Second Quarter ReView

real estate - benefits - foreclosure - banks - florida realtors - public policy

magazine 2nd QUARTER april, may, june 2013

Osceola ReView

s l l i k s p i h s r e d a e

l g n i d l i bu

REAL ESTATE ACQUISITION IN AFGHANISTAN PAGE08

&

THE IRS TARGETS REAL ESTATE PAGE12

& Great American REALTOR速 days and nar midyear meetings PAGE16

USING 2013 Awards PINTEREST & Installation TO FURTHER YOUR SOCIAL Luncheon MEDIA OUTREACH Highlights

PAGE22

WELCOMECONTENTS

002

WELCOME/ CONTENTS APR, MAY, JUN 2013 news

5 Second Quarter AE Message 8 Real Estate Acquisition in Afghanistan 12 IRS Targets Real Estate 20 The Three Most Frequently Reported Tax Crimes 21 If Not For Real Estate, Lincoln May Not Have Been President 23 Personal Financial Investment Returns Make Short Term Rentals

Ever More Popular

technology

22

Using Pinterest to Further Your Social Media Outreach

events

10 April, May, June 2013 Calendar 13 Relay For Life

16 Great American REALTOR速 Days 17 NAR Mid Year Governance Meetings

local 14 New Members and Other Events

at OSCAR

trends

24 Market Dynamics

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Here we are going into our second quarter. The year seems to be flying by. But wait - it’s not too late to “SHOW UP AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE!” In my last article, I encouraged all REALTORS®and Affiliate members to “make a difference this year.” We need your time and talents to make this the best Association in Central Florida. Let me share a few ways to get involved: GARD (Great American REALTOR® Days) in Tallahassee April 9th and 10th. This is our opportunity to let our voices be heard by our legislators on issues that affect our businesses, our customers, and our community. This year, we will have a bus leaving from OSCAR to transport you to Tallahassee. Our Florida REALTORS® President, Dean Asher, is asking us to make the courtyard outside the legislative buildings “Blue with Realtors.” It does “make a difference!”

NAR Open House Weekend is April 20th & 21st. Piggy back on all the publicity NAR will be offering on our behalf by holding an open house for one or more of your listings.

2013 OSCAR President, Susie Graves

Speaking of NAR -- the NAR mid-year meetings in Washington, DC will be May 14th through the 18th. As we do for GARD, we will be meeting and talking with our legislators about issues concerning home ownership and our very livelihoods. Can’t go to Washington? You can still respond to all the “calls to action” this year. It will “make a difference.”

Relay for Life is May 3rd and OSCAR will have a team again this year. Sign up to be a part of this wonderful event and honor a friend or loved one impacted by cancer. Let’s show our community that REALTORS® do give back and “make a difference.”

Leadership Academy is June 6th and we want you to attend. This is the beginning of OSCAR service. We want you to be a part of our leadership team working to “make a difference” for all our members.

Let’s continue to work together to “Make a Difference.”

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 MEMBERSHIP SERVICES: Ally Vallecillo, e-Pro ally@osceola-realtors.com SOCIAL MEDIA & MEMBERship SERVICES: Shane Maloy, shane@osceola-realtors.com MEMBER SERVICES & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Brent Stephens, e-Pro brent@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 Digital or printed media packs available on request.

HEAD OF SALES: Chris Florence, CCIM, e-Pro webmaster@osceola-realtors.com

distribution

ACCOUNTS: Bob St. Gordon, e-Pro bob@osceola-realtors.com

The ReView is printed quarterly. To subscribe contact our subscriptions team below.

SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER: Nannette Cherry, e-Pro communications@osceola-realtors.com

www.osceolarealtors.org

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REALTOR® nationwide Open house APRIL 20-21

NAR has selected April 20th and 21st to launch its annual Open House Weekend. On this Saturday and Sunday, REALTORS® across the nation will create a coordinated effort to bring value to buyers and sellers by opening homes to potential buyers. REALTOR® Nationwide Open House Weekend not only brings buyers and sellers together, it is also an opportunity for REALTORS® to connect with consumers in their communities about the housing issues that matter most to them. REALTOR® Nationwide Open House aims to engage consumers regarding the benefits of homeownership to families, communities and the economy, because home ownership matters.

OSCAR PAST

PRESIDENT,

VERONICA MALOLOS APPOINTED TO COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTER: Wendi Jeannin EMAIL: wjeannin@earthlink.net

Past-President for Osceola County REALTORS® Association (OSCAR) Veronica Malolos was recently appointed to the Osceola County Planning Commission.

“The most important qualification for a planning commissioner is to understand the importance of our property rights as Americans. Veronica lives the founding fathers’ dream every day in her chosen profession as a REALTOR®. Osceola County will be served well because of her service,” says Osceola County Commission Chair, Frank Attkisson: Malolos’ recent appointment is part of the goals of OSCAR’s leadership program at the association. Malolos also serves on several other committees locally, statewide and nationally.

BLOG: www.osceolarealtors.org

“This is the leadership track that Veronica has followed and she joins many of our members in that journey, she is a perfect example of a professional bringing experience home, and allowing us to utilize their expertise in needed areas in our community,” says Carol Platt, OSCAR Association Executive.

Malolos is a Broker/Manager and Producing Agent for REMAX Premier Properties and has been in the real estate industry since 2003.

The mission of the Osceola County Association of REALTORS® is to provide a dedicated success to its membership consisting of real estate professionals and affiliates, while adding value to the community.

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OSCAR

2ND Quarter Association

Executive MESSAGE

2013

P r o f e s s i on a l Respect E arn s Valu e MEDIA CONTACT: Carol Platt

When licensed real estate associates and brokers decide to become REALTORS®, they make a conscious choice to adhere to a higher standard by conducting business ethically and incorporating positive, proactive business interactions between clients, customers and fellow REALTORS® into their daily professional practices.

The key word is Respect. REALTORS® pledge to treat others with courtesy, professional etiquette and fairness under the guiding path of the “Golden Rule.” They submit to a 100 year old Code of Ethics that governs their professional conduct.

Over 100 years ago, REALTORS® realized that each real estate professional generates a consumer awareness and impression of all real estate professionals and, joining together, they determine that the impression is going to be a positive one. REALTORS® take communications seriously, being careful to communicate with all parties to a transaction in a timely fashion, striving to keep everyone aware of and within important deadlines.

REALTORS® are not only concerned about and respectful of the cultural differences of their clients, but keenly aware of the professional image that they project personally and through

PHONE: 407-846-0117

EMAIL: ae@osceola-realtors.com

their office environments and transport of clients. Personal reputation is the cornerstone of each REALTORS®’ business and they are mindful that it takes years to build a solid reputation and seconds to lose it.

REALTORS® are not only concerned about and respectful of the cultural differences of their clients, but keenly aware of the professional image that they project personally and through their office environments and transport of clients.

Personal reputation is the cornerstone of each REALTORS®’ business and they are mindful that it takes years to build a solid reputation and seconds to lose it.

Membership in our association allows for sharing of both ideas and knowledge between professionals.

Professionalism among peers creates a great transaction process for buyers and sellers alike. REALTORS® like to

communicate clearly with all parties, scheduling as far in advance as possible and promising only what they can deliver. They show courtesy, trust and respect to each other and their clients by “Leaving no Trace” when showing properties in consideration of property owners, returning keys promptly or carefully replacing them in the lockbox and responding promptly to inter-agent communications, which adds professionalism to the entire industry.

The consumer gravitates to a trusted advisor that can take care of their real estate investment needs, thus REALTORS® enjoy a very unique and trusted access to an important aspect of people’s lives. Association Executive, Carol Platt Proudly identify your REALTOR® professional status and continue to build a successful career in 2013 as each of us represents one another!

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Your Benefits with OSCAR New and Used Car Loan Rates as Low as 1.49% APR & Cash For Classes!

As a member of OSCAR, you could qualify for new and used car loan rates as low as 1.49% APR* through your local Credit Union!

They offer flexible terms and helpful resources to make you a savvy shopper. The more you bank with them, the more you save on car loans!

You can also set yourself apart from the competition in 2013 and get the education you want with a Professional Development Line of Credit. With rates as low as 7.00% APR,** the Credit Union’s Professional Development Line of Credit is an excellent low cost resource for your education expenses. Apply online at https://www.realtorsfcu.org/personal/loans_credit_lines/ professional_development_line_of_credit.html or contact the Lending Center at 703-709-8921 (1-866-709-8921 toll -free) for more information.

Member Benefit Success Story “My experience as a new affiliate at OSCAR has been jaw-dropping.

After an initial email to the members by my company I received quite a bit of interest and may lead to over $15,000 in annual revenue.

I would say to those thinking about becoming an affiliate to do it! If you don’t join you may run the risk of losing money.” - Chris Florence

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rate is current as of 2/7/13 and is subject to change without notice. Rate is based on creditworthiness so your rate may differ.

Rate includes a 0.25% discount for applying online and a 0.75% discount when you have three or more qualifying products. Rate also includes a 0.50% discount for Credit Union members of 3+ years. Internal refinances are excluded from special rates. Auto loan payment example: New car loan of $20,000 for 5 years at 1.49% APR wil have a $346 payment. **The initial Annual Percentage Rate (APR) will range from 7.00%-18.00% based on the product you choose and your creditworthiness. Visit www.REALTORSFCU.org for complete details.

Share your Benefit Success story with us!

Email: communications @osceola-realtors.com

Member Benefit Success Story Speaking on the Asia Pacific International Real Estate (CIPS) Course, member Angel Ortiz said, “many of the things taught in class were absolutely correct which makes my dealings with Asian clients much easier and helps me relate to them, I just had another referral from the group come down last week and for instance one of the properties address was #5550 E Michigan but the unit # was 3114 and in the Chinese culture the #4 and the combo of 3+1 is bad luck and signifies death, this was one thing that I learned in class and they confirmed as we spoke about it.

No matter what class it is, even our MLS Learn and Earns, I think there is always something that we can take away from it as a learning experience.”

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Member Benefits & Resources Promote Your Growth and Success Discounts on Designation & Certification Classes Professional Education Value Savings on Court Costs & Legal Fees Through Mediation & Low Cost Arbitration Free & Discounted Networking Events Listingbook, Annual Subscription Reality Statistics Subscription OSCAR ReView Year Subscription Discounts on Kaplan University & Valencia Classes Legal Hotline/Advice Technology Resources NAR Brand Equity Savings on MFRMLS

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REAL ESTATE ACQUISITION IN

AFGHANISTAN MORE COMPLEX THAN

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION may legally occupy land in Afghanistan.

During armed conflict or contingency operations, U.S. Forces are authorized to use foreign real estate for such things as camp sites and construction of fortifications, according to Army Field Manual 27-10, The Law of Land Warfare. Today, dozens of forward operating bases, combat outposts and similar facilities exist in Afghanistan so troops can conduct operations while better protecting themselves and the local population against insurgent forces.

The authority to acquire real estate in foreign countries in support of military contingency operations is delegated to the Assistant Secretary of the Army. Authority is further delegated to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and at the Afghanistan Engineer District-South, to its expert on the ground, the real estate division chief. His specialized team of five real estate experts and a local translator assists commanders and battle space owners with negotiating and executing real estate instruments so the United States

“Our mission is to acquire, manage, and dispose of real estate in support of U.S. Forces through leases for private property; no cost land use agreements with the host nation; permits with NATO forces; and licenses for construction of Afghan National Security Forces projects,” said Keith Loos, chief of the small and bustling South District office. “Supporting our military units and offering them subject matter expertise on all real estate matters is our primary focus.”

Since its establishment in 2009, the South District has acquired over 142,000 acres of land for approximately 300 bases, checkpoints and sites in its area of responsibility which include Badghis, Daykundi, Farah, Ghor, Helmand, Herat, Kandahar, Nimroz, Uruzgan and Zabul province.

The South District has dispensed nearly $3 million to 250 private landowners for the rights to occupy their lands.

What was not occupied through a lease was acquired under a no cost land use agreement with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

“Units seeking real estate typically submit a Land Acquisition Request Form to the Corps of Engineers in advance of their occupancy and we ensure all requirements are met such as environmental baseline survey and proper ownership verification,” said Loos, who is on his fourth

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“A common challenge that arises with private citizens is verifying ownership when no legal documentation, such as a deed, exists,” said South District Realty Specialist, Nick Norals, “or when no documentation of the alleged occupancy, such as video or pictures is available,” said Norals, who deployed from the Nashville District. deployment to Afghanistan from the Little Rock District and holds a Master of Business Administration and is a certified general appraiser.

Sensitive operations sometimes make it impossible for real estate instruments to be in place before land is used. U.S. forces sometimes displace private citizens from their land to quickly establish forward operating bases and smaller camps.

As long as the United States has a continuing need for the base, the Real Estate Division enters into a lease retroactively and pays the landowner.

With the sudden drawdown and the United States closing and transitioning more bases to the Afghan National Army, the timely execution of real estate actions is becoming more and more critical.

“A common challenge that arises with private citizens is verifying ownership when no legal documentation, such as a deed, exists,” said South District Realty Specialist, Nick Norals, “or when no documentation of the alleged occupancy, such as video or pictures is available,” said Norals, who deployed from the Nashville District.

Another important factor is con artists who abuse the claims resolution process.

“We have to protect the U.S. government against fraud,” explained

Russ Wallace, an economist and realty specialist who deployed from the Little Rock District.

Weekly, realty specialists including Wallace and Norals, meet with Afghan prospective claimants to discuss their real estate situations and determine if their claims are legitimate.

“There are a lot of Army regulations as well as legal information real estate specialists working in Afghanistan must thoroughly understand,” said Norals. “These policies and procedures are necessary to ensure all U.S. Forces have the appropriate legal interest in land they use. The challenge of the language barrier, security, travel, lack of records, survey of ownership and the processes of determining owners is unlike any situation real estate specialists in the States will experience.”

Most realty specialists possess extensive knowledge about real estate business processes and laws and some even hold advanced degrees in real estate or business administration.

Many even have certifications as appraisers or realtors, but they are normally not attorneys, so they must frequently communicate and coordinate actions with judge advocates.

The Department of Defense assigns licensed, practicing military attorneys with specialized claims experience, to resolve a variety of claims in Afghanistan. These judge advocates are crucial, but they have limits, too, and typically do not resolve real estate occupancy claims.

“We certainly want to resolve legitimate claims that are within our purview and we work closely with the judge advocates because sometimes, what seems to be a real estate issue at first is actually a different issue, covered by different regulations and we don’t have the authority to resolve it,” said Wallace. “Other times, claimants may have a real estate issue along with another issue that is beyond our scope. While we may be

able to resolve their real estate occupancy claim, we still need to refer them to the judge advocate for assistance on the other issue,” he said.

The variation and complexity of cases can be overwhelming, but as Loos advises, “It’s essential that we do our due diligence. We need to do right by the lawful land owners through compliance with laws and regulations governing the use of real estate,” he said.

Following the processes, policies and procedures is necessary to ensure all U.S. Forces have the appropriate legal interest in the land they use, based on Afghan law for legal ownership or Sharia law, he said.

“It’s an intricate process and requires extensive coordination with our Coalition partners, Afghan counterparts, and other customers and we are committed to doing it,” said Loos.

Quickly and successfully conducting lawful real estate operations and resolving legitimate claims in a fair manner promote security and trust among the local population, he said.

“Quickly and successfully conducting lawful real estate operations and resolving legitimate claims in a fair manner promote security and trust among the local population.”

“It is rewarding for me, personally, when we meet with an Afghan land owner who subsequently leaves satisfied that the claims process worked fairly,” he said.

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events THIS APR/MAY/JUN

S E MIN A R

REGISTRATION CONTACT Kim Wagar

EMAIL aeassistant@ osceola-realtors.com

APRIL 1ST

MLS Basic TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Ivette Jiminez

MLS Compliance 101

APRIL 9th

MLS Learn & Earn

APRIL 23RD

APRIL 15TH

MLS Learn & Earn

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

TIME: 3:00PM - 4:30PM INSTRUCTOR: Ivette Jiminez

APRIL 29TH

Toastmasters

MLS - Intro to Fusion Overview

Every Monday OSCAR hosts an hour of Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM

APRIL 16TH

APRIL 2ND

MLS Learn & Earn TIME: 8:30AM - 9:30AM APRIL 19TH

Negotiating Skills (iCE) 4CE’s TIME: 9:00AM - 1:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Charlie Phelps

APRIL 4TH

APRIL 22ND

OSCARTechnology Lab Day

New Member Welcome

APRIL 8TH

Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM APRIL 9TH-10TH

Great American REALTOR® Days

APRIL 26TH

OFFERED 3 TIMES: TIME: 9:00AM - 11:00AM TIME: 12:00PM - 2:00PM TIME: 2:30PM - 4:30PM INSTRUCTOR: Ivette Jiminez

MLS Adding & Modifying Listings

TIME: 8:30AM - 4:30PM

TIME: 8:30AM - 9:30AM

MLS - Intro to Fusion Overview

INSTRUCTOR: Ivette Jiminez

OFFERED 3 TIMES: TIME: 9:00AM - 11:00AM TIME: 12:00PM - 2:00PM TIME: 2:30PM - 4:30PM INSTRUCTOR: Ivette Jiminez

TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM

TIME: 8:30AM - 9:30AM

TIME: 1:00PM - 2:30PM

MLS - Intro to Fusion Overview

Toastmasters

TIME: 9:00AM - 12:30PM

New Member Ethics & Quadrennial Code of Ethics Video No CE’s TIME: 1:00PM - 4:00PM

OFFERED 3 TIMES: TIME: 9:00AM - 11:00AM TIME: 12:00PM - 2:00PM TIME: 2:30PM - 4:30PM INSTRUCTOR: Ivette Jiminez

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

MLS Learn & Earn TIME: 8:30AM - 9:30AM

CALL 407.846.0117 Unless otherwise noted MAY 3RD AND 4TH

Relay For Life TIME: 6:00PM - 11:00AM LOCATION: Gateway High School MAY 6TH

MLS - Intro to Fusion Overview OFFERED 3 TIMES: TIME: 9:00AM - 11:00AM TIME: 12:00PM - 2:00PM TIME: 2:30PM - 4:30PM INSTRUCTOR: Ivette Jiminez

Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM MAY 7TH

MLS Learn & Earn TIME: 8:30AM - 9:30AM MAY 9TH

Meeting the Needs of Challenging Clients (iCE) 3CE’s

MAY 1ST

TIME: 1:00PM - 4:00PM

MLS - Intro to Fusion Overview

INSTRUCTOR: Patricia Sherman

OFFERED 3 TIMES: TIME: 9:00AM - 11:00AM TIME: 12:00PM - 2:00PM TIME: 2:30PM - 4:30PM INSTRUCTOR: Ivette Jiminez

MAY 10TH

MLS - Intro to Fusion Overview OFFERED 3 TIMES: TIME: 9:00AM - 11:00AM TIME: 12:00PM - 2:00PM TIME: 2:30PM - 4:30PM INSTRUCTOR: Ivette Jiminez

LOCATION: Tallahassee

Classes are free to members unless otherwise noted.

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MAY 27TH MAY 13TH- 18TH

NAR Mid Year Governance Meetings

Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM MAY 28TH

LOCATION: Washington D.C.

MLS - Intro to Fusion Overview

MAY 13TH

OFFERED 3 TIMES:

MLS Basic

TIME: 9:00AM - 11:00AM

TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM

TIME: 12:00PM - 2:00PM

INSTRUCTOR: Ivette Jiminez

TIME: 2:30PM - 4:30PM INSTRUCTOR: Ivette Jiminez

MLS Compliance 101

JUNE 3RD

TIME: 1:00PM - 2:30PM

Toastmasters

INSTRUCTOR: Ivette Jiminez

TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM

Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM JUNE 11TH

MLS Learn & Earn TIME: 8:30AM - 9:30AM JUNE 14TH

Preparing a Listing Contract (iCE)

JUNE 25TH

MLS Learn & Earn TIME: 8:30AM - 9:30AM JUNE 26th

Become a Realty Social Media Super Star 4CE’s

4CE’s

TIME: 9:00AM - 1:00PM

TIME: 9:00AM - 1:00PM

INSTRUCTOR: Craig Grant

INSTRUCTOR: Cynthia DeLuca JUNE 17TH

MLS Mobile Agent TIME: 9:00AM - 10:00AM

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

JUNE 4TH

MLS Learn & Earn TIME: 8:30AM - 9:30AM

INSTRUCTOR: Ivette Jiminez

INSTRUCTOR: Ivette Jiminez

MLS Basic Agent Web Page Setup TIME: 10:30AM - 11:15AM

INSTRUCTOR: Ivette Jiminez

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

MLS Creating a Professional CMA

MAY 14TH

MLS Learn & Earn

3CE’s TIME: 12:30PM - 3:30PM

TIME: 8:30AM - 9:30AM

INSTRUCTOR: Ivette Jiminez MAY 15TH

MLS - Intro to Fusion Overview

Toastmasters JUNE 6TH

TIME: 9:00AM - 11:00AM

Leadership Academy L200

TIME: 12:00PM - 2:00PM

3CE’s

TIME: 2:30PM - 4:30PM

TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM

INSTRUCTOR: Ivette Jiminez

INSTRUCTOR: Melynn Sight

MAY 20TH

Leadership Academy L300

OFFERED 3 TIMES:

MLS - Intro to Fusion Overview OFFERED 3 TIMES: TIME: 9:00AM - 11:00AM TIME: 12:00PM - 2:00PM TIME: 2:30PM - 4:30PM INSTRUCTOR: Ivette Jiminez

Toastmasters TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM MAY 21ST

MLS Learn & Earn TIME: 8:30AM - 9:30AM

TIME: 5:30PM - 6:30PM JUNE 18TH

MLS Learn & Earn TIME: 8:30AM - 9:30AM JUNE 19TH

MLS Basic TIME: 9:00AM - 12:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Ivette Jiminez

3CE’s TIME: 1:00PM - 4:00PM INSTRUCTOR: Melynn Sight JUNE 10TH

New Member Welcome

TIME: 9:00AM - 12:30PM

New Member Ethics & Quadrennial Code of Ethics Video No CE’s TIME: 1:00PM - 4:00PM

The OSCAR office will be closed on Memorial Day, May 27th and for Leadership Training on June 6th.

MLS Compliance 101 TIME: 1:00PM - 2:30PM INSTRUCTOR: Ivette Jiminez

MLS Adding & Modifying Listings TIME: 3:00PM - 4:30PM INSTRUCTOR: Ivette Jiminez JUNE 24TH

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

CAN’T FIND AN EVENT YOU WISH TO ATTEND? 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.

Email: Communications@ osceolarealtors.com

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IRS TARGETS REAL ESTATE REPORTER: Peter Pappas EMAIL: ppappas@pappaslaw.com

BLOG: www.pappastax.com

Because of the housing crisis and the general recession it’s almost impossible to find a real estate investor who actually turned a profit in the last five years. Consequently, investors have turned to their tax preparers to find ways to get maximum tax benefit from their losses.

without the representation of an experienced tax lawyer.

Real estate losses are a hot button issue with the IRS, but with proper tax planning and tax representation, real estate investors can often prevail in disputes involving the active versus passive nature of their activities.

Predictably, the IRS has responded by auditing the tax returns of investors claiming large real estate loss deductions.

The IRS’s main area of audit focus is the distinction between passive investors whose deductions are limited and active investors who are allowed the full range of deductions.

Going after real estate investors seems like piling on to me.

Instead of intensified IRS scrutiny of the tax returns of real estate investors, Congress and the IRS should consider relaxing the passive activity loss rules to allow real estate investors to recoup some of their losses by way of tax offsets.

The distinction is not easy to make. To be considered an active investor under provisions of Section 469 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), an investor must: (1) be a “real estate professional” and (2) “materially participate” in the real estate operation. Only when an investor meets both of these standards will he be able to fully deduct his rental losses.

In order to be considered a “real estate professional” the investor must have spent more than 750 hours during the year engaged in real estate activities and must have devoted more than 50 percent of his working hours to real estate tasks rather than tasks associated with his day job.

Generally, the IRS will require that the real estate investor prove his material participation by showing that he spent at least 500 hours working on each of his properties. However, taxpayers who have elected to consolidate all of their rental operations and treat them as one activity, will only have to show that they spent 500 hours working on all of the properties combined. The election, once made, continues indefinitely until it is revoked by the taxpayer.

Even though it is not mandated in the Tax Code, the IRS requires that the taxpayer provide detailed proof that a real estate investor is an active rather than a passive investor. This means that real estate investors maintain contemporaneously created logs that provide hour-by-hour details of the time they spent on their specific real estate activities.

Because IRS auditors insist on a detailed contemporaneous schedule of hours the taxpayer worked on real estate activities during the tax year, the real estate investor often is forced to challenge the active versus passive classification at the Appeals level or in United States Tax Court. Taxpayers should not proceed to appeals without the representation of a qualified tax professional and should not proceed to Tax Court

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In May 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Washington, ultimately raising $27,000 to help the American Cancer Society fight the nation’s biggest health concern: cancer. A year later, 340 supporters joined the overnight event. Since those first steps, the Relay For Life movement has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, raising more than $4 billion to fight cancer.

Relay for Life is the global leader in cancer research funding. Each year, this event raises awareness and much needed funds towards the goal of eliminating this deadly disease, which has affected so many of us.

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, claiming millions of lives each year, making fundraising for this effort so imperative. The Osceola County Association of REALTORS® has formed a team to participate in the Relay for Life, as it does each year. Last year, we raised nearly $2300 towards our $2500 goal. This year we are again aiming to raise $2500. How can you help? For one, you can come by our office and make a contribution. For a donation of one dollar, we will place a foot with your name on our wall for all to see. For a donation of five dollars or more, you will receive a luminaria bag which can be personalized in honor of someone who has been affected by cancer. These bags will be lit and on display at the event in memorium. You can also donate to members of our team by pledging a set dollar amount. Go to http://bit.ly/WSPdto to see a list of participants on the OSCAR team. And of course, you can come to the Relay and show your support that way. Relay for Life will take place on May 3rd at Gateway High school from 6pm until the following day.

Members of last year’s Relay For Life Team: Kim Wagar, Angel Ortiz, and Becky Chirillo

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THE OSCAR

PHOTO GALLERY

Imran Mohamed is shown here receiving the award for Exemplary Service.

New Member Orientation for January

Former OSCAR Past President, Linda Goodwin-Nichols, passes the gavel to Larry Walter, the new inductee to the Osceola Chamber of Commerce’s Hall of Fame.

New Member Orientation for March

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This past Christmas OSCAR members showed their giving spirit by buying gifts for local foster children as part of the Christmas Angels program. Here, our staff poses with donated gifts before delivering them to area kids.

OSCAR Advocates pose with gifts before distributing them to children in the area.

2012 Vice Chair, Angel Ortiz and Chair, Becky Chirillo load up the car.

christmas

Members of the 2012 Community Involvement Committee : Chair - Becky Chirillo, Leslie Zimmerly, Vice Chair - Angel Ortiz, and Wanda Linscott.

angel

program

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GREAT AMERICAN

realtor DAYS

days

This April 9th and 10th, Florida REALTORS速 is leading the initiative to organize politically active real estate professionals on a road trip to Tallahassee to attend a special legislative session focusing on property and real estate issues. OSCAR is doing its part by chartering a bus to take up to 12 members to attend this event. For the cost of $150, we will cover registration, food, lodging, and transportation. This introductory offer is good through April 2nd. This is a great opportunity to take part in an important session devised to allow people in the industry to facilitate communication with their legislative representatives, letting their voices be heard on crucial policy matters that effect everyone in the business. It is imperative that Florida lawmakers hear from their constituents on these issues so they can better serve our needs. To register, call us at 407-846-0117 or visit our website, www.osceolarealtors.com.

TALLAHASSEE APRIL 9-10

make y voices hear

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NAR MIDYEAR

MEETINGS Midyear meetings may 13-18

It’s coming! This May from the 13th to 18th, the National Association of REALTORS® is holding their annual Midyear Legislative Governance Meetings and Trade Expo. This is your chance to take part in the advancement of real estate public policy by making your voice and concerns heard. Join other participating REALTORS® in Washington DC this May as they take this opportunity to speak with legislators, attend special issues forums and committee meetings, and explore new ideas and products from more than 100 exhibitors by touring the 2013 Midyear Trade Expo. You CAN make a difference! Go to www.realtor.org/midyear.nsf/pages/expo for details on registration, meeting schedules, event news, and more! We hope to see you there!

WASHINGTON d.c. MAY 13-18 capitol hill visits may 15-16

your heard

trade expo may 15-16

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REALTOR® LEADERSHIP PROGRAM Do you aspire to a leadership position with your local or state REALTOR® association? Or perhaps you’re already on a leadership path. If so, you want to be sure to participate in the REALTOR® Leadership Program (RLP) The RLP is designed to help local and state volunteer leaders incraese their institutional knowledge and strengthen leadership skills through the following interactive courses:

Leadership 200: Becoming a Leader

9:00 am - 12:00 pm

This interactive course prepares you as you assume greater leadership responsibilities within your association. The course is designed to help you develop strategic planning skills, manage risk, participate effectively in meetings, understand staff and volunteer roles, and learn conflict resolution tools. You’ll gain confidence in your role as a leader as you get more involved in association leadership. This three hour course is facilitated by a trained professional.

Leadership 300: Enhancing Leadership Skills

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

This interactive course is recommended for leaders who have completed the Leadership200 course and are interested in advancing their skills to an executive level. This course, led by a trained facilitator, builds on the topics covered in the Leadership 200 course and also addresses association governance, identifying and developing leaders, communications, and leadership challenges.

Facilitator: Melynn Sight Thursday, June 6, 2013 9:00am-4:00pm Lunch Provided

Register online or call 407-846-0117 www.osceolarealtors.org FREE for OSCAR Members $35 for Non-Members

The REALTOR® Leadership Program is brought to you in partnership by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and the Osceola County Association of REALTORS® For more information on the REALTOR® Leadership Program, go to: www.realtor.org/realtorleadershipprogram

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THE THREE MOST

FREQUENTLY

REPORTED TAX CRIMES REPORTER: Peter Pappas EMAIL: ppappas@pappaslaw.com

The IRS criminal investigation division investigates and refers for prosecution, some tax crimes more than others. Here are the three most frequently prosecuted tax crimes:

Failure to File Tax Returns The Law 26 U.S.C. § 7203 – Willful failure to file return, supply information, or pay tax Any person required under this title to pay any estimated tax or tax, or required by this title or by regulations made under authority thereof to make a return, keep any records, or supply any information, who willfully fails to pay such estimated tax or tax, make such return, keep such records, or supply such information, at the time or times required by law or regulations, shall, in addition to other penalties provided by law, be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $25,000 ($100,000 in the case of a corporation), or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

Comments In the past, the U.S. rarely brought criminal charges against taxpayers for failing to file their tax returns. However, in the last five years we have seen an increasing number of failure to file cases referred to criminal investigation. Most of these criminal referrals involve self-employed taxpayers who have not paid any tax during the year through wage withholdings or estimated tax payments. Remember, it’s a crime to intentionally fail to file your income tax return. It is not a crime to be unable to pay your taxes. Just ask Wesley Snipes.

Recommendations File your tax returns before the IRS prepares a return for you and before it begins a criminal investigation. Voluntary compliance, even at a late date, will usually forestall a criminal prosecution. Once you have filed your return, your case is more likely to be referred to an IRS collection agent for payment negotiations rather than to a criminal investigator or

BLOG: www.pappastax.com

government prosecutor for criminal prosecution.

False Tax Returns 26 U.S.C. § 7206(1) – Fraud and false statements

The Law

“File your tax

returns before the IRS prepares a return for you and before it becomes

a criminal

investigation”

Any person who willfully makes and subscribes any return, statement, or other document, which contains or is verified by a written declaration that it is made under the penalties of perjury, and which he does not believe to be true and correct as to every material matter shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $100,000 ($500,000 in the case of a corporation), or imprisoned not more than 3 years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

Comments Violations of this statute involve the intentional failure to report income and/or the intentional claiming of a fraudulent deduction. In this case, the taxpayer files his tax return and signs it under penalties of perjury even though he knows that he has not reported all of his income or has claimed a bogus deduction.

In cases involving unreported income, an IRS criminal investigation is usually initiated in one of the following ways: • Informant Tip (Whistleblower program) • Audits • State Referral

Recommendations Obviously, the best way to avoid a criminal prosecution under this federal statute is to make sure you file an accurate return.

The first step in doing this, is keeping good books and records.

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A second step would be to hire an experienced and qualified tax preparer to prepare your tax returns.

If you know that tax returns you filed in the past are materially wrong, you have a duty to amend those returns. Remember, while the IRS generally has only 3 years to audit a taxpayer’s tax return, that period is extended to 6 years in the case of omitted income.

Tax Evasion 26 U.S.C. § 7201 - Attempt to evade or defeat tax

The Law Any person who willfully attempts in any manner to evade or defeat any tax imposed by this title or the payment thereof shall, in addition to other penalties provided by law, be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $100,000 ($500,000 in the case of a corporation), or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

Recommendations The best advice we can give comes in the form of a cliché: If it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably not true. Get a second or even third opinion before you sign onto someone’s grand - and almost always too complex to understand - plan to help you avoid taxes.

Dear OSCAR Board and Members, Thank you for the beautiful flowers. They certainly gave me a big lift and a very large smile.

I will do as the doctor says and see you all in a couple of weeks.

Again, Thanks, Sue Foels

NEW ABRAHAM LINCOLN MOVIE SEQUEL: IF IT WASN’T FOR REAL ESTATE, LINCOLN MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PRESIDENT REPORTER: Dana Ward EMAIL: dward@recsfl.com

On the heels of the Oscar nominated movie Abraham Lincoln, we are now learning a lot more about our sixteenth president and his career path to the White House. While his role as the Great Emancipator is well documented, what is less known is the role that real estate played in his life and journey to become our Commander-in-Chief.

President Lincoln was born in a log cabin on a farm in Hodgenville, Kentucky. Over the course of the future president’s young life, Lincoln’s father, Thomas, fell victim to Kentucky’s vague land laws. The Lincolns lost three farms due to title defects. One had been improperly surveyed, so that it proved to be thirty-eight acres smaller than what he thought he had purchased. Another had a lien on it because of a small debt by a previous owner. In the case of the Knob Creek Farm, non-Kentucky residents brought suit claiming prior title. Not being a wealthy individual, Thomas Lincoln did not have the money to fight for his claims in court.

Due to these land trobles, the Lincoln family moved to Indiana in December 1816, where the Land Ordinance of 1785 made title claims easier. In his run for the presidency, Abraham Lincoln claimed that his father’s move from Kentucky to Indiana was “partly on account of slavery, but chiefly on account of the difficulty of land titles in Kentucky.”

If only title insurance had been around in the 1810’s, the future president (and famous son of Illinois), could have grown up in moderate prosperity in Kentucky, never having the hardships that shaped the man who would lead the nation through the Civil War. This story demonstrates the progression as well the importance of today’s real estate and land title laws. While you can still become President, it is going to be a little more difficult to do via loss of title and land!

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Using Pinterest to Further Your Social Media Outreach

REPORTER: Nannette Cherry EMAIL: communications@osceola-realtors.com

BLOG: www.osceolarealtors.org

Social Networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are prominent in the realm of online marketing.

Many of you in the Real Estate profession are probably using one, if not more of these communication vehicles.

But have you considered Pinterest? Pinterest is a relative newcomer to the scene, but has already shown a staggering growth rate in its short run of existence. Since its inception in spring of 2010, it has amassed over 11 million members, and ranked among the top ten social networks by Time Magazine.

No small feat when you consider that even Facebook and Twitter were unable to garner those kinds of numbers within a year or two of their launch. As of January 2012, Pinterest became the second most successful site in terms of referrals, falling behind Facebook and edging out Twitter for the number two spot. Not bad for a fledgling company. Furthermore, Pinterest users spend more time on that site than they do on many other social media sites. Stats show that users average one hour and seventeen minutes per day on Pinterest, compared to 36 minutes on Twitter, 17 minutes on LinkedIn, and 6 minutes on Google+.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with this social media outlet, it can be thought of as a virtual bulletin board. Users maintain their own set of ‘pin boards’, each designated with a particular theme.

On these pin boards, users ‘pin’ images of items that they fancy or find inspiring. For example, a pin board can be created dedicated to food, and Pinterest users on it there would be recipes spend more and techniques that the user time on that site would like to try, or has tried, than they do on and would like to share.

Others can come across these social media pictures, and re-pin them to sites. their own boards. If they see that the user they are pinning from happens to share their tastes, they can follow that user to keep abreast of updates to their pin boards.

many other

The beauty of this site is its brevity. Everything is captured in a snapshot;–one intriguing image intended to suck the viewer in. Of course, a simple photo limits the information that can be shared; however these photos often reference a link to a site that contains further data. So that scrumptious photo of a cheesecake can be followed directly to the site that tells you how to make it. By using the pin board format, the site takes advantage of the users’ shrinking attention spans. People in this day and age have become over-stimulated, and as such we require brief and instantaneous delivery of information to sort

through and choose from. The structure of this site delivers just that. Pinned items that interest the viewer, can be followed back to their original web source.

How can this be used to a REALTOR’s® advantage? There are many pertinent topics that can be addressed on boards to attract followers. A board dedicated to feature listings is a start.

Use optimal photos to enhance the charm of the residence, then track how many re-pins, likes, and comments you receive.

Another board could be dedicated to staging tips or household projects designed to help sellers attract buyers to their home.

Yet another board could be used to highlight the community and local businesses to give prospective buyers an overview of the local flavor. Finally, it’s a good idea to create a board dedicated your personal interests outside of real estate. If you are interested in cooking or crafts, create a board on those topics. Give your clientele some insight into your hobbies and who you are. This is, after-all, a social site.

Remember, while Pinterest is a relatively new platform, it has already seen tremendous growth in its few years of existence.

If the past is any indicator as to how this site will perform in the future, you should all be looking into setting up your own account to expand your social network reach and get your content out there.

Follow OSCAR on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/osceolarealtors/

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023 Personal, financial investment returns make short-term rentals ever more popular MEDIA CONTACT: Ashley Halligan

EMAIL: ashley@softwareadvice.com

The short-term rental market, largely second homes and vacation rentals, is alive and well, thanks largely to online portals thrusting this unique form of accommodation into the limelight.

The risks associated with short term rental investments can include governmental oversight, community scrutiny and the costs of the investment, management, maintenance and upkeep. And that bears mentioning.

However, the short-term rental sector thrives with growth not seen in other housing sectors, because the investment currently offers a bounty of rewards.

Revenue potential Obviously the primary benefit is the revenue potential.

Property owners can charge significantly higher rates for nightly and weekly stays, compared to long term rentals. The opportunity to rake in more cash flow is often keyed to the property’s location, especially when it’s a travel destination or attraction-based region. Beach towns, lake-side resorts, mountain vistas, even hip urban cores can make a short-term rental profitable.

Short-term rentals are the accommodations of choice for a growing number of bargain-seeking travellers who, in a single night, shell out enough to cover 25 percent of the property’s monthly mortgage. In some instances, there’s an opportunity to charge even more during high demand periods, during special events, holidays, and seasonal peaks.

Tax breaks Tax write-offs for short term rentals can add to the financial benefits.

If a property is rented for less than 15 days out of the year the owner does not have to report the rental revenue as income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). However, that also means the owner can’t make deductions for any costs associated with the property: upgrades, furnishings, maintenance or other overhead costs.

If the property is rented for more than 15 days out of the year, the owner can take a business use deduction on a host of operating, upkeep and maintenance costs as well as the cost of large-ticket purchases such as hot tubs, replacing the HVAC, remodelling work, and a host of other costs.

Short-term rental property owners should always consult with a licensed tax professional to determine the full list and value of deductions.

Calculated wisely, tax deductions can be a great asset to property owners.

Property preservation Property owners also enjoy a certain sentimental appeal about caring for a property that’s been in the family or the neighborhood. Regular turnover allows owners to keep a closer eye on the property and to maintain it on a regular basis, avoiding some of the wear-and-tear complaints that arise from long-term rentals.

Sue Long, a founding member of the Austin Rental Alliance, prefers renting her property on a short-term basis because it’s a house she saved from destruction - a home neighboring the home where her father was born.

“I do it for the love of the house that I saved from being demolished. This house sat on a lot next door “Short-term renters are far to the house where my less harsh on a property. father was born in 1914.

We have such a cool For example, if a long-term neighborhood and I renter doesn’t change air want people from out filters or perform regular of town to have that experience. I don’t want maintenance, they can someone in there for a create the need for costly whole year who won’t repairs.” respect it or take care of it the way I do,” Long said.

Long says short-term renters are far less harsh on a property. For example, if a long-term renter doesn’t change air filters or perform regular maintenance, they can create the need for costly repairs.

Community benefits Other owners say short-term rentals benefit the community.

Short-term rental owners must regularly upgrade, maintain and beautify their properties in order to compete and attract guests. That often keeps them in better shape than surrounding properties. Upgrading and maintaining a property helps boost its value and homes in the neighborhood enjoy a trickle-down effect.

While the heightened value of the short-term rental helps raise the property values in the neighborhood, it can also encourage in all property owners a healthy, competitive “Keeping Up With the Jones” attitude about property care, creating a snowball effect on rising property values.

Short-term rentals can be long on rewards, but it’s important to research all the risks, weigh risks and rewards evenly, and make a decision based on knowledge and understanding before making an investment.

As published January 27,2012 on DeadlineNews.com

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MARKET

OSCEOLA COUNTY

DYNAMICS 2 years (monthly) - 1.1.11 to 1.31.13 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 -47.52 Monthly % -1.57 Total Change -1140.58 Total % Change -37.61

FOR SALE -37.6%

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month’s supply of inventory (sold calculation) Monthly Change -0.11 Monthly % -1.59 Total Change -2.56 Total % Change -38.06

MSI SALE -38.1%

median price (sold) low, high, average, median Monthly Change 950.03 Monthly % .94 Total Change 22,800.83 Total % Change 22.54

FOR SALE 22.5%

OSCARAFFILIATES

026

professional

affiliates ADVERTISING/ PUBLICATIONS Guide To Homes, Inc. Rhonda Rogers 8297 Champions Gate Blvd # 381 Champions Gate, FL 33896 T 813-928-1885 guidetohomes@gmail.com The Real Estate Book Tammy Birchler 2305 NewPoint Parkway Laurenceville, GA 30043 T 407-581-1490 F 407-581-1491 tbirchler@nci.com

AGENT MARKETING SERVICES BrandAid Chris Florence 7354 Bent Grass Drive Winter Haven, FL 338884 T 863-557-7953 chris@brandaid.com www.abrandaid.com

ATTORNEYS Charles P. Castellon, PA Law F Charles Castellon 14129 Town Loop Blvd, Suite 200 Orlando, FL 32837 T 407-851-0201 F 407-851-9411 ccastellon@ centralflattorney.com

Jose G. Oliveira, P.A. Law Office Jose G. Oliveira 121 S. Orange Ave STE 1130 Orlando, FL 32801 T: 321-445-9458 F:321-275-5054 jose@oliveiralawfirm.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

Law Office of Daniel Villazon, P.A. 1420 Celebration Blvd.

Celebration, FL 34747 T 407-483-0041 dvillazon@yahoo.com frecattorney.com

CONSTRUCTION/ REPAIR/ RENOVATIONS

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 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 Patricia L. Daugherty, Attorney at LawPatricia L. Daugherty 11 North Vernon Avenue Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-518-7674 F 407-932-4387 pld@daughertyyatlaw.com www.daughertyatlaw.com

Property Preservation Experts John Canonico 1809 E. Broadway Avenue Oviedo, FL 32765 T 407-588-7443 ppexperts@gmail.com Servpro of Osceola County Dan Hougaard 1710 Kelley Avenue Kissimmee, FL 34744 T 407-933-0707 F407-933-5014 dhougaard@servprooc.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES/ INSTITUTIONS Butler Mortgage Harry Urban 1012 W. Emmett Street, Suite B Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-931-3800 F 407-931-3801 hurban@butlermortgage.com

Center State Bank Scott Johnson 920 North John Young Parkway Kissimmee, FL 34746 T 407-847-3800 F 407-847-8482 sjohnson@ centerstatebank.com Farm Credit of Central Florida Johan Dam P.O. Box 8009 Lakeland, FL, 33802 T 863-682-7196 F 863-668-8145 jdam@farmcreditcfl.com www.farmcreditcfl.com 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 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

OSCARAFFILIATES

027

HOME WARRANTY First American Home WarrantyCorp Leslie Zimmerly 3281 Settlers Trail St Cloud, FL 34772 T 407-902-5237 lesliez@firstam.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 Firm Foundations Home Inspections, Inc. Aubrey Kahn 2200 Sylvan Court Kissimmee, FL 34746 T 321-624-0254 akahn.firmfoundations@ gmail.com tophomeinspection.com Genx Property Services, LLC. Nestor Ramos 2701 Oak Hammock Preserve Blvd.

Kissimmee, FL 34746 T 407-234-1327 nramos@ genxpropertyservices.com www.genxpropertyservices.com

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

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

REALTOR速 SERVICES

Creating Wealth USA, LLC August Byllot P.O. Box 470654 Celebration, FL 34747 T 863-255-5858 augie@creatingwealthusa.com Quality Title & Escrow LLC Lisa Bennett creatingwealthusa.com 1801 Lee Road, Suite 205 Winter Park, FL 32789 T 321-304-3906 TITLE/ESCROW/ F 321-304-3009 lisa@qtefl.com 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

Wayne Home Inspections Wayne E. Glover 1533 Trumbull Street Kissimmee, FL 34744 T 407-935-1127/ First American Title F 407-935-1483 Deborah Dudley wayne.glover@netzero.net wayneshomeinspections.com 1101 Miranda Lane, Suite 101 Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 877-833-1731 F 866-722-5957 REAL ESTATE ddudley@firstam.com

SCHOOLS/ EDUCATION

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

Final Negotiations, LLC. Rhonda Owen 1201 Emmet Street Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-846-0978 rowen@stewart.com Integrity First Title Betty M. Dobbie 908 Mabbette Street Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-343-1560 F 407-343-1561 bdovvie@integrityft.com

Stewart Approved Title, Inc. Becky Sheive 1201 Emmett Street Kissimmee, FL 34741 T 407-846-7477 / F 407-846-6573 bsheive@stewart.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 Betsy Barrantes - Exit Realty Central Eugene Bellew - Bellew Real Estate Emma Bencz - Live Oak Realty, Inc Deborah Bendall - FrontGate Realty Alecia Beyer - FWL Enterprises, LLC Vanessa Burgos - La Rosa Realty, LLC Patricia Cheeks - Express One Real Estate Mayerlin Cortes - Coldwell Banker Ackley Realty Pamela Cross - Century 21 Team Feltrim Maribell Cruz - Exit Realty Access, LLC Lautaro Cubas - Victoria Realty Pratik Daiya - Jose Orlando Rodriguez Ch ristopher Davies - Davies Realty, LLC El Habib El Moubarik - Varonia Real Estate Mark Erme - FWL Enterprises, LLC Kimberly Falkowski - Keller Williams at The Lakes Joseph Federico - Southern Dunes Realty Dario Gamboa - Florida Realty Team of Central Steven Gillispie - Keller Williams at the Lakes Letwiens Gonzalez - Invest Realty Group, LLC Carole Greenwald - DeNike Realty and Property Management, LLC Raphael Guanill - WF Realty Corp.

Kerry Hendrick - Florida Horizons Real Estate, LLC Teia Hooper - La Rosa Realty, LLC Donna Jarvis - Exit Realty Access, LLC Maryann Jones - Home Bankers Realty, LLC Michaela Krause - Century 21 Metro Lifestyles Orlando Lajas - Resource One Realty Elamie Lanzone - Celebration Rental Group Fernando Leano - Florida Realty Team of Central Micheal Leatherman - Watson Realty Corp Analuz Lopez De Troitino - Luxury Realty, Inc. Gil Medina - Watson Realty Corp.

Loreen Morris - Keller Williams Advantage III Barbara O’Hara - Dream Builders Realty Maria Mercedes Pabon - Easy Home Realty, Inc. Vivian Pena - Florida Realty Team of Central Rene Perez - Exit Realty Access, Inc. Rodrigo Pinto De Arruda - Victoria Realty Juarez Polidoro - Century 21 Team Feltrim Michael Richardson - Coldwell Banker Ackley Realty Maritza Rivero - Luxury Realty, Inc. Beda Rojas - Keller Williams at the Lakes Tania Romen - REMAX Premier Properties Hector Rosario - Homestead Realty, Inc. Rosely Ruiz - Luxury Team of Florida Real Estate Michael Salazar - Homestead Realty, Inc. Eyra Santiago - Harmoney Real Estate Co, LLC Satish Sharma -IRIS International

Jed Suhl - Davis Real Estate Group John Van Der Reyden - Watson Realty Corp.

Michelle Vega - G World Properties Simoara Velazquez - Rainbow Homes Real Estate Flavio Vieira De Melo - Luxury Realty, Inc. Helen Weaver - Watson Realty Corp.

John Weaver - Cornerstone Building Analsysis, Inc Christopher Woeste - Davis Real Estate Group

AFFILIATE

offices

Andy Nelmes Home Improvements BrandAid Farm Credit of Central Florida Genx Property Services, LLC. Green Minds Financial Network, Inc. Crime Prevention Security Systems