REALTOR® WEEKLY UPDATE
Weekly Update on PGPCNPREALTORS.com
April 9th, 2009
To view archive editions, please click HERE.
Breaking News!
General Membership Meeting – April 24th 12pm. Come and hear updates and learn what is going on in our Association as well as enjoy a FREE LUNCH. Special guest speaker Andrew Wooten will be doing a short presentation on REALTOR® Safety, giving you some quick tips that may help save your life. You do not want to miss this important opportunity to stay plugged into your Association. Food and Drinks provided by Kevin Koch and Robin Lindecamp of After A Disaster, Inc. RSVP required, email l.pizarro@comcast.net to reserve your space.
“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.
Last Chance to sign up - “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. Refreshments provided by Jim and Jean Green of Bank of America. You can email them at James.M.Green@bankofamerica.com or MJ.Green@bankofamerica.com.
Toastmasters International is an organization devoted to helping you “Become the Speaker and Leader You Want to Be”. A new club is in the process of forming which will meet right here at our Association. Come join us for our next meeting on Wednesday, April 15th from 7:30am – 8:45am, there is no cost to attend the meeting and you are not obligated to join, come see what this is all about. You will have the opportunity to see what a meeting is like and discover how Toastmasters can help improve your communication and leadership skills as well as become a charter member of this important addition to the area’s professional community. Good communication skills are the keys to success in business and real estate! For more details or to RSVP for the meeting, please email David-Logan@comcast.net you can read more about Toastmasters on the web at www.toastmasters.org
Last Week’s Winner!!
Kim Platzer has won a $25 Publix Gift Card compliments of After A Disaster, Inc. Email Robin at Robin@aadisaster.com or call 866-509-4561 to pick up your prize. After A Disaster, Inc. is proud to announce that Kevin Koch and Robin Lindecamp have joined their team of experienced and certified disaster mitigation and cleanup specialists. We understand the devastation that property loss can bring, and it is that compassion and strong sense of ethics that sets us apart from others in our field. We use the latest techniques and state of the art equipment, andcan work with your insurance company to better expedite the process of mitigating your property damage. Please contact us After A Disaster at 866-509-4561 or email Robin at Robin@aadisaster.com
From the President’s Desk
Karen Rolland, President
My Fellow REALTORS®/Members,
Hey, are you geared up for April yet? There is so much going on this month, not only at the Association but all over the place! Next week is Great American Realtor Days in Tallahassee. Bill Dryburgh, your Legislative Chair and Rosemary Mahoney, your RPAC chair will be representing our Association and meeting with our legislators. April 18th is the Annual Punta Gorda Block Party, an event not to be missed. Entertainment sounds like it is going to be great so grab the family and your friends and go out to relax for a change. The following week, on April 23rd, we have our annual Town Hall Meeting here at the Association, to bring all of us up to date on the happenings in Charlotte County and North Port. April 24th, we have our monthly General Membership Meeting at noon, featuring Andrew Wooten a specialist on the topic of Safety in our workplace. Last month’s meeting went a little long but I promise to keep it shorter this month!! Immediately following the Membership Meeting, Andrew Wooten will be leading a 3 hour CE session on the topic of REALTOR® Safety. Don’t miss it; it could save your life and NO, it is not just for women. You guys are just as much, if not more, at risk than the women!! Wrapping up that week we have the Come As You Were Dance Party, an event being organized by the Special Events Committee. From what I have seen so far, you will be sorry if you miss it! Tickets are $10 for one or two for $15 and are available at the Association or from any Special Events Committee member. Bring your friends and neighbors, everyone is welcome. The last Tuesday of April, the 28th, is the Business Partners Social Hour at TGIFriday’s in Murdock. It is a really great networking event and always a lot of fun so try to make it if you can! To RSVP for any of the above events, email David-Logan@comcast.net.
On a business note, both the Fort Myers and Cape Coral Associations have officially joined the MLSAdvantage program through FAR so if you are looking for information on those Cape Coral or Fort Myers listings, don’t forget about MLSAdvantage, accessible HERE. On another note, we are in the process of revising several of the listing agreements and the implementation of a Chinese Drywall Disclosure. More information will be coming out about that soon. Have a great week and thank you for the opportunity to serve as your President this year!
Education Corner
"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. Refreshments provided by Bob Myers of Home Watch Group of SWFL or email bob@homewatchgroupswfl.com.
International Seminar - Expand your Business into the Global Market Place – May 21st 9am 3 Hours CE Credit. Learn how the Win and Serve the growing numbers of International Clientele who want to Buy or Sell Property in Florida. Presented by Mr. Tony Macaluso, winner of the International Instructor of the Year Award; the only instructor to win this National Association of REALTORS® coveted award twice. Course is presented in conjunction with the Association’s International Committee. You do not want to miss the opportunity to hear from Tony about the opportunities for international sales. RSVP to David-Logan@comcast.net , course is free to Education Passport Members and $20.00 for Non-Passport Members.
***NEW CLASS*** Digital Photography – Hands On – June 17th 9am – 11am. Bring your own camera and learn hands on from professional photographer Anthony Barbacane. Class Topics Include: Camera Functions, Creating Your Images, What to photograph, Lighting, Transferring Your Images to Your PC, Printing and Uploading Your Images. Email David-Logan@comcast.net to reserve your space today. Only 20 seats available! Course is FREE to Passport Members and $10 for Non-Passport Members.
Build Business Using the New Tax Credit: Free Webinar - Free webinar on building business around the first-time home buyer tax credit. A real estate pro who has conducted a consumer seminar on the credit will talk about marketing and the director of the H&R Block Tax Institute will talk about accounting issues. Click HERE for details and to sign up to attend. Course will be Tuesday, April 28, at 3 p.m.
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.
March 12th, 2009 ROCK HILL, S.C. (AP) -- Police say an 88-year-old client who wanted his down payment back on a deal shot a South Carolina real estate broker. Rock Hill Police Lt. Michael Belk said Richard Blow burst into a Coldwell Banker office in Rock Hill Wednesday and shot 68-year-old Jerry O'Neil in the abdomen and was taken to a hospital.
Belk said Blow had been charged with assault with intent to kill and could face more charges. Belk said he wanted his money back. Coldwell corporate spokeswoman Kim Cox told several media outlets O'Neil was the broker in charge, which is the equivalent of a manager. Belk said about 10 other employees were in the office at the time, but only O'Neil was injured. For more information on this story or to view news video, click HERE.
Upcoming Events
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
“Happy Hour” Social – April 28th 5:30pm at TGI Friday’s in Port Charlotte. 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.
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!
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, May 6th with guest speaker Paul Lioon, chairman of the Florida Bankers Association’s Trust, Asset Management and Private Banking Division. Paul will be speaking on the benefits of Wills and Trusts. WCR will also be having a District V Forum in Fort Myers at Paseo on May 21st with national renowned speaker Steve Ornicki, luncheon, and trade show for only $25! Looking forward to seeing our members and affiliates attend. Finally, on May 14th-17th we have the National Association of REALTORS® Convention where our Chapter will be receiving the 2008 Gold Excellence Award from Women’s Council and attending many learning seminars and networking. Please contact Linda Mazner with any questions or to RSVP.
Market Watch
Homebuyer Tax CreditA coalition of powerful groups that includes FAR is lobbying the state to find a way to advance first-time homebuyers the new $8,000 federal tax credit. "I was in Tallahassee last week and I met with some senators," says FAR President Cynthia Shelton. "We're pressing like mad to get this through." A new study finds that the advance would create the equivalent of 33,206 jobs and generate $514 million in tax revenue. To read the full story, click HERE.
Signing Up to Sell Fannie, Freddie REOs – Get information on and participate in selling Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac REO properties. The Freddie Mac HomeSteps program invites practitioners to sign up to receive, every week, a list of homes for sale in up to 10 zip codes, and also puts practitioners in Freddie's local professionals database. Fannie Mae's National Property Disposition Center manages its REO properties. Fannie adds vendors, including real estate professionals, as needed, pursuant to its online application process. For more info contact Jeff Lischer, 202-383-1117.
CHINESE DRYWALL - Gov. Charlie Crist has called in the feds to help with problems related to the use of Chinese drywall that could affect up to 30,000 Florida homes. On Friday, Crist sent a request for help in developing testing strategies to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control. Read the full story, click HERE.
Internet Marketing - A "secret shoppers" test of 100 IDX-powered broker Web sites found that 33 percent of agents do not respond at all to inquiries about other brokers' listings. For those who did answer queries, the average response time was over 10 hours. Read the full story click HERE.
SHORT-SALE FORGIVENESS - In the not-so-distant past, a short sale meant the lender forgave part of the home seller's debt, but the home seller - many times to his or her surprise - had to pay federal taxes on the forgiven amount because the IRS treated it like income. Under new tax rules, however, the lender sends a 1099-C, Cancellation of Debt, to the home seller in most cases. The forgiven debt does not have to be included in taxable income, and it gets reported instead on Form 982. To be eligible for debt cancellation, the mortgage must have been a primary one on a principal residence; the cancellation occurred between 2007 and 2012; and the mortgage's principal balance must be less than $2 million ($1 million if filing separately). As with any tax matter, home sellers should keep all paperwork to back up their claim in case it's questioned. It's also a good idea to consult a tax attorney on any tax issue. For more information, go to www.irs.gov. © 2009 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
MLS TIP OF THE WEEK
Is Your Listing Mapped Correctly?
Is your listing mapped correctly? The Association receives calls that when searches are done, certain listings come up on their search, and they should not. I am finding that it is because the listing did not map correctly and this needs to be corrected. For Step by step instructions, click HERE. If you have any questions, please email mgitzen@comcast.net
MLS EDUCATION - Did you miss the RealBiz360 Webinar, you can view a recorded version by clicking HERE. Webinars are also available on VOW’s as well as MyFloridaHomesMLS.com public site. New and existing members are able to take the required MLS Basic and Entering & Updating courses online. All courses are free and available at MFR MLS UNIVERSITY by clicking HERE.
Real Estate Trivia
This Week’s Question
Question: What trendy and highly unusual hotel must be totally rebuilt every year?
Answer: See next week’s edition of the REALTOR® Weekly Update.
Last Week’s Question
Question: What U.S. City is now known as a home for the rich and famous, was world famous as a lima bean field up until the 1920s?
Answer: According to Wikipedia On October 22, 1906, the community of Beverly Hills was declared open by the Percy H. Clark Co., managers of the tract of land. It was described as a "beautiful suburban residence between this city [Los Angeles] and Santa Monica." The community was designed to allow the buyers to build a custom house on the land they purchased in the new development. The Rodeo Land and Water Company decided to name it Beverly Hills after Beverly Farms in Beverly, Massachusetts. Prior to this, the land was known as the Hammel and Denker ranch, which was one of Southern California's most fertile lands growing lima beans. To read more about Beverly Hills, click HERE.