affordable Housing, Technology, Legislative and RPAC committee Chairs provided updates to the membership as well.

Lucky Winners:

John Finley won $110 in the Share and Share Drawing with another $110 benefiting RPAC. Isaac Baylon won the RPAC Bag of goodies. The large Door Prize (A Cookie Bouquet) donated by the Business Partner of the month, Southern Security went to Bill Decker. Table centerpieces donated by Southern Security went to Sally Wade, Debra Ferguson, John Finley, Lori Haussy, Debi Beltz, Lisa Jimmo, John Maisel, Becky Norman, Gitta Barth, Lynn Garrison and Jackie Davis. Thank you Southern Security!

Charlene Pilgrim had the chance to draw for the Queen of Hearts valued at $400. Charlene did not draw the Queen of Hearts but she will receive a free meal at the next General Membership Meeting. Make plans to attend the meeting on September 13th, you will have an Opportunity to win $425 (34 cards).

August Membership Meeting

Bill Decker

John Finley

3

Rob Tessmer Jr and Lynn Garrison

Amy Ellis, TBARTA Sarah Spencer and Charlene Pilgrim

Deborah Scott and Cheryl Nadal Deborah Scott

Bonnie Rosenberger, Florida Realtor® AE Chairman Award

Vince Cautero

4

5

6

RPAC NEWS OF THE MONTH!

AMAZING RACC members who invested in RPAC and got us to that 200% of goal dream of mine. And, by the way, we rank SECOND in the State!!!

If you missed the Membership meeting on the 16th, you missed the announcement that we walked into the Florida Realtors Convention at 194.7% of goal and 61% participation, but left at 200%+!! That is just wild!

needed for Capital Club status, to join in at the Capital Club breakfast. Also, Bonnie Rosenberger (2X) and Cheryl Lambert (1X) got into the air booth at $20 a pop, looking to get one or more of the prize slips blowing

to help get us near the top. The money raised from our contribution to the auction items, at the RPAC party, tossed us right over that top. A big shout out to the Plantation Hotel and Debbie Rector for their generous donations.

RPAC Alert I sent out, just a $5.00 contribution will increase the RACC State participation rate. Our current 61% participation rate has already given us a HUGE voice within Florida

Association office at (352) 746-7550 and make your contribution. Cash, check or charge.

The following are the latest investors. I will have the Investor Pins for you at the September Membership

Thanks again to all of the Investors!

Cheryl Nadal

RPAC Chair

CLIFF ANDERSON

CHARLENE ANGELO

REGINA BRINKMAN

MARIA CHIAPPY

JOHN HOLLOWAY, JR

TAMARA MUNDAY

SHERRI ORENDORF

SANDRA PERKS

JANELLE PRUITT

KAREN ROPES

MELISSA SENEY

TRISTA STOKES

SALLY WADE

ED WEEKS

7

Mickey and Linda Cridland with Sarah Spencer working the check in table

Peggy Taylor, Sarah Spencer and Linda Cridland with Jimmie T Smith.

8

Candidate for Sheriff Winn Webb

With Scott Adams and Sheriff Jeff Dawsy Campaign.

Candidate for County Commissioner Ron Kitchen Jr

Superintendent of Schools Sandra "Sam" Himmel

Candidate for County Commissioner Renee Christopher-McPheeters

Candidate for County Commissioner Charles Poliseno with Bonnie Rosenberger

Candidate for Superintendent of Schools . Sandy Balfour and Beverly Isabelle

Richard DeVita

MEET

AND

GREET

9

10

11

12

13

Did you know RACC has a Library? That is right!! Stop by the association and browse through 60+ titles. Here are

Social Media for Realtors, Facebook Increasing your Presentation Power The Digital Paper Trail The Happy Home Inspector Live Rich and Stay Wealthy for Women Time Management Before Hitting Send 21 Things I Wish My Broker Had Told Me Absorption Rate Pricing

And many, many more! A link to the entire Library is now available on the MLS under Links of Interest.

Have you completed your NAR Mandated Quadrennial Ethics Training?

The National Association of Realtors mandates all Realtors® MUST complete Quadrennial Ethics training every four (4) years. You can complete the class online at www.realtor.org, you will need to login, hover your mouse over the Education Link, Click on Code of Ethics

September 14th 1-4pm (Includes 3 HR CE, refreshments provided by Brighthouse) October 25th 9-11am or 1-4pm (Does not include CE, refreshments provided by

(Cadence Bank and NCF Title)

December 7th 9am-noon (Includes 3 HR CE,)

Contact Melonie@raccfl.com or call 746-7550 to verify whether or not you need this class.

14

About 18 months ago I started reading articles by experts that Microsoft would dominate the mobile technology market by 2015. I was skeptical but added it to my presentations and have delivered the message since then. I could see Microsoft not laying down and watching as Apple and Android (Google) seize the ever growing market as the desktop and laptop market continues to shrink. Blackberry the once major player in the mobile market is in big trouble as stock has dropped from a high of around $150 to $10 now. Things can change quickly in this market if I told you in 2008 that Blackberry might not see 2013 you would have told me I was crazy. Oh how about Palm in 2007 did we think they would be GONE in 4 years?

So why am I telling you not to buy anything mobile today? The big players in mobile technology are lining up to release new products this fall. Once we see what is released we can then decide what is the best device (for now). Please remember what I always preach when you purchase a device live with it for two

Microsoft (MS) expects to make a big splash this fall with Windows Phone 8 and the Surface Tablet. MS has a plan and is slowly releasing details causing high expectations and from what I have read the products will be equal to the big two Apple and Android. Getting on the same level with the big boys would be quite a leap for MS.

Apple

improvements so we each need to look at the list.

Android (Google) is stepping up highlighting how Android has more bells and whistles then Apple. The consumer is winning here as these two products keep pushing each other giving us more features many we will never use. Recently Samsung released the Galaxy S III to the disappointment of many. Again

months.

BlackBerry (BB) this could be it for them with the scheduled release of BB 10 this fall. For BB to survive they need an iPhone style release selling millions of them quickly. The problem many were die hard BB fans but because no new releases consumers switched to either Apple or Android. Can they get the market back, only time will tell?

So guess it will be an interesting fall and holiday season for many of you looking to upgrade or jump into the Smartphone, Tablet and Pad market. Please

Dick Betts National Speaker

www.DickBetts.com

Dick@DickBetts.com

15

16

17

MLS TIDBIT HAVE YOU USED THE LATEST TOOL ON MLS? IMPREV

There is an exciting new tool available to help you market MLS listings, Imprev. You will see a new link to this program in the links bar at the top of the Full Display in InnoVia. Imprev will allow you to design and customize several marketing pieces, including Flyers, Postcards, and Streaming Flash Property Presentations. Once inside the program, to learn more, simply click the Guided Tour and/or Support links at the top.

If you have any questions, please call the Inno Via support team at (800) 334-0831.

MLS WARNINGS AND FINES FOR AUGUST In August the MLS issued the following to Participants and/or Subscribers: Warnings: Duplicate Listing (2) Wrong Category (2) Pending and Closed (2) No Photo (3) Fine: Pending and Closed (1) for $100.00 Violation of the same offense will be subject to the following:

1st offense: Written Notice

2nd offense: $50.00 Fine

3rd offense: $100.00 Fine

Failure to submit contingent, pending and closed information within two (2) business days.

Failure to enter a photo. Note: The seller may request in writing a photograph of the property not be included.

Failure to enter a listing in the correct category.

18

19

A 9 year Realtor®volunteer board member of Nature Coast Affordable Housing Corp. Is pleased to support our newly opened Home Again Resale Store which exclusively funds kids program at the Central Ridge Boys & Girls Club. Home Again is looking for Realtor® referrals of bulk furniture that can be con-signed or donated to this 501 (c) (3) organization as set forth on their website. http://homeagainresalestore.com

Most non-profits that offer free pick up of bulk inventory don't offer the advantage to our clients of 50% consignment.

Please call store manager Dianne Piotti at Home Again if you have any leads on whole house donations/consignments: 270-8861

20

21

22

23

Citrus County's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Team

Registration starts at 9:30am Walk Starts at 10:30 am

Withlacoochee State Trail Rails to Trails, North Trailhead N Apopka Ave, Inverness

Come join us, once again, for our annual walk to Fight Breast Cancer!

Our goal this year is to beat the $10,000.00 mark. WE CAN DO IT!!!

Forming a team, or just walking alone.. .everyone helps!!! No set amount to attend (in fact, those who CANNOT walk are still

encouraged to join us!), just donations you receive from friends, family, coworkers - whatever sponsors you can get!

So put on your Pink (Bra, or just anything) and bring some dollars for the bake sale, Chinese auction, and 50/50 raffle that accompanies the

community luncheon, sponsored by local companies.

For more information, or to obtain a registration/donation sheet, give us a call at (352) 637-3800 or drop an email to PinkCitrus@hotmail.com.

See you there!!!

24

25

26

Sep-tember 2012

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2 3 Labor Day Bd Closed

4 MLS Bd Mgrs 3:30

5 How to know when trans. going South 3 Hrs CE 1-4

6 Bd Directors 8:30 Affodable Housing 11:30

7 8

9 10 11 Orientation 8am - 4pm Ed Comm 8:30 Tech Talk 1-3 Innovia

12

13 Election of Officiers & Directors Memb Mtg 11:30 Afford Housing 10:00

14 ICE Quad Ethics 1 - 4pm 3 Hrs CE

15

16 Rosh Hashanah

17

18 Ask the Expert Brad Thorpe Port Citrus 1-3pm

19 Tech. Comm 1:30pm

20 Realist 2 Training 9-11 FREE Affor. Housing 10:00am

21 22 Autumn Begins

23 24 25 Yom Kippur

26 27 Affor. Housing 10:00am

28 29

30

SEPTEMBER 2012

27

These statistics were taken from the MLS on These statistics were taken from the MLS on

July 31, 2012 August 31, 2012

RESIDENTIAL VACANT LAND RESIDENTIAL VACANT LAND

Active 1526 Active 1907 Active 1517 Active 1921

New 304 New 143 New 298 New 106

Closed 151 Closed 25 Closed 196 Closed 21

Pending 239 Pending 32 Pending 241 Pending 25

BOM 166 BOM 70 BOM 163 BOM 72

0

100

200

300

400

500

1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr

Single FamilyCondoMobileVacant

Realtors Association of Citrus County 714 S Scarboro Ave Lecanto, FL 34461 Phone: 352-746-7550 Fax: 352-746-3223 email: bonnie@raccfl.com Web: http://www.raccfl.com

Chart displays Closed listings

Sincere Sympathy REALTORS® Kathy and Hugh Tolle on the loss of mother, Kay Tolle.

REALTOR® Tasia Seijas on the loss of her father-in law, Ernie Seijas.

Business Partner Jacqui Watkins on the loss of her father, John C. Myers, Sr.