Oscar ReView - 2nd Quarter 2014

THE OTHER REALTOR IS NOT THE ENEMY PAGE06

& GETTING TO THE FIRST PAGE ON GOOGLE

PAGE09

& SUCCESSFUL PRACTICES WITH CANADIAN CUSTOMERS

PAGE21

FACEBOOK

2013 Awards UNVEILS

& Installation PAPER APP Luncheon PAGE25 Highlights

WELCOMECONTENTS

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WELCOME/ CONTENTS apr, may, jun 2014 news 4 5 6 8 9 12 13 15 21

25 26

Member Announcements & Benefits First Quarter AE Message The Other Realtor Is Not the Enemy 10 Tips for Hiring a Tax Representative Getting to the First Page on Google Do You Qualify for Innocent Spouse Relief?

Avoid Tax Scams The Life of a Professional Standards Case Successful Business Practices With Canadian Customers

technology Facebook Unveils the Paper App Exploring Smart Lenses for Your Smart Phone

events

10 April, May, June 2014 Calendar

16 Casino Night!

18 Major Investor Award Winners 19 New Members and Winners at OSCAR

local trends

28

Market Dynamics

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Events to Watch for This Spring Hello REALTORS®! Spring is finally upon us, and with that brings opportunities to celebrate our business and our wonderful community! Consider these upcoming events to grow your network, gain your competitive edge, and help your community be the best it can be: On April 16th, the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Business After Hours event. It’s a great way to make professional contacts and discuss business matters here at OSCAR. On April 24th, the Osceola Brokers Committee focuses on brokerage success through generational diversity and technology tools at their meeting here at the OSCAR auditorium starting at 4pm.

2014 OSCAR President, Daisy Lopez-Cid The following day, the 25th of April, OSCAR will continue that focus on technology tools by offering another of its regularly scheduled Technology Lab Days. These events open OSCAR’s doors to those who are technologically challenged and need some one-on-one assistance. If you’re having trouble figuring out your tablet, smart phone, or laptop - bring it in and a Lab assistant will assist you.

May 3rd marks OSCAR’s annual participation in the Relay for Life fund raising event. Volunteers from the OSCAR community will participate in this relay to raise funds for cancer research. Consider joining the team, showing up for support, or making a donation at the office. Cancer is a horrid disease that has affected most of us at some time either directly or indirectly. Please join the fight through supporting the OSCAR relay team.

And lastly, the Leadership Academy is on May 22nd. The community and this profession need strong leaders. If you feel you are up to the task, consider the Leadership Academy to help you maximize your leadership and business potential.

These are just a few opportunities to help your business and your community, and I hope to see you out there - growing your success, forging connections, and making Osceola County a great place to live.

magazine contact Published by Osceola County Association of Realtors®, 1105 Shady Lane, Kissimmee, FL 34744

advocates team

association Executive/editor: Carol Platt, CRB, e-Pro T 4078460117 E ae@osceola-realtors.com WEB MASTER: Chris Florence, CCIM, e-Pro webmaster@osceola-realtors.com COMMUNICATIONS: Nannette Cherry nan@osceola-realtors.com Membership SERVICES COORDINATOR: Eli Perez, e-Pro eli@osceola-realtors.com AE Assistant - professional development: Kim Wagar, e-Pro, AHWD kim@osceola-realtors.com AE ASSISTANT - EVENTS: Christina Barnhardt, e-Pro christina@osceola-realtors.com

SOCIAL MEDIA & MEMBERship SERVICES: Shane Maloy, shane@osceola-realtors.com

contributing writers Interested in contributing to our quarterly publication?! We would love to hear from you.

We require that all works be original, meaning written by you, and do not allow promotion of your business.

advertising

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES: Ally Vallecillo, e-Pro ACCOUNTS: Bob St. Gordon, e-Pro ally@osceola-realtors.com bob@osceola-realtors.com MEMBERSHIP SERVICES: Erin Sharman, e-Pro erin@osceola-realtors.com

distribution

Digital or printed media packs available on request.

The ReView is printed quarterly. To subscribe HEAD OF SALES: Chris Florence, CCIM, e-Pro contact our subscriptions team below. webmaster@osceola-realtors.com SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER: Nannette Cherry, e-Pro communications@osceola-realtors.com

www.Osceolarealtors.org

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OSCAR Announcements & Benefits

Veronica Malolos is new District 12 Vice President of Florida REALTORS

Veronica Malolos, managing broker, RE/MAX Premier Properties in Kissimmee, is the 2014 District 12 vice president of Florida Realtors®, the state’s largest professional association. Malolos will serve her fellow professionals in District 12, which encompasses Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties. She is a member of the Osceola County Association of Realtors®, Orlando Regional Realtor® Association and Central Florida Commercial Association of REALTORS®.

“Sales prices are increasing throughout our district due to low inventory, plus demand for owner-occupied second and vacation homes,” says Malolos, who is active in residential and commercial brokerage and property management.

“Strong demand combined with lack of inventory should continue to push prices higher in 2014.”

A leader in regional, state and national real estate organizations, Malolos is a former president of the Osceola association and has been the Osceola chapter secretary of the Women’s Council of Realtors®. She has been a leader in many state association forums and committees, and is on Florida Realtors’ board of directors. Malolos also has served on the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) housing opportunity committee. She is a member of the Osceola County Planning Commission and a member of the county’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee.

As District Vice President for the state association, Malolos will focus on delivering Florida REALTORS’ services and support to the area’s real estate professionals. “Our association is dedicated to upholding the high standards of our profession, while providing resources that help REALTORS® deliver excellent service to their clients,” she says.

Malolos believes that REALTORS® are key advocates for homeownership, while serving as leaders in civic and charitable organizations. “Since housing is a driving force in our economy, our members serve as the voice for real estate,” she says. “We help the leaders of our communities make sound decisions about housing, and strive every day to improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods.”

Veronica Malolos, new District 12 Vice President

Your Benefit With OSCAR As a member benefit, your listings are already being Syndicated to over 50 Real Estate market places, courtesy of your Association/MLS and the industry’s top syndication network, Point2. Point2 is bringing you complimentary webinars where you’ll learn how to: • • •

Drive more traffic to your website listings Gain more exposure for you and your business Increase the number of buyer and seller leads you receive

For upcoming webinars, go to: http://www.point2. com/support/webinars.html.

Why Choose OSCAR? “I got my real estate license 10 years ago, and I rejoined the association over a month ago. Basically I decided to join OSCAR because, traveling throughout the state of Florida and seeing different associations, I think when you come here you feel at home and feel safe as a real estate agent because it is very warm. And you get trained by professional people, at a one-on-one level, basically. You get good training, and I decided to join OSCAR. because it is a great assocation. For me, it is the best association in the country.“ - Oscar Morales

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OSCAR

2nd Quarter Association

Executive MESSAGE

2014

Our REALTORS® and our Community of Homeowners Matter!

MEDIA CONTACT: Carol Platt

Many people have seen our National Association of REALTORS® campaign messaging that begins with “Homeownership Matters!” It matters to people, to communities and to America. The Osceola County Association of REALTORS® has a long-standing commitment to defending homeownership. People living in and moving to our community have both financial and social reasons for owning their own home and OSCAR members spend much of their professional time advocating for homeowner rights.

We live here and our community is important to us. Studies show that home ownership has a significant positive impact on educational achievement, civic participation, health and overall quality of life in our community.

In conjunction with Florida REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®, we have defended the rights of homeowners since 1908, although locally, we formalized our coalition in 1924. We have driven public policy advocacy in such issues as the availability of affordable housing through the Sadowsky Act here in Florida and through viable Federal Home Administration lending nationally.

We continue to seek solid, stable and long-term National Flood Insurance.

Countless family homes have been restored here in Florida and, most recently, on Long Island because

PHONE: 407-846-0117

EMAIL: ae@osceola-realtors.com

“Studies show that home ownership has a significant positive impact on educational achievement, civic participation, health and overall quality of life in our community” of our efforts to cooperate and collaborate with elected officials to insure the existence, affordability and availability of flood insurance.

Home is where we make memories, build our future and feel comfortable and secure. REALTORS® are prepared to answer questions, show you options and guide you to that home that’s perfect for you and your family. REALTORS® love laying that cornerstone in the foundation of achieving the “American Dream.” We consider ourselves the official sponsor of the word “home!”

In our current economy, the combination of low interest rates for home buyers and the limited selection of homes for sale can make it the perfect time to change homes to accommodate a change in personal habits, lifestyle or revenue streams. REALTORS® have up-to-date information on the market

Association Executive, Carol Platt

conditions in our area, the available properties on the market, and can show you options that best fit your situation. Every market is different and OSCAR REALTORS® can easily be contacted from the member section of our website, www.OsceolaRealtors.org.

Our association is proud to serve our REALTORS® and Affiliate Business members in their success because we know that our members’ success will lead to great homes and good memories toward a positive environment and legacy within our community. The needs and the rights of Homeowners are important to our members, and our members are important to us!

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the other realtor

Is not the enemy

REALTORS® are increasingly reporting negotiations with other real estate agents that are filled with put-downs, personal attacks, hostility and generally rude behavior. There are a lot more REALTORS® wishing for the good old days when there was greater civility between real estate agents in negotiations. While the good old days were likely never as good as people remember them, major changes have taken place in our industry that have lead to more difficult negotiations between REALTORS®. These include the following:

HAVE THE RIGHT MINDSIGHT WHEN NEGOTIATING FOR A BUYER OR SELLER

• There are more negotiations by e-mail and telephone where real estate agents tend to be less polite to one another than they might otherwise be in face-to-face negotiations; • There are more negotiations between real estate agents who do not know one another leading to more agents not giving one another the benefit of the doubt on issues of credibility; • The relative bargaining positions of buyers and sellers has, because of market conditions, been more unequal than in the past leading to more win-lose negotiations and greater frustration on the part of the real estate agents trying to help their clients in such negotiations; • There is more frustration and impatience on the part of experienced agents with other agents who appear to lack basic training in contracts; and • The difficult economic times of the last 5 years or so has hardened some agents and made them less kind.

Regardless of the causes of the hostility, the trend is not a good one. Anger and hostility in real estate negotiations make for fewer successful real estate transactions. This means less money in the pockets of REALTORS® and a greater potential for litigation.

It doesn’t have to be that way. Negotiations can be friendly and positive and still achieve the client’s goals. In fact, the very best negotiators are the ones with whom you feel you have never really negotiated. This article will show REALTORS® how to start to become such a negotiator by focusing on four key points.

So, what should the role of a real estate agent be in a typical real estate negotiation? There are two different roles the agent should play. The first is that of a trusted advisor who: a) gives clients the information they need to be prepared for the negotiation and make smart decisions; and b) is a calm, rational counterweight to clients some of whom are stressed, are not thinking clearly or have unrealistic expectations when it comes to buying or selling homes.

Buying and selling a home can be an emotional, stressful time.

There is excitement but often anxiety about moving to a new home, a sense of loss in leaving an old home and fear of making a mistake in buying or selling a home (usually on price and the location of the home). Being the calm voice of reason and the source of accurate information helps give clients the confidence they need to get through the negotiation successfully. On the issue of clients having unrealistic expectations, REALTORS® regularly encounter sellers who think their houses are worth more than they are and buyers who think sellers will jump at low ball offers. The good real estate agents are the ones who are reality checks for their clients, educating them on the state of the market, the likely value of the properties they are negotiating to buy or sell, comparable home sales and how the negotiation game is generally played in the local market.

A negotiation should not be viewed as a battle. It does not require the agent to be harsh or ugly to the agent’s counterpart on the other side of the transaction. When the other agent is treated as an adversary, a channel of communication that would otherwise be open to pass information needed to get a deal done is lost. A potential ally becomes a possible enemy.

While REALTORS® need to advise clients and give them the information they need to be successful in the negotiation, it should

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always be remembered that it is the client’s negotiation. The client should decide what to offer and when and what to accept and not accept. REALTORS® should never substitute their goals for those of their clients or judge a potential transaction against any standard other than whether the client is satisfied or not with the deal.

The second role of a real estate agent is to be the client’s spokesperson. Astute clients recognize the value of having someone knowledgeable negotiate on their behalf. In negotiations over the purchase or sale of a home, there are sometimes difficult messages that must be communicated if one party or the other has unrealistic expectations. This is usually best done by the representatives of the client rather than face-to-face between the clients. As an aside, this is also why so few real estate transactions where neither party is represented by an agent actually get to the closing table (and the secret as to why real estate brokerage has a secure future). Having a real estate agent negotiate for a buyer or seller hopefully means that difficult messages are given and received by persons who are objective and detached and can thus communicate professionally with their clients and their counterparts on the other side of transactions in an effort to find common ground. Some REALTORS® are so worried they may reveal something that damages their client’s position, they end up saying nothing at all about their clients’ needs, wants, goals and preferences. Such agents are abdicating their roles and are essentially leaving their clients to negotiate in the dark. While the parties my eventually stumble upon a deal that is acceptable to them, it is usually because of luck rather the negotiation skills of the real estate agent representatives.

So, how should a REALTOR® go about negotiating with the other agent? To start with, REALTORS® should ask their clients if there is any information that they either do or do not want to be revealed. REALTORS® should be careful never to exceed the verbal authority given to them by their clients to negotiate on their behalf. However, REALTORS® should encourage their clients to reveal whether the client has special needs, such as a need to be in or out of a property by a particular date. This type of information generally goes to the heart of getting the deal done and thus, addressing the need outweighs whatever minor leverage the other party may gain in being told the information.

Real estate negotiators should also regularly ask the other agent to explain how his or her client came up with his or her offer. If the other agent tells you it is none of your business, or that they have no obligation to explain anything to you, nicely share with them that while they are right, it will be hard to find common ground without understanding where the other side is coming from.

If, on the other hand, the other agent provides accurate information to support a particular offer, thank the other agent for providing the information and share it with your client. It should be expected that the other agent will do his or her homework to understand the market to the same extent as you. If no explanation of the offer is forthcoming from the other agent, provide the other agent with those facts that causes your client not to view the offer favorably. Without ongoing dialogue regarding the respective positions of the parties and how they justify their positions, there will be little meaningful opportunity to find common ground.

HAVE REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS ABOUT CONFLICT. Knowing that emotions at work in buying and selling a home, REALTORS® should be prepared for conflict and the occasional emotional outburst by real estate agents on the other side of transactions. What does being prepared for conflict mean in this context? It largely means that agents should not be surprised when there are expressions of anger and emotion. The agent should not take such conflict personally (even when it is directed at the agent), and the agent should ignore it as much as humanly possible. Rather than tensing up when the conflict comes, REALTORS® should simply say to themselves, “OK, this is the part of the negotiation where the other agent uses anger to try to get their way. What can I learn from what is being said?” This is how a true professional acts. It is not the REALTOR®’s job to make the other agent a better or more polite person or to give as good as the REALTOR® got. In being realistic about conflict, REALTORS® must also accept that not all negotiations will be successful, other agents will not always be rational or reasonable and some agents will use anger and emotional outbursts as a way to try to intimidate a REALTOR® into doing what they want. Ignoring such outbursts is a sign of strength and shows the bully that their inappropriate tactics will not work.

When REALTORS® are having difficulty staying calm in the face of an angry onslaught, they should remind themselves that the angry or hostile agent is really not a particularly important person in their lives. The angry agent is not the REALTOR®’s spouse, not a loved one, not the REALTOR®‘s boss, not the REALTORS®‘s mother or father and not someone the REALTOR® will likely be having dinner with or over to your home in the future. The angry agent should be viewed as merely an obstacle to getting the deal done. When agents are angry or hostile, they often reveal information in a fit of anger that is best left unsaid. When a REALTOR® is detached and is listening carefully, they sometimes learn information that can potentially benefit their client. For example, let’s say that the REALTOR® hears something said in anger that contradicts something the agent said earlier. If the REALTOR® now realizes that the other agent was not being truthful, the REALTOR® now knows that the angry agent lacks credibility and other statements made by the agent should not be trusted. One final benefit of completely ignoring the other agent’s anger is that it will more than likely drive the other agent crazy. To get the maximum benefit from this approach, however, it is important for the REALTOR® not to show the least bit of frustration or annoyance with the other agent’s behavior or to respond in a patronizing manner. Look at the two exchanges below to get a better idea of how this works.

Angry Agent: Who wrote these special stipulations? I don’t understand half of them and my client is certainly not going to agree to some of the crazy things you are asking for.

Friendly Agent: If there is anything that you or your client don’t understand, I am glad to explain what my client intended. My client has already told me that she is also glad to consider any proposed changes to make the contract clearer. If the contract as written is unacceptable to your sellers, they can counter and my client will then decide what to do.

Angry Agent: This is your third counteroffer and we are no closer to getting a deal done than we were a week ago. My clients are starting to get insulted by these lowball offers. If your clients

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want this house, they need to make a realistic offer. Haven’t you educated your buyers that this is a seller’s market?

Friendly Agent: Our clients are pretty far apart and they may not be able to bridge the gap. I’d like nothing more than for them to come to an agreement. But here is the problem my client is having. They have reviewed the comparables, particularly the one on Ivy Lane and based on the comparables, they feel they are offering market price for your client’s property.

While REALTORS® cannot control how others act, they can control how they act. Remaining positive and in control is a sign of confidence and power. The REALTOR® is saying that he or she will not be intimidated or bullied by the other agent’s anger and hostility. However, for the strategy to work, the friendly agent must truly not take the bait and speak like they are having a chat with a good friend.

NEGOTIATE THROUGH THE VOICE OF YOUR CLIENT. There is a tremendous difference in telling another agent why you think their client’s offer is unrealistic versus telling the agent why your client thinks the offer is unrealistic. With the first communication, the REALTOR®’s judgment is what is at issue and the REALTOR® becomes the lightning rod for being criticized and attacked. When REALTORS® preface their remarks with phrases like, “Here is how my client is looking at it”, “My client believes . . .” or “Here is the problem my client is having”, the focus shifts to the client and away from the REALTOR®. This allows the REALTOR® to be more of a mediator trying to help find some common ground between parties who do not yet see eye to eye. While the other agent may well think that your client is unrealistic, this is not something that will usually surprise or upset the other agent and in fact this is how some agents will already likely perceive the other agent’s client.

The goal of speaking through the voice of the REALTOR®’s client is to help convince the other agent that it is the client’s negotiation, not the REALTOR®’s. Even if the REALTOR® is coaching your client at every step along the way, the other agent should believe that the client is calling the shots.

In this vein, a REALTOR® should never say something like, “I’m not going to recommend that my client accept your offer.” When the REALTOR® is seen as controlling the outcome of the negotiation he or she again becomes the focus of everything negative that happens in the negotiation. If a party does not make a reasonable counteroffer, it is now because the REALTOR® controlled the situation. On the other hand, when a REALTOR® is viewed as having little control over the client, the REALTOR® can use this to his or her advantage. Articulating this to the other agent will on occasion cause him or her to view the REALTOR® sympathetically. It can actually open the door for the two agents to discuss any number of creative approaches to get the deal done. The two agents are now on the same team of sorts working together to get the transaction done. Of course, the agent who is the great negotiator should still be suggesting solutions that achieve the client’s goals.

ESTABLISH CREDIBILITY ABOVE ALL ELSE. Think for a minute about how you reacted when another agent told you something like, “I just want you to know that a very good offer is supposed to be coming in tomorrow. If your buyers want this house, now is the time for them to put their best offer on the table.” Did you believe what you were being told? Now, before you answer that question, think how your perception of the other agent’s credibility affects whether you believe what you are being

told. If you believe the other agent is being credible, you will likely tell your positive and in client that the other agent has generally been truthful in the past and encourage them to put their best offer on the table sign of confidence if they want the house. On the other hand, if you think the other agent is lying to get a better price, you will likely tell your client that the other agent does not have the best of reputations for telling the truth. While you should let your client make the decision, your expression of doubt as to the other agent’s credibility, will likely cause your client to take the statement with a grain of salt. In other words, the outcome of the negotiation can be completely altered based upon your perception of the credibility of the other agent. This underscores just how important being viewed as credible is to being a good negotiator and how your reputation for being credible can make or break you with your peers.

Remaining control is a

and power.

How can a REALTOR® establish credibility with another other agent? If the other agent is someone the REALTOR® knows and has worked with, it has likely already been established (for better or for worse). If it is an agent with whom the REALTOR® has never worked before, there are several things the REALTOR® can do to establish credibility.

First, REALTORS® should consider telling the other agent both some good and not so good things about the property. Now, while this might seem like minor madness, there is actually some method to the madness. When an agent only focuses on the good things, others tend to view the agent as not necessarily being either objective or credible. However, sharing both good and bad facts sends a message that the REALTOR® is are both fair and objective. The trick is to learn not to share negative information that will damage your client’s negotiating position (such as my sellers are getting a divorce) and that the other side will likely discover anyway. So, for example, let’s say that the listing agent tells the selling agent that the house once had termites but the seller had the property thoroughly treated and corrected all of the damage.

The listing agent has likely just told the other side something they would have found out anyway. The information will not likely have a material effect on the transaction. However, by doing so, the agent has likely established some credibility with the other agent. This will make it more likely that the other agent will believe the REALTOR® when other news or information is transmitted.

Credibility is also established by being helpful and friendly and by doing the things the REALTOR® says he or she is going to do. If the REALTOR® says he or she will have a counteroffer or further information to the other agent by the next day, make sure it is there by the next day or call to explain why it will not be there. Sending a message that you are dependable and can be counted on makes people believe you are credible.

CONCLUSION There are many different strategies to being a successful real estate negotiator. Almost all of them involve the use of the four basic principles set forth in this article. Being hostile and angry is not part of any strategy that tends to work for any length of time.

For the good of our industry, REALTORS® need to take the lead in finding more positive ways to negotiate Seth G. Weissman is GAR’s general counsel, an attorney at Weissman, Nowack, Curry & Wilco, P.C. and a Professor of the Practice of City Planning in the College of Architecture at Georgia Tech.

Reprinted with permission from Georgia REALTOR magazine, November/December 2013

Marketing Tips

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GETTING TO THE FIRST PAGE ON

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Florence

BLOG: abrandaid.com/blog-marketing-strategies

Ranking of sites by Google is determined by various factors. Sites position themselves with the provision of helpful and accurate search results to end-users.

Ranking helps search engine owners identify the frequency of their use by end users. Getting to the first page on Google isn’t impossible but it does take some work.

Local Search Ranking Local search ranking ranks all the site and search engines that offer information on a more specific regional area. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is one of the biggest decision to make for a site. They can either improve the site or gradually bring it down as they are responsible for the content and ease of identifying keywords. Local search ranking is more specific on the factors considered in order to rank websites.

General Search Ranking General search ranking is broader and looks at a given aspect from a broader perspective. It is not limited to one given factor which allows it to rank search engines as well. For example, a Google search results page includes organic search results for websites on the search criteria as well as Google Ads that match the same criteria.

Search Engine Optimization providers offer a vital service to website owners in the following ways: • Review and structure of the website • Content development • Keyword research.

• Expertise in specific markets and geographical regions.

EMAIL: chris@abrandaid.com

These factors when well executed bring out the best in a given website allowing the owner to have the much needed content and the end-user can easily find relevant content from their individual needs. When end-users are searching for content, it is likely that they will select what is listed at the top of the search results. This makes it very important for a website owner to be listed on the first page of the search results in their niche.

In order to keep your ranks high, here are some important SEO tips that will ensure your content is ranked above others: Ensure that your titles are catchy and the descriptions are clear and straight to the point.

• • •

• • • •

The URL links should be optimized.

The descriptions should also be short and unique.

Ensure that you always have current and updated content. With the release of Google+ search strategy, website owners should ensure they have fresh content.

Reduce clutter in your content. Quality should be key, not quantity.

Links included should be relevant to the page content and sharing these links should be made easy for easy reference.

Use social media sharing to easily promote the site’s content.

Last but not least, content on a web page should be relevant and interesting to keep the end-user on the site.

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events THIS apr/may/jun

SEMINAR

REGISTRATION CONTACT Kim Wagar

EMAIL aeassistant@ osceola-realtors.com

APRIL 1ST

APRIL 21ST

MLS Learn & Earn

Toastmasters

TIME: 9:00AM - 10:00AM

TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM APRIL 22ND

The REALTORS® Essential Technology Toolbox 4CE’s TIME: 9:00AM - 1:00PM

INSTRUCTOR: Craig Grant COST: Free for Members APRIL 3RD

MLS FIND Seminar TIME: 9:00AM - 11:00AM APRIL 7TH

MLS TBA Toastmasters

$35 for Non-Members

Going Totally Paperless

No CE’s TIME: 2:00PM - 3:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Craig Grant COST: Free for Members

Risk Management 3CE’s TIME: 9:00AM - 12:30PM

INSTRUCTOR: Hemendra Thakker

4CE’s TIME: 9:00AM - 1:00PM

APRIL 29TH

INSTRUCTOR: Chuck Bonamer

MLS Matrix Training

COST: Free for Members $35 for Non-Members

TIME: TBA

MAY 12TH

APRIL 30TH

Toastmasters

Choosing & Writing a Successful Contract

TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM MAY 13TH

USDA 101 3CE’s TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM

$35 for Non-Members

So You Want to Be a Broker? (iCE)

COST: Free for Members

3 CE’s TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM

INSTRUCTOR: Jane Fairall

MLS Compliance 101

APRIL 25TH

TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM

Technology Lab Day TIME: 9:00AM - 4:00PM

TIME: 3:00PM - 4:30PM

APRIL 28TH

APRIL 14TH

New Member Welcome

Office will be closed on 4/18 and 5/26

Body Language & Negotiation Skills

INSTRUCTOR: Cynthia DeLuca

$35 for Non-Members

TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM

MAY 7TH

APRIL 24TH

MLS Basic

Toastmasters

TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM

Unless otherwise noted

INSTRUCTOR: Sean Stephens

COST: Free for Members

MLS Adding & Modifying Listings

Toastmasters

407.846.0117

7 CE’s TIME: 8:30AM - 4:30PM

APRIL 9TH

TIME: 1:00PM - 2:30PM

No CE’s TIME: 1:00PM - 4:00PM

CALL

$35 for Non-Members

TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM APRIL 8TH

New Member Ethics & Quadrennial Code of Ethics Video

TIME: 9:00AM - 12:30PM

$129 for Non-Members MAY 5TH

MLS Basic

COST: Free for Members

MAY 14TH

MLS Matrix Training TBA

TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM

MAY 19TH

MLS Compliance 101

MLS TBA Toastmasters

TIME: 1:00PM - 2:30PM

MLS Adding & Modifying Listings TIME: 3:00PM - 4:30PM

Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM MAY 6TH

MLS Learn & Earn TIME: 9:00AM - 10:00AM

TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM MAY 20TH

Demystifying the Appraisal Process 3 CE’s TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Pat Reass COST: Free for Members $35 for Non-Members Classes are free to members unless otherwise noted.

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Preparing & Navigating the Listing Contract 4 CE’s TIME: 1:00PM - 5:00PM

INSTRUCTOR: Cynthia DeLuca COST: Free for Members $35 for Non-Members MAY 21ST

Run a Successful Realty Website 3 CE’s TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM

INSTRUCTOR: Craig Grant COST: Free for Members $35 for Non-Members

JUNE 2ND

Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM JUNE 3RD

MLS Learn & Earn TIME: 9:00AM - 10:00AM

MLS Classes TBA

$129 for Non-Members JUNE 23RD

JUNE 5TH

Complete Credit & Credit RepairGuide 3 CE’s TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM

INSTRUCTOR: Grant Simon $35 for Non-Members

Leadership Academy (L300) TIME: 1:00PM - 4:00PM

INSTRUCTOR: Melynn Sight COST: Free for Members

TIME: 8:30AM - 4:30PM COST: Free to Members

Leadership Academy (L200) COST: Free for Members

7 CE’s INSTRUCTOR: Steven David

COST: Free for Members

INSTRUCTOR: Melynn Sight

Choosing & Writing a Successful Contract

JUNE 4TH

MAY 22ND

TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM

JUNE 18TH

JUNE 9TH

New Member Welcome TIME: 9:00AM - 12:30PM

New Member Ethics & Quadrennial Code of Ethics Video

MAY 28TH

No CE’s TIME: 1:00PM - 4:00PM

MLS Matrix TBA

Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM JUNE 16TH

MLS Basic

TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM

Toastmasters

CAN’T FIND AN EVENT YOU WISH TO ATTEND?

TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM JUNE 24TH

MLS Matrix Training JUNE 26TH

MLS Matrix Training JUNE 30TH

Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM

Your REALTOR® Advocates work hard at providing you with the most up to date info going on here at the association. We are still human and may miss something so, if you can’t find information that you need, let us know. We welcome your encouraging input.

MLS Compliance 101 TIME: 1:00PM - 2:30PM

MLS Adding & Modifying Listings TIME: 3:00PM - 4:30PM MAY 29TH

At Home With Diversity (AHWD) 7 CE’s TIME: 8:30AM - 5:00PM INSTRUCTOR: David Wyant COST: $99 Lunch Included

Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM

Email: Communications @osceolarealtors.com

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Tax Info

do you qualify

for innocent spouse relief? and how to apply for it.

MEDIA CONTACT: Peter Pappas

EMAIL: ppappas@pappaslaw.com

When you sign a joint tax return with your spouse you are jointly and severally liable for the tax, penalty and interest shown due on the return and for any assessments arising from a later audit of that return.

In certain clearly defined cases, a spouse can get relief from this joint and several liability.

There are two types of relief available to so called “innocent” spouses: 1.

2.

Innocent Spouse Relief; and Equitable Relief

Warning: There are time limits within which a request for relief must be filed, therefore, it is critical that you seek the advice of competent tax counsel immediately upon your first receipt of an IRS notice or letter.

Innocent Spouse Relief If the joint liability is attributable to an incorrect tax return item (a wrongful deduction or unreported income) of one spouse, the other spouse might qualify for innocent spouse relief.

There are two basic requirements of Innocent Spouse Relief: 1.

The underpayment is attributable to an erroneous item of your spouse; and 2. You did not know or should not have been held to reasonably know that there was an underpayment.

If there was a tax liability shown due on the return when you signed it, you do not qualify for Innocent Spouse Relief because that means you knew or should have known about the underpayment.

Also, in cases where your spouse failed to report all of his income, you will be charged with having known about the under-reporting if your standard of living greatly exceeded the amount of income actually reported on the return.

WEB: www.pappastax.com

In other words, if your spouse is saying he only made $50,000 and he bought you a 5 karat, flawless diamond brooch and a Porsche, you aren’t going to qualify for this form of relief.

Equitable Relief If you don’t qualify for Innocent Spouse Relief, you may be eligible for Equitable Relief.

Equitable relief will be granted when “taking into account all the facts and circumstances, it is inequitable to hold [the taxpayer] liable for the deficiency in tax.”

IRS Rev. Proc. 2000-15, Section 4.02, states that Equitable Relief will be granted when the following facts exist: 1.

At the time relief is requested, the requesting spouse is no longer married to, or is legally separated from, the non-requesting spouse, or has not been a member of the same household as the non-requesting spouse at any time during the 12 month period ending on the date relief was requested; 2. At the time the return was signed, the requesting spouse had no knowledge or reason to know that the tax would not be paid. The requesting spouse must establish that it was reasonable for the requesting spouse to believe that the non-requesting spouse would pay the reported liability; and 3. The requesting spouse will suffer economic hardship if relief is not granted.

Applying for Innocent Spouse Relief or Equitable Relief To obtain Innocent Spouse Relief or Equitable Relief you must affirmatively apply for it. You do so by filing Form 8857, Request for Innocent Spouse Relief, with the appropriate IRS office. Supporting documentation and an analysis of case law should always be included with the Form 8857.

beware

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of tax scams

MEDIA CONTACT: Peter Pappas

EMAIL: ppappas@pappaslaw.com

There are many so-called tax resolution firms out there that will promise anything to get you to part with your money. You’ve probably seen them hawking their wares on late night infomercials telling you they can get the IRS to accept pennies on the dollar in settlement of your tax debt.

If you have been approached by one of these outfits (and you will be), don’t hire them if they have done any one of the following: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Sent you an unsolicited mailer - These bottomfeeders scour the public records for the names and addresses of people who have had a tax lien filed against them. They then send a letter, the purpose of which is to either frighten you into hiring them or persuade you that they can easily resolve your tax problem. It is a violation of the Florida bar rules for a lawyer to send you a written solicitation for your business.

Given you a guarantee - It is illegal for a tax attorney, CPA or IRS Enrolled Agent to guarantee that you will get a certain result. People who do make these guarantees are doing so for the sole purpose of getting you to pay them. They are lying and you should never hire a liar to be your tax representative (they probably also have lied about their qualifications too).

Rendered an immediate opinion - Anyone who renders an opinion on your case before asking detailed questions about the nature and circumstances of your tax liability and your financial condition is a con man. Don’t trust them and never, ever give them any of your money. You’ll be sorry and end up having to hire a qualified tax advisor to correct the mess they made.

Tried to frighten you - Anyone who tells you that if you don’t immediately hire them, the IRS will arrest you or initiate a criminal prosecution against you is probably lying through his teeth. He or she knows that the more scared you are, the more likely it is that you will pay them. Don’t fall for this. A reputable tax advisor will tell you the truth about your tax situation, but will never tell you that if you don’t pay them you’ll go to jail.

Failed to maintain a local office where the work is actually performed –- Most of these national tax outfits use commissioned salesmen to try to coax you into hiring them. These people are not qualified tax representatives. Their only goal is to make the sale. In other words, you cannot trust what they tell you. This is why tax lawyers and CPAs are not permitted

WEB: www.pappastax.

to share fees with non-lawyers and non-CPAs, just as doctors are not permitted to pay non-doctors commissions for soliciting patients. Only an experienced tax lawyer or CPA can tell you whether or not you need representation and whether or not there is a viable legal solution to your tax problem.

It is illegal for

a tax attorney, CPA,

Or IRS Agent to

guarantee that you

will get a certain

result

The Lies - Is that 1 penny on the dollar or 99 pennies on the dollar? Whatever it is, don’t believe them. They are used car salesmen who cynically hope that you are naïve enough to believe their pie-in-the sky promises and give them your hard-earned cash. Once you pay these snakeoil salesmen their optimism about resolving your tax problems ceases. It is immediately replaced by statements about how they can’t resolve your problem unless you give them this or that document or take this or that action. Eventually, after their repeated requests for additional documentation, you become exhausted and realize that you are getting nowhere with them. In the end, they have your money and you still have a tax problem that’s even worse because of the additional accruals of interest and penalties. And if you wanted to sue them – which you probably don’t have the money to do, anyway - you have to go to another state to do so.

The Truth…- The truth is that no reputable, experienced tax professional will ever render a legal opinion about your tax problem without first gaining a thorough understanding of your predicament and doing a detailed analysis of your financial situation. IRS Settlements are very difficult to get and nobody, regardless of his or her experience in tax law, can tell you whether or not you will get one. An honest tax professional will tell you the truth about offers in compromises and ask for detailed financial information from you before predicting your chances of success.

Our Advice…Don’t trust anyone who tells you he can resolve your tax problem unless and until he has asked for your financial information and taken a sufficient amount of time to analyze it. If he’s making promises and giving assurances without first seeing this information, he is either incompetent or lying or both. We do not suggest that we are the only reputable and honest tax firm out there, only that we are one of the very few. Every year several dozens of taxpayers hire us after having hired an unscrupulous tax resolution company. We know how these con men operate and we want to protect you.

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Networking Events

Welcome to Latin South St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours Event

April 16th, 2014

5:30pm - 7:30pm

Location: Osceola County Association of REALTORS速 1105 Shady Ln, Kissimee, FL 34744

! ! s r a i e r e g B n & a s S t Boo ilettos & St Come mingle with other local professionals over fun, food, and drinks. Bring your business cards to enter one of our gift card drawings

Food provided by Texas Cattle Co.

THE LIFE

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PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS CASE MEDIA CONTACT: Bob St. Gordon

PHONE: 407-846-0117

The Professional Standards Administrator has an exacting and detailed responsibility for each and every professional standards matter. I have been involved in many such matters over the years, and each and every case seems to evolve into a unique set of circumstances due to the personalities and circumstances involved. As a result, each and every Professional Standards matter must be dealt with great care. The role of the Professional Standards Administrator is to provide an administrative channel for the appropriate parties to carry out their respective roles and functions as they relate to a Professional Standards issue. This involves contact and correspondence with the Complainant, Respondent, Association Attorney, Party’s Attorneys, Witnesses, Grievance, Mediation, Professional Standards Committees, Association Executive, Board President, and Board of Directors. The Professional Standards Administrator receives and distributes all related correspondence such as ethics complaints or arbitration requests from receipt to conclusion to the appropriate parties and committees. The Professional Standards Administrator is responsible for all records and recordings relating to such matters. The Professional Standards Administrator gives advice regarding appropriate and required procedures, and coordinates all meetings and hearings. The Professional Standards Administrator does not make determinations nor express an opinion regarding the decisions or outcome of such matters.

Based on my experience, and it has been quite the experience, it generally takes between four and nine months for a Professional Standards case to run its course. The timing of a case depends, in part, on the complexity of the case.

Additionally, the process is designed to ensure a fair outcome for both parties. This includes receiving a written ethics complaint or arbitration request, requesting and distributing a response, and review by the Grievance Committee. If the case is undergoing legal proceedings, it is put into abeyance (frozen) until such legal proceedings are completed. The Grievance Committee can amend, and/or forward to hearing, or dismiss the case. If the Grievance Committee amends or dismisses a case, the parties then have the right to appeal the Grievance Committee decision to the President/Board of Directors. If the Grievance Committee decision is appealed, we then have an Appeal Hearing before the Board of Directors or special Committee delegated by the President. If the case is forwarded for hearing, we must select a hearing panel and the parties then have the right to challenge the hearing panelist. If a panelist is successfully challenged, then we go back to panel selection. If a case is going to hearing, we then attempt to establish a hearing date which is practically an Act of Congress itself. We must establish a mutual date for both parties involved, hearing panelists, attorneys and witnesses, while considering staff and room availability. We then provide the notice of hearing procedures and the date of hearing. At this time we also request that all parties involved are provided with a list of witnesses and attorneys who will attend. After a hearing date is set, a continuance or postponement may be granted by the Panel Chairperson under extenuating circumstances. At hearing, both parties and witnesses give testimony, in many cases under the guidance and scrutiny of attorneys. Both parties and/or attorneys also have a right to cross examine each person giving testimony. After both parties are satisfied that they have had ample opportunity to give their side of the story, the hearing panelist go into executive session and make a decision. Most hearings take between four hours to all day. The hearing panel decision is then reviewed by our Association Attorney, signed by the hearing panelist, and sent to both parties. Both parties then have a right to appeal the hearing panel decision to the President/Board of Directors. If appealed, then we have an appeal hearing. If there is no appeal within the allowed timeframes, the hearing panel’s decision for Arbitration becomes final. The hearing panel’s decision regarding an ethics complaint does not become final until after the appeal process is completed

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EMAIL: accounts@osceola-realtors.com

and until formal review and approval by the Board of Directors.

If an Osceola REALTOR® member has been found to violate the code of ethics, they are automatically assessed an administrative fee of $250 and can be fined up to an additional $15,000. The hearing panel can also require education, write a letter of reprimand, and/or suspend membership. Arbitration issues usually occur as a result of a dispute regarding entitlement to compensation in a real estate transaction. A deposit of up to $500 is required for arbitration from each party and can be retained by the hearing panel to help defray Association Attorney and other costs involved. In most arbitration cases, there is usually a 100% award of the commission in dispute by the Hearing Panel to only one party. The other party usually gets nothing.

Mediation is a fantastic and less formal alternative to Arbitration.

Mediation can be accomplished as soon as both parties voluntarily agree to a Mediator and when to mediate. In mediation, both parties get together with one Mediator to try and come to a friendly resolution. Both parties can agree to split the commission disputed in any way or percentage they mutually feel is fair. And if mediation does not result in a mutual agreement, both parties can then go back to the arbitration process. Any matters previously discussed or offered during Mediation are not allowed in the arbitration hearing.

After arbitration or successful mediation, if the party in question does not pay, the prevailing party’s recourse is court and/or to file a non-payment of commission complaint with the Florida Real Estate Commission. Once an arbitration award or mediation agreement is finalized, these documents are more than likely to be upheld by the court system and the prevailing party is usually awarded legal costs in addition to the amount in dispute. And the Florida Real Estate Commission can suspend or revoke a Brokers real estate license for failure to pay a commission.

The number one complaint I hear on almost a daily basis is: “the Realtor and/or Broker in question is not responding to my phone calls, faxes, or emails and I can’t get resolution of my issue”. If a person cannot communicate or resolve their complaint directly with the Realtor and/or Broker, then their only other recourse is to file a complaint with the Association, Florida Real Estate Commission, Multiple Listing Service, and/or go to court. Once a complaint is filed, the Realtor(s) in question can be required by any and/or all of these organizations to respond to the complaint. And as you can imagine, this can involve lawyers, become very expensive, stressful, and time consuming.

I have seen all too often that many difficulties between real estate professionals and/or the public result from misunderstanding, miscommunication, or lack of adequate communication. If you have a problem with a fellow REALTOR® or member of the public, you may want to speak with them and/or the broker of the firm. Open, constructive discussion often resolves the issue(s), eliminating the need for further action. If the issue cannot be resolved in such a manner, then the unsatisfied party has the right to file against a REALTOR® an ethics complaint and/or request for mediation/arbitration.

The life of a Professional Standards case is a lengthy and complex set of processes designed to ensure fairness to all parties. The length of each case depends in part, on how quickly and/or adequately the parties involved respond to the process.

Additionally, the degree of preparation of the parties involved will also play a key role in the timing and conclusion of the case.

Such preparation will also greatly enhance the likelihood of that party’s success.

Should you have any questions regarding Professional Standards, please feel free to contact me or go on our website at OsceolaRealtors.org, under “Downloads” then “Professional Standards”. You can also obtain additional information on the Florida and National Association of REALTORS’® websites.

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Major Donor & Investor Reception & Casino Night Shane Platt and Olga Costano at the Black Jack table

OSCAR member, Lisa Bennett rolls the dice as Patricia DeNike and Cameron Foster look on.

Laurie Varner, Carol Platt, Veronica Malolos, and Courtney Barnard

RPAC Chair Veronica Malolos and OSCAR President Daisy Cid present Edee Rosado with her hard- won basket. What’s in that basket, Edee?

RPAC Chair Veronica Malolos poses with Nick Nichols and Linda Goodwin Member Advocates Eli Perez, Ally Vallecillo, Christina Barnhardt, and Kim Wagar smile for the camera Above: Daisy Cid and Renee Clark peruse the many gift basket options Right: Guest, Lori Solomon holds up her gift basket.

Photos Courtesy of Wild Palms Productions

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Thank You

RPAC Donors!

2014 RPAC Awards Statesman $500 Joe LaRosa Kelly Freeman Lori Solomon Kim Wagar Donald Shearer

Statesman $250 Desiree Burgos Renee Clark Danny Hernandez Stephen Langham Nick Nichols Angel Ortiz Kelly Yerkes Leslie Zimmerly

$99 Club Members Ana Atkins Pablo Campos Olga Castano Becky Chirillo Nigel Crosbie Karen Dierickx Luis Figueroa Sue Foels Kim Goodwin Kevin Graves Susie Graves Ronald Hand Ana Hernandez Scott Johnson Sara Near Govind Pailoor Marilyn Phelps (Gold Sustaining 2013 Disk) Edee Rosado Denise Sacks John Smoley Bob St. Gordon Gladys Thayer James Williams

Welcome,

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New Members!

March’s new members

@ the Spring home show...

OSCAR’s booth at the Orlando Spring Home Show

OSCAR Winners’ Corner

Congratulations to Wanda Linscott for winning February’s RT Surface drawing!

And Congratulations to Jenny Jimenez De Landaeta who won a $50 Visa Gift card for entering in our text message sign up giveaway. If you would like to sign up for text alerts from us, text OSCARREALTOR to number 77948

View from the OSCAR booth at the Orlando Spring Home Show in March

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Global News

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successful practices with canadian customers MEDIA CONTACT: Shelley Freeman

PHONE: 407-392-4616

Many Americans make the mistake of thinking Canada and America have a similar culture, both in home life and business, however this is not the case. Not only is this belief offensive to Canadians, but it also ignores important differences in the business culture of both countries. All International business professionals must take the time to compare, observe and learn the Canadian and American approaches to doing business to avoid behavior that may be viewed as inappropriate or impolite and pave the way to business success.

About Canada Canada is the second largest country in the world and is acclaimed as one of the wealthiest nations of the world.

It has a high per capita income and is one of the world’s ten top trading countries. Canada is one of the largest suppliers of agricultural products. It is a chief exporter of energy. It is also the largest producer of zinc and uranium in the world.

Canadian Culture Canada is often characterized as being very progressive, diverse, multicultural and bilingual country.

Canadians have a strong sense of national identity and in many ways identify more with European, specifically British and French, political and social ideology than with the US, creating subtle cultural challenges for global travelers.

Canada’s culture draws influences from its broad range of constituent nationalities, and policies that promote a just society that is constitutionally protected. Canadian Government policies - such as publicly funded health care; higher and more progressive taxation; outlawing capital punishment; strong efforts to eliminate poverty; an emphasis on cultural diversity; strict gun control; and most recently, legalizing same-sex marriage – are social indicators of Canada’s political and cultural values Canada adopted the metric system for most measurements in the 1970s. Canadians refer to distances in meters and kilometers and temperature in Celsius

Canadian Corporate Culture •

Canada’s corporate culture closely resembles

EMAIL: shelley@frontlinefloridarealty.com

that of other Western societies like the United States.

However, because Canada includes both Englishspeaking and French-speaking regions, there are variances in the way people do business, owing to the differing cultural influences.

• In general, visitors can expect to be welcomed into Canada’s business culture, which is diverse and moving toward a more casual way of interacting and conducting business. Canadian corporate culture is highly collaborative, and people at all levels of an organization work together.

• People from the Atlantic Provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland) tend to be a bit more reserved and provincial.

• Ontario is Canada’s business hub, and its inhabitants are generally businesslike and conservative.

• Western Canada (Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan) tends to be open, friendly and relaxed.

• British Columbia can be thought of as being somewhat unconventional, and often is touted as the future of the nation.

• Quebec’s people have a proud French cultural identity, and tend to be highly independent.

• People from the north retain a strong pioneer spirit.

Greetings/First Meetings: • When meeting business partners for the first time, whether it be a man or a women, Canadians expect a firm handshake with direct eye contact and a genuine smile. Hugging business partners is only acceptable when both parties know each other well.

• Address your business partner as “Mr.” or “Ms.” followed by the person’s last name. He will generally invite you to call him by his first name.

• Canadian business people like to interact on a first-name basis as quickly as possible, so while it’s wise to initially refer to someone by Mr. or Ms., expect to greet each other by first name after the first meeting or two • French Canadians tend to be more formal, reserving first names for family and close friends however, they greet each other with a kiss lightly on both cheeks, first left then right.

• Professional titles, such as Vice-President, are rarely used during face-to-face interaction, and are even considered pretentious.

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“Passionate confrontation may take the more reserved Canadians aback. If you come from a more direct culture, you may wish to soften your demeanor and tone so as not to appear threatening.”

• Presenting business cards is expected, and it’s helpful to have business cards in both English and French. Take a moment to review the card before putting it in your case.

Body Language • Canadians are, generally, reserved in their body language.

• They do not use grand hand or arm gestures, but will tend to emphasize points with more subtle gestures.

• Avoid the “V” for victory and the “thumbs-down” gestures.– These are highly offensive.

• Use your entire hand to point, not just your finger.

• Canadians also prefer to maintain a certain amount of personal space when speaking to someone and will stand at arm’s length from others.

• French-speaking Canadians are more inclined to use grander gestures and tend to need less distance from others when it comes to personal space.

Politeness • When making a request of someone in Canada, be sure to say “please,” followed by “thank you” when the person complies.

• The same goes for asking for directions or for permission to do something (such as asking if it is all right to step outside to take a phone call).

• Failure to do so may be interpreted as brash or rude behavior. An apology will go a long way with Canadians, so if you have made a mistake and are aware of it, do apologize.

• Do not compare Canada to the U.S - this is considered impolite.

Communication: The divergent communication styles make Canadian and American business meetings very different.

• After the initial contact, communication similarities end. Americans prefer blunt speech. Tactfulness is seen as wasting time. Canadians take a more indirect, subtle approach and use a self-deprecating humor that Americans might misinterpret.

• Americans pride themselves on their egalitarian, more direct culture, and everyone is encouraged to speak up and disagree with higher-ups. Passionate confrontation may take the more reserved Canadians aback. If you come from a more direct culture, you may wish to soften your demeanor and tone so as not to appear threatening.

• Canadians, on the other hand, conduct more-reserved business meetings, where communication is moderately indirect. Expansive gestures are

discouraged. Meetings tend to seek harmony and consensus, and disagreement is always respectful.

Everyone expects to take her turn to speak, and interruptions are seen as rude.

• Although most Canadians can disagree, they prefer to do so with tact and diplomacy. They prefer to maintain an understated demeanor. Canadians enjoy debating issues. Being able to argue your position with informed opinion will help you gain respect.

• Making eye contact during conversation adds to the credibility of the communication. Sustained eye contact throughout a conversation is expected.

• Their communication style is pragmatic and relies on common sense rather than aggression.

• Making eye contact during conversation adds to the credibility of the communication. Sustained eye contact throughout a conversation is expected.

Business Meetings: • Canadians are punctual and will expect the same of their guests.

• Canadians also value politeness, and during meetings and conversations, will often avoid topics that might offend the other people • Most Canadians prefer business meetings to be concise, with a minimal amount of small talk. However, there may be more time spent on relationship-building by the French speaking people. Where are meeting requires negotiating, Canadians prefer to prefer to take negotiating business discussions slowly.

• Meetings are generally well-organized and adhere to time schedules.

• Agendas may be distributed in advance so that the participants are prepared to discuss the subjects under review.

• Meetings are generally informal and relaxed in manner, even when the subjects being discussed are serious.

• Meeting with Anglophones are more democratic.

Meetings with Francophones may include less involvement of lower level employees.

• They also prize fairness and equality, and during negotiations, will seek a solution that benefits all parties • When presenting information, it is important to have facts and figures to substantiate claims and promises.

• Feelings are not considered important in business. It is better to state information with the words “I think” rather than “I feel”.

• Meetings will usually end with a summary and a plan of action for the participants to execute. A meeting is only considered successful if a set of actionable items or

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decisions are agreed upon.

Negotiating • Personal relationships are not required to conduct business.

• Communication is generally direct. Canadians have no difficulty saying “no”.

• Canadians like to take negotiating business discussions slowly • Maintain direct eye contact while speaking.

• Avoid confrontational behavior or high-pressure tactics.

• Do not show emotion or argue on the basis of feelings.

• The pace of decision-making is often determined by the organization and individuals involved.

• Strive to create compromises.

• French Canadians will carefully analyze every detail of a proposal, regardless of how minute.

• Demonstrate a desire for a long-term business relationship.

• Excessive praise is viewed with suspicion, and a low-key, easygoing approach to negotiations is much more effective

Business Dinners • During a business dinner, do not discuss business until your host has broached the subject.

• Canadians do not as a rule discuss business during the meal, but wait until after the meal is finished to begin such discussions.

• During a meal, you will be expected to engage in light, social conversation.

• Canadians generally do not discuss controversial topics with people they do not know well, and even more rarely do they do so in a business environment - so avoid topics related to politics or religion

Taxes • The big concern for Canadians looking to buy real estate in the United States is estate taxes south of the border.

• Even if you’re a resident in Canada and not a U.S. citizen, you could be liable for U.S. estate tax on any U.S. assets that you own at the time of your death – and U.S. real estate is a notable problem because the U.S. estate tax liability can be significant without proper planning.

• U.S. real estate can also give rise to a gift tax problem in that country if you make a gift of a U.S. property to someone during your lifetime.

• All of this means that a visit to a tax pro to structure your ownership properly will be important. When you make that visit, have a conversation about the following tips and traps:

The Strategies Avoid using a corporation.

• Prior to 2005, many Canadians held their U.S.

real estate in a Canadian corporation – often called a “single purpose corporation.”

• A corporation business dinner doesn’t die, of course, so there’d be no U.S. estate business until your tax levied on the property host has broached when the shareholder of the corporation died.

• For Canadian tax purposes, the taxman used to allow these corporations to exist without assessing a taxable benefit on the shareholder for personal use of the property. This is no longer allowed. The CRA will now assess a taxable benefit equal to the fair market rent on the property each year. This makes corporate ownership a bad idea today.

During a

don’t discuss the subject.

Avoid Joint Ownership.

• If you’re thinking of holding your U.S. real estate jointly with your spouse to split the U.S. estate tax bill, think again.

• When the first spouse dies, and the surviving spouse is not a U.S. citizen, the U.S. estate tax will apply to the full value of the property (unless you can prove that each contributed financially to the purchase).

• Even worse, the estate tax will be owing a second time on the full value of the property when the second spouse dies. Further, if you sell the property during your lifetimes, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) could assess a gift tax on any proceeds received by a spouse who did not contribute equally to the purchase.

Consider a partnership.

• Using a Canadian partnership to own your U.S. real estate is viewed by some to be a reasonable method of avoiding the U.S. estate tax.

• There may be more risk that the IRS will look through a partnership structure to assess the estate tax on the partners personally.

• Under the law of your province, a partnership may be defined as a relationship between parties carrying on business with a view to a profit.

• Does a personal vacation property give rise to meeting this definition? Speak to a tax pro about the risks.

Consider ownership by a trust.

• Using a trust to hold your U.S. real estate is a great way to avoid the U.S. estate tax.

• The trust needs to be set up before you acquire the property and the property should be acquired by the trust from the outset to avoid complications.

• It’s often wise to avoid earning rental income on the property held by the trust to avoid U.S. tax filing requirements and to ensure that no taxable benefits are triggered.

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facebook unveils

paper app MEDIA CONTACT: Shane Maloy

PHONE: 407-846-0117

Facebook is celebrating its 10th birthday this week, which can prove to be the “end of an era” for lots of technology giants. However, Facebook has been able to stand its ground through the past 10 years. Facebook has been able to dominate the center of social media and either intimidate or buy most of the companies which stand in their way. Of course, you’ll remember they purchased Instagram for over 1 billion dollars, yet Snapchat turned down their nearly 3 billion dollar offer.

Years later, with revenue still increasing and their platform for advertisements becoming more and more valuable to small and large businesses alike, Facebook is still going strong. To celebrate it’s 10th anniversary, it’s giving all of it’s users a “Look Back” review. You can view your personalized Look Back at facebook.com/LookBack.

But what caught my eye more than their anniversary was their latest app release: Paper.

Paper is giving us a good idea of what Facebook may look like moving forward.

There is no doubt that mobile use of social media is higher than ever and still climbing, so companies are focusing more efforts on how to seamlessly provide useful and relevant content (and eventually advertisement) to the user.

Now, Facebook does have a reputation for changing how people use its service at the exact moment that people became accustom to the old version. Personally, I always love seeing new products and re-designs launched as long as the functionality I use is not lost. Let’s take a look at this Paper app.

EMAIL: shane@osceola-realtors.com

It’s quite apparent that teenagers have been leaving the site in sizeable numbers given a study last month showed that 25% fewer U.S. teens now use the site than did in 2011. Their new app, with a fresh redesign and functionality, may bring back some of them.

Instead of a bulky never ending downward scrolling of hard to pick out content and advertisements, Paper delivers all the useful stuff you want to see in a horizontal swipe oriented layout. The layout reminds me a lot of Flipboard, a news app that launched a while back.

However, this new app still lets you view your Facebook notifications, post your own “stories” and reply to messages. Some functionality is still limited, like the ability to post on behalf of pages and manage your groups.

I am a big fan of this app so far but I have one question: How will they integrate advertisements and how will users react?

Part of the reason Paper looks so alluring right now is just like Instagram, it provides beautiful content without interruptions. Now, Instagram does not support an advertisement platform, but it’s far different than its counterpart at Facebook. Perhaps Paper will have a similar system where instead of being an ad that directs you to a website, it instead would be an attractive full screen picture of a product or service. Only time will tell.

For now, I’m excited to view my friends’ stories and FB content on a beautiful interface. Facebook truly hit the ball out of the park with it’s latest app, Paper. Download it today!

TECHOSCAR

026

Tech Tips

exploring

smart lenses for your smart phone MEDIA CONTACT: Nannette Cherry

PHONE: 407-846-0117

Since we touched on cameras in our last issue, I thought I would expand on that topic in this article. Cameras are an important tool for REALTORS® hoping to showcase a property. A good camera and a knack for photography can make your humdrum listing an attractive option to buyers. But traditional photography is a huge financial investment. A DSLR camera can run close to a thousand dollars, with some models exceeding that amount. And specialty lenses and lights run up the total even more.

Then there is the editing software to consider as well.

Yet, in the rapid advancements of technology, there is another, cheaper option; a smaller, more portable option; a smart option.

Would-be photographers now have the option of buying a smart phone attachment, allowing them to enhance the quality of their smart phone photos. This offers the convenience of having your camera with you at any time, with just a small lens attachment that pairs with your smart phone or tablet. Your device acts as the view finder while the lens takes the photos. When those photos are taken, they are stored on your phone. A Sony QX10 attachment provides 18 megapixels and a 10X zoom with the ability to shoot ‘off camera’. This means you can take photos with the lens completely separate from your phone. The lens itself has a wi-fi connection with your device, so there is no need to connect to a computer.. You can control white balance, exposure settings, zoom and more using the accompanying Sony app. This higher end model can run about $250 with a more advanced model, the QX100 (with 20.2 megapixels and an f/1.8 aperture) costing about $500.

EMAIL: nan@osceola-realtors.com

If that is out of your price range, cheaper options are available online, with individual lenses going for as cheap as $20 on online sites like Photojojo.com. These offer options such as telephoto, macro, wide angle, and fish eye lenses, and can attach to your phone with included hardware or magnets. No fiddling with f-stops, apertures or other confusing camera adjustments. Lens kits including tripods with special mounting equipment can be about $50. And there are lighting options, too!

An external spot light for low light settings retails for about $30.

With these handy tools you can have your own affordable photography set up that you can carry around in your purse or glove compartment, so whenever an opportunity presents itself, you are ready to not only take a photo, but take a high quality photo with little hassle. And these options help make the most inexperienced photographer adept at taking high quality photos without having to sink in a large amount of time into learning the ins and outs of photography.

“People don’t have to be intimidated by photography anymore,” said Jen Giese, store manager at Photojojo.

“With a smart phone and some easy-to-use lenses, they don’t need to know anything about photography or lighting to take great pictures. It’s become extremely accessible.”

The smart revolution is making just about every aspect of your business more efficient and cost-effective. It would be “smart” to consider this option over high priced, traditional cameras.

REVIEWOSCAR

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For Advertising Info Call or Email: Michael Martin • 407-878-1238 • orlandorebook@gmail.com

REVIEWTRENDS

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MARKET

OSCEOLA COUNTY

DYNAMICS 2 years (monthly) - 1.1.12 to 1.31.14 key information Construction Type All

Osceola SFH Distressed vs.

Total Sales Units Sold

Bedrooms All

Bathrooms All

Property Types Residential (Single Family Home)

Lot Size All Sq Ft All

This data is dependent upon timeliness of sales and totality of information reported by participants.

The data reflects only the sales published through the Mid-Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service (MFRMLS) and does not include all sales in reported areas.

Neither the Association nor the MFRMLS is in any way responsible for its accuracy.

Data: Total Sales = all MFRMLS Osceola Single Family Housing (SFH) & Planned Unit Development (PUD).

(SFH), (PUD)-REO/Bank Owned/Short Sale from Special Sale Provision.

Average Days on Market is: Days to Closed

supply & demand number of units (FS) Monthly Change -8.65 Monthly % -0.36 Total Change -207.69 Total % Change -8.62

FOR SALE -8.6%

REVIEWOSCAR

029

month’s supply of inventory (sold calculation) Monthly Change -0.03 Monthly % -0.53 Total Change -0.70 Total % Change -12.61

MSI SALE -12.6%

median price (sold) low, high, average, median Monthly Change 2,258.07 Monthly % 2.14 Total Change 54,193.57 Total % Change 51.32

FOR SALE 51.3%

OSCARAFFILIATES

030

professional

affiliates ADVERTISING/ PUBLICATIONS Guide To Homes, Inc. Rhonda Rogers 7810 Gall Blvd # 309 Zephyrhills, FL 33541 T 813-928-1885 guidetohomes@gmail.com Osceola Woman Newspaper Kena Blain P.O. Box 701509 Orlando, FL 34770 T 407-891-9771 F 407-891-0145 kblain@osceolawoman.com www.osceolawoman.com

The Pappas Group Julie Pappas 4798 New Broad Street Suite #210 Orlando, FL 32814 T 407-648-2555 F 407-264-6580 jpappas@pappaslaw.com

Butler Mortgage Barbara Bowling 1012 W. Emmett Street, Suite B Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-931-3800 F 407-931-3801 bblowling@butlermortgage.com

Trustco Bank Sarah Near 1525 East Osceola Pkwy Kissimmee, FL 34746 T 407-932-0398 F 407-932-0719 snear@branch.trustcobank.com trustcobank.com

Roland H. Acosta & Associates Roland H. Acosta 399 Carolina Avenue, Suite 210 Winter Park, FL 32789 T 407-644-2531 F 407-628-9289 racosta@acostaatlaw.com

Butler Mortgage Harry Urban 1012 W. Emmett St, Ste B Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-931-3800 F 407-931-3801 hurban@butlermortgage.com

Waterstone Mortgage Adriana Lopez Pardo 2699 Lee Rd. Ste 480 WinterPark, FL 32789 T 407-645-6386 F 407-628-2609 alopezpardo@ waterstonemortgage.com www.waterstone-fl.com

The Real Estate Book Michael Martin 261 Specialty Point Sanford, FL 32771 T 407-878-1238 orlandorebook@gmail.com

CONSTRUCTION/ REPAIR/ RENOVATIONS

AGENT MARKETING SERVICES

Linscott Plumbing Services Wayne Linscott 2009 Jaffa Dr. Kissimmee, FL 34771 T 407-891-1700 linscottplbg@aol.com

BrandAid Chris Florence 7354 Bent Grass Drive Winter Haven, FL 33884 T 863-557-7953 chris@brandaid.com www.abrandaid.com

ATTORNEYS CPCLaw Charles Castellon 14129 Town Loop Blvd, Suite 200 Orlando, FL 32837 T 407-851-0201 F 407-851-9411 ccastellon@centralflattorney.com The Law Office of Charles E. “Gene” Moore, JR., P. Gene Moore 8 Broadway Avenue, Suite 109 Kissimmee, FL 34741 gmoore545@yahoo.com T 407-460-1370 F 407-264-8278 gmoore545@yahoo.com Law Office of Daniel Villazon, P.A. 1420 Celebration Blvd.

Celebration, FL 34747 T 407-483-0041 dvillazon@yahoo.com frecattorney.com The Pappas Group Peter Pappas 4798 New Broad Street Suite #210 Orlando, FL 32814 T 407-648-2555 F 407-264-6580 ppappas@pappaslaw.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES/ INSTITUTIONS BB&T Glen Spears 255 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801 T 407-241-3557 F 407-563-4024 gspears@bbandt.com BB&T Edwin Oquendo 2710 N. Orange Blossom Trail Kissimmee, FL 34744 T 407-401-3950 F 407-870-9895 eoquendo@bbandt.com BB&T Katerine Navas 2710 N. Orange Blossom Trail Kissimmee, FL 34744 T 407-452-0598 F 407-870-9865 knavas@bbandt.com BB&T Denitza Guenova 7208 W Sand Lake Rd. Orlando, FL 32819 T 321-354-9601 F 407-345-5240 dguenova@bbandt.com

Centerstate Bank of Florida, N.A. Scott Johnson 920 North John Young Parkway Kissimmee, FL 34746 T 407-847-3800 F 407-847-8482 sjohnson@centerstatebank.com Guaranteed Rate Ivan Duarte 7125 Turner Rd, Suite 101 Rockledge, FL 32955 T 321-609-0789 ivanduate@guaranteedrate.com www.guaranteedrate.com/ ivanduarte Moneycorp Kelly Cutchin 7380 W Sand Lake Rd, Ste 410 Orlando, FL 32819 T 407-352-5890 F 407-352-5893 kelly.cutchin@moneycorp.com www.moneycorp.com/usa Movement Mortgage Jason Parris 66 Riley Rd, Ste B2 Celebration, FL 34747 T 407-764-7344 F 804-477-1463 jason.parris@movementmortgage.com www.movementmortgage.com/ jason.parris

Qubty Financial Group

David Qubty 7680 Universal Blvd., Suite 405 Orlando, FL 32819-8998 T 407-370-3030 F 407-370-2040 dqubty@qubtyfinancialgroup.com

Qubty Financial Group

Sami D. Qubty 7680 Universal Blvd., Suite 405 Orlando, FL 32819-8998 T 407-370-3030 F 407-370-2040 dqubty@qubtyfinancialgroup.com

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Cliff Frohn One Home Campus Des Moines, IO, 50328 T 515-213-6500 F 515-213-6102 mlsmemberships@wellsfargo.com wellsfargo.com

HOME WARRANTY 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty Cameron Foster 1900 Jake Street, Suite 109 Orlando, FL 32814 T 407-473-1972 cfoster@2-10.com First American Home Warranty Corp Bobby Jo Justice 3239 Lorimar Lane St Cloud, FL 34772 T 407-902-5237 bjustice@firstam.com Home Warranty of America Tammy Birchler PO Box 850 Lincolnshire, IL, 60069 T 888-492-7357 ext. 424 tbichler@hwahomewarranty.com

INSPECTION SERVICES Budget Services, Inc. Ed Hogan 3617 Crosley Avenue St Cloud, FL 34772 T 407-892-8811 F 407-892-8516 budgettermite@earthlink.net budgetservicesfl.com FirmFoundationsHomeInspections,Inc. Aubrey Kahn 2200 Sylvan Court Kissimmee, FL 34746

T 321-624-0254

akahn.firmfoundations@gmail.com tophomeinspection.com

OSCARAFFILIATES

031 Housemaster Home Inspections Colin Williams 527 Brack Street Kissimmee, FL 34744 T 407-343-4677 F 407-947-5354 cawilliams@housemaster.com osceola.housemaster.com

First American Title David Counselman 1101 Miranda Lane, Suite 101 Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-516-9327 F 866-722-5957 wcounselman@firstam.com www.firstam.com

Pilar Home Inspection Peter Boorman 106 Haversham Way Davenport, FL 33897 T 407-729-2579 peter.pilarhi@gmail.com www.pilarhomeinspectors.com

First International Title Shelly Dukes 1101 Miranda Lane, Suite 105 Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 321-443-6901 F 866-350-3338 shelly.dukes@firstintitle.com

Pillar to Post Sam Grasso 8200 Lynch Dr. Orlando, FL 32835 T 407-512-5995 F 407-512-6707 sam.grasso@pillartopost.com www.pillartopost.com/samgrasso Wayne Home Inspections Wayne C. Glover 1533 Trumbull Street Kissimmee, FL 34744 T 407-935-1127 F 407-935-1483 wayne.glover@netzero.net wayneshomeinspection.com

REAL ESTATE SCHOOLS/ EDUCATION

Final Negotiations, LLC. Rhonda Owen 1201 Emmet Street Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-846-0978 rowen@stewart.com HIG Insurance Group Chase Herbig 890 E. State Road 434 Longwood, FL 32750 T 407-920-1115 F 407-260-0216 chase@hhig.com www.callhig.com Integrity First Title Betty M. Dobbie 908 Mabbette Street Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-846-4500 F 407-846-4533 bdobbie@integrityft.com

IFREC Real Estate Schools Richard Fryer 5029 Edgewater Drive Orlando, FL 32810 T 407-644-7277 F 407-647-5227 robin@ifrec.com

Newcastle Title Services Larissa Jackson 12 S Clyde Avenue Kissimee, FL 34741 T 407-738-4679 F 407-218-5057 larissanewcastletitleservices.com

REALTOR速 SERVICES

Quality Title & Escrow LLC Lisa Bennett 1801 Lee Road, Suite 205 Winter Park, FL 32789 T 321-304-3906 F 321-304-3009 lisa@qtefl.com

Creating Wealth USA, LLC August Byllot P.O. Box 470654 Celebration, FL 34747 T 863-255-5858 augie@creatingwealthusa.com creatingwealthusa.com

TITLE/ESCROW/ INSURANCE SERVICES A-Z Team Title, LLC Bernard S. Edwards 102 Park Place Blvd.

Kissimmee, FL 34743 T 407-932-0529 F 407-932-1587 bernie@azteamtitle.com

Fidelity National Title of Florida Leslie Zimmerly 7208 Sand Lake Rd Orlando, FL 32819 T 407-314-6329 F 407-370-0029 leslie.zimmerly@fnf.com www.fidelitycfl.fntic.com

Quality Title & Escrow LLC Juanita Figueroa 715 Mabbette St. Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-483-8861 F 407-483-8869 juanita@qtefl.com www.qtefl.com Stewart Approved Title, Inc. Becky Sheive 1201 Emmett Street Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-846-7477 / F 407-846-6573 bsheive@stewart.com Stewart Approved Title, Inc. Rayelynne Ketchum 1201 Emmett Street Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-957-9000 F 407-957-8055 rwoeste@stewart.com

OTHER SERVICES Concordia Studios Kemp Howland 355 Falling Waters Dr Poinciana, FL 34759 T 407-222-4847 F 407-705-2562 Kemp.Howland@gmail.com concordiastudios.com Fanatical Cleaning Services Adriana Restrepo 239 Glowing Peace Ln Orlando, FL 32824 trpc19@yahoo.com Heritage Park Inn Mary Rivera 2050 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-846-4545 F 407-923-2268 maryriv65@gmail.com Mr. ReKey Lock smith Daniel Lewis 1014 Webster Ave Orlando, FL 32804 T 407-207-0272 F 866-204-1717 Daniel@rekey.com www.rekey.com Punta Cana Restaurant Tito Arias 2050 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy Kissimmee, FL 34744 T 407-935-9020 puntacanaresta@aol.com Unidos Supermarket Jose Toribio 1200 Simspon Rd Kissimmee, FL 347414 T 407-962-0028 F 407-962-0020 Wild Palms Productions Victor Salgado 2420 Cypress Trace Circle Orlando, FL 328254 T 321-948-3512 wildpalmsproductions@gmail.com wildpalmspro.com

PRSRT STD U S POSTAGE PAID MID-FL FL PERMIT NO. 581

Osceola County Association of Realtors® 1105 Shady Lane • Kissimmee, FL 34744

welcome new

members Mayse Abboud De Mizher - Keller Williams at The Lakes Fabio Abreu - Weichert Realtors Hallmark Pro Jose Alecia Hernanez - Tom Real Estate Tyson Allred - Weichert Realtors Hallmark Pro Ada Almonte - Deconova International Realty Benjamin Attwood - Homes of America Realty Group, Clayburn Baize - Prudential Results Realty Jeanine Bakry - Keller Williams Classic II Realty Erin Barnes - Rockrose Realty Jorge Benavides - Luxury Realty Inc John Bennett - Prudential Results Realty Talita Brum - Drim Properties Lori Byrd - Davis Real Estate Group Maribel Carbrera - La Rosa Realty LLC Victor Caputis - GRP Realty, LLC Joaquin Colon - Keller Williams at The Lakes Georgio Concas - Transcontinental Realty Group, John Daniel - Libby Realty, Inc. Andrew Davidson - Century 21 Metro Lifestyles Bruno Dasilva - Drim Properties Josephine Ducreay - Keller Williams Classic II Realty Catherine Duncan - Zip Realty, Inc. Janice Edwards - Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Nadia Eggers - La Rosa Realty LLC Juanita Figueroa - Quality Title & Escrow LLC Angela Fletcher - Rockrose Realty Jesenia Fortis - Agent Trust Realty Corporation Dahlia Gilette - Keller Williams Classic II Realty Kyle Gilette - Keller Williams Classic II Realty Matthew Griffith - Exclusive Villas Florida David Gomez - La Rosa Realty LLC Gustavo Guimaraes - Coldwell Banker Ackley Realty Richard Halquist - Fusilier Realty Group Gilberto Hernandez Pagan - Century 21 All Homes & Property Mark Holcomb - TonyDavidsHomes.Com, LLC Beverly Huff - Discount Realty of Central Florida Inc. Choong Im - Florida Realty Investments Mohsen Jebailey - Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Jenny Jiminez De Landaeta- Property Outlet International Daphne Johnson - Watson Realty Corp.

Faraz Kanji - Keller Williams at The Lakes Robert Kanjian - AV Homes Legacy Developers Inc Karina Labarca - Tom Real Estate Felicia Lampkin - Keller Williams at The Lakes Christine Lanno - St. Cloud Property Group Lauren LeMay- Weichert Realtors Hallmark Pro Daivd Lopez - Coldwell Banker Ackley Realty Lydia Lopez - Only Way Realty Kissimmee Angela Lozano - Celebration Real Estate Group Patricia McCloskey - Weichert Realtors Hallmark Pro Lina Mejia - Century 21 Team Feltrim Manuel Molina - Keller Williams Classic II Realty Sylvia Morales Sanchez - Keller Williams at The Lakes Carolina Nunez Esquiaqui - Deconova International Realty Manuel Nunez - Orlando Reo Group Inc. Vanessa Ochoa - Tom Real Estate Alfredo Olivares- Tom Real Estate Walter Paraga - Transcontinental Realty Group Cheryl Pavett - Keller Williams at The Lakes Mirna Perez - La Rosa Realty LLC Jonny Portales - Agent Trust Realty Corporation Yesinia Quintero - Luxury Realty, Inc. Vivian Resende - Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Elda Rivera - Weichert Realtors Hallmark Pro Felix Rivera - Exit Realty Champions

Arnoldo Roa - Prudential Results Realty Yvonne Rodriguez - Tom Real Estate Adamilka Salas - Keller Williams Classic II Realty Jose Serrano - VS International Properties James Shirley - Celebration Real Estate Group Stanley St. Hilaire - Watson Realty Corp Ronda Stepp - Prudential Results Realty Timothy Swindell - Century 21 Team Feltrim Karl_Heinz Theobald - Karl Heinz Theobald Pamela Thomson - Freedom Realty LLC Jeremy Trace - Coldwell Banker Ackley Realty Dieter Van Der Bekan - Century 21 All Homes & Property Esperanza Valencia - Urban Square Realty Inc Norma Velez - Weichert Realtors Hallmark Pro Shantille Vos - La Rosa Realty LLC Sandra Wynanskyj - Tom Real Estate Carol Wilson - Keller Williams Classic II Realty Antonio Zuco - Florida Realty Investments

AFFILIATE

offices

Fanatical Cleaning Services The Law Offices of Charles E. “Gene” Moore, JR.,P. Linscott Plumbing Services, Inc. Newcastle Title Services Mr ReKey Locksmith Waterstone Mortgage Punta Cana Restaurant Quality Title Insurance