REALTOR® WEEKLY UPDATE

Weekly Update on PGPCNPREALTORS.com

February 26th, 2009

To view archive editions, please click HERE.  

Breaking News!

It’s A Boy!! Welcome Teegan Spencer Ryan who was born to Falyn and Keelan Ryan on Tuesday February 24^th. Mom and baby are both healthy and happy. Falyn would like to thank all of the Association members who have called and emailed with their support.

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 or email kleigh@servproofvenice.com to register today, space is limited. Click HERE for further details.

We are proud to announce the addition of New World-Class Educational Opportunities to be held at your Association.

Our very own Phillip Wilson will be presenting his 3 hour CE class “How to Sell Florida Real Estate by Auction” on April 16^th at 9am. Real Estate Auctions are on the rise and you do not have to be an auctioneer to make money by selling by Auction! This course teaches how a person with a Real Estate License can make money by working in conjunction with a Auctioneer. It also teaches how a person with a Real Estate License can structure and conduct their own Auctions. REALTORS® can increase their income by taking advantage of listing and selling Real Estate by Auction. Phillip Wilson is a nationally recognized Auctioneer and award winning speaker on the State and National level as well as the 2008 Florida Association of REALTORS® Auction Committee Chairman. Class is FREE to education passport members and $15.00 for non-passport members. To reserve a seat email david-logan@comcast.net. Click HERE for more details or to print a flyer.

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 inherent 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!

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

Last Week’s Winner

Debbie Lewis has won a $25 Chili’s Gift Card compliments of Lambert & O’Neill. Lambert & O’Neill place an emphasis on helping our REALTORS® 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.  

Weekly Update Drawing

Business Sponsor: PuroClean 1st Restoration Solutions 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 Solutions. Water – Mold – Fire – Biohazard Restoration Specialist. When property damage occurs, PuroClean is driven to provide an unmatched service experience quickly, professionally, ethically and with compassion, resulting in peace of mind for all concerned. The Paramedics of Property Damage, an IICRC Certified Company. 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

My Fellow REALTORS®/Members,

In the past week or so, there have been a number of questions regarding the $40 late charge for the Supra key billings. Your concerns are real and have not gone unnoticed. We, your leadership, realize that a $40 late fee is pretty steep, particularly on a relatively low balance due. I would like to share with you the reasoning. The following is an excerpt from an email I sent to a member in response to his concern. Please note that the decision to cut off service was one of Supra’s, not the Association.

1. The Amount - We felt that it would be best to be consistent with the amount of late fees being charged for billings.   It is $40, a benchmark set by MFR and one that seemed reasonable in most situations.  No magic formula, just an attempt to be consistent.  An on-going problem with all associations, and actually any company,  is that if a late penalty is too lenient or non-existent, people just delay the payment and wait for a second, third or fourth notice.  If it ‘hurts’, they remember and will pay it on time.  I don’t disagree that it is pretty stiff, particularly for a relatively low billing amount but additional billings and reminders take a lot of time and ultimately cost those members that do take the responsibility to pay on time. The equivalent of one full time position was previously dedicated to the collection of various billings and the tracking throughout the year.  As your leadership, we are trying to economize and make the best use of your Association dollars; we are trying to ‘cut fat’ wherever possible and one area was in our billing administration.  We cut a position from the Association staff for 2009, that of the billing administrator.  As part of that staff cut, the decision was made to convert all members to an annual billing basis for the Supra keys as opposed to a variable billing based upon the anniversary date of membership.   That being said, the amounts billed in December for the prorated amount due for Supra keys were all different amounts so some people had a lower amount due;  others a higher amount, depending upon their anniversary date with the Association. Our intent was not to create a hardship for anyone.  Notifications were sent out well in advance of the due date with several reminders when the due date was coming up and the consequences of non-payment. . . . 

Education Corner

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.

Most of the negative news surrounding real estate these days has to do with dropping values, but this story about the death of an Atlanta area cancer researcher reminds us how vulnerable a person is to attack when they are showing real estate. The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that 22-year-old Jamal Thompson was arrested Thursday for killing Eugenia “Jeanne” Calle in her luxury Atlanta midtown condo. Thompson had arranged with a real estate agent to view two condos inside the Aqua complex Tuesday. Calle overheard their conversation and said to the agent, “Don’t forget about mine. It’s for sale also.” Calle, 57, was engaged to be married and had put her home on the market.  The 20-floor condo has units that range from $300,000 to $2 million. The paper reports that after Thompson toured the lower two condos which were empty, then someone called Calle and said Thompson would like to see her 20th floor home. “Would you like for me to escort him up? “No, it’ll be fine,” Calle responded, “I don’t want him to think that we don’t trust him.”Up in the condo police say Thompson hit Calle on the back of her head, took her diamond ring, some cash and credit cards.  Calle died from blunt force trauma.  Her fiancé, a tax attorney found her body later that night. Police believe Thompson tried to case the first two condos for valuables, but when he saw they were vacant went onto the third. Thompson used his own cell phone to set up the visits and police traced the calls, even though he had used a fake name with the real estate agent. He even returned to the condo building Wednesday, allegedly to steal more property, but was turned away at the door. Thompson had been using Calle’s credit cards in the Atlanta area, police say, purchasing clothing, and a $400 watch, among other items. He gave her ring to a woman he liked. He is charged with murder and robbery by force. Thompson had a previous arrest record for burglary. For the full story and more information on REALTOR® safety click HERE.

Upcoming Events

“Come as you Were” Dance Party – Do not miss this unique social event presented by your Association’s Special Events Committee. April 25^th7pm 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!

Cinco de Mayo (that’s May 5^th for those of us who do not speak Spanish). Stop by the Association headquarters for a couple “happy hours” of food, drink, and fun from 4pm – 6pm. Keep an eye out for more details.

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!

Where in the World is…

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.

Don’t miss the Caravan.

Market Watch

Florida's existing home sales rose 24 percent in January - making it the fifth month in a row that sales activity increased year-to-year, according to the latest housing data from FAR. Florida Realtors also reported a 13 percent gain in statewide sales of existing condos last month. NAR reported that nationwide sales of existing homes - all housing types - fell 5.3 percent last month; at the same time, inventories fell to a two-year low. For the full article, click HERE.

FLORIDA BUDGET & PROPERTY TAX - Gov. Charlie Crist on Friday proposed property tax breaks up to $5,000 for first-time homebuyers, and further easing of the tax burden on businesses, landlords and snowbirds. In a video available online, Crist also noted the need for stimulating home sales and the role Florida Realtors play in the recovery process. To read the full story click HERE.

MONITOR VACANT PROPERTIES - A bill to be considered by Florida lawmakers in the upcoming legislative session would create an online registry of vacant, abandoned or pre-foreclosure properties to help local governments keep track of code violations. Supporters of the bill say abandoned homes often are rundown, making it difficult for lenders and Realtors to sell them, and depressing the value of surrounding properties. The law would require property owners to register homes as soon as the mortgage defaults, and they would be assessed a fee for listing the home in the registry. Critics say that overworked lenders would be unable to handle the added work. Source: Orlando Business Journal (02/16/09) Fluker, Anjali © Copyright 2009 INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD (301) 215-4688

NO PLACE LIKE HOME - It's not a good market outside, but it's still home inside. A survey released by the Pew Research Center finds that 90 percent of homeowners say their home is a source of comfort, and only 9 percent consider it a burden. The remaining 4 percent think it's a little bit of both. Happiness is not based on gender, race, age, income or education, according to researchers, though they did note a slight difference by region: Only 6 percent of homeowners in the South or the East consider their home a burden, but the number rises to 11 percent in the West and 14 percent in the Midwest. Overall, homeowners are happier than renters, but analysts point out that homeowners tend to have more money and be married, and overall happiness cannot be completely attributed to homeownership. To read more from the study, go to: http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1126/home-buy-sell-comfort-burden-polling© 2009 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

MLS TIP OF THE WEEK

Did you miss the Webinar on VOW services? The good news is that you can view the webinar at anytime by clicking 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? It is very important that you know what the new defaults are in the system so that you are meeting the needs of your clients and working under the rules of your broker.

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. 

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

Answer: Take NAR’s antitrust Quiz and see how you do, click HERE to begin the 8 question quiz.

Last Week’s Question

Answer: Take NAR’s Fair Housing Quiz and see how you do, click HERE to begin the 12 question quiz. Remember, what you don’t know CAN hurt you.