2021 February Newsletter

February 2021

MEMBERS FIRST

NEWSLETTER CONGRATS TO 2020 AWARD WINNERS

Rayelynne Ketchum

Amy Buehler

Jason Daugherty

Affiliate Member of the Year

Affiliate Member Rising Star of the Year

Global Excellence Award

A Clear Choice Title & Escrow Affiliate Office of the Year

Jeff Perry Lifetime Achievement Award

Joe Johnson

Nicholas Shrouder

Christina Daugherty

REALTOR® of the Year

Humanitarian of the Year

Global Excellence Award

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Results Realty Real Estate Office of the Year

IN THIS ISSUE • 2020 Award Winners • Great American Realtor Days • 2020 RPAC Investors • FR Scholarship • Florida Real Estate Trends Webinar • February NAR Benefits • December Market Statistics • February Class Calendar • Vital Industry Partner Directory • Welcome New Members

James K. Lowe

Danny Hernandez

REALTOR® Rising Star of the Year

OSCAR REALTOR® Star of the Year

I’m Donnie Martinez, your 2021 President. I’d like to start off by thanking all our members, the board of directors, and past presidents for joining us for our first ever virtual Installation and Awards Ceremony. And congratulations to all the members and VIP award winners! (pictured above)

Tim Weisheyer Public Policy Award

You’re all deserving of this recognition and we’re so proud to have you apart of the Association. If you get a chance to see one of our award winners, make sure to congratulate them!

We hope you enjoyed our Installation and Awards Ceremony from the comfort of your home or office. (Cont. on Page 2)

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

President’s Message

DONNIE MARTINEZ 2021 PRESIDENT

We hope you took advantage of Florida Realtors MidWinter meetings and annual conference last month.

They provided some helpful training opportunities and it is great to see our Florida Realtors® in action.

February celebrates Black History Month, an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.

February is usually when Florida Realtors® hosts Greater American Realtor Days-also known as GARD— an opportunity for us to meet with our state legislators in Tallahassee during session. This year’s session is in March so GARD will be held March 15-17th. Because the Capitol building is closed to all visitors, GARD will be held virtually for the first time. Look for details about the meetings once they are scheduled.

Last but not least, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, so don’t forget your sweetheart. Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at OSCAR!

- Donnie Martinez 2021 President

Florida Realtors® Great American Realtor® Days event is held annually during Florida's legislative session in Tallahassee. During GARD, Realtors® visit the Capitol to meet with lawmakers on pending real estate legislation and discuss important issues impacting Florida's real estate industry. GARD will be held virtually this year due to COVID-19.

RPAC Annual Recap & 2020 Major Investors

Hall of Fame

Golden R

Crystal R

Sterling R

Capitol Club

$25,000+ Lifetime Contributions

Statesman Club

$5,000 - $9,999

$2,500 - $4,999

$1,000 - $2,999

$500 - $999

$250 - $499

Even though 2020 was an unprecedented year, we as an Association made some tremedous achievements toward RPAC! Thanks to our members who helped contribute, we recently won THREE Florida Realtors® RPAC awards!

• FR Triple Crown – given to local associations that meet their financial goal, major investor goal and participation goal.

• FR Bronze Award – given to local associations that exceed their fundraising goal by 10% • FR Bronze Award – given to local associations that exceed state participation goals by 10% • Total Raised - $109,181 – 117% of goal • Total Participation – 41.61% • Total Major Investors – 22

Message from Twis

Thank you to all our members who contributed their fair share toward RPAC during the renewals period! Your contribution to RPAC helps to protect and promote the real estate industry through advocacy efforts at the local, state and national level. During our renewal period we had an astounding amount of participation for RPAC, and we truly appreciate your efforts! We’d like to thank all of our 2020 investors for their contributions and committment to making RPAC a priority.

We encourage all our members to make their fair share contribution.

Please call us at 407-846-0117 if you would like to support RPAC.

TWIS LIZASUAIN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Welcome New VIPs Luis Diaz America Homes Inc. Kelly Baird

College Scholarship Offered

by Florida Realtors®

The Florida Realtors® Education Foundation Student Scholarship Program was founded to help deserving students offset costs for college or post-graduate school.

Here’s who qualifies: • Florida high school seniors who will be attending an undergraduate college or university

Brianna Gonzalez

• Students currently enrolled in an undergraduate college or university • Students pursuing graduate studies

Christopher Poindexter

David Rousset

Shawn Oliver

Those students considering a career in Real Estate or Real Estate related fields will be given special consideration in accordance with the purposes of the Florida Realtors Education Foundation. However, students in any major outside are welcome to apply.

Scholarships start at $1,000. The criteria for recipients include but aren’t limited to, academic achievements, financial need, leadership qualities, relationship to the Realtor family, and contributions to family, school and community. The foundation’s board of directors has sole and absolute discretion over all decisions as to whether an applicant qualifies.

The application period will open until noon March 11, 2021.

For more information, visit bit.ly/FR-scholarship-FAQs

Realtors® Care Committee

Justin Shrouder Committee Chair

The 2021 Realtors® Care Committee had its first meeting on January 27 and we are very excited to get involved in our community throughout the coming year. First of all, we will continue our weekly Meals on Wheels route which is organized by the Osceola Council on Aging. This weekly activity is so rewarding and we are happy to continue this great tradition.

Additionally, we are looking forward to participating in the Council on Aging March for Meals 5K Run on March 13 in Kissimmee. We would love to see lots of members in attendance. Register at KUA Presents MARCH FOR MEALS St. Patrick’s 5K Run/Walk Registration, Sat, Mar 13, 2021 at 8:00 AM. Our team name is Osceola Realtors.

Other upcoming involvements for 2021 include our partnership with the Education Foundation of Osceola Register Now for 2021 County’s scholarship program as well as working with the Osceola County Boys and Girls Club. We have a great year of March for Meals at community engagement and involvement ahead and would bit.ly/OCOA-March4Meals love for other OSCAR members to join us – you don’t have to be on the committee to participate!

Florida Real Estate Trends Webinar

Hosted by Florida Realtors® You’re invited to join Florida Realtors’ 2021 Real Estate Trends free webinar, where we’ll explore what 2021 will look like for real estate, including expectations for the existing home market and new home construction.

What: 2021 Florida Real Estate Trends webinar When: 9-11 a.m. Thursday, February 4, 2021 Where: Zoom Video Conferencing Real estate turned out to be a bright spot in 2020, and it showcased just how valuable Realtors are to their communities. Brokers, committee chairs, team leaders, and more stepped up during this unique year. But will that trend continue?

Many of the changes that happened last year were not new, just accelerated. The prominence of remote work, school, and social distancing influenced what a home needs.

Adjustments in the commercial real estate world will also impact where people want to live.

This event will feature a panel discussion with real estate experts that will uncover where residential and commercial meet and what trends are here to stay. Plus, we’ll look at how Florida Realtors can help you face the future successfully.

Real estate is location, location, location, and you’ll want to register, register, register to get a glimpse into the path forward for our currently thriving industry in a sea of economic uncertainty.

Register Now: bit.ly/FR-RETrends

February NAR Member Benefits Guide Docusign Offer

Take a test drive of DocuSign’s Business Pro edition full feature plan at no charge for three months – two months longer than the traditional free trial.

The plan includes all the features you need to complete transactions remotely. Plus, DocuSign’s resources will help you learn how to use their eSignature services most effectively and gain immediate value To sign-up for Real Estate Starter or DocuSign for REALTORS® prepaid annual and month-to-month plans at the NAR member discount, go to the member-dedicated page at docusign.com/nar NAR members can sign up for DocuSign for REALTORS® and save $60 over non-members. The prepaid annual plan is $240/year (nonmembers pay $300/year). You also have the option to purchase a month-tomonth plan at $35/month, saving $5/month or $60/year.

Personal Insurance To support members, NAR has negotiated a significantlyreduced rate on this plan. $7/month provides effective virtual healthcare for you and your family, with unlimited visits and no co-pays. As an additional benefit, the prior activation fee has also been waived.

• MDLIVE physicians can write and refill prescriptions, where appropriate.

• Common issues treated include allergies, asthma, flu, fever, virus, acne, headaches, rashes, joint aches, urinary tract infections, nausea, vomiting, infections, pink eye, sore throat, and more.

• For questions and enrollment: 833-223-3892. For plan cancellations: 800-279-2290 • Immediate family members may be added to a member’s plan.

• Members TeleHealth is available in all 50 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and Puerto Rico.

Life insurance and AD&D insurance can help shield families from the economic impact of losing a loved one. If you have a spouse, children, or other family members depending on you, term life insurance can be an easy and affordable way to make sure money is available to help them cover expenses after you’re gone. Consider this protection to help safeguard To get started: your family’s future.

Introducing: • REALTORS® Group Term Life Insurance • REALTORS® Mature Group Term Life Insurance

www.realtorsinsuranceplace.com/life/ For questions call: 844-927-0527

• REALTORS® AD&D Insurance (Accidental Death & Dismemberment) • These plans are underwritten by New York Life Insurance Company.

These plans are exclusive to NAR members and offer negotiated group rates on group life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Plans feature a range of coverage amounts and options to suit your needs. Your spouse or domestic partner is also eligible for this coverage.

Financial Wellness LIVE: Tax Summit Let’s face it, filing taxes can cause a lot of anxiety. As a new agent, managing tax documents, understanding complex returns, and constant tax law changes makes preparing a tax return a tedious process. In these one hour webinars you’ll hear from the experts and get the tips you need to save time and money while reducing your stress. Register now to attend NAR’s Financial Wellness LIVE: Tax Summit four-part series!

Hear from experts and receive tips on how to improve your personal wealth by spotting opportunities in your tax return, what to do if the IRS comes knocking, and more. Register to attend NAR’s Center for Financial Wellness LIVE: Tax Summit four-part series event: Real Estate Agents Tax Guide 101 Wednesday, February 3 at 1:00 p.m. CT Michael Westwick, CPA, Director of Finance and Senior Tax Manager What to Do If You’ve Got IRS Trouble Wednesday, February 10 at 1:00 p.m. CT Heather C. Liston, CFP, E.A. Vice President & Advisor at Hargrave Fiduciary Advisors, LLC Increase Personal Wealth by Spotting Opportunities for Improvement in Your Tax Return Wednesday, February 17 at 1:00 p.m. CT Rich Arzaga, CFP, AIF, Founder and CEO of Cornerstone Wealth Management A Deeper Dive into Several Real Estate Tax Topics Wednesday, February 24 at 1:00 p.m. CT Evan Liddiard, CPA, NAR Director of Federal Tax Policy and Policy Advocacy Knowledge is power, especially during these unprecedented times. The need to plan for unforeseen changes has never been more evident. Get new tips and solutions for the next stage of this year, both personally and professionally.

By registering, you’ll learn money saving strategies to set yourself up for success come tax time and as you plan for the future. Space is limited!

Register Now: bit.ly/nar-tax-summit For A Full List of Benefits: nar.realtor/realtor-benefits-program

All Properties Market Statistics

December 2020 Check out more market statistics on our website!

Visit: osceolarealtors.org/statistics/

Additional Education Opportunities CENTER FOR REALTORÂŽ DEVELOPMENT

FEBRUARY PROMOTIONS

Sale Price: $104.00 (regularly $130.00)

Sale Price: $236.00 (regularly $295.00)

These online courses leading to these official NAR credentials will be on sale for 20% off all month long in February. To expand your learning, the Course of the Month is Moving with Pets, 20% off the regular price.

FEBRUARY CLASS CALENDAR

REDEEM YOUR EDUCATION VOUCHERS BEFORE 12/31/21

Code of Ethics

2/4/2021

9:00 am-12:00 pm

3CE

Mandatory ethics training requirements for new and continuing REALTOR® members was established by the National Association’s Board of Directors at the 1999 Annual Convention and went into effect for all active REALTOR® members January 1, 2001. The policy dictates that all active members must take a code of ethics class once every two years. The applicable dates are the same for all REALTORS® irrespective of when they join. The current cycle began January 1, 2019 and ends December 31, 2021.

Core Law

2/4/2021

1:00 pm-4:00 pm

3CE

Understanding real estate law is part of every real estate licensee’s business. The more a licensee knows, the better he or she can work with customers and safeguard them from legal complications.

Buying and selling property requires a lot of legal paperwork. Today, more than ever, it’s important to know the laws governing the practice of real estate. This material will provide a “red flag notice” of when participants are potentially going into a danger zone—the unlicensed practice of law.

Mastering the Real Estate Agents Role

2/5/2021

1:00 pm-4:00 pm

3CE

In the Appraisal Process The appraisal process can get confusing, and you may have several questions.

Some of these questions may include wondering whether you can talk to the appraiser, or meet them at the property for the inspection, more commonly referred to as the observation. Are you allowed to provide the appraiser with sales or anything else? You may also not fully understand what a comparable sale is or why it is important, or who exactly the appraisal is for.

Code of Ethics - Spanish

2/10/2021

9:00 am-12:00 pm

3CE

Mandatory ethics training requirements for new and continuing REALTOR® members was established by the National Association’s Board of Directors at the 1999 Annual Convention and went into effect for all active REALTOR® members January 1, 2001. The policy dictates that all active members must take a code of ethics class once every two years. The applicable dates are the same for all REALTORS® irrespective of when they join. The current cycle began January 1, 2019 and ends December 31, 2021.

Core Law - Spanish

2/10/2021

1:00 pm-4:00 pm

3CE

Understanding real estate law is part of every real estate licensee’s business. The more a licensee knows, the better he or she can work with customers and safeguard them from legal complications.

Buying and selling property requires a lot of legal paperwork. Today, more than ever, it’s important to know the laws governing the practice of real estate. This material will provide a “red flag notice” of when participants are potentially going into a danger zone—the unlicensed practice of law.

Newly Licensed Now What?

2/11/2021

9:00 am-1:00 pm

4CE

You have done it. You have passed a classroom and state exam that allows you to now practice real estate. So what is next? As a newly licensed agent the days of exhilaration and accomplishments are measured from one moment to the next. There is so much knowledge to comprehend, recall and apply. This course has been designed to set you up to succeed by answering some of the most important “What’s next?” questions.

iCE: Foreclosure Crash Course

2/12/2021

9:30 am-12:30 pm

3CE

There is a lot of misinformation floating around about foreclosures. What is a foreclosure? What are the types of foreclosures…and what is recognized in Florida? When is the foreclosure process started?

This course will bring you “back to the basics” covering the process and stages of a Florida foreclosure answering the above questions and more!

Who Owns That Property? A Guide to Wills,

2/17/2021

10:00 am-12:00 pm

2CE

Trusts and Probate After taking this class students will be able to define and 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 decease person in a probate estate. Explain how to handle a life estate ownership. Differentiate between marital statuses in Florida and how to handle them when selling a house.

The Social Side of Real Estate

2/19/2021

1:00 pm-4:00 pm

3CE

It’s safe to say social media is here to stay and should be an integral part of every Realtor’s® business.

But many Realtors® spend endless hours putting content out without receiving any direct new business from it. Others don’t know where to begin. The overall objective of this class is to define the true goal of social media, engagement with your customers, and learn how to maximize your efforts while staying in compliance with all FREC rules and regulations and our Realtor® Code of Ethics.

The Foundations of Form Simplicity

2/24/2021

10:00 am-12:00 pm

2CE

Find out what computer equipment as well as software requirements you need for the Form Simplicity program. Learn the time saving configurations of the various components within the Form Simplicity program. Keep your profile current, set up email notifications, create an email signature and import contacts from various sources such as Outlook, Gmail, and Electronic Business Cards.

Optimizing Your Workflow with Form

2/24/2021

1:00 pm-3:00 pm

2CE

Simplicity From the moment you go on a listing appointment to the writing of a sales contract for a customer, the entire transaction can be handled with Form Simplicity. Sign in to the blank forms library, create a transaction, use auto fill tools for any static fields, import data, insert forms, share data with customers and use the digital signature feature to seal the deal.

Property Management for the Real Estate 2/25/2021

9:00 am-12:00 pm

3CE

Practitioner Want to know more about Property Management without jumping in headfirst?

This is the course for a Realtor® that wants or needs to know enough about Property Management to get by - whether to manage a property or two now, or as an introduction to property management if they are considering possible investment down the road. Offered as a three or a four CE hour course, this class will prepare the student for those times when they must act as a property manager. It will walk them through the reasons that they are needed, what they need to do, and what they can expect from a legal standpoint.

ALL CLASSES HELD VIA PLEASE CHECK YOUR INBOX/SPAM/JUNK FOLDER FOR CLASS REMINDERS & MESSAGES REGARDING THE CLASS.

IMPORTANT: REGISTERING FOR CLASS These courses are available for active OSCAR members only. If you have any questions, please contact our Education Department at education@osceola-realtors.com.

VITAL INDUSTRY PARTNERS 2020 Inspection Solutions A&P Inspection Solutions LLC A Clear Choice Title & Escrow A.C.F. Home Inspections, Inc. Acosta, Moore & Shrader, PLLC Advertising Mania Americas Homes Inc. ANB Inspection Services, Inc. ARB Home Inspections, Inc. Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group A-Z Team Title, LLC BPG Inspection, LLC Budget Professional Services Butler Mortgage Celebration Title Group Champion Bin Cleaning, LLC Chief Inspection Services Choice Home Warranty Closer Look Inspections, Inc. Cunningham’s Inc. Cutco Closing Gifts Double S Home Inspection First American Title Frank’s Home Inspection, LLC Freedom Mortgage Gold Coast Schools Hamilton Group Funding Hanover Family Builders Homebridge Financial Services, Inc. Housemaster Home Inspections Infill Consulting Integrity First Title Land Title Professionals, LLC Luis A Martin’s Home Inspections Moneycorp, Inc. My Florida Mortgage Solutions New American Funding

Nu World Title, LLC Oliver Title Law Osceola County Property Appraiser Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, Inc. Patricia L. Daugherty, Atty. At Law Photography by Skip Stowers Pillar to Post Home Inspections Platinum Title of Central Florida Positive Edge Real Estate Academy of Learning Prodigal Homes Inspection & Consulting Pro-Master Home Inspection RBC Bank Real Estate Photography Specialists Reliable Building Inspections RiteStart Home Inspections, Inc. SBC–CPA Seibane Doyle, PLLC Smart International Title, LLC Snap Air Photo Solano Home Inspections Inc. South State Bank Stewart Title Company Systeco Services, Inc. The AlfaOmega Financial Group The Grove Resort & Water Park TREI - The Real Estate Institute TrustCo Bank Two Men and a Truck ValueCast, Inc. Victoria Real Estate Academy Wayne’s Home Inspections, LLC Widerman Malek PL

VITAL INDUSTRY PARTNERS

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Wilmer Almonte - EXP Realty LLC

Lynn Messersmith - Freedom Realty Source Inc

Humberto Alvarado - La Rosa Realty Kissimmee

Joseph Mistretta - Watson Realty Corp.

Milagros Alvarez - Keller Williams Legacy Realty

Valeria Nunez - Agent Trust Realty Corporation

Arianna Ayala Acosta - La Rosa Realty Kissimmee

Arlenys Oviedo - Odry Vargas Realty Group LLC

Yuliana Azuaje - Watson Realty Corp

Sunil Pitram - Robert Slack LLC

Camela Braswell - Solar X Realty

Myriam Quintero - MBT Realty LLC

Jesus Butron - MBT Realty LLC

Loany Ramirez - Keller Williams Advantage III

Joglenys Cayama - Watson Realty Corp

Edwin Rios - EXP Realty LLC

Jeremy Couch - The Corcoran Connection LLC

Rene Rivas - La Rosa Realty Kissimmee

Omaima El Haj - Weichert Realtors Hallmark Pro

Christopher Rivera Alamo - La Rosa Realty, LLC

Jimmy Feliciano - Empire Network Realty

Mariely Rivera - HomeTrust Realty Group

Charif Feroui - Keller Williams at The Lakes

Javier Rodriguez Goire - EXP Realty LLC

Alexander Fults - La Rosa Realty Kissimmee

Jeanette Rojas - La Rosa Realty Kissimmee

Maria Godoy - MBT Realty LLC

Alexis Ruge - Weichert Realtors Hallmark Pro

Catalina Gomez - Watson Realty Corp

Florimhar Ruiz Useche - Watson Realty Corp

Lorena Gonzalez De Romero - MBT Realty LLC

Paula Santullo - La Rosa Realty Kissimmee

Yadira Grimaldos - Watson Realty Corp

Jordan Sera - EXP Realty LLC

Francisco Gutierrez Sanchez - Watson Realty Corp

Valeriya Shapovalova - Keller Williams at The Lakes

Mosaib Hassan - EXP Realty LLC

Luis Sorondo - Watson Realty Corp

Thomas Hayes - Coldwell Banker Realty

Timothy Spolar - Century 21 Carioti

Angel Irizarry - Agent Trust Realty Corporation

Julio Sucre Velasquez - EXP Realty LLC

Yereisha Jimenez - La Rosa Realty Kissimmee

Jose Trujillano - 407Hub Real Estate LLC

Gabriella Lattimore - EXP Realty LLC

Marbetty Valdes - Watson Realty Corp

Sandra Lopez Soto - La Rosa Realty Lake Nona INC

Carlos Valera - EXP Realty LLC

Jose Martinez Cruz - La Rosa Realty Lake Nona INC

Belky Velez Corales - VS International Properties

Wilmer Mata - EXP Realty LLC

Andres Vielma - Luxury Realty, Inc.

Eylin Matute Pinto - Orca Homes, LLC

Crystal Washington Booth - Keller Williams Legacy Realty

Angela Mavarez de Gutierrez - Keller Williams Legacy Realty

Albert Williams - Premium Properties R.E Service

Kamla McGregor - EXP Realty LLC

Devon Willoughby - Royal Realty Real Estate, LLC

Leidi Mendoza - Watson Realty Corp

Nicole Winckel - REMAX PIONEER