REALTOR® WEEKLY UPDATE

Weekly Update on PGPCNPREALTORS.com

February 19th, 2009

To view archive editions, please click HERE.

Correction

We incorrectly listed the sponsor of the last weekly update drawing in the February 12^th Newsletter. We would like to thank Bob Myers of Home Watch Group of SWFL for their sponsorship and support. You can contact Bob at 239-980-0366 or bob@HomeWatchGroupSWFL.com. You can also visit them on the web at www.HomeWatchGroupSWFL.com

Breaking News!

Save the Date: JUNE 19^th, 2009 – Please reserve Friday June 19^th, 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 11^th 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 24^th 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 2^nd 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 23^rd, 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

Weekly Update Drawing

Business Sponsor: Lambert & O'Neill, Inc - www.lambertandoneill.com

Please click HERE to be entered in a drawing to win a $25 Chili’s Gift Card compliments of Lambert & O’Neill. Lambert & O'Neill is a local Builder/Remodeler, with years of experience in Residential and Commercial, New and Remodeling Construction.   They also specialize in Hurricane Shutter/Impact Window Protection, Mold Remediation with Clearance Certification, and Waterproofing for the aftermarket.  They are a Registered Certifying Agent and Members of the Florida Green Building Coalition, emphasizing the practice of energy conservation as they build their final product.  
Many of our Association Members are clients of Lambert & O'Neill both before and after Charley.  Lambert & O'Neill restored the PG/PC/NP REALTOR® Association building and was the Contractor for the 2007 renovation of facilities on the building.  The company has placed strong emphasis on a need by our REALTORS® to prepare distressed and incomplete properties for the marketplace.  Uncompromising quality, on time delivery, and attention to detail in all their projects has earned them the successful reputation they enjoy. Visit them at www.lambertandoneill.com  or call toll free 877-463-1640.  No project is too small for their interest.

From the President’s Desk

Karen Rolland, President

To my fellow members,

Your Board of Directors of the MLS and the Association met yesterday to map our goals for the coming year and the years to follow.  It was a great session led by the one and only David Powell, Treasurer of your Association.  We talked about the challenges we have faced in the past and those that we may be able to expect in the future.  There is one thing that I would like all of you to keep in mind.  We work for you and for this Association.  It is a totally volunteer situation but our intent is to make it better for you, be it in the form of education, MLS access, community involvement or whatever.  If and when you ever have any suggestions as to how we can make things better for you I would hope that you would feel free to contact me or Linda Pizarro.  If you are not happy with us, let me know but be forewarned that I will ask you if you have ever been involved in trying to facilitate a change.  We need your input and more importantly, your involvement.  Get involved.   Be part of it and make a difference.

We recognize that we are in a very crazy market and an even more crazy economy.  We do not know all of the answers but our intent is to always put a positive foot forward.  The fact of the matter is that our market has been in a positive position (2007 v 2008) for the last 11 out of 12 months and THAT is something to shout about.  Take advantage of it and go out there and make some $$$!

Education Corner

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, 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 16^th, 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 16^{th 9am – 12pm}, 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 24^th 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 24^th 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 10^th, 2009 Oklahoma City - Well I don’t know about all of you but my Tuesday morning was very rough!! As you all know I am a REALTOR®. I got a call 3 different times from a young man wanting to look at a listing of mine. I got there early and I let him in. After touring the home twice, we were standing in the kitchen and I started talking to him about his current home. When he told me how much he paid, and how big the home was, I knew he was lying. I knew I was wasting my time, and I was ready to go. He had a different idea. He stood near me in the foyer, and said let’s look at the backyard, I said go ahead but I wanted to stay near the front door. He guided me to the back door; he pulled his knife, took it to my neck and laid me on the floor. He said if I was quiet, he would not "take me out". He went thru my wallet, and got all my credit cards and bank debit cards. He said we are going to your bank. We got in the car, he sat in back seat with knife to my back. We drove thru an ATM and I withdrew money until no more would come out. I had just had a closing, so he got thousands. When we left the bank, he wanted me to drop him off. He directed me to back of an apartment building and opened his door to get out. I still did not know if I was safe but I was calm. He stepped one foot out of the car and went to stand. I stepped on my gas and I was free!! For the full story and news video click HERE.

Upcoming Events

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.

URGENT: Blood Supply is at Dangerously Low Levels - Coldwell Banker Morris Realty, 2825 Tamiami Tr in Punta Gorda will be hosting the Bloodmobile on Wednesday, February 25^th, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.  Everybody is welcome to visit us and donate Blood.

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 24^th 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 4^th 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 25^th 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!

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 9^TH 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 1^st 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 21^st 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.

Market Watch

Charlotte Sun Herald: Real Estate Bargains for the Picking - Even with foreclosures, short sales and the overall recession, local real estate markets appear to be doing better than might be expected. Homes that offer a real bang for the buck can be found -- for those who have the cash or the credit rating to get a mortgage. For the full article, click HERE.

Important Septic System Changes - A move by the Florida Department of Health to limit nitrogen seepage through septic systems could force some homeowners to install new and expensive septic systems. However, questions remain, and one component worries Realtors: It calls for a septic inspection at the time of a home sale and a likely septic tank replacement. The Department will hold a meeting on Feb. 19 in Orlando, and the public may attend and comment. To read the full article click HERE and to email your comments to Bureau of Onsite Sewage Programs click HERE.

MLS TIP OF THE WEEK

VOWs are Here and MFRMLS is Ready! It’s a new BUZZ word and a new acronym – VOW.  Just what does it stand for? Virtual Office Website.  And just what is a VOW? It’s an on-line business environment that brokers can add to their existing services, allowing password protected access brokerage services, including to listing information. It’s not a public website and requires an established relationship with a customer or client to access.  You’ve likely heard the term but may not be aware that MFRMLS must be ready to provide VOW services to our Participants on 2/15/09.  The good news: We are Ready! The VOW policies are a result of the recently settled lawsuit between the Department of Justice and the National Association of REALTORS®.  It’s important to note that there is absolutely no requirement that a Participant offer VOW services – it is merely an option.  To view a pre-recorded webinar or take a live webinar to announce the new Virtual Office Website rules (VOW) as it pertains to your business, click HERE. The webinar will include topics such as: What is a VOW? How does it affect your broker business? What changes affect the MLS? What are your next steps?

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.

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