April 2024 Newsletter by Osceola County Association of REALTORS®

MEMBERS FIRST NEWSLETTER

Keep Calm and Carry On…

Wow - what a roller-coaster ride the past couple of weeks!

The major news was announcement of a settlement agreement on the NAR / SitzerBurnett lawsuit. And almost immediately the news media and social media were flooded with reactions – much of which was frankly over-inflated, or misinformed, or rubbish. And likewise followed floods of rash projections about massive change in home values, fanciful calculations on reallocation of transaction proceeds, and freaked-out forecasts for a radically diminished role of Agents.

So perhaps it is now prudent for all of us to pause, to take a breath, and to examine actual facts.

Happily, there is a no-nonsense and realistic evaluation of the settlement agreement available to you. Please take a few minutes to

review the information provided at facts.realtor and the excellent March 22nd article in REALTOR® Magazine. Your customers, clients, friends, and family all have questions. You are the source for them to get real and honest information. So please do take time to get the accurate facts.

As for what is ahead in your business - maybe we should consider the example advice from a famous NFL Quarterback whose team appeared to be in dire straits… “R-E-L-A-X”.

In survey after survey, by significant margins, Sellers and Buyers, Landlords and Tenants want you and your services. That will not likely change. And amid all the chaotic rhetoric and any coming business-practice change it is essential for you to keep in mind the amazing value and benefit you provide.

Become informed. Get prepared. Keep calm and carry on!

April 2024 (407) 846-0117 | 1105 CROSS PRAIRIE PKWY, KISSIMMEE, FL 34744 | OSCEOLAREALTORS.ORG

President’s Message 2024 PRESIDENT

• President’s Message • Message from CEO • REALTOR® Town Hall • New VIPs • VIP Milestones • Welcome New Members • Member Benefit • Certified International Property Specialist • February Market Statistics • April Class Calendar

Vital Industry Partner Directory

James K. Lowe

•

IN THIS ISSUE

CEO MESSAGE

TWIS LIZASUAIN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

The Florida Realtors® Advocacy Tour is headed to Lake Nona on April 12! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage with Florida Realtors® President Gia Arvin, the Florida Realtors Public Policy team, and invited state elected officials.

Members will learn about the latest political developments affecting the real estate industry across the state and in their backyard. Additionally, they will have an opportunity to ask the questions that matter most to them and ensure their voice is heard. Registration is FREE! Visit FloridaRealtors.Org/Advocacy for more information.

NEW SUPRA LOCKBOX PROGRAM

We are thrilled to announce a significant upgrade to our lockbox program! In our ongoing commitment to providing convenience and efficiency to our valued members, we are transitioning from our lockbox purchase program to a more flexible and advantageous lockbox leasing program. This transition comes with several benefits that we believe will greatly enhance your experience:

• Cost Savings: With our new leasing program, you no longer have to bear the upfront cost of purchasing a lockbox. Instead, you can lease one at a fraction of the cost, making it more accessible to all members.

• Flexibility: Whether you’re a small business or a large brokerage office, our leasing program is flexible with your needs. Easily add or remove lockboxes as your business grows or changes.

• Maintenance and Support: Our leasing program includes comprehensive support services, ensuring that your lockbox is always in optimal condition. Should you encounter any issues, our dedicated support team is just a call away. We will replace your box free of charge.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS):

• What is the cost? One lockbox will cost $60 annually to lease. You will be charged $60 in August of each year to renew.

• What if I lease a box prior to August? From January until July, boxes will be pro-rated at a $5 a month fee. If you lease during this timeframe, you will pay the pro-rated fee plus the annual $60 charge; however, it will be effective for the following year.

• Is there a deposit or activation fee? No, as a member benefit, we are not charging you a deposit free. Non-members will be required to pay $150 per box.

• What if I want to end my lease early? That’s no problem; members will receive a pro-rated refund for the remainder of the contract.

We are confident that this transition will streamline processes, reduce costs, and provide greater convenience to all members. Our team is here to assist you every step of the way and answer any questions you may have about the new program. Thank you for your continued support and membership. We look forward to serving you with this enhanced offering.

*Please note that members on our Supra Lockbox waitlist will be the first to join the program, our membership team will be contacting them.

FLORIDA REALTORS® REALTOR PARTY TOWN HALL

Sponsorship Opportunities Welcome

New VIPs

Ana Maria Rubio Park Square Homes

Edward Mitchell Integrity House to Home Inspections, LLC

Do you know any businesses that would benefit from joining our Association? We are looking for companies that provide products or services to the real estate industry. As part of our membership, Vital Industry Partners (VIPs) receive many benefits including:

• Free Advertisement. Our VIP roster is included on our website and our monthly newsletter. Both of these platforms put your contact information into the hands of every member a part of the Association. Additional paid advertisements are also available.

• Sponsorship Opportunities. VIPs are given the opportunity to sponsor educational classes, luncheons, and events. Sponsorships include logo placement on all promotional materials, social media marketing, recognition during the event/class, and the ability to distribute promotional material regarding your company.

• Relationship Building. VIPs may join certain committees as a non-voting member to assist with Association activities, give back to our community, and build relationships with our members. Being involved in the Association activities will lead to an increase of our members recognition of your company.

To apply as a Vital Industry Partner member, please visit www. osceolarealtors.org/vital-industry-partners, call 407-846-0117, or email Nancy Hubbard at nhubbard@osceola-realtors.com for more information.

Becoming a VIP is an excellent opportunity to get your company’s name out to individuals that can directly benefit from your products and/or services.

Vital Industry Partner Milestones

Please help us congratulate and thank our Vital Industry Partners who are celebrating very exciting milestones with us this month! We are thankful for your membership and the invaluable services that you provide to our association and its members!

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Paul Soukup - Century 21 Wolf’s Crossing Realty

Leonardo Colmenares - Agent Trust Realty Corporation

Shalynn Hamilton - Weichert Realtors Hallmark Pro

Yumar Vera Moran - MBT Realty LLC

Jackeline Urdaneta - Resource One Realty

Shelby Wrobleski - Keller Williams Advantage III

Rutheny Benoit - Keller Williams Legacy Realty

Fernando Isaza Rojas - La Rosa Realty Kissimmee

Wendy Rodriguez Martinez - My Realty Group, LLC.

Johanna Carrero - My Realty Group, LLC.

Estrella Del Sabada Garcia - Agent Trust Realty Corporation

Jose Alvarez - Avila & Associates Realty

Maria Paz - Naim Real Estate LLC

Shawnelle Verdier - REMAX PIONEER

Saisuda Najaikhong - Premium Properties R.E Service

Selma Hutchings - Keller Williams Legacy Realty

Joseph Collins - Royal Realty Real Estate, LLC

Michelle Kim - Radius Realty Group LLC

Alexies Escotto - Young Real Estate

Jose Hernandez - Top 7 Realty LLC

Jose Brusa - Tower Team Realty, LLC

Gerardo Picart - Keller Williams Realty at The Lakes

Gricelth Paez - My Realty Group, LLC.

Nick Martinez - Jason Mitchell Real Estate Flo

Fernando Fernandez Ramirez - LPT Realty

Isamanda Hernandez - LPT Realty

Reina Carrasco Aponte - EXP Realty, LLC

Mckenzie Drouin - Keller Williams Realty at The Lakes

Sabina Manning - Freeman Realty Solutions LLC

Dariel Suarez Nardo - EXP Realty, LLC

Jaylon Johnson - Keller Williams Legacy Realty

Jonathan Stout - EXP Realty, LLC

Chasity Rodriguez - La Rosa Realty Central Florida

Catherine Panizo - Black Rock Realty

Erica De jesus - Reliable Property MGMT & Sales

Abel Santiago Rodriguez - La Rosa Realty Kissimmee

Ileana Torres Jimenez - EXP Realty, LLC

Len Goffredo - Abbey Road Realty LLC

Ariel Rodriguez - Real Broker, LLC

Kiria Toledo - My Realty Group, LLC.

Gabriela Aveline - My Realty Group, LLC.

Avelardo Villasmil - LPT Realty

Valerie Mercado - LPT Realty

Dtrishana Maharaj - LPT Realty

Kristopher Young - EXP Realty, LLC

Miguel Reyes - LPT Realty

Carlos Munoz Aracena - R&J Realty and Property Management LLC

Pegi Orozco Medrano - EXP Realty, LLC

Lourdes Garcia - EXP Realty, LLC

Daniel Ruiz - My Realty Group, LLC.

Osvaldo Lopez Garcia - La Rosa Realty Kissimmee

Maritza Otero Diaz - LPT Realty

Carmen Colon - HomeTrust Realty Group

Mabell Cedeno - The Property Pros Real Estate, Inc

Yohesmira Bernal - My Realty Group, LLC.

Nancy Cruz - EXP Realty, LLC

Zalliney Iriarte - La Rosa Realty Kissimmee

Jose Acevedo Chapeta - Agent Trust Realty Corporation

Gelly Duarte Areniz - LPT Realty

Bryrie Brown - Keystone Residential Group LLC

Lucas Moran - National Real Estate LLC

Check out more market statistics on our website! Visit: osceolarealtors.org/statistics/ All Properties Market Statistics

APRIL CLASS CALENDAR

REDEEM YOUR EDUCATION VOUCHERS BEFORE 12/31/24

A Guide to Wills, Trusts, & Probate - Classroom Only - Charles Castellon

At the end of this course, the student will be able to: identify how to handle conveying a property when a seller has recently passed away, list the timeliness and requirements of probate, & determine which person has the legal right to represent the deceased person in a probate estate. Build Your Business with

Social Media - Zoom Only - Neil Bridgers

While many licensees are familiar with Facebook and Twitter for low or no-cost social media marketing, you may not be as familiar with three of the most popular and fastest-growing social media platforms: Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Learn how these apps can pay huge dividends by raising your profile in your local market.

Stellar MLS Basic (Spanish) 4/8/24/2024 10:00 am-12:00 pm 0CE

Classroom Only - Daniella Blackburn

T his required class teaches every new Stellar MLS subscriber the basics of how to use the Matrix MLS System to power their real estate business.

Stellar MLS Compliance 101 (Spanish)

Classroom Only - Daniella Blackburn

1:00 pm-2:15 pm 0CE

This required class for new subscribers reviews the MLS comprehensive Rules & Regulations to ensure that all users have access to the best data possible.

Stellar MLS Adding & Editing (Spanish)

Classroom Only - Daniella Blackburn

4/8/24/2024

2:30 pm-3:45 pm 0CE

This class is mandatory for agents who will be adding and modifying listings in the MLS. We will walk through the process of gathering listing data, entering listings into the MLS systems, adding photos and attachments, and modifying listings.

Real Estate Prospecting, Farming 4/9/2024

9:00 am-11:00 am 2CE and Marketing with RPR - Zoom Only - Stephanie White

RPR offers incredible resources to help you be more effective so you can branch out to the best of your ability. In this course, you will learn how to target potential sellers, market your sphere of influence, and utilize social media for powerful results.

Clarifying Service Animals

Classroom Only - Lorri Reynolds

4/11/2024

9:00 am-12:00 pm 3CE

Have you ever been in a situation where tenants are looking to rent a house with a no-pet policy? Or, you had a buyer looking to purchase a condo in an association with a no-pet policy? Or, maybe you had a short-term tenant bring their animal on vacation where no pets are allowed? If you have not, chances are you will.

Cybersecurity: Staying Safe

4/16/2024

9:00 am-12:00 pm 3CE in a Tech-Centred World - Zoom Only - Jolita Brazzano

As technology advances, we seem to rely on it more and more for both the tiniest of tasks, as well as the most significant. In the real estate field, dealing with confidential information is a daily occurrence. Keeping this information safe is our duty. In this course, you will learn practical strategies and skills for safeguarding your information, as well as your customers’ information, against potential hackers.

Owns That Property? 4/2/2024 10:00

Who

am-12:00 pm 2CE

4/3/2024

9:00 am-12:00 pm 3CE

4/8/24/2024

An Introduction to Digital Currencies - Classroom Only - Elysia Stobbe

This course is an introduction to what you need to know about digital currency. Learn the key terms you need to know and how digital currency can be used in the real estate market. With some real-world examples, you can learn the basics of using digital currency to change the way you do business.

Zoom Only - Gonzalo Mejia

Purchasing a home starts with one critical step, affordability. In this class, you will learn your role in affordable housing. Learn where to find down payment and closing assistance, qualifications for government loans, and special considerations.