REALTOR® WEEKLY UPDATE
Weekly Update on PGPCNPREALTORS.com
March 12th, 2009
To view archive editions, please click HERE.
Breaking News!
General Membership Meeting - March 18th 12pm You do not want to miss our very first General Membership Meeting with our 2009 Association President Karen Rolland! Steve Weinberg of RealBiz360.com will be demonstrating the new VuVista™ online marketing tool through Mid Florida MLS. VuVista™ is the industry’s newest, most powerful suite of online marketing and imaging tools featuring an immersive, interactive viewing experience. We will also hear from REALTOR® Sam Hague of Venice who is also responsible for the area’s Toastmasters International. Sam is coordinating the formation of a Toastmasters Club which will be held right here at YOUR ASSOCIATION. Show up between 11am and 12pm for a Free Cookout with the meeting beginning at noon. Food is provided by Scott Joiner of
“Happy Hour” Social – March 24th 5:30pm at Mamma Nunzia in Punta Gorda. 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. RSVP to David-Logan@comcast.net. Click HERE for address and directions.
From the President’s Desk
Karen Rolland, President
My Fellow REALTORS®/Members,
How many of you have been to Realtor.org lately? If you haven’t visited the site, I strongly suggest that you do it soon! NAR, in an effort to provide the maximum benefit to its members in this trying economy, has discounted a number of publications (some are FREE!), educational seminars, and has come up with great partnership offers with the providers such as Dell, Fed Ex, car rental companies, etc. Click here to get a sampling of the benefits. While you are there, click on Government Affairs to see what NAR is doing for you. On that page you will see a box to the far right called “How to Get Involved”. Check out each of the topics and learn just how much information is available to you just for the asking. I guarantee that if you spend just 15 minutes on this page, you will learn just how valuable your membership is and where your membership and RPAC dollars are used.
I don’t want to discount what is also available on the Florida Realtor site though. There is a wealth of information available to you and tools that you can use daily. Did you know that the NAR website was actually modeled after the FAR site? Florida Association of Realtors has consistently been on the cutting edge, not only with their web site and their technology tools but with their publication, Florida Realtor. In fact, Florida Realtor walked away with an armful of awards for the publication at the NAR annual meeting this past November.
We are all inundated with ‘stuff’ to read every day but if you read anything, read REALTOR and FLORIDA REALTOR every month. You would be amazed how much information is there and how it will help you in your business and your personal growth as an expert in the industry.
On a local level, your association is here to provide you education, community and local government updates and representation, and administrative and technical support. If ever, you feel something could be improved upon or added to enhance our services to you, I would hope that you would let us know! Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your President this year.
Education Corner
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 9am – 12pm, click HERE for details. Click HERE for more from Nancy Riley on video. RSVP to david-logan@comcast.net
Risk Management - Join award winning instructor Steve David for this unique 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 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! Refreshments sponsored by Mark Martella of the Martella Law Firm who can assist you in handling your legal challenges in a professional manner in the areas of business law, real estate, bankruptcy, association law and construction law.
***NEW CLASS*** “How to Sell Florida Real Estate by Auction” April 16th 9am. Our very own Phillip Wilson will be presenting his 3 hour CE class. 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.
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.
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 bringing 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.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- An attack on a real estate agent in Volusia County has the local association reminding agents to be smart and safe.
Police said when Janice Flasscheon showed a home on Elizabeth Place in South Daytona on Monday a man posing as a homebuyer pulled out a hammer and attacked her, WESH 2 News reported. After Flasschoen was attacked, she turned the tables on the suspect. She was alone showing the property, and many agents, particularly women, do the same thing day in and day out.
Real estate can be profitable, but it can sometimes be scary and risky business. "I carry my cell phone and I have my pepper spray," said realtor Michele Lenharr. They are unusual tools of the trade, but Lenharr said she wouldn't be without them. A lone woman who makes her living meeting strangers, Lenharr has a game plan. "I keep the back door open so I have an escape route, and I park my car in front of the house, not in the driveway, so I have an escape route if I should feel threatened in anyway," she said.
Flasschoen was attacked while showing a home in South Daytona. After she was hit in the head with a hammer, Flasschoen knew it was either suspect Balazs Gombos or her. She got the upper hand. "And I just reached out and I just kicked him between the legs and I just kept kicking, and he threw the gun aside and that's when I realized the gun wasn't real," Flasschoen said.
In 1992, a real weapon was used to kill Deborah Snowden in South Daytona as she worked a model home open house. No one has ever been arrested. Three years ago, police say Richard Pate robbed and threatened realtors in Volusia and Flagler counties while posing as a buyer.
Flasschoen survived with the help of some construction workers who held the suspect for police. After the incident, Lenharr said she is that much more wary as she shows homes and she never turns her back on a client. "I let them go ahead of me so that I'm never in a room with them behind me and feeling trapped," Lenharr said.
Various REALTOR® associations said they hold safety training programs and will likely put more emphasis on them now. Some of the realtors also take self-defense classes, just in case.
Upcoming Events
Toastmasters Table Topics Challenge March 25th 6:00pm – 7:45pm Watch teams from Venice and Englewood compete in a JEOPARDY themed table topics challenge, and help us vote for the best responses. Come see what Toastmasters is all about, meet members from around the area and hear some exciting news on new clubs starting in Port Charlotte and North Port! Toastmasters is a non-profit organization developing public speaking and leadership skills through practice and feedback in local clubs since 1924. Come learn to conquer your fears, express your ideas and succeed! To RSVP please email sam.hague@comcast.net
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, 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
“Come as you Were” Dance Party – April 25th 7pm, Do not miss this unique social event presented by your Association’s Special Events Committee to be held at the Punta Gorda Women’s Club. Food, Cash Bar, Prizes, DJ, and a lot of fun. $10 per person $15 per couple. Tickets can be purchased at the Association office or by emailing the Special Events Committee chairperson Bob “Fig” Newton.
Cinco de Mayo (that’s May 5th 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 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!
Where in the World is…
Dennis Gardner – Allison James Estates and Homes
Steven Bailey - Horizon Realty
Women’s Council of REALTORS®
Meetings 1st Wednesday of each month 11:30am
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”. Also we are excited to have our WCR District Vice President, Donna Guido, in attendance, this will be a great opportunity to meet a member of our State’s WCR leadership team. 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
Loan Modification Questions? After the Obama Administration announced its $75 billion housing program, many homeowners had a simple question: "Do I qualify for a lower mortgage interest rate?" HOPE NOW, an alliance between HUD and others, announced a single application form that can be filled out online to find the answer and, if applicable, start the modification process. To read the full story, click HERE.
The Economy Isn't Really that Bad - At the height of the boom, many people thought the party could never end, a term economists call "irrational exuberance." Today, however, many people have "irrational pessimism," or a fear that things will continue to get worse. Those people were wrong before, and they're wrong now. To read the full story click HERE.
HUD on YouTube - HUD has produced videos for YouTube and Facebook designed to educate deaf and hard-of-hearing consumers about their fair housing rights, housing counseling services, and FHA loan programs. To read the full article, click HERE.
Ethics Alert!! - The Florida Bar recently published an ethics alert about attorneys who provide legal services to distressed homeowners. The alert contains a partial list of activities an attorney cannot engage in, such as: paying a referral fee to a non-lawyer for referring distressed homeowners to the lawyer; directly or indirectly dividing fees with a non-lawyer; and allowing a non-lawyer to directly contact a distressed homeowner on the lawyer's behalf. The Alert is available in the Legal Center by clicking HERE. Questions? Contact FAR's Legal Hotline at 407-438-1409.
FORECLOSURE RENTERS - Freddie Mac announced it has extended its moratorium on foreclosure-related evictions to April 1. At the same time, Freddie Mac launched a program yesterday, announced in January, that allows owners facing eviction to remain in their homes as renters. The company says it started contacting at-risk homeowners yesterday about the rental program to offer them a month-to-month lease. Rent will be based on prevailing local market rates, and homes must meet local property codes. It's unclear how many homeowners would qualify, however. Freddie Mac has 8,500 properties facing foreclosure but many are already vacant. Freddie Mac's HomeSteps (www.homesteps.com) real estate unit will handle the details, and foreclosed owners who opt to stay and rent must allow potential buyers to view the property.
MLS TIP OF THE WEEK
IMAPP is an industry leader in providing tax roll data, parcel maps, and integrated MLS information. Once you are logged in, you have a host of intuitive tools for searching, displaying, and reporting the public property tax records for every county in Florida. With the click of the mouse, you can view county tax records, deeds, recently sold properties, aerial photos, building sketches, demographics and foreclosure information. The knowledge you gain from IMAPP will allow you to speak more authoritatively about every property you investigate.
For more information on IMAPP 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 “iMapp: interactive tax and mailing labels”, “Design Web Page”, “Tools: MongoFax, RatePlug, ShowingTime and MLX Wireless ”, “Creating a Professional CMA”, and “MLXChange Advanced”. Classes are HANDS ON with laptops provided and are held right here at your association. 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.
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: Many celebrity homes are easily recognizable, but how much do you know about the vacation/investment homes of the rich and famous? Check out Forbes’ list of Celebrity Second Homes including photos and descriptions by clicking HERE.
Last Week’s Question
Question: One of our Nation’s most popular cities, often referred to as the “Capital of the World”, is New York City. How much do you know
about housing in the “Big Apple”? Take the following fun quiz and see how you do.
Answer: Click HERE to begin the 10 question quiz (please note that it is from February 2003)