REALTOR® WEEKLY UPDATE
Weekly Update on PGPCNPREALTORS.com
February 12th, 2009
To view archive editions, please click HERE.
Breaking News!
February Happy Hour Social - The Association’s Business Partner Committee invites you to come join the 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, have some wonderful food, expand your social network and increase your business opportunities. February 24th 5:30pm at My Father’s Place in North Port, please RSVP to David-Logan@comcast.net. Click HERE for address and directions. Keep an eye out for a new social event on the 4th Tuesday of each month.
“Come as you Were” Dance Party – Do not miss this unique social event presented by your Association’s Special Events Committee. April 25th 7pm at the Punta Gorda Women’s Club. Food, Cash Bar, Prizes, DJ, and a lot of fun. $10 per person $15 per couple. Save the date!
Save the Date: JUNE 19th, 2009 – Please reserve Friday June 19th, 2009 for the Florida Association of REALTORS® District Conference and Trade Show which will be held at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center right here in PUNTA GORDA for the first time ever. This event will include FAR Districts 13 and 5, representing 11 local associations from Marco Island to Manatee County along with REALTORS® from around the State and Country. Keep an eye out for more details and do not miss the unbelievable opportunity right here in our back yard!
New Education Classes
We are proud to announce the addition of Four New World-Class Educational Opportunities to be held at your Association.
Top Rated speaker Nikki Ubaldini will present “Tactics to Success in a Shifting Market” based on the best-selling book “Shift: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times”. Nikki is a top rated speaker on the state and national level and has been recommended by many of our local members, so you do not want to miss this opportunity to hear from her. Class will be held on March 11th from 10am – 5pm and will include a free lunch provided by Home Watch Group of SWFL. Class is FREE to education passport members and $15.00 for non-passport members. To view the flyer with details, click HERE. RSVP to david-logan@comcast.net to register.
Join award winning instructor Steve David for a unique Risk Management course (3 hour CE credit March 24th 1pm). Today’s market is full of risk for both the REALTOR® and the Broker, it is more important than ever to know where the dangers are and how to stay out of trouble. Risk Management is all about saving your career, your license and your money. Steve says “This isn't a bad market, it's a pro’s market”, so make sure you take the time to be a professional. Also, as a bonus, Steve will provide you with some of his expertise in dealing with lenders, including: e-mail contact information for possible REO business as well as teach you the inherit risks of REO, short sales and arms length transactions. You do not want to miss this chance to see one of the best real estate instructors in the country. Free to education passport members $20.00 for non-passport members. RSVP to david-logan@comcast.net, space is limited reserve your seat today!
Free 3 hour CE Class “Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry” presented by SERVPRO®. The purpose of this course is to provide you, the real estate professional, with a better understanding of the work performed by the mitigation vendor at mold damage work sites. This course will help you understand what you or your client is going through when they have mold damage. As more agents are working with vacant and foreclosed properties the issue of mold is certainly going to become more important, you really should attend this FREE Educational Opportunity. March 2nd 8am – 11am, call 941-484-7777 or 941-460-1822 to register today, space is limited. Click HERE for further details.
REALTOR® “Town Hall” Meeting – April 23rd, 10am – 12pm. Join us for a morning of informative and timely presentations from some of our most influential local leaders. Find out what is going on and put your finger on the pulse of our area’s future. Presenters include: Howard Kunik Punta Gorda City Manager, Roger Baltz Charlotte County Administrator, Frank Desguin Charlotte County Property Appraiser, Steven Crowell North Port City Manager, Bill Furst Sarasota County Property Appraiser, and Maryann Mize of Charlotte State Bank. The session will also include time for a question and answer period. To RSVP and take advantage of this unique opportunity, email david-logan@comcast.net
2009 Business Partner Trade Show –The 2009 Business Partner Trade on February 13th, 2009 has been canceled.
Exclusive Member Discount Portrait Offer – Tuesday February 24th 10am – 2pm. This is a product specifically tailored to the needs of REALTORS® at a discounted price. This is NOT a mug shot. You will receive: A PROFESSIONAL portrait session: A minimum of 10 digital images, One digitally re-touched image, Re-touched images is cropped and sized for your business cards, website and printed marketing materials, Re-touched image comes to you via e-mail within 48 hours of your selection, Full rights to use of images belong to YOU. Sample portraits can be viewed HERE. Appointments are limited. To schedule yours today, please call or e-mail Anthony today at: abarbacane@gmail.com 941.224.1246
American Cancer Society: Relay for Life – ERA Advantage Realty presents a comedy night at Visani's on February 25th, 2009 8:00pm. It will include two comedians and the cost is $10.00 per ticket. If you would like to participate, please contact Carol St.Germain at (941) 815-3090 for more details. Please call before February 18th, 2009.
Last Week’s Winner!!
Sharon Ebert - $25 Applebee’s Gift Card compliments of Bob Myers & Home Watch Group of SWFL. Home Watch Group would like to the local REALTOR® community to allow us to protect your investment by choosing one of our scheduled weekly, twice a month or monthly plans for your vacation home, primary residence, or investment property. You can visit them at www.HomeWatchGroupSWFL.com or call 239-980-0366.
From the President’s Desk
Karen Rolland, President
REALTORS®,
As you may know, the election of Bob Gray to the position of President-Elect created an opening on the Board of Directors for the remainder of his term. I am pleased to announce that Bob “Fig” Newton has been appointed to fill the vacated Board seat for the remainder of this year. Please join me in congratulating Bob and thanking him for his willingness to serve. We are all looking forward to working with him in the coming year. I would also like to thank the people who have volunteered to work on the various committees for the Association in 2009. We have a great group of Chairpersons this year and some are still looking for volunteers. If you missed the chance to sign up last fall, please contact the appropriate chair person. The committees still looking for help are Special Events Committee (Chair Bob Newton), Ambassador (Chair Dick Miller), Business Partners (Jim Green), International (Norm White), and RPAC (Rosemary Mahoney).
Have a great week, go out, and make some MONEY!
Education Corner
Need your 14 Hour License Renewal including CORE LAW? - Our Association will be hosting the 14 Hour License Renewal course on February 26th & 27th and August 26th & 27th 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 1st 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 10th 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, 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 covers the benefits of taking the online e-PRO certification course as well as gives you up to date technology advise that you can put to use immediately. Click here to listen to a short message from Internet Crusade President Saul Klein, on why you should attend an e-PRO Workshop! This unique free seminar has limited seating, please click HERE to register today or call 866-377-6627.
Know your Contracts – March 16th, 2009. 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 16th, click HERE for details. Click HERE for more from Nancy Riley on video. RSVP to david-logan@comcast.net
NEW CLASS - "Empowerment Techniques for the Changing Face of Crime" with nationally recognized safety expert Andrew Wooten - April 24th at 1:30pm - 3 Hours CE Credit. Don’t be a victim! This seminar is designed to teach you how to take a proactive approach to safety and to help keep you safe. The seminar is broken into eight modules and the topics covered include: Introduction to Safety; Safety at the Office; Safety at Property Showings, Safety at Open Houses, Personal Safety at Home, Safety; On the Road, Crime Awareness & Prevention and Identity Theft Awareness. RSVP to david-logan@comcast.net – class is FREE for Education Passport Members, $15.00 for non passport holders.
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.
REALTOR® Safety
As REALTORS® we are exposed to the possibility of physical danger on a regular basis. Over the next few weeks we will be brining you real life stories from REALTORS® to keep you up to date on what to be on the lookout for. Also, mark your calendars for a 3 Hour CE Class "Empowerment Techniques for the Changing Face of Crime" with nationally recognized safety expert Andrew Wooten on April 24th at 1:30pm. For details see the course listings above. Would you like to share your story of survival or a tip on how you got out of a potentially bad situation? Please feel free to share your experiences on Andrew’s new blog which can be accessed by clicking HERE. Questions, stories, or comments can be left anonymously. The more we share, the more we all benefit.
February 2nd, 2009 LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, Ohio - Police are investigating an attack Sunday night at a Liberty Township housing development. Investigators said an agent was locking up a model home around 6 p.m. when a man walked up and asked to see the home. The woman told the man that she had closed the home for the night and shut and locked the door. She went to the home’s garage and found the man standing inside, investigators said, and he asked her for the business number. As she wrote down the business number, the man accosted her. The woman fought off her attacker and called 911 as he fled on foot, authorities said. "You don't think of that in this area. She actually sold us our house, so yeah, we know who it is,”. "It's concerning. There could be other homes with ladies that are by themselves, and it could happen to anybody,” For the full story and news video click HERE.
Where in the World is…
Phil Ahmed – Realty Executives Mainstream
Grace Deweese – Sun Realty
Women’s Council of REALTORS®
Meetings 1st Wednesday of each month 11:30am
Women’s Council will not have a regular meeting in March because we will be celebrating New Membership Orientation at the Association Office on Monday March 9TH at 9:00 am, all members are invited. This will be a time to network with our new members and educate them on all the benefits of Women’s Council. You do not want to miss this fun and exciting opportunity to support our new members! We have so many fantastic speakers at our monthly luncheons each of whom brings something to our members that they can use in their everyday business. Our next regular luncheon will be Wednesday, April 1st featuring Kay Keller who will be speaking on “Attracting New Business in a Lagging Economy”. We look forward to seeing everyone at our Membership Orientation in March. Please contact Linda Mazner with any questions or to RSVP.
WCR is pleased to present a “BINGO LUNCHEON” on Saturday February 21st starting promptly at 11 am. Come join WCR for lunch and BINGO at My Father’s Place Restaurant in North Port. $35.00 gets you lunch, beverage, 20 games of BINGO with a chance to win a $100.00 JACKPOT, along with an entry to win LOTS OF PRIZES. RSVP to Rose Apice at 255-0377 or rose.apice@stewart.com For directions, please click HERE.
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
Stay in Contact with your Clients - Do you want to put together your own monthly newsletter, but do not have the time to write stories? Do you already have a newsletter and need articles to help fill the pages? NAR provides you with a monthly “Home Delivery” newsletter that you can use or supplement your existing newsletter. To check out the current and archive issues, please click HERE. Another benefit of you membership in the National Association of REALTORS®
Real Estate Investors- Fannie Mae modified a policy that allowed real estate investors to have only four financed properties. The number can now be up to 10, depending on whether certain eligibility, underwriting and delivery requirements are met. Read the full story HERE.
Commercial Outlook - NAR's Realtors Commercial Alliance has formed a work group to address the lack of credit in commercial markets and find real estate stimulus strategies that can be part of the national economic recovery plan. Read the full story HERE.
Property Tax - A pair of tax-relief measures passed in the last two years have helped reduce Floridians' property taxes - down 2.1 percent in 2007 and 3.8 percent in 2008 - after three decades of steady increases, according to reports presented to the Senate Finance and Tax Committee Tuesday. Read the full story HERE.
International Real Estate – Interest is UP - The Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate (AFIRE) reports that foreign real estate lenders could grow lending by as much as 58 percent in the United States this year, with interest in cross-border property investing especially robust. In a recent AFIRE member survey, the top five most attractive U.S. cities in terms of investment dollars were the District of Columbia, New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Houston. Meanwhile, 53 percent ranked the United States as the nation providing the most secure property investments. Respondents also listed multifamily housing, office space, industrial properties, retail and hotels as the top five preferred property types. Source: National Mortgage News, Bonnie Sinnock (02/09/09) © Copyright 2009 INFORMATION INC. Bethesda, MD (301) 215-4688
MLS TIP OF THE WEEK
Are you “Playing by the Rules” - Short Sale Properties and Third Party Approval often present an agent with requests that conflict with the stated MLS Rules. It is important to know that it is your responsibility to know the MLS rules and regulations in their entirety, regarding any listing including short sales and foreclosures. All MLS rules must be followed for any listing put into the MLS system.
Violations may include:
When an offer submitted on a short sale, the seller accepts and signs the offer, the listing must go into pending with contingency, even though it goes to the 3rd party for final approval. The MLS rules clearly state “Contracts which are subject to approval by a court, lender or other third party must be reported as "pending" consistent with Article 4 Section 15 of these Rules.” “If the sellers wish to solicit back up offers, this option is available under the Contract Status field”; however, the listing must be in pending status. To read Article 4 Section 15, please click HERE.
A short sale property must be disclosed in the MLS in both the REALTOR® Only and Public remarks. The MLS rules clearly state that “failure to disclose the approved short sale verbiage in both the REALTOR® Only Remarks and the Public Remarks and by selecting “3rd Party Approval” and “Short Sale” in the REALTOR® Info field”. This is a finable violation based on the progressive fine schedule which starts at $50.00 per incident and goes up to $500.00 per incident. To read the MLS rule regarding short sales, please click HERE
This is not intended to be an all inclusive list of MLS rule violations, please make sure that you have read and are aware of all rules and potential violations. To view the MLS rules in their entirety, please click HERE.
In an effort to continually improve member satisfaction MID FLORIDA MLS is conducting a survey to ask your opinion about the organization and its services. This survey only takes a few minutes, but will help make a permanent impact on the future of YOUR MLS. To take this important survey click HERE.
Real Estate Trivia
This Week’s Question
Question: What major world city was built on top of a lake and as a result, parts of the city have sunk more than 25 feet in the past century?
Answer: See next week’s edition of the REALTOR® Weekly Update.
Last Week’s Question
Question: What Middle Eastern City has created unique massive, man-made islands off of their coast in order to host multi-million dollar homes, resorts, and estates? Properties on one of these resort communities name “The World” range from 15 – 40 Million Dollars each.
Answer: The city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is home to some of the most innovative real estate developments on Earth. These include man made islands just off the coast in the Persian Gulf. One of these exclusive developments is called “The World” which is made up of 300 private islands and from the air they look like a replica of a giant world map. To see a YouTube video of this modern wonder, click HERE. Another unique development in Dubai is the Palm islands, three communities, each made up of islands forming large palm trees, to see The Palm, click HERE.