REALTOR® WEEKLY UPDATE

Weekly Update on PGPCNPREALTORS.com

January 22nd, 2009

To view archive editions, please click HERE.

Breaking News!

2009 Business Partner Trade Show – Mark Your Calendar!! The 2009 Business Partner Trade show will be held on February 13^th, 2009. Stop by any time between 10am-2pm. Enjoy Food, Door Prizes, Networking, Giveaways, and fun! Do not miss this chance to network with our fantastic Business Partners and see what products and services they have to offer. Please RSVP to David-Logan@comcast.net if you plan on attending.

What is your Economic Future? – Don’t Miss "Wall Street, Washington, Real Estate and the Economy" – FREE - February 12^th 9am-11am - This timely and important seminar, sponsored by Stewart Title, will feature Nationally Recognized Speaker and Economist Dr. Ted Jones, Chief Economist of Stewart Title. You do not want to miss this unique opportunity to hear from an internationally recognized real estate expert. Please RSVP to David-Logan@comcast.net to reserve a seat today!

Charlotte County Public Schools is pleased to announce a new web address (URL) which will be easier to remember and pass on to your clients please bookmark www.yourcharlotteschools.net to get the most up to date information on our first rate public schools. You can still use the old address www.ccps.k12.fl.us if you would like. Both sites are exactly the same. North Port schools can still be accessed through the Sarasota County School’s website www.sarasotacountyschools.net

Last Week’s Winner!!

Linda Navelski   - $25 gift card to Olive Garden, please stop by the Association office to receive your prize compliments of Lambert & O’Neill. Lambert & O’Neill would like to remind the local REALTOR® community that they prepare distressed and incomplete properties for the marketplace and no project is too small for their interest. You can visit them and see examples of their work at www.lambertandoneill.com or call toll free 877-463-1640.

REALTOR® Beware

REALTORS® be aware that our association has had a report of the following incident in Port Charlotte, please review and pass along this information as you see fit:

“There was a knock on the door. Five pleasant, presentable ladies were there. The spokes person said that I (the Realtor with my name on the sign out front) wasn’t available but had told them to knock and ask to be able to view the home. They were interested in buying. The lady of the house let them in. The husband joined them and asked to see the spokes person’s business card. She seemed knowledgeable and in charge. She said she didn’t have a business card, but that I had instructed them to view the house. He told them that they would have to leave immediately and would have to come back with a REALTOR® to see the house. One of the women had made it down the hallway to the bedroom before he evicted them. No harm done this time. I made the sheriff’s department aware.”

From the President’s Desk

Bill Dryburgh, President

REALTORS®,
I would like to use my last Weekly Update message as your Association President to thank you for all of your hard work over the past year. 2008 was certainly a year of change, adaptation, and sacrifice for everyone in our profession and I look forward with optimism to 2009 and beyond. One of the main complaints over the past year was communication therefore this newsletter is one of your leadership’s responses to a valid issue of concern from the membership and certainly proof that your President and Board of Directors is listening and willing to act to make this association better for everyone. I thank you all for taking the time to read this newsletter every Thursday morning and by doing so, you are a part of the process of making this association better all the time.

This coming Monday we will formally induct Karen Rolland as your 2009 Association President and I know that she will be a leader who I will be proud to serve. I look forward to supporting and helping her lead for 2009 and I hope that you are all ready to work for more positive change in our local REALTOR® association. Have fun and keep selling in 2009.

Education Corner

Transaction Desk – Are you interested in training for Transaction desk? Our Association is looking at options for Transaction Desk training and would like your input. Please email david-logan@comcast.net and let us know that you are interested, we will put together a contact list and keep you up-to-date on any future course offerings. Please include in the email what type of Transaction Desk training you are looking for, provide as much detail as possible. Also, let us know if you have had any experience with the online Transaction Desk webinars or other training, were these classes helpful or not? Again, please provide as much detail as possible. If you do not use Transaction Desk or know what it is, but would like details, please contact David Logan for more information. You can also obtain information on Transaction Desk by clicking HERE.

Need your 14 Hour License Renewal including CORE LAW? - Our Association will be hosting the 14 Hour License Renewal course on February 26^th & 27th and August 26^th & 27^th this year. This 4 session course will meet your 14 hour license requirement including CORE LAW and QUADRENNIAL ETHICS. Course can be taken in full or each session al la carte. Classes will be FREE to anyone who signs up for the Education Passport with their dues. Non Passport holders will pay $15 per session or $60 for the entire 14 hour course. Please email David-Logan@comcast.net to reserve a space today. ***Remember that January 1^st 2009 begins a new Ethics Cycle, all 14 hour courses held at our Association will include the new required Ethics course, don’t wait until the last minute, get your ethics requirement out of the way***

FREE e-PRO SEMINAR March 10^th 1pm - Have you ever been interested in a REALTOR® designation, but had questions or just want more information? Here is the perfect chance for you to check out the details in a relaxed setting. Our Association will be hosting a free 90 minute e-PRO workshop led by Mike Barnett, Vice-President of Technology for InternetCrusade®, where you can learn about the e-PRO designation, ask questions, and learn everything you need to know to put you on the path to e-PRO success. The e-PRO Workshop is free to attendees and covers the benefits of taking the online e-PRO certification course. It will also cover many beneficial technology tips you can apply right away. e-PRO is the only online technology certification course offered by the National Association of REALTORS and it’s NAR's fastest growing certification course. This is a no-obligation free seminar. At the e-PRO Workshop, attendees will also receive a $25 gift certificate to be used for enrolling into the online e-PRO course. All existing e-PROs (and those currently enrolled in the course) who attend and bring a guest will receive an e-PRO pin ($25 value). e-PRO is recognized for elective credit in the designation requirements for CRS, ABR, and CIPS designations. This unique opportunity has limited seating, please click HERE to register today or call 866-377-6627.

Know your Contracts - Do you know what each paragraph in a sales contract means? "Your knowledge of the contract protects the buyers, the sellers and you," says Nancy J. Riley, a Realtor for more than 30 years, 2007 FAR president and a member of the state's Taxation & Budget Reform Commission. She says “If you're not clear about a contract, talk with your broker or take classes through your local association”. The next Contract Class is available locally on January 26^th, click HERE for details. Click HERE for more from Nancy Riley on video.

Making the most of your Mid-Florida Membership? Sign up for additional FREE training and unlock the tools to help you succeed! See the list of FREE Mid-Florida educational opportunities. Courses include “Design Web Page”, “iMapp: interactive tax and mailing labels”, “Tools: MongoFax, RatePlug, ShowingTime and MLX Wireless ”, “Creating a Professional CMA”, and “MLXChange Advanced”. Most classes are HANDS ON with laptops provided. This additional training is included in your Mid Florida membership, so do not miss out on these opportunities. Click HERE for class schedule, additional details and to reserve a seat. There are still spaces available for December classes; sign up soon seating is limited.

Nationally renowned “Mastering Real Estate Marketing and Technology Workshop” is coming to Sarasota - Learn why top producing agents across America are hailing the Workshop as “The best real estate seminar they’ve ever attended.” Max Pigman, National Speaker and Vice-President of REALTOR.com^® will condense a lifetime of no nonsense, high impact real estate knowledge into one of the most valuable 3 hours of your real estate career for FREE. Click HERE for details.

Visit the Education Calendar for full course offering and details.

Business Partners:

Our Association is blessed to have an amazing variety of Business Partners who help us serve our clients every day. Our business partner’s also work very hard to help sponsor various Association events which provide everyone with a better experience. When was the last time you contacted one of your Business Partners to find out what is going on in their industry? There is no better resource for your business than Your Business Partners. We would like to welcome the following new Business Partners:

Bob Myers – Home Watch Group

Paul Maggio – SERVPRO

See the Business Partner page on our website to contact one of our partners today.

Where in the World is…

Angela Cash - Sun Realty

Richard Francois - Re/Max Harbor

Congratulations!

Debbie Saunders has earned her e-PRO® REALTOR® Designation. For more information about the e-PRO® designation, please see the Education Corner above and sign up for the FREE e-PRO® seminar on March 10^th.

Women’s Council of REALTORS®

Meetings 1st Wednesday of each month 11:30am

Support WCR and have a chance to WIN IT BIG! Join us on a trip to the Seminole Casino on Saturday, January 31^st. Enjoy Blackjack, Live Poker, and Vegas Style Slots. $20 will get you a seat on the comfortable charter bus along with $5.00 in free play. Bus departs at 9am and returns at approximately 6:30pm. Please call Rose at 941-255-0377 for details or to sign up for this unique event. We look forward to seeing everyone at our next meeting at the Association headquarters on Wednesday, February 4^th at 11:30am. Please contact Linda Mazner with any questions or to RSVP.

Don’t miss the Caravan.

A Caravan is a great opportunity to showcase your listing, network with fellow Realtors®, get pricing opinions, and have a good time. No listing to show?…just come along for the ride!

Punta Gorda Caravan – 1st Thursday every month – 8:15am – Home Choice Real Estate - 6101 Duncan Rd. To have your listing included contact Mike no later than noon on the Tuesday prior to the caravan.

Port Charlotte Caravan – 3rd Thursday every month – 8:15am - PGPCNP Association Office. E-mail Karen Martin two days prior to the caravan date to have your listing included. Listings can also be faxed to Karen at 941-743-9023.

Market Watch

Appraisal Changes - On Jan. 9, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced revisions to their Home Valuation Code of Conduct. Starting on May 1, lenders that want to sell their loans to the two industry behemoths must follow new guidelines. Mortgage brokers and Realtors, for example, will not be allowed to choose appraisers. Read the full story HERE.

Web-based Tools aid in Visualizing Home Makeovers - Several free Web-based applications can help homebuyers redecorate by creating a facsimile of the final product before any money has been spent on paint or furniture. Advanced technology tools used by decorators are also available, but at a cost of $100 and up. Read the full story HERE.

Looking for ways to Lower Business Costs? $50 cell service may start price war - A cell phone service price war could erupt soon. The prepaid division of Sprint, known as Boost, will soon offer unlimited calling - voice, text, Web browsing and more - for just $50 a month, or about 50 percent less than what the national carriers charge. For the full story click HERE

Property Tax - Florida snowbirds, so long left out in the cold when it comes to lower taxes, may find their property tax bills falling this year along with real estate market values. In most cases, those values are dropping between 8 and 15 percent. Read the full story HERE.

AUCTIONS ON THE RISE - Nearly $17 billion in homes were auctioned off in 2008, and the figure would be even higher if foreclosures sold at sheriff’s auctions were included in the tally. Experts say private auction houses have seen a jump in business as lenders turn to them to unload real estate owned (REO) properties, home builders look to get rid of surplus inventory, and highly motivated home sellers seek out speedy sales. The industry also could benefit from the federal government's purchase of distressed properties. Bidders are cautioned to inspect the properties beforehand, as well as determine the home's value. They will be required to front 5 percent to 10 percent of the property price and finalize the deal within 30 days, losing their deposit if financing cannot be obtained. Source: Scripps Howard News Service (01/15/09) Melia, Marilyn Kennedy © Copyright 2009 INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD (301) 215-4688

Upcoming Events

Downtown Punta Gorda’s SUNLOFT CENTER is proud to present: Furnished Model Residence Open House. Thursdays from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm beginning today January 22^nd, 2009. For more details on the Sunloft Center or contact information, please click HERE.

2009 Social Events – The Association Business Partner Committee invites you to come join the Association's Members and Business Partners for a time of Networking Fun. Enjoy FREE APPETIZERS, DRAWINGS, DOOR PRIZES, and SOCIALIZING. Do not miss out on the opportunity to mingle with fellow REALTORS and Business Partners. Expand your social network and increase your business opportunities. January 27^th 5:30pm at Visani’s, please RSVP to David-Logan@comcast.net. Keep an eye out for a social event on the 4^th Tuesday of each month.

MLS TIP OF THE WEEK

Searching for Property outside of MFR’s Area? – We are fortunate to be a part of Mid Florida MLS which covers 13 local REALTOR® Associations, but from time to time you may want to search for properties outside of the Mid Florida MLS system. One option that you may want to consider is FAR’S MLS ADVANTAGE which can be accessed by clicking HERE. MLS Advantage will provide you FREE access to 45 local association’s MLS data. Also, FAR has just announced that Effective today, FAR's Web site for mobile devices - http://m.far.org - has added a Florida property search function, making the search for a home easier for Realtors and consumers throughout the state. This is a very simple scaled back PUBLIC MLS SEARCH which will provide access to listings all over the State from a mobile device. You can access the full (non-mobile) site by clicking HERE.

Also, don’t forget that you have a FREE WEBSITE through the Florida Association of REALTORS®. You need to keep this site maintained and up to date, so that when the public searches for properties they will find your webpage, photo, and a description of your business. You can access this site by visiting http://fl.living.net and logging in. Make sure to take advantage of this member benefit as well as your free website through Mid Florida. The more exposure you have on the web, the more prospective buyers will be able to find your information. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Gitzen

Please click HERE to visit Mid Florida’s website to view this month’s MLS News Headlines. This page is full of practical MLS tips which will help you to optimize your business and work smarter. Reading this page on a regular basis will keep you up-to-date on your MLS and help you get the most out of your Mid Florida Membership.

Real Estate Trivia

This Week’s Question

Questions: You already know that the President of the United States lives at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave in the White House. Can you identify the house or address of the following world leaders?

Answers: See next week’s edition of the REALTOR® Weekly Update

Last Week’s Question

Questions: This past Tuesday, January 20^th, we inaugurated the 44th President of the United. See if you can answer the following questions about inauguration history:

The first inauguration to be photographed? - James Buchanan's. (1857)

The first inauguration to be televised? - Harry Truman's (1949)

The first inauguration broadcast on radio? - Calvin Coolidge's (1925) oath was administered by Chief Justice and ex-president William Taft.

The first inauguration to carry the President in an automobile? Warren G. Harding (1921)

Who are the 6 Presidents to NOT be inaugurated in Washington D.C.? Where?

George Washington—1789, New York City; 1793, Philadelphia

2.     John Adams—1797, Philadelphia

3.     Chester Alan Arthur—1881, New York City just past midnight at his Lexington Avenue residence on September 20 by New York Supreme Court justice John R. Brady

4.     Theodore Roosevelt—1901, Buffalo in the Ansley Wilcox House

5.     Calvin Coolidge—1923, Plymouth, VT at his family residence by his father, a notary public. The home had no electricity or telephone. The oath was taken at 2:47 am by light of a kerosene lamp, after which he went back to sleep. He was later re-sworn in by the Chief Justice of the Court in Washington D.C.

6.     Lyndon Baines Johnson—1963, aboard Air Force One in Dallas at Love Field Airport. LBJ is the only President to have been sworn in by a woman (Federal Judge Sarah T Hughes). Also a Bible was not available on Air Force One, so the oath was taken on a Roman Catholic missal which was found in Kennedy’s desk.

Which President had the shortest inaugural address? Which President had the longest inaugural address?

George Washington – 135 words (2^nd inaugural address). His first inaugural address was 1444 words.

William H. Harrison's – 8,445 words

Barack Obama’s inaugural address totaled 2,585 words and took just under 20 minutes.