Greater Tampa REALTOR® News - January 2016

Requested Delivery By: January 10, 2016

T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E G R E AT E R TA M PA A S S O C I AT I O N O F R E A LT O R S ®

PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID TAMPA, FL Permit No. 2397

The 2016 Leadership Team (front row, l-r) President Andy Joe Scaglione, President-Elect Joe Perez, Vice President Mari Colgan, Treasurer Sandy Streit, Secretary Norma Cohen, Past President Barbara Jordan. Behind them stands the Interim CEO Brenda Rabbitt (left) and the 2016 Directors (no order) Diane Acken, Alma Alexander, Ashley Christie, Diana Englehart, Dan Hazy, Mary McCall, Jodi McKeithan, Brad Monroe, Jack Rodriguez, Francine Villa and Zoe Green

GTAR Installs 2016 Leadership Scaglione receives gavel as the 2016 GTAR President

BY MIKE UTAEGBULAM GTAR Staff More than 170 members and guests enjoyed the Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS® (GTAR) 104th Annual Installation and Awards Banquet festivities held last month at The Avila Golf and Country Club. In addition to the installation of the 2016 Officers and Directors, members who made significant contributions to the association in 2015 were recognized.

The Honorable Bob Buckhorn, mayor of the

City of Tampa, installed Andy Joe Scaglione (Empire Commercial Realty) as the 2016 GTAR President along with Scaglione’s 2016 officers and directors. The officers installed include: President-Elect Joe Perez (Keller Williams Tampa Properties); Vice President Mari Colgan (Ellie & Associates, P.A.); Secretary Norma Cohen (Smith & Associates Real Estate) and Treasurer Sandy Streit (SandyRae Realty).

The directors include: Diane Acken (Florida Executive Realty); Alma Alexander (Coldwell Banker Residential); Ashley Christie (NextHome Discovery); Diana Englehart (Coldwell Banker Residential); Dan Hazy (Homexpress Realty,

Inc.); Mary McCall (RE/ MAX ACR Elite Group); Jodi McKeithan (Blue Dog Realty); Brad Monroe (Monroe Realty Associates); Jack Rodriguez (Minaret Realty); Tom Scaglione (Future Home Realty, Inc.); and Ex-Officio Members: Francine Villa (American Bancshares Mortgage), Affiliate Business Partner

Florida tops list of most desirable states

pg.6

• EDUCATION

INSTALLATION, Page 2

2015 President Barbara Jordans pins 2016 President Andy Joe Scaglione during the installation ceremony

like to live (excluding their current state), Florida landed at the top of the list. Overall, sunshine and waterfront acreage were consistent themes among the most popular states, with California (2) and Sunshine and waterfront acreage Hawaii (3) rounding out place Florida at the top for the the top three. However, non-beach states Colorado first time in 15 years.

(4) and New York (5) closed

BY FLORIDA REALTORS out the top five states.

This year's top five were, NEW YORK – Dec. 18, 2015 – For for the most part, also top-five honorees the first time since 2001, Florida – the the last time this question was asked in nation's 27th state – is back on top as 2013, Harris reports. The sole exception is Americans' most desired state to live. New York, which edged into the top-five When asked where they would most after a sixth FLORIDA, Page 18

CODE OF ETHICS

Chairman; Zoe Green (RE/ MAX Bay to Bay), Women’s Council of REALTORS® President and Barbara Jordan (Coldwell Banker Residential), GTAR’s Immediate Past President.

Awards were presented to current GTAR members for their contributions to the association during 2015.

pg.11

IN LOVING MEMORY

JANUARY 2016

IN THIS EDITION

SMART Goals Mean Success

Goals are a constant reminder of the direction in which we want to head.

Follow the SMART method of setting goals to increase your success rate. Page 2

Homeowners Reap Benefits

According to a report from the National Association of REALTORS®, remodeling projects can bring major benefits to homeowners who choose to sell or remain in their homes. Page 8

Manging Risk: Cyber Fraud

Mercedes Hale gives several tips on protecting your business from suspicious emails and fradulent wire transfers. Page 15

New Staff: Kris Patel

Vernon E. Taylor April 3, 1948 - Nov. 29, 2015

Taylor, former GTAR president, entered peacefully into heaven on November 29, 2015. He is surived by Laure, his wife of 28 years and son, Douglas C. Taylor.

Vernon, Page 13

• AFFILIATES

pg.12

GTAR welcomes Kris Patel as the Director of IT Services. Kris brings 10 years of IT Support and is ready for things to come. Page 18

Candid Camera

December 2015. Page 16

• MLS STATISTICS

pg.14

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January 2016

Greater Tampa REALTOR® News

www.GTAR.org

The Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS®

2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ANDY JOE SCAGLIONE President Empire Commercial Realty Service

JOE PEREZ President-Elect Keller Williams Tampa Properties

MARI COLGAN Vice President Ellie & Associates, P.A.

SANDRA STREIT Treasurer Sandy Rae Realty

NORMA COHEN Secretary Smith & Associates Real Estate

BARBARA JORDAN Immediate Past President Coldwell Banker Residential

DIANE ACKEN Director

ALMA ALEXANDER Director

ABOUT GTAR

The Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS®, Inc. (GTAR) is the largest Tampa Bay-based professional association of real estate brokers and sales associates conducting business throughout the Bay. GTAR provides educational programs, ethical guidance and other services that enable licensed real estate professionals to help people buy and sell homes in the Greater Tampa area.

For more information, please visit www.gtar.org

2016 OFFICERS

President Andy Joe Scaglione.....(813) 968-4996 President-Elect Joe Perez..........................(813) 264-7754

Florida Executive Realty

Coldwell Banker Residential

ASHLEY CHRISTIE Director

DIANA ENGLEHART Director

DAN HAZY Director

MARY McCALL Director

JODI McKEITHAN Director

BRAD MONROE Director

JACK RODRIGUEZ Director

TOM SCAGLIONE Director

Minaret Realty

Future Home Realty, Inc.

ZOE GREEN WCR President

FRANCINE VILLA Ex-Officio Director

NextHome Discovery

Coldwell Banker Residential

Homexpress Realty, Inc.

RE/MAX ACR Elite Group, Inc.

Vice President Mari Colgan..................... (813) 685-4936 Treasurer Sandra Streit...................(813) 343-8001 Secretary Norma Cohen................. (813) 992-5845

Monroe Realty Services

Blue Dog Realty

Immediate Past President Barbara Jordan...............(813) 962-0631 Interim Chief Executive Officer Brenda Rabbitt............... (813) 879-7010

2016 DIRECTORS

Diane Acken................... (813) 299-4758 Alma Alexander................(813) 727-1201 Ashley Christie................(813) 504-8812 Diana Englehart...............(813) 748-2165 Zoe Green...................... (813) 259-0000 Dan Hazy.......................... (813) 545-7372 Mary McCall....................(813) 294-4425 Jodi McKeithan.............. (813) 597-9670 Brad Monroe...................(813) 309-4488 Jack Rodriguez...............(813) 877-6388 Tom Scaglione............... (813) 310-8200 Francine Villa..................(813) 598-0844

REPRODUCTION

The Greater Tampa REALTOR® News is published monthly for members of GTAR in the interest of informing, promoting, and improving the real estate industry. With the exception of articles and materials from other publications reprinted in this newspaper, members and affiliate members of GTAR are hereby authorized to reproduce articles appearing in this newspaper, provided each such reproduction gives the following credit:

Reprinted from Greater Tampa REALTOR® News, Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS®.

RE/MAX Bay to Bay

American Bancshares Mortgage

2015 AWARD RECIPIENTS

Edward T. Starr Award

Meritorius Service Award

Future Home Realty, Inc.

Namaste Realty, Inc.

LEA LAGUEUX

CARLOS FUENTES

THE REALTOR® MARK

REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark which may be used only by real estate professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics.

ADVERTISING INFORMATION

For advertising information/sales, contact Mike Utaegbulam, Director of Communications at (813) 879-7010.

C. Ed Owning Award

LISA CALEBRO-KUDER Calebro & Associates

Affiliate of the Year Award BRIDGET JENKINS WILSON Cardinal Roofing

Advertising products or services herein shall not be construed to be a promotion, approval, or endorsement of those products or services by GTAR. All advertising is subject to the approval of the GTAR Board of Directors/Chief Executive Officer.

DISCLAIMER

Articles contained in this publication express the opinion of the author and not necessarily the opinion of GTAR.

REALTOR® of the Year Award

JANET SWILLEY Realty2000pa.com

Installation From Page 1

The association’s top award, the 2015 REALTOR® of the Year, was presented to Janet Swilley (Realty2000pa. com, Inc.). The REALTOR® of the Year Award is given to an exemplary member who is committed to excellence and serves as an ongoing example of the Code of Ethics, of which all REALTORS® must abide by.

Swilley is a past president of GTAR, a major contributor to the REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RPAC), and has served as chair and or vice chair for several committees on the local, state, and national level.

The Edward T. Starr Award, given to the GTAR committee chair who exhibits outstanding leadership and service to the association, was presented to Lea Lagueux (Future Home Realty, Inc.).

Lagueux has been a member of GTAR since 2006 and has continued to be a steady leady and profile of the REALTOR® profession.

Carlos Fuentes (Namaste Realty, LLC) received the Meritorious Service Award, which is presented to a member who has a record of praiseworthy service to the Association over an extended period of time. Fuentes joined GTAR in 2002 and has been an effective professional, leader, educator and mentor to all wishing to branch out into Commercial real estate. His expertise

has been recognized on the local, state, and national levels. Fuentes has served on several committees, the Board of Directors, and is a past GTAR President.

The C. Ed Ownings Award, named after the late 1961 GTAR President, is given to a REALTOR® who has performed outstanding service to the community.

Linda Calebro-Kuder (Calebro & Associates) was presented with the 2015 award, due to her service with the Association and her invaluable support of children in need. As the Fair Housing Committee chair, Calebro-Kuder facilitated a successful program that offered information and resources regarding homeownership and tenant rights to low-income residents in the Tampa area.

The Affiliate of the Year was bestowed upon Bridget Jenkins Wilson (Cardinal Roofing and Solar Tech).

Affiliate Business Partners provide GTAR with their services, knowledge and financial support. Cardinal Roofing and Solar Tech is a major RPAC sponsor and contributes regularly to the REALTOR® Care Foundation of GTAR, a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to home buyers.

Congratulations to the newly installed 2016 officers and directors as well as the 2015 award recipients!

A special thanks to our 104th awards & installation banquet sponsors

www.GTAR.org

Greater Tampa REALTOR® News

January 2016

SMART Goals Mean Success

How to develop your personalized plan for success Happy 2016! We all know that the mark of someone who is truly successful is one that plans, sets goals, and creates action plans to accomplish goals. We need goals in all areas of our lives – financial, family, business, etc. By doing this, we achieve balance.

Goals are good; they give us direction. They are a constant reminder of the direction we want to head, and where we want to end up. Remember to be honest with yourself when setting goals and consider the SMART method.

SPECIFIC. Take time to write your goals down. Be sure you make them specific, not vague.

MEASURABLE. Make sure you can measure your goals. Don’t be unrealistic.

ATTAINABLE. Make your goals challenging, but attainable.

RELEVANT. Be honest with yourself and make your goals relevant.

TIMEFRAME. Establish a realistic timeframe to accomplish your goals.

Be sure to review your goals often and adjust your course of action if needed.

Statistics and various reports state that about 3% of adults have clearly written goals and accomplish 5 to 10 times more than those who don't.

80/20

BY BRENDA RABBITT GTAR Interim CEO

As you embark upon a successful year, I offer these quotes: “Your success and happiness lies in you.

Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.” - Helen Keller.

May your hurts turn to healing; Your heart embrace feeling.

May wounds become wisdom; Every kindness a prism.

May laughter infect you; Your passion resurrect you.

May goodness inspire your deepest desire through “May light always sur- all that you reach for, May round you; Hope kindle your arms never tire.”

- D. Simone. and rebound you.

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

DATA AND ECONOMIC TRENDS FOR 2016 January General Membership Meeting

Learn more about the crucial housing trends gaining momentum across the country at GTAR’s next General Membership Meeting.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016 Program begins at 9:30 a.m.

Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS® Auditorium

2918 W. Kennedy Blvd. • Tampa 33609

Guest Speaker:

Realtor.com Chief Economist, Jonathan Smoke This event is complimentary for members.

Non-Members: $10. Register online at GTAR.org

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Greater Tampa REALTOR® News

www.GTAR.org

ASSOCIATION BRIEFS SURVEY: Almost all young renters want to buy a home

BY FLORIDA REALTORS Although only half of surveyed households believe the economy is currently improving, nearly all young renters eventually want to buy a home – and a convincing majority still view homeownership as part of their American Dream, according to a new quarterly consumer survey released by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).

NAR's inaugural quarterly household survey, Housing Opportunities and Market Experience (HOME), tracks topical real estate trends, including current renters and homeowners' views and aspirations regarding homeownership, whether or not it's a good time to buy or sell a home, and expectations and experiences in the mortgage market. New questions may be added to the survey each quarter.

The top two reasons given by renters for not currently owning is the inability to afford to buy (53 percent) and needing the flexibility of renting rather than owning (19 percent).

When asked what would likely be the main reason for buying in the future, renters cited lifestyle considerations such as getting married, starting a family or retiring (33 percent) and an improvement in their financial situation (26 percent).

"A combination of factors such as rising rents and home prices, limited supply, repaying student debt, and getting married and having children later in life has more to do with the currently underperforming share of first-time buyers than the idea that buying a home is not as desirable as it used to be," adds Yun. Households lukewarm about U.S. economy Among all households (renters and homeowners), the results highlight a split between those who agree

the U.S. economy is on the right track and those who disagree. Only half of respondents believe the economy is currently improving, and 44 percent think the economy is actually in a recession.

"The promising stretch of job creation in several parts of the country in recent years has the housing market in 2015 on track for its best year of sales since the downturn," says Yun. "However, that only half of surveyed households believe the economy is improving can be attributed to the fact that some areas have been slow to recover and wages have yet to grow in a meaningful way for far too many families."

Homeownership remains good financial decision, part of American Dream Despite uncertainty about the economy's current performance, at least 84 percent of all households within all surveyed age groups and education levels believe owning a home is a good financial decision. When asked if they believe this strongly or moderately, 76 percent who believe it's a good decision feel strongly about it.

Additionally, at least 85 percent of surveyed households in each age category as well as across all education levels believe homeownership is part of their personal American Dream. The most appealing aspects of homeownership cited by those with this feeling include a place to raise a family (36 percent), owning their own place (26 percent) and a nest egg for retirement (14 percent).

Good time to buy, but skeptical about ability to obtain a mortgage NAR's survey found that more homeowners (82 percent) than renters (68 percent) during the polling period believe that it's a good time to buy a home.

Furthermore, of those who thought it was a good time to buy, 64 percent

felt strongly about buying.

Among current owners, 61 percent believe it is a good time to sell a home, of which 53 percent felt strongly that it was a good time to sell.

According to the survey, roughly two-thirds (65 percent) think it would be very or somewhat difficult to obtain a mortgage.

Furthermore, there are differences among income brackets. Renter households making between $30,000 and $40,000 were the most likely to be declined a mortgage (10 percent), while 51 percent of those who make more than $50,000 a year have not tried but feel confident they would succeed in getting a mortgage. Overall, five percent of renters have recently tried and failed to

obtain financing for a home.

The most common reason homeowners purchased a home was for lifestyle changes such as getting married, starting a family or retiring (35 percent).

Eighteen percent said the desire to settle down in one location influenced their decision to buy, and 15 percent cited an improvement in their financial situation.

Direction of home prices, financial outlook on the rise Reflecting the ongoing recovery, 89 percent of respondents said home prices in their communities have either risen or stayed the same in the past year.

Looking ahead toward the next six months, 91

percent of respondents believe home prices in their community will increase or stay the same.

"Young adults, who make up the majority of all renter households, are typically more optimistic about their future," adds Yun. "As more of them settle down and begin plans to start a family, the allure of owning their own home as well as the long-term financial stability homeownership provides will drive their emergence into the housing market.

However, the extent to how fast this occurs will greatly depend on more entry-level housing supply coming onto the market and needed improvements in affordability conditions."

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Greater Tampa REALTOR® News

January 2016

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CODE OF ETHICS When representing a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant, or other client as an agent, REALTORS® pledge themselves to protect and promote the interests of their client. This obligation to the client is primary, but it does not relieve REALTORS® of their obligation to treat all parties honestly. When serving a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant or other party in a non-agency capacity, REALTORS® remain obligated to treat all parties honestly. (Amended 1/01) CASE #1-2: Honest Treatment of All Parties

(Originally Case #7-2. Revised May, 1988. Transferred to Article 1 November, 1994.

Cross-reference Case #2-18.)

As the exclusive agent of Client A, REALTOR® B offered Client A’s house for sale, advertising it as being located near a bus stop.

Prospect C, who explained that his daily schedule made it necessary for him to have a house near the bus stop, was shown Client A’s property, liked it, and made a deposit. Two days later, REALTOR® B read a notice that the bus line running near Client A’s house was being discontinued. He informed Prospect C of this, and Prospect C responded that he was no longer interested in Client A’s house since the availability of bus transportation was essential to him. REALTOR® B informed Client A and recommended that Prospect C’s deposit be returned.

Client A reluctantly complied with REALTOR® B’s recommendation, but then complained to the Board of REALTORS® When representing a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant, or other client as an agent, REALTORS® pledge themselves to protect and promote the interests of their client.

that REALTOR® B had not faithfully protected and promoted his interests; that after Prospect C had expressed his willingness to buy, REALTOR® B should not have made a disclosure that killed the sale since the point actually was not of major importance. The new bus route, he showed, would put a stop within six blocks of the property.

In a hearing before a Hearing Panel of the Board’s Professional Standards Committee, REALTOR® B explained that in advertising Client A’s property, the fact that a bus stop was less than a block from the property had been prominently featured. He also made the point that Prospect C, in consulting with him, had emphasized that Prospect C’s physical disability necessitated a home near a bus stop. Thus, in his judgment, the change in bus routing materially changed the characteristics of the property in the eyes of the prospective buyer, and he felt under his obligation to give honest treatment to all parties in the transaction, that he should inform Prospect C, and that in so doing he was not violating his obligation to his client.

The Hearing Panel concluded that REALTOR® B had not violated Article 1, but had acted properly under both the spirit and the letter of the Code of Ethics. The panel noted that the decision to refund Prospect C’s deposit was made by the seller, Client A, even though the listing broker, REALTOR® B, had suggested that it was only fair due to the change in circumstances.

CASE #1-5: Promotion of Client’s Interests

(Originally Case #7-6. Revised May, 1988. Transferred to Article 1 November, 1994.)

Client A gave an exclusive listing on a house to REALTOR® B, stating that he thought $132,500 would be a fair price for the property.

REALTOR® B agreed and the house was listed at that price in a 90-day listing contract. REALTOR® B advertised the house without response, showing it to a few prospective buyers who lost interest when they learned the price. In a sales meeting in his office, REALTOR® B discussed the property, advised his associates that it appeared to be overpriced, and that adver-

ARTICLE 1 tising and showing of the property had proved to be a waste of time and money.

After six weeks had gone by without a word from REALTOR® B, Client A called REALTOR® B’s office without identifying himself, described the property, and asked if the firm was still offering it for sale.

The response he received from one of REALTOR® B’s nonmember associates was: “We still have the house listed, but there is little interest in it because, in our opinion, it is overpriced and not as attractive a value as other property we can show you.”

Client A wrote to the Board of REALTOR® complaining of REALTOR® B’s action, charging

failure to promote and protect the client’s interest

by REALTOR® B’s failure to advise the client of his judgment that the price agreed upon in the listing contract was excessive, and

by REALTOR® B’s failure to actively seek a buyer.

In a hearing on the complaint before a Hearing Panel of the Board’s Professional Standards Committee, REALTOR® B’s response was that Client A had emphatically insisted that he wanted $132,500 for the property; that by advertising and showing the property he had made a diligent effort to attract a buyer at that price; that in receiving almost no CODE, Page 13

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Greater Tampa REALTOR® News

January 2016

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TRENDS

Homeowners Reap Remodeling Benefits Whether Selling or Staying

Homeowners preparing to sell often make improvements, both big and small, to their homes that can help yield positive results and garner top dollar from buyers. According to a new report from the National Association of REALTORS®, remodeling projects can also bring major benefits to homeowners who choose to remain in their homes.

"REALTORS® know that certain home upgrades and remodels can be beneficial to get more buyer eyes on a property, potentially bring in more offers or gain more equity from a home," said NAR President Tom Salomone, broker-owner of Real Estate II Inc. in Coral Springs, Florida. "But remodeling projects are just as valuable to homeowners who simply want to get more joy out of their dwell-

ings. Regardless of the situation, REALTORS® know what remodeling projects bring the biggest bang for the buck and what projects are most likely to improve a homeowner's impression of their current place."

According to NAR's 2015 Remodeling Impact Report, which uncovers the reasons homeowners choose a remodel and the increased happiness certain projects bring once completed, 64 percent have experienced increased enjoyment in their home after completing a remodeling project.

Additionally, 75 percent of respondents said they felt a major sense of accomplishment when thinking of their completed project. Fifty-four percent of respondents felt happy about the changes to their home, and 40 percent felt satisfied. As for their reasons to complete a remodeling project, 38 percent of homeowners said they wanted to upgrade worn-out surfaces, finishes and materials; 17 percent wanted to add features and improve livability; and 13 percent believed it was time for a change.

REALTORS® named kitchen upgrades, complete kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations and new wood flooring as the

interior projects that most appeal to potential buyers.

Similarly, REALTORS® also ranked projects based on expected value at resale (without accounting for project price); the projects that ranked the highest in this category were complete kitchen renovations, kitchen upgrades, bathroom renovations and the addition of a bathroom.

When looking at the interior projects that yield the biggest financial results upon resale, REALTORS® ranked hardwood flooring refinishes (100 percent of project cost recovered upon resale), insulation upgrades (95 percent recovered), new wood flooring (91 percent recovered), and converting a basement to a living area (69 percent recovered) as projects to consider.

Exterior projects are also important for both sellers and homeowners looking to increase satisfaction with their current home. REALTORS® said new roofing, new vinyl windows, new garage doors and new vinyl siding are most appealing to potential buyers and are highly valued upon resale (both considering project price and disregarding project price). Upon resale, REALTORS® said new roofing would recover

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105 percent of its project cost, a new garage door would recover 87 percent, new vinyl siding would recover 83 percent, and new vinyl windows would bring back 80 percent of their cost. As for exterior projects that bring the most happiness for those not necessarily intending to sell, homeowners said new fiber-cement siding, new fiberglass or steel front doors, new roofing, and new garage doors brought the most satisfaction.

The 2015 Remodeling Impact Report, the first of its kind from NAR that examines personal satisfaction from remodeling projects, surveyed REALTORS®, consumers who have completed their own remodeling projects, and members of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

"Remodeling projects can greatly improve both the value of and satisfaction with one's home, which are great things no matter the reason for a project," said Judy Mozen, president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

"This report highlights the best projects to consider in either situation and showcases just how much of a difference a good and professional remodel can

make in real numbers."

Salomone said the report not only assists homeowners who are preparing to sell in choosing the best projects to attract buyers, but it also helps those looking to get more personal satisfaction out of their homes.

"REALTORS® know that remodeling projects aren't just done to get more money for a home once it's time to sell - a home is your sanctuary, the place you raise your family and where you make lifelong memories, which is why the report can also help consumers decide which projects could enhance their current quality of life and happiness," he said.

The National Association of REALTORS®, "The Voice for Real Estate," is America's largest trade association, representing 1.1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry is the medium for business development, a platform for advocacy and the principal source for industry intelligence. NARI connects homeowners with its professional members and provides tips and tricks so that the consumer has a positive remodeling experience.

www.GTAR.org

Q&A

Can insurer sue a condo owner over burst pipe?

QUESTION: A pipe burst in our condo and damaged the unit below ours. Our neighbor's insurance company paid to fix the damage, but that insurer now is suing us. What's the deal here? – Reggie ANSWER: If you cause damage to someone that forces that person's insurance to pay, the insurer can sue you to get the money back.

This legal concept is called "subrogation."

The lawsuit will be as if the injured person was suing you.

But just because a pipe burst in your apartment doesn't mean that you are responsible for the damage. For you to be liable, your neighbor would have to show that you were to blame.

Sometimes nobody's at fault.

Even if you were, your own insurance might cover the damage. I hope you had hazard insurance in place and filed a claim when this happened. Also check to see whether your building has coverage for this sort of thing that is paid from your monthly dues.

In any case, don't just ignore the lawsuit.

Discuss this with a lawyer, who should be able to find a valid defense or settle with the insurance company for a reduced amount.

Greater Tampa REALTOR® News

January 2016

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Joseph Abene Dennis Realty & Inv. Corp.

Michele Cyr BHHS Florida Properties Group

Afshen Khazami NextHome Discovery

George Renfro Skinner Keller Williams - New Tampa

Mathew Abraham Century 21 Shaw Realty Group

Jeannie Dabasinskas Keller Williams - New Tampa

James Konet Keller Williams-Plant City

Marie Rigaud Great Blue Real Est Marketing

Rahat Ahmed Century 21 Shaw Realty Group

Paige Davis Keller Williams Tampa Central

Natalie Kripas Unity One PL

Chad Rivera Homexpress Realty, Inc.

Faviola Alejo Keller Williams Realty

Robert Davis Keller Williams - New Tampa

Erik Krueger Norman & Page, LLC

Gregory Rivera BHHS Florida Properties Group

Duncan Anderson WEICHERT REALTORS

Antonio DeArmas Century 21 Beggins Enterprises

Amie Lenhart Carrington Real Estate Service

William Roberts BHHS Florida Properties Group

Francisco Arreola LaRosa Realty LLC

Rachel DeLuna Keller Williams - New Tampa

Wei Li Future Home Realty, Inc.

Steven Rolle Buyers Home Store

Jeff Avila Exit Extreme Realty

Roberto Diaz People’s Choice Realty Svc LLC

Adam Little Keller Williams Realty S.Shore

Julce Saint Louis Keller Williams Tampa Prop.

Sue Babulski Twin Palms Realty, Inc

Joanne Durann Charles Rutenberg Realty,Inc.

Wade Lucas Coldwell Banker Dolphin Realty

Yris Santana Topaz Realty LLC

Jolene Baldwin First In Tampa Bay Real Estate

Anabel Fierro BHHS Florida Properties Group

Sheila Lucas Homeward Real Estate

Kristi Sargent BHHS Florida Properties Group

David Barron Keller Williams South Tampa

Jane Freeman Keller Williams Realty S.Shore

William Malachowski Keller Williams South Tampa

Marcus Schmitz Keller Williams South Tampa

Celia Behr Keller Williams - New Tampa

Yvette Fuertes Century 21 Seven Oaks Realty

Sarah Markopoulos Keller Williams South Tampa

Justin Schulman The K Company Realty,LLC

Mohammed Bensaid Coldwell Banker Residential

Katelyn Gabriel Keller Williams South Tampa

Joshua Marks Homeward Real Estate

Anthony Sciacca Keller Williams Tampa Prop.

Michael Binafegha Century 21 Shaw Realty Group

Toni Ginex Century 21 List With Beggins

Leslie McCluskie Teamkar Realty,Inc

Lisa Shannon Century 21 Shaw Realty Group

Angela Birtwell People’s Choice Realty Svc LLC

Timothy Gordon WEICHERT REALTORS

Jason McIntosh RE/MAX Realty Unlimited

Michael Sica Brainard Realty

Joshua Bloom CAH Realty Florida, LLC

Ariana Greene Keller Williams Tampa Prop.

Peaches McIntyre Keller Williams Realty S.Shore

Roderick Smith Coldwell Banker Residential

David Brendle Century 21 Beggins Enterprises

George Guarino You First Realty and Assoc LLC

Alexander Menendez Home Encounter,LLC

Maksim Taubin YellowFin Realty Westshore

Todd Burchardt People’s Choice Realty Svc LLC

Donna Haller Charles Rutenberg Realty,Inc.

Ronald Moran Keller Williams Tampa Prop.

Lisa Tingen Bay Realty Of Florida

Michelle Caceres Yellowfin Realty

Sharief Hammad Von Greiff Real Estate Group

Laura Moynahan BHHS Florida Properties Group

Michael Torro Networth Realty of Tampa, LLC

Lori Cain Florida Executive Realty

Candice Haytread Richard Doyle Real Estate

Breanna Murray Coldwell Banker Residential

Evins Trajean Keller Williams Realty

Michael Camacho Keller Williams Realty

Marcus Hearn Coldwell Banker Residential

Ana ODonnell Exit Bayshore Realty

Maureen Uhlig Keller Williams South Tampa

Megan Carlton Coldwell Banker Residential

Angel Hemmer Century 21 Beggins Enterprises

Maikel Odang Pineywoods Realty LLC

Monique Va Keller Williams Realty

Lorraine Carpinelli Exit Bayshore Realty

Ronald Hendrickson Coldwell Banker Dolphin Realty

Andres Oliveros Century 21 Link Realty, Inc.

Cynthia Waldraff Dennis Realty & Inv. Corp.

Laura Castorani BHHS Florida Properties Group

Michael Highfill Keller Williams Realty

Aned Pantoja Keller Williams Tampa Prop.

Simon Walsh Von Greiff Real Estate Group

Kristopher Chudzik Keller Williams - New Tampa

David Hunter Beachfront Realty, Inc.

Karen Persha Keller Williams Realty

Jonathan Waysman Argo Group Properties LLC

Elizabeth Cline People’s Choice Realty Svc LLC

Lydia Hyde Keller Williams - New Tampa

Jobe Peterson Keller Williams - New Tampa

Cody Whitworth Reutimann Realty

Tina Cooper Century 21 Beggins Enterprises

Ibn Imani Best Home Realty , LLC

Scott Polisar Hunt Realty Group

Mari Worley Keller Williams Tampa Prop.

Kathryn Crowe Keller Williams South Tampa

Damion Johnson Keller Williams Tampa Central

Christopher Pringnitz BHHS Florida Properties Group

Kimberly Zapresko Keller Williams Realty

Lirieth Cruz Keller Williams Tampa Prop.

Alan Jones People’s Choice Realty Svc LLC

Elaine Pumarejo Charles Rutenberg Realty,Inc.

Lijun Zhong Keller Williams South Tampa

Szarisse Cruz WEICHERT REALTORS

Paul Jones Coldwell Banker Residential

Sogol Rajabafjeh Herbert R. Fisher Realty

Christopher Zoller Brainard Realty

December New Members

Special thanks to our December 2015 Orientation Sponsors

Suarez Home & Finance Corporation Cornerstone Air & Plumbing Artisan Insurance Group

9

10

January 2016

Greater Tampa REALTOR® News

www.GTAR.org

CALENDAR

G TAR Board/Committee Meetings E ducational Opportunities M LS Computer Classes

Orientation Licensing/Renewal Class Special Events

JANUARY FRIDAY, JANUARY 1

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13

MONDAY, JANUARY 18

GTAR IS CLOSED

MLS Basic 9:00AM - 12:00PM

oard of Directors B 9:30AM - 1:00PM

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6

Legal Lounge 9:30AM - 11:00AM

echnology Committee T 10:00AM - 12:00PM

roker/Manager Breakfast meeting B 8:30AM - 12:00PM EALTORS® Commercial Alliance Committee R 10:30AM - 12:00PM he Deal Room T 1:00PM - 2:30PM ata & Identity Theft for R.E. Professionals D 1:00PM - 4:00PM

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7 roperty Manager TF -Expert Panel P 10:00AM - 1:30PM oung Professionals Network (YPN) Committee Y 2:00PM - 3:30PM EALTORS® Political Actions Committee (RPAC) R 2:00PM - 3:00PM overmental Affairs Committee G 3:00PM - 4:30PM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8 ew Member Orientation N 8:00AM - 1:00PM

MONDAY, JANUARY 11 I nternational Council 3:00PM - 4:30PM

Affiliates/Business Partner Committee 10:00AM - 11:30AM ompliance 101 C 1:00PM - 2:30PM Adding/Editing Listings 3:30PM - 4:40PM Finance 1:30PM - 3:00PM ilitary MRP Certificate M ALL DAY

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14 CMA Tools 9:00AM - 12:00PM Communications Committee 9:30AM - 11:00AM BPR: How to File a Complaint D 9:30AM - 12:30PM REALTOR /Attorney Committee 1:00 - 2:30PM ®

Realist 1:00PM - 3:00PM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15 Tampa Bay Fair Housing Consortium 9:30AM - 12:00PM

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12 ode of Ethics C 9:30AM - 12:30PM

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19 ax Strategies for the Self Employed T 10:00AM - 12:00PM echnology User Group T 5:30 - 7:30PM

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20 1 4-Hour Licensing Renewal Class ALL DAY ffordable Housing Committee A 9:30AM - 11:00AM air Housing Committee F 11:00AM - 12:15PM

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21 1 4-Hour Licensing Renewal Class ALL DAY rievance Committee G 9:30AM - 1:00PM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22 rofessional Development Committee (PDC) P 10:00AM - 11:30AM eneral Membership Meeting G 9:30AM - 11:30AM

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28 eality Panel of Experts: TRID R 10:00AM - 12:00PM

FEBRUARY TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18

Affordable Housing Committee (AHC) 9:30AM - 11:00AM

1 4 Hours Class (Español) ALL DAY

Affiliates/Business Partner Meeting 10:00AM - 11:30AM

LS Required Classes M ALL DAY

5 Hour Post-Licensing Class 4 ALL DAY

Fair Housing Committee 11:00AM-12:30PM

rievance Committee G 9:30AM - 1:00PM

he Deal Room T 1:00PM - 2:30PM

Finance Committee 1:30PM-3:00PM

oot Camp B 9:30AM-4:00PM

5 Hour Post-Licensing Class 4 ALL DAY

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4 5 Hour Post-Licensing Class 4 ALL DAY

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5 roperty Managers Task Force P 10:00AM - 11:00AM EALTORS® Political Actions Committee (RPAC) R 10:45AM - 12:15PM overnmental Affairs Committee G 12:30PM - 2:00PM

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8 5 Hour Post-Licensing Class 4 ALL DAY echnology Committee T 10:00AM - 12:00PM I nternational Council 3:00PM - 4:30PM

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9 5 Hour Post-Licensing Class 4 ALL DAY PN Committee Y 10:00AM-11:30 echnology User Group T 5:30 - 7:30PM

Legal Lounge 9:30AM - 11:00AM

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19 1 4 Hours Class (Español) ALL DAY

Communications Committee 9:30AM-11:00AM

rofessional Development Committee (PDC) P 10:00AM - 11:30AM

Contract Class 9:30AM - 12:00PM

anel on Down Payment Assistance, P & Affordable Housing 9:30AM - 12:00PM

REALTOR®/Attorney Committee 1:00PM - 2:30PM Code of Ethics 1:00PM - 4:00PM

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23 istrict 6 Leadership Program D ALL DAY

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12 New Member Orientation 8:00AM - 1:00PM

MONDAY FEBRUARY 15 oard of Directors B 9:30AM - 1:00PM

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16 ontract Class C 9:30AM - 12:00PM

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 MLS Required Classes ALL DAY

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24 iscover Commercial Real Estate D ALL DAY

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25 oot Camp B 9:30AM-4:00PM

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 29 rofessional Standards Training P 1:00PM -

www.GTAR.org

Greater Tampa REALTOR® News

January 2016

11

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Integrity. Professionalism. Shaping our Future

code of

ethics If you became a REALTOR® before January 1, 2013, you are required to complete the NAR Code of Ethics course before December 31, 2016

3 WAYS to Complete the Code of Ethics Training • ONLINE: Visit www.realtor.org/code-of-ethics/training.

Send completion certificate to COE@GTAR.net • DVD: For 25 or more members, GTAR will provide the training videos for your office.

• IN-PERSON: Attend an in-person training at GTAR. Register online at www.GTAR.org.

FILING A COMPLAINT WITH DBPR OR GTAR who • what • when • where • why • how

Did a transaction go astray, leaving you unsure if you had a recourse? Have you ever wondered if you could file a complaint against real estate agent or appraiser? Do you know where to send this complaint, whom it should go to, and/or when it should be filed?

Sarah Kimmig, Bureau Chief of Enforcement of the Department of Business and Professional Regulations (DBPR) and Jean Dorazio, GTAR’s Code of Ethics instructor and Member of Professional Standards, will cover the basics of filing complaints with DBPR and GTAR, cover the differences between the both organization’s filing processes, and address several commonly asked questions.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 Program: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS® Auditorium

Next in-person training:

2918 W. Kennedy Blvd. • Tampa, FL 33609

JANUARY 12, 2016

Complimentary for GTAR Members Non Members: $10

9:30AM - 12:30PM

Meet the State’s Continuing Education requirements in classes hosted at GTAR!

Abiding to newly revised regulations set forth by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) for TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID) Rules won’t be easy, and you’ll be heading towards a load of problems if you’re not prepared.

CORE LAW + SPECIALTY (14 Hour Class - 2 Full Days)

January 20-21, 2016 • 9AM - 5PM Members: $50 • Non Members: $60

CORE LAW (3 Hour Class)

INSTRUCTOR: Robert Gordon Bob Hogue School of Real Estate

January 20, 2016 • 1PM - 5PM January 21, 2016 • 9AM - 5PM Members: $30 • Non Members: $35

How likely is it that you are missing deductions and over paying your taxes, if you don’t know the special rules?

ANSWER: VERY likely! Many assume that an accountant takes care of our taxes, but forget that we are the ones giving them the information to prepare our tax return. This workshop is for anyone who is a self employed/independent contractor.

Attendees are guaranteed to identify new deductions that can be used right away in tax savings!

Instructed by: Maine Shafer of Bradford & Company, Inc.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016 Program: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS® Auditorium 2918 W. Kennedy Blvd. • Tampa, FL 33609

Complimentary for GTAR Members Non Members: $10

WITH NEW TILA-RESPA INTEGRATED DISCLOSURE (TRID) RULES

Don’t lose your license!

SPECIALTY (11 Hour Class - 1.5 Days)

for the Real Estate Professional

BE IN COMPLIANCE

LICENSE RENEWAL

January 20, 2016 • 9AM - 12PM Members: $20 • Non Members: $25

tax strategies

Join us for GTAR’s Reality Real Estate panel, where several industry experts, including lenders, title agents, and attorneys, will give you important tips on recent and upcoming compliance changes. This interactive session is designed to address the needs of the real estate professional. Attendees will be able to actively ask questions and learn from the professional experiences of our panel.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016

Program: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. • Snacks will be provided Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS® Auditorium 2918 W. Kennedy Blvd. • Tampa, FL 33609

All classes will take place in the Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS® Auditorium 2918 W. Kennedy Blvd. • Tampa, FL 33609

Complimentary for GTAR Members Non Members: $10

I have my license...now what?

GTAR

BACK TO THEFUTURE IN 2016

FOR NEW AGENTS

A Panel of Experts Program Whether you're in residential or commercial real estate, you need to know what's new and upcoming in 2016.

During this program, a group of top-level dignitaries, economists, urban planners, and seasoned real estate practitioners will bring you the latest updates on trends, opportunities and challenges impacting the Tampa Bay market as we head into 2016.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2016 Program: 9:30 a.m. - Noon

Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS Auditorium ®

2918 W. Kennedy Blvd. • Tampa 33609

Complimentary for GTAR Members Non Members: $10

Now that you have your real estate license, learn how to gain and maintain momentum on the road to being a successful agent with this GTAR Certificate program.

Instructed by Ann Thompson, AHWD, MRP

COURSE REGISTRATION INCLUDES: • State-approved in-person classroom course facilitated by licensed instructor • Required Text and study materials • 100-question multiple choice exam • Electronic submission of course completion to the State • Personalized diploma upon successful exam completion INSTRUCTOR: Robert Gordon, Bob Hogue School of Real Estate

FEBRUARY 2,3,4,8 & 9, 2016 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (All Days) Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS® Auditorium 2918 W. Kennedy Blvd. • Tampa, FL 33609

Early Bird Pricing: $99 Regular Pricing: $119 • Door Pricing: $139 Cancellation policy applies

DISCOVERING Commercial Real Estate This course offers a broad overview of the basics of commerical real estate and how it differs from residential real estate. Students will be able to understand the broker’s role and discover the different types of commercial properties, terms, valuation methods, marketing and resources for further education. While this course will not equip an agent with the needed tools to practice commercial real estate, it will explain the business and introduce many of the resources needed to pursue a commercial transaction or a career in commercial real estate.

Instructed by: Carlos Fuentes, CCIM

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 Program: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS® Auditorium

2918 W. Kennedy Blvd. • Tampa 33609

FEBRUARY 18 & 25, 2016 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS® Auditorium

2918 W. Kennedy Blvd. • Tampa 33609

Attendees will receive 3 hours of Continuing Education credits upon course completion.

Special Pricing: $25 (Normally $99)

Complimentary for GTAR Members Non Members: $10

Door Pricing: $50

REGISTER ONLINE AT www.GTAR.net

12

January 2016

Greater Tampa REALTOR® News

www.GTAR.org

AFFILIATES

New Year, New Goals

Welcome to our Newest Affiliate Business Partner

Affiliate Business Partners continue to support GTAR and its growing membership base Our goal as your 2016 GTAR Affiliate Business Partners is to bring fresh new exciting events and education to our REALTORS® family. We are committed to partnering with you so we can help with your goals for 2016.

Keep an eye on the e-Connections emails for upcoming networking events!

We Affiliates work hard at GTAR to support the REALTOR® Care Foundation who is working hard to help first time homebuyers, what a great TEAM!

Getting to Know your Affiliate Business Partner Bridget Jenkins Wilson Cardinal Roofing

"I’m a proud part of Cardinal Roofing where we are family owned and operated. We are 3rd generation State licensed roofing contractors. Being one of the few women in the Roofing industry around town I feel lucky to work with my business Partners, my father Roger Jenkins and Chad Curchin.

We have experience in residential, commercial and industrial roofs. With our years of experience we can assist with repairs, re-roofs and roof maintenance. Insulating and ventilating your home is very important and makes a big difference in the roofs life, we love to help people properly take care of this.

Please call us for a Free estimate 813-689-ROOF. Also, I’m a Tampa Native who grew up in Brandon and now live in Valrico.

Before my roofing career I was a Catholic school teacher for a few years.

I love spending time with my family, husband Brian and children Brooke and Brogan. I’m the proud President of the Valrico Fishhawk Chamber.

My Philanthropic love is Honor Flight of West Central Florida."

BY FRANCINE VILLA Affiliates Co-Chair

Luke Maidhoff FASTSIGNS of Palm Harbor

Member & Affiliate Business Partners

Holiday Appreciation Reception The Holiday Appreciation Reception on December 17 was a huge success! Special Thanks to the Affiliate Business Partners, Board of Directors, and GTAR Staff for their hard work towards making this event possible.

Francine Villa pictured with Artisian Insurance Group, a sponsor of GTAR's December New Member Orientation

Resort Style Living

At Grand Hampton

Where the casual atmosphere of Old Florida meets with the best that life has to offer in private, club living. Have peace-of-mind knowing that your community has a 24-hour private and gated entry.

Enjoy resort style living with a beautiful community pool & tennis courts exclusively for residents to enjoy.

Visit our Model Home 8364 Dunham Station Drive, Tampa, FL 33647

ALSO AVAILABLE TO BUILD ON YOUR LOT LOT!

813.252.1261 l ICIHomes.com See a Sales Associate for details. Intervest Construction of Tampa, LLC 2660 Cypress Ridge Blvd, Suite 104, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 / CRC #057475

www.GTAR.org

Code From Page 6

response to this effort he was obliged to conclude that the house would not sell at the listed price; that in view of the client’s attitude at the time of listing, he felt it would be useless to attempt to get Client A’s agreement to lower the listed price; and that he had instructed his staff not to actively market the property at that price.

The Hearing Panel concluded that REALTOR® B was in violation of Article 1; that he had been unfaithful in his obligations in not advising his client of his conclusion that the property was overpriced, based on the response to his initial sales efforts; and in withholding his best efforts to bring about a sale of the property in the interests of his client.

Vernon From Page 1

Vernon was born on April 3, 1948 in Batesville, AR to Vernon E. Taylor and Billie Jean (Thomas) Taylor.

Raised in St. Louis, MO he attended Lindbergh HS, graduated with a MS in Education from Southeast Missouri State Univ. and was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity.

Vernon moved to Tampa in 1981 where he created the computer wholesale division for Johnson Drug Co. Before becoming active in Real Estate, he was Executive Director of wholesale marketing for Pet Excellence, representing them at North American dog sled races, including the Iditarod in Anchorage. He was the Broker/Owner of VET Realty, served on local, state, and national real estate association committees and was the 2010 President of the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors.

He will be remembered for his entrepreneurial skills, leadership, mentoring, dedication and honesty.

His motto: "Every day is a great day to help someone and with a smile"

Greater Tampa REALTOR® News

January 2016

13

Communicating to Consumers Consistently and Persistently Drives Business for REALTORS® Delivering meaningful information to consumers quickly and in a conversational way will help REALTORS® position themselves as credible real estate experts and ultimately lead to more business, according to a digital technology and lead generation forum here at the 2015 REALTORS® Conference & Expo.

Celeste Starchild, vice president of Move and general manager at ListHub, shared business intelligence about how consumers are increasingly using online and digital technology during the home search process. She also discussed ways REALTORS® can utilize search engine optimization and targeted advertising to reach consumers at the time they are most ready to buy or sell a home.

According to Starchild, a majority of consumers today are what she calls “digital natives.” Mostly from either the millennial or Gen X generation, these are potential buyers who’ve been around technology

their entire life and don’t remember a time when the Internet wasn’t readily available. She explained that as time goes on and technology evolves, there are increasingly more people who don't know how to do business without going online first.

“Consumers want immediate responses from their friends and family via email and texting. REALTORS® risk missing an opportunity with this important buyer demographic if they aren’t responding in a timely, informative and personable manner,” said Starchild.

Explaining ways REALTORS® can be more visible to consumers online, Starchild said it’s important to focus advertising efforts on performing websites like realtor.com®, and utilizing search engine optimization can ensure that a REALTOR®’s name and brokerage show up at the top of the list on search engine sites.

“Search engine marketing drives high quality and high volume leads,” she said. “If

you have the budget, you can pay for the right to have your name and business visible to practically all consumers looking for an agent online in a specific location.”

Predictive advertising efforts on social media – especially Facebook – can also be an extremely successful and cost-effective marketing tactic for Realtors®. Starchild described scenarios such as marriage, job relocation and child birth as home purchase drivers that Realtors® can take advantage of by having an ad with their information appear on the right side of a potential buyers’ Facebook page.

“Reaching the right consumers at the time they’re most ready to buy is powerful and effective,” said Starchild.

Starchild pointed out that practically every interested buyer or seller will search online for information about a REALTOR® and likely read reviews before contacting them. What comes up in those search

results is what consumers will use to determine whether or not to reach out.

“It doesn’t matter where on a search list a Realtor® shows up if they don’t have an updated profile with a professional headshot, listed contact information and a few client recommendations,” she said. “Failing to do so will ultimately lead to missed business.”

Once a potential client has requested more information about a listing, Starchild said data show a Realtor® can increase their contact rate by as much as 900 percent by responding to leads in the first five minutes. Whether it’s personally in a few sentences or in an automated message with a promise to follow-up quickly, that initial communication is crucial.

“Consumers are looking for facts and they want them now. How you respond and interact with them influences their decision on whether or not they’re your client forever, or they’re on to the next one,” said Starchild.

MY FLORIDA REGIONAL MLS CALENDAR MLS BASIC (3 HOURS) January 13 • 9AM-12PM This class will teach both new and returning agents the basic functionality in Fusion including search, printing and emailing.

You will also learn about additional resources and member benefits provided by My Florida Regional MLS, and more. This is a mandatory class for all new members to be completed within 60 days of joining.

COMPLIANCE 101 (1.5 HOURS) January 13 • 1PM-2:30PM A mandatory class for all new members to be completed within 60 days of joining. Learn about the My Florida Regional MLS Rules and Regulations and the compliance procedure for accuracy of Listing Data, along with additional educational materials available on MFRMLSUniversity.com ADDING & EDITING LISTINGS (1.5 HOURS) January 13 • 3PM-4:30PM This class is mandatory if you will be adding and modifying listings in the MLS. Learn how to input and modify listings, enter photos, and add attachments along with valuable tips and techniques. Class is available through live webinars at MFRMLSUniversity.com or at any Association.

CMA TOOLS (3 HOURS) January 14 • 9AM-12PM This class reviews all of the MFR products and services that can be useful to agents when searching for comparable properties or compiling CMAs. Topics include CMA options in Matrix, Cloud CMA, Realist, IMapp, and Data Coop, along with the Market Conditions Report. This class focuses on CMA products, not CMA techniques REALIST (2 HOURS) January 14 • 1PM-3PM Realist is a public-records database that provides in-depth property and ownership data, market information, street and aerial maps (including interactive, advanced mapping features), as well as market trends

LOCATION

Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld® (6677 Sea Harbor Drive • Orlando, FL 32821)

REGISTRATION

Register online at floridarealtors.org

QUESTIONS?

For more information, including a complete meeting schedule, please call call meeting services at 1 (800) 669-4327.

WWW.FLORIDAREALTORS.ORG

14

January 2016

Greater Tampa REALTOR® News

www.GTAR.org

MLS STATISTICS

NOVEMBER 2015

Monthly Market Detail - November October 2015 2015 Single Family Homes Hillsborough County

Monthly Market Detail - November 2015 Single Family Homes Hillsborough County

392 329

465 408

-15.7% -19.4%

1,436 1,205

-10.0% -8.7%

New Listings

1,916 1,579

1,911 1,529

0.3% 3.3%

Median Sale Price

$190,000 $210,000

$179,900 $175,000

5.6% 20.0%

Average Sale Price

$234,830 $247,691

$225,072 $222,999

4.3% 11.1%

43

50 55

-14.0% -21.8%

Average Percent of Original List Price Received

95.0% 95.4%

93.5% 93.2%

1.6% 2.4%

Pending Inventory

1,969 1,979

2,356 2,289

-16.4% -13.5%

Inventory (Active Listings)

5,242 5,133

5,669 5,532

-7.5% -7.2%

Months Supply of Inventory

3.5 3.4

4.4 4.3

-21.2% -20.0%

Closed Sales

Percent Change Year-over-Year

1,215 1,521 1,502 1,521 1,648 1,502 1,785 1,648 1,875 1,785 1,588 1,875 1,645 1,588 November 2014 1,578 1,645 1,231 1,578 338 1,231 969 1,518 969 174 1,236 1,518 1,399 1,236 343

-1.7% 8.7% 11.1% 8.7% 14.8% 11.1% 24.9% 14.8% 27.4% 24.9% 14.7% 27.4% Percent Change 20.2% 14.7% Year-over-Year 25.5% 20.2% 19.7% 25.5% 13.0% 19.7% 6.0% 15.8% 6.0% 7.5% 14.3% 15.8% 13.4% 14.3% 1.2%

445

-4.0%

Month

Economists' note : Closed Sales are one of the simplest—yet most important—indicators for the residential real estate market.

SummaryWhen Statistics comparing Closed Sales across markets of different sizes, we recommend using the year-over-year percent changes rather than the Closed Sales absolute counts. Realtors® and their clients should also be wary of month-to-month comparisons of Closed Sales because ofPaid potential in Cash seasonal effects.

New Pending Sales

2012 2012

1,600

November October 2015 2015 September October 2015 2015 August 20152015 September July 2015 August 2015 June2015 July 2015 May 2015 June 2015 April2015 May 2015 November 2015 March2015 April 2015 February March 2015 2015 382 January 2015 February 2015 December January 2015 2014187 November 2014 December October 2014 November 2014347

New Listings 2013 2013

427 2014 2014

Median Sale Price

$125,000

$96,950

28.9%

Average Sale Price

$158,723

$132,063

20.2%

44

46

-4.3%

2015 2015

1,100

Median Days on Market

ofONOriginal J F M A M JJ JJ AA SS O O NN DD JJ FF M M AAM M JJ JJ AA SS OONNDD J J FFMMAverage AAMMJ J Percent J JAAS SO NDDJ JFList FMMA AMMJ JJ JA AS SO ON ND DJ JF M FM AM A MJ J A J AS O S O N 94.3%

Price Received

93.1%

647

677

-4.4%

Inventory (Active Listings)

1,017

1,455

-30.1%

Months Supply of Inventory

2.3

3.7

-37.6%

Pending Inventory

Data released on Tuesday, Monday, November December 23, 22, 2015. Next data release is Tuesday, Friday, January December 22, 2016.

22, 2015.

Closed Sales

Month

Monthly MarketofDetail November 2015 The number sales -transactions which closed during Manufactured Homes the month Hillsborough County Economists' note : Closed Sales are one of the simplest—yet most important—indicators for the residential real estate market. When Summary Statistics comparing Closed Sales across markets of different sizes, we recommend using the year-over-year percent changes rather than the Closed Sales absolute counts. Realtors® and their clients should also be wary of month-to-month comparisons of Closed Sales because of potential Paid in Cash seasonal effects.

New Pending Sales

2012

500 400 300 200 100

Closed Sales

Percent Change Year-over-Year

382 425 491 444 500 527 442 November 2014 484 484 15 379 298 11 435 338 32

13.0% -2.3% 25.9% 3.0% 5.3% 20.0% 2.1% Percent Change Year-over-Year 27.4% 25.1% 46.7% 15.2% -3.9% 45.5% 16.6% -0.9% 0.0%

2013 New Listings

2014 31

Median Sale Price

$59,450

$48,500

22.6%

Average Sale Price

$65,052

$56,457

15.2%

23

17

35.3%

Median Days on Market

33

2015

89.7%

Data released on Tuesday, December 22, 2015. Next data release is Friday, January 22, 2016.

Pending Inventory

53

62

-14.5%

Inventory (Active Listings)

128

149

-14.1%

Months Supply of Inventory

4.4

7.0

-37.7%

Closed Sales

Percent Change Year-over-Year

Closed Sales

Month

November 2015 The number of sales transactions which closed during October 2015 September 2015 the month August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 Economists' note : Closed Sales are one of the simplest—yet most May 2015 important—indicators for the residential real estate market. When November 2015 April 2015 comparing Closed Sales across markets of different sizes, we March 2015 recommend using the year-over-year percent changes rather than the 2,536 Closed absolute counts. Realtors® and their clients should also be wary of Sales February 2015 Traditional of potential month-to-month comparisons of Closed Sales because January 2015 $197,750 Median Sale Price seasonal effects.

December 2014 November 2014 488 Closed Sales Foreclosure/REO 2013 2011 2012 2014 40 $115,000 Median Sale Price

Closed Sales

Monthly Distressed Market - November 2015 Single Family Homes Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater MSA

30

Closed Sales

20

108

22 32 34 24 33 34 34 November 2014 26 30 2,173 27 21 $187,900 36 15 772

183

Median Sale Price

$125,000

$122,500

2.0%

J FMAM J J A S ON D J FMAM J J A S ON D J FMAM J J A S ON D J FMAM J J A S ON D J FMAM J J A S ON

2011

2012

2013

2014

Data released100% on Tuesday, December 22, 2015. Next data release is Friday, January 22, 2016.

90%

This statistic is simply another way of viewing Cash Sales. The remaining percentages of Closed Sales (i.e. those not

70% 60% 50% 40% 30%

Economists' note : Cash Sales can be a useful indicator of the extent to which investors are market. Why? Investors are 2011participating in the 2012 2013 far55% more likely to have the funds to purchase a home available up front, whereas the typical homebuyer requires a mortgage or some other 45% form of financing. There are, of course, many possible exceptions, so 35% this statistic should be interpreted with care.

15%

Percent of Closed Sales Paid in Cash

Percent Change Year-over-Year

27.1% 25.8% 26.6% 29.8% 28.0% 26.4% Cash Sales 27.8% 28.6% 187 29.6% 194 35.5% 238 37.7% 211 30.2% 246 33.0% 261

-18.0% -22.5% -18.6% -5.6% -3.3% -13.1% Percent Change -14.8% Year-over-Year -20.9% 7.5% -20.9% -17.4% -10.8% 3.9% -10.3% -5.0% -17.9% -0.8% -13.0% 15.0%

231 259 250 214 173 225 174

3.1% 2015 16.7% 4.6% 2.4% -11.3% 15.4% -14.7%

J F M A M J2011 J A S O N D J F M A M J2012 J A S O N D J F M A M J2013 J A S O N D J F M A M J2014 J A S O N D J F M A M J2015 J A S ON

300 REALTORS® with data provided by Florida's multiple listing services. Statistics for each month compiled from MLS feeds on the 15th day of the following month.

Produced by Florida Data released on Tuesday, December 22, 2015. Next data release is Friday, January 22, 2016.

200 100 0

J FMAM J J A S ON D J FMAM J J A S ON D J FMAM J J A S ON D J FMAM J J A S ON D J FMAM J J A S ON

Cash Sales as a Percentage of Closed Sales

November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 Month April 2015 November 2015 March 2015 October 2015 February 2015 September 2015 January 2015 August 2015 December 2014 July 2015 November 2014 June 2015 May 2015 2014 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014

Economists' Cash Salesnote : This statistic is simply another way of viewing Cash Sales. The remaining percentages of Closed Sales (i.e. those not paidnumber fully in cash) each month involved somethe sortmonth of financing, such as The of Closed Sales during in which mortgages, owner/seller financing, assumed loans, etc. buyers exclusively paid in cash

Economists' note : Cash Sales can be a useful indicator of the extent to 2011participating in the 2012 2013 which investors are market. Why? Investors are 85% far more likely to have the funds to purchase a home available up front, 75% whereas the typical homebuyer requires a mortgage or some other 65% of financing. There are, of course, many possible exceptions, so form this statistic should be interpreted with care.

55% 45% 35% 30

Percent of Closed Sales Paid in Cash

Month

Monthly Market Detail - November 2015 The percentage of Closed Sales during the month Manufactured Homes which were Cash Sales Hillsborough County

49.0% 45.6% 48.5% 47.5% 49.2% 49.5% 52.3% Cash Sales 53.5% 16 51.7% 22 56.5% 22 58.1% 14 51.7% 24 51.5% 21 17 18 20 21 17 24 11

Percent Change Year-over-Year

-4.9% -15.5% -17.4% -7.7% -5.8% -4.2% Percent Change 1.0% Year-over-Year -8.4% 45.5% -16.4% 29.4% -11.1% 15.8% -7.7% -33.3% -1.1% 118.2% -13.9% 23.5% 13.3% 2015 -18.2% 17.6% 40.0% 112.5% 84.6% -38.9%

J F M A M J2011 J A S O N D J F M A M J2012 J A S O N D J F M A M J2013 J A S O N D J F M A M J2014 J A S O N D J F M A M J2015 J A S ON

25 Produced by Florida REALTORS® with data provided by Florida's multiple listing services. Statistics for each month compiled from MLS feeds on the 15th day of the following month.

Data released on20 Tuesday, December 22, 2015. Next data release is Friday, January 22, 2016.

15 10 5 0

J FMAM J J A S ON D J FMAM J J A S ON D J FMAM J J A S ON D J FMAM J J A S ON D J FMAM J J A S ON

Cash Sales as a Percentage of Closed Sales

Month

November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 November 2015 Economists' note : This statistic is simply another way of viewing April 2015 Cash Sales. The remaining percentages of Closed Sales (i.e. those not March 2015 997 Closed paid fully in cash) each month involved some sort of financing, such as Sales February 2015 mortgages, owner/seller financing, assumed loans,Traditional etc.

January 2015$132,000 Median Sale Price December 2014 Closed Sales November 2014141

Monthly DistressedofMarket November The percentage Closed-Sales during2015 the month Townhouses Condos which wereand Cash Sales Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater MSA

100%

2011

2012

Foreclosure/REO

2013 Median Sale Price

90%

Closed Sales

80%

Percent of Closed Sales Paid in Cash

Percent Change Year-over-Year

72.7% 68.8% 64.7% 58.3% 72.7% 61.8% 50.0%2014 November 69.2% 66.7% 781 77.8% 81.0% $126,500 66.7% 73.3% 203

-0.8% -15.1% -11.5% -27.8% 25.6% -20.1% Percent Change -16.7% Year-over-Year -15.0% -2.0% 27.7% -1.5% 41.7% 4.3% -12.8% 1.9% -30.5%

2014 $75,000

$58,750

2015 27.7%

22

40

-45.0%

$90,500

$74,000

22.3%

Short Sale

70%

Median Sale Price

60% 50% 40%

J F M A M J2011 J A S O N D J F M A M J2012 J A S O N D J F M A M J2013 J A S O N D J F M A M J2014 J A S O N D J F M A M J2015 J A S ON

Traditional

Foreclosure/REO

Short Sale

Produced by Florida REALTORS® with data provided by Florida's multiple listing services. Statistics for each month compiled from MLS feeds on the 15th day of the following month.

100%

Data released on Tuesday, December 22, 2015. Next data release is Friday, January 22, 2016.

90% 80%

20%

70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20%

10%

10%

0%

0% J FMAM J J A S ON D J FMAM J J A S ON D J FMAM J J A S ON D J FMAM J J A S ON D J FMAM J J A S ON

J FMAM J J A S ON D J FMAM J J A S ON D J FMAM J J A S ON D J FMAM J J A S ON D J FMAM J J A S ON

$250,000

$160,000 $140,000

$200,000

$120,000

ce

ce

May 2015 2014 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014

25%

400

Closed Sales

Closed Sales

80%

November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 Month May 2015 April 2015 2015 November March 2015 October 2015 February 2015 September 2015 January 2015 August 2015 December July 2015 2014 November June 2015 2014

The of Closed Sales during in which paidnumber fully in cash) each month involved somethe sortmonth of financing, such as buyers exclusively paid in cash mortgages, owner/seller financing, assumed loans, etc.

2015

Foreclosure/REO Short Sale Produced by Florida REALTORS® with data provided by Florida's Traditional multiple listing services.

Statistics for each month compiled from MLS feeds on the 15th day of the following month.

Month

Cash Salesnote : Economists'

10.5% -41.0%

2015

J FMAM J J A S ON D J FMAM J J A S ON D J FMAM J J A S ON D J FMAM J J A S ON D J FMAM J J A S ON

Cash Sales as a Percentage of Closed Sales

-40.0% -36.8%

2015 $104,100

-19.4% -15.7% -9.5% 8.4% 20.8% 10.7% -2.2% -4.9% -0.6% 6.8% -4.9% -5.0% -0.5%

2014

Monthly Market Detail - November 2015 The percentage of Closed Sales during the month Townhouses and Condos which were Cash Sales Hillsborough County

46.7% 52.4% 30.8% -7.7% 73.7% 54.5% 36.0% Percent Change -3.7% Year-over-Year 20.0% 16.7% 42.1% 50.0% 5.2% 111.8%

Short Sale

10 0

100

-5.1%

Produced by Florida REALTORS® with data provided by Florida's multiple listing services. Statistics for each month compiled from MLS feeds on the 15th day of the following month.

2013

329 392 399 491 499 495 441 470 467 437 365 459 408

300

-6.1%

94.5%

2012

Percent Change Year-over-Year

500

J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M Average A M J Percent J A S O D J FList MAM J J A S ON D J FMAM J J A S ON of NOriginal

Price Received

2011

Cash Sales

700

Cash Sales

Closed Sales

600

2011

November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 November 2015 April 2015 March 2015 22 February 2015 January 2015 16 December 2014 November 2014 32

900

1.3%

Produced by Florida REALTORS® with data provided by Florida's multiple listing services. Statistics for each month compiled from MLS feeds on the 15th day of the following month.

November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014

Economists' note : Cash Sales can be a useful indicator of the extent to which investors are participating in the market. Why? Investors are far more likely to have the funds to purchase a home available up front, whereas the typical homebuyer requires a mortgage or some other form of financing. There are, of course, many possible exceptions, so this statistic should be interpreted with care.

Pct. of Closed Sales Paid in Cash

600

Month

The number of Closed Sales during the month in which buyers exclusively paid in cash

Cash Sales

-1.7% 8.7%

Cash Sales

Pct. of Closed Sales Paid in Cash

1,399 1,236

1,292 1,100

Monthly MarketofDetail November 2015 The number sales -transactions which closed during Townhouses the month and Condos Hillsborough County

Closed Sales

1,521 1,215

Paid in Cash

Closed Sales

2011 2011

Percent Change Year-over-Year

New Pending Sales

Median Days on Market

2,100

November 2014 October 2014

Cash Sales

Closed Sales

November October 2015 2015

Pct. of Closed Sales Paid in Cash

Summary Statistics

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Greater Tampa REALTOR® News

January 2016

15

LEGAL CORNER Special Thanks to these

2015 RPAC Major Investors

Ric’ Barmes Sterling R Continued

Andrew Duncan Sterling R Continued

Connie Johnson Golden R

Barbara Jordan Crystal R

Susanna Madden Sterling R Continued

Katrina Madewell Sterling R

Mary McCall Sterling R Continued

Laurie Pizzo Crystal R Continued

Brad Monroe Sterling R Continued

Jack Rodriguez Sterling R Continued

Brenda Rabbitt Sterling R Continued

Andy Joe Scaglione Sterling R Continued

Risk Management: CYBERFRAUD Most of you have probably read the headlines about email scams targeting real estate transactions.

The cyber criminals have targeted real estate agents and those involved in a real estate transaction, including title companies.

The criminals hack into an email account belonging to the real estate agent or title agent, and use the information from the hack to dupe someone involved in the real estate transaction into a fraudulent wire transfer.

Typically, the hackers will send an email that looks like it was sent from someone involved in the real estate transaction. The email provides wiring instructions or last minute changes to wiring instructions. If the instructions are followed, the money is wired directly into the hacker’s bank account, and the money is usually withdrawn quickly.

In 2015, I represented a brokerage in a transaction where the title company’s email was hacked. The hackers duped the title company’s email information.

The hackers sent an email to the Buyers’ brokerage sending wiring instructions. The Buyers’ brokerage wired the funds in accordance with the instructions in the email believing the money was being wired to the title company. The brokerage discovered the crime when the title company contacted them that they had not

received the funds for closing. By that time, the criminals had withdrawn the money from the account.

In that particular case, the hackers had hacked into the title company’s email months earlier waiting for the right moment to send a fraudulent email appearing to come from the “title company’s” email address.

While investigating the facts in the case, one of the Buyer’s representatives indicated that when he read the wiring instructions, he thought it was to a different bank, but because the email looked like it came from the title company, he did not confirm the wiring information. The potential loss to the brokerage included more than the loss of the funds because it involved a client with whom the brokerage had a longstanding relationship.

These scams are happening more often, and the hackers are becoming more sophisticated.

However, basic precautions will help you avoid becoming a victim.

The most important precaution: TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. If an email or any other communication seems strange or odd in any manner, then you must first confirm that the information is accurate before you do anything with the information.

As the National Association of REALTORS® has stated, “Be aware that

EMAIL PRECAUTIONS Vernon Taylor Crystal R

Don Walden Sterling R Continued

Darlene Davenport Sterling R

these emails are extremely convincing. Many sophisticated parties have been duped. No one should assume that they are ‘too savvy’ to recognize the fraud. In addition, no one should assume that they are ‘too small a target’ to be on these criminals’ radars.

This fraud is pervasive, convincing, and constantly evolving.”

Stay vigilant!

TRANSACTION PRECAUTIONS

• S hare all potential red flags with everyone involved in each transaction. You can better protect yourself and your client by ensuring that everyone involved in the transaction is vigilant and is aware of the potential crimes.

• I f you are wiring any money, always call the intended recipient of the wire before wiring the money and verify the wiring instructions over the telephone.

• O nly use contact information that you have independently verified.

• D o not conduct business over unsecured wifi.

THE #1 PRECAUTION

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS!

• I f an email seems suspicious or you have any concerns or doubts about the email, then call the person who purportedly sent it and ask them about the email.

• D o not click on a link in or reply to a suspicious email.

• S ensitive information should not be sent in an email.

• D o not use free email accounts for business.

• I f you have to send sensitive information by email, then send it using an encrypted email.

Jeanette Yates Sterling R Continued

BY MERCEDES HALE

• O nly trust contact information from verified emails.

• A lways confirm all wiring instructions by calling the person to whom you will be wiring the funds.

• I f you suspect your email has been compromised, immediately contact everyone involved in all of your upcoming transactions and let them know your email may have been hacked so that everyone can take all necessary precautions.

16

January 2016

Greater Tampa REALTOR速 News

www.GTAR.org

CANDID CAMERA 2015 PRESIDENT BARBARA JORDAN'S

DEC. 1, 2015

LEADERSHIP APPRECIATION LUNCHEON

37TH ANNUAL

JAMES RANCH LUNCHEON

104TH ANNUAL

AWARDS & INSTALLATION BANQUET

DEC. 8, 2015

DEC. 10, 2015

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January 2016

LIVING THE GOOD LIFE COMES NATURALLY ...

... SO DOES LIFE AT WATERGRASS! Where homes enjoy green views on spacious homesites. Private neighborhoods are nestled in nature with each neighborhood featuring its own park. The clubhouse boasts a fitness center, a Jr. Olympic pool and a resort pool with splash pad. The little ones grow and flourish at the onsite school. Visit our beautifully decorated models from a variety of the area’s finest builders. WaterGrass conserves other green, too, with homes in every price range and a variety of quick move-in homes, you’re sure to find the home to fit your clients’ needs!

Six Amazing Models by Four Wonderful Builders Bakerfield Luxury Homes DR Horton Ryland Homes Standard Pacific Homes

Villas from the upper $110’s Single Family Homes from the $230’s to over $1 Million 813-907-0101 | CROWN-WATERGRASS.COM | I-75 to exit 279 (SR 54). East 2.6 miles, Left on Curley Road, WaterGrass is ahead on the right.

Arthur Rutenberg Homes (813) 948-2504 | Bakerfield Luxury Homes (813) 600-7514 | Homes by WestBay (813) 388-2931 | Ryland Homes (813) 388-2933 D.R. Horton (813) 388-6831 | Standard Pacific Homes (813) 994-1911 | Vintage Estate Homes (813) 600-7514 Homes within WaterGrass are constructed and sold by builders not affiliated with Crown Community Development. Future development of WaterGrass may or may not occur as shown on illustrations, depictions or maps.

Aurther Rutenberg Homes #CCG 1509234, Bakerfield Luxury Homes #CGC 1520881, Homes by WestBay CRC 057247, Ryland Homes CBC 1253657, Standard Pacific Homes CGC 1506304, Vintage Estate Homes CRC 057475

17

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January 2016

Greater Tampa REALTOR® News

Florida From Page 1

place showing. Texas, meanwhile, dropped out of the top five to No. 6.

The remaining 9 states on the "top 15" list include diverse geographies, though most do fall within a few general categories: The coasts are well represented: Along with Florida, the Carolinas – North (7) and South (12) – and Georgia cover most of the southeastern United States beachfront.

Meanwhile, Oregon (9) and Washington (14) make for full west coast coverage (when combined with California). Perhaps for some it's not the coast but the warmth, which takes precedence, as landlocked-but-sunny states Arizona (8) and Tennessee (10) also make the list.

Many states have both admirers and detractors, according to Harris.

California may be 2nd on the list of states Americans would like to live in, but it also tops the list of states where Americans would least like to dwell. New York and Alaska may both be top 15 performers when Americans say where they would like to live, but they also round out the top three states where Americans would not want to live (2 and 3, respectively). Mississippi (4) and Texas (5) complete the top 5 for the dubious list, with Alabama (6), Florida (7), Illinois (8), Michigan (9) and the

District of Columbia (10) completing the top 10.

Favorite and least favorite cities Americans continue their love/hate relationship with New York City, which has topped The Harris Poll's list of cities where Americans most want to live for well over a decade – but it also tops the list of cities they'd least like to live.

California and Florida are well represented among the top 10 most desired cities, with San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco nabbing the 2nd, 4th and 6th spots for the Golden State, while Miami and Orlando bring the 5th and 10th spots home to the Sunshine State.

Denver, CO (3) fills in the lone gap in the top five, while Honolulu, HI (7); Atlanta, GA (8) and Seattle, WA (9) fill out the rest of the top 10.

The top three cities Americans would least want to live in have remained the same since this question was first asked in 2010 with New York, followed by Detroit (2) and Los Angeles (3). Chicago repeats in 4th place, while Dallas, Texas (5) rounds out the top five.

Miami (6); San Francisco (7); Houston (8); Washington, D.C. (9) and Las Vegas (10) complete this less desirable top 10 list.

The Harris Poll surveyed 2,232 U.S. adults online between Nov. 11 and 16, 2015.

5 WAYS YOUR CELLPHONE CAN ALIENATE YOUR CLIENTS You always have your smartphone, but that small device could be unintentionally alienating people around you – including clients. Forbes.com recently highlighted some of the top offenses of bad mobile behavior: 1. Answering phone calls during meetings.

The top irritating mobile phone offense? A survey by Intel found that 60 percent of Human Resource managers said it's phones that ring during a meeting.

2. Placing a phone on the table.

Even taking out a phone and putting it on the boardroom or dinner table can be viewed as offensive, says etiquette expert Anna Post, author of the 18th edition of "Emily Post's Etiquette." It can be distracting, Post says.

3. Too much looking at your phone.

At business or social events, don't stay buried in your phone. "Social network in the room – not on your device," Post says. Looking at your phone too much sends the message that you are unavailable or uninterested, she says.

KRIS PATEL GTAR's New Director of IT Services tomer relations and technical oversight for 30+ clients across various industries.

His hopes are to bring his 10 years of IT Support and Management experience to GTAR to provide a reliable, efficient, IT infrastructure ready for things to come.

4. Taking calls in public.

Don't force others around you to overhear your conversations. Go somewhere private to take your call. "No one wants to hear your personal calls," Post says.

5. Distracting vibration.

Yes, silencing a phone to vibration-mode is also a distraction.

While it's wise to keep a device on silent at meetings and events, Post says that sometimes the vibration can be even worse than the ring.

Others can still hear it.

Source: "10 Ways to Lose Friends and Alienate Co-workers With Bad Mobile Behavior, " Forbes.com

2015 Honor Society Application

Qualifying Period January 1, 2015 -­‐ December 31, 2015

PRINT Full Name

Primary Board

IMPORTANT: A MINIMUM of 100 points total, 25 of which MUST be State Association Activity, are REQUIRED to qualify.

Points exceeding each category’s maximum do not count toward minimum. Submit forms to your local board for approval.

Local boards/associations please submit applications no later than February 12, 2016 to Florida Realtors® Attn: Gina Wittenhagen, 7025 Augusta National Drive, Orlando, FL 32822 or ginaw@floridarealtors.org or fax to (407) 438-­‐1411.

Local Board/Association Activity 2015 Membership meetings 1 per meeting 2015 Annual banquet/installation 5 2015 Local Board/Association President 50 2015 Officer (other than President) 25 2015 Association/MLS Director (other than Officer) 15 2015 Committee Chairman 10 2015 Committee Vice-­‐Chairman 7 2015 Committee Member (Not chair/vice-­‐chair) 5 2015 Local Realtor of the Year 25 2015 Local Associate Realtor of the Year 25 Local Activity (MAX 50 points) State Association Activity 2015 Mid-­‐Winter Business Meetings 2015 District Conference 2015 Annual Convention and Trade Show 2015 Great American Realtor Days 2015 CEO Symposium 2015 Florida Realtors® Officer/DVP 2015 Florida Realtors® Director 2015 Committee Chairman 2015 Committee Vice Chairman 2015 Committee Member (not chair/vice-­‐chair) State Activity (MIN 25/MAX 60 points)

Welcome Kris Patel!

GTAR welcomes Kris Patel as the Director of IT Services. Kris has been a resi­ dent of the Tampa Bay area since 1998. He has been employed by several Third Party IT Firms providing support and IT services to small and medium businesses throughout Tampa and neighboring counties.

Prior to GTAR, Kris was the Network Administrator for a Managed Services Provider in charge of cus-

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National Association Activity 2015 NAR Mid-­‐Year Meeting 2015 NAR Convention 2015 NAR Director 2015 NAR Committee Chairman 2015 Committee Vice Chairman 2015 General Committee Member

15 10 20 15 10 50 20 20 15 10

10 10 20 10 10 10

2015 Educational Activity (Passing grade required when graded.)

CRS Dean 25 GRI Monitor 25 Florida Realtors® Sponsored Seminar 10 Lecturing/Instructing (Volunteer Time Only) 5 points per hour / Max. 20 points 2015 Florida Realtors® Leadership Academy 20 2015 NAR Leadership Academy 25 Graduate Realtor® Institute (100, 200, 300) 20 pts. per course passed in 2015 Real estate-­‐related courses through accredited institutions or distance learning. Does NOT include courses taken to acquire a designation/certification. (10 pts. each/ MAX 30 points) 10 10 10 Educational Activity (MAX 60 points) Institutes/Societies/Councils Activity (CIRCLE) 2015 Membership (5 Points each) CCIM CRB CRE CRS IREM REBAC RLI SIOR WCR 2015 National Officer 15 2015 State Officer 10 2015 Local Officer 5 Institutes/Societies/Councils (MAX 30 points) 2015 NAR/Florida Realtors CURRENT Designations Held (CIRCLE) ABR ALC CCIM CIPS CPM CRB CRE CRS GAA GREEN GRI PMN RAA RCE SIOR SRES SRS Designations (20 pts. each/MAX 40 points)

National Activity (MAX 50 points) 2015 Political Activity *99 Club ($99) *Capital Club ($250) *Statesman Award ($500) *Sterling R ($1,000)

5 10 15 20

*Crystal R ($2,500) *Golden R ($5,000) *Hall of Fame *President’s Circle

25 30 40 40

2015 NAR/Florida Realtors CURRENT Certifications Held (CIRCLE) AHWD BPOR e-­‐PRO MRP RSPS SFR Certifications (10 pts. each/MAX 30 points)

TOTAL POINTS EARNED (MIN 100 points)

*CHOOSE ONLY ONE OF THE ABOVE* Key Contact Federal Political Coordinator Political Office Held Government Appointment Political Activity (MAX 40 points)

20 20 25 25

Applicant Signature

Local President or AE Signature (Please verify info. You may NOT sign here for your own application.)

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MODEL

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January 2016

TOUR NEW DECORATED MODELS

19

GRAND OPENING VA L E N C I A L A K E S

THE CHARLESTON GRANDE 2 BR, 3 BA, CLUB ROOM, LIBRARY 3-CAR GARAGE • 3,273 A/C SQ. FT.

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U P TO $

456,900

5,0 0 0 B R O K E R B O N U S !

*

Your clients will love Valencia Lakes’ 55+ lifestyle!

See our 23 villa and single-family home designs with a great selection of homesites including preserve and water views. Tour our beautiful, new decorated models. Explore Valencia’s carefree, resort-style living. Then sit back, relax and we’ll help you make

THE CARLYLE

3 BR, 3½ BA, CLUB ROOM, 3,072 A/C SQ. FT. 3-CAR GARAGE

$

446,900

the sale.

9 BRAND NEW DECORATED MODELS (813) 634-8100 Open daily 9 am to 5 pm, Friday noon to 5 pm.

On 301 between Big Bend and SR 674.

5006 Stone Harbor Circle, Wimauma, FL 33598

TA M PA A R E A

THE ROMA

3 BR, 3 BA, DEN, 2,466 A/C SQ. FT.

$351,900

2 BR, 2 BA, 1,539 A/C SQ. FT.

THE ISABELLA GRANDE $222,900

40,000 sq. ft. CLUBHOUSE Includes: RESORT-STYLE POOL • TENNIS • FITNESS • YOGA • CAFE • CARD ROOMS • SPA 100’S OF CLUBS & ACTIVITIES • BILLIARDS • EVENTS • PICKLEBALL • BOCCE ART STUDIO • SOCIALS • SOFTBALL • COMMUNITY GARDENS & SO MUCH MORE

Villas & Single-Family Homes from the $200’s - $400’s *$5,000 bonus on single-family homes, $2,500 on villas. **Broker must accompany client during client’s initial visit to this community. Both the client and Broker must execute the Developer’s Registration Form on the initial visit. Broker must also execute the Developer’s Broker Participation Agreement. Valencia Lakes is being developed and sold by Hillsborough County Associates II, LLLP. The complete offering terms are in an offering plan available from Sponsor.

File No. H11-0010. Promotions, prices, terms and features are subject to change without notice and do not include optional features or premium for upgraded homesites. Valencia is designed for residents aged 55 & older and is intended to meet the exemption under the Federal Fair Housing Act. ©2015 4300-287 11-12-15

4300-287 GTAR Broker Ad January 2016-cg.indd 1

12/9/15 5:26 PM

20

January 2016

Greater Tampa REALTOR® News

www.GTAR.org

My New Year’s Resolution:

Sell more homes!

With Lennar, selling a new home couldn’t be easier.

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17376 Old Tobacco Rd. | Lutz

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The easiest way to sell a home.

Photographs are solely for illustrative purposes and should never be relied upon. The specific elevations of a home and features in a home may vary from home to home and from one community to another. Please see your New Home Consultant and home purchase and sale agreement for actual features designated as an Everything’s Included® feature, additional information, disclosures, and disclaimers relating to your home and its features. We reserve the right to substitute features, equipment, material, appliances and brand names with items of equal or higher, in our sole opinion, value. Color and size variations may occur. Photographs may contain options which are not standard on all models.Offer valid only in states where not prohibited by law. Copyright © 2015 Lennar Corporation. All rights reserved. Lennar, the Lennar logo, Everything’s Included Homes, the Everything’s Included logo, Knowology and the Knowology Logo are registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. CGC1518166 (12/15)

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