Requested Delivery By: September 10, 2016
SEPTEMBER IS REALTOR® SAFETY MONTH
SEPTEMBER 2016 THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER TAMPA REALTORS®
PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID TAMPA, FL Permit No. 2397
2016 GTAR Elections: Make your vote count It's that time of the year! Take advantage of your opportunity to decide who will lead your Association. Electing members of the Board of Directors is one of the most important responsibilities of any association member. This month, all REALTOR® members will have the opportunity to
decide the future leadership of GTR. Take the opportunity to be an active part of selecting the members who will lead the Association. The Board of Directors serves as the official spokesman for the entire industry. Every director should be viewed as a potential president. High integrity and an understanding of the ethics of the association are, of course, prime requisites in a director. High on the list
of desirable qualifications be a proven performer, are business experience, active in both association knowledge, and capabil- and community affairs. ity. The director should To do its best work, the
Rep. Castor pushes for legislation to reduce student loan debt BY MITCH PERRY Extensive Enterprises With nearly 7 out of every 10 college graduates contending with a student debt topping more than $35,000, the immediate economic future of our best and brightest has never been hazier. But they’re not the only ones hurting. That was the message that came out of a news conference held on Monday, August 22 at the Greater Tampa REALTORS®. “When they try to qualify for a mortgage, that debt is thrown into the mix with
CODE OF ETHICS
14
ELECTIONS, Page 5
oints to consider when p selecting the ideal officer or director in September
1. How knowledgeable is the candidate for the office sought? 2. How experienced is the candidate for the office sought? 3. Is the candidate interested in more than honor? 4. Will he or she be able to devote adequate time to the job? 5. Does his or her health permit the exertion and energy required to serve as a successful director? 6. Will he or she be able to work effectively with the association staff? 7. Can he or she stand the limelight and the criticism of leadership, particularly in times of crises? 8. Can he or she communicate effectively, both orally and in writing? 9. Can he or she subordinate regional, personal and business biases for the good of the association?
any other debt that they would have, and it would impact the amount of loan that they would be to get,” complained Jack Rodriguez with the Greater Tampa REALTORS®. “With the ability to refinance into a lower interest rate or stretch it out, they would bring down their STUDENTS, Page 5
pg.6
• EDUCATION
SEPTEMBER 2016
IN THIS EDITION
September is REALTOR® Safety Month
As part of NAR's ongoing efforts to keep its members safe, September is dedicated to member safety. Page 2
Nominate a Member
Help GTR identify individuals worthy of these prestigious awards. Page 3
We have rebranded!
Effective Sept. 1, your association is now known as the "Greater Tampa REALTORS®". Page 4
Questions? We have your answers
I’d like to place a “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO) sign in my front yard to to market my real estate services. Is this allowed? Page 9
Meet the Candidates
10. D oes his or her personal conduct reflect favorably on the Association?
Read the full bios submitted by the eligible 2017 Officer and Director candidates. Pages 8-11
11. If the candidate is married, will his or her spouse be helpful or resentful?
Candid Camera
12. Will he or she be able to step down gracefully at the end of their term of office?
July/August 2016. Page 18
13. Will he or she recognize the validity and importance of the group process in decision making? 14. Will he or she support the decision/policies of the Association, State and National Associations? pg.15
• MLS STATISTICS
pg.18
• AFFILIATES
pg.20