Jazz September 2012
RASL is 1411 Members Strong!
Attention All RASL REALTOR速 Members! In August, your received a report from the 2012 Nominating Committee and their recommendations for the 2013 Directors and Officers of RASL. There are 7 qualified nominees for the 4 Director positions. Your ballot must be submitted to the Association by 5:00pm on Thursday, September 20. Or if you have RSVP for the Membership Breakfast on Friday, September 21st at 8:30am, you may bring your completed ballot or a blank one will be available for you. All ballots must have your signature/electronic signature and real estate license number in order to be counted. You can pick up a ballot at the Association or go to www.rasl.com. OFFICERS President President Elect Treasurer Secretary
DIRECTORS
Donn Wonderling John Slivon Bill LoBrutto Geof Hoge
Joyce Bello Kathy Brandon Jarrod Lowe Joanne McCurdy
Merline Pennant Ruth Siegel Sarah Taylor
DATE: Friday, September 21 TIME: Check-In begins at 8:00AM Breakfast to follow at 8:30AM
Sponsored By:
WHERE: Santa Lucia River Club, Ballantrae SPONSOR: Harbor Community Bank RSVP: By Wednesday, September 19th to Lynne at LNorvell@rasl.com or call 772-465-6080 NOTE: You will receive a gate pass in your confirmation email from Lynne.
2012 Annual Sponsors
Meet The Candidates—August 16: ********************************************************************************************
Meet The Candidates For RASL’s 2013 Leadership Team Thursday, August 16th Sponsored By: Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Wendy Ciacci
Donn Wonderling 2013 President
Director Nominees (left to right) Merline Pennant, Joanne McCurdy, Joyce Bello, Kathy Brandon and Secretary Nominee Geof Hoge
Director Nominee Ruth Siegel
2013 RASL Leadership Team Nominees (left to right) 2012 Nomination Committee Chair—Sheri Wetzel President—Donn Wonderling President Elect—John Slivon; Treasurer—Bill LoBrutto; Secretary—Geof Hoge; Director Nominees—Joyce Bello; Kathy Brandon; Jarrod Lowe; Joanne McCurdy; Merline Pennant; Ruth Siegel; Sarah Taylor
SPECIAL OFFER FOR CASH or CHECK PAYMENTS ONLY! See Below!
2013 RASL, FR & NAR Dues: ***********************************************************
2013 RASL, FR & NAR Dues Billing Dear RASL Member, Dues Billing will be going out the middle of September. Attention RASL REALTOR® , your 2013 dues invoice will not be mailed out this year. However you will be able to view and print it from RASL’s website (www.rasl.com).
2013 RASL REALTOR® Dues Break Down RASL DUES FR DUES NAR DUES
$295.00 $126.00 $155.00
TOTAL DUES FOR 2013 - $576.00 RPAC - $ 99.00 TOTAL OF DUES & RPAC - $675.00 YOU have OPTIONS on how to pay your 2013 Dues: Simply go to RASL’s website, www.rasl.com, click on “$Pay Dues & Invoices” icon. You will need your license number and the last four digits of your social security number to sign in. 1. Credit card payments must be for the full amount of your dues and can be made online anytime. 2. If you’d like to take advantage of the payment plan, you may do so with “cash or checks ONLY”. Mail or drop off your payment (check made payable to RASL) as follows. 3. Payment in full by December 31, 2012 with cash or check. CASH OR CHECK ONLY
October 15th November 15th December 15th One Time Payment
Without RPAC $192.00 $192.00 $192.00 $576.00
*With RPAC $225.00 $225.00 $225.00 $675.00
*RPAC - $99 - If you wish to contribute to RPAC, you may add it at any time.
Payment Deadline: December 31, 2012 A $100 late fee will be assessed on dues paid or postmarked after January 15, 2013.
Membership will be suspended if dues are not received by January 31, 2013. RASL Affiliates, you will be receiving your invoice in the mail for your 2013 RASL Dues.
Attention Members! One FREE Ticket Entry For 2014 RASL Dues
SPECIAL RAFFLE FOR RASL MEMBERS ONLY! Pay Dues by CASH or CHECK and your name will be written on ONE RAFFLE TICKET to be placed in the drawing for a chance to win your 2014 RASL Dues FOR FREE! NOTE: This raffle is only available to RASL Members who pay their 2013 Dues in FULL by December 31, 2012 with CASH or CHECK (payable to RASL).
Up-Coming Education & Roundtable:
Register at www.rasl.com
******************************************************************************************** ** Real Estate Transaction & Foreign Exchange Class: ********************************************************************************************
Real Estate Transaction & Foreign Exchange Currency Class Open To All Commercial & Residential Realtors® Sponsored By: DATE: Thursday, September 13 COST: FREE WHERE: Ken & Aileen Pruitt Education Center at RASL TIME: 2:00PM to 4:00PM SPONSORED BY: CHELSEA TITLE COMPANY RSVP To: Mary Gibbins at MGibbins@rasl.com or call 772-465-6080 DISCUSSION: Currency Exchange & Transfer; Currency Fluctuations; Hidden Cost of an International Transaction and more See flyer in RASL Jazz for more information.
14HR Continuing Ed: ********************************************************************************************
14 HR Continuing Education including Core Law DATE: Tuesday, September 25 & Wednesday, September 26 COST: $45.00 for RASL Members WHERE: Ken & Aileen Pruitt Education Center at RASL TIME: 8:30AM to 5:00PM Core Law—Tuesday, September 25, 9:00AM to Noon SPONSORED BY: PNC 1st part of the 11 HR Continuing Ed—Tuesday, September 25, 1:00PM to 5:00PM SPONSORED BY: Seacoast National Bank Wednesday, September 26 Sponsorship Available for AM & PM
Update Short Sale Guidelines: ********************************************************************************************
Short Sale Guidelines DATE: Wednesday, October 17 INSTRUCTOR: Bob McManus COST: FREE WHERE: Ken & Aileen Pruitt Education Center at RASL TIME: 1:00PM to 4:00PM AFFILIATE SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE—Contract Lynne
Accredited Buyer Representative Designation Class (ABR): ********************************************************************************************
ABR Designation (Accredited Buyer Representative) - 11 CE Credits DATE: Tuesday, October 23 and Wednesday, October 24 COST: $99.00 WHERE: Ken & Aileen Pruitt Education Center at RASL TIME: 8:30AM to 5:00PM AFFILIATE SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE—Contact Lynne
GRI-2 & CIPS Designation Classes Coming to RASL in September: ********************************************************************************************
GRI-2 Designation DATES: September 4 to 6 (Tuesday to Thursday) and September 10 and 11 (Monday and Tuesday) WHERE: Ken & Aileen Pruitt Education Center at RASL REGISTER: www.rasl.com For more information, see flyer in the Jazz. Affiliate Sponsorship Available For GRI-2!!! Tuesday, September 4 - Afternoon Sponsor Wednesday, September 5 - Afternoon Sponsor Thursday, September 6 - Afternoon Sponsor Contact Lynne at LNorvell@rasl.com or call the Association today.
Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) DATES: September 17 to September 21 (Monday to Friday) WHERE: Ken & Aileen Pruitt Education Center at RASL COST: $200 for RASL Members ONLY!!! ONLY 1 Seat Available For This ONE TIME LOW PRICE! Cost for others who attend: $499 REGISTER: www.rasl.com For more information, see flyer in the Jazz Affiliate Sponsorship Available for CIPS!!! Thursday, September 20 - Afternoon Sponsor Only One Sponsorship Left! Contact Lynne at LNorvell@rasl.com or call the Association.
23rd Annual RASL Affiliate Trade Show Best Theme Table Winner Voted by RASL REALTORS速
Social Time: **********************************************************************************************
Looking for an evening of FOOD + FUN + RELAXATION + FRIENDS! DATE: Monday, September 24 WHERE: SHINDIG Irish Restaurant & Pub 464 SW Pt St Luce Blvd., Suite 115 TIME: 5:00PM to 9:00PM COST: $25.00 per person (Cash or Check payable to RASL) Includes 2 drinks (well, wine, or beer), Appetizers, Fun & Games!
SEE FLYER IN JAZZ!!! RSVP BY SEPTEMBER 19 TO LYNNE @ LNorvell@rasl.com or call 772-465-6080 Contributions are not deductible for income tax purposes. Contributions to RPAC are voluntary and are used for political pur足poses. You may contribute more or less than the suggested amount. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal and the Na足tional Association of REALTORS速 or any of its state associations or local boards will not favor or disfavor any member because of the amount contributed. 100% of your contribution is sent to National RPAC and is charged against your limits under 2 U.S.C. 441a; National RPAC returns up to 70% of your contribution to FARPAC for use in connection with the election of state and local candidates and issues in Florida.
Up Coming Classes: **********************************************************************************************
WORKING WITH THE SENIOR CITIZEN - iCE CLASS - 3 CE Credits DATE: Friday, October 26 TIME: 9:00AM to Noon COST: $25.00 RESORT AND SECOND HOME PROPERTY SPECIALIST (RSPS) DATE: Tuesday, October 30 INSTRUCTOR: David Wyant SERV-PRO SEMINAR - 3 CE Credits Class: Mold Remediation and Fire Restoration DATE: Monday, November 5 COST: FREE RPR TRAINING - iCE CLASS - 4 CE Credits Class: REAL-TIME DATA, MARKET KNOWLEDGE, INFORMED CONSUMERS DATE: Friday, November 16 COST: $25.00 TIME: TBD CODE OF ETHICS - iCE CLASS DATE: Friday, December 7
Affiliate Winner from the May 4 RASL Membership Breakfast Free Banner Ad
New Member Orientation & Code of Ethics (COE): ********************************************************************************************
DATE: Tuesday, October 9th
Code of Ethics Sponsored By:
TIME: 9:00AM to Noon LOCATION: Ken & Aileen Pruitt Education Center at RASL SPONSORED BY: Group One Mortgage REGISTER AT: www.rasl.com
NAR Quadrennial Code of Ethics: ********************************************************************************************
ATTENTION RASL REALTORS!!! Did you last take your Code of Ethics between 2005—2008? NAR requires you complete a Quadrennial Code of Ethics by December 2012. Date available for the Code of Ethics at RASL!
The following is an afternoon class from 1:00PM to 4:00PM: Friday — November 30 SPONSORED BY: HOUSEMASTER HOME INSPECTIONS The following is an iCE class from 9:00am to Noon. Friday — December 7 All classes are held in the Education Center at the Association. REGISTER ONLINE: www.rasl.com
Attention All RASL Brokers—Here Is A Challenge For You!: ******************************************************************************************
Attention Brokers!!!!! Brokers, if all agents in your office support the Florida Realtors® PAC by contributing a minimum of $15 each, that qualifies your office to receive a FREE Pizza Party and treats at your designated office, delivered by RASL for the entire office. We are looking for 100% participation in your office and must be paid by September 14th. Contributions are not deductible for income tax purposes. Contributions to RPAC are voluntary and are used for political purposes. You may contribute more or less than the suggested amount. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal and the National Association of REALTORS® or any of its state associations or local boards will not favor or disfavor any member because of the amount contributed. 100% of your contribution is sent to National RPAC and is charged against your limits under 2 U.S.C. 441a; National RPAC returns up to 70% of your contribution to FARPAC for use in connection with the election of state and local candidates and issues in Florida.
Welcome New Members: **********************************************************************************************
New Realtors速: Bergenroth, Linda L Burrell, Gregory Alan Cabot, Michael Manuel Cather, Donald G Chirinos, Jose Dario Collura, Theresa Gonzalez, Sonsire Jackson, Genevieve Lashley, Karriemah Nalley, Kathleen M Panesso, Sandra Parent, Doris R Robinson, Virginia Rohlfing, Meredith Ann Rumble, Harry J Stubley, Lisa Kay Turner, William Russell White II, Troy D
Sharon J. Kelly Realty Inc. Keller Williams Realty RSI Asset Management, LLC Atlantic Winds Realty Inc. One Source Real Estate Group Coldwell Banker/Thom J White Lang Realty, Inc. Top Notch Realty Inc. The Keyes Company Coldwell Banker Paradise AlexusRealty.com Keller Williams Realty The Keyes Company Real Estate of Florida Homelife Treasure Coast Realty Homelife Treasure Coast Realty Coldwell Banker/Thom J White Keller Williams Realty of PSL
Transfers: Fatima Arbelo from The Keyes Company to Highlight Realty Jason Baskerville from AlphaDog Realty to Century 21 All Professional Michelle Baskerville from AlphaDog Realty to Century 21 All Professional Elaine Christian from Preferred Realty Executives to Star Realty Services Stacyann Defronzo from M.E. Good Realty to Century 21 All Professional Jessica Diaz from Florida Sun & Surf Realty to Real Living All Florida Realty Patricia Howe from Coastal Living Realty of FL to Homelife Treasure Coast Realty Gail Keller from Coldwell Banker/ Res. Real Est to Keller Williams Realty Frank LaMorte from Coldwell Banker/Ed Schlitt NHI to Real Living All Florida Daniel Mundis from Keller Williams Realty of PSL to AlexusRealty.com Ivan Munoz from Lowes Int'l Realty Plus to Real Estate of Florida Linda Olsinski from ColdwellBanker/Thos J White RE to Lang Realty Deborah Peterson from Top Notch Realty to Realty Associates FL Prop Eric Reikenis from RE/MAX Masterpiece Realty to Blue Water Reel Estate Harold Smyth from Coldwell Banker Paradise to ABC Realty James Vulpetti from Realty Associates FL Prop to Blue Water Reel Estate
New Affiliate/Affiliate Company: Baker, Les Bryeil, Jason E Camire, Scott Cecil, James R Fernandez, Celeste Haskett, David S Young, Donna
Fidelity Funding Mortgage Corp, PSL A Local Techie A/C Advantage Inc. D.R. Horton D.R. Horton Quality Inspections, Inc. Donna Youngs Foreclosure Clean
Marketing Madness:
********************************************************************************************
September Dates & Tour Areas NOTE: This Marketing Session is not being held at RASL. September 6 7100, 7110, 7150, 7190 Sponsor: A+ Mold Inspection Specialist Location: The Savannah Club 3492 Crabapple Drive, Pt St Lucie The easy way to come in is from US1. Go East until the end which is Bromeliad Blvd. Make a Right and at the 1st stop sign make a Left on Ironwood Ave. Go to the end and make a Left onto Crabapple and go to the main entrance just before the golf course.
September 13 AT RASL
7060, 7070, 7080, 7090, 7300, 7400
Sponsor: Bluegrass Paining, Inc. NOTE: This Marketing Session is not being held at RASL. September 20 7030, 7140, 7370 Sponsor: Paradise Homes Location: 5790 NW Bellwood Circle, Pt St Lucie Torino Parkway, go West on Blanton Blvd. Turn South on Cleburn Drive to Bellwood Circle. Address for Paradise Homes Model is 5790 NW Bellwood Drive.
September 27 AT RASL
7010, 7020, 7015 Sponsor: Protech Security/ADT
Protech Security Company, Inc.
Marketing Madness is a FREE Program brought to you by RASL to aid and benefit in your real estate career. Breakfast is provided by our awesome affiliates sponsors. Come join us every Thursday from 8:30am-10am to network with the Affiliates as well as other Realtor速 members. If you use this program as a means to grow your business, you will be amazed by your success!
RASL Annual Golf Tournament: ********************************************************************************************
DATE: Friday, October 5th WHERE: Gator Trace Golf and Country Club 4302 Gator Trace Drive Fort Pierce See Flyer in Jazz.
COST: $75.00 per golfer/$300.00 per 4 some includes awards and buffet dinner TIME: Check-In at Noon TEE-OFF: 1:00PM See SIGN-UP sheet in Jazz.
Hole - In - One—$10,000 Sponsored By: Gulfstream Business Bank 1st Place Team - $200 Sponsored By: Boca Executive Realty 2nd Place Team - $120 Sponsored By: Bill LoBrutto - RE/MAX Realty Services 3rd Place Team - $80 Sponsored By: Wally Swords - 1st International Title Men’s Longest Drive - $100 Sponsored By: Coastal Pest Control Women’s Longest Drive - $100 Sponsored By: Patty Renna - Prudential FL Realty Men’s Closest To The Pin - $100 Sponsored By: Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Women’s Closest To The Pin Sponsored By: Joe Rauso - D.R. Horton Golf Carts Sponsored By: Heaning Home Inspections Attention: RASL Members! This Tournament is open to all RASL members, your family and friends, neighbors, and colleagues.
Drink Carts Sponsored By: Jaguar Insurance AND Harbor Community Bank Hospitality Tents Sponsored By: Paradise Homes AND Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Golfer Goodie Bags Sponsored By: HouseMaster Home Inspections Team Pictures Sponsored By: Coastal Pest Control A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT,APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.” RE: REALTORS ASSOCIATION OF ST. LUCIE FOUNDATION, INC REGISTRATION#: CH23435 EXPIRATION DATE: AUGUST 16, 2012
Regional MLS: ********************************************************************************************
TIPS on MLXchange Are your reports showing up with the wrong contact information? If you transfer offices or change your contact information it is very important that you notify DBPR, your Board of Realtors and Regional MLS. Once you have made the changes with all three places you will have to update the information on MLXchange. To do this you will logon to MLXchange and on the top right hand corner click on Setting, then Personalize, and then go to Contact information and update your information there. Make sure when you are done to click on Save at the bottom. Did you know that you can do more than one thing on MLXchange and not have to get out of what you are on? By clicking on your keyboard CTRL N it will open up a new browser for MLXchange. So now you can do two different things without having to get out of what you were working on.
Supra Update VERY IMPORTANT: This is for the Keyholders that have an ActiveKey lease. Keep in mind renewal for the lease is DUE September 19th. If you are not planning on renewing the lease for the year, make sure you return the product back to your Association office to cancel the lease. On August 15th, Supra took down the old GE Single-Sign On (SSO) site. Supra updated their website and any keyholders using an old bookmark/Favorites list to log into SupraWEB will get an error message. To bookmark the current SupraWEB site, follow these steps: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Go to www.supraekey.com Click the SupraWEB Login for Real Estate Agents button. The UTC SSO login page will open. Add this page as a bookmark (the procedure for adding bookmark will vary by type of browser).
Remember to delete the old GE SSO bookmark once the new one has been added.
Karen Galarza Realtors速 Association of St. Lucie, Inc. Member Services Coordinator/RMLS Specialist 6666 South US Hwy 1 Suite 1 Port St Lucie, FL 34952 Direct Phone# 772-294-7082 Fax# 772-464-5774 Email: kgalarza@rasl.com Visit our Website: www.rasl.com and www.rmlsfl.com
GRI 2: ******************************************************************************************** Tuesday, September 4 “Sales and Marketing” Morning Sponsor: Cutco Closing
Afternoon Sponsor: SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE
Wednesday, September 5 “TECH & Tools” Morning Sponsor: Paradise Homes
Afternoon Sponsor: SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE
Thursday, September 6 “TAX” Morning Sponsor: TD Bank
Afternoon Sponsor: SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE
Monday, September 10 “Personal Promotion” Morning Sponsor: PNC
Afternoon Sponsor: Hartman Auction Group
Tuesday, September 11 “Investments” Morning Sponsor: Seacoast National Bank
Afternoon Sponsor: A+ Mold Inspection Specialist
Class for All Commercial & Residential REALTORS速: ********************************************************************************************
Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) Designation: ********************************************************************************************
AM Class Sponsored By:
PM Class Sponsored By:
AM Class Sponsored By:
PM Class Sponsored By:
AM Class Sponsored By:
PM Class Sponsorship By:
AM Class Sponsored By:
PM Class Sponsorship Available
AM Class Sponsored By:
PM Class Sponsored By:
Social Time for RASL Members!:
REALTORS® ASSOCIATION OF ST LUCIE, Inc.
Looking for an evening of FOOD + FUN + RELAXATION + FRIENDS? Come out to SHINDIG Irish Restaurant & Pub for drinks, appetizers, fun and games!
WHEN: Monday, September 24 TIME: 5:00PM to 9:00PM COST: $25.00 per person Cash or Check payable to RASL Includes 2 drinks (well, wine, or beer), Appetizers, Fun & Games ! Appetizers: Corned Beef and Cabbage Spring Rolls, Chicken Tenders, Chicken Wings and Bruschetta
WHERE: SHINDIG Irish Restaurant & Pub 464 SW Pt. St Lucie Blvd., Suite 115, Pt. St Lucie, Florida To sign up for this fun evening, contact Lynne at LNorvell@rasl.com or call 772-465-6080 By Wednesday, September 19th!
REALTORS® Association of St Lucie, Inc. 6666 South US Hwy 1, Suite 1, Port St Lucie, FL 34952 Phone: 772-465-6080 Fax: 772-464-5774
$9.00 of the $25.00 cost goes towards the RASL members FR PAC 2012 Contribution.
Contributions are not deductible for income tax purposes. Contributions to RPAC are voluntary and are used for political purposes. You may contribute more or less than the suggested amount. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal and the Na tional Association of REALTORS® or any of its state associations or local boards will not favor or disfavor any member because of the amount contributed. 100% of your contribution is sent to National RPAC and is charged against your limits under 2 U.S.C. 441a; National RPAC returns up to 70% of your contribution to FARPAC for use in connection with the election of state and local candidates and issues in Florida.
Realtors® Association of St. Lucie, Inc.
Friday, October 5 - Gator Trace Country Club, Fort Pierce, Florida
$75 per Golfer
$300 per Team
Includes Dinner & Awards
Includes Dinner & Awards
Check-In @ Noon
Tee-Off @ 1:00PM Portion to Benefit
Men’s Longest Drive
Women’s Longest Drive Prize—$100 Sponsored By: Patty Renna Prudential FL Realty
Prize—$100 Sponsored By: Coastal Pest Control
Men’s Closest to the Pin
Sponsored By: Gulfstream Business Bank Women’s Closest to the Pin
Prize—$100 Sponsored By: Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Prize—$100
Teams
Roving Drink Sponsored Carts By: Jaguar Insurance
AND Harbor Community Bank
Golf Carts Sponsored By: Heaning Home Inspections
REALTORS® Association of St Lucie, Inc. 6666 S. US Hwy 1, Suite 1 Port St Lucie, FL 34952 772-465-6080 Fax: 772-464-5774
Sponsored By: Joe Rauso D.R. Horton
1st Place Team—Prize $200 Sponsored By: Boca Executive Realty Hospitality Tents Sponsored By: Paradise Homes 2nd Place Team—Prize $120 Sponsored By: Bill LoBrutto RE/MAX Realty Services
3rd Place Team—Prize $80 Sponsored By: Wally Swords First International Title
Golfers, To Register Contact Lynne at 772-465-6080.
AND Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Raffles: Cooler of Cheer 50/50 Golf 4-Somes & More!
Media Sponsored By: SCRIPPS
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT,APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.” RE: REALTORS ASSOCIATION OF ST. LUCIE FOUNDATION, INC REGISTRATION#: CH23435 EXPIRATION DATE: AUGUST 16, 2012
RASL’s 7th Annual Golf Tournament - Golfer Sign-Up Sheet: ********************************************************************************************
Florida REALTORS®: ********************************************************************************************
What is Amendment 4? Amendment 4 is a constitutional amendment on Florida’s ballot this year. This proposal will lower property taxes for new homebuyers and spur muchneeded economic growth in the housing market by offering a healthy new exemption for first-time homebuyers. Amendment 4 will also protect working families, small businesses and homeowners from unfair and unexpected tax increases by helping to stop “recapture,” a tax gimmick that increases property taxes even when property values decline. Finally, Amendment 4 will lower assessment increases on non-homestead properties from a burdensome 10 percent to a more reasonable 5 percent.
Bottom Line Amendment 4 creates an additional homestead exemption for first-time homebuyers for 5 years. Amendment 4 protects Floridians from increased property taxes when their property values have declined. Amendment 4 lowers the maximum yearly assessment increase on non-homestead properties from 10 percent to 5 percent.
Potential Questions Q: Does this new homestead exemption replace the exemption in current law? A: No. The new homestead exemption in Amendment 4 is applied in addition to your current homestead exemption. Q: Won’t creating an additional homestead exemption affect the funding of police officers and firefighters? A: Amendment 4 is not retroactive and does nothing to affect the current budgets of local governments. Q: Does Amendment 4 change or reduce “Save Our Homes”, which caps assessment increases at 3% per year for homestead property, at all? A: No. Q: If local governments are not able to raise the assessed value of a property that has gone down in market value, won’t they just raise millage rates? A: It is the local government’s decision whether to raise taxes on Florida homeowners or not. Amendment 4 simply gives the Legislature the authority to protect homeowners from burdensome, unfair tax increases if the value of their home goes down. Q: Exactly how much is this new homestead exemption? A: The additional homestead exemption that Amendment 4 creates is equal to half of the home’s value, up to half the median home value in the county. Learn more: http://www.taxyourassetsoff.com
U.S. House Passes RESPA Home Warranty Clarification Act of 2011 On Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2012, the U.S. House of Representatives passed "The RESPA Home Warranty Clarification Act of 2011" (H.R. 2446) by voice vote. The bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representatives Judy Biggert (R-IL) and William "Lacy" Clay (D-MO) is designed to counter an erroneous Department of Housing and Urban Development interpretive rule that reversed decades of common understanding of RESPA. Real estate professional and home warranty companies routinely partner to provide home warranties to consumers. For nearly two decades, the industry was led to believe there were no problems with this under RESPA. In 2008, HUD issued an informal letter that called into question the practice and led to several class action lawsuits. HUD compounded the problem by issuing an interpretive rule in 2010 that made the situation worse. The effect of the HUD action was more lawsuits and the removal of the real estate professional from the warranty sales process. This is detrimental to consumers because the real estate professional is in the best position to explain the warranty and also service it should there be a problem. According to legal experts, RESPA was not envisioned to cover warranties which are not required to close a real estate and mortgage transaction. H.R. 2446 restates Congress' intent that warranties are not covered by RESPA and also requires disclosure of any relationship between the real estate professional and the warranty company, a common practice already. NAR and its industry partners will continue to work on the legislation with the Senate. NAR Memo on H.R. 2446
NAR Conference & Expo: ********************************************************************************************
Accredited Buyer Representative Designation (ABR): ********************************************************************************************
Amendment 4: ********************************************************************************************
Raffle Tickets are NOW on Sale! All proceeds go towards contributors Florida REALTORS® PAC contribution. Purchase your ticket/tickets today at the Association!!!! Tickets can be purchased by Cash, Check (payable to FL Realtors PAC) or Credit Card. Packages available for REALTORS®: 2013 RASL REALTOR® Membership Dues
**** up to $295.00 Value**** Must be a 2012 RASL Realtor® Member in Good Standing. Membership is non transferable or refundable. RASL membership runs January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. The winner’s local dues (membership with RASL only) is paid for 2013. Winner is responsible to pay FR and NAR dues.
AND 2013/2014 Regional MLS Agent Service Fees
**** up to $299.00 Value**** Certificate must be submitted with your annual fee invoice. No transfers or refunds allowed. Only redeemable for subscription to awarded subscriber Subscriber must be active and in good standing with RMLS at the time of the certificate is awarded. Subscription runs April 1, 2013 through March 31, 2014
Affiliate Package: 2013 RASL Affiliate Membership Dues
**** up to $275.00 Value**** Must be a 2012 RASL Affiliate Member in Good Standing. Membership is non transferable or refundable. RASL membership runs January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013.
DON’T DELAY PURCHASE YOUR TICKET OR TICKETS TODAY! Contributions are not deductible for income tax purposes. Contributions to RPAC are voluntary and are used for political purposes. You may contribute more or less than the suggested amount. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal and the National Association of REALTORS® or any of its state associations or local boards will not favor or disfavor any member because of the amount contributed. 100% of your contribution is sent to National RPAC and is charged against your limits under 2 U.S.C. 441a; National RPAC returns up to 70% of your contribution to FARPAC for use in connection with the election of state and local candidates and issues in Florida.
Road Warrior Package Raffle: ********************************************************************************************
What is a “NEATReceipts Mobil Scanner� you ask? It is a portable scanner and digital filing system that helps you manage all of your paperwork on the computer. The scanner software identifies and extracts the important information from receipts, business cards and documents and automatically organizes it for you. All scanned documents can be searched by keyword so you can find exactly what you need. This will ORGANIZE your paper and simplify your LIFE!!!!! Contact Lynne at LNorvell@rasl.com or call the Association to purchase your raffle ticket
TODAY!!!!
Important Contact Information: ********************************************************************************************
RASL CONTACT INFORMATION 6666 South US Highway 1, Suite 1 Port Saint Lucie, Florida 34952 Phone: 772-465-6080 Fax: 772-464-5774 www.rasl.com
FR Tech Hot line: FR Legal Hot line:
407-587-1450 407- 438-1409
RMLS Tech Support: 888-363-4696 DBPR Support:
850.487.1395
CEO: Staci Storms, Email: SStorms@rasl.com
Receptionist: Lynne Norvell, Email: LNorvell@rasl.com
Finance Director: Barbara Kingry, Email: BKingry@rasl.com
Membership Director/Professional Standards: Jessica Young, Email:
JYoung@rasl.com
Communications/Education Director: Mary Gibbins, Email: MGibbins@rasl.com
Member Services Coordinator/RMLS Specialist: Karen Galarza, Email: KGalarza@rasl.com
September: ********************************************************************************************
The Association office and Regional MLS will be closed on Monday, September 3rd in observance of Labor Day. Both offices will reopen on Tuesday, September 4th.
RASL Hours: ********************************************************************************************
2012 RASL Hours Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm
2012 Board of Directors
Patricia Renna President Prudential Florida Realty
Donn Wonderling President-Elect Boca Executive Realty
Sarah Taylor Secretary RE/MAX Masterpiece
Anthony Gambardella Immediate Past-President Thomas J. White Commercial
Joyce Bello Director Prudential Florida Realty
Geof Hoge Director St. Lucie River Realty
Douglas Rooks Director Century 21 All Professional
John Slivon Vice-President R.E. Co. of the Treasure Coast
Staci Storms CEO Realtors速 Assoc. of St. Lucie
Julio Sanchez Director Keller Williams Realty
Brian Lemen Director Hoyt C. Murphy
William LoBrutto Treasurer RE/MAX Realty Services
John Sherrard Association Attorney John E. Sherrard
Harry Jim Mitchem Director Keller Williams Realty
Sheri Wetzel Director Midway Real Estate Inc.
Pricing on Advertising—Affiliate Members Only ********************************************************************************************