2008 - April - Osceola ReVIEW

April 2008 Volume 23 Issue 16

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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April 2008

President’s Perspective

By Hope Andrews

STATE OF THE ASSOCIATION Wonderful things are happening in your association.

Our Tuesday morning Marketing Meetings are back, so please come and pitch your listings. And be sure to stay and hear the educational portion of the meetings. Many of my listings have been sold by pitching them on Tuesday mornings. In these uncertain times, we know the marketing meetings will put money into our members’ pockets. You have asked us to bring these meetings back, so come and show your support.

Our Budget and Finance Committee found several areas to help reduce our 2008 expenses. Our CEO, David Bennett, is exploring other areas for expense reduction. We will meet next month to discuss his findings. In keeping with our need for expense reduction, we have suspended the services of Recon Intelligence Group for the balance of this fiscal year.

We have implemented a hiring freeze for Association staff, and have eliminated a full-time government liaison. We have found an additional $75,000 in possible reductions to propose to the Board, and we have asked our CEO to look at other areas where we can reduce expenses without effecting services to our members.

We continue moving forward on our strategic plan. Our CEO has taken over our Governmental Affairs department for our Association. He attends City and County Commission meetings whenever there are real estate issues on the agenda. We have initiated a Public Policy Liaison Committee, with Randy Hillman as chairman.

This is a great opportunity for members to get involved in the community and make a difference in our industry.

Terri Carroll is the chairperson of our New Member Welcome Committee. Terri and her committee contact every new member and welcome each of them, sharing volunteer opportunities and inviting new members to get involved.

Our Young Professionals council, chaired by Veronica Malolos, has taken off like a rocket! They have had three meetings/socials, with 70 members at the last social! This council has engaged members that have never participated in our association. Their last two events were fully sponsored by SunTrust. Rosebud Kinkead and Sean Ferguson spoke about the importance of RPAC in our business at the last Young Professionals meeting. We raised $270 for RPAC at their event.

Our RPAC committee, under the leadership of Rosebud Kinkead, has already planned three events: a Diamond and Champagne event at Signature by the Lake; a Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament; and the annual RPAC Auction. The last WCR luncheon raised over $300 for RPAC. Thank you so much WCR!

April 2008

We formed the Past Presidents Council in 2008. Mike Levine is the Chairman and the Council is planning two events this year for past Presidents to get together and weigh in on real estate and association issues. This year our association holds a trustee position with our Chamber of Commerce. President Elect, Sean Ferguson and your CEO attended the real estate round tables to discuss our issues with local leaders, builders, and engineers.

Our newly initiated Property Management Council, chaired by Riva Alexander, boasts 15 active participants.

They are researching discounts for services from local and national vendors, which will help put money back in our members’ pockets. They have planned a Law Symposium for April 18th, and plan many other exciting things during the coming months.

The Affiliates Council, chaired by Rick Blubaugh, shares with our Board of Directors the needs of our Affiliate members. They have asked that we put the Affiliates’ calendar in our newsletter, and that we bring back our Tuesday morning Marketing Meetings. The Affiliates are looking for more opportunities to network with our REALTOR® members. We have offered them more volunteer participation, including the opportunity to speak at our new member orientations. One of my goals this year is to strengthen our relationship with our Affiliate members.

They perform a valuable service for our membership. I believe we are off to a good start!

Our Board of Directors meetings are now held in our Association classroom, and meeting dates are posted in the newsletter and on the website. All members are invited to attend our Board of Directors meetings.

Director of Knowledge Services, Michelle Smith, has done a fantastic job ramping up our education classes. Thanks to Michelle we have enjoyed excellent attendance in our classes, and she has done a fabulous job of adding more education opportunities for our members.

Gwen Dukes, your Director of Communications, has taken our communications email campaign to new heights with a great new design, consolidating information so we are not inundated with so many e-mails. She has done an outstanding fabulous job with our magazine, which has sparked increased member involvement and new advertising. All members are encouraged to share their views by writing articles for your association magazine.

Get your article to Gwen by the 10th of the month for her review. Mike Levine will write articles about what is happening in the commercial side of our business; Randy Hillman has brought back the Legal Ease column.

Continued on Page 5.

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CEO Perspective

By David B. Bennett, CAE

April Commemorates the 40th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act REALTORS® work to build strong communities and create an environment where everyone, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, familial status, disability or national origin, can choose where they want to live. In recognition of these efforts, the Association salutes Fair Housing Month, which this year commemorates the 40th anniversary of the passage of the U.S. Fair Housing Act. Homeownership is a great financial and personal investment, and is one of the best ways to build long-term wealth. In addition to financial benefits, studies show that homeownership strengthens levels of educational achievement among children, increases volunteerism and political activism, and reduces community crime levels.

HOUSING DISCRIMINATION STUDY

By Renae Brown, Project Manager, Florida Commission on Human Relations

Members of the Association, along with Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association members, recently went to Tallahassee for the annual Legislative Days event to advocate for laws and policies that protect making housing more affordable and accessible. As a result, REALTORS® have helped to raise the homeownership rate to nearly 70%.

Homeownership is part of the American dream, and REALTORS® and members of the Association are committed to removing disparities in homeownership and making the face of homeownership in this country look more like America.

The Association is committed to: • Supporting strong fair housing laws; • Improving access to affordable housing; • Increasing diversity in the real estate market; and • Embracing the racial and ethnic diversity of Osceola County We will continue to support the success of REALTORS® in our community and beyond, and we invite you to visit the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) website www. realtor.org/diversity for more tools and information to help you promote and encourage Fair Housing. ■ • Hispanic renters now face higher incidence of discrimination than African American renters.

The Florida Commission on Human Relations is conducting a Housing Discrimination Study funded by HUD to measure the extent of housing discrimination against Hispanic homebuyers and renters in Metro Orlando.

The Commission is the state agency that investigates discrimination in housing and employment complaints.

We are also working with partners to raise community awareness of the realities of housing discrimination and of pertinent state and federal laws.

• Hispanics are often charged a higher rent and higher deposit just because of their national origin, regardless of being a citizen or not.

In 2000, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development conducted the Housing Discrimination Study 2000 (HDS 2000) to research discriminatory trends and measure the extent of housing discrimination in the United States against person because of race or color. The study found that 1 in 4 Hispanics are discriminated against and denied housing in rentals. Also the study found that: • Hispanic home seekers are still being told units are unavailable when they are available to non-Hispanic whites.

The Predatory Lending and Fair Housing Summit is scheduled on Saturday, April 19, 2008. The two events will begin at 10:00 a.m. and end at 12:00 noon. The conference is FREE and will be held at:

• Hispanic home seekers are being shown and told about fewer units than a comparable non-minority.

• Hispanic homebuyers experience difference in treatment with the amount of help agents provide with providing information and obtaining financing.

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• Hispanic women are solicited sexual favors in exchange for not being evicted from their apartment.

Robert Guevara Community Center 501 Florida Parkway Kssimmee, FL 34743 For more information on the Housing Discrimination Study, please visit our website at http://fchr.state.us. You can also email me at RenaeBrown@fchr.myflorida.com, telephone (407) 509-4705.

Please join us as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the passing of the Fair Housing Act. ■

April 2008

President’s Perspective.

Continued from Page 3.

I am excited that our “Time To Buy Campaign” has gotten off to a great start. Our Brokers, REALTORS® and Affiliates have partnered with the association to get the word out to consumers. It is so encouraging when I call another REALTOR® and their voice mail ends with remember “It’s a great time to buy real estate!” I’ve seen this in many of your personal ads as well. We know the facts: prices are reasonable, interest rates are low and I think that we all have seen an increase in our business. Let’s keep up the good work.

On Tuesday, March 18th, our members got on a bus along with several Orlando Association members and headed to Tallahassee for Great American REALTOR® Days. I have participated for the past five years and it is always rewarding to see how our RPAC dollars have made a difference in how our legislature makes decisions. This year was especially rewarding to me, as we had newcomers to this event such as Daisy Cid, who talked to our legislators about property insurance, and Terri Carroll who talked to our legislators about affordable housing and using the Sadowski Fund for what it was intended for: a dedicated revenue source for local and state housing programs. Terri asked the legislature to remove the cap on this fund which was imposed in 2005.

House asked for our support on a couple of bills that affect our business. This was a very exciting session! Thank you to everyone who participated. It was a great day! If you have not attended Great American REALTOR® Days, please consider joining us next year.

There are so many wonderful things happening and I know I have not touched on them all. I will continue to update you in the future. This is your Association, so get involved. If you have anything that you could share with us to enhance your membership experience, we want your feedback.

And please remember to share with the consumer as often as possible that “It Is A Great Time To Buy Real Estate”.

Hope Andrews 2008 President Cell Phone: 407-873-8319 Office Phone: 407-944-0049 e-mail: hopeandrews@earthlink.net ■

Sean Ferguson talked to our legislators about health insurance for REALTORS®. It was wonderful to see our members really passionate about these issues that effect our businesses, and refreshing that they saw what a difference this makes to our industry. It was really great to have our seasoned member, City Commissioner Cheryl Grieb, speak to our legislators about relevant issues. We are fortunate to have Cheryl on our team. She really knows the issues and educates us on our talking points. For more information on Public Policy talking points, please visit the Florida Association of REALTORS® website and paste this link: http://www.floridarealtors.org/LegislativeCenter/6-28-07property-tax-talking-points.cfm. Cheryl is our key contact with Representative Frank Attkisson and has helped make a significant difference in promoting our issues in Tallahassee.

It was a special treat to have our Past President, Cyn Zellner, with us. Cyn is also well informed on the issues and plays a major role in getting our new members involved in Great American REALTOR® days. Cyn scheduled a meeting with our Representative Steve Precourt, for whom she is our key contact. Representative Precourt, a sophomore representative in the house, spent a great deal of time with us and answered all our questions. He is a good friend to REALTORS®. Later in the day we sat is session and watched both the house and Senate vote on their bills.

After lunch in the courtyard at the Capitol, we heard from our Florida Association President Chuck Bonfiglio, along with Governor Charlie Christ and Senator Mel Martinez.

During the public policy meeting, the Speaker Of The

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The home seller, the home seeker, and the real estate professional all have rights and responsibilities under the law.

For the Home Seller As a home seller or landlord you have a responsibility and a requirement under the law not to discriminate in the sale, rental and financing of property on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. You cannot instruct the licensed broker or salesperson acting as your agent to convey for you any limitations in the sale or rental because the real estate professional is also bound by law not to discriminate. Under the law, a home seller or landlord cannot establish discriminatory terms or conditions in the purchase or rental; deny that housing is available, or advertise that the property is available only to persons of a certain race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.

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example, only to predominantly African American neighborhoods.

Communications News

By Gwen Dukes, Director of Communications

Fair Housing: 8 Violations to Avoid Understanding practical applications of the Fair Housing Act will help ensure you do not inadvertently violate the Fair Housing Act. Remember, courts have determined that a violation may be proven even if there was no intent to discriminate, as long as there is evidence of a discriminatory effect. Plus, you never know when your fair housing practices are being tested; testers from government or private groups can pose as home seekers, and their evidence is fully admissible in court.

1. Refusing to sell or rent a property or discouraging a potential buyer or tenant because of a person’s protected class status.

Don’t say: “Because you only moved to this country from Japan a little while ago, the sellers may be uneasy about your ability to secure a mortgage. I suggest you make a larger earnest money deposit to help convince them of your interest and ability to close.”

3. Urging residents to sell or rent their properties, often at bargain prices, by suggesting that members of a protected class are likely to move into the area and have a negative impact on property values. This violation is called blockbusting.

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5. Providing false information on the availability of a property for sale or rental based on a person’s protected class status — even if that information is based on the owner’s desires.

Don’t say: “You know, the people who live in this neighborhood aren’t the same Polish immigrants who lived here when you bought this house 30 years ago.

It’s just not safe for you to walk around alone any more. Maybe you should consider selling now while you can still get a good price for your house.”

4. Restricting a person’s choices to perpetuate segregated housing patterns based on membership in a protected class — taking African-American families, for

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Don’t say: “There’s no point in your showing the Smith’s house to that Hispanic couple; the Smiths will never sell to them.”

6. Refusing to provide information on the availability of loans or other financial assistance or providing information that is inaccurate or different because of a person’s membership in a protected class.

Don’t say: “This two-bedroom condominium is just too small for you and your three children. Plus, there’s no playground nearby.”

2. Using different provisions in leases or sale contracts, such as those relating to rental charges, security deposits, lease terms, downpayment, and closing requirements because of a person’s protected class status.

Don’t say: “I know how important it is for you to find a church congregation you can belong to. Let me show you two houses near the African American Baptist Church on Second. I think that church would suit you.”

Don’t say: “Mr. Hernandez, I think your best bet is to look into lenders that offers subprime mortgages. It’ll be more expensive, but they’re more likely to accept your application.”

7. Using an appraisal that improperly takes into consideration the protected classes in estimating property value.

Don’t say: “See if you can get the value of the property as high as you can. She’s an old lady, and this house is her only asset, so I want to get her a really good price.”

8. Relying on illegal covenants or provisions that preclude the sale or rental of a dwelling to a person because of membership in a protected class.

Don’t say: “I’d love to show you the house in this development, but the restrictive covenants wouldn’t allow you to build the entry ramp you need for your wheelchair.” ■

Realtors® Real Knowledge Real Service Real Value

April 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. 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.

MLS Training Classes There is one MLXchange Training class held each month.

This is a mandatory class for new members. Even if you have already taken this class, you are invited to attend as a refresher course at any time.

EFFECTIVE PURCHASE & SALES CONTRACTS Thursday, April 10, 2008 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Instructor: Duke Tieman Location: Osceola County Association of REALTORS® Classroom Description: This program’s objective is to have the student fill out a solid, binding contract. Common pitfalls are discussed with actual contract examples.

Cost: Free CE Credit: 4 hours

AT HOME WITH DIVERSITY Thursday, April 24, 2008 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Instructor: Chuck Bonamer Location: Osceola County Association of REALTORS® Classroom Description: Learn how to be comfortable with people from other cultures. NAR Designation, CIPS, CRB, CRS & WCR credit.

Cost: $15.00 CE Credit: 6 Hours ■ Americans with Disabilities Act Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in places of public accommodations and commercial facilities.

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Deposits must be placed in an escrow account no later than the end of the third business day following receipt of the item to be deposited. Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays are not considered as business days.

By Randy Hillman, Attorney at Law “DON’T FORGET THE ADDRESS” Many real estate brokerages in the Kissimmee area were recently audited by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

The auditors made clear when it comes to deposit, strict compliance with the rules is required.

Administrative Rules now require that when a deposit is placed or is to be placed with a title company or an attorney, the licensee who prepared or presented the sales contract shall indicate on that contract the name, address, and telephone number of the title company or attorney. The latest version of the FAR/BAR and the FAR contracts have spaces available for this information. If the title company or attorney has more than one location, the address and telephone number must be for the location which actually holds the deposit. Since the Seller usually has the right to choose the closing agent, it makes sense for the licensee preparing the contract to find out prior to submitting the contract who the Seller wants to use as closing agent so the deposit does not later have to be transferred at time of closing.

The Rule does not require address and telephone number if the deposit is being held by a real estate brokerage, but it is certainly a good idea to include the information in the contract.

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It is also now required that within three business days after each deposit is due under the sales contract, the broker of the Licensee who prepared the contract shall make written request to the title company or attorney to provide written verification of receipt of the deposit. Within 10 business days of the date the Licensee’s broker made the written request for verification of the deposit, the broker of Licensee who prepared the contract shall provide Seller’s broker with either a copy of the written verification, or, if no verification is received by Licensee’s broker, written notice that Licensee’s broker did not receive verification of the deposit. If Seller is not represented by a broker, then Licensee’s broker shall notify the Seller directly. It is interesting to note the Rule does not apply to deposits held in a Broker’s escrow account. However, it certainly makes sense to verify deposits even if with a brokerage.

These rules dealing with deposits contained in Rule 61J2-14.008 of the Florida Administrative Code are aimed at tightening the monitoring of deposits. The Rule is aimed at making sure verification is obtained of the deposit amounts stated in contracts. The burden has been placed on the brokerage to verify that the title company or attorney has actually received a deposit. The Rule attempts to make sure buyers really make the deposits set forth in the contract, and to avoid finding out at time of closing or refusal to close that the deposit was never made.

Certainly in the past the conscientious broker and agent obtained verification that deposits were actually made.

However, failure to do so is a violation of the Rules that DPR auditors are not going to consider a minor infraction.

So to avoid problems, protect the Seller and yourself, and for peace of mind, make sure your contract contains the contact information of the deposit holder, and make sure verification of the deposit is obtained. ■ For the Home Seeker

Sharon Prymas, CSA

For homeowners 62 or Older For your free Reverse Mortgage Handbook, call

Sharon Prymas: (407) 361-6887 sprymas@financialfreedom.com

Consult Tax Advisor. ® 2007 Registered trade/service marks are property of Financial Freedom Senior Funding Corporation, a Subsidiary of IndyMac Bank, F.S.B. © 2007 Financial Freedom Senior Funding Corporation

You have the right to expect that housing will be available to you without discrimination or other limitations based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.

This includes the right to expect: • housing in your price range made available to you without discrimination • equal professional service • the opportunity to consider a broad range of housing choices • no discriminatory limitations on communities or locations of housing • no discrimination in the financing, appraising, or insuring of housing • reasonable accommodations in rules, practices and procedures for persons with disabilities • non-discriminatory terms and conditions for the sale, rental, financing, or insuring of a dwelling • to be free from harassment or intimidation for exercising your fair housing rights

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COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE REPORT FEBRUARY 12, 2008

By Michael Levine, President – Central Florida Commercial Association of REALTORS®, Chairman – Florida REALTOR® Commercial Alliance

Opening Remarks The operative word for the Central Florida commercial real estate market is “Resilient”; and, why not? Central Florida is growing in so many ways it is nearly impossible for any single market sector or economic condition to significantly impair the real estate market. The good news consists of positive population growth trends, positive household income trends and the diversification and enhancement of employment opportunities. Central Florida’s work force demographics continue to bring world class employers to the region, resulting in continuous long term economic growth, thwarting any negative impact from the dismal housing market.

Retail What a robust economy Florida has seen over the last five years! Retail Sales and Use Tax collection (hence retail sales) has increased between 10% and 12% year over year since 2003, until 2007. In the 2006 & 2007 tax collection reporting cycle published in the Florida Department of Revenue Annual Report, retail sales grew 1.89%. When home values skyrocketed between 2003 and 2005, coupled with the above mentioned economic influences, Floridians and our guests spent record amounts of money in the retail markets. The decline of the housing market and related businesses is beginning to show up in retail sales. Still positive growth, the 2006 / 2007 retail sales and use tax numbers have faired well considering recent, near term, consumer confidence levels. The 125 basis point reduction to the Federal Funds Rate is beneficial, not only for the housing market but for the retail real estate market as well. Property taxes and property insurance premiums are problematic in the retail real estate sector. This could lead to increases in vacancy rates if the monetary policy influences do not stimulate the housing market sufficiently and expeditiously.

Office Office Occupancy Rates are softening slightly when 2007 rates are compared to 2006. Overall rental rates (includes all classifications of space) have been steadily rising from $20 per square foot in the third quarter of 2006 to $22 per square foot, third quarter 2007. Vacancy is around 10% depending on which report you subscribe to and Full Service, Class A Space is renting for approximately $25 per square foot, up about $1 since the third quarter of 2006.

Approximately 1,100,000 square feet of new inventory has been delivered to the market as of the third quarter, 2007.

Another 2,200,000 square feet are under construction.

In 2006 the market absorbed approximately 2,455,000 square feet of Office Space. After three quarters in 2007,

April 2008

the market has absorbed about 534,000 square feet. While vacancy is trending downward in recent quarters, it will be interesting to see how the market handles delivery of the volume of space under construction. Industry insiders agree that the Central Florida Office market will remain healthy over the next three to five years,

Industrial The industrial sector of the market seems to be the most interesting right now. In response to the economic impact created by rising fuel costs being driven by the weak US dollar, industrial tenants are rethinking their positioning in the state of Florida. Given the distances that can be reached within a ten hour drive time, Central Florida is the geography of choice for transportation companies. Access to the Orlando International Airport, the I-4 corridor, the Florida Turnpike and I-75 are the determining factors under consideration when firms are choosing where in Central Florida they want to be. The two highest profile locations appear to be the I-4 & Hwy 27 intersection in North East Polk County and the Florida Turnpike and I-75 intersection in Sumter County. South Florida Industrial vacancy is on the rise due to transportation companies relocating to Central Florida locations.

Industrial Vacancy is approximately 7.3% in the Orlando Market. A net 155,000 Square feet of Industrial Space was absorbed in 2007 despite negative absorption of 941,000 square feet in the fourth quarter. Average triple net lease rates are $6.91 psf according to CB Richard Ellis MarketView report. Two Million Eight Hundred Thousand square feet of new space was delivered into the market in 2007. Slow absorption of the new space accounted for an upward trend in vacancy in the second and third quarters. Current occupancies are in keeping with 2006 occupancy rates. Overall, the industrial market is rock solid in Central Florida. Supply is adequate and demand is high. Expect increases in Industrial Rental rates in 2009.

The fuel savings will more than justify the additional rent required to be more centrally located.

Public Policy Hometown Democracy is a pretty name for a public policy initiative designed to require voters to vote on all amendments to Comprehensive Land Use Maps. This is bad public policy. Voters may be asked to study hundreds of Comprehensive Plan Amendments in any given election cycle. It is not likely that voters will give Comprehensive Land Use Amendments the attention that they require.

Some voters would vote favorably for all land use changes.

Some voters would not even consider voting favorably for any. Additionally the governmental processes associated with applying for and approving land use changes must be considered. How long would it take to get a favorable plan approved if the developer was required to wait for an election? It would take forever to get anything done.

Hometown Democracy failed to get the required number of signatures necessary for inclusion on the November, Continued on Page 10.

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Association Staff David B. Bennett, CAE, Chief Executive Officer ceo@osceola-realtors.com Gwen Dukes, Director of Communications communications@osceola-realtors.com Jeri Peyton, Executive Assistant deputyceo@osceola-realtors.com Michelle Smith, Director of Knowledge Services education@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

Newsletter Submissions 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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Commercial Real Estate… Continued from Page 9.

2008 ballot. Hallelujah! But it isn’t over. All of the signatures that were collected are on file waiting for the next election cycle for resubmission. REALTORS® must continue to oppose Hometown Democracy, now and forever. There are better ways to ensure smart growth.

Property Tax Reform has just begun. Passing Amendment One on January 29th was not the Comprehensive Property Tax Reform that Florida Property Owners need. Homesteaded properties make up only a fraction of the properties represented in our state. Absentee owners of residential properties contribute greatly to the economy of Florida. The cost associated with owning commercial properties has a monumental impact on Florida’s economy. Florida real estate must be affordable for absentee owners, commercial property owners and their tenants. Florida’s economy depends on it.

When second home owners buy in Florida they make a decision to spend a lot of time in Florida. They also send their friends and business associates to their holiday homes. This results in retail spending as well as entertainment, dining and transportation purchases. Count the tax dollars that second home owners contribute to the State of Florida’s revenue budget. The Florida budget needs these dollars. Discouraging non residents from buying Florida real estate has far reaching negative implications for Florida’s economy. Let’s make sure that non homesteaded properties get the property tax reductions that are needed in order to ensure the feasibility of the Florida Second Home market.

Commercial property owners need property tax relief. More importantly, Florida businesses that use commercial property need property tax relief. After all, the business owner who leases space from commercial property owners actually pays the tax, directly or indirectly. Costs passed on from landlords to merchants are subsequently passed on to Florida consumers. Make no mistake, higher commercial property taxes translate into higher grocery bills, higher clothing expenses, higher household expenses and the list goes on. Higher commercial property taxes raise the cost of goods sold and therefore are inflationary.

Household disposable income is reduced by higher commercial property taxes.

Who really saves by lowering property taxes for homesteaded properties? Taxes are simply displaced to other tax payers who either take their money somewhere else, outside of Florida or, in the case of commercial property users, pass the Continued on Page 13.

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

April 2008

April 2008

One member of the Osceola County Association of RealtorsÂŽ has been awarded the Accredited Buyer Representative (ABRÂŽ) designation, a national designation of the National Association of RealtorsÂŽ (NAR).

The requirements include completing a comprehensive two-day Real Estate Buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Agent Council (REBAC) course in buyer representation and passing the written examination. The agent must also demonstrate practical experience by completing and closing five real estate transactions in which they functioned as a buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s representative. The ABRÂŽ designation is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. â&#x2013;

Leadership Meetings

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING APRIL 30, 2008, AT 8:00 A.M. ASSOCIATION OFFICE BOARD OF DIRECTORS APRIL 30, 2008, AT 9:00 A.M. ASSOCIATION OFFICE

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Awards Corner

ASSOCIATION MEMBER RECEIVES ABRÂŽ DESIGNATION

11

Knowledge Services News Quiz: FAIR HOUSING (answers on page 14) Think you’re pretty well versed in federal fair housing law? Answer these 12 questions to see whether you’re ready to advertise your fair housing know-how to your clients and customers.

1. Under federal fair housing laws, it is legal to prohibit which of the following in a housing unit?

• Smoking • A live-in caregiver for a resident with a disability • Drinking alcohol • Both a and c 2. Which of the following are violations or potential violations of the Fair Housing Act? • A seller tells you he doesn’t want to sell to AfricanAmericans • A sales associate puts the phrase “adults only” in an MLS listing • Both a and b • None of the above 3. Under the federal fair housing law, the seven protected classes include • Race, color, source of income, handicap, national origin, marital status, religion • Race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin • Race, sexual orientation, sex, familial status, handicap, age, national origin • None of the above 4. The fair housing laws prohibit all of the following, except • Refusal to show, sell, or rent a property because of disability • Expressing a preference for young adults in a listing comment • Evicting a current user of illegal drugs • Marketing your listings exclusively in a religious publication 5. The Civil Rights Act of 1866 does which of the following?

• Grants all citizens the same rights as white citizens to own, purchase, lease, transfer or use real property • Allows exemptions only for homes sold without the assistance of a real estate practitioner • Effectively prohibits all discrimination in real estate based on race • Both a and c 6. Based on federal fair housing law, which of the following people would be protected: • A divorced female, single parent • A 35-year-old single, Jewish man • A 50-year old white man • All of the above 12

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7. The Equal Professional Service Model involve all of the following key guidelines except • Have I offered a variety of choices?

• Is my client working with another agent?

• Has my customer set the limits?

• Do I have objective information?

8. When a prospect inquires about the racial makeup of neighborhoods or schools, you should respond by saying: • “I believe the neighborhood has a few Hispanic families, I can check and get back to you.”

• “The Fair Housing Act prohibits me from providing that kind of information. I recommend you contact the school district, municipal government, or the local library.”

• “I wouldn’t worry about that, the neighborhood is safe and the schools are good.”

• “Residents in this neighborhood value diversity, you’ll fit right in.”

9. If a seller using a real estate agent refuses an offer because of the buyer’s national origin, who may file a federal lawsuit against the seller?

• The prospective buyer • The real estate practitioner • The federal government • All of the above 10. Looking at the following four marketing examples, identify which one is OK under Article 10 of the Code of Ethics?

• Advertise only in a strategically limited geographic areas that is populated by a particular ethnic group of people.

• Limit advertising to small papers which cater to particular religious groups of people.

• Promote a listing only in selected sales offices incommunities with similar ethnic populations.

• Advertising your knowledge of a language other than English in an English-language advertisement.

11. In an advertisement for a small, two-bedroom house in a neighborhood where many families live, which of the following language is clearly improper under the Fair Housing Act? • Small, cozy home in quiet neighborhood • Two-bedroom home, near playground and senior center • Ideal for couple or single professional • No children 12. Which of the following features are required in ground floor units of non-elevator multifamily building of four units or more built after March 1991?

• An accessible building entrance or an accessible route for persons in wheelchairs?

• Accessible and usable public and common use areas?

• Light switches, electrical outlets, thermostat, and other environmental controls in accessible locations • All of the above

April 2008

Commercial Real Estate… Continued from Page 10.

additional costs along to Florida residents. The worst case scenario is that consumers stop spending because of escalating costs. When this happens, businesses get in financial trouble resulting in job losses. Unemployment is one of the worst things that can happen to an economy.

Rates foradvocate OSCAR Members) Florida(Discounted REALTORS® must for caps on property FAST • ACCURATE • FRIENDLY taxes for all classifications of property.

(Discounted Rates for OSCAR Members) ASK ABOUT FASTOUR • ACCURATE • FRIENDLY Property and Casualty Insurance premiums must be AGLE NOreasonable.

TENT” TERMITE SERVICEtaxes, insurance premiums ASK ABOUTLike OURproperty EAGLE NO TENT”affect TERMITE SERVICE of Florida real estate. directly the affordability From an investment perspective, property and casualty insurance is a determining factor in the Feasibility of Florida estate FL investments.

When investments are 09 Church Street •real Kissimmee, 34741 not feasible they do not happen.

Suppression of Florida 409 Church Street • Kissimmee, FL 34741 real estate investments is a death wish for Florida’s economy. Insurance must be affordable. Legislation is not the answer. Florida REALTORS® must find a solution to the insurability of Florida properties without our state government disenfranchising the insurance companies of the world. Competition is the market force that keeps prices down. Florida legislators must implement public policy that encourages insurance companies to compete for Florida’s property and casualty business. Capitalism and free markets is what this nation was built on. It works in every business and economic climate. Let’s tell our legislators to keep the lines of communication open with insurance companies. It is the only way we will ever have affordable property and casualty insurance in Florida. We

Ter mit e Inspections ermit mite &mit T reeatments Tr Ter Inspections ermit mite &T reatments Tr

are a high risk state. We need a highly competitive solution to our insurance crisis. We do not need government running Florida’s insurance market.

Conclusion Real Estate is Big Business. We must treat it as such. The decisions that we make have far reaching implications. We must be good stewards of our businesses, our communities and our world. Our choices matter. ■ Civil Rights Act of 1866

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April 2008

13

QUIZ RESULTS:

14

1. Answer – Both a and c Tenants’ activities, such as smoking and drinking, aren’t protected.

2. Answer – Both a and c Excluding prospective buyers on the basis of race is always a violation. Although it’s potentially a violation to discriminate on the basis of familial status, “adults only” is acceptable when the housing is specifically designated for older persons pursuant to a state, local, or federal program designed to accommodate the needs of elderly persons. Or the community must • Be occupied solely by persons who are 62 or older, or • House at least one person who is 55 or older in at least 80 percent of the occupied units and adhere to a policy that demonstrates an intent to house and provide services to persons who are 55 or older.

3. Answer – Race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin Although some interest groups have tried to lobby to include sexual orientation and marital status, these aren’t protected classes under the federal law, but are sometimes protected by certain local state fair housing laws.

4. Answer – Evicting a current user of illegal drugs Drug addiction isn’t covered under any of the protected classes. In fact, the Fair Housing Act specifically states that current illegal drug users aren’t handicapped.

5. Answer – Both a and c 6. Answer – All of the above The 50-year-old white man is protected if he’s discriminated against on the basis of his race. However, his age isn’t relevant since age isn’t a protected class under federal fair housing laws.

7. Answer – is my client working with another agent?

One of the purposes of the Equal Professional Service Model is to document that the client, not the practitioner, has set the limits regarding desired properties.

8. Answer – “The Fair Housing Act prohibits me from providing that kind of information. I recommend you contact the school district, municipal government, or the local library.”

Send prospects elsewhere for an answer to such questions, after reminding them of the fair housing laws.

9. Answer – All of the above 10. Answer – Advertising your knowledge of a language other than English in an English-language advertisement 11. Answer – No children In addition, c is improper if there is no other language indicating that families with children were welcome.

In general, it’s best to describe the property and nearby amenities – not the potential buyer – when advertising.

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12. Answer – All of the above There are a total of seven requirements; the other four are (1) doors designed to be usable by persons in wheelchairs, (2) an accessible route into and throughout the dwelling unit, (3) reinforcements in bathroom walls for later installation of grab bars, and (4) kitchen and bathroom space organized so an individual in a wheelchair can maneuver about the space.

For the Real Estate Professional Agents in a real estate transaction are prohibited by law from discriminating on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. A request from the home seller or landlord to act in a discriminatory manner in the sale, lease or rental cannot legally be fulfilled by the real estate professional.

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April 2008

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NAR’S GOOD NEIGHBOR AWARD The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) REALTOR® Magazine has issued a call for entries for its 2008 Good Neighbor Awards. “The Good Neighbor Awards allow NAR to honor 10 of the many thousands of REALTORS® who build better communities through volunteering,” says NAR President Dick Gaylord. “The awards shine a spotlight on the important work that REALTORS® all over the country do to help others. These incredible people don’t expect any recognition, but they certainly deserve it.” The five winners will be announced in November in REALTOR® Magazine, recognized at the 2008 REALTORS® Conference & Expo in Orlando and receive national media exposure Page 1 for his or her community cause, as well as a $10,000 grant. In addition to the winners, five honorable mentions will each receive a $2,500 grant. Last year’s program drew more than 300 entries. Good Neighbor Awards entries must be received by Friday, May 23, 2008. For more details and a nomination form, call (800) 874-6500, go to www.realtor.org/realtormag and click on “Good Neighbor Awards,” or check the March 2008 issue of REALTOR® Magazine.

Equal Credit Opportunity Act The Equal Credit Opportunity Act makes discrimination unlawful with respect to any aspect of a credit application on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age or because all or part of the applicant’s income derives from any public assistance program.

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Branch Manager

897 Towne Center Drive Poinciana, Florida 34759 Ph: (407) 343-1560 Cell: (407) 709-0902 Fax: (407) 343-1561 www.prominenttitle.com kpol@prominenttitle.com

Full Service Marketing For YOUR Listings...

Think BIG. Think Homes & Land.

Congratulations to the following agents whose personal website on HomesAndLand.com received the most views in February: ~ Robert Anarumo ~ 1513 views ~ Abdul Aitboukil ~ 818 views ~ Matthew Allen ~ 709 views ~ Karen Orriss-Ross ~ 565 views ~ Tim Weisheyer ~ 541 views For advertising information,

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April 2008

HomesAndLandOrlandoResort.com Osceola

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REALTOR® Fair Housing Declaration

The Code of Ethics

I agree to: • Provide equal professional service without regard to the race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin of any prospective client, customer, or of the residents of any community.

• Keep informed about fair housing law and practices, improving my clients’ and customers’ opportunities and my business.

• Develop advertising that indicates that everyone is welcome and no one is excluded;, expanding my client’s and customer’s opportunities to see, buy, or lease property.

• Inform my clients and customers about their rights and responsibilities under the fair housing laws by providing brochures and other information.

Article 10 of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Code of Ethics provides that “REALTORS® shall not deny equal professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. REALTORS® shall not be a party to any plan or agreement to discriminate against a person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin REALTORS®, in their real estate employment practices, shall not discriminate against any person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.”

A REALTOR® pledges to conduct business in keeping with the spirit and letter of the Code of Ethics. Article 10 imposes obligations upon REALTORS® and is also a firm statement of support for equal opportunity in housing.

• Document my efforts to provide professional service, which will assist me in becoming a more responsive and successful REALTOR®.

• Refuse to tolerate non-compliance.

Fair Housing Act

• Learn about those who are different from me, and celebrate those differences.

• Take a positive approach to fair housing practices and aspire to follow the spirit as well as the letter of the law.

• Develop and implement fair housing practices for my firm to carry out the spirit of this declaration.

The Fair Housing Act declares a national policy of fair housing throughout the United States. The law makes illegal any discrimination in the sale, lease or rental of housing, or making housing otherwise unavailable, because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.

Introducing Bill Starkey Your KB Home Broker Liaison

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.

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©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

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Osceola ReVIEW KBHOME PRINTAD

70964 0201 OSCAR.indd 1

1/4/08 11:34:18 AM

April 2008

we want to extend our sincere appreciation to our Sponsors!

Premier Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor A.

Titanium Sponsor B.

C.

April 2008

D.

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April 2008

Sun.

Monday

Tuesday

Monthly Planner

Wednesday

1 Business Resource 2

Network (Affiliates) 10:00am-11:00am

MLS Marketing Mtg. & Network & Knowledge 8:30am-10:00am Entering Your Listings on Cyberhomes.com

6

7

8 Broker Series-

Entering & Updating

14

15

Public Policy Meeting 3:00pm-4:00pm

Commuter Rail Discussion Marianne Gurnee DOT 8:30am

Inst. Ivette Jimenez

16 New Member Welcome 9:00am-11:00am

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22 MLS Marketing 23

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Mtg. & Network & Knowledge Digital Photography 130 Harwood Cir. Kissimmee RPAC Auction Committee Mtg. 10:00am-11:30am

Osceola

Sat.

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Reverse Mortgage Seminar 10:00-12:00 Noon No CE Credit Education Committee

ReVIEW

3:00pm-4:00pm

17

MLS Transaction Desk 9am-12:00noon

Property Management Law 9:00am-3:00pm Lunch Provided Cost: $10.00

MLS Advantage 1:30pm-3:30pm

24

At Home with Diversity Creating Custom 9:00am-3:00pm Reports on MLS Cost: $15.00 1:00pm-3:00pm YPN - Diamonds IMAPP Interactive Tax & Champagne & Mailing Labels 9:00am-12:00 Noon (Signature by the Lake) 6:30pm

30 BOD Meeting 9:00am-10:00am Executive Committee 8:00am-9:00am

Sun.

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26

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May 2008

MLS Marketing Mtg. & Network & Knowledge 8:30am-10:00am What is a BPO? 18

Friday

Module 7 & 8 Realtor Financial Listings in MLXchange 2:00pm-3:00pm 2:00pm-4:00pm Barbeque Planning 1:00pm-3:00pm Effective Sales & MLS Marketing Mtg. & Hosted by Workshop Introduction to MLXPurchase Contracts Network & Knowledge KB Homes 11:30am-1:00pm change (mandatory) 9:00am-1:00pm Facebook, MySpace 9:00am-12:00noon Osc. Foundation Mtg. 5:00pm-7:00pm No CE & 2nd Life & RE 8:30am-10:00am

13

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Thursday

April 2008

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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 Oscar Acuna......................................................................... CN Realty Group Martha Almdendarez.................................................Sky Land Realty Group Debra Bergeron........................................................................RE/MAX Pros Laquandia Blue...............................................................Watson Realty Corp.

Jesenia Brooks...........................................................Bristol Real Estate, Inc. Deanna Campos...............................................Coldwell Banker Ackley Realty Janet Carlson................................................................... Imagination Realty Humberto Castellanos ............................................Sacks Realty Group, Inc. Rowland Chain................................................Coldwell Banker Ackley Realty Carrie Corona..................................................One Way Realty and Associates Wilker Di Pietro ............................................................Watson Realty Corp.

Geo Geovanni............................................................... Real Estate Park, Inc. Adrian Guy............................................................................Rockrose Realty Tracy Hart...................................................Deese Management & Real Estate Cindy Horton............................................................. ERA Select International Janet Ibarrando......................................................................Larimar Realty Carl Johnson.......................................................Frontline Florida Realty, Inc. Maureen Karkovice......................................................... Imagination Realty Adel Khalifa................................................................Sky Land Realty Group Jeffrey Koch........................................................ RE/MAX Premier Properties Ligia Lopez.............................................................................365 Realty, LLC Angel Maldonado.....................................Transcontinental Realty Group, Inc. William Mays..............................................................Equilliance Realty, LLC Aralupe Maysonet...........................................................Luxury Realty, Inc. Jose Ojeda...................................................................Sky Land Realty Group Carmen Rangel.................................................New World Investment Realty Steve Ritthamel........................................................... Ritt & Associates, Inc. Maria Sciuto...........................................................................DGL Realty, LLC Chandradat Singh.................................................................New Realty, Inc. Connie Skrmetta........................................................................ Allied Realty Xiao Song.....................................................................Number 1 Broker, LLC Greg Staker....................................................................Watson Realty Corp.

Ray Stutzman................................................................................. CJ Realty Sara Varn......................................................................... Imagination Realty Rebekah Vazquez......................................................Sky Land Realty Group Robert, III Waters......................................................... GAW Realty Services Joshua Weinberg..................................... Keller Williams Realty At The Lakes

NEW AFFILIATE OFFICES STATE FARM – MIGUEL J. ALVAREZ . . . . . MIGUEL ALVAREZ 2910 Pleasant Hill Road * Kissimmee, FL 34746 Phone: (407) 483-9090 * Fax: (407) 483-9092 SUNTRUST MORTGAGE, INC . . . . . . . . . . . CHANDY KIME Mail Code FL-Altamonte-2845 275 E. Altamonte Dr. #1030 * Altamonte Springs, FL 32701 Phone: (407) 496-6684 * Fax: (407) 767-5244

NEW REAL ESTATE OFFICES CN REALTY GROUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OSCAR A. ACUNA 737 W. Oak Ridge Road * Orlando, FL 32809 Phone: (407) 856-6090 * Fax: (407) 856-5677 EQUILLIANCE REALTY, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . WILLIAM MAYS 3501 Quadrangle Blvd., Suite 100 * Orlando, FL 32817 Phone: (407) 470-1595 * Fax: (407) 470-1770 NEW REALTY, INC . . . . . . . . . . . . . CHANDRADAT SINGH 7418 Lake Marni Ct. * Mt. Dora, FL 32757 Phone: (352) 383-6621 * Fax: (352) 383-2084 REAL ESTATE PARK, INC . . . . . . . . . . . . . GEO GEOVANNI 12701 S. John Young Pkwy., Ste. 215 * Orlando, FL 32837 Phone: (407) 925-2602 * Fax: (407) 557-3404 WATSON REALTY CORP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREG STAKER 1950 E. Irlo Bronson Mem. Hwy. * Kissimmee, FL 34744 Phone: (407) 847-4781 * Fax: (407) 847-5419

State and Local Laws State and local laws often provide broader coverage and prohibit discrimination based on additional classes not covered by federal law.

1105 Shady Lane • Kissimmee, FL 34744

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