REALTOR® WEEKLY UPDATE

Weekly Update on PGPCNPREALTORS.com

January 29th, 2009

To view this newsletter online, please click HERE.

Breaking News!

$5000 technology basket - ALL 2009 $99 dollar RPAC contributors have the opportunity to place your name in the drawing for a technology bundle worth $5000, along with 3 runner up prizes! If you think that you will never win, then you have not heard that our very own Bob Gray won 2 tickets to the Daytona 500 this past week because of his RPAC contribution! RPAC is what stands between you and the constant threats to your business- a sales tax on your commission, higher taxes on your business and increasing the Real Estate Taxes. Contact Rosemary Mahoney, RPAC chair for details! rpac@rosemarymahoney.com

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.

It’s All About the Price – Will we ever see “once upon a time again” in real estate and lending? What (or who) really caused this global pandemic-economic crisis? Up until now, all of the actions from Washington DC, have been treating the symptoms. So when do we address the real problem of reduced prices? What can we do to stimulate prices? Are we there yet, or does this go on and on? You do not want to miss this unique opportunity to hear from an internationally recognized real estate expert Dr. Ted C. Jones. Please RSVP to David-Logan@comcast.net to reserve a seat today! February 12^th 9am -11am, FREE!

FAR 2008 Honor Society Application - FAR has released the application for the 2008 Honor Society. In order to qualify you must 100 points based on local and state Association participation. To see the details and fill out the application, click HERE. The application must be signed by Linda Pizarro and received at FAR no later than Friday, February 6^th, 2009. Do not delay; submit your application as soon as possible.

Weekly Update Drawing

Business Sponsor: PuroClean 1^st Restoration www.PuroClean1stRestoration.com

Please click HERE to be entered in a drawing to win a $25 Publix Gift Card compliments of PuroClean 1^st Restoration. PuroClean is a leader in property damage restoration and has earned the trust of property owners, insurance professionals and home service providers throughout the United States and Canada since 2001. Backed by a comprehensive network of over 215 franchise offices and a national training and business support center, each PuroClean office responds promptly to property emergencies demonstrating a high degree of professionalism and compassion. PuroClean technicians are thoroughly screened, insured and trained in utilizing the latest in mitigation technology and procedures throughout the remediation process while operating under a strict code of ethics. In addition to serving the needs of property owners, PuroClean offers hundreds of continuing education classes each year to insurance professionals and property service providers nationwide. In 2007, PuroClean trained over 3,500 insurance professionals nationwide helping them earn their continuing education credits. For more information on PuroClean 1st Restoration Solutions, please contact Robin Lindecamp at 941-205-3131 or visit www.PuroClean1stRestoration.com        

From the President’s Desk

Karen Rolland, President

REALTORS®,
I would like to take time to thank you for choosing me to lead this wonderful Association. This past Monday I, along with your 2009 Directors and Officers, took the oath of office to lead and serve you for the next year. We do not take this task lightly and commit to work hard on your behalf. I would also like to thank Bill Dryburgh for his leadership and direction in 2008, as we all know 2008 was not an easy year for anyone, but Bill’s leadership has put us in a position for greater success in the 2009. I hope to see you all involved, attending membership meetings, and participating in the future success of your Association.

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 March 16^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.

Visit the Education Calendar for full course offering and details.

Welcome New REALTORS®

Congratulations to the following REALTORS® who completed their New Member Orientation:

Where in the World is…

Congratulations!

The following awards were given at our annual installation banquet which was sponsored by Kevin Russell, Attorney; Dawn Cash and Debbie Guzman of All Phase Insurance; and Patricia Frangello of Countrywide Home Loans. Please help us congratulate the following members and Business Partner for their hard work and dedication to your Association.

President’s Award – Dick Miller

President’s Award – Sharon Neuhofer

Business Partner of the Year – Garrett Kizer of Adam’s Homes

REALTOR® of the Year – William Comber

2009 Association President – Karen Rolland

Also, at the FAR convention in Orlando our very own Cynthia Logan was installed as FAR’s District 13 Vice President. Congratulations to Cynthia on this achievement.

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

Maryann Mize: Putting Reality in Real Estate - How real is Realtytrac's recent press release that lists our area as one of the top foreclosure areas in the nation? The Web site has the statement that one in 212 households in Charlotte County are in foreclosure. Is this an accurate depiction of our area? Well, I think it depends. It depends on how Realtytrac makes its calculation. To find out, several months ago I contacted Realtytrac at the company's Irvine, Calif., base and posed this question: Our county has more than 100,000 platted vacant lots. This is a unique characteristic of our area, not shared by many counties in the nation. Additionally, many of those vacant lots were purchased by speculators during the past several years. And now many of those vacant lots are in foreclosure. Does your foreclosure numbers include vacant land that is in the foreclosure process? If it is, I believe Charlotte County's household foreclosure rate is distorted. After four days, I received the following response from Realtytrac: Read the full story HERE.

Changes to Doc Stamps Tax? - The Florida Legislature may consider a doc stamp tax change during its regular session that begins in March. Large commercial properties can change hands through a corporation sale rather than a property sale, which effectively shields corporation-owned property from paying doc stamp taxes. Read the full story HERE.

Southwest Florida: Apartment complexes doing OK- Apartment complex occupancy grew faster in Southwest Florida than anywhere else in the state in the fourth quarter even as average rents fell - but experts said that's because people lost their homes to foreclosure in record numbers. For the full story click HERE

Fannie Mae REO Rental Policy - On January 13th, Fannie Mae announced the establishment of a new National Real Estate Owned (REO) Rental Policy that will allow qualified renters in Fannie Mae-owned foreclosed properties to stay in their homes. Currently, Fannie Mae has an eviction suspension in place through the end of January, which will allow for the new policy to be fully operational prior to that program concluding. Read the full story HERE.

FAR BOARD OF DIRECTORS' ACTIONS - The Florida Association of Realtors' Board of Directors met on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009, at the conclusion of the Mid-Winter Business Meetings. The Board approved a number of actions, including public policy initiatives, bylaw amendments, general policy amendments and the Realtor Scholarship Fund. To read the FAR Board of Directors' approved actions, look for the link under "What's New" (password required) on the home page of floridarealtors.org.

FEEDBACK ON LEASE/EVICTION FORM REVISIONS - The Florida Supreme Court will soon consider changes to three residential lease forms recommended by the Florida Bar Association. As part of the review process, the court will entertain comments from interested parties for 30 days beginning on or about Feb. 1. The forms affected include the Residential Lease for Single Family Home and Duplex; the Residential Lease for Apartment or Unit in Multi-Family Rental Housing (Other Than A Duplex) Including a Mobile Home; and the Residential Lease for Apartment or Unit in Multi-Family Rental Housing (Other Than a Duplex) including a Mobile Home Condominium or Cooperative.
The Florida Bar has also submitted changes to certain residential landlord-tenant eviction forms. Click here (http://www.floridarealtors.org/LegalCenter/HotTopics/formRevisions.cfm) to read more about the proposed form changes and how to register your comments with the court.

MLS TIP OF THE WEEK

Short Sale Pilot Program - The Mid-Florida Regional MLS has been selected by Fannie Mae to launch a Pilot Program designed to speed up short-sale transaction times. Fannie Mae has preapproved the purchase price they are willing to accept on more than 300 properties located within the MFR service area.  MFR has received permission to contact the listing agents of these properties. If you are contacted by us, please respond as soon as possible as we are anticipating a good response from the buying public. Keep your eyes open to your local media as we will be conducting press releases to promote the pilot program and stimulate buying activity on these properties. Read more >>>

“Qualified Housing for Older Persons” has just gotten Easier - In October 2008, The Mid-Florida Regional MLS created a new field in MLXchange, allowing listing agents to label a property as “Qualified Housing for Older Persons” with the requirement that an affidavit be attached in the process. Beginning February 2, 2009, the process will be easier! If a property is located in a community already listed on the Florida Commission on Human Relations website as an Over 55 Community, a few simple clicks to verify will save you the time and trouble of obtaining and uploading the notarized affidavit into MLXchange. Read more >>>

Real Estate Trivia

This Week’s Question

Questions: The Real Estate and Financial Market challenges are not just impacting the real world, but also the virtual world. What is the name of the popular virtual world where millions of Avatars (virtual people) can buy, sell, and lease virtual real estate, some of which sells for thousands of REAL dollars?

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

Last 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?

Vice President of the United States? – Number 1 Observatory Circle (U.S. Naval Observatory)

British Prime Minister?- Number 10 Downing Street

President of France? - 55, rue du faubourg Saint-Honoré (Elysée Palace)

President of Russia? - 1st building in Moscow’s Kremlin

Prime Minister of Canada? - 24 Sussex Drive

President of Iran? - Per Sharia Law, the nation is not permitted to construct a residence solely for the use of a political dignitary

President of Kyrgyzstan? – The White House (for a picture of the Kyrgyz White House click HERE)