March 2024 Newsletter by Osceola County Association of REALTORS®

MEMBERS FIRST NEWSLETTER

Is ‘the sky falling’?

There is no doubt that you, me, our Association, and our profession face some significant present challenges. Like the old folk tale of ‘Chicken Little’ – some would have you believe that ‘the sky is falling’, that everything in real estate is in collapse and disarray.

Not here. For our profession, Florida Realtors® had nearly 240,000 members in January –the largest state association in the nation. Osceola Realtors® has seen a steady increase in members – placing us in the top 75 of the nearly 1,200 local associations in the nation.

What does that mean for you? It means that Osceola Realtors® continues to have a strong seat at the table with Osceola County, the Osceola School Board, the City of Kissimmee, the City of St. Cloud, and even the Florida Legislature in Tallahassee.

It means that Osceola Realtors® continues to ensure that you have freedom to practice and that our Buyers and Sellers have their rights protected. It means that you are, and will continue to be, a key element in the growth and expansion of prosperity in our community.

Did you realize that recent nationwide surveys showed nearly ninety percent of Sellers and Buyers continue to choose to use a REALTOR®? Yes, the people have spoken – and they have chosen you.

Is real estate in collapse? Not here.

Despite interest rates more than doubling in the past two years – market values continued to increase. That means your Sellers are still seeing a solid return. And, in the past two years, your Buyers have benefitted from many more choices in the market with a nearly doubling of available inventory.

This is by no means an ‘easy’ market. Now, more than ever, the market requires skill, expertise, and resources. Now, more than ever, Buyers and Sellers need that skill, expertise, and resources. Now, more than ever, they need – you!

You benefit from Osceola Realtors® training and classes to improve and expand your skills and expertise. You benefit from the multitude of resources Osceola Realtors® provides – including the services of our VIP Members and our new Real Estate Radar data resource.

The general media and the internet are awash with inaccurate and exaggerated proclamations and predictions of doom and gloom – that ‘the sky is falling’.

And you – yes, you personally –must stand against that flood. You must bring the reality and the facts. You must bring the real story to your Buyers and Sellers, your friends and family. And Osceola Realtors® stands with you and stands ready to support you.

Is the sky falling? No – not here.

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

President’s Message

2024 PRESIDENT

• President’s Message • Message from NAR • New VIPs • VIP Milestones • Welcome New Members • RPAC Committee • Realtors® Care Committee • Member Benefit • January Market Statistics • March Class Calendar • Vital Industry Partner Directory IN

James K. Lowe

THIS ISSUE

MESSAGE FROM NAR

ACCEREDITED BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE

WELCOME NEW VIPS

Vital Industry Partner Milestones

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

Gareth John Florida Property Photography Michael Dehlinger Dehlinger Insurance Shelley Warticki Fifth Third Bank Alex De Jorge Brightway Insurance, The De Jorge Agency Heather Salvatoriello The Closing Agent Manuel Aldana Trustco Bank David Hollamby The Closing Agent Amber Adams SouthState Bank

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Alexander Acosta-La Rosa Realty Orlando LLC

Byron Allen-Keller Williams Realty at The Lakes

Martha Alvarez-Duarte-EXP Realty, LLC

Dominic Anagnos-RE/MAX Realtec Group Inc

Jeffrey Andujar-FHG Realty, LLC

Maximiliano Angel-AP Realty Group LLC

Michael Arce-REMAX Premier Properties

Marcus Barnette-La Rosa Realty, LLC

Felix Barreto-La Rosa Realty Orlando LLC

Karina Bencomo-Century 21 Carioti

Beatriz Betancur Castro-Agent Trust Realty Corporation

Janay Bouza-Home Prime Realty LLC

Mariel Campusano De Los Santos-La Rosa Realty Kissimmee

Kimary Carrero-Century 21 Edge

Evelyn Carvajal-My Realty Group, LLC.

Fausto Cese-Keller Williams Legacy Realty

Lisa Cloum-Keller Williams Realty at The Lakes

Viktor Concepcion-Keller Williams Advantage III

Pierre Conserve-Keller Williams Legacy Realty

Maria Correa Lopez-LPT Realty

Kaley Courtney-IAD Florida LLC

Alessandro Di Lollo-Century 21 Carioti

Ashley Espinal-The Firm RE

Daniel Fernandez-La Rosa Realty Kissimmee

Betsy Fleites Alvarez-La Rosa Realty Kissimmee

Gerardo Garzon Molano-EXP Realty, LLC

Yamily Ghoubar-Odry Vargas Realty Group LLC

Johana Hernandez-La Rosa Realty Lake Nona INC

Sara Hirsz-Keller Williams Legacy Realty

Jenifer Hodge-Watson Realty Corp.

Natasha Lahair-Weichert Realtors Hallmark Pro

Jose Antonio Luna Duprey-G First Realty LLC

Helen Martinez-The Firm RE

Alexander Mayancela-EXP Realty, LLC

Waleska I Mena-LPT Realty

Valerie Millan Bones-Century 21 Wolf’s Crossing Realty

Adriana Molina De Gonzalez-EXP Realty, LLC

Lil Suseth Moron Hernandez-Athens Realty Professionals In

Ana Oliva-Keller Williams Advantage III

Maria Ordaz Medina-EXP Realty, LLC

Damaris Ortiz-LPT Realty

Amos Pacheco Cruz-La Rosa Realty Kissimmee

Lara Padilla-Florida Realty Investments

Rita Palomo Ramirez-La Rosa Realty Kissimmee

Roely Peralta Vasquez-Empire Network Realty

Carlos Perdomo-Property Outlet International

Manases Perdomo-Century 21 Wolf’s Crossing Realty

Karina Perez-EXP Realty, LLC

Carlos Perez-LPT Realty

Yasmin Perez-La Rosa Realty Kissimmee

Oscar Perez Tully-Corcoran Connect LLC

Samuel Ramirez-La Rosa Realty Kissimmee

Lilliana Reyes-La Rosa Realty Kissimmee

Francisco Ribeiro-Royal Realty Real Estate, LLC

Henry Rodriguez-Exit Realty 4Corners

Stephanie Rosa Martinez-LPT Realty

Roneld Salazar-LPT Realty

Carmen Salinas-Property Outlet International

Angelica Santiago-Partnership Realty Inc.

Lorena Sibaja-Agent Trust Realty Corporation

Jarid Sinanan-Keller Williams Realty at The Lakes

Neyemi Vera-My Realty Group, LLC.

Michael Vizcaino-La Rosa Realty Kissimmee

Committee

I am thrilled to serve as your RPAC Chair for 2024 and am eager to connect with many of you.

Our ambitious goal for this year is set at $185,053.75, with our current fundraising standing at $57,768.00. Additionally, we aim for a 37% Participation rate, currently at 25%, and target 38 Major Investors, with only 3 on board at the moment.

Achieving all three goals earns us The Triple Crown, a feat I am confident we will accomplish again this year.

If you are unfamiliar with RPAC or the benefits of investing, please don’t hesitate to reach out. This year promises to be fantastic, and I am certain we will not only meet but surpass our objectives.

To learn more about becoming a major investor please visit, www. osceolarealtors.org/invest-in-rpac.

Realtors® Care Committee

With the new year upon us, we are thrilled about fresh starts and the continuation of our mission to serve the community as ambassadors for our Association and profession.

Exciting news! We will soon introduce a dedicated section on our website for community events and volunteer opportunities to boost awareness and engagement. Members can stay up-to-date and participate in initiatives that enhance neighborhood well-being.

This year, our focus will be on supporting organizations that focus on homeownership and protecting private property rights. We understand the significance of safeguarding these rights and are dedicated to advocating for policies that advocate for homeownership and property rights for all.

To promote community involvement, we have introduced a Charitable Organization Funding and Volunteer Request Form. This streamlined process allows organizations to seek support and ensures that our resources are allocated to projects that align with our values and mission.

A big thank you to all volunteers who volunteered their time to Meals on Wheels in January and February. Your dedication is truly appreciated. Here’s to a year filled with connections, experiences, and opportunities to spread love and compassion.

SUE VASQUEZ RPAC COMMITTEE CHAIR MARICARMEN ALBELO REALTORS® CARE COMMITTEE CHAIR

Osceola Realtors® Member Benefit

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

MARCH CLASS CALENDAR

Creating a Service Driven Property

Management Operation - Zoom Only - Cynthia DeLuca

REDEEM YOUR EDUCATION VOUCHERS BEFORE 12/31/24

3/4/2024 9:00 am-12:00 pm 3CE

Learn to create multiple sources of income streams from full property services. This course includes the conceptual and legal aspects, marketing techniques to attract clients, tenant issues, insurance recommendations, accounting requirements, staffing, and financial planning.

License Renewal Bundle

Management Operation - Classroom Only - Richard Fryer

3/5-6/2024 8:30 am-4:30 pm 14CE

This course is a TWO-DAY MANDATORY class bundle that requires attendance for the two days to receive the 14hr. License Renewal CE credits. The 14hr Bundle includes: Approved 3 hours of Core Law, 3 hours of Code of Ethics, and 8 hours of Specialty as required by the DBPR.

Code of Ethics

Classroom Only - Dan Lopez

3/7/2024 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. The policy dictates that all active members must take a code of ethics class once every three years. The applicable dates are the same for all Realtors irrespective of when they join. The current cycle began January 1, 2022 and ends December 31, 2024.

Core Law

Classroom Only - Dan Lopez

3/7/2024 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. This material will provide a “red flag notice” of when participants are potentially going into a danger zone—the unlicensed practice of law.

Pricing Strategies:

3/8/2024 9:00 am-5:00 pm 6CE

Mastering the CMA (PSA) - Classroom Only - Gonzalo Mejia - $30 Members | $65 Non-Members

The Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA) certification is specifically designed to enhance your skills in pricing properties, creating a comparable market analysis (CMA), working with appraisers, and guiding clients through the anxieties and misperceptions they often have about home values.

Stellar MLS Basic 3/11/2024 10:00 am-12:00 pm 0CE

Classroom Only - Daniella Blackburn

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

Stellar MLS Compliance 101 3/11/2024 1:00 pm-2:15 pm 0CE

Classroom Only - Daniella Blackburn

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

Stellar MLS Adding & Editing

Classroom Only - Daniella Blackburn

3/11/2024 2:30 pm-3:45 pm 0CE

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

Conflict Resolution for Realtors®

Classroom Only - Paul Fedynich

3/12/2024

9:00 am-12:00 pm 3CE

This course is designed to empower Realtors® to navigate challenges and maintain harmony. Whether it is a simple miscommunication or a complex conflict of opinions, participants will discover how to reach fair resolutions, enhance communication with clients and colleagues, and apply these refined skills in the interpersonal realm of real estate.

Essentials of Single & Multi-Family Investing

Classroom Only - Omar Capellan

3/13/2024 9:00 am-12:00 pm 3CE

Realtors® interested in residential real estate investment, analysis, and management can benefit from this course. It covers real-world examples and teaches students to define reasons for real estate investment, primary ownership types, cash flow analysis, relevant terms, and residential eviction steps using real-life case studies.

Success Series: Goal Setting

Classroom Only - Omar Capellan

3/13/2024 1:00 pm-4:00 pm 3CE

This class aims to help you develop the personal awareness and knowledge necessary for setting and attaining personal and career goals. Objectives include the benefits of goal setting, identifying priority goals, describing elements of effective goals, preparing mentally for goal achievement, outlining goal attainment process steps, and recognizing and overcoming barriers to goal achievement.

Optimizing Your Workflow

3/14/2024 9:00 am-11:00 am 2CE in Form Simplicity - Classroom Only - Kaz Cisowski

This course is designed to empower Realtors® to navigate challenges and maintain harmony. Whether it’s a simple miscommunication or a complex conflict of opinions, participants will discover how to reach fair resolutions, enhance communication with clients and colleagues, and apply these refined skills in the interpersonal realm of real estate.

How to Make the Most of Your

3/15/2024 8:30 am-12:30 pm 4CE

Property Management Business - Classroom Only - Cassandra Exantus

This course was designed for the determined property manager to take advantage of everything the market has to offer and grow their business. Learn how to increase profit by adding income and decreasing expenses. Learn to maximize time and resources, as well as lower vacancy rates. Discover how to better serve your customers, secure higher yields on investments, and thrive as property managers in today’s economy.

Commercial Leases

Zoom Only - Anthony Valerdi

3/19/2024 9:00 am-12:00 pm 3CE

To excel in commercial real estate, understanding commercial leasing is crucial. This course offers foundational knowledge for aspiring commercial realtors and serves as a valuable review for agents focusing on commercial transactions, helping them succeed in the market.

Residential Real Estate Lead GEN

Using RPR- Zoom Only - Hameed Siddiq

3/26/2024 10:00 am-11:00 am 0CE

Learning objectives include searching for off-market distressed residential properties on RPR and utilizing RPR’s map function for these properties.

Commercial Real Estate Lead GEN

Using RPR- Zoom Only - Hameed Siddiq

3/28/2024 10:00 am-11:00 am 0CE

Learning objectives include searching for off-market distressed commercial properties on RPR Commercial and utilizing RPR’s map function for these properties.