November 2005 - Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee

Transcription

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Sarasota Realtor®
Volume 2, Issue 11
November 2005
Sarasota Association
of Realtors®, Inc.
3590 South Tuttle Avenue
Sarasota, Florida 34239
Phone: 941/923-2315
FAX: 941/923-0191
www.sarasotarealtors.com
Sarasota
R E A LTOR
M
Treasurer
Dan Page
RE/MAX Properties
Immediate Past President
Nick Figlow
RE/MAX Gulfstream Realty
Chief Executive Officer
Curt Singleton
November 2005
6
8
Director of MLS Information Systems
Victoria Szurant
Director of Professional Development
Catherine McCaskill
Production
Serbin Printing, Inc.
Sarasota Realtor® Advertising:
For information on advertising rates and
deadlines, contact Ray Porter at 941/328-1168
or [email protected].
Subscriptions: The annual dues of every
member of the Sarasota Association of
Realtors®, Inc., includes a one-year subscription to Sarasota Realtor® magazine. A yearly
subscription for Sarasota Realtor® magazine is
available to non-members for $25, plus Florida
sales tax.
Editorial ideas and manuscripts are welcomed.
Byline articles and columns express the
opinions of the writers and do not necessarily
reflect the policies or sentiments of the
Sarasota Association of Realtors®, Inc. All
submitted copy is subject to editing.
2005 Copyright© by the Sarasota Association
of Realtors®, Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without
written permission is prohibited.
I
N
®
E
Volume 2
Issue 11
Tide is turning
AHPs on the way?
Is affordable health care coming for small businesses, including Realtors, in 2006?
Seven previous attempts have failed to produce new legislation.
10
ESLPP referendum slated Nov. 8
Become better educated on the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection
Program before voting on Nov. 8.
12
Buyers need Realtors too!
With a potential buyers’ market in the future, the role of Realtors will become even
more crucial, and buyers will be seeking your expertise. Are you ready?
16
Top concerns for Legislature
Let your voice be heard on real estate issues by attending the Sarasota County
Legislative Delegation public hearing on Nov. 3.
17
Commercial Lien Act is here!
Finally, commercial Realtors have a law that facilitates the payment of
commissions without going to the courts.
Director of Communications
Ray Porter
Director of Member Services
Dan Andrews
Z
Most survey respondents now favor concrete government action to spur the
creation of more affordable and workforce housing in Sarasota County.
Sarasota Realtor® is published monthly by the
Sarasota Association of Realtors® Inc.
Editorial Staff
A
Contents
Mission Statement
The Sarasota Association of Realtors®, Inc., is
a professional trade association committed to
providing quality programs and services for its
members; enhancing the image of its members
in the community; upholding the Realtor®
Code of Ethics; planning for the future needs
of the organization; and to protecting private
property rights.
G
“The official monthly magazine of the Sarasota Association of Realtors®”
2005 Officers
President
Judy Schomaker
RE/MAX Properties
President-Elect
Felix Power
Coldwell Banker Residential R.E.
Secretary
Joe Hembree
Hembree and Associates Inc.
A
28
Pay dues by electronic check
Your SAR membership payment will be due soon, and you can save time by
paying online through electronic check – and get a $20 SAR store coupon!
In every issue
10- Governmental Affairs Update
14- Jim Todora column
21- Ethics in Action
22- Sales & Listing Statistics
24- Education Programs
34- Realtor Etiquette
35- WCR News
36- Membership News
41- International Real Estate
44- Calendar of Events
Did you know? In 1925, the state formed the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) to bring some order and
rein in the unregulated real estate operators who had swarmed across the state selling everything above water and sometimes under it!
ON THE COVER: Will Sarasota County experience a major workforce exodus in the coming years because of
the lack of affordable and workforce housing? What’s being done to ensure this does not happen? See Page 6
for this month’s Cover Story.
Several images contained in this issue were purchased from www.istockphoto.com.
NAR's home sales forecast looks stronger
t
The forecast for annual home sales has
trended up as the year progresses, fueled
lately by added demand resulting from
recent hurricanes, according to the
National Association of REALTORS®.
David Lereah, NAR’s chief economist, noted it was
thought at the beginning of the year that 2005 would have
the second-best total for both existing and new-home
sales. But by June it was apparent that another record was
in the works.
“Post-Katrina, our sales projections for this year have
moved even higher,” Lereah said. “Short-term momentum
is very strong, and our Pending Home Sales Index just set
a record. In addition to the housing needs of hurricane
victims, we may be seeing some ‘fence jumping’ from
homebuyers who are getting into the market before
interests rates move higher.”
Existing-home sales are forecast to rise 4.2 percent to
7.07 million in 2005, while new-home sales are expected to
increase 7.1 percent to 1.29 million. Total housing starts -
single-family and multifamily - should be up 4.5 percent to
2.04 million units this year, the best showing since 1973.
Single-family starts are seen at a record of 1.70 million.
The national median existing-home price for all housing
types is forecast to increase 12.5 percent in 2005 to
$208,400, while the median new-home price should rise 3.9
percent to $229,700.
In 2006, NAR expects the median existing-home price to
grow by 5.2 percent and the median new-home price to
rise 7.1 percent. Historic home-price gains are 1.5
percentage points above the rate of inflation, which is seen
at 2.6 percent next year.
“Although energy prices are the chief culprit in current
inflation concerns, we project oil prices to settle early next
year—that would cause inflation to quickly dissipate,”
Lereah said.
Inflation-adjusted disposable personal income is
expected to grow by 1.4 percent for 2005. The U.S. gross
domestic product is seen at 3.5 percent for all of 2005, then
picking up early next year as hurricane rebuilding
accelerates. The unemployment rate is projected to
average 5.2 percent for the next three quarters, then
decline to 5.0 percent in the second half of next year.
- NAR
Installation Banquet, Annual Celebration
planned for Dec. 7 at Michael’s on East
The Sarasota Association of Realtors® has enjoyed a
tremendous year in 2005, with membership topping 4,000
Realtors® for the first time in history.
To celebrate this monumental milestone, and the
numerous other accomplishments during the year, the
Annual Celebration and Installation Banquet is set for
Wednesday, Dec. 7 at Michael’s on East in Sarasota.
Go to Page 38 to cut out the Registration Form and ensure
you will have a seat at the celebration. The form is also
posted online at www.sarasotarealtors.com, and you can also
register through “Education Registration” button.
The festive event will combine the installations of the
SAR 2006 Officers and Board of Directors with the
installation of SAR’s Commercial Investment Division 2006
Officers and Directors. Entertainment will be provided by
Rob Satori and his Sax Trio, and a character artist will be
on hand to entertain the partiers.
Judy Schomaker, President of the SAR Board for 2005,
will provide a review of the year’s activities and
accomplishments, plus announce the winner of the Realtor®
of the Year award, the Humanitarian of the Year award,
and the Meritorious Service award. Chairs of the 2005 SAR
committees will also be honored.
Incoming CID President Steve Ross, taking over for
President Janet Robinson, will also address the crowd on
the CID’s historic year, during which membership rose to
more than 270.
The 2006 Board President will be Felix Power, who
continues as one of Coldwell Banker’s top agents, achieving
membership in the real estate firm’s Diamond Society and
International President’s Circle. Power has also been active
in SAR activities for the past several years.
Association members on Sept. 28 elected the new board
and directors, including:
• President-elect -Joe Hembree of Hembree & Associates;
• Treasurer -Helen Sosso of Prudential Palms Realty;
• Secretary - Kris Niehaus of Century 21 Advantage
Five directors were also elected to serve 3-year terms
(2005-2007): Eric Shumway of RE/MAX Suncoast Realty;
David Groom of Sylvia A. Groom; Roger Piro of Century
21 Advantage; Judy Hockett of RE/MAX Properties; and
Steve Bailey of Michael Saunders & Company.
One director, Lee Gerletti of Keller Williams Realty, was
elected to serve a 2-year term (2005-2006); and one
director, Brian Kennelly of Osprey Real Estate Services,
was elected to serve a 1-year term (2006).
Sarasota Realtor Magazine
November 2005
5
Cover Story
Tide is turning
Public opinion shifts toward greater
governmental support for affordable
housing in Sarasota County
i
In 2004, affordable housing was a growing concern,
and a “serious problem” in Sarasota County, according
to 85 percent of citizens responding to a county survey.
But most people were not willing to spend tax dollars
or provide incentives to builders and developers to
help provide for more affordable housing units.
That scenario has changed
dramatically in 2005, perhaps due to
the increase in publicity for the
issue, and the growing urgency of
the problem.
Now, 57 percent of the 2005
citizen survey respondents support
fee reductions to builders and
developers to spur construction of
more affordable housing units.
About 56 percent endorse allowing
more flexible zoning to help create
more affordable homes. And more
than 58 percent favor spending
county funds to facilitate the
creation of affordable housing units.
The citizenry still draws the line
when it comes to higher density in
their own neighborhoods to help
supply affordable housing units.
Only one-third of poll respondents
would favor that approach to
alleviating the problem. But the
survey breakdown by age groups
and financial demographics reveals
that almost half of younger
residents, and those who rent, would
even favor this approach.
The recently completed county
survey follows another survey over
the summer, conducted by the
Workforce Housing Coalition of
6
November 2005
Sarasota County, which indicated
almost 80 percent of local employees
would expect problems buying
a home today, due to lack of
affordable homes.
The various poll results reinforce
the growing concerns about the
impact of surging home prices on the
everyday lives of people working in
our community.
The City of Sarasota has also
entered the picture, and this
December the Downtown Partnership
of Sarasota will draft text for a
proposed comprehensive plan
amendment to help create an
Attainable Housing Overlay District
in the city. The district would allow
for incentives to induce homebuilders
to create more affordable housing
within the city boundaries.
The Workforce Housing Coalition,
brainchild of the SAR and EDC,
among other groups, has identified
the following strategies to help
alleviate the problem, ranked in
priority order:
• Redevelopment/infill/mixed use
• Creation of an overlay district
• Community Housing Trust
• Use of Fringe Assets
• Comp plan revisions
• Density as a stand-alone strategy
The local real estate community has
taken ownership of the affordable and
workforce housing issue in Sarasota
County, creating the Realtor
Affordable Housing Fund to help:
• Conduct research on affordable
housing issues
• Generate public education efforts
on affordable housing issues
• Provide capital for future
affordable housing projects
Recent events like the Commercial
Investment Division’s Golf
Tournament at Lakewood Ranch Golf
& Country Club helped raise almost
$17,000 for the fund. In addition, the
annual Taste of Sarasota and Realtor
Day events provide monies toward
the cause.
As has been stated before, the
ability to locate and purchase a home
within a family’s price range, and
geographic work area, is integral to
our overall community’s health and
sustainability. A deficiency in
affordable housing can be felt at all
levels, and impacts many important
issues, including:
• The availability of a qualified
workforce in the community
• The number of vehicles clogging
our roads during peak hours
• Clean air and water, and
a generally clean and
safe environment
• The costs of roads, gasoline and
other transportation-related items
• The ability to attract skilled and
hi-tech workers to our area
• The ability to attract quality
corporations to relocate to
our area
• The desire to offer our children
an opportunity to buy homes and
live in this community after
completing their education
Affordable housing
funds at risk
A bill in the U.S. House intended
to strengthen regulation of Fannie
Mae and Freddie Mac following
their multibillion-dollar accounting
scandals includes a proposal that
faces opposition from a coalition of
nonprofit and faith-based housing
developers. If passed, the bill would
prevent them from receiving millions
of dollars from an affordable-housing
fund if they had participated in getout-the vote initiatives. Keep up
with the bill’s status in the SAR
Weekly Update.
November 2005
7
AHP health insurance for Realtors®,
small businesses still on the table
w
Editor’s note: Federal legislation is now moving closer to the President’s desk that could offer Realtors an opportunity to contract for
affordable health care insurance. This is the second part in a multi-issue series, examining the problem, and the possible solutions.
Will 2006 be the year the Small Business Health
Fairness Act gets through Congress and is signed into
law by President Bush? Or will the legislation once again
die in the Senate, defeated by opponents who claim it
will reduce – not increase – the number of individuals
covered by health insurance?
Only time will tell. But the National
Association of Realtors® has made the
issue a top priority for lobbying
efforts, and the rising number of real
estate practitioners without any health
care coverage is beginning to put
heavy pressure on lawmakers in the
nation’s capitol.
Approximately 28 percent of
Realtors across the nation have no
health insurance at all – dramatically
up from the 13 percent reporting no
health coverage in1996. And only 7
percent of real estate firms offer
health coverage for independent
contractors – the largest segment of
the real estate industry.
Association health plans, which the
legislation would allow, permit small
businesses to compete with large
employers for workers who need
good health care coverage for their
families. The plans also put selfemployed workers on equal footing
with corporate employees and union
members when it comes to quality,
affordable health insurance,
according to the NAR. A coalition of
more than 170 groups has already
endorsed the association health plan
(AHP) legislation.
But, according to a 2003 study
performed by the Mercer research
group, businesses participating in
AHPs would realize a 10 percent
average cut in premiums. while at the
same time the plans could raise
premiums for companies keeping
8
November 2005
traditional insurance by as much as 23
percent. The end result - while 8
million persons could gain coverage
through AHPs, as many as 9 million
could lose it as older forms of
insurance become more expensive.
Also, in order to achieve cost cuts,
the legislation would exempt the
AHPs from state coverage mandate
laws. These often include minimum
maternity hospital stays, equal
insurance limits for mental health
treatments, and other requirements.
Forty-nine states have some form of
the mandates in place.
These mandates drive up the cost of
premiums, according to Rep. Sam
Johnson (R-Texas), who leads the
House subcommittee on employeremployee relations. But opponents
say the exemptions could allow plans
to "cherry pick" only the youngest
and healthiest workers, leaving sicker
and more expensive workers with
standard insurance.
Many consumer groups oppose the
plans because they avoid state
coverage minimums and because they
would operate outside of state laws
barring insurers from denying
coverage or charging higher prices to
businesses based on their workers'
health status.
The battle is being waged along
political lines as well, with most
Republicans, and many Democrats in
the House, saying the legislation
would reduce the number of
uninsured substantially, and some
Democrats in the Senate saying it
would be ineffective.
Historically, this is the eighth time
the House bill for association health
plans legislation has passed, with the
previous seven blocked by the Senate.
But this time, the end result might
be different. Sen. Mike Enzi (RWyo.), who leads the Committee on
Health, Education, Labor and
Continued on page 33
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Governmental Affairs Update
Environmentally Sensitive L
Good idea, or bad for busine
s
By Anne Merrill, Governmental Affairs Director
Sarasota County has long prided itself on a superior quality
of life, primarily based on the beaches, climate and an
aggressive environmental protection policy. A few years
back, voters even agreed to tax themselves one-quarter of a
mill for the purchase of environmentally sensitive lands from
ANNE MERRILL
landowners who were willing to sell their land and
development rights to the County.
Anne Merrill
Cell: 941-544-4750
e-mail: [email protected]
What: Environmentally
Sensitive Lands Protection
Program Special Election
When: Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2005
Why: County wants voters to
extend the ad valorem tax at
the current rate of .25 mill for
an additional 10 years, and
raise the current cap on bonds
from $53 million to $250
million.
Impacts: Potential negative
impacts on affordable and
workforce housing availability
(see article).
Through this program, the County
areas within the Urban Service
has acquired 16,354 acres at a cost of
Boundary. On the surface it seems
more than $85.7 million. More than
like a good idea, but does it serve the
$64.2 million is from ESLPP
greater public interest?
(Environmentally Sensitive
Lands Purchase Program)
ESLPP on Nov. 8 ballot
funds, and $21.5 million in
partnership funds from
On Tuesday, Nov. 8, Sarasota County voters head
matching grants from the
to the polls to consider extending the
State and other sources. The
Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection
program also includes funds
Program (ESLPP) ad valorem tax at the current
for start-up, and 10 percent
rate of 0.25 mill for an additional 10 years, and
of the funds are used for
expanding its scope to include a new program for
management of the acquired
the acquisition of neighborhood parklands. Voters
lands. Few would dispute the
will also be asked to raise the current $53 million
benefits of this program
cap on bonds to $250 million toward the
to-date.
acquisition, protection and management of
environmentally sensitive lands and parklands.
In addition to County
holdings, the State of Florida
According to Sarasota County government, “This
and the Southwest Florida
is not a tax increase. It is a continuation of the
Water Management District
current ESLPP funding, adopted by referendum
(SWFWMD) also own park
in 1999 and set to expire in 2019.”
and preserve lands in the
County. Sarasota County’s
Comprehensive Plan indicates that
Nobody disputes the value of land
approximately 104,000 acres of land
preservation, but many folks are
are in public conservation lands.
starting to question whether the new
Including other publicly-owned lands,
proposal may be going too far,
it’s estimated that approximately oneparticularly in view of the recently
third of the County’s land area is in
well-publicized shortage of workforce
public holdings.
and affordable housing.
Now, well-meaning folks want to
expand the ESLPP - both in dollars
and scope - and include green space
10
November 2005
Before voting on this issue at the
Nov. 8 special election, Realtors®
should consider the impact on their
Lands Referendum:
ess and workers?
businesses, and all voters should
consider the following:
• Real estate pricing starts with the
land: The more expensive the
land, the more expensive the
resultant building product,
whether it’s a home or a business.
Businesses, of course, will pass
the costs along to the consumer;
homebuyers are the consumer.
• The less supply of land available
to meet demand, the higher the
price of the land, and thus the
higher the price of the home.
Supply is currently short, and
demand is currently high. Should
the County continue to be in
competition for available land
with the private sector - not to
mention, not-for-profits along
with quasi-public and other
public entities promoting
obtainable housing?
• Landowners who are selling their
property to the ESLPP are selling
whole parcels, some of which is
environmentally sensitive, some
of which may be developable.
• There have been a number of
ESLPP acquired properties with
zoning and development rights in
place. There is at least one which
had received County and
SWFWMD construction permits
for multifamily use, but the
project failed due to misplaced
marketing efforts. These are
not all properties which cannot
be developed.
• While it may be beneficial that
the aforementioned properties
are in the ESLPP, it demonstrates
that these efforts are taking
development units off the books
and decreasing the supply of land.
• Furthermore, as properties are
taken off the books, they are also
removed from the tax rolls. As
recently documented in a series of
articles in the Sarasota HeraldTribune, the property tax
situation due to Save Our Homes
(SOH) has become a problem for
many, including local
governments. Throughout the
State, SOH is seen, at least
anecdotally, as a reason there is
no longer a supply of starter
homes for first-time buyers. It’s
such a major issue that the
Florida Association of Realtors®
(FAR) is currently undertaking a
study to attempt to quantify the
trend described as “people
trapped in their homes.” Does
removing more land from the tax
rolls make sense at this time?
• Federal, State, SWFWMD, and
local regulations already protect
environmentally sensitive lands.
In particular, additional
environmentally sensitive lands
have been identified by the
County’s 2050 Plan and will be
protected by the greenway
designation which will
significantly increase the amount
of lands protected in perpetuity.
• The expansion of the ESLPP
program into urban areas raises
the most concern. The criteria
for the open space and
neighborhood park lands do not
appear to include whether the
land is available for workforce
housing. Furthermore, it is not
limited to beachfront or
waterfront lands only.
• According the County’s
Comprehensive Plan EAR
update, there is no need for
additional parks as far
as concurrency is concerned. In
fact, at 20 acres per 1,000 persons,
Sarasota County far exceeds its
adopted Level of Service for
November 2005
11
How do you sell your expertise to a buyer?
By Gail Lyons, ABR, CRB
t
Editor’s note: A buyers’ market is predicted for 2006. Here are some tips to become more prepared for this new reality.
The specialty of buyer’s representation not only requires knowledge of real estate
markets and transactions, but insight into consumer behavior. The goal of a buyer’s
representative is to find the perfect point of connection between the homes available in
the market and the needs and financial capacity of the buyers.
Organizations such as the National Association of
Realtor®'s Real Estate Buyer’s Agency Council,
which has more than 40,000 members, offer
specialized training and designations for those who
work with buyers.
15 benefits of working with a
buyer’s representative
Let your buyer-clients know how you can save
them time by:
1. Locating suitable properties.
2. Previewing properties.
3. Verifying the properties’ condition.
4. Suggesting necessary inspections by experts.
5. Helping buyers determine what they can afford.
6. Verifying property taxes and utilities.
7. Verifying the value of the property.
8. Advising clients on structuring an offer.
9. Presenting the offer to the sellers’
representative.
10. Negotiating favorable contract
terms for the buyer.
11. Explaining legal documents
needed for closing and
helping secure them.
12. Assisting in securing financing.
13. Assisting buyers and their
attorney in clarifying title,
zoning, building codes, and
access easements.
14. Referring them to
qualified vendors.
15. Analyzing the future salability
of the property.
develop a purchase offer, but also to negotiate
compensation and other terms of your
relationship with the buyer.
- Listening. Buyers get frustrated if they think
their agent isn't tuning in to what they need
and want. Click here for a quiz to test your
listening skills.
- Advocacy. This is the skill that separates buyer's
agents from seller's agents. As a buyer's agent
you're doing all you can to find the right
property for your clients. Commission can't be a
part of your equation.
- Consulting. Front-end counseling is essential to
help your clients understand how the market
works, how the transaction proceeds, and how to
work with a buyer's agent.
- Courtesy of Gail Lyons, ABR, CRB, author of
Buyer Agency: Your Competitive Edge in Real Estate
Top 5 skills for a
buyer’s representative
- Perseverance. Be ready to stick
with your buyer through the
rough spots.
- Negotiating. You need good
negotiating skills not only to
12
November 2005
Are you sure you are entitled
to receive a Homestead Exemption?
p
By Jim Todora, MAI, CAE
Sarasota Country Property Appraiser
Previously in this column, I have taken the opportunity to
write about the Homestead Exemption benefits. The $25,000
Assessed Value Exemption now equates to a savings of $350
to more than $456 annually, depending upon where the
property is located.
JIM TODORA
For more information,
call the Property
Appraiser’s office at
941-861-8200 or visit
www.sarasotaproperty.net
However, many homeowners are
realizing an even greater savings from
the annual Assessed Value increase
limitation of 3 percent, or change in the
CPI, whichever is less. This second
advantage has been especially beneficial
in light of the recent skyrocketing real
estate market. These benefits are
intended for owners who make the
property their permanent residence. The
consequences for improperly receiving
these benefits can be quite severe.
Florida law requires the Property
Appraiser to take the following action
after determining that a person who was
not entitled to a Homestead Exemption
was receiving the exemption:
• Determine the taxes that were
improperly exempted
• Add a 50 percent penalty to
the taxes
• Add 15 percent interest
for each year the violation
was determined
• Notify the owner of intent to
record notice of tax lien
• Provide the owner 30 days
to pay the taxes, penalties
and interest before the lien
is recorded
The lien is not limited to the property
found to be in violation.
More than $771,000 in taxes, penalties
and interest has been recovered as a
result of properties determined by the
Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s
Office to be in violation of the
Homestead Exemption law.
Approximately $72,000 in liens is
currently in place against properties or
there are pending liens.
Many times, violations are discovered
before taxes have been issued. In those
cases steps are taken to revise the tax
roll and appropriate bills are issued.
So how do we find out about these
violations? There are numerous sources
of discovery. My office staff regularly
conducts homestead investigations. We
conduct field visits, phone calls, and
letter writing to gather needed
information. Neighboring property
owners, government officials and
concerned citizens often alert us to
potential violations.
Unwittingly, violators themselves often
bring our attention to the matter.
Sometimes there are circumstances that
appear to be violations, when in fact
they are not. One of the most common
examples is the non-homesteader who
purchases a Homestead Exempt
property. If a property qualifies for the
exemption as of January 1st, it remains
in place for the balance of the year, even
if it is sold. The exemption is removed
for the following year.
We take each case very seriously and
confirm the facts before recording a lien.
Occasionally, upon discovery of a
violation, the owner states their actions
were unintentional. Unfortunately, the
law does not permit relief for
unintentional violations.
14
November 2005
˜
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To request more information or to schedule a private preview,
please contact us via telephone or by visiting our website.
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Broker cooperation welcomed
A NOTHER Q UALITY D EVELOPMENT
BY
U.S. ASSETS G ROUP
Michael Saunders & Company
Licensed Real Estate Broker
Prices & features subject to change without notice. Offer void where prohibited by law.
ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS ADVERTISEMENT AND TO
THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE.
State Legislative
Delegation meets
Nov. 3 to hear top
local concerns
t
The Florida Legislature is busy with
committee meetings and bill filings, and
among the real estate-related bills, many
focus on property tax issues and eminent
domain. The local Legislative Delegation will
gather input from constituents, including the
real estate community, on Thursday, Nov. 3
from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the Sarasota County
commission chambers.
Here is a look at the top issues impacting Realtors,
according to the Florida Association of Realtors:
Property taxes
• SB 22 by Sen. Mike Fasano (R-New Port Richey) and
its House counterpart, HB 39 by Rep. Frank Farkas
(R-St. Petersburg) seek a constitutional referendum to
apply the Save Our Homes amendment to all Florida
property, appraising it at fair tax value as of Jan. 1 on
the first year of ownership but limiting taxable value
increases while it has the same owner.
private land by eminent domain for economic development
by a private developer has spawned a number of bills. Note
that Florida’s eminent domain laws already have more bite
than many states, indicating a property must be “blighted”
before it can be taken. SB 20 by Sen. Dennis Jones (RSeminole) and identical bill HB 31 by Rep. Everett Rice
(R-Indian Shores) offer the strictest solution—a ban on all
eminent domain takings for private development.
Note: House Speaker Allan Bense has appointed a group led
by Rep. Marco Rubio (R-Miami) to craft the official House
response. FAR is working closely with the group.
• HB 33 by Rep. Carl Domino (R-Palm Beach Gardens),
SB 138 by Sen. Mike Haridopolos (R-Melbourne) and
SB 112 by Sen. Mike Bennett (R-Bradenton) would
allow a homeowner to carry any Save Our Homes tax
savings from one home to another.
Landlord/tenant
• SB 146 by Sen. Burt Saunders (R-Naples) would
change the penalties for anyone who falsely claims a
homestead exemption.
Doc stamps and affordable housing
Note: FAR’s Board of Directors recently voted to fund
research on the effects of the Save Our Homes
amendment on property owners, and the impact of
property tax portability.
Back for consideration in 2006: HB 5 by Rep. Anne
Gannon (D-Delray Beach) would allow a tenant to back
out of a lease if they are a victim of domestic violence.
Rep. Christopher Smith (D-Fort Lauderdale) is back
with legislation to fund affordable housing by levying an
additional 45-cent doc stamp increase per every $100 value
of commercial property. Last year, similar legislation went
to a full House vote in the final weeks of the session but
was voted down 64-49.
Eminent domain
The June decision by the U.S. Supreme Court (Kelo vs.
City of New London) confirming government’s right to take
16
November 2005
Commercial Investment
Division
Commercial Real Estate Lien
Act now in effect
t
The first day of October marked the effective date for
one of the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR) top
initiatives of the 2005 session of the Florida Legislature the state's first Commercial Real Estate Lien Act.
"Perseverance on the part of many
The lien law applies to all property
commercial Realtors and FAR leadership except single-family residential,
got us to this point," said 2005 FAR
multifamily property with one to four
President Frank Kowalski.
units, condominiums, townhouses,
timeshares and mobile homes; and it
"We now have a commercial lien law
on the Florida books, but the struggle to applies only if there's a written
agreement between a real estate broker
get it there was long, frustrating and
and owner that obligates the owner to
seemingly hopeless at more than one
pay commission to
crossroad," added
“The
principle
behind
a
the broker for the
Steve Moreira,
performance of
commercial
lien
law
is
pretty
2005 Chairman of
basic to our business: Give licensed services.
Florida Realtors
Commercial
commercial
real
estate The law does
not apply to
Alliance. "The
professionals a mechanism buyers' brokers.
principle behind a
other than the courts to collect
commercial lien
In addition, the
commissions they've rightfully agreement must
law is pretty basic
earned.” - Steve Moreira, 2005 include the
to our business:
Chairman of Florida Realtors following disclosure:
Give commercial
real estate
The Florida
Commercial Alliance
professionals a
Commercial Real
mechanism other than the courts to
Estate Sales Commission Lien Act
collect commissions they've rightfully
provides that when a broker has earned a
earned. But it took almost 10 years to get commission by performing licensed
from here to there."
services under a brokerage agreement
with you, the broker may claim a lien
Commercial brokers who intend to
against your net sales proceeds for the
take advantage of The Florida
broker's commission. The broker's lien
Commercial Real Estate Sales
Commission Lien Act should take a close rights under the Act cannot be waived
before the commission is earned.
look at their listing agreements. The law
includes specific steps that must be
"Take the time to understand the law,"
followed in order to place a lien to collect Goldman counseled. "It will seem
a commission.
complex at first, but over time, you'll
learn how to use it to your advantage.
"If you adjust your business practices
Call FAR's Legal Hotline [(407) 438and take the necessary steps from the
1409] or seek counsel from your own
beginning, you'll be in a much better
attorney until you're comfortable with
position to receive your earned
commission," said Trey Goldman, FAR's the law's requirements."
Legislative Counsel who was involved in
crafting the act. "Waiting until closing is
too late."
- FLORIDA ASSOCIATION
OF REALTORS®
CID golf tourney
raises $17,000
for affordable
housing cause
Golf & Dinner at the Ranch,
the Commercial Investment
Division’s major annual
fundraiser, produced a net of
almost $17,000 toward the
Realtor® Affordable Housing
Fund. A total of 104 golfers
enjoyed a sunny day on the
challenging links at Lakewood
Ranch Golf & Country Club.
The CID has already slated
next year’s golf event for
Thursday, Sept. 28, 2006, at the
same locale.
November 2005
17
C O U R S E O P E N E D J A N U A RY 2 0 0 5
Robert T rent Jones, Jr.
raises a flag in Sarasota
The Founders Club Hole #12
A flag is raised. Standards are elevated. And for a privileged few, the
coveted private club lifestyle arrives in Sarasota like never before.
The Founders Club is the premier golf community on Florida’s
West Coast, a sanctuary for like-minded souls drawn together by an
appreciation for tradition and a passion for the game.
Robert Trent Jones, Jr. views the
spectacular completed course.
Please call for more information.
Golf Hall
700
ACRES
- 262
RESIDENCES
-1
Sarasota, Florida
VERY EXCLUSIVE CLUB
Resident Equity & Non-Resident Invitational Golf Memberships
Now Being Accepted • Golf Hall at The Founders Club is Now Open.
Home Sites from the $400,000’s. Homes with Home Sites from the low $1 Millions.
941-378-0900 or toll-free 866-508-0900 • www.thefoundersclub.com
Sales Gallery: 3001 Founders Club Drive, Sarasota, FL 34240
JOHN CANNON HOMES • MARC RUTENBERG HOMES • PRUETT BUILDERS
TAYLOR WOODROW HOMES • TODD JOHNSTON HOMES • LEE WETHERINGTON HOMES
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BY
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Prices, plans, dimensions and specifications subject to change without notice. Void where prohibited by law.
Sales Gallery located at
The Founders Club
Realtors provide relief for victims
of Hurricane Katrina
o
On Aug. 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina ravaged Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi,
leaving thousands of casualties and a countless number of homeless victims.
The Realtors® Relief Foundation, created in the
aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 radical Islamic terrorist
attacks on the World Trade Centers and the Pentagon,
came to the forefront again to collect aid for those
displaced by the hurricane. The National Association of
Realtors® seeded this effort with a donation of $1.15
million.
The total contributions have now reached $5 million,
and growing. The overall donations include tens of
thousands of dollars contributed by Sarasota County
Realtors, SAR affiliates, businesses, organizations and
individuals.
Exhibiting the selfless spirit for which they're known,
the Realtor® family - individuals, firms and associations
alike - stepped up to support the victims of this natural
tragedy. More important, there are now hurricane victims
in the Gulf states who will have a roof over their heads
because of these organizations and individuals.
In addition to raising funds for hurricane victims, NAR
is helping local Realtor® associations that were hit hardest
by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita get back up and running.
NAR shipped two mobile offices to the New Orleans
Metropolitan Association of Realtors® and one mobile
office to the Southwest Louisiana Association of Realtors®
in Lake Charles, La.
The offices provided staff a temporary place to work as
they rebuild or find new office space, said Janet Branton,
NAR’s vice president of business specialties who is
spearheading the effort.
NAR has determined that all local association offices
are operational in Alabama and Mississippi, and that only
the two offices in Louisiana are in need of temporary
office space.
“Board staffs are some of the most dedicated people in
the world,” Branton said. “They can’t even go to their
homes and they’re trying to run their boards. These people
are so amazing.”
To read more about Hurricane Katrina and NAR relief
efforts, go to http://www.realtor.org/realtororg.nsf/pages/katrina
- REALTOR® Magazine Online
Storm season taking a toll on FAR fund
i
In the wake of Hurricane Wilma, the eighth hurricane to impact Florida in the past 15
months, the Florida Association of Realtors® is continuing to aid in recovery efforts to
help people rebuild their lives and businesses through its Disaster Relief Fund.
However, in order to do that, FAR needs the continued
support of Realtor members across the state through
their generous donations. To apply for disaster assistance
or make a tax-deductible contribution online using a
secure connection, go to the home page of Planet Realtor
(http://www.planetrealtor.com) and click on "FAR
Disaster Relief Fund: Contribute now" under "Also on
Planet Realtor."
The FAR Disaster Relief Fund is available to assist
Realtors, including their real estate employees, Realtor
board/associations and their staff, in the event of
devastation caused by a hurricane. Each request for
assistance must be in the way of a completed official
FAR Disaster Relief Fund request form. You can obtain
a form by contacting your local board/association office
or your FAR District Vice President.
Or, to mail a tax-deductible donation, make your check
payable to "FAR Disaster Relief Fund, attention Dave
Garrison," and send it to: FAR Disaster Relief Fund,
P.O. Box 725025, Orlando FL 32872-5025.
The FAR Disaster Relief Fund does not use
professional solicitors. Every penny of contributions goes
directly to the FAR Disaster Relief Fund. The FAR
Disaster Relief Fund is located at 7025 Augusta National
Drive, Orlando, FL 32822.
20
November 2005
Ethics in Action
Inducements to list must
present a ‘true picture’
r
REALTOR® A advertised in the local newspaper as follows: “Free
Market Analysis With No Obligation.” REALTOR® A also distributed
certificates reading, “This will entitle the bearer of this certificate to one
(1) FREE Market Analysis with no obligation to bearer.” The certificate
included the name of REALTOR® A and his firm.
A property owner complained about “being the
victim of a come-on scheme” to solicit the listing
of his property which the Grievance Committee
referred for a hearing before a Hearing Panel of
the Professional Standards Committee.
neither asked for nor received a fee for the
market analysis. He could not understand why he
was required to appear before a Hearing Panel in
connection with allegations of a violation of
Article 12 of the Code of Ethics.
At the hearing the property owner testified he
had called REALTOR® A to have him prepare a
market analysis of his residential property “with
no obligation” as claimed in REALTOR® A’s ads.
The Hearing Panel noted that offering
premiums or prizes as inducements, or the
advertising of anything described as “free” is not
prohibited by the Code of Ethics nor can such
advertising be prohibited by a Board of
REALTORS® unless it presents other than a
“true picture” as required by Article 12.
However, the property owner said that when
REALTOR® A came to his home, he explained
that he would be glad to provide the market
analysis but said, “I presume you understand that
when we provide this service, we also expect that
if you list your property, you will permit us to
serve you.”
The property owner testified that REALTOR®
A did not press the matter at the time and did
provide a market analysis. The property owner
told the panel that for the next three weeks
REALTOR® A or one of his representatives
called “practically every single day” soliciting the
listing of his home.
The property owner testified that on several
occasions, someone from REALTOR® A’s office
reminded him that REALTOR® A had provided
a “valuable free service and we feel that you owe
us the listing of the property.”
REALTOR® A responded that he had
provided the “free market analysis” as
represented in his advertising, and had provided
it “with no obligation.” He stated that he had
The Hearing Panel concluded that although
REALTOR® A was free to advertise “free
market analysis with no obligation,” such a
representation was not a “true picture” if all of
the terms governing availability are not clearly
disclosed in the ad or representation. The
Hearing Panel noted that the statement by
REALTOR® A when he provided the “free
market analysis” that it was “presumed” the
property owner would list with REALTOR® A if
the property was offered for sale, and the
subsequent “reminders” by sales representatives
of REALTOR® A about the “expectation” made
the representation less than a “true picture.” The
panel concluded that REALTOR® A was in
violation of Article 12.
Case #12-7: REALTOR® Advertising Free
Market Analysis (Reaffirmed Case #19-9 May,
1988. Transferred to Article 12 November, 1994.
Revised November, 2001.)
Flu shots offered at SAR office Nov. 17
Get ready for this year’s flu season with a
precautionary flu shot on Thursday, Nov. 17 from 9
a.m. until noon at the SAR office, 3590 S. Tuttle
Ave., Sarasota.
The cost of the shot is $25, and there are no
restrictions on eligibility. Health officials often
recommend flu shots for the elderly and youth, as
well as those with an immune system deficiency.
November 2005
21
Sales and Listings for September 2005
Sales Data*
Residential Sales Summary
September 1 to September 30, 2005
PRICE
SALES
3
4+
CONDO
2–
BDRMS BDRMS BDRMS CO-OP
September 2005
SARASOTA ONLY
SALES as of
Sept. 30 ’05
TOTAL
UNITS
Class
Sales Average Sale Price Median Sale Price Sold Volume
Residential 523
Condo
263
$99,999 OR UNDER
4
0
0
2
6
$100,000-119,999
2
0
0
1
3
$120,000-139,999
1
0
0
3
4
Class
$140,000-159,999
0
2
0
6
8
$160,000-179,999
4
1
0
16
21
Residential 497
Condo
234
$180,000-199,999
6
5
0
16
27
$200,000-249,999
16
25
2
40
83
$250,000-299,999
10
42
4
27
83
$300,000-399,999
23
57
10
33
123
$400,000-499,999
12
36
11
15
74
$500,000-749,999
2
25
21
32
80
$750,000-999,999
3
12
20
25
60
OVER $1,000,000
1
16
18
18
53
84
221
86
234
625
$299
$358
$657
$315
$345
**AVERAGE PRICE
$329
(in thousands)
$499
$991
$515
$543
**TOTALS
**MEDIAN PRICE
(in thousands)
$520,682
$489,950
$352,500
$300,000
$272,316,690
$128,875,088
September 2004
Sales Average Sale Price Median Sale Price Sold Volume
$418,765
$354,108
$285,000
$231,000
$208,126,526
$82,861,446
Listings Data*
September 2005
Class
New
Average List Price Median List Price Volume Listed
Residential 1331
Condo
597
$603,117
$578,849
$419,000
$359,900
$802,749,760
$345,573,183
September 2004
Class
New
Average List Price Median List Price Volume Listed
Residential 623
Condo
249
$532,095
$453,953
$311,943
$269,900
$331,495,355
$113,034,476
*Figures represent all listings reported in the Sarasota Association of Realtors
MLS. Figures include some Manatee, Englewood and Venice listings.
TOTAL DOLLAR VOLUME TOTAL DOLLAR VOLUME TOTAL HOME SALES
CONDOMINIUM
DOLLAR VALUE
SINGLE FAMILY
$223,398,000
$120,532,000
$343,930,000
September 2005
Average Sale Price/Units Sold /Days On Market
850-
Residential Sales Summary
800-
Year to Date
750-
January 1 to September 30, 2005
SALES
PRICE
2–
3
4+
CONDO
BDRMS BDRMS BDRMS CO-OP
SARASOTA ONLY
SALES as of
Sept. 30 ’05
TOTAL
UNITS
700-
600-
650-
27
1
0
3
31
$100,000-119,999
3
0
0
6
9
$120,000-139,999
2
1
1
9
13
550-
$140,000-159,999
3
4
0
27
34
500-
$160,000-179,999
7
3
0
52
62
$180,000-199,999
21
10
1
69
101
$200,000-249,999
64
43
8
158
273
400-
$250,000-299,999
55
139
22
140
356
350-
$300,000-399,999
121
274
40
164
599
$99,999 OR UNDER
$520,682
443
$418,765
$354,108
$279,308
$400,000-499,999
67
180
55
92
394
$500,000-749,999
65
231
120
230
646
250-
$750,000-999,999
34
101
105
214
454
OVER $1,000,000
37
198
268
285
788
200-
**TOTALS
507
1186
620
1449
3762
150-
**MEDIAN PRICE
(in thousands)
$369
$459
$904
$507
$508
100-
**AVERAGE PRICE
$522
(in thousands)
$739
$1743
$800
$880
22
523
$489,950
450-
300-
TOTAL DOLLAR VOLUME TOTAL DOLLAR VOLUME TOTAL HOME SALES
SINGLE FAMILY
CONDOMINIUM
DOLLAR VALUE
$3,383,369,000
$1,159,997,000
$2,223,372,000
530
$292,462
234
263
254
114
128
109
122
103
86
500-
Sept. *03
Sept. *04
Sept. *05
RESIDENTIAL
AVE. SALE PRICE
Sept. *03
Sept. *04
Sept. *05
CONDOMINIUM
UNITS SOLD
DAYS ON MARKET
These statistics were gathered from Sarasota Association of Realtors MLS on October 17, 2005.
November 2005
Florida’s home sales, median
price rise in September
Sale Price
vs.
List Price Rates
Percentage of list price units sold for…
Single Family
2004
2005
January
95.7%
96.9%
February
96.5%
97.5%
March
96.1%
97.9%
April
96.8%
97.8%
May
96.9%
97.5%
June
97.1%
97.6%
July
97.2%
97.4%
August
97.2%
97.6%
September
97.0%
97.2%
October
97.2%
November
97.4%
December
97.6%
Condominium
2004
2005
January
96.5%
97.6%
February
96.2%
97.7%
March
96.1%
97.5%
April
96.6%
97.5%
May
96.8%
97.8%
June
96.6%
97.3%
July
96.8%
97.7%
August
97.4%
97.3%
September
97.2%
97.0%
October
97.7%
November
97.7%
December
97.0%
l
Last year, Florida residents survived
the devastating triple punch of
Hurricanes Frances, Ivan and Jeanne,
which pummeled the state in
September. Businesses across the state
were impacted, including the real
estate industry. The storms’ influence
continues to be a factor in the
reporting of Florida’s sales of singlefamily existing homes in September
2005, according to the Florida
Association of Realtors® (FAR).
Statewide, a total of 20,368 homes
changed hands last month compared
to 15,272 home sales that closed in
September 2004, which translates as
a 33 percent increase. However,
resales activity during September
2004 reflected the impact of the
historic 2004 hurricane season.
Therefore, the percentage change
found in comparing closed sales
from September a year ago to last
month’s resales may not mirror true
market activity.
“Home sale closings were clearly
affected by the four hurricanes that
struck Florida in August and
September last year,” said 2005 FAR
President Frank Kowalski. “Closings
generally occur 30 to 90 days after
sales contracts are written. And
since most insurers do not write
homeowners’ policies when a
hurricane threatens, many buyers
repeatedly were unable to obtain
coverage, which delayed closings.
All of this influences the
comparisons between the closed
sales reported in markets across the
state last month and closed sales
during September 2004.”
Local Realtor boards/associations,
real estate firms and Multiple Listing
Services in many areas across
Florida also were directly affected
by last year’s hurricanes, which in
turn impacted the collection of data
for several months. In the wake of
the storms, resales activity also was
impacted when lenders postponed
closings for property re-inspections
or repairs.
The statewide median sales price in
September rose 28 percent to
$247,800; a year ago, it was $193,400.
In September 2000, the statewide
median sales price for single-family
existing homes was $124,700, which
translates to an increase of around 98
percent over the five-year period,
FAR records show.
According to the National
Association of Realtors (NAR), the
national median price of an existing
single-family home in August (latest
data available at press time) was
$219,400, up 16.2 percent from a year
ago. In California, the median price of
an existing, single-family in August
was $568,890; in Maryland, it was
$302,829; in New York, it was
$275,000; and in North Carolina, it
was $217,871.
In Sarasota, the median
sales price for a singlefamily home in September
2005 was $352,500,
compared to $285,000 in
September 2004. The
number of single-family
homes sold in September
2005 was 523, compared to
497 in September 2004.
Florida’s year-to-date figures show
that a total of 197,523 homes sold
statewide through September
compared to 187,774 homes
changing hands during the same
period last year for a 5 percent
increase. The statewide median price
from January through September
2005 rose 30 percent to $231,900; it
was $178,900 for the same year-todate-period in 2004.
According to Freddie Mac, interest
rates for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage
averaged 5.77 percent in September,
only slightly higher than the average
rate of 5.75 percent a year ago.
Among the state's smaller MSAs,
Naples also reported higher resales
activity last month, with a total of 350
homes changing hands compared to
333 homes sold last year for a 5
percent increase. The market's
median sales price rose 40 percent to
$472,300; a year ago, it was $338,200.
- FLORIDA ASSOCIATION
OF REALTORS
November 2005
23
Education Programs
FREE Technology Programs from Your Family of Realtor
Associations—SAR, FAR and NAR
Ongoing Technology Classes from SAR
n Basic MLS Training
Nov. 2 and 16 - 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Nov. 9 - 9 a.m. only
n Advanced MLS Training
Nov. 3 and 17 - 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Nov. 10 - 9 a.m. only
Basic and advanced MLS training is a free service for
SAR members. Phone reservations are required. Please call
Carolyn at 923-2315.
FREE from NAR
n e-PRO Workshop with Mike Barnett
Dec. 8, 2005
1 to 2:30 p.m.
SAR Education Center
FREE to SAR Members
Increase your earning power
with NAR’s free e-PRO
Workshop, presented by Mike
Barnett, Vice President of
Technology for InternatCrusade®.
Designed to introduce Realtors to
the-PRO designation course (the
only online technology
certification course offered by
NAR®), this workshop will cover
some really useful stuff:
Top Producer University
n Instructor: Charles Perry, FAR
Nov. 16-17, 2005
SAR Conference Room A
FAR’s Top Producer Certified Instructor, Charles Perry,
will lead a hands-on class limited to ten students November
16 & 17 here at SAR. Laptops will be provided.
MIKE BARNETT
• Create an e-mail marketing campaign with software you
already own
• Turn ordinary e-mail into marketing pieces
• Build your e-mail address book
• Use auto responders
• Create filters and unlimited e-mail addresses to
eliminate the hassle of SPAM
Register online at sarasotarealtors.com. First-come,
first-served.
CIPS Investment and Financial Analysis
n Instructor: Barbara Rylands, CIPS, CRS, GRI
Monday-Tuesday, Nov. 7-8
Cost if received after Oct. 17: $315
CIPS designees: $30
Barbara Rylands, CIPS, from Orlando, FL is the instructor
for this capstone course in the CIPS designation. Barbara
was one of two instructors chosen by NAR to teach the full
CIPS Institute in Rome, Italy earlier this year. The course
will provide the tools needed to present investment
information to international clients – in their currency and
November 2005
Prerequisite Course: International Real Estate for Local
Markets (formerly Essentials): In addition to the many live
classroom offerings throughout the year, the "International
Real Estate for Local Markets" (formerly Essentials)
prerequisite course is available online through NAR's
REALTOR® University. Internet-based, the course is
instructor-led, but allows students to move at their own
pace and "attend class" any time or place of their choosing
during the month the student is registered. E-mail and
threaded discussions allow students to network – just like
in a real classroom. Go to realtor.org and search on “CIPS”
to register.
Course Waiver: Those on track to earn the CIPS
designation and who have passed the CCIM Intro, CCIM
101, or CRS 204 courses, do not have to take this course. An
HP-10BII calculator is REQUIRED for this course.
• Create a permanent e-mail address
24
area. You will learn how to measure investment
performance, prepare financial projections, and understand
the effects of taxes and exchange rates on investment.
Top Producer, the real estate industry’s number one
contact management selling software, is a complete sales
productivity system that will help you save time, stay
organized, and master the art of prospecting, follow-up,
listing and closing.
Top Producer includes over 800 built in letters, emails,
flyers, and postcards, 14 Action Plans, 5 new CMA and
Buyer Presentation designs, and all are customizable and
optimized for Internet use.
Important registration information: Due to the limited
class size, registrations fees are non-refundable. To register,
call FAR’s toll-free registration line at 800-669-4327; handson, class limited to 10 students
The New Tax Code and What Realtors and
Investors Need to Know!
n Speaker: Daniel L. Prewett, Ph.D.
President, J.H. Accounting Service, Inc., Jackson
Hewitt Tax Service and 27 other companies
Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2005
10:30 – Noon at the Sarasota Association of Realtors
office SAR Members: $5
You’ve earned your commissions. Now learn how to
keep them.
Protect your commissions from excess Social Security,
excess Medicare and excess income taxes. Learn the new
facts about home office deductions and rental real estate,
and how to shelter yourself from unnecessary lawsuits.
Education Programs
Plus, get bonus information on how to earn 800 percent on
investments you control. Get general year-end tax planning
for everyone.
Check in and refreshments are at 10 a.m., and the
program is from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Register online at
GRI Course 1
Earn Your 45-Hours Post-Licensing Credit
AND Credit Towards the Graduate, Realtor
Institute Designation
n March 6-8, 13-15, 2006
Cost: $300 (prepaid by Jan. 10, 2006)
$350 (after Jan. 10)
Time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Kill two birds with one stone and take GRI Course 1 to
earn your 45-hour post-license education. At the same time,
you will get a leg up by earning one of the three courses
towards the prestigious, nationally-recognized GRI
designation. A cadre of instructors from the faculty of the
Florida Realtor Institute will ensure that you learn cuttingedge techniques and take away industry information to help
make you a leader in real estate sales.
Register online at sarasotarealtors.com. Click on
“Education Registration”— a big blue bar on the right hand
side of the home page. First-come, first served. Seating is
limited and the class is expected to sell out quickly.
Continuing education: If you need 45 hours of post-license
education, select GRI Course 1 45-hours post-license” from
the Education Registration menu online. If you need 14
hours of continuing education, select “GRI Course 1 14
hours continuing education” from the menu.
The Graduate Realtor® Institute (GRI) designation
indicates to buyers, sellers and other real estate professionals
that you have made the commitment to provide a high level
of professional service to your clients by securing a strong
educational foundation.
The GRI designation is obtained by attending a specific,
intensive series of classroom instruction, covering subjects in
contract law, professional standards, sales and marketing,
finance and risk reduction. The subject matter has been
chosen to educate practitioners about local, state and
national real estate practices that impact you and your
clients. GRI courses are taught by leading real estate
professionals from around the country.
The Realtor® Institute is more than 25 years old and has
graduated thousands of Realtors®. These professionals find
the GRI designation a powerful tool for attracting and
building new business. In today’s competitive business
environment, this can be a huge advantage.
GRI Courses for 2006
The Florida Association of Realtors approved the
following GRI courses to be offered in the Sarasota area in
2006. These dates have been confirmed and are advertised
here for you to mark your calendars. However, registration
will not be opened until all the paperwork for the contracts
is executed by FAR. As soon as registration is open, you will
be notified through the SAR Weekly Update. As soon as
possible, the course will also be available for online
registration at sarasotarealtors.com.
Venice AOR
SAR
Manatee AOR
Englewood Area BOR
Englewood Area BOR
GRI 1
GRI 1
GRI 2
GRI 1
GRI 3
Jan. 30-31, Feb 1-3
March 6-8, 13-15
March 9-10, 16-17
April 17-21
Sept. 18-22
International Corner
Featuring International Properties at Realtor.com
Effective Oct. 5, the "gateway" which automatically sent
property information at Realtor.com for listings of $750,000
plus to WorldProperties.com has ended. In its place, visitors
to WorldProperties.com who search for "Distinctive
Properties in the U.S." will find ONLY those that are
"Internationally Featured" at Realtor.com.
This product is available to any agent with listings at
Realtor.com who also subscribes to Realtor.com's enhanced
listing service. The Internationally Featured product is free
until Nov. 5; after that time the price is $49.95 for the life
of a listing.
For more information and/or to have your listings flagged
as "Internationally Featured," contact your Account
Representative at Realtor.com. If you do not currently
subscribe to this service, you can learn about the service by
calling 1-800-820-6293.
GRI – The Professional Edge
In today’s competitive business environment, you need
more than just motivation and initiative to succeed. You
need the advantage of the education you receive in the
GRI program.
November 2005
25
Education Programs
For a complete listing of courses (and more courses may be
added before the end of the year) go to PlanetRealtor.com,
select “Florida,” and then “Education.”
News Flash—GRI Course 1 Soon to Be Available
Online for 45-Hours Post-License Credit
FAR’s Professional Development Chairman Steve David
announced at the FAR Annual Convention that the CRI
Course 1 will soon be available online at PlanetRealtor.com. The
course will offer credit towards the GRI designation and fulfill
the 45 hour post-license education requirement for real estate
licensees entering their initial license period. After registration,
students will have a 90-day window to complete the course,
which is expected to take 42 hours to complete exclusive of
the examination.
SAR International Council Expand Your Market
Sarasota enjoys visitors and investors from many foreign
countries, particularly from Great Britain, France, Germany,
Canada, and Russia. Completing a successful real estate
transaction with a foreign national presents special challenges,
but also has many rewards. Consider joining the SAR
International Council and become a part of this exciting and
growing segment of the marketplace. SAR International Council
holds frequent education programs and offers opportunities for
networking. The Council is also beginning to plan a major
international real estate conference for 2006—so join today. Call
Catherine McCaskill at 923-2315.
ICREA's Transnational Referral
Certification Program
Learn how to make and receive compensated referrals across
borders with this new course by the International Consortium
of Real Estate Associations.
ERC's Global Mobility Specialist
Professional Training
CIPS Candidates can earn points on the CIPS designation
application by completing courses toward the Employee
Relocation Council's Global Mobility Specialist Professional
Training. CIPS Designees and Candidates receive a discount on
this training program.
Coming around again: Second cycle
of ethics training
Between Jan. 1, 2004 and Dec. 31, 2008, all Realtors® are
required to complete two and one-half hours of Code of
Ethics training.
The required training is a serious matter. In fact, failure to
comply with the mandated training is a violation of membership
duties, and non-compliance will result in suspension of
membership until the training is completed.
There is also an accompanying ethics orientation training
requirement for Realtor® applicants that must be satisfied after
applying for association membership. Realtors® who have
completed this training as a requirement for membership in
another association are not required to complete additional
ethics training until the next four-year cycle begins, but will be
required to furnish a certificate of completion.
For more information and online choices, visit www.realtor.org.
SAR offers the requisite ethics training monthly with the new
member orientation program at no cost.
For more information, contact Catherine or Carolyn
at 923-2315.
Congratulations!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Dedication and hard work pay off!! We congratulate our member who recently completed the requirements for the
National Association of Realtors designation and certificate programs:
Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council
ACCREDITED BUYER REPRESENTATIVE (ABR)
Michelle Crabtree, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate
Stephen R. Harris,Prudential Cascade Realty
Julie Cutmore, Lakewood Ranch Realty
Christine M. Huxtable, RE/MAX Gulfstream
Graduate, Realtor Institute (GRI)
Elizabeth Arme, RE/MAX Properties
Dianne Corcoran, RE/MAX Properties
Cari J. Faanes, P.A., Cristello and Company
Theresa Bishop Fieberts,Prudential Cascade Realty
Jean F. Gustave, RE/MAX Gulfstream Realty
Margaret Hutter, Prudential Palms Realty
Gregory Koss, RoseBay Real Estate
Susan Makara, La Vista Homes
Kevin M. Milner, Keller Williams Realty
26
November 2005
Susan Mondello, Prudential Palms Realty
Duc P. Nguyen, Horizon Realty
Brian A. O’Keefe, Michael Saunders and Company
Nancy S. Plummer, Prudential Cascade Realty
J. Ella Rutstein, Prudential Palms Realty
Barbara L. Shapiro, Sarasota Style Realty
Debbie Swain, Keller Williams Platinum Realty
Jon Micheal Wilder, Terra One Realty
Lynnda C. Witte, Horizon Realty
Still waters run deep.
In Punta Gorda they’re infinite.
... immerse yourself at Vivante
Seemingly endless crystal blue waters embrace
the shoreline. And another perfect day begins. It’s
an unrivaled lifestyle that can only be Punta Gorda.
And here, in the heart of this tranquil coastal town, is
Vivante, a new residential community, featuring
spacious condominiums with three levels of luxury living
over a private garage, plus superb amenities that include
a grand Clubhouse with a resort-style pool and spa.
The beautiful neighborhoods of Bella Lago and Boca
Lago, offer magnificent harbor, lake and nature views.
Enjoy life as it was meant to be lived...at Vivante.
A place where you can get back in touch with yourself.
Where you’ll discover days to remember and the very
best of Gulf Coast living.
Luxury Residences from the $400s to over $1 Million.
VISIT OUR SALES CENTER
2950 West Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Tel: (941) 833- 8999 • Toll Free: 1-800 - 901- 0106
www.vivante-fl.com
I-75 to Exit 164, West 6 miles to Punta Gorda Isles.
Broker participation welcomed. Oral representations cannot be relied upon as
correctly stating the representations of the developer. For correct representations reference should be made to the documents required by section 718.503,
Florida Statutes, to be furnished by a developer to a buyer or lessee. Not an
offering where prohibited by state law. Prices subject to change without notice.
Photography in this ad may be stock photography used to depict the lifestyle to
be achieved rather than any that may exist.
LUXURY RESIDENCES
December 2005 SAR Dues
Incentive for online electronic check payment offered
t
The Sarasota Association
of Realtors® December dues
billing cycle has arrived, and
prompt payment of dues will
ensure you will not be penalized
or suffer a disruption of services.
In addition, the Association is now
offering a financial incentive for
online dues payment by electronic
check. Here are the important dues
billing dates:
Due dates, late fees,
MLS suspension,
termination of membership,
reinstatement Fees:
• click on Dues & Account link
• Due: Dec. 15, 2005;
Past Due: Jan. 17, 2006.
• sign in with SAR Member # (from
invoice) or FL license # (dropping
preceding letters)
• $50 late fee assessment on open
balances a/o Jan. 17, 2006
(No exceptions).
• at the bottom of Member Account
Inquiry screen, click on “To View
and/or Pay Invoices”
• Suspension of MLS services on
accounts with unpaid MLS fees
a/o Jan. 17, 2006.
• online charges will appear on your
credit card statements as “Realtor
E-Commerce Network”
• Membership termination on
Feb. 16, 2006 for members with
unpaid dues.
or
• Reinstatement will require
payment in full of all amounts due
at date of termination, as well as a
$250 reinstatement fee.
Payment methods:
1. Online Processing (Electronic
Check, MC, V, AMEX): pay
online through our safe, alwaysavailable internet site
Paying by electronic check will
entitle you to a $20 credit toward
SAR Realtor Store merchandise
(bring your email confirmation to
the store as proof of payment).
28
• go to www.sarasotarealtors.com
November 2005
Come to the SAR offices and use
our computer in the library which
is programmed to open directly
into the log-in screen and has
easy instructions located at the
workstation for your use
or
Mail in check remembering to
put your MEMBER # on the face
of the check (invoice # is
secondary to member #). Mailed
in checks will not be eligible for
$20 store coupon.
• Once payments are either received
in our offices or made online, they
are updated to your account within
96 hours. So we encourage you to
go online to check the status of
your account, no matter which
method of payment you choose.
When and where are
dues invoices sent?
The Dec. 15, 2005 Dues Statements
will arrive in brokers’ offices by Dec.
10 for distribution to individual agents.
Individual dues invoices will be
available at www.sarasotarealtors.com
after Dec. 8, where they can be
viewed, printed, and/or paid. On our
main page, click the “Dues &
Account” button. In order to access,
each member will need either his or
her Florida license number (dropping
preceding letters), or the member
number from the SAR invoice.
What will be included on this
dues billing?
• Included on this bill will be semiannual local and MLS dues, as
well as FAR & NAR annual dues.
• Annual CID & IDX dues for
2006 will be included on this bill,
if applicable.
RPAC Casino Night 2005 a big success
t
The Realtor Political Action
Committee (RPAC) of the Sarasota
Association of Realtors recently held
Casino Night 2005, and the event
netted more than $10,000 to help
support RPAC activities.
More than 120 people attended the event on Oct. 7 at
the SAR headquarters on S. Tuttle Avenue, and the
response was tremendous from attendees. RPAC has
already decided to repeat the event on Friday, Aug. 4,
2006 as the annual organization fundraiser.
Ann Ross, chair of RPAC for 2005, and the entire
RPAC event organizing committee would like to express
sincere gratitude to the following sponsors for making
Casino Night 2005 a reality:
Royal Flush Sponsor - $1,000 or more
• RE/MAX Properties - The Crowley Family
• RE/MAX Properties – Ann Ross
• Properties Mortgage – Maria Masucci
Ace Sponsors - $500
• Ann Weintraub, Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm
• Steve Goodfriend, Chase Home Mortgage
• Gibson, Kohl-Helbig & Wolff, P.A. –
Lauren Kohl-Helbig
• Century Bank F.S.B. – Chris DeLeonardo
• RE/MAX Excellence – Andrew Vac
• The Real Estate Book – William Caulfield
King Sponsors - $250
• Bert Rodgers Schools – Lori Rodgers
• AAA Auto Club South – Carol DeSantis,
Lauran Ferber-Gammill
• Fifth Third Bank - Steven Wood
• Michael Saunders & Company – Michael Saunders
• Countrywide Home Loans – Lee Washington
• Blondin Mortgage – Karen Blondin
• Bay Shore Title Insurance Co. – Mary Howard
• Cornerstone Lending Group - Lisa Anderson
30
November 2005
Queen Sponsors - $100
• Executive Title – Lisa Hargerman
• Re/Max Premier Services - Denise Leider
• Professional Title Services – Mary Ann Figlow
• Hugo Lintner Home Inspections
• Hughes Exterminators – Dale Rhodes &
Norm Mallard
• Florida’s Choice Home Buyer’s Warranty –
Mary Lou Fuss
• Mercantile Bank - Georges Lussier
• Bank of America - Robin Fagin Team
• Entrust of Tampa Bay – Jack Callahan
• BB&T - Richard Appel
• Leaseoptionprogram.com – Matt Whitnack
• Kerkering & Barberio – Renea Glendinning, CPA
• Lighthouse Mortgage Co. - Ruth Gonzalez
• The Real Estate Book of Sarasota - Bill Caulfield
In addition to the sponsors, RPAC would like to thank
Business Resources, Inc. for donating all the printed
materials for the event; the Shriners for running the
gaming tables; all event volunteers and celebrity waiters
and waitresses; all those responsible for the Silent
Auction and Chinese Auction items; and everyone else
who contributed to Casino Night 2005.
Association MLS vendor search continues
t
The process is under way for the selection of the next MLS vendor for the Sarasota
Association of Realtors®, with the expiration of the current contract with FNIS/XMLS
in December 2006.
Since the first of the year, the Vendor
Services subcommittee of the MLS
Committee, led by Realtor Steven
Kepecz, has been charting a course to
the goal of providing MLS participants
with the best access to MLS information.
In January 2005, the five MLS
subcommittees, under the leadership
of the Vendor Services subcommittee,
began the process of selecting a
new MLS service provider. The
subcommittees researched the current
system’s features and services, including
integration with third party vendors, tax
databases, IDX solutions and analysis of
all customizations implemented at
SAR’s request.
In April, the Board of Directors
approved hiring Clareity Consulting to
conduct a workshop on various MLS
service providers equipped to work with
a large and growing Association such as
SAR. Clareity’s representative, Troy
Rech, gave the MLS Committee and the
Board of Directors an overview of
several systems and the results of
Clariety’s latest annual industry-wide
MLS customer satisfaction survey. Based
on that information, four vendors were
selected for further study.
Clareity MLS
questionnaire conducted
Clareity also conducted an Association
member online questionnaire in October
to facilitate the selection process.
In May, Kepecz, MLS Chair Katherine
Reardon and SAR technology wizard
Jesse Sunday attended live presentations
of the four vendors at the NAR meeting
in Washington DC. All four vendors Interealty/MLXchange, Fidelity
MLS/Paragon, Marketlinx/Tempo, and
Rapattoni/NTREIS – have allowed
members of the SAR MLS Committee
to “test drive” the systems.
central Wisconsin against the South
Central Wisconsin MLS Corp. and the
Realtor® Association of South Central
Wisconsin. The broker, Jay Reifert,
wants to remain a member of the MLS
but wishes to terminate his membership
in NAR.
Judge Shabaz found that the plaintiff
had failed to offer evidence that any
organizations compete with Realtor®
organizations and are damaged by the
Stay tuned for further updates in
purported tie between participation in
Sarasota Realtor Magazine, and the
the MLS and being a Realtor®. In his
SAR Weekly Update.
ruling, Shabaz rejected the plaintiff's
Judge: MLS systems are not claim that the membership requirement
is an illegal “group boycott,” noting that
‘anti-competitive’
“plaintiff has not demonstrated that he
The recent ruling by a federal judge in or any other real estate professional was
Madison, Wis., that it is not antidenied access to the MLS. His evidence
competitive to limit membership in a
in support of anti-competitive effect
multiple listing service to Realtors®
consists of referencing arguments made
reaffirms the integrity of the nation’s
in support of the tying claim, which have
Realtor®-owned and -operated multiple previously been rejected as establishing
listing services, the president of the
an anti-competitive effect.”
National Association of Realtors® said.
“In today’s real estate business, there
“This important ruling supports our
really
is no alternative to being a
belief that Realtor® membership is an
Realtor® if you believe in
important and lawful prerequisite to
professionalism and the Realtor® Code
participation in Realtor® associationof Ethics," Mansell said. "Judge Shabaz’
owned and operated MLSs," said NAR ruling affirms the valuable services the
President Al Mansell of Salt Lake City.
Realtor® organization provides our
"Reasonable and fair membership
members and to the public.”
requirements make it possible for all real
Nearly all of the nation’s 800 multiple
estate licensees who subscribe to the
listing
services are owned and operated
®
strict Realtor Code of Ethics to become
®
by
Realtor
organizations. Membership
®
®
Realtors and participate in Realtor in
many
MLSs
is open only to members
owned and -operated MLSs.”
of the local Realtor® organizations that
In August, Federal District Judge
own them.
John C. Shabaz dismissed a lawsuit
– Information from NAR was
brought by a real estate broker in south
used in this report
In September, the four vendors
demonstrated their systems to the MLS
Committee at the SAR office.
Brush Up Sarasota event postponed until Nov. 5
On Saturday, Nov. 5, the SAR, through
the Community Outreach Committee,
will once again participate in Brush Up
Sarasota, an event under the auspices of
the City of Sarasota designed to improve
the overall community appearance. The
group has decided to take on six houses
this year, and several real estate offices
have signed on to help out.
This year’s event was postponed from
the original date of Oct. 22 due to the
approach of Hurricane Wilma to the
Southwest Florida coastline.
Sponsors for this year’s event now
include Re/Max Properties, Keller
Williams, Prudential Cascade and
Michael Saunders & Company in Palmer
Ranch. Aclarian Mortgage will also bring
eight to 10 volunteer workers for the
event, and may take on their own house.
November 2005
31
NAR: Tell Justice Department
our business is competitive
The Department of Justice (DOJ),
which has filed a lawsuit against NAR
based on its Internet-display policy,
hosted a workshop along with the
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on
Oct. 25 concerning competition in the
real estate industry.
letters to the DOJ and FTC sharing
their opinions on competition within
our industry and including personal
stories that illustrate how competitive and sometimes cutthroat - the real
estate industry can be.
Letters can still be sent to both the
FTC and the DOJ by either mail or eIn preparation, the two federal
agencies invited public comment on the mail. The two federal agencies will
accept public comments through Nov. 28.
issue. Realtors were asked to write
For more information on addresses,
including some suggested key points to
include in your letters, go to NAR's
Web site, http://www.realtor.org, and
look for the link on the center of the
page. NAR requests that you also send
them a copy of any mail to the agencies
by e-mailing it to
[email protected].
Industry groups move toward
NAR on RESPA
The National Association of
Realtors® is building support for its
position on reform of Real Estate
Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA)
regulations. NAR hopes to improve the
Good Faith Estimate (GFE) rather
than allow lender-controlled packaging
with a Section 8 anti-kickback
exemption, as HUD proposed in its last
reform attempt.
During July and August, The U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban
Development convened roundtables
32
November 2005
that brought together industry and
consumer group representatives to
discuss possible changes to RESPA
rules. NAR was represented at all
roundtables, including three field
meetings co-hosted with the U.S. Small
Business Administration in Los
Angeles, Chicago, and Fort Worth.
Over the course of the roundtables,
virtually the entire real estate
settlement services industry moved to
this position, including many mortgage
bankers, mortgage brokers,
independent service providers, and
consumer advocates, reported NAR
analysts.
At each roundtable, NAR reiterated
its long-standing position that RESPA
reform should not allow lendercontrolled packaging with a Section 8
anti-kickback exemption, but should
instead address GFE weaknesses.
HUD has not set a time table for
releasing proposals for changing
RESPA rules.
--NAR
Rookie Corner
What to do in the your first three months
n
Prospecting – How Do You Find Clients?
No matter how slick your brochures, business cards, hardware and Personal
Marketing Plan, the key to successfully launching your new real estate business is
acquiring clients. Follow these tips to find prospects:
• Make sure all family, extended family, and friends know
that you’re working in real estate sales and are available
for their buying and selling needs. Send them your new
business card and personal brochure and follow up with a
friendly phone call in the first few weeks.
• If you’re involved in community organizations, activities,
or other personal interest groups, be sure to let everyone
in those groups know of your new career. Inform
members of your religious congregation, your children’s
sports leagues, your doctor, your insurance agent, your
dry cleaner and other service providers.
• Find a high-producing sales associate in your office and
offer to assist him or her with open houses or other
aspects of his or her transactions to gain experience and
possible referrals. Consider joining the sales team of a
high-producing practitioner until you can establish your
own client base.
• Offer to work floor time in your office in order to answer
incoming calls and find prospects. If your company has a
general e-mail box, offer to respond to incoming e-mail
inquiries from potential prospects.
• Develop contacts with the human resources departments
of any major employers in your area and offer your
services for relocating employees.
• Contact organizations that you’re involved with or that
interest you and offer to provide free homebuying
seminars to its members.
By taking these sensible steps, you can jump start your new
career, and avoid long months of inactivity and
nonproductive time.
- From Realtor Magazine Online
Health Insurance
Continued from page 8
Pensions, has said the House bill does not have
enough support to pass the Senate. But Enzi also
noted he is crafting a compromise between
traditional health insurers and small business groups
that could result in different legislative language for
AHPs. And Rep. Charles Norwood (R-Ga.), who
leads the House subcommittee on workforce
protections, said he would also attempt to alter the
legislation to gain Senate passage before the final bill
reaches Bush's desk.
For more on this major issue impacting the real
estate community, visit www.naractioncenter.com and
click on Key Issue Summaries at the top of the page.
Read the December issue of Sarasota Realtor
Magazine for the next in a series – an update on this
important and evolving issue.
November 2005
33
Realtor Etiquette
®
34
November 2005
Fill in all the ‘blanks’ on MLS listings
h
How many times have you done a computer search and since the
“blanks” were not yellow, the Realtor did not fill them in?
Even though you might not feel this is important,
So, I repeat my initial statement, and request –
it could be very important to a fellow Realtor.
please fill in all the blanks!
Go the extra mile! Measure the rooms. I can’t
tell you how many Realtors DO want to know the
size of a master bedroom, for example, or a living
room or dining room. Even the size of a garage is
important information for many people.
In doing our searches for our clients, questions
are asked which help expedite the search and
achieve success in finding a home for the client in
the shortest time possible.
Another quirky idea of etiquette is the
photographs of your listings. I realize we are not all
camera buffs, but in this age of extremely easy to
use and inexpensive digital cameras, it should be
quite easy to show us your listings with quality
snapshots.
Terry L. Fine, Broker
41 West Realty Group, Inc.
Women’s Council of
REALTORS
®
REALTOR
DENISE LEIDER
New member orientation
slated this month
By Denise Leider
a
As year-end draws near, one would think things would start to wind-down, but not
so for the Women's Council of REALTORS. As you can see by the schedule below,
we still have many events that you may attend and volunteer for. Every week I am
approached by a new member who is asking how they can get more involved in WCR.
We will be having a new member orientation on
Nov. 14 that I encourage everyone to attend.
This orientation will explain the levels of
involvement in WCR and the requirements for
being in those positions.
Also, our PMN Course on Nov. 29 will be very
important for all to attend and support the
Sarasota Chapter. "At Home with Diversity" is a
PMN designated course and will also provide
credits for other designations.
To participate in any of the events listed below,
please contact one of the WCR 2005 Board
members listed.
Monday, Nov. 14: New Member Orientation
at The Wine Shop
Friday, Nov. 18: WCR Installation Banquet
at Michael's on East
Tuesday, Nov. 29: PMN Course “At Home with
Diversity" with Chuck Bonamer
Thursday, Dec. 8: Awards Program
at Michael's on East
There are still several opportunities remaining
this year for WCR members to network and
make connections that could result in additional
There are still several opportunities
remaining this year for WCR members to
network and make connections that could
result in additional referral business and
revenues. Get involved today! In addition,
as a WCR member, a portion of your outof-town lodging expenses will be
reimbursed by WCR.
referral business and revenues. Get involved
today! In addition, as a WCR member, a portion
of your out-of-town lodging expenses will be
reimbursed by WCR.
For more information regarding WCR, always
feel free to contact me, Denise Leider, 2005
President Sarasota Chapter, 228-0520, or the
other WCR Board members: President - elect,
Amy Worth, 954-5454; Vice-President
Membership, Debbie Lane, 349-4478; Treasurer,
Michelle Crabtree, 907-1033; Recording
Secretary, Kathy Burns, 366-1300; or
Corresponding Secretary, Maria Masucci,
308-3815.
WCR Where It All Comes Together!
November 2005
35
Membership News
The Association is pleased to welcome new members who joined in October 2005.
Acevedo, Angela, Coldwell Banker Res R E Inc
Agababian, Denise, Cagan Brewer Realty
Alley, Edwin, The Florida Property Shop
Ansley, Christina, RE/MAX Gulfstream Realty
Aubry, Richard, Michael Saunders & Company
Averbuch, Miriam, New Homes Now R E Corp
Barnas, Jennifer, Homes By Towne Realty Inc
Baron, Cindy, Horizon Realty
Berry, Linda, Keller Williams Lakewood Ranch
Bissett, Elizabeth, Mount Vernon Property Mgmt Inc
Booth, Douglas, Bosshardt Realty Services Inc
Brennan, Francis, ERA Mount Vernon Realty Co Inc
Bretoi, Tracy, Estates Realty Of Sarasota Inc
Brown, Ruth, Michael Saunders & Company
Browne, Staley, Mount Vernon Property Mgmt Inc
Brzostek, Ann Marie, RE/MAX Suncoast Realty
Bucknell, Lindsay, Century 21 Sorrento Realty
Carlson, David, Coldwell Banker Res R E Inc
Carnduff, Cindy, Gulf Access Homes Inc
Chapman, Christine, Allen R E Services
Chmielewski, Kimberly, Hembree And Assoc Inc
Cipullo, Michael, Horizon Realty
Colavito, Anthony, Wedebrock Real Estate Co
Comito, Ronald, Horizon Realty
Corner, Carol, Gulfcoast Int'l Realty of Sara
Cress, Charles, Keller Williams Realty
Cuddy, Shirley, ERA Mount Vernon Realty Co Inc
Dabney, David, Coldwell Banker Res R E Inc
Dabringhaus, Daniel, Sunset Realty
Davant, Peggy, Prudential Palms Realty
Davis, Denise, Keller Williams Realty
Dillingham, Valerie, Keller Williams Platinum Rlty
Dortch, John, WEICHERT Realtors On The Key
Dziubek, Jaroslaw, Keller Williams Lakewood Ranch
Eaton, Cynthia, Interinvestments Realty
Elder, Deborah, Bosshardt Realty Services Inc
Elliott, Katie, Prudential Cascade Realty
Elsbree, Melissa, Prudential Palms Realty
Everson, Shawn, Exit Realty Gulf Coast
Farmer, Barbara, Coldwell Banker Res R E Inc
Fife, Gerda, Keller Williams Platinum Rlty
Forsythe, Peter, Keller Williams Platinum Rlty
Fushikoshi, Gordon, Keller Williams Platinum Rlty
Garrabrant, Thomas, Keller Williams Lakewood Ranch
Germain, Robyn, Homes By Towne Realty Inc
Gibson, Jo Ellen, Keller Williams Realty
Giles, Michael, Wedebrock Real Estate Co
Guthrie, Peter, Horizon Realty
Guthrie, Sandra, SRQ Bay Inc
Gwynn, Gary, Michael Saunders & Company
Harris, William, Homes & Dreams Realty Inc
Herman, Jennifer, ERA Mount Vernon Realty Co Inc
Herring, Joseph, RE/MAX Suncoast Realty
Hickman, James, Horizon Realty
Hilbun, Christine, RE/MAX Excellence
Hoff, Matthew, Coldwell Banker Res R E Inc
Horner, Tom, Coldwell Banker Res R E Inc
Jaquith, David, Prudential Palms Realty
Jeltema, Alana, Homes By Towne Realty Inc
Jimenez, Eddy, Coldwell Banker Res R E Inc
Johnston Nilles, Judith, Realty Executives Solutions
Jordan, Richard, Coldwell Banker Res R E Inc
Justus, Michael, Lakewood Ranch Realty
Keen, Frank, Prudential Palms Realty
Keenan, Kimberly, Keller Williams Platinum Rlty
Kelley, Sandra, Lakewood Ranch Realty
Kelley, Thomas, SKY Sotheby's Intl Realty
36
November 2005
Landis, Karen, Prudential Palms Realty
Leereveld, Karin, America 1st Realty
Leonard, Robert, Prudential Palms Realty
Lewis, Tina, Wedebrock Real Estate Co.
Lewis, Louise, The Dewar Group Inc
Limekiller, Judy, Michael Saunders & Company
Magoon, Jennifer, Coldwell Banker Res R E Inc
Malzan, Amber, Homes By Towne Realty Inc
Marino, Marisa, Paradigm Properties
Masseo, Therese, Peens Property Group Inc
Mattison, Stuart, SKY Sotheby's Intl Realty
Mattmuller, Denise, Michael Saunders & Company
McMahon, Kimberly, Keller Williams Platinum Rlty
Melton, Scott, Signature Properties
Merrill, James, Exit Creative Realty
Mesarosova, Maria, Sellstate Best Coast Realty
Miller, Jennifer, Michael Saunders & Company
Mills Gray, Carolyn, CENTURY 21 Advantage
Mills Gregory, Lora Lee, Prudential Palms Realty
Morlock, Gabrielle, RE/MAX Excellence
Moyer, Trude, First in R E - Bradenton
Neider, Benjamin, A Young Realty Group Inc
Nelson, Laura, Preferred Prop Of Sarasota
Osgood, Alexandra, Coldwell Banker Res R E Inc
Osmon, Trisha, First in R E - Bradenton
Pintchuck, Scott, American Prop Group Of Sara
Pipes, Raymond, Lakewood Ranch Realty
Ponto, Shannon, Pierce Properties Inc
Prather, Ronald, Prudential Palms Realty
Pritchard, Paula, CENTURY 21 Advantage
Pritchard, Patricia, CENTURY 21 Advantage
Rausch, Deborah, Homes By Towne Realty Inc
Raven, Mary, Keller Williams Lakewood Ranch
Rayburn, Deborah, Horizon Realty
Richter, Jerry, Keller Williams Lakewood Ranch
Roberts, Marsha, Horizon Realty
Ross, Norman, Keller Williams Realty
Rovnak, Robert, Sunray Realty LLC
Salas, Carolina, Property Prospectors LLC
Schmitt Finelli, Margaret,ERA Mount Vernon Realty Co Inc
Schroeder, JoEllyn, Homes By Towne Realty Inc
Shapiro, Lori, Gulfcoast Int'l Realty of Sara
Siefert, Lisa, Signature Realty LLC
Steckel, Jonathan, Prudential Palms Realty
Stewart, Joseph, Prudential FL WCI Realty Inc
Stone, Marthalyn, World Savings
Strapko, Scarlet, Prudential Cascade Realty
Sullivan, Elizabeth, ERA Mount Vernon Realty Co Inc
Swan, Sandy, Siesta Tom Nay Real Estate
Thomas, Anne, RE/MAX Properties
Tresidder, Brian, Sarasota Realty Properties
Waag, Dessie, CENTURY 21 Advantage
Ward, Emily, Keller Williams Lakewood Ranch
Weiner, Anne, Keller Williams Lakewood Ranch
Weis, Teresa, RoseBay Real Estate Inc
Wells, Naomi, Michael Saunders & Company
White, Darren, Horizon Realty
Williams, Linda, CENTURY 21 Advantage
Wilson, Janet, Homes By Towne Realty Inc
Wilson, William, Coldwell Banker Res R E Inc
Wissing, Ana Maria, Coldwell Banker Res R E Inc
Wooster, Stephen, Prudential Palms Realty
Yonov, Gail, Michael Saunders & Company
Zachos, Lynn, Keller Williams Realty
Zehringer, Ricky, Keller Williams Lakewood Ranch
Zoll, Marianne, RE/MAX Properties
DESIGNATED REALTORS® WHO JOINED IN
SEPTEMBER 2005
Angulo PA, J Francisco, CENTURY 21 United Properities
Becker, Earl F, Becker Real Estate Company
Buck Stone, L Maureen, Stone Estate Homes & Invest
Byram, D Timothy, Real Estate Referral Results
Coles PA, W Roger, Roger W Coles P A
Drabik, F Robert, Robert F Drabik Lic RE Broker
Gallizzi, A Paul, Paul Gallizzi Real Estate
Gregory, M Roy Ann, Mount Vernon Property Mgmt Inc
Johnston II, E Stephen, Home Discovere of Sara/Manatee
McDonald, S Michael, Sunray Realty LLC
Orth, R Brian, Orth & Associates Inc
Peens, M Shaun, Peens Property Group Inc
Rauch, W Martin, Rauch Inc
Rausch, D Glenn, Homes By Towne Realty Inc
Riedel, J Alicia, Gulf Access Homes Inc
Seguin, R Paul, Nationwide Hotel Brokers of FL
Shanley, A Katharine, Sarasota Trust&Estate Property
Spenthoff, R Jamie, Buckeye Appraisal Group
Tice, T Sharon, First Lee Marketing, Inc
DESIGNATED REALTORS® WHO JOINED IN
OCTOBER 2005
Browning, Michael David, Certified Appraisal Group Inc
Cardenal, Jose Emilio, Interinvestments Realty
Crandall, D Rosemary, Great American Realty Group
George, J Thomas, Thomas J George Realty
Heimann, Thomas, Bravo Real Estate Inc
Jenkins, R Allen, Siesta Annual Rentals Inc
Jenkins, R Allen, RE/MAX 5 Star Real Estate
Kinen, Jane Carol, Lifestyles Realtors
Ladzinski, Vanessa, Casa Blanca Vacation Rentals
Lara, C Mercedes, Lara Realty Group Inc
Lythgoe, Anna, West Florida Property Group
Peoples, J William, Assist2Sell Coast & County Rlt
Pierce, J David, Florida Real Estate Gateway
Price, Louise Bonnie, Richard Bradway & Associates
Seaborne, A Patricia, Southeast Capital Realty LLC
Siefert, E William, Signature Realty LLC
Stone Jr, Wallace John, Vantage Realty of Florida Inc
Stusek, A Richard, Patriot Appraisal Inc
Wakemann III, H William, Wakeman Consulting, Inc.
Waldman, Larry Martin, Birkholz Appraisal South Inc
Weiss, E Mitchell, Prime Properties International
Wexler, P Steven, Nautilus Properties LLC
Wicks-Goggin, Victoria, First in R E - Bradenton
NOW WITH
Benjamin P A,Gary, RE/MAX 5 Star Real Estate
Brissette, Edith, RE/MAX Excellence
Cardamone, Philip, Coldwell Banker Res R E, Inc.
Coletta, Kari, Horizon Realty
Coletta, LLC Thomas, Horizon Realty
Corbridge, Tracey Lynn, Keller Williams Realty
Eberly, Yvette, RE/MAX Excellence
Evans, Jodi, RE/MAX Properties
Goslin, Anthony, RE/MAX Gulfstream Realty
Hixon, Margaret, ERA Mount Vernon Realty Co. Inc.
Jacob, Arlette, RE/MAX Excellence
Korn, Marjorie, Keller Williams Realty
Kuehl, Brent, CENTURY 21 Advantage
Lane, Erika, Lakewood Ranch Realty
Maier, Robert, RE/MAX Excellence
McConnin, John, WEICHERT Realtors On the Circle
Meador, M Kathleen, Osprey Land Company
Myers, Margaret, Horizon Realty
Nason, Liz, RoseBay Real Estate, Inc.
Membership News
Ndah, MBA Konrald, RE/MAX Properties
Nielsen, Edward, Osprey Land Company
Norwine, Robert, WEICHERT Realtors On the Circle
Reed, Pourussadat, RE/MAX Properties
Schortzmann, Serena, Osprey Land Company
Shinneman, Linda, Peens Property Group, Inc.
Smith, Christine, RE/MAX Gulfstream Realty
Smith Senic, Charell, Michael Saunders & Company
Soviero, Christopher, RE/MAX 5 Star Real Estate
St. James, Carol, Keller Williams Platinum Realty
Steakley, Doris, Coldwell Banker Res R E Inc.
Teicher, Suzanne, RE/MAX Gulfstream Realty
Townsend III, John, Keller Williams Platinum Realty
Turner, Jeanette, Michael Saunders & Company
Wallace, Deborah, Jennette & Rossi, Inc.
Wilson, Cynthia, Terra One Realty LLC
Wilson, Sandra Jo, Wedebrock Real Estate Co.
CHANGE OF OFFICE ADDRESS
Dollar Realty & Mortagage
6247 Lake Osprey Road
Sarasota, FL 34240
Phone: 813-282-4550 ext 164
REALTOR: Carol Simmons
Firm Code: DOLR
Enright Realty Inc.
P.O. Box 25423
Sarasota, FL 34277
Phone: 941-924-8264
REALTOR: Joanie Enright
Firm Code: ENRR
First Horizon Home Loans
3550 South Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34239
Phone: 941-363-2266
AFFILIATE: Bob Ward
Firm Code: #FHH
Realty Quest
119 Tamiami Trail Suite D
Port Charlottte, FL 33953
Phone: 941-733-0127
REALTOR: Janice Portirio
Firm Code: BEVM
Roberts Realty Inc
2621 Mall Drive
Sarasota, FL 34231
Phone: 941-924-2330
REALTOR: Laura Roberts
Firm Code: RBRT
U S Assets Realty Group Inc
240 S. Pineapple Ave Suite 400
Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone: 941-365-7334
REALTOR: Jay A Tallman
Firm Code: USAR
Waterbird Company
2342 Milford Circle
Sarasota, FL 34239
Phone: 941-952-1813
REALTOR: Eugene J Strutt
Firm Code: WBCO
Rebecca F. Stokes, Lic Real Estate Broker
to Stokes Property Management & Real Estate, Inc.
3053 51st Street
Sarasota, FL 34234
Phone: 941-355-4880
REALTOR: Rebecca Stokes
Firm Code: RFSB
NEW AFFILIATE MEMBERS
Rankin Mortgage
5004 79th Ave Plaza E
Sarasota, FL 34243
Phone Number: 941-355-9405
Representative: Laurie Broeske
Specialty: Mortgage
Sarasota Insurance Agency
5343 Paylor Lane
Sarasota, FL 34240
Representative: David Brownstein
Specialty: Insurance
Mold Searchers LTD.Com
8257 Barton Farms Blvd
Sarasota, FL 34240
Representative: Michael P Burger
Specialty: Mold Inspections
Ranch Mortgage Associates
5343 Paylor Lane Suite 200
Sarasota, FL 34240
Representative: Richard Franklin
Specialty: Wholesale Mortgage Broker
Boost Realty
4538 Cabbage Key Terrace
Bradenton, FL 34203
Representative: Will Gorman
Specialty: Online Technical Services
Eraclides, Hall & Hanenian PA
2030 Bee Ridge Road
Sarasota, FL 34239
Representative: Keith M Hanenian
Specialty: Law Firm
Dolph Map Company
430 N Federal Hwy
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301
Representative: Marco Iacobucci
Specialty: Custom Street Maps with
Company Logos
Gulf Coast Title Services
301 John Ringling Blvd
Sarasota, FL 34236
Representative: Shannon Lundy
Specialty: Title Services
Peace of Mind Home Inspections
PO Box 2092
Palmetto, FL 34220
Representative: Dave Marvel
Specialty: Home Inspections
Insight Inspections
4332 Pine Meadow Lane
Sarasota, FL 34233
Representative: Steve Rosenbaum
Sarasota Catering Company
6544 Superior Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34231
Representative: Lance Thompson
Specialty: Catering
Above & Beyond Home Inspection
7018 Curlew Rd
Sarasota, FL 34241
Representative: Steve Weinberger
All American Home Inspections
7779 Alister Mackenzie Drive
Sarasota, FL 34240
Representative: Gary Weiner
Change of Status must
be accompanied by
transfer fee
Members of the Sarasota
Association of Realtors
occasionally transfer their real
estate license from one Broker
to another. An important part
of this process is filing the
DBPR RE-2050-Request for
Change of Status form with the
Department of Professional
Regulations/DBPR.
Once the form has been sent
to the state, please Fax or mail
a copy to SAR along with a
transfer fee of $20. Upon
receipt of the DBPR RE-2050
form and the transfer fee, our
database will be updated with
your new company.
Remember - if your company
has more than one location,
please include the address.
Please note: We do not assess
transfer fees when a member
transfers from one office to
another within the same
company. Also, transfers will not
be processed until payment has
been received.
November 2005
37
Sarasota Association of Realtors
Annual Celebration/Installation Banquet
Michael’s On East
Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2005
6 p.m. Reception; 6:45 p.m. Dinner
Music/Dancing — Rob Satori & Sax Trio
★ 2006 Installation of SAR Officers &
Directors and CID Officers & Directors
★ Humanitarian Award ★ Meritorious Award
★ President’s Award ★ Realtor of the Year
★ 2005 Committee Chair Recognition
Reservation Form
Deadline is Monday, Nov. 28 2005
Individual reservations will not have assigned seating, however tables of 8 may be reserved
Seating is limited to 300 reservations
Number of reservations
at $50 per person
at $400 per table
Number of tables
Name(s) 1.
Total $
Total $
5.
(Please Print)
2.
6.
3.
7.
4.
8.
Payment*
❑ Check
❑
❑
❑
Total Amount of $
Print Name
Firm
Card No.
Expiration Date
Signature
*No reservation without payment
Phone
*No refunds for cancellations
Send to: Sarasota Association of REALTORS®
3590 S. Tuttle Avenue
Sarasota, Florida 34239
Fax: 941-921-2074
Phone: 941-923-2315
38
November 2005
Immigrants redefining the real estate market
Editor’s Note: Nationwide, and here on the Gulf Coast, clients with a diverse background are entering the real estate marketplace.
Are you prepared? Here’s a brief overview, and some guidance on how you can more effectively reach a wider market.
r
Real estate agents might need to add several language courses to their already
crowded education schedules, according to a recent Associated Press report. In fact,
many real estate offices across the nation already have agents who speak Spanish,
Portuguese, Creole, Cantonese, Russian and a wide assortment of other languages – a
phenomenon started by the recent immigrant influx.
Another language in high demand in some parts of the
nation is Vietnamese. It seems that the wave of baby
boomers has been joined by another wave – this time of
immigrants – and the results are redefining the real estate
marketplace.
The 1990s brought a flood of new immigrants to the
states, and now many have started to buy homes and
property, requiring Realtors, lenders, developers and
bankers to prepare to deal with a language gap.
There are roughly 34.2 million immigrants in the United
States today, according to the AP report, representing 12
percent of the total population. And the number is only
going up, according to the U.S. Census.
The AP noted that immigrants on average purchase
homes after residing in the U.S. for about 10 years. By
then, many have saved enough money for a down payment
and established credit, the report indicated.
In response, brokers, lenders, agents and other
organizations have tried to educate immigrants on the
home buying process, and they have also published
multilingual brochures and hired more multilingual agents.
Some companies even offer diversity training and
cultural sensitivity seminars for real estate professionals.
This is because different ethnic groups may have unique
ways of negotiating, discussing financial issues and even
arriving at decisions.
Some Asian clients are concerned about the principles of
feng shui, and whether or not a particular home has the
layout which can create positive energy flows through
space. Many Hispanics seek multifamily homes, where
several generations can live together.
The answer is education, and tools to help reach this
diverse new real estate market.
40
November 2005
How to set up your
Immobel.com website
The Sarasota Association of
Realtors® last year entered
into an agreement with
Immobel.com - the largest
multi-language, multi-national
real estate web site in the world. Every MLS participant
member of SAR has an opportunity to set up a free
Immobel website with an IDX display of listings. A key
feature of this site is that the listings can be translated into
11 languages as an added service to international clients.
New members can have an Internet presence within a
few days of entering the business at no cost. Members with
existing websites can also link to the Immobel web site or
transfer the translation component to an existing site.
Your broker must take the first step by logging onto
http://sarmls.immobel.com/ to grant permission for agents
to utilize the IDX feature. Once that step has been
completed, you can set up your site. Go to
http://sarmls.immobel.com/ and enter your login
information (the same as to SAR MLS System). The
password and identification number must be entered in
UPPERCASE format.
The set-up wizard is designed to take you smoothly
through the site creation process. If you have moderate
computer skills including uploading photos and graphics,
you will find this easy and stress-free. There is no charge
for activation and use of this site. Your subscription to
SAR MLS and your broker's permission is the only
requirement.
If you would prefer to have your site professionally set
up and maintained, Immobel.com can provide full set-up
service and ongoing support for an annual payment of $35.
Keep up with year-end housekeeping
for your foreign clients
By Thomas C. Roberge, CPA, Sarasota and St. Petersburg
International
REAL ESTATE
w
With the end of another year rapidly approaching, now is the best time to get ready
to review the documentation requirements you will be responsible for in dealing with
your foreign landlord clients. Failure to comply with these rules could subject you to
substantial monetary penalties by the Internal Revenue Service.
The first requirement is
that you identify which
foreign landlord clients
need to furnish you a new
Form W-8ECI, Certificate
of Foreign Person’s Claim
for Exemption From
Withholding on Income
Effectively Connected With
the Conduct of a Trade or
Business in the United
THOMAS C. ROBERGE
States. This is the form you
need to avoid the 30 percent
withholding tax on the rental income you collect for
your foreign clients. The foreign property owner
must furnish you his or her U.S. tax identification
number on Line 6 of the form for it to be effective.
A Form W-8ECI remains in effect from the date
the form is signed until the last day of the third
succeeding calendar year. For example, a Form
W-8ECI signed on Oct. 10, 2002, remains valid only
through Dec. 31, 2005. For the year beginning Jan. 1,
2006 you will need a new, fully executed Form W8ECI (including the tax identification number on
Line 6). Otherwise, you are required to withhold and
deposit with the IRS 30 percent of the gross rent you
collect for that foreign client until you are furnished
the executed form. You and your company can be
held liable for not complying with these rules.
For the year beginning Jan. 1, 2006 you
will need a new, fully executed Form W8ECI (including the tax identification
number on Line 6). Otherwise, you are
required to withhold and deposit with
the IRS 30 percent of the gross rent you
collect for that foreign client until you
are furnished the executed form.
MISC and Form 1042-S. Form 1099-MISC is to
report to the IRS the rental income you collect for
domestic landlords. Form 1042-S (and not Form
1099-MISC) is required to be used to report rental
income you collect for foreign persons.
Don’t be intimidated or confused by the official
name of Form 1042-S (Foreign Person’s U.S. Source
Income Subject to Withholding) – it is nothing more
than a glorified Form 1099-MISC with a few more
“bells and whistles” on it.
The form can even be fun to prepare when you
have to look up the country codes of the foreign
owners. For example, this year our favorite exotic
countries include British Indian Ocean Territory,
Burkina Faso, Comoros, Jan Mayen, Niue, Mayotte,
Tokelau, Tuvalu and Howie In The Hills, Florida.
The next requirement rental agents should start
thinking about with the end of the year approaching
is the annual filing requirement for Forms 1099-
Copyright, 2005,
Thomas C. Roberge & Company,
All Rights Reserved
November 2005
41
Homestead Exemption?
Each year around January 1st, we mail a renewal
card to each Homestead Exempt property owner. If
there has been no change in the homestead status the
owner does not need to take any action. However, as
stated on the renewal card, the owner must notify the
Property Appraiser whenever the use or status has
changed. Simply checking the appropriate box on the
card and returning it can accomplish this. If the
property has been sold and a deed has been recorded
we will automatically remove the exemption. If the
new owner makes the property their homestead, they
must apply for the exemption by March 1st.
Our mission at the Property Appraiser’s Office is
to see that all property owners who qualify for the
Homestead Exemption enjoy all of the benefits that
come along with it. However, we will investigate all
potential violations and carry out our duties
according to the law.
Environmentally Sensitive Lands
parks (7 acres per 1,000 persons). This does not
count State and municipal parks.
• Many of Sarasota County’s parks are Natural Area
Parks. The Comprehensive Plan update documents a
need for boat ramps and sports facilities. Neither of
these is purchased through ESLPP funds, but,
through park impact fees and other funds.
• There is currently no provision or ability to transfer
development rights from the County’s acquired
lands to other sites where more dense development
might work.
• Given the current workforce housing situation - not
to mention energy, transportation, schools,
emergency preparedness, etc. - is this the best use of
tax dollars?
The desired $250 million increase in bonding capability
with an allowance for $100 million to be used in the
urban service area - a proposal which appeared late in
the discussion - raises concerns that the County will be in
competition with home builders and workforce housing
providers in an already-tight land market.
Realtors® should seriously consider the impact of this
issue on their business and on the availability of homes
for area workforce, which may include their children
and grandchildren.
It is likely that this referendum will pass since a low
voter turnout is anticipated. Furthermore, the ESLPP
champions are more aggressively promoting the issue
than others who are concerned about going against such
a Mom and apple pie issue, and faced with a short
response time.
Unfortunately, an earlier proposal which had increased
the bonding cap at a lower amount - and might have been
deemed non-problematic in terms of workforce housing was scrapped. Cynics say this is a no-growth strategy.
Thoughtful folks wish this issue had been discussed in
context with the community discussion on housing for all,
but for now, it’s up to the voters.
Advertisers Index
The following businesses have placed advertising in Sarasota
Realtor Magazine. Please consider these companies when
doing business.
American Home Mortgage ..................................................39
Bert Rodgers Schools of Real Estate ..................................32
Dakkak Insurance ..............................................................29
DPI....................................................................................34
Ed Klopfer Schools of Real Estate ......................................43
Little Harbor ........................................................................9
Mackinac Savings ..............................................................34
Morrison Homes ..................................................................2
Orchid Beach Club ............................................................15
Phillippi Landings ................................................................3
Serbin Printing, Inc. ............................................................42
US 1031 Exchange Services ..............................................32
Venetian ............................................................................19
Vivante ..............................................................................27
The Woodlands ..................................................................13
42
November 2005
WORLD CLASS PRINTING AND PUBLISHING
Home of COLORLINE,
World Class Post Cards,
Business Cards and Brochures
for the Real Estate Industry
1500 N. Washington Blvd. • Sarasota, FL 34236
941.366.0755 • 800.282.6192 • fax 941.365.6327
www.serbinprinting.com
November 2005
43
Monday, Nov. 7, through Friday, Dec. 16, 2005
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
7
8
THURSDAY
9
10
8 AM CIPS Financial
8 AM CIPS Financial
9 AM Basic XMLS
8 AM MLS Zone 2
12 PM Executive
Committee
8:30 AM CID Board
of Directors
9 AM & 2:30 PM
New Members
9 AM Basic XMLS
9 AM & 2:30 PM
New Members
1 PM Advanced Spanish
10 AM IRS
2 PM Intermediate
Spanish
Ongoing
Programs
FRIDAY
11
9 AM New Members
Spanish Class – Beginning
(every Thursday, 1 PM)
1 PM Beginning Spanish
Spanish Class – Intermediate
(every Thursday, 2 PM)
Spanish Class – Advanced
(every Tuesday, at 1 PM)
4 PM MLS Committee
For details call
Ruby Walsworth – 927-9659
14
9 AM New Member
Orientation
15
9 AM Top Producer
9 AM & 2:30 PM
New Members
16
9 AM & 2:30 PM
New Members
9 AM & 1 PM Basic
XMLS
17
18
8 AM MLS Zone 2
9 AM New Members
9 AM & 1 PM
Advanced XMLS
9 AM International
Council
12 PM Executive
Committee
2 PM Intermediate
Spanish
22
23
8:30 AM CID
Membership meeting
9 AM & 2:30 PM
New Members
9:30 AM iMapp Training
9:30 AM Council
MLS Committee
10 AM MLS Advantage
28
9 AM & 2:30 PM
New Members
25
Thanksgiving Holiday
Office Closed
12 PM Realtor/Attorney
Committee
29
24
Thanksgiving Holiday
Office Closed
30
9 AM & 2:30 PM
New Members
December 1
8 AM MLS Zone 2
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
MANASOTA, FL
PERMIT NO. 451
21
9 AM & 2:30 PM
New Members
2
9 AM New Members
9 AM & 1 PM
Advanced XMLS
9 AM & 1 PM Basic
XMLS
2 PM Intermediate
Spanish
For more information on Educational Programs, please see pages 24-26
5
9 AM & 2:30 PM
New Members
6
8:30 AM CID Board
of Directors
7
9 AM New Members
8
9
8 AM MLS Zone 1
9 AM New Members
1 PM e-Pro Workshop
9 AM WCR Board
of Directors
12
9 AM New Member
Orientation
9 AM New members
12 PM Executive
Committee
2:30 PM New Members
13
14
9 AM & 2:30 PM
New Members
9 AM & 1 PM Basic
XMLS
15
8 AM MLS Zone 2
9 AM & 1 PM
Advanced XMLS
2 PM Intermediate
Spanish
4 PM MLS Committee
16
9 AM New Members
Sarasota Association of Realtors®, Inc.
3590 S. Tuttle Ave.
Sarasota, FL 34239
2 PM Intermediate
Spanish

November 2005 - Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee

Transcription

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