2008 - December - Osceola ReVIEW

ReVIEW

December 2008

President’s Perspective

By Hope Andrews Dear Members, Thank you for the honor and privilege for allowing me to serve as your 2008 President. This was, at the same time, one of the toughest yet one of the best years of my life. The tough part was the turn in the market, and the need to double and triple my efforts for both my own company and the Association membership. The best part was working with an outstanding board and staff who all shared my passion for advancing the Association’s member benefits.

In the face of extraordinary challenges, this board was able to reduce expenses by $71,000.00. We found ways to save $150,000 in the coming fiscal year. Yet after making enormous budget reductions the board realized it would be necessary to raise Association dues for the first time in eighteen years, and found the courage to do so. The combined efforts allow you, the Association member, to enjoy the same level of service you have come to expect from your Association, and to insure that there would be no surprise deficits or assessments in the coming year.

We hired a new Association Executive, Jeri Peyton, who shares our goal of a membership driven organization. She has done a tremendous job in getting our members committees back on track, and has reestablished our Tuesday morning Marketing and Education meetings.

We looked at the demographics of our membership and began offering many of our classes in Spanish. The reaction was both immediate and positive, and we saw faces that have never been involved before.

Past-President Mike Levine chaired our first Past-Presidents council this year, and had great participation from our past presidents, many of whom I have gone to for advice. Thanks to all of our past leaders, with a special thank you to Past presidents Mike Levine, Linda Goodwin-Nichols, Nick Nichols, Hemendra Thakkar, Jack Frey, Renee Clark, Kim Goodwin-Dietz, Karen Dierex and Janice Presby for your advice, support and guidance.

This year our Charitable Foundation began and we completed our first affordable housing project on Patrick Street. Director, Cheryl Grieb (also a Past-President and City of Kissimmee Commissioner) has big plans for the foundation for 2009, as evidenced by several planning meetings already held.

Through her seemingly endless network of friends and fellow public servants, she has enlisted community leaders to assist and guide us. We are fortunate to count Cheryl amongst our leaders.

The Osceola Brokerage Cooperative, under the direction of David DeLoach, has worked tirelessly to save brokerages money by providing products and services in bulk. We can’t wait to see what the plans of the cooperative are in 2009.

Thank you, David, for your voice of reason and tireless service.

Secretary and 2009 Treasurer, Len Goffredo served on so many committees this year and spent seemingly endless hours on an intense audit of our Association’s finances. We are thankful to have someone so dedicated, taking time from their own business and serving the membership as Len.

We introduced the Property Management Council which became an instant success, servicing many members whom had not had the opportunity to participate in the past.

Thanks go to Riva Alexander for taking on this task and over exceeding our expectations.

Kemp Howland brought so much to the table this year with his innovative and creative expertise of video for our members. He has held classes on placing listings on YouTube and other internet sites, as well as providing live video for our website. Kemp has spent countless hours giving back to your Association.

The Young Professionals Network, originally an idea shared

by Veronica Malolos and Andrey Bustamante, was one of the most successful projects we have ever initiated. Although they had a start-up budget, they were able to get almost every event sponsored! Participation continues to be strong, with 40 to 60 members at every gathering.

New board member Jerry Kelley did a great service to our membership, reviewing our budget and working with our budget and finance committee. He brings a wealth of experience to our board, and helps us understand the importance of accurate projections in the current market.

Your new President-Elect, Jose Alvarez’ vision of our first time ever Hispanic Network, drew 40 attendees to the first meeting. We met many new members and got a preview of what is to come next year. Jose, thank you for your dedication and commitment.

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things in store for 2009. She was able to fill the room to capacity at their very first meeting. We are off to a great start helping our members do business in other countries.

Our new Central Florida International Alliance, with Chairman, Abby Barboza at the helm, has many exciting

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Director Richard Knapp has served our Association for many years, and he helped us solve some very difficult problems.

His sense of fair play has brought so much to our membership and he has taught me personally to be a better listener.

Director Denise Sacks really stepped up to the plate this year and has served our membership in multiple ways. Her passion for our industry will continue to be a positive for the membership.

Continued on Page 3.

December 2008

Knowledge Services News

By Michelle Smith, Director of Knowledge Services Well, here we are ending 2008 and welcoming 2009 with open arms. 2008 was a terrific year in education. We had two very successful GRI classes, with over 20 graduates from our membership. Congratulations to you all. As you all know from the many emails this year, December 31st marks the end of the National Association of REALTORS® Quadrennial Code of Ethics Cycle 2 training, and to assist our members in fulfilling this requirement, we have conducted over 20 classes dedicated strictly to ethics. We even tried to make a typically tedious program a little more interesting by offering “Popcorn & Ethics”, our version of “Dinner and a Movie”, which was also a success. For me best thing about the quadrennial ending on December 31st was that I was able to meet many members that I had never met before, that was and is always a pleasure.

We have had many excellent classes and outstanding instructors assisting our members in learning the tools of the trade such as contracts, property management and let’s not forget Short Sales.

President’s Perspective.

Continued from Page 2.

Director Rosebud Kinkead has served all of us for many years on different committees, and, as she would say, “connecting the dots”, which means building relationships. Her ability to network has helped us receive many sponsorships, and her kind heart is always appreciated.

Treasurer Minetta Garay has served the board for many years. In 2008 she was the Vice-Chairman of our Property Management Council and a member of several other committees. Thank you, Minetta for your years of service to the membership.

Vice-President Marie Collins has always been active in our Association, bringing a wealth of experience and a voice of reason when we needed it most. Marie, thank you for your service.

Finally I need to recognize the tireless work of incoming President Sean Ferguson. Sean has been involved in serving our members for many years, and he was always there to lend me a hand. His passion, dedication to the membership and innovative ideas insure the stability and growth of our organization.

It was an honor working with these fine leaders. What makes me happiest about my year as President was serving all of you the - member. The Association belongs to its members and I love each one of you in our Realtor family.

December 2008

I would like to take a moment to thank all of the instructors and your 2008 Education Chairperson, Jim Schreck. Jim assisted me plenty this year in keeping me up to date as to what the educational needs of the membership are. I enjoyed working with you and look forward to your continued interest and expertise in REALTOR® education. I look forward to working with your successor and again thank you for your time.

There is a new catalog for 2009 education available at the Association and the catalog is also being mailed to you by membership and it’s filled with plenty of information and classes, some new and some “seasoned” for your educational needs.

Remember, registration for all classes at the Association now goes through the website at www.osceolarealtors.org. Don’t wait to register for a class, most of them fill up quickly, it is much easier to cancel a registration than to wait for an opening after the class is full.

It has been my pleasure assisting you this past year with your education and I look forward to many more years.

May you have a wonderful Holiday Season! ■

Take time in the coming year to enjoy your Association. Get involved. When you run into Sean, Jack, Minetta, Marie, David, Riva, Veronica, ‘Andrey, Richard, Jerry, Kemp, Denise, Rosebud and Cheryl, take a moment to thank them for their dedication to you all.

The Association staff has been fantastic throughout my year. I can’t thank Gwen, Michelle, Jeri, Bob Anneris and Stephanie enough for their hard work and dedication.

I know I have only touched on some of the wonderful happenings of 2008. For many of you who were not mentioned: thank you so much for all of your hard work throughout the year.

Special congratulations go to Cyn Zellner as the first OSCAR member to have graduated this year from the National Association of REALTORS® Leadership Academy.

Both Cyn and I also graduated this year from the FAR leadership Academy. We have so many members with so many talents!

Thank you all for allowing me to be you President.

Congratulations to Sean, and good luck to all of you in 2009.

God Bless all of you and our Association, Hope Andrews ■

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Membership News

By Stephanie Escurra-Hendricks, Membership Services Dues/Store News REMINDER: Your Renewal Dues are due by December 1, 2008. Renewal Dues become delinquent and past due after December 31, 2008. Once your account is past due their will be a $130 reinstatement fee Renew your 2009 REALTOR® dues and receive 10 % off any single purchase at our realtor store.

Check out some of our products: REALTOR® Wallet REALTOR® Balloons (Blue Only)

ASSOCIATION NEWSMAKERS The Affiliate members, REALTORS® and the Osceola REALTOR® Foundation has adopted a community service project for this fall called “Paint Your Heart Out”.

On Saturday, November 15, 2008, twenty-seven volunteers from the Association and the community “Painted their Hearts Out” at the clubhouse and two senior-citizen residence buildings at the St. Cloud Villas.

All the paint, tee-shirts and materials were donated and everyone got an early start. We received many “thank you’s” from the residents that day, and it really warmed our hearts. There is still a lot of painting to be done, so look for the email blasts requesting volunteers for our next date. We hope to see you there! ■

Open House Balloons Laser Dimension Master

Silver Business Card Holder

TTer mit ee Inspections ermit mite er mit Inspections ermit mite &&T r eatments Tr T reatments Tr (Discounted Rates for OSCAR Members)

A sFAST s o ci a ti o n • FRIENDLY Lea der ship FAST••ACCURATE ACCURATE • FRIENDLY (Discounted Rates for OSCAR Members)

ASK ASKABOUT ABOUTOUR OUR “EAGLE NO TENT” TERMITE President................................

Hope Andrews “EAGLE NO TENT” TERMITESERVICE SERVICE

President-Elect........................Sean Ferguson EAGLE Management EAGLEPest Pest Management Marie Collins Vice-President...........................

40 7-5 118-08 75 407-5 7-51 8-0875 Secretary. ..................................

Len Goffredo 40 7-5 8-08 75 407-5 7-51 8-0875

409 Church Street • •Kissimmee, 409 Church Street Kissimmee,FL FL34741 34741 Treasurer.................................

Minetta

Garay Past President.................................. Jack Frey Directors Riva Alexander Andrey Bustamante Cheryl Grieb Jerry Kelley Richard Knapp Denise Sacks

la compañía compañía hispana hispana de de Jose Alvarez David DeLoach Kemp Howland Rosebud Kinkead Veronica Malolos

Legal Counsel....................... Danny Villazon 4

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®®

“REALZAN EL EL PROCESO PROCESODE DELA LATRANSACCIÓN TRANSACCIÓN DE DE BIENES BIENESRAICES” RAICES” 1201 Emmett Emmett Street Street••Kissimmee, Kissimmee,FL FL 34741 34741 407-931-1343 phone • 407-931-1415 407-931-1343 phone • 407-931-1415fax fax

December 2008

26/08

10:24 AM

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We’ve been helping REALTORS achieve their career goals for over 35 years!

For advertising information,

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December 2008

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Association Staff Jeri Peyton, Association Executive ae@osceola-realtors.com Gwen Dukes, Director of Communications communications@osceola-realtors.com

Cordially Invites You to Attend Our

Awards and Installation Banquet

Bob St. Gordon, Controller accounts@osceola-realtors.com

Saturday, January 10, 2009

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

Harmony Town Square 3500 Harmony Square Drive West Harmony, FL 34773

Stephanie Escurra-Hendricks, Member Services Representative sales@osceola-realtors.com Anneris Rivera, Member Services Representative memberservices@osceola-realtors.com

A s s o cia tio n O

The Osceola County Association of REALTORS®

ffice

1105 Shady Lane Kissimmee, Florida 34744 www.osceolarealtors.org Email: communications@osceola-realtors.com 407.846.0117 • 407.846.0217 fax

N ew s letter S u b m is s io n s

Complimentary Valet Parking Hosted Cocktail Reception at 6:00 p.m.

Formal Dinner at 7:00 p.m.

Semi-Formal Attire In Some Way, Wear REALTOR® Blue!

To Purchase Tickets and R.S.V.P. Go Online to www.osceolarealtors.org or Call the Association at 407.846.0117

by December 31, 2008

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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OK

, so maybe we can’t make you famous or turn you into a celebrity, but we can get you noticed and provide the recognition you deserve within the community.

Have you won a recent award or been honored for your charitable work? If so, let us know and we will feature you in our “Realtors® Making A Difference” section of our Association magazine the Osceola ReVIEW and the Osceola News Gazette.

Send your information and photo to Gwen Dukes at communications@osceola-realtors.com.

December 2008

December 2008 Janice Pichardo Watson Realty, Corp.

Heidi Jackson Olde Kissimmee Realty

William Presley Burch, Jr. Accent Realty Associates, Inc.

Jana Renner JPSR Realty Group, LLC

RealtorsÂŽ

Real Knowledge Real Service Real Value

] $O YOUR RESEARCH 4HERE IS A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF INFORMATION ON THE )NTERNET REGARDING THE MARKETPLACE AND THE HOME BUYING PROCESS -ANY 2%!,4/2¸ WEBSITES HAVE VALUABLE LINKS THAT CAN HELP YOU LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COMMUNITIES THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO CALL HOME 9OUR REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL CAN PROVIDE THE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO BE AN INFORMED REAL ESTATE CONSUMER

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Manager

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

#YN :ELLNER 0RESIDENT

Cyril Austin Lee Black Rock Realty

TITLE & ESCROW

OF OSCEOLA, LLC

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The requirements include the completion of three real estate courses; Standards of Practice, Essential Real Estate Techniques, and Real Estate Specialties. The GRI designation, epitomizes a level of distinction and knowledge in the real estate industry, demonstrates to clients that the agent has continued to enhance their knowledge and skills to better assist the client. â–

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

Fabiola Matos Larimar Realty

] )NVESTIGATE SCRUTINIZE AND INSPECT

WWW OSCEOLA REALTORS COM

Seven members of the Osceola County Association of REALTORSÂŽ have been awarded the Graduate REALTORÂŽ Institute (GRI) designation, a national designation of the National Association of REALTORSÂŽ (NAR).

CONSTRUCTION TALK TO PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN THE BUILDER S HOMES AND SEE WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY )F ONE BUILDER DID ALL OF THE HOMES IN A NEIGHBORHOOD TALK TO SEVERAL OF THE RESIDENTS AND GET THEIR INPUT -OST IMPORTANTLY WHEN BUYING OR SELLING A HOME YOU SHOULD ALWAYS h7ORK WITH A 2%!,4/2¸ 7HO 7ILL 7ORK WITH 9OU v

&OR MOST CONSUMERS BUYING A HOME IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST lNANCIAL INVESTMENTS THEY WILL MAKE DURING THEIR LIFETIME 4HE FOLLOWING SUGGESTIONS CAN HELP AVOID COSTLY MISTAKES

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Award Corner

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tammy.bowers@aclearchoicetitle.com www.aclearchoicetitle.com

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JOIN A COMMITTEE! – GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR ASSOCIATION Would you like to get more involved with your Association and help support the programs, products and service initiatives of our industry? Your 2009 President-Elect Sean Ferguson, is seeking volunteers to serve on its many committees, forums, councils, and task forces in a variety of positions and capacities.

Please take a look at the committee offerings and indicate your top three choices.

STANDING COMMITTEES Grievance Committee – Requests for arbitration and ethical complaints are reviewed by seasoned, experienced REALTOR® members to determine if hearings are warranted. Experience is a requirement and members must be approved by the Board of Directors. Special training is required and participation closed after training date.

Professional Standards – Functioning similarly to a court, this committee convenes hearing panels on an as-needed basis to hear matters of alleged unethical conduct by Association members or to provide arbitration. Experience is a requirement and members must be approved by the Board of Directors. Special training is required and participation closed after training date. Service on the Grievance Committee is a prerequisite for service on this committee.

PUBLIC POLICY Public Policy Committee – Public Policy Liaison (Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Osceola County, School Board, Celebration) works to develop the Association’s public policy agenda and to foster grass roots support and participation toward achieving the goals of the agenda.

REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) – Develops the annual fundraising agenda. The members work on the overall program and assist in developing new leadership to progress the fundraising efforts. Fundraising and organizational skills are a plus, but all are welcome as there are a wide variety of tasks involved.

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Candidate Screening Committee – Works on screening candidates for public office (City, County, School Board and State Offices). This committee makes recommendations to the Board of Directors for candidate support and RPAC funding to the Florida Association of REALTORS® (FAR). Additional education/training may be required to participate on this Committee.

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BUSINESS SEGMENTS Young Professionals Network – Strives to bring upand-coming professionals together and promote common business interests.

Hispanic Network – Will work to bring Hispanic professionals together along with all cultures to promote common business interests. All are encouraged and welcome to join.

Affiliate Council – Works on various projects in the Association and community to help promote the real estate profession, while at the same time benefiting from the networking and social events held for REALTOR® members.

Central Florida International Alliance – Will work to foster relationships with the international investor and to communicate the value of investing in the United States, especially in Osceola County.

Property Management Network – Will work to bring Property Management professionals together and promote common business interests.

MEMBER EDUCATION & EVENTS Knowledge Services Team – Reviews the various educational offerings in the industry and assists staff in developing appropriate educational offerings for the various membership generations and skill levels.

New Member Welcome Task Force – Works to develop the organization’s ongoing new member experience through the development of beneficial programs, products and services, along with creating an exciting WOW for the member.

OSCEOLA BROKERAGE COOPERATIVE The Osceola Brokerage Cooperative (OBC) works to foster cooperation on non-proprietary programs, products and services designed specifically for the transitioning brokerage business model. Only broker members and/or their office management are eligible to participate in the Cooperative.

CHARITABLE FOUNDATION Osceola REALTOR® Foundation – Provides funds and volunteers to support affordable/workforce housing; support education; support job opportunities and responds immediately to disaster relief efforts in the Osceola community. Our mission is to improve lives and strengthen our community. The Osceola REALTOR® Foundation works with charities that promote a hands-up/helping hand attitude. ■

December 2008

Committee SeleCtion (Please Print) Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________ Firm: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Work Phone: _________________________________

Home Phone: _____________________________

Cellular Phone: _______________________________

E-mail: __________________________________

No. of Years full-time in real estate: ______________

Member #: _______________________________

CHoiCE

CoMMittEE

First Choice

______________________________________________________________________

Second Choice

______________________________________________________________________

third Choice

______________________________________________________________________

those selected to the Grievance and Professional Standards Committees must attend a special training session.

Committee participation will be closed after the training date.

Please fax this sheet to 407-846-0217 or mail to 1105 Shady Lane, Kissimmee, FL 34744.

Notification of your acceptance to the committee will be via receipt of the first committee meeeting agenda.

You can also make your committee selections online at www.osceolarealtors.org where you will find a link on the homepage.

1105 Shady Lane Kissimmee, FL 34744 (407) 846-0117 Fax (407) 846-0217

December 2008

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Association Executive Perspective

By Jeri Peyton This year’s National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Annual Governance meetings, Conference and Expo were held November 5-9, 2008, in Orlando. It was well attended and, as usual, had incredible nationally recognized speakers and programs. NAR is asking us to support their Four-Point Housing Stimulus Plan. Immediate action is imperative to foster a housing recovery that historically leads any overall economic recovery. You can go to NAR’s website to read more on their FourPoint Housing Stimulus Plan, but here are their four points: • Make the $7,500 first-time homebuyer tax credit available to all buyers and eliminate repayment requirements.

• Make the 2008 FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan limits permanent. New rules for 2009 will reduce them.

• Get the Treasury relief program back on track and target more funds to mortgage relief. Create a federal mortgage interest buy-down program to lower rates to 4.5% or lower and stabilize home prices.

• Permanently bar banks from engaging in real estate brokerage and management.

I had the opportunity to sit in on the final project presentations for the FAR Leadership Academy Class of 2008 on December 17, where the Association had two members participating: Hope Andrews and Cyn Zellner. The presentations were ingenious and catered to helping the REALTORS®. It is a wonderful program and very worthwhile if you plan on any future leadership roles at FAR, and eventually, NAR. You can visit FAR’s website to apply for the next academy. The academy is limited to 15 students.

What an honor that our Association had two!

Congratulations, Hope and Cyn. Great job!

I, along with our incoming President, Sean Ferguson, and our current President and 2009 DVP, Hope Andrews, attended the Chief Executive Officers Symposium in Orlando. It was a great experience to network with other Florida Executive Officers. I always knew our Association was special, but it is always nice to hear it from others, as well as compare ourselves with other associations around the state 10

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and to know we are a wonderful association. I am proud to work for your Association.

We have had almost all inaugural—and continuing— meetings of our committees, task forces, councils and networks. The initial meeting of the International Committee drew close to 40 members. How exciting!

You will find in this issue a Committee Participation Request form to fill out for 2009 committees that you are interested in participating in. As well, we will have the form on our website and available at the Association. We need your help and support to bring our Association back to a membership-driven association.

Also this past month I was able to attend an RPAC Fundraising Forum hosted by FAR. We already know we have one of the best and most anticipated events of the year with our annual RPAC Auction. It was nice to hear it recognized at the Forum. We are infamous for our Auction. We are over goal this year—thanks to you—and need your help next year to continue our trend. Sign up for the RPAC Committee.

We have our upcoming Annual Membership Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 16, at the Association. Come and meet your 2009 Board of Directors and hear what our incoming 2009 President, Sean Ferguson, has planned for next year.

We are looking forward to an exciting year!

As well, mark your calendars for the 2008 Awards and 2009 Installation Banquet on Saturday, January 10, 2009 at Harmony Town Square. Harmony is partnering with us for a really nice evening. You will be receiving your personal invitation in the mail shortly. Go to our website, www.osceolarealtors.org, to register. You can also call us to register at (407) 846-0117.. We look forward to seeing you there!

As always, I welcome your feedback and suggestions.

Never hesitate to contact me at the Association at (407) 846-0117 or by email at ae@osceola-realtors. com.

Happy Holidays to you and your family! ■

December 2008

we want to extend our sincere appreciation to our Sponsors!

Premier Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor A.

Titanium Sponsor B.

C.

December 2008

D.

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COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE PERSPECTIVE

By Mike Levine, 2008 President, Central Florida Commercial Association of REALTORS® (CFCAR) SILVER LININGS Adversity that doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. This economic downturn, the Broken Real Estate Bubble and the collapse of the Capital Markets gives us an opportunity to take a Bird’s Eye View of our businesses. Dig out your operating statements from 2003, 2004 and 2005. Take an objective look at them. Go through your contact manager and revisit the relationships that you have with your customers and service providers. Turn the pages of the General Ledger and ask yourself, “What would my results have been if I didn’t write this particular check?” How did you spend your time? What activities were rewarding, either personally or financially. Which activities would you not repeat if you had the time back? Study the productivity of the Money, Time and Relationship resources. You will definitely find a Silver Lining in this thoughtful analysis.

lead generation services? Have you spent the last few years building a reliable revenue stream; a revenue stream that continues in a down market? Or, were you the beneficiary of the hottest real estate market in history? Rainmakers are in the driver’s seat today. Service providers must build relationships with Rainmakers in order to secure the opportunity to take some of the work load off of the Rainmaker’s list of things to do.

Rainmakers are busy. There is a lot of work associated with servicing Short Sales and Bank Owned properties. Find your place on the ladder of opportunity. Rainmakers; put the most qualified service providers to work. There is an abundant supply of highly qualified people out there who are looking for a way to make their mortgage payments. Service Providers, sharpen your skills, work hard and deliver the real estate services that Rainmakers need in order to satisfy the Banks and Asset Managers. This is the formula for a match Made in Heaven.

Conclusion “Every Action creates an Equal and Opposite Reaction” Career development results in business success. Bad loans result in foreclosures. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Build your future on a solid foundation. Pay attention to the cash flowing through your business. Make the best possible use of your time. Take good care of the people who take good care of you. The best time to do anything is right now. ■

The Money What happened to that big pile of money that flowed through your bank account in 2005? Sales Associates, take a look at where your business came from. Does your business revolve around the office or are you truly an Independent Contractor?

Brokers and Office Managers, did you bring the business to your Sales Associates or did they bring it to you? Paychecks are coveted commodities today. Who really generates the business that feeds the Realtor family? Let’s face it, real estate commissions and broker fees are the biggest numbers on our operating statements.

The Time First, acknowledge that there is business going on today.

Then realize that when the sun comes up it immediately begins burning off the hours and minutes of your work day.

What happened in your target market overnight? Where are the opportunities coming from today? What activities will yield the best return on your time investment? You have to make this market work for you. Listing Agents must get in front of Asset managers. Buyer’s Agents must find the hottest Bank Owned property that meets that discriminating buyer’s needs. Brokers and Managers must reorganize the revenue and expense equation and find that “Nugget of Profitability”.

Tough Times require Bold Actions.

The Relationships Rome wasn’t built in a day. Neither is a great career. The key to maintaining great relationships is honesty. What do you bring to the table? Are you the “Rainmaker”? Or, do you need 12

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AFFILIATE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNTITIES AT YOUR ASSOCIATION! We would like to extend an invitation to you and/or your company to become an education or event sponsor. Sponsorship for events entitles the sponsor to speak to members at Continuing Education classes, Designation classes, and New Member Welcome to name a few. You can also display your company signage at the event. In addition to these functions, there are also MLS Marketing Meetings, REALTOR® Legislative and REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RPAC) events.

We are offering a variety of sponsorship levels that include special benefits that increase with each level. They are as follows:

• Premier - $10,000 • Platinum - $5,000 • Gold - $2,500

• Silver - $1,000 • Bronze - $500 • Titanium - $250

We would like to identify our Corporate Sponsors year-round. We look forward to forming a mutually beneficial partnership that will benefit the Association and your business.

You can download the sponsorship form on our website: www.osceolarealtors.org, and click on the “forms” button on the left side of the homepage. If you have any questions, please give us a call at (407) 846-0117.

Leadership Meetings EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING DECEMBER 18, 2008 AT 8:00 A.M BOARD OF DIRECTORS DECEMBER 18, 2008 AT 9:00 A.M

Betty M. Dobbie President

897 Towne Center Drive Poinciana, Florida 34759 Ph: (407) 343-1560 Cell: (786) 316-9270 Fax: (407) 343-1561 www.prominenttitle.com bdobbie@prominenttitle.com

December 2008

WE’RE ROLLING THEM OUT THIS WEEKEND!

VOLUSIA COUNTY Bayberry Lakes • From the $160s

OSCEOLA COUNTY Hammock Trails • From the $150s

LAKE COUNTY Southern Fields • From the $130s

Blackstone • From the $140s

ORANGE COUNTY Arbor Ridge • From the $160s 888-KB-HOMES

Building quality new homes since 1957.

kbhome.com

Broker Cooperation Welcome. ©2008 KB Home (KBH). Plans, pricing, financing, terms, availability and specifications subject to change/prior sale without notice and may vary by neighborhood, lot location and home series. Additional charges apply for lot premiums, options/upgrades. Buyer responsible for all taxes, insurance and other fees. 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.

Photos show upgraded landscaping/options and may not represent communities’ lowest-priced homes. See sales representative for details. CBC051212 ORL-76918

kbhome PrintaD Osceola ReVIEW

13

Sun.

Monday

December 2008

Monthly Planner

Tuesday 1

7

8 Property Management Meeting 9:00 am - 11:00 am

14

9

No MLS Marketing/Network & Knowledge Meeting Today

Annual Membership Meeting 8:30 am

16

Parliamentary Procedures (Chairs, Vice-Chairs & BOD only) 2:00 pm–5:00 pm

22

Listing Maintenance 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

23

28

29

5

6

10

11

12

13

19

20

26

27

2

3

9

10

Popcorn & Ethics 2 Sessions-Pick One 9:30 am - 12:00 noon & 1:30 pm–4:00 pm

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

17

18

MLS IMAPP 10:00 am - 12:00 noon

Board of Directors 9:00 am - 10:00 am

MLS PRO 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Executive Committee 8:00 am - 9:00 am

24

25 CHRISTMAS association closed

30

Monthly Planner

January 2008

Sat.

4

CHRISTMAS association closed

31

No MLS Marketing/ Network & Knowledge Meeting Today

Affiliate Meeting

Friday

Popcorn & Ethics 2 Sessions-Pick One 9:30 am - 12:00 noon & 1:30 pm–4:00 pm

MLS Marketing/ Network & Knowledge Meeting Today

Thursday

3

MLXchange Training 9:00 am - 12:00 noon

Hispanic Network 10:00 am - 11:00 am

15

21

2

Affiliate Council 9:30 am - 10:30 am MLS Marketing Mtg. 8:30 am - 9:30 am Public Policy 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Professional Standards Training 1:00 pm–4:00 pm

Awards Committee Meeting 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Wednesday

10:00 am MLS Marketing/Network & Knowledge 8:30 am - 10:00 am Public Policy Committee 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

4

5

Affiliate Council Mtg. 9:30 am - 10:30 am

6

MLS Marketing 8:30 am - 9:30 am

11

12 Property Management Meeting 9:00 am - 11:00 am

18

19

13

MLS Marketing 8:30 am - 9:30 am

Hispanic Network Mtg. 10:00 am - 11:00 am

20 MLS Marketing 8:30 am - 9:30 am

25

26

27 MLS Marketing 8:30 am - 9:30 am

14

Osceola

ReVIEW

1 new year’s day association closed

MLXchange Training 9:00 am - 12:00 noon

7

Listing Maintenance 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

14

new year’s day association closed

Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac Loans 9:00 am - 12:00 noon 3 CE Hrs.

8

WCR Meeting Association Classroom 10:30 am

15

16

17

New Member Welcome 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Home Equity Conversion Mortgage for Home Purchase 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm NO CE Hrs

Agent Web Page 21 Setup (MLS) 10:00 am - 12:00 noon

Code of Ethics 22 9:00 am - 12:00 noon 3 CE Hrs.

23

24

30

31

MLS Tools 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

28

Executive Committee 8:00 am - 9:00 am

Code of Ethics 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm 3 CE Hrs.

29

BOD Meeting 9:00 am - 10:00 am

December 2008

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December 2008

Osceola

ReVIEW

15

NEW AFFILIATE OFFICES

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

MCT REAL ESTATE SCHOOL, LLC............ MARIA THURDEKOOS 4301 Vineland Road * Orlando, FL 32811 Phone: (407) 236-0120

NEW REAL ESTATE OFFICES AL REALTY GROUP, CORP....................... ALEX GONZALEZ P.O. Box 701585 * St. Cloud, FL 34770 Phone: (407) 488-8266 CASA LATINO OF ORLANDO, LLC............... JOSEPH LA ROSA 5401 S. Kirkman * Orlando, FL 32819 Phone: (321) 939-1475 * Fax (407) 566-2017 CONNECT REALTY.COM, INC. ...................... JAMES CAHILL 11555 Lake Underhill Road * Orlando, FL 32825 Phone: (407) 581-9660 * Fax: (561) 807-5929 MCT REALTY CORP........................ CARLOS THURDEKOOS 4301 Vineland Road, Suite E-6 * Orlando, FL 32811 Phone: (407) 481-8530 * Fax: (407) 841-2034 NEW EMPORIUM PROPERTIES, INC........YULIETH PENA-MESA 6625 Miami Lakes Drive * Miami Lakes, FL 33014 Phone: (305) 967-6751 * Fax: (305) 820-0139 REAL ESTATE HUNTERS, LLC............. ALEXANDRA ARENA-GIL 4301 Vineland Road, Suite E-6 * Orlando, FL 32811 Phone: (321) 228-6377

Judith Blanche..................................Coldwell Banker Ackley Realty Licino Brizzio..............................................Road House Realty, Inc. Stacy Burgess................................Century 21 Premium Properties James Cahill............................................. Connect Realty.Com, Inc. Josephine De La Rosa.....................World Properties International Janice Dusette............................................Avatar Lifestyle Homes Jose Felipe-Brillante...................................... Overton Realty, Inc. Alex Gonzalez.............................................AL Realty Group, Corp Rebecca Grant-Cortes.. Weichert REALTORS® Hallmark Properties Mark Haborak................................................Watson Realty Corp.

Lisa Harr........................................ Classic Homes GMAC Real Estate Shelley Hefner.............................................RE/MAX Market Place Bryan Hower...................................World Properties International Graciela Iglesias...............................................Luxury Realty, Inc. Deborah King................................................... La Rosa Realty, LLC Reji Kurian......................................................Watson Realty Corp.

Joseph La Rosa....................................Casa Latino of Orlando, LLC Jon Little........................ Weichert REALTORS® Hallmark Properties Christine Melendez.........................Century 21 – Sifonte’s Golden Carlos Mendez.................................Coldwell Banker Ackley Realty David Monast......................................... Charles Rutenberg Realty Jair Nantes...................................................... Overton Realty, Inc. Gladys Olaya.............................................................Homes to Go Linda Pagano....................................................Luxury Realty, Inc. Juan Paradas............................................ Resto Investment Group

RESTO INVESMENT GROUP...................... JUAN PARADAS 13538 Village Parke Drive * Orlando, FL 32837 Phone: (407) 373-0063 * Fax: (407) 373-0064

Yulieth Pena-Mesa.........................New Emporium Properties, Inc.

ROAD HOUSE REALTY, INC....................... LICINO BRIZZIO 2200 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy. * Kissimmee, FL 34744 Phone: (407) 392-4663 * Fax: (407) 452-6865

Candida Rolon........................................... Right Choice Realty, Inc.

Roseanne Pryor...................................... Charles Rutenberg Realty James Renner............................................ JPSR Realty Group, LLC Martha Roman.....................................................WF Realty Corp.

Carlos ThurdeKoos.............................................MCT Realty, Corp.

1105 Shady Lane • Kissimmee, FL 34744

16

Osceola

ReVIEW

December 2008