2008 - March - Osceola ReVIEW

March 2008 Volume 22 Issue 15

ReVIEW

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AvatarHomes.com

900 Town Center Drive, Poinciana, FL 34759

;@J:FM<I 8E 8M8K8I :FDDLE@KP =FI PFLIJ<C= Ç M@J@K 8M8K8I?FD<J%:FD 9<CC8C8>FJD s @JC<J F= 9<CC8C8>FJD s 98EP8E 98PJD s :FIP C8B< @JC<JJD s GF@E:@8E8 s I@F I@:F s JFC@M@K8 s JK<IC@E> ?@CC s K<II8C8I>FJD s NFF;JC8E;@E>JD Offers, incentives and seller contributions are subject to certain terms, conditions and restrictions which include use of designated lenders, title companies and closing agents. Offer good for a limited time only. Developer may change home design, materials, features, amenities, method of construction, prices, and promotions at any time. Developer also reserves the right to withdraw any offer without notice. Availability subject to change. Ownership of a home will require the payment of additional fees, including association assessments and mandatory club dues. Association assessments and mandatory club dues are subject to change from time to time. Please review all documents carefully to determine fees associated with home ownership.

Golf facilities are privately owned and operated and membership and additional fees for golf required. Purchase of a home does not grant any use of or access to the golf club or golf facilities. Offers are product and community specific and may not be combined. See your sales person for details. Values on special offers are approximate. Pursuant to the Fair Housing Act, housing in Solivita® is intended for occupancy by at least one person 55 years of age or better per home, although the occupants of a limited number of the homes may be younger, but no one under 18 years of age may be in permanent residence. Avatar New Homes of Florida Contractor No. CQ 1005469. Copyright © 2007 Avatar Properties Inc. All rights reserved. Avatar Properties Inc., 900 Town Center Drive, Poinciana, Florida 34759. 9163.1207 QB# 1224 Commission is based on Total Purchase Price less incentives and applicable discounts, if any. Valid only for new prospects registered after November 15, 2007. Purchaser must execute the Purchase and Sale Agreement, Cooperating Broker Agreement and Purchasers may be required to close within 30 days of the contract date. Avatar reserves the right to change or withdraw any offer at any time. Subject to the terms of the Cooperating Broker program the complete terms of which are included in the Cooperating Broker Agreement, which must be signed by the Broker at the time of the purchase and sale agreement is entered into with the Purchaser. Associate must register the Purchaser prior to the first contact with the Seller, must be a lead not already registered and must be procuring cause of the sale. Broker must be a licensed real estate broker in the state of Florida and the Sales Associate must be a licensed real estate broker or sales associate in the state of Florida and a designated agent of Broker at the time of sale and the time of closing. Commission is deemed earned and paid at time of closing.

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NAR CENTENNIAL - 100 YEARS IN CELEBRATION OF THE AMERICAN DREAM This is the third in a series of articles each month that will document the history and formation of the National Association of REALTORS®, the largest trade association in the world.

REALTOR®: Term of Distinction

as a trademark. At the time of the word’s adoption, federal law did not allow for it to be registered a trademark. Many states did allow the registration of the term, however, and by the time he retired, MacChesney had successfully registered the trademark in 46 states.

With the passage of the 1946 Trademark Act, known as the Lanham Act, the National Association was able to register the term as a collective membership mark.

Continued on Page 14.

The history of the REALTOR® trademark is long and storied, but for this article I will shorten it up a bit. In 1916, the same year it became known as the National Association of Real Estate Boards, the Association adopted the term REALTOR® as a mark to be used exclusively by its members to set themselves apart from “irresponsible curbstoners” – the term used to describe fly-by-night practitioners who operated from the curb rather than an office.

The term was coined in 1915 by Charles N. Chadbourn, a member and past president of the Minneapolis Real Estate Board. Mr. Chadbourn had addressed the Executive Committee at the 1916 annual convention in New Orleans. He wanted the members to raise the standard of real estate “men” (there were no women members at this time) throughout the country and raise the standard of the business. He had read a news article that talked about a scandal in a real estate office. The member of that office was not a member of the board, but nevertheless, because he was called a real estate man, had brought disgrace on the whole profession to some extent. Mr. Chadbourn thought that board members should have some distinctive title. He submitted a resolution to the Executive Committee and on March 27, 1916, eight years after the founding of the National Association and three years after the establishment of a Code of Ethics, the Executive Committee passed Chadbourn’s resolution.

Chadbourn realized that the newly coined word needed to have lasting significance in the eyes of the public. He expressed this intention in the March 15, 1916, issue of the The National Real Estate Journal by publishing a sample certificate along with his plan to have the Association adopt the REALTOR® term. On the draft certificate, “copyrighted” appears immediately beneath the work REALTOR®.

The term REALTOR® gained acceptance quickly. It wasn’t long however, before people began using the term generically to refer to any practitioner, as they might use doctor or lawyer. Inevitably, practitioners who weren’t members sought access to the term. As a result, local committees formed to ensure the word was being used correctly.

Nathan William MacChesney, who served as general counsel for the National Association from its founding in 1908 until his retirement in 1947, helped lead the effort to register the word

March 2008

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we want to extend our sincere appreciation to our Sponsors!

Premier Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor A.

Titanium Sponsor B.

C.

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D.

March 2008

Education Corner

All classes will be held at the Association

To register for any classes please visit the Association website www.osceolarealtors.org, click on “Online Member Services” button, enter your username and password and then click on the Education Calendar. All classes held at the Association unless otherwise noted. If you have any questions, please call the Association at (407) 846-0117.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are registered and unable to attend, please call the Association to cancel, or you will incur a $20 cancellation fee. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

VA MORTGAGE LOANS Thursday, March 6, 2008 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon Instructor: Paul Marek Description: This course will acquaint the REALTOR® with intricacies of the VA Mortgage Lending Policy and Practice, including eligibility and basic qualifications.

Cost: Free CE Credit: 3 hours SHORT SALES WORKSHOPS(2) Monday, March 17, 2008 Time: 9:00-11:00 am; 12:00 – 2:00 pm Instructor: Jose Alvarez Cost: Free

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Thursday, March 20, 2008 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Instructor: Marilyn “Charli” Phelps Description: There will be instances in your career when you may be asked to either manage or rent a home, apartment or condo. Includes FS 83 Landlord Tenant Law. Cost: Free CE Credit: 4 Hours GREEN BUILDING FOR REALTORS® Thursday, March 27, 2008 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon Instructor: Ms. Kerry Mitchell Description: This course offers the student a strong understanding and introduction of what green building is and how the term relates to their profession. You will receive Level One certification (GCREP-GL) upon completion of this course.

Cost: $15:00 CE Credit: 3 hours ■

Leadership Meetings BOARD OF DIRECTORS MARCH 7, 2008, AT 8:30 A.M. • BROADWAY CAFE

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CEO Perspective

By David B. Bennett

“Now is the Time to Buy” Campaign Counters Negative Media For the past 10 years, the Public Awareness Campaign has been working on behalf of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) members to educate and persuade consumers about the value of hiring a REALTOR®. In 2008 the campaign will go even further, countering some of the recent negative national media reports related to the housing market facts about the value of housing as a long-term investment and helping our members educate consumers about actual conditions in the Osceola real estate market.

Recently, the Association has been running the ”Now is the Time to Buy” ad in various publications, such as, the Orlando Sentinel, the Osceola News Gazette, and Homes. com magazine, to name a few. We have seen measurable results in consumers’ attitudes and beliefs as a result of the campaign. The most recent 2007 tracking study found that the percentage of consumers that would use a REALTOR® to buy or sell a home has increased significantly over the past five years, from 52% in 2002 to 71% today.

This is a member-driven campaign, and REALTORS® are encouraged to use the materials NAR has developed and provided for its members as part of this effort. Although only local and state associations can place the materials as advertising to promote the value of all REALTORS®, individual members can use the materials to: • Demonstrate the long-term value of homeownership to home buyers who may be on the fence.

The 2008 campaign includes a separate, consumerfocused website, www.HousingMarketFacts.com, which provides more information about the benefits and value of owning a home, identifies current public policy issues of importance to consumers in the real estate transaction, and of course, allows visitors to link directly to the site so they can learn more.

• Educate buyers and sellers about the importance of using a REALTOR® in today’s real estate environment.

Members can view and download the new “Building Wealth” and “Home Values” campaign materials, including television ads, radio spots, print ads, and Web banners for use in presentations, emails, and Web sites.

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• Distinguish yourself from licensees who are not REALTORS®.

All REALTORS® must complete training in and subscribe to a professional code of ethics. The REALTOR® Code of Ethics is something that distinguishes REALTORS® from other real estate licensees. Visit www.realtor.org/ codeofethics for downloadable materials to use with your potential customers and clients, including a simplified Code of Ethics document in both English and

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Spanish that can be included in a listing presentation and examples of how the Code of Ethics benefits consumers.

You can only take advantage of the power of the REALTOR® brand if you use it. Tell your clients and potential customers that you are a REALTOR®. Use the materials available to you at www.realtor. org. Incorporate the placement of “Now is the Time to Buy” on all your company marketing materials. Include the REALTOR® “R®” in your marketing materials and on your business cards. And wear your REALTOR® pin with pride! ■

ASSOCIATION CLOSED ON FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2008, IN OBSERVANCE OF THE GOOD FRIDAY HOLIDAY

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March 2008

Brokerage Design

By Jeremy Conaway Reject the Blindfold; Enlightenment Is the Way to Go We are seeing seven distinct reactions, among our community members, to the current environment that we know as the American real estate marketplace. The focus of these observations was behaviors of 13 different brokerage communities, ranging from California to Massachusetts, Houston to Minneapolis and Miami to Missoula.

All of these markets are experiencing some level of stress and transition. Some are down almost boutique levels of 18 to 20 percent. Others are experiencing major market downturns that are 35 to 40 percent below levels experienced in 2006. The pervasive current of the down market is maneuvering many within brokerage communities into one of seven reactions.

Reaction 1 - Hunker Down: Most brokers started trimming expenses in 2006 and 2007. For some the trimming has evolved into slashing that is reaching well into resources and internal services that some might consider essential.

IT, training, web, marketing and communications programs are all now considered fair game. However, a sustainable market is not likely to return until the third or fourth quarter of 2009. Furthermore, brokerages may well be operating in this reduced configuration for the next 18 months. When one considers these realities, one wonders Ter mit eto be Inspections ermit mite whether what appears a short-term solution will be &a brokerage T reatments Tr sufficient to carry for a longer period of time.

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Reaction 2FAST – Try•toACCURATE Sell: Some • brokerages are opting to FRIENDLY leave or attempt to leave the marketplace. Once again, a ASK ABOUT OUR whole new industry behavior pattern has emerged around “EAGLE NO TENT” TERMITE SERVICE mergers and acquisitions.

As a starting point it is safe to say that acquisitions, as we have come to know them over the past several years, are very rare. Unless the brokerage to be acquired represents a unique property, there are, for all intentsStreet and purposes, no traditional acquisitions 409 Church • Kissimmee,simply FL 34741 taking place.

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Reaction 3 – Rollup: A number of the stronger regional players are engaging in acquisition programs called “rollups”. These are offerings in which the regional brokerage acquires the assets of the smaller brokerage (typically single to three office firms with 25 – 100 agents) in exchange for assuming debt and a payment equal to 10 – 15% of the 2007 company dollar. These payments are sometimes in cash and sometimes over a 24-month period.

Rollup is a technique used by investors (in this case stronger regional players) where multiple small companies in the

March 2008

same market are acquired and merged. The aim is to reduce costs through economics of scale. Rollups are also created to reduce competition in small risky markets (in this case real estate), where there are often many companies but room for only a few to succeed. Such an investor, faced with an opportunity to invest in two competing companies, may reduce risk by simply investing in both and merging them. As is the case here, rollups are often part of the shakedown and consolidation process during an economic downturn or as new market sectors begin to mature.

Reaction 4 – Merger of Convenience: For firms seeking to terminate operations that do not meet the regional brokerage acquisition profile, a more severe option called a “shotgun merger” or “merger of convenience” has evolved. In this scenario the terminating brokerage simple exchanges its assets for the payment of its debts by a brokerage competitor, generally from the same market.

Reaction 5 – Same old, same old: Perhaps most unusual of all down market reactions can be found in the firms that continue to conduct their business in the same fashion as before the down market only with lowered expenses.

Despite the overwhelming amount of information and guidance that is available from a wide variety of sources regarding real and effective ways in which to address the challenges of the down market, an impressive number of firms are simply “doing what they have always done”.

A number of interviews were undertaken over the past 60 days in an attempt to better understand this behavior option. No simple answer has been forthcoming. The Continued on Page 8

A CLEAR CHOICE

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Brokerage Design. Continued from Page 7.

Association Staff David B. Bennett, CAE, Chief Executive Officer ceo@osceola-realtors.com Gwen Dukes, Director of Communications communications@osceola-realtors.com Mike Mayo, Director of Public Affairs mmayo21@tampbay.rr.com Jeri Peyton, Executive Assistant deputyceo@osceola-realtors.com

Bob St. Gordon, Controller accounts@osceola-realtors.com Stephanie Escurra-Hendricks, Member Services Representative sales@osceola-realtors.com Anneris Rivera, Member Services Representative memberservices@osceola-realtors.com

Association Office 1105 Shady Lane Kissimmee, Florida 34744 www.osceolarealtors.org Email: communications@osceola-realtors.com 407.846.0117 • 407.846.0217 fax In order to share the wealth of information contained in this newsletter in an efficient manner, please submit your articles via e-mail or fax by the 10th of the month. Please clearly indicate that submission is for the Osceola Review.

Editor-in-Chief: Gwen Dukes Articles: communications@osceola-realtors.com Advertising: accounts@osceola-realtors.com For advertising inquiries please contact Bob St. Gordon at the Association Office. Your advertising defrays the cost of publishing. Thank you for your support.

The Osceola ReView is published exclusively for the Association by PIP Printing & Document Services Kissimmee, Florida 407.847.5565 • 407.847.2698 fax Pip@pip920.com Disclaimer: The Osceola ReVIEW is published for the members and affiliates of Osceola County Association of Realtors®, Inc. by Pip Printing and Document Services as a courtesy. Pip nor the Association assume any responsibility for article content or advertising message as submitted for inclusion in the newsletter. Advertising and articles are not endorsed by Association, nor is there any implied warranty by the Association or its staff.

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Reaction 7 – Co-opetition: Kami’s comment shows us that all of us, working together, must feel the pulse of this change on a daily basis. Most of all we must work together. For the purposes of this moment in history we must not see ourselves in competition, but rather as the stewards of America’s most important legacy home ownership. Our survival is neither required nor mandated. In fact there awaits at our flanks those who are betting on our demise so that they can assume a commanding position in this great marketplace.

Whatever happens moving forward we should never question that we have the strength, the wisdom and, indeed, the resources to survive this challenge. There are solutions, answers and options available here. This is the moment that we have been living for.

Do not opt for the blindfold. Let’s work together, and see this time in history as an opportunity to take our industry to the next level, for the benefit of our consumers, our market and, yes, our legacy.

Reject the blindfold; enlightenment is the way to go. ■

Newsletter Submissions

Osceola

Reaction 6 – Go It Alone: None of these markets observed the brokerage community coming together to address either the circumstances or the solutions. Unlike other industries similarly disposed (e.g. the airline industry) the American real estate brokerage appears to find no value whatsoever in using the institutions (e.g. organized real estate at the local, state and national levels) that they have created over the past 50 years to solve this historic situation.

We all understand that the current market is not under our control. It is under the control of an irrational consumer and society. As master strategist Michael Kami so wisely stated, the changes in the consumer’s needs, desires, and demands will tell us where we need to go. We must be curious, observant and analytical. We must seek out the clues of change and translate those clues into opportunities and action.

Michelle Smith, Director of Knowledge Services education@osceola-realtors.com

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information gathered would place the culprit for this option somewhere between “macho” and “terror”. No other obvious answer has emerged relative to why a broker would take no action whatsoever to address a radically declining business situation.

Association Leadership

Association Leadership President Hope Andrews

Treasurer Minetta Garay

President-Elect Sean Ferguson

Past President Jack Frey

Vice-President Marie Collins

Directors Riva Alexander Jose Alvarez Andrey Bustamante David DeLoach

Secretary Len Goffredo

Cheryl Grieb Kemp Howland Richard Jordan Rosebud Kinkead Richard Knapp Veronica Malolos Denise Sacks Legal Counsel Danny Villazon

March 2008

ACCEPTABLE OFFER JUST BECAUSE YOU TOOK TOO LONG TO GET BACK TO THE BUYER

WWW OSCEOLA REALTORS COM

"E SURE TO h!SK IF YOUR AGENT IS A 2%!,4/2¸ A MEMBER OF THE .ATIONAL !SSOCIATION OF 2%!,4/23¸ v

4O MAKE SENSE OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS AND ALL OTHER ASPECTS OF THE HOME BUYING AND SELLING PROCESS h7ORK 7ITH A 2%!,4/2¸ 7HO 7ILL 7ORK 7ITH 9OU v

LEGISLATIVE DAYS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MARCH 25-26, 2008 LEGISLATIVE DAYS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MARCH 2008 SCHEDULE OF 25-26, EVENTS Experience the OF legislative process as part of the SCHEDULE EVENTS

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:00 a.m.

Board bus at the Association office

8:00 a.m.

Board bus at the Association office 8:30 a.m.

Depart for Tallahassee (box lunches will be served on the bus) 8:30 a.m.

Depart for Tallahassee (box lunches will be served on the bus) 1:00 p.m.

Arrive Tallahassee and check-in to hotel 1:00 p.m.

Arrive Tallahassee and check-in to hotel 4:00 p.m.

Legislative briefing at Leon County Civic Center 4:00 p.m.

Legislative briefing at Leon County Civic Center 5:30-8:00 p.m.

Adams Street reception Adams Street reception

7HEN SELLING YOUR HOME THERE ARE A FEW THINGS YOU LL WANT TO TAKE SPECIAL NOTE OF WHEN REVIEWING A POTENTIAL BUYER S PURCHASE CONTRACT (ERE ARE THREE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT

5:30-8:00 p.m.

#YN :ELLNER 0RESIDENT

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Wednesday, March 26, 2008 9:00 a.m.

Meeting at Capitol with Legislators 9:00 a.m.

Meeting at Capitol with Legislators 12:00 p.m.

Lunch served in Capitol Courtyard 12:00 p.m.

Lunch served in Capitol Courtyard 1:30 p.m.

Meetings with Legislators

7HAT TO 7ATCH &OR IN A 0URCHASE #ONTRACT

1:30 p.m.

Meetings with Legislators 6:30 p.m.LEGISLATIVE Depart forDAYS Kissimmee â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MARCH

25-26, 2008

Arrive at the Association office

4HE %XPIRATION $ATE 7HILE MAKING AN INFORMED DECISION MAY TAKE A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF CONSIDERATION AND TIME MAKE SURE YOU REACH YOUR DECISION WITHIN THE AMOUNT OF TIME THE BUYER HAS INDICATED 9OU WON T WANT TO MISS OUT ON AN

&IXTURES AND 0ERSONAL 0ROPERTY #HECK THE LIST OF ITEMS THE BUYER EXPECTS TO REMAIN WITH THE HOUSE AND MAKE SURE THEY ARE ITEMS YOU RE WILLING TO PART WITH

11:00 p.m.

$ATE OF 0OSSESSION -AKE SURE THE DATE THE BUYER IS WILLING TO TAKE TITLE IS ACCEPTABLE FOR YOU )F YOU AREN T SLATED TO MOVE IN TO YOUR NEW HOME FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS A BUYER SEEKING TO MOVE IN IMMEDIATELY MAY NOT BE A GOOD MATCH

the legislative process as part of the 6:30 p.m.

DepartExperience for Kissimmee largest lobby in the State of Florida 11:00 p.m.

Arrive at the Association office

Legislative Days offers a great opportunity to interface and network with our legislators in Tallahassee. You can voice your concerns on issues that affect our industry. From the time we depart and return, you will have a chance to meet and network with REALTORSÂŽ and officials from all over the state of Florida.

NAME:

FIRM:

ADDRESS: PHONE:

FAX:

EMAIL:

NOTE: Registration form and fee must be received by March 18, 2008. No refunds after this date. The bus holds 55 passengers. It will be on a first- come, first- serve basis.

PLEASE RESERVE:

I will room with:

ď Ż ď Ż ď Ż ď Ż

FAR Registration Only - $50 FAR Registration + Bus - $70 FAR Registration + Double Room - $155 ($77.50 per person) FAR Registration + Bus + Double Room - $175 ($87.50 per person)

Please charge to my VISA/MasterCard (circle one) Acct. #:

Exp. Date:

Card Signature:

/SCEOLA #OUNTY !SSOCIATION OF 2%!,4/23¸ 3HADY ,ANE +ISSIMMEE &, s 0HONE s &AX

lobby in the as State Experience thelargest legislative process partofofFlorida the largest lobby in the State of Florida

Enclosed is my check for $

PLEASE FAX BY MARCH 18, 2008, TO 407-846-0217 OR MAIL YOUR REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT TO THE ASSOCIATION AT 1105 SHADY LANE, KISSIMMEE, FL 34744.

March 2008

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Public Affairs

AMENDMENT 1 PASSES. WHAT NOW? WHAT’S NEXT?

By Mike Mayo, Public Affairs Consultant Amendment 1 passed decisively on January 29 with 64% of the statewide vote. People keep asking two questions: What now and what’s next? First, let’s briefly discuss what voters approved January 29. The main components of the projected $9.3-billion property tax cut Amendment include: Increasing the Homestead Exemption An additional $25,000 homestead exemption is provided for the value of property between $50,000 to $75,000.

Be advised, this increase does not apply to school taxes, which is approximately 40% of your property tax bill.

The provision takes effect retroactively to January 1, 2008.

All persons currently receiving a homestead exemption and who continue to qualify for the exemption will automatically qualify to receive the additional exemption.

No further application will be necessary.

“Save Our Homes” Portability Arguably the Amendment’s most significant component, this provision is designed to alleviate the “lock-in” effect that punishes many people for moving. Homeowners may

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now transfer their accumulated Save Our Homes (SOH) benefit to a new homestead anywhere in Florida within two years of leaving their former homestead. Those who sold their homes in 2007 can transfer their SOH benefit to a new homestead if they establish it by January 1, 2009.

There is no limit on how many times an owner can transfer or “port” the accumulated savings. And, this provision applies to all taxes - including school taxes.

For more information about calculating portability, visit FAR’s website: www.floridarealtors.org, “Legislative Center”, “Top Initiatives”. A “portability calculator” is also available on the Property Appraiser’s website: http://www.propertyappraiser.org/ Tangible Personal Property Tax Exemption The amendment also includes a $25,000 tangible personal property tax exemption. Property and business owners with less than $25,000 worth of tangible personal property will no longer have to file returns, completely removing this administrative burden. This provision takes effect retroactively to January 1, 2008.

Assessment Cap for Non-Homestead Property This provision limits the annual growth in assessed value of non-homestead property to 10% per year. The 10% cap will sunset after 10 years, at which time it will be presented to voters for re-authorization. This cap does not apply to school taxes, and goes into effect January 1, 2009.

Continued on Page 11.

March 2008

Amendment 1 Passes. Continued from Page 10.

The cap will use a base year of 2008, which means the cap will begin shielding properties from taxation in 2009. Residential properties of nine (9) units or less will surrender accumulated protections at change of ownership or control. For all other properties – residential properties of 10 or more units and business properties – the Legislature must define by general law how the property will surrender accumulated protections at change of ownership or control.

Amendment 1 Implementation: What Now? In addition to the wealth of information available on FAR’s website, the Florida Department of Revenue has created an excellent site consisting of “Amendment 1 Implementation Information”: http://dor.myflorida.com/ dor/property/sb4d.html Included on the site are documents related to the additional Homestead Exemption and Portability, including: a portability application form; Certificate for Transfer of Homestead Assessment Difference; and Portability Frequently Asked Questions.

correctness” property appraisers enjoy on their appraisals; changes in the make-up of the Value Adjustment Boards; legislative implementing language to clarify certain aspects of the constitutional amendment (for instance, how portability works in matters of divorce and marriage); and monitoring the administrative rules implementing process that DOR has already started.

Taxation and Budget Reform Commission The commission continues to meet regularly. Some believe the Commission may be Florida’s best hope for enacting meaningful and comprehensive property tax reform.

Empowered by the Florida Constitution, the Commission has the ability to put Property Tax Reform amendments on the statewide ballot before voters. In fact, the Commission is debating the expansion of the sales tax base, using the new money to eliminate local property taxes dedicated Continued on Page 14.

Property Tax Reform: What’s Next While Amendment 1 may be a step in the right direction, more work on property tax relief and reform needs to be done. FAR will be working with the Legislature during the 2008 Session, and with the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, for further relief. These efforts include: relief for first-time homebuyers; changes to the application of “highest and best use” standards for appraising property; altering the “presumption of

Ter mit e Inspections ermit mite <;;B I7<; ADEM?D= OEKH ?:;DJ?JO ?I I;9KH; & T r Treatments <;;B I7<; ADEM?D= OEKH ?:;DJ?JO ?I I;9KH; <;;B I7<; ADEM?D= OEKH ?:;DJ?JO ?I I;9KH; (Discounted Rates for OSCAR Members)

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I give itanother just toidentity prove how safe your identity can be with LifeLock. All of us, no If you worry about identity theft, then it’s time you got to know LifeLock. LifeLock seconds another identity is stolen.

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Knowledge Services News

By Michelle Smith, Director of Knowledge Services

DID YOU KNOW: • That you can take your MLS 4.0 User Training online? Go to http:// www.mfrmls.com and click Online Training. When you have successfully completed the outline, your completion will be recorded in your file of MFRMLS. •

•

•

•

•

•

Classroom training: Attend a FREE 3-hour class, 3 CE hours, at the Association on one of the following dates:

To register for all Association classes, go to: www. osceolarealtors.org and click on the “Online Members Services” button, enter your username and password. ■

Spend just four minutes to view an online Webinar on MLX 4.0. Go to your MLS Home Screen; click on MLXchange tutorials (right side of screen); click on What’s New in MLXchange 4.0. Note: Be patient, it takes a bit for the file to load.

Harvest Lending Company “Envision Your Possibilities”

Harvest Lending Company is a first-rate mortgage brokerage that is committed to handling your personal and or commercial business expeditiously , with no detail overlooked. Please give us the opportunity to service your residential commercial, lot loans, construction-to-permanent financing needs. Should you need an alternative to traditional lending we also represent private money lenders.

The Printed MLXchange 4.0 User Guide is available for purchase in the Resource Center for $5.00. It’s online for FREE. All the Florida Property Appraisers’ information sites are available, with active links, at County Tax Records at mfrmls.com – http://dor.myfloridacounty.com/dor/ property/appraisers.html.

Need Reciprocal Listing Information – don’t spend hours searching for information, it’s available at http:// www.mrfmls.com.pdf_files/StatewideQuickRefGuide.pdf at http://wwwlmfrmls.com.

YOU ASKED AND WE LISTENED…………we are offering two Short Sale workshops at the Association on March 17, 2008; the first is from 9am-11am and the second is 12pm-2pm. To register for these upcoming workshops, please go to www.osceolarealtors.org and register through On Line Member Services.

➢ June 19, 2008 ➢ August 21, 2008 ➢ September 18, 2008

Primary, Second Home or Investment Property Refinances (Lower Monthly Payments, Debt Consolidation, Home Improvements) Commercial Lending (Low LTVs, Flexible Terms) Foreign National Specializing in Manufactured and Mobile Home Financing Home Equity Line of Credit Se Habla Espanol 600 N. Thacker AveSuite D-59

Kissimmee, FL 34741

Office: (321) 284-4719

Fax:(407) 994-2932

Introducing Bill Starkey Your KB Home Broker Liaison

REALTORS® Required to Complete “Code of Ethics” for Second Training Cycle. Deadline: December 31, 2008.

Between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2008, all REALTORS® are required to complete three hours of Code of Ethics Training every four years for continued membership. The word “REALTOR®” has come to mean integrity, fairness and competence by holding to excellent standards of moral conduct in business practices. To help members meet the ethics training requirement, the following resources are available: • • 12

Association’s On-Line Code of Ethics Training: Go to www.osceolarealtors.org. Place your mouse over the word “education” and click On Line education”.

NAR’s On-line Quadrennial REALTOR® Ethics Training Course: Go to www.realtor.org, select “Education”, and click on “Code of Ethics Training”.

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An accomplished sales professional and experienced member of the KB Home team, Bill is available to answer your questions, give you details on Built to Order™ or quick-move-in homes and tell you about commission opportunities, including our 3% Broker Co-op.

Contact Bill at (407) 947-6085 or wjstarkey@kbhome.com.

888-KB-HOMES

kbhome.com

©2008 KB Home. Payment of Broker Co-op requires Broker to accompany and register buyer on first visit and comply with Broker Co-op Agreement. See Built to Order™ options and upgrades offered at KB Home Studio. All options/upgrades require additional charges, may require ordering at predetermined stages of construction and are subject to change/ discontinuation anytime by KB Home. KB Home is not a custom homebuilder. CBC051212 ORL-70964

KBHOME PRINTAD March 2008

70964 0201 OSCAR.indd 1

1/4/08 11:34:18 AM

Supra News

by Stephanie Escurra-Hendricks It’s that time of year to renew your Display Key which are due April 17, 2008. GE Security SUPRA will be mailing invoices out within the next few weeks. You should receive two invoices: one for the Display Key RENTAL and the other for the Display Key INSURANCE. Supra has now made renewing your dues much easier.

Visit their website at www.supraekey.com and click on “AGENT WebPAY”.

Real Estate - Agent WebPAY

• • • •

If you are using a Supra ActiveKEY or DisplayKEY, or have Supra eKEY service on your smartphone or PDA, you can now manage your Supra key account online. Agent WebPAY is a FREE online tool that allows you to modify your account and pay invoices at any time. With Agent WebPAY, you can: View your account balance Make payments using credit cards and debit cards View and update your account information Print or email copies of your invoices

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR PATRICK STREET PROJECT IN KISSIMMEE A groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of the Randolph & Patrick Street Subdivision site was held on Wednesday, February 6, 2008. This project is a joint effort by the Kissimmee Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), The Florida Real Estate Foundation’s Art in Architecture program and the Osceola County Association of REALTORS® to provide affordable workforce housing. The area’s best architects, builders, interior designers, lenders and government programs offer qualified buyers homes that are affordable and attractive. The architecturally aesthetic homes are spacious with state-of-the art amenities that are usually found in houses at a much higher selling price.

For inquiries, please call the Kissimmee Community Redevelopment Agency at (407) 518-2544. ■

Your account will be updated automatically after payment is received.

It’s easy to get started with Agent WebPAY. First you will need to register. You will create a user name and password. Just have your key serial number and 4-digit PIN code ready. Have questions or need help? Call tollfree 1-877-699-6787, option 2. ■

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NAR Centennial. Continued from Page 3.

The collective marks REALTOR® and REALTORS® were registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on September 13, 1949, and January 10, 1950, respectively, under Registration Numbers 515200 and 519789.

Today, the National Association of REALTORS® regularly issues letters of warning to those who misuse the REALTOR® marks. NAR posts lengthy guidance on its website, realtor.org. specifying how members and member boards can and can’t use the terms.

DID YOU KNOW……

In 2005, NAR commissioned a firm to quantify the dollar value of the term REALTOR®. According to AbsoluteBRAND, a brand valuation firm based in Milwaukee, the REALTOR® brand generates $32,000 in incremental income for a REALTOR® during an average membership length of ten years in the National Association. The study notes that a member who has six to ten years of real estate experience derives $45,000 in annual incremental income.

Had Charles N. Chadbourn known the power of his invention on December 31, 1927, the day he signed the legal document assigning the word to the National Association of Real Estate Boards, he may have had second thoughts. He was paid the sum of $1. ■

Amendment 1 Passes. Continued from Page 11. for schools, thereby reducing property tax bills by some 40%.

At issue are literally hundreds of exemptions and exclusions from the state sales tax – worth billions of dollars annually - for certain products and services.

For more information about the Commission, visit: www. floridatbrc.org The 1.35% Solution Another idea that is gaining traction is the “1.35% Solution,” supported by House Speaker Marco Rubio. It would provide a 1.35% annual limit on the taxable value of any parcel. The limit applies to the property value that remains after reductions from assessed value for constitutional and statutory exemptions.

Therefore, the homestead exemption and Save Our Homes assessment cap would remain intact. For more information about this constitutional amendment movement, visit: www.cutpropertytaxesnow.com. ■

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SunTrust Mortgage Real Estate Solutions It takes talent, timing and SunTrust Mortgage, Inc. to help your clients achieve a fast and problem-free closing. With our depth of mortgage products and extensive experience in the industry, we can help you take your business to the next level.

• Competitive pricing and flexible underwriting guidelines • Professional co-branded marketing tools • More than 250 diverse loan products For more information, call one of our local mortgage officers today.

Millie Plass 407.925.9453 Sheree Fox 407.491.2660 Nancy Knapp 321.624.1560 Dawn Lenhardt 407.435.9668 Najla Jalal 407.947.1227

The information contained herein is intended as informational material for the sole and exclusive use of the business entities to which it was distributed and is subject to change without written notice.

Equal Housing Lender. SunTrust Mortgage, Inc., 901 Semmes Avenue, Richmond, VA 23224 is licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act; is an Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee; is a Lender in Massachusetts having Mortgage Lender license #s ML1216, ML0133, ML1432, ML1914, ML1913, ML1815, ML2411, ML1214, ML2442, ML2491, and ML2538; is licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department; is licensed by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, toll free 1.888.994.7864; is a licensed lender in Rhode Island; is doing business in Arizona as Crestar Mortgage, 7250 N. 16th Street, Ste. 100, Phoenix, AZ 85020; and is doing business in New York at 145 Pinelawn Road, Suite 330, Melville, NY 11747. ©2008, SunTrust Banks, Inc. SunTrust is a federally registered service mark of SunTrust Banks, Inc.

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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Bonnie Abbott..............................................................Buy Florida Properties Hubert Barrantes......................................... Holding Golden Real Estate, Inc. Corey Berman.................................................. ERA Alamo Homes Realty, Inc. Scott Berry.......................................................Sand Castle Realty Group, Inc. Paul Brian......................................................Homes of America Realty Group Rebecca Burke........................................................Classic Homes Realty, Inc. Richard Burke.........................................................Classic Homes Realty, Inc. Vanessa Buttery............................................... Orlando Vacation Realty, LLC Virginia Cabrera................................................... Watson Realty Corporation Migdalia Castro Dotson................................One Way Realty and Associates Nora Colon.............................................................................365 Realty, LLC Joni Coulter.................................................................... GAW Realty Services Karen Darr..........................................................Keller Williams At The Lakes Mark Davis................................................................Freestone Realty Group Dario De La Fuentes...................................................Exit Realty HomeQuest Alexander Delgado............................................................ Exit Realty Select Sandra Diaz.........................................................Keller Williams At The Lakes Michelle Duarte....................................Statewide Realty Services Corporation Ilena Dunlop........................................................Keller Williams At The Lakes Bernard Edwards....................................................Coldwell Banker Solomon Roy Ferguson............................................................ ERA Select International Martin Flores..............................................................Exit Realty HomeQuest Timothy Freeman................................................Frontline Florida Realty, Inc. Michael Gaw.................................................................. GAW Realty Services Gary Gouty................................................................................. West Realty Karlene Grimes................................................Coldwell Banker Ackley Realty Leslie Herrera.........................................................Coldwell Banker Solomon Edith Hughes................................................... Latitude 28 Real Estate Broker Marie Jeanniton................................................... Watson Realty Corporation Jordan Johnson....................................................Hometown Realty US GMAC Mary Jones........................................................................Saint Cloud Realty Anisa Kalim . ....................................................Platinum Realty International Chrissie Kirk................................................................... GAW Realty Services Donna Kusluk..........................................................Classic Homes Realty, Inc. Evelyne Lawes............................................................Sky Land Realty Group Virginia Linick.....................................................Keller Williams At The Lakes Chandrawati Maraj.............................................. Watson Realty Corporation Terry McCutcheon............................................Coldwell Banker Ackley Realty Sherry McMurtrie............................................................ Properties SW, Inc. Marc McKenzie.....................................................................Boarman Realty Joanne Mikel................................................................... Imagination Realty Steven Mikel.................................................................... Imagination Realty Ivania Miolan.........................................................Home Bankers Realty, LLC Astley Newman..................................................Keller Williams At The Lakes Ruth Orazi........................................................Coldwell Banker Ackley Realty Armando Perez............................................. Aros International Realty Group Jackeline Perez................................................ ERA Alamo Homes Realty, Inc. Xiomara Rivas............................................................ Ray Clarke Realty, Inc. Claudia Saavedra.......................................................Sky Land Realty Group Angela Silva................................................................DPG Realty Group, Inc.

Steven Simpson..................................................Frontline Florida Realty, Inc. Claudia Spencer.........................................................Dina Realty Group, Inc. Denise Vegas..............................................................Exit Realty HomeQuest Warren Wagman.................................................. Watson Realty Corporation Rosa Zuluaga..............................................................Sky Land Realty Group

NEW AFFILIATE OFFICES INFINITY ABSTRACT & TITLE COMPANY . . . . . . EVA GORDON 720 N. John Young Parkway * Kissimmee, FL 34741 Phone: (321) 251-8745 * Fax: 321-251-8746 LAND AMERICA/GULF AtLANTIC . . . . . . . . . NANCY MELECIO 909 E. Oak St., Suite A * Kissimmee, FL 34744 Phone: (407) 932-2221 * Fax: (407) 932-1166 MARONDA HOMES, INC. OF FLORIDA . . . . . . . BOB GOLDFARB 955 Keller Road, Suite 1500 * Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 Phone: (407) 475-9112 * Fax: (407) 475-9115 SEMINARS ON SITE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KEMP HOWLAND 355 Falling Waters Drive * Kissimmee, FL 34759 Phone: (407) 222-4847 SUNTRUST MORTGAGE, INC . . . . . . . . . . . . . SHEREE FOX, NAIJA JALAL, DAWN LENHARDT

1624 W. Osceola Parkway * Kissimmee, FL 34741 Phone: (407) 847-1503 * Fax: (407) 847-6707

NEW REAL ESTATE OFFICES ERA ALAMO HOMES REALTY, INC . . . . . . . . . . COREY BERMAN 12701 S. John Young Parkway * Orlando, FL 32837-3423 Phone: (407) 447-7724 * Fax: (407) 447-7877 FREESTONE REALTY GROUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MARK P. DAVIS 1106 Sunset View Circle #102 * Kissimmee, FL 34747 Phone: (407) 506-7226 PROPERTIES SW, INC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SHERRY MCMURTRIE 10743 Narcoosee Road * Orlando, FL 32832 Phone: (407) 277-8200 * Fax: (407) 288-8400 SAINT CLOUD REALTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MARY JONES 1123 Florida Avenue * St. Cloud, FL 34769 Phone: (407) 891-8130 * Fax: (407) 891-0797 SAND CASTLE REALTY GROUP, INC . . . . . . . . . . . SCOTT BERRY 2220 Venetian Court * Naples, FL 34109 Phone: (239) 594-2171 * Fax: (239) 596-5379

1105 Shady Lane â&#x20AC;˘ Kissimmee, FL 34744

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