Sarasota Realtor Magazine December 2010

DECEMBER 2010

Stars of SAR

IMPORTANT DUES INFORMATION INSIDE - See Page 14

America’s Builder Is

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Single-family homes from the upper $100s

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7 L E G E N D S B AY Single-family homes from the mid $300s

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5

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Single-family homes from the mid $300s

OA K V I S TA S

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PH I L L I PPI PI N E S

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866-475-3347 OL D TA M PA E S TAT E S

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941-896-8816

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CGC1513647 Home and community information, including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities are subject to change without notice or obligation.

Pictures are for illustration purposes only and will vary from the homes as built. Please contact a sales representative for details. Locations are approximate and not to scale.

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Contents

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine Volume 7, Issue 12 DECEMBER 2010

Sarasota Association of Realtors®, Inc.

6

3590 South Tuttle Avenue Sarasota, Florida 34239 Phone: 941/923-2315 FAX: 941/923-0191 www.sarasotarealtors.com

Stars of SAR We owe so much to our organization’s amazing volunteers, and each year we have the opportunity to single out four exceptional SAR members who made extraordinary contributions!

10 New Year Wishes

Marc Mansfield, our Governmental Affairs Director, has had an extremely busy 2010, helping to spearhead the local effort against Amendment 4 and so much more. Here are his wishes for 2011.

12 Property Value Drop

There has been a drop in property values in Sarasota County, but what does that mean for your tax bill? Property Appraiser Bill Furst explains the process, and what we can expect.

Volume 7 • Issue 12 •DECEMBER 2010

15 Market Steady

4

The October 2010 sales statistics indicate that our market

has continued to be very stable and steady as we approach 2011.

31 Immobel Creates BUZZ

Immobel launched a new product for SAR members on Nov. 12th IDX-Buzz for Facebook. The multi-language search tool will help SAR members reach more international buyers.

In every issue

Treasurer Laura Benson Michael Saunders & Company Immediate Past President William Geller RE/MAX Platinum Realty Chief Executive Officer Kathy Roberts Mission Statement The mission of the Sarasota Association of ® Realtors is to advance members’ professionalism through delivery of education and resources while upholding the Realtors® Code of Ethics.

We are committed to be the leading advocate of real estate in the communities we serve by protecting private property rights and expanding relationships with individuals and organizations both locally and worldwide.

Sarasota Realtor® is published monthly by the Sarasota Association of Realtors® Inc. Editorial Staff Director of Communications Ray Porter Director of Member Services Dan Andrews Director of MLS Information Systems Jesse Sunday

Sarasota Realtor® Advertising: For information on advertising rates and deadlines, contact Ray Porter at 941/328-1168 or ray@sarasotarealtors.com.

18- Commercial Investment Division 20- Education Programs Visit SAR on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SarasotaRealtors See a few of the photos this month on Page 24!

30- Membership News 31- International Real Estate

Subscriptions: The annual dues of every member of the Sarasota Association of Realtors®, Inc., includes a one-year subscription to Sarasota Realtor ® magazine.

A yearly subscription for Sarasota Realtor ® magazine is available to non-members for $25, plus Florida sales tax.

Editorial ideas and manuscripts are welcome. Byline articles and columns express the opinions of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the policies or sentiments of the Sarasota Association of Realtors®, Inc. All submitted copy is subject to editing.

2010 Copyright© by the Sarasota Association of Realtors®, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

32- Calendar of Events/Education

DECEMBER 2010

Secretary Roger Piro Town & Country Realty

Production Coastal Printing, Inc.

15- Sales and Listing Statistics

28- WCR News

President-Elect Michael Bruno Prudential Palms Realty

Governmental Affairs Director Marc Mansfield

12- Property Appraiser

27- Broker Corner

President Erick Shumway RE/MAX Alliance Group

Director of Professional Development Catherine McCaskill

10- Governmental Affairs

24- On the SAR Scene

2010 Officers

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

SAR Installation & Holiday Luncheon set Dec. 8th The Sarasota Association of Realtors® will hold the Installation & Holiday Luncheon on Wednesday, Dec. 8th beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Michael’s on East, 1212 East Ave. S. (Midtown Plaza), Sarasota.

The cost for the luncheon will again be priced at only $30 per person.

During the business portion of the luncheon, the new SAR

Officers and Board of Directors for 2011, and the CID Officers and Directors will be installed. In addition, the SAR year will be reviewed, and awards will be presented for Realtor® of the Year, Humanitarian of the Year, Meritorious Service and the President’s Award (see P. 6 for details).

All SAR members are invited and encouraged to attend.

Please register online prior to Dec. 1st.

Barbara Zdziarski: SAR Affiliate of the Month for December

The December 2010 SAR Affiliate of the Month is Barbara Zdziarski of Lakewood Ranch Communities.

Barbara is one of the Realtor® Liaisons for the award-winning green Master Planned Community of Lakewood Ranch.

Barbara was born in Paterson, NJ, graduated from Lesley College, Cambridge, MA with a BS in Education, and taught kindergarten for 30 years in Framingham, MA. She has lived and worked on the Ranch for 11 years and is passionate about her job. As Lakewood Ranch has grown and the number of neighborhoods, amenities,

etc. increases, she enjoys assisting Realtors® in understanding the product available, the layout of the Ranch and the different builders.

Barbara is also pleased to announce that Sherri Spanos has joined her as a “sidekick” at Lakewood Ranch Communities. Barbara and Sherri will be networking, visiting realty offices, holding parties, inviting offices to visit the Ranch and generally supporting the efforts of the Realtor community.

Barbara can be reached at 941-5562521 or by email: Barbara.Zdziarski@ lakewoodranch.com.

Barbara Zdziarski

Title-ist.

Representing Your Interests, From Concept To Close.

When it comes to representing your interests in a real estate transaction, look to attorney Steven R. Greenberg.

Steve is a Florida Bar Certified Real Estate Specialist with more than 25 years experience and handles hundreds of closings each year. Call us!

A Firm Commitment To You.

Steven R. Greenberg

Board Certified Real Estate Attorney

2033 Main Street, Suite 500 Sarasota, FL 34237 Call: 941.365.6216

For Immediate Service: Linda Witt, Director of Marketing Call 941-586-4412

e-mail: REinfo@icardmerrill.com

Cover Story

2010 Stars of SAR These volunteers exemplify excellence in service

e

Judy Schomaker

Christina Pitchford

Every organization needs motivated, dynamic and involved members in order to achieve and excel. The Sarasota Association of Realtors® is fortunate to have hundreds of members who meet this challenge, year in and year out, and every December we select four outstanding examples from our ranks to honor their exceptional contributions.

These four valuable leaders strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others. They were nominated by their peers for their unique and valuable contributions to SAR and the Sarasota community throughout 2010.

Judy Schomaker - SAR 2010 Realtor® of the Year

The Realtor® of the Year award is based on the SAR Realtor® member’s lifetime contributions to SAR, Florida Realtors® and NAR, plus service in the community and business accomplishments. Although total contributions may be considered, activities over the past three years receive priority consideration.

Judy Schomaker of RE/MAX Platinum Realty has been honored as Realtor® of the Year for 2010. Judy served as SAR President in 2005, and has remained active and energetically involved at the local, state and national level since that time.

In May 2004, SAR was appointed as the official Ambassador Association to Spain, and Judy was named as the NAR President’s Liaison to Spain. For many years, Judy has strived to promote and advance international real estate to the SAR membership, and in the past few years, her hard work and diligence has paid off.

In October 2005, a cooperative agreement was inked at the NAR conference between SAR and Paris Ile de France, a French real estate trade association. The pact has helped expose our local area to brokers and investors in France and throughout Europe, and further the 6

DECEMBER 2010

David Clapp

Bob Milhoan

aim of opening a new international market for local Realtors® to explore. The potential for benefit to both sides of the business arrangement is enormous.

Judy moved to Sarasota in October 1996 after she and her husband, Don, sold their family business, Hemisphere Marketing, in St. Louis, MO. She didn’t stay retired long, achieving her real estate license and then broker’s license shortly after arriving and beginning her career in local real estate.

She immediately became involved in leadership roles, serving on the SAR Board of Directors from 2000 to 2006; and serving as president of the Sarasota Women’s Council of Realtors® in 2000. She was also on the SAR International Council from 1999-2008, serving as chair in 2003, and has served on numerous SAR committees and task forces. Judy has also been highly involved with the Florida Realtors® and the National Association of Realtors®. She was named NAR President’s Liaison of the Year in 2008.

In her spare time, Judy is also involved in community organizations, and has been on the Boy Scouts of America Council for over 18 years.

Congratulations to Judy Schomaker – 2010 Realtor® of the Year!

The Humanitarian of the Year award is given to an SAR Realtor® member for a significant contribution as a volunteer for an organization(s) or project(s) in the community.

Christina Pitchford - SAR 2010 Humanitarian of the Year

Christina Pitchford is serving her second term as Director for the Sarasota Association of Realtors®, is the 2010 Chair of the Green Realtors® Alliance of Sarasota, is a member of the Public Policy Committee and is a founding member and former Chair of the Sarasota

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Young Realtors®.

This year, Christina organized 91 Realtor® and Affiliate volunteers for the annual Coastal Clean-Up, improving five local parks and beaches. For the big Make a Difference Day on Oct. 23, she also organized a group of Realtors® and friends to paint a home. With the help of SAR members, she collected the largest peanut butter donation for the Community Foundation of Sarasota to give to All Faith’s Food Bank. For the Florida Realtors®, she serves on the following subcommittees: Land Use, Property Rights and Sustainable Development, Attainable/Workforce Housing and Legislative and Regulatory Research.

She is also a director for Project 180, a local not-for-profit seeking to reintegrate former offenders into community life through sustainable living and leadership development.

Christina loves charity walks, especially when her dog, Mimzy, can tag along. She is a member of Selby Gardens and the Arts Center of Sarasota, and in years past has served as both chair and vice chair of the School Advisory Council for Phillippi Shores, where she was a PTA mom for four years, assisting with fundraisers and volunteering one to two hours a week in the classroom or filling other needs around campus. Christina says she prefers hugs to handshakes, and her goal for 2011 is to bring back the highfive.

Congratulations to Christina Pitchford, SAR’s 2010 Humanitarian of the Year!

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS Short Sales Foreclosures Bankruptcy

David Clapp - SAR 2010 Meritorious Service Award

The Meritorious Service Award is given to a Realtor® whose service to SAR and his/her fellow Realtors® has been of such effectiveness and quality so as to deserve special recognition. The member’s service must be both consistent and valuable, and their dedication to personal professional development must be both consistent and of high quality.

David P. Clapp, GRI, CDPE, has been a full time Realtor® since 1978, practicing for 21 years outside of Philadelphia PA, and 10 years in Sarasota. He is currently a manager and director of education for RE/MAX Alliance Group, which has nine offices and over 270 agents.

Dave’s biggest recent accomplishment was his leadership of the planning, oversight and execution of the first-ever SAR Tech Expo, held on Friday, Nov. 12th at Sarasota Alliance Church. The event was a stunning success, attracting more than 200 members for the day of technology education, information and innovation.

In the past year, Dave was a member of the SAR Board of Directors, chaired the Vendor Data Committee, chaired the Technology Subcommittee, served on the Professional Development Committee, served on the Power Marketing Committee, and was Education Coordinator for the Power Marketing sessions.

Dave previously served on the SAR Executive Committee and as Secretary of the SAR Board of Directors. Additionally, Dave has served as Chair and Vice Chair of the Professional Development committee, and chair of a subcommittee responsible for developing SAR’s basic educational program called “14 Key Strategies for Real Estate Success”.

Congratulations to David Clapp, SAR’s 2010 Meritorious Service Award winner!

Continued on P. 9, See STARS

Call 941-366-1300 For A

FREE CONSULTATION Jefferson F. Riddell, Esq. (Board Certified Real Estate Attorney) Cynthia A. Riddell, Esq.

Riddell Law Group R L G

3400 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida www.toomuchdebtsarasota.com The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements.

Before you decide, ask us to send you free, written information about our qualifications and experience.

M Participate in our Gold Medallion Treasure Hunt and start collecting $500 gold coins* redeemable when you sell a Medallion Home in any of our neighborhoods.

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• Partner with your team to collect Medallions and split the bonus.

• Visit all seven Medallion neighborhoods by 1/31/11 and qualify for a drawing to win a weekend getaway for two to Longboat Key Club. Includes accommodations, dinner at Sands Point or Portofino on Friday and Saturday, breakfast in bed on Sunday, and a massage for two at the Island Spa House. See

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STARS

From Page 7

Bob Milhoan - SAR 2010 President’s Award The President’s Award is a special honor awarded by the SAR President to an SAR Realtor® member who represents the person the President feels best embodies the Realtor® spirit and has contributed and supported the President and President’s goals for the past year.

Over the past several years, Bob Milhoan, a commercial real estate agent with Hembree and Associates, has become almost synonomous with the term Commercial Investment Division, helping the CID achieve unprecedented membership size, scope and influence. But he raised the bar to all new heights in 2010 through his leadership and involvement in various projects of a community-wide nature.

Bob, as vice-chair of SAR’s Public Policy Committee, was instrumental in Sarasota County’s decision to amend its proposed “Address Ordinance,” which could have had detrimental impacts on many local businesses. Bob arranged for SAR members to tour the county’s 911 system office and also a demonstration of vehicle GIS systems to familiarize committee members with the issue. The end result, after several months of hard work, analysis, plus in-person meetings with county staff and elected officials - SAR recommended several amendments to the county ordinance language. All of our changes were adopted by the county board! www.sarasotarealtors.com

VP/Mortgage Production Manager Sr. Loan Officer Urban Trust Bank Mortgage Division 235 N. Orange Ave. Suite 101 Sarasota, FL 34236 Office: (941) 893-4923 Cell: (941) 504-0823 Efax: (877) 338-1586 lmcconnell@urbantrustbank.com

“Bob wasn’t ready to rest on his laurels,” said SAR President Erick Shumway. “Next, he tackled the Amendment 4 opposition efforts. He led the effort to arrange for campaign sign locations, and helped physically install many of the signs. He worked on the ‘Get Out the Vote’ initiative and participated in all four SAR phone banks to help increase voter turnout.”

As a member of the steering committee for the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce / Economic Development Council, Bob participated in the effort to pass the recent Sarasota County Tax Abatement issue.

Currently, Bob is helping in the review of zoning changes being proposed by county staff to encourage in-fill development, particularly in the Major Employment Center and Commercial Center future land use areas of the Comprehensive Plan.

Bob became licensed in real estate in March 2003 after a career which included work as a print reporter, television reporter, advertising manager and marketing director. He has been with Hembree & Associates for the past five years.

Bob previously served on the CID’s CIX Tech Committee, and was a trainer and beta tester for the Catylist system. He has served on the Non Dues Revenue Task Force; and the Public Policy Committee (Member for two years, Vice Chair this year, Incoming Chair for next year.) Congratulations to Bob Milhoan, 2010 SAR President’s Award winner!

And once again, congratulations to all our winners, who will be honored at the Wednesday, Dec. 8th SAR Installation & Holiday Luncheon at Michael’s On East!

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

DECEMBER 2010

9

Governmental Affairs 10

2011 New Year Wishes

t

By Marc Mansfield Governmental Affairs Director

jobs and providing economic opportunity for our children should be a given.

• Ed Smith Stadium – A newly renovated facility ready for opening day!

• Traffic Signals – While Sarasota County generally is ahead of the curve when it comes to green and sustainability issues, why in the world is it so difficult to get from point A to point B in and around Sarasota?

Local traffic signal timing creates gridlock rather than eliminating traffic jams and there seems to be absolutely zero synchronization within the area.

• The Season – High hopes for a successful tourism season.

• Housing Market – Continued turnaround in demand and median price.

• Great Volunteers - Many thanks to all the wonderful volunteers who have served SAR in some capacity during 2010 and thanks in advance to those who will serve in 2011. We couldn’t do without you!

Happy holidays to one and all!

The election season is officially finished. Amendment 4 was soundly and convincingly defeated in Sarasota County and statewide. No more political commercials, polls, phone calls, or visits to your door. Who knows what the future will hold, however I suspect we are all ready to breathe a sigh of relief and begin preparations for the upcoming holiday season. Of course the holiday season has its own set of challenges, and by the end of December most of us will begin to think about 2011. With a new year rapidly approaching, it is customary to ponder our existence (although that can be dangerous) and make resolutions or wishes for the upcoming 12 months. Given that most New Year resolutions are completely forgotten by the first of February, in the spirit of the holiday season I give you my 2011 wishes and/or desires in no order of importance or significance: • Personal Accountability – I wish people would accept responsibility for their actions rather than conveniently blame someone else for their troubles.

• Social Interaction – We spend far more time with folks that agree with us rather than spending much more time with those that disagree with us. We could all learn and benefit from those discussions.

• Political Consensus – With the election season behind us, perhaps our elected representatives can work on an agenda that will focus on job creation and economic recovery for Florida and our country.

• Economic Development – High unemployment numbers, lower tax revenues and a shrinking economy.

2010 has not been a banner year for our local area.

Building successful and vibrant communities is a huge challenge. Locally, we still spend much more time Michelle Crabtree, an SAR board member and real estate agent with Michael arguing about growth than Saunders & Company, dressed up her dog, Sophie, and headed to the polls worrying about our economic on Nov. 2nd to help defeat Amendment 4. This is what is called “Going the future. Creating good paying extra mile”!

DECEMBER 2010

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

High standards. High expectations.

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*Prices listed are base prices, do not include lot premiums or options, and are subject to change without notice. Community Association fees required. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required or if void by law. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be an actual representation of a specific community, neighborhood, or any completed improvements being offered. Please see a sales associate for details. CGC1505166 Š2011 Pulte Home Corporation. All rights reserved. 12/1/10

Property Appraiser

Yes, Virginia - there will be a bottom!

YES VIRGINIA, THERE WILL BE A BOTTOM. WE JUST CAN’T We just can’t see it yet SEE IT YET.

By Bill Furst, GRI, CRS, CRB

Perhaps the greatest December is already here; the year is almost over. Although at the Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s office we encounter multiple cycles, the close of each sorrow my staff and Property Appraiser calendar year is always the most significant because January 1 is the date December is already here; the I have experienced of assessment in Florida. As with most people and most organizations, this year is almost over. Although at this year has been is a time for reflection and a time filled with hope and expectations. the Property Appraiser’s office we witnessing the hundreds encounter multiple cycles, the close of each calendar year is always the In looking back at 2010, we are not pleased to report the market value of of Sarasota families who most significant because January Sarasota County has continued on the precipitous plunge that began in have lost their homes.

1 is the date of assessment in 2008.Unfortunately, such are the facts. Since 2007 the County’s total Florida. As with most people and Our thoughts and value has dropped by more than $30 billion or 35%. The county’s 2010 most organizations, this is a time prayers are with them. market value is just slightly more than in 2004. The most dramatic for reflection and a time filled with hope and expectations. reduction occurred in 2008 when values declined nearly $13 billion or 15%. The change from 2009 to 2010 was not as sharp, $6 billion or 10%. I In looking back at 2010, we are not pleased to report the market value of to the tax rolls each year. wish we were able to answer everyone’s question, “Have we reached the Sarasota County has continued on Homeowners had seen a steady bottom?” However, my office is not ready to forecast or predict what the the precipitous plunge that began in increase in their property’s value that market value will be for 2011 although early indications point to further 2008. was sheltered from ad valorem taxes reductions. after 1995, following adoption of Unfortunately, such are the facts.

Since 2007 the County’s total the Save Our Homes constitutional Other indicators confirm what everyone in the real estate industry and in value has dropped by more than $30 provision. The amendment limits our community already knew. For example, during the past three years the billion, or 35 percent. The county’s annual increases in the assessed value number of parcels listed on the assessment rolls has remained fairly 2010 market value is just slightly of homestead exempt properties to 3 percent or the Consumer Price Index constant when in prior years on average we would see a gain of 3,000 new more than in 2004. (whichever is less). parcels added each year. For the first time since this office has kept The most dramatic reduction Traditionally, nearly 90 percent records, the total number of homestead exempt parcels dropped from occurred in 2008 when values of all homestead exempt properties declined nearly $13 billion, or 15 2008 to 2009 and again in 2010; previously, on average, we would see a would have noticed their property’s percent. The change from 2009 to net gain of 2,500 new homestead exempt properties added to the tax rolls market value was higher than the 2010 was not as sharp, $6 billion or each year. assessed value.

10 percent.

In 2010, this number has eroded I wish we were able to answer Since 1995 when the Save Our Homes constitutional provision limitting to 45 percent.

As a result many everyone’s question, “Have we annual increases in the assessed value of homestead exempt properties to homeowners who were counting on reached the bottom?” However, my “Porting” their Save Our Homes 3% or the Consumer Price Index (whichever is less), homewoners had seen office is not ready to forecast or value to another home have lost that a steady increase in their property’s value that was sheltered from ad predict what the market value will be option. for 2011, although early indications valorem taxes. Traditionally, nearly 90% of all homestead exempt Perhaps the greatest sorrow my point to further reductions. properties would have noticed their property’s market value was higher staff and I have experienced this year Other indicators confirm what than the assessed value. In 2010, this number has eroded to 45%. As a has been witnessing the hundreds of everyone in the real estate industry result many homeowners who were counting on “Porting” their Save Our Sarasota families who have lost their and in our community already knew.

Homes value to another home have lost that option. homes.

Our thoughts and prayers are For example, during the past three years the number of parcels listed with them.

Perhaps the greatest sorrow my staff and I have experienced this year has As we continue to contend with on the assessment rolls has remained been witnessing the hundreds of Sarasota families who have lost their fairly constant when in prior years difficult economic times, we should on average we would see a gain of pause and reflect on the things in our homes. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. lives we value most.

3,000 new parcels added each year.

For more We at the Sarasota Property For the first time since this office information, As we continue to contend with difficult economic times, we should pause Appraiser’s office hope your has kept records, the total number of contact the and reflect on the things in our lives we value most. celebrations are joyous; your dreams homestead exempt parcels dropped Property

for the New Year come true; and you from 2008 to 2009 and again in Appraiser’s office We at the Sarasota Property Appraiser’s office hope your celebrations are spend the holiday season surrounded 2010.

Previously, on average, we at 941.861.8200. joyous; your dreams for the New Year come true; and you spend the would see a net gain of 2,500 new by the people and traditions you holiday season surrounded by the people and traditions you love and homestead exempt properties added love and cherish. cherish.

12

d

DECEMBER 2010

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

January 1 Exemption and Value Deadlines:

Homestead: The Applicant must own and occupy the property and have established their permanent Florida residency by January 1.

Organizations: The property must be owned and used exclusively or predominantly for exempt purposes by January 1.

Conservation: The property must be encumbered by a conservation easement by January 1.

Agricultural: The property must be used for a bona fide agricultural purpose by January 1.

Condos and Subdivisions: Lots and units in plats filed by January 1 and deeds splitting property by January 1 will be listed separately on the assessment roll.

New Construction: The value of new structures and additions completed for their intended purpose by January 1 will be placed on the assessment roll.

Demolitions: The value of structures demolished by January 1 will be removed from the assessment roll.

NEED A SPEAKER FOR YOUR MEETING? BILL FURST WILL COME AND TALK WITH YOUR GROUP AND ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS.

To set up an appointment call our office at 941.861.8200 or email us at PA@SC‐PA.com

www.sarasotarealtors.com

LWRC-143 Dec. REAL Spotlight_Layout 1 11/16/10 9:30 AM Page 1

LAKEWOOD RANCH SPOTLIGHT

LETTER FROM

This year’s Tour of Homes broke the record in attendance!

Jimmy Stewart Director of Sales & Project Management, LWR Communities The real estate season has certainly started here in Lakewood Ranch.

The month of October was a record setting month for us—with 18 sales in the last 18 days, for a total of 49 sales and reservations for the month!

This is more than double our activity from 2009 and we know this means we are in for a great season. If you haven’t been out to Lakewood Ranch lately, you are missing out on some great new models and new builders.

This year alone, we have added 11 new model homes and 18 more are on the way for 2011. In fact, at the end of the first quarter of 2011, there will be more than 50 new home models to see in Lakewood Ranch.

That is unprecedented both in this area and around the state. Average selling prices are coming in over $500,000! But with new communities like Pat Neal’s Central Park, our prices start in the mid $100’s. We invite everyone to come see the new and changing face of Lakewood Ranch!

Go to www.lakewoodranch.com or call 941.907.6000 to discover more about living on the Ranch.

Play tag! Learn how at: lakewoodranch.com

TOUR OF HOMES wraps up The 2010 Tour of Homes was a huge success for Lakewood Ranch! More visitors came through our information centers and models than ever before. The 13th annual event that showcases all of the fabulous ranch builders featured 29 models from 14 different builders. Next year, the Tour of Homes will include more than 50 models due to new additions coming in 2011. If you missed it this time around, it's not too late to visit any of our beautiful models—they are open daily.

Stop by any Lakewood Ranch Information center for a map and a free guided tour of the community.

LOVE LWR? Become a fan today, go to: www.facebook.com/LakewoodRanch.

+ 2 MARKET trends Lakewood Ranch is proud to welcome two new builders! Congratulations to TruLiving Homes and Cardel Homes for joining the team. TruLiving Homes has a model underway in Country Club East and Cardel has already started their model in Central Park.

To get acquainted with all the builder’s making homes on the Ranch go to www.lakewoodranch.com for more information.

Don’t miss the new store that just opened on Main Street.

Artisans features items from around the world and gives back to artisans who are below the poverty level.

Here are some upcoming dates to save: December 3 Music on Main Music on Main! Free monthly street party with live music December 4 Farmer’s Market from 9am-1pm December 4 The Scottish Festival Returns with Country Singing sensation David Nail!

December 10 Holidays on the Ranch from 9am-1pm December 11 Breakfast with Santa Macallisters Restaurant 8:30am-10:30am

For more details on Main Street events and other upcoming events, go to www.lwrevents.com

IMPORTANT DUES INFORMATION – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

2011 Dues Invoices are now available and due For the Who, What, When, Where, and Why’s regarding mandatory electronic online dues payments, please visit the SAR website at www.sarasotarealtors.com and click on the MEMBERS tab near the top of the page, FAQ’s, Dues and Accounts.

Changes Affecting 2011 Dues Only Realizing that many of our members are still struggling in this economy, SAR is implementing billing changes on a one time only basis which we hope will positively impact our members. We will be billing all charges on 1 invoice; however, the changes affecting late fees and past due dates will remain the same as last year: 1. Members will be given an additional 30 days to pay.

Service will remain intact until 5 pm on February 15 instead of January 15.

2. A late fee will not be assessed on payments received

by February 15.



Reinstatement or Application fees will be assessed for payments after 5 p.m. on February 15.

Due Dates, Termination of Services, and Refund Policy  Due: December 15, 2010; Past Due: February 15, 2011, 5:01 p.m.  Members with open balances a/o 5:01 p.m. on February 15, 2011 will be terminated and lose all Realtor® services, including Supra.  Reinstatement before 5 p.m. on February 28, 2011 will require payment in full of all amounts due at date of termination, as well as a $75 reinstatement fee.  Reinstatement after February 28, 2011 will require licensee to apply as a new member and pay the $150 application fee plus amounts owed at time of termination plus the FAR interest assessment.  For a member whose license is placed inactive prior to Jan. 1st and who has paid their invoice, the inactive member will receive a full refund of the payments made.  For a member whose license is placed inactive on or after Jan. 1st and who has paid their invoice, all payments received are non‐refundable.



Payment Methods: ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS ONLY!!!  Two payment options: 1. Deduct directly from your checking account via: A. Debit card (MC,V) – the easiest way to have the payment deducted from your checking account.

B. Electronic check – use same information as on your check.

2. Credit card (MasterCard, Visa, or American Express).  Instructions for all payments  go to www.sarasotarealtors.com  click on MY SAR ACCOUNT at top of page  under My Services, click on “Pay/View Bill Online”  online charges will appear on your bank and credit card statements as “Realtor Association/MLS”  to print a copy of invoice, click on the invoice number

OR Come to the SAR offices and use our computer in the library which is programmed to open directly into the log‐in screen and has easy instructions located at the workstation for your use.  Once payments are made online, they are updated to your account within 72 hours. We encourage you to go online to check the status of your account.



When and Where are dues invoices sent?  Individual dues invoices will be available at http://www.sarasotarealtors.com (under MY SAR ACCOUNT at top of the page) on November 1st, where they can be viewed, printed, and paid. In addition, an email will be sent to all members notifying them when the invoices have been produced and are available for payment.



What will be included on this dues billing?  Annual dues: Local, State, National, CID (if applicable), and voluntary RPAC.

14

DECEMBER 2010

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Pending sales rise 10 percent in October 2010; prices are steady

p

Last year at this Pending sales spiked by 10 percent “Now that the mid-term election $169,000. time, looking back over the in October 2010 in the Sarasota real estate market, signaling more is behind us, and the foreclosure previous 12 months, the median sale price for single closings in future months as the freeze seems to have thawed, family was $160,000, and season begins in southwest Florida. for condos was $199,450.

There were 819 total pending sales there is certainly reason for reported last month, compared to The overall inventory 744 in September 2010 and 839 in optimism.” - SAR President Erick dropped from 6,226 in October 2009. Pending sales reflect September to 6,069 in Shumway future closing activity and they are October, a good sign for again trending upward. future price appreciation as long as demand remains Overall sales dropped by steady. The months of 11 percent in October 2010 inventory for single compared to last month, and 15 family homes in October percent from last year at this time.

2010 rose to 11.1 months The drop is likely attributable from the figure of 9.9 to a slowdown in foreclosures months in September. The prompted by lender concerns over figure was 9.3 months in faulty paperwork. Looking at the October 2009. The rise most recent four months, there has reflects the lower sales been a fairly steady trend in sales during the month. Months and prices, indicating a stabilizing of inventory represents the of the market following more number of months it would fluctuations earlier in the year. take to sell all available Property sales in October 2010 homes at the current pace. stood at 487 total sales, compared For condos, the figure rose to 547 September sales and 574 to 15.9 months from 15.1 sales in September 2009. The months in September. It breakdown was 351 single family was at 15.0 months in home sales and 136 condos.

October 2009. Once the The median sale price for single market reaches the 6 family homes was $147,500 for month level it is considered to be in equilibrium between a October 2010, compared to $155,000 for single family buyers and sellers market. homes in September, and $151,000 last October. The Distressed property sales continue to be the primary median sale price for condos was $158,525 in October reason for the overall median price at a level lower 2010, higher than last month’s figure of $150,450, but than would be expected, with normal arm’s length sales lower than the October 2009 figure of $220,000. Last year’s garnering three-times as much as bank-owned properties, figure was a statistical anomaly likely caused by an influx and twice as much as short sales on average. For example, of high-end condominium buyers all closing during the condo foreclosure sales saw a median price of $90,000 in same time period.

October, compared to a median price of $273,000 for arm’s “As we enter the traditionally busier season, the local real length condo sales. estate market appears to be on solid ground,” said 2010 “The level of distressed sales dropped a little in October, SAR President Erick Shumway. “Now that the mid-term from 54 percent down to 50 percent, which is most election is behind us, and the foreclosure freeze seems to likely attributable to some major banks delaying many have thawed, there is certainly reason for optimism. Sales foreclosures to check on potentially flawed paperwork,” and showing activity have been consistent, and even with explained Shumway.

“When the distressed sales are finally 50 percent of the market dominated by distressed sales, the weeded out, and we have primarily arm’s length sales, we median prices are also relatively steady.” should begin to see a return to traditional, historic pricing The median sale price for single family homes over trends in the market.” the past 12 months was $163,900, and for condos was

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

DECEMBER 2010

15

Sarasota MLSSM Statistics October 2010 Single Family Condo

Unit Sales 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 Oct‐09

Nov‐09

Dec‐09

Jan‐10

Feb‐10

Mar‐10

Apr‐10 May‐10

Jun‐10

Jul‐10

Aug‐10

Sep‐10

Oct‐10

Single Family Condo

Median Sale Price $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 $0 Oct.09 Nov. 09 Dec‐09

Jan‐10

Feb‐10

Mar‐10 Apr‐10 May‐10 Jun‐10

Jul‐10

Aug‐10

Sep‐10

Oct‐10

Single Family

#Active

#Sold

%Sold

Average DOM

Median Sale Prices

Median Last 12 Months

Months Inventory

Pending Reported

%Pending

# New Listings

# Off Market

This Month

3,899

351

9.0

170

$147,500

$163,950

11.1

608

15.6

544

197

This Month Last Year

3,895

419

10.8

186

$151,000

$160,000

9.3

601

15.4

805

212

4,007

404

9.9

179

$155,500

$164,000

9.9

553

13.8

824

230

‐

4,583

‐

174

$163,000

‐

‐

6,307

‐

8,256

‐

Oct 94.4 95.2

Nov 94.1 ‐

Dec 94.2 ‐

Last Month YTD

Jan 93.0 94.4

2009 2010

Single Family – Sale Price Vs. List Price % Rates Feb 93.1 92.8

Mar 92.5 95.2

Apr 92.4 94.8

May 93.2 95.2

Jun 93.8 95.3

Jul 93.2 94.7

Aug 93.6 95.2

Sept 94.2 94.6

Statistics were compiled on properties listed in the MLS by members of the Sarasota Association of Realtors® as of Nov. 10th, 2010, including some listings in Manatee, Englewood, Venice, and other areas. Single-family statistics are tabulated using property styles of single-family and villa. Condo statistics include condo, co-op, and townhouse.

Source: Sarasota Association of Realtors® 16

DECEMBER 2010

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Sarasota MLSSM Statistics October 2010 Single Family Condo

Inventory 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0 Oct‐09 Nov‐09 Dec‐09

Jan‐10

Feb‐10 Mar‐10 Apr‐10 May‐10 Jun‐10

Jul‐10

Aug‐10 Sep‐10

Oct‐10

Single Family Condo

Pending Sales 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 Oct‐09

Nov‐09

Dec‐09

Jan‐10

Feb‐10

Mar‐10

Apr‐10 May‐10

Jun‐10

Jul‐10

Aug‐10

Sep‐10

Oct‐10

Condo

#Active

#Sold

%Sold

Average DOM

Median Sale Prices

Median Last 12 Months

Months of Inventory

Pending Reported

%Pending

# New Listings

# Off Market

This Month This Month Last Year Last Month YTD

2,170

136

6.3

206

$158,525

$165,000

15.9

211

9.7

293

179

2,331

155

6.6

250

$220,000

$199,450

15.0

238

10.2

331

235

2,156

143

6.6

209

$150,450

$169,000

15.1

191

8.9

262

189

‐

1,784

‐

205

$165,000

‐

‐

2,382

‐

3,071

‐

2009 2010

Jan 91.0 92.5

Nov 92.3 ‐

Dec 93.1 ‐

Condo – Sale Price Vs. List Price % Rates Feb 90.2 92.4

Mar 90.4 92.5

Apr 92.2 93.2

May 90.1 94.2

Jun 91.4 93.7

Jul 92.1 94.2

Aug 92.4 93.5

Sept 91.5 93.2

Oct 92.4 94.3

Median sales price is the middle value, where half of the homes sold for more, and half sold for less. Listings sold were closed transactions during the month. Pending sales are sales where an offer has been accepted during the month, but the sale has not yet closed. Even though some pending sales never close, pending sales are an indicator of current buyer activity. DOM indicates the average number of days that sold properties were on the market before a contract was executed.

Sarasota Association of Realtors® MLS www.sarasotarealtors.com

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

DECEMBER 2010

17

CID (Commercial Investment Division)

L2 says ‘Thanks for a great year!’

By Lee DeLieto, Jr. CID President

Growing up and all through school, I always had a heightened level of anxiety as to what I was going to be when I grew up.

Friends and family still to this day wonder when I will grow up, but that’s another story. Even out of college, my major was a BA in Communication Studies. Huh? OK, they asked, so you know how to speak better in public.

But what are you going to speak about? What will you eventually, if ever, become an expert in?

Just over nine years ago, through a series of unanticipated circumstances, I decided to study for and quickly received my license as a real estate practitioner. About seven years ago, I decided to pursue and receive my broker’s license.

Five years ago, at the behest of my father, Lee Sr., I moved here to Sarasota to join his team as a commercial broker-associate. Three years ago, we embarked on the most challenging real estate market I hope to never again see in my lifetime. After all these years, it was not until this year, 2010, and more specific, the final quarter of 2010, that I fully realized I had become an expert in something.

No, it wasn’t due to any extraordinarily large transaction as one might hope. Ironically the running joke this year has been that the difference between this year and last year - we expected to make money this year. No, it was more of the epiphany of chronological events that got me, or for that matter all of us, to this particular point in time.

Very abstract and deep thinking for sure (Jack Handey would be proud). But our emergence to this point represents our ability to overcome, survive, and even thrive.

A very close second position to learning from and working beside my father, is the proud moment when I was elected as President of SAR’s Commercial Investment Division. It was a true testament that I had arrived and was being honored by my peers to represent them

Officers:

DECEMBER 2010

through yet another challenging year. Of course, it could be I was the only sucker to accept the position. Either way, I keep thinking it was the former.

Enough can’t be said as to the commitment and support I received from the officers and directors of the CID Board. They are the driving force of continued success of CID and the general membership should be proud.

Last month, nominations turned to elections calling in your 2011 Board of Directors. With that said I want to take this time to thank all of you in the SAR family for the incredible support and encouraging feedback. Ray, thanks for always giving me that extra day. And Marc, I know you would say you were just doing your job, but you are the best. I could not have represented both CID and the Public Policy Committee without your incredible assistance.

Dad, I love you.

Congrats to all for getting this far!

2010 CID Officers & Directors

President: Lee DeLieto, Jr., Michael Saunders & Company President-Elect: Anthony Homer, Lakewood Ranch Commercial Vice-President: Brad Lindberg, Hembree & Associates Past President: Jag Grewal, Ian-Black Secretary: Tim Mapp, Mapp Realty Treasurer: Linda Emery, Michael Saunders & Co. 18

Lee DeLieto, Jr. with his father, Lee DeLieto, Sr., both of Michael Saunders & Company Commercial Real Estate.

Directors:

Sarah Olesen: Keller Williams Commercial (1 year term - 2010) Pete Skokos: Norton, Hammersley, Lopez & Skokos (1 year term - 2010) Eric Massey: Michael Saunders (2 year term 2011) Diane Lee: Wagner Realty (3 year term - 2012) Lori Conable: Osprey Real Estate (1 year 2010)

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Did you get ‘stung’ by the economy in 2010?

By Brad Lindberg CID Vice-President

When the sun sets on another year, it will be time to reflect on what legacy we leave behind. It’s a time to pull out the business plan and measure the successes against the “not so successes”.

We should never use the words failure or defeat, as those words define the end of the opportunity. Our inability to have accomplished a set of goals in one year should be our motivation to accomplish those goals it in the next year.

The mid-term election of 2010 was a great example of having a second chance to “get it right”. No matter what side of the debate you are on, we live in the greatest nation on earth to be able to express our opinions and cast our vote for what we feel is right.

Real Estate is ALL about the economy. If we have a sound economy with a vibrant job market, that equates into homes, businesses, and growth.

Growth is healthy.

Uncontrolled growth is unhealthy. This is where the

division comes from with those who are passionate about the growth issues.

The disconnect between those who are for growth and prosperity and those who advocate anti-growth and control is not about the end result, but about the method of how the end result is achieved.

We all aspire for the same outcome, it’s the method of how to achieve the end result that is the problem.

In the grand scheme, isn’t that the problem with every issue debated in the election? Both sides want a vibrant economy. Both sides want more jobs.

Both sides want the best programs for the people. Both sides know all the programs need to be funded and both sides believe their solution is best. What both sides can’t agree on is the method to accomplish the shared goals.

All actions have unintended consequences. It goes back to the law of physics. For every action, there is a reaction. Did you ever think about the dilemma of the honey bee? The honey bee has a stinger for reproduction and

2011 CID Board elected 2011 CID Officers & Directors Officers President: Anthony Homer, LWR Commercial President-Elect: Brad Lindberg, Hembree & Associates Past President: Lee DeLieto, Jr., Michael Saunders Vice President: Linda Emery, Michael Saunders & Company Secretary: Diane Lee, Wagner Realty Treasurer: Tim Mapp, Mapp Realty Directors Eric Massey, Michael Saunders & Company - 2011 (1 year) Pete Skokos, Norton Hammersley 2011 (1 year) Sarah Olesen, Keller Williams LWR 2012 (2 years) Dave Roth, RE/MAX Alliance - 2012 (2 years) Lori Hellstrom, Osprey Management 2013 (3 years) Bob Milhoan, Hembree & Associates 2013 (3 years)

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defense. If it feels threatened, it will sting the intruder. Unfortunately, by stinging the intruder, the loss of the stinger causes eventual death. There is no good outcome from that decision, unless of course, choosing to die slowly versus being stomped on is a better way to go.

In our profession we are faced every day with decisions that will affect the outcome of our deals. Our ultimate goal is to achieve 100% satisfaction for all parties involved. We know in reality that we will rarely achieve making everyone 100% happy...but when we do....we need to enjoy the short lived euphoria.

Tomorrow is a new day, and the challenges of today will be the opportunities of the future. We always need to move forward and drive ourselves to meet our goals. So when the sun rises on a new day, take the time reflect and smell the flowers....but beware....the honey bee may be close....and his goal is to die slowly!

Steady improvement predicted for nation’s commercial markets While still experiencing challenges, the commercial real estate market could see signs of steady improvement in the near future, specifically concerning lending, according to two economists at the Economic Issues and Commercial Real Estate Business Trends Forum at the 2010 Realtors® Conference & Expo in New Orleans in November.

National Association of Realtors Chief Economist Lawrence Yun and Hugh Kelly, clinical professor of real estate at New York University Schack Institute of Real Estate, shared their predictions surrounding the commercial market, indicating a slight improvement in commercial lending.

“Banks’ profits have returned to healthy levels. As a result, it is inevitable they will return to the business they were created for, which is lending,” said Yun. “Commercial real estate has experienced a sharp price correction, but there is still a shortage of buyers because of lack of adequate capital resources.”

Kelly pointed out that most commercial mortgages have been random and idiosyncratic, stressing that the lending environment should not remain that way. “The banks are in the driver’s seat, meaning they can cherry-pick deals and there is no stigma to turning away business,” said Kelly. “The capital flow in the commercial real estate market has been very selective. To achieve full recovery, lending practices must improve.”

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

DECEMBER 2010

19

Education Programs

How can you benefit from QuickBooks I? Title: QuickBooks I for Real Estate Professionals Date: Dec. 15, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: SAR Main Auditorium Instructor: Abby Barboza Cost: $20 (SAR Members); $40 (others) This course is designed specifically for real estate brokers and agents. As business owners, you need to be able to take control of your finances.

Learning QuickBooks allows you to be in control of gathering and entering of your financial information.

It allows you to use basic accounting principles to your advantage.

Register today to become one of the smart real estate licensees who has total knowledge and understanding of basic elements of financial statements. Receive a FREE 30 days trial in addition to discounts on QuickBooks software when you attend the class.

Module I covers the following: • Basic Accounting Principles • Setting Up your Financial Activity in QuickBooks

• Income & Expense Statements • Balance Sheets • Creating a Budget • Preparing Chart of Accounts • Paying Bills & Printing Checks • Tracking Income & Expenses • Invoicing Expenses to Customers • Listing Customer Accounts Module II is scheduled for March 9, 2011 and also costs $20.

Learn tax strategies that make good sense Title: Tax Strategies for the Real Estate Professional Date: Jan. 19, 2011, 9 to 11 a.m.

Location: SAR Main Auditorium Instructor: Kelly Clark, Bradford & Company Cost: $10 (SAR Members); $20 (Others) Many of us assume our accountants take care of our taxes, but forget that WE are the ones giving them the numbers and records they are using to prepare our tax return. This seminar is guaranteed to identify between $2,500 and $27,500 in NEW deductions that can be used right away to pocket thousands in tax savings.

• Stimulus Package Deductions – Learn about important Vehicle deductions. Plus, new first year auto depreciation deduction updates!

• Increase your income – How to use the tax side of your business to increase your spendable income • Entertainment Strategies – 2 remarkable entertainment deductions available to Real Estate Professionals that may surprise you

• Double Entertainment Deductions – How to safely transform 50% entertainment deductions into 100% deductions • Audit-Proofing - Documentation tips that will save you time, all the time • Help Your Accountant – How you can help your accountant work more effectively on your behalf • Car Strategies - Six methods that produce Thousands in deductions.

• Actual Expenses vs. IRS Method Mileage – New $25,000 - $250,000 automobile deductions you don’t want to lose.

• IRS Audit - Reduce your chances – Red flags to avoid This seminar is presented by Kelly Clark of Bradford and Company, Inc., and excerpted from the Bradford and Company, Inc. Tax Strategies for the Self-Employed audio course (available for purchase).

Lunch ‘n Learn features title insurance information

Title: What to Know About Title Insurance When Buying or Selling REO Property - Realtor®-Attorney Joint Committee Lunch ‘n Learn Date: Jan. 13, 2011, Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Cost: FREE to SAR Members, $10 Others The Jan. 13th Realtor®-Attorney Joint Committee’s Lunch Seminar topic is :What to Know About Title

20

DECEMBER 2010

Insurance When Buying or Selling REO Property.”

Speakers who are knowledgeable in the issuance of title insurance policies, the underwriting, and curing problems when they arise will present. The seminar is intended to help Realtors® better advise their clients on the potential perils of buying and selling REO properties.

Register online at www.sarasotarealtors.com.

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

2011 offers numerous NAR Designation Courses GRI Course 1 “Standards of Practice” Jan. 24-26, 31 - Feb. 2, 2011: The GRI designation indicates to buyers, sellers and other real estate industry professionals that you have made the commitment to provide a high level of professional service to your clients by securing a strong educational foundation. 14 Hours of CE and 45 Hours Salesman Post-License. Also offers Code of Ethics renewal. Courses can be taken in any order. Instructors: Chuck Bonamer, Grant Simon, Steve David.

14 Hours CE - Feb. 8-9, 2011: This session provides the full 14-hours of continuing education needed for license renewal. The 14-hours CE includes 3 hours of Core Law. Or, you may opt to take Core Law only which consists of the first three hours of the 14 hours. Instructors: IFREC. GREEN - April 5-6, 2011: NAR’s Green Designation provides advanced training in green building and sustainable business practices so that you can seek out, understand, and market properties with green features. Stand out with the only green designation for real estate agents and property managers recognized by the National Association of REALTORS®. Instructor: Jean Dorazio, Vice President, North American Title Company GRI Course 2 - May 2-4, 10-11, 2011: The GRI designation - Graduate, Realtor® Institute - is the nation’s top real estate designation. It is earned through state associations whose courses of study meet the standards established by the National Association of Realtors®. The designation is available only to members of NAR. Course carries 30 hours of Broker’s Post-License credit and 11 hours CE. SFR - Short Sale & Foreclosure Certification: June 1, 2011: For many real estate professionals, short sales and foreclosures are the new “traditional” real estate transaction. Knowing how to help sellers maneuver the complexities of short sales as well as help buyers pursue short sale and foreclosure opportunities are not merely good skills to have in today’s market — they are critical. And while short sales and foreclosures are not for the faint of heart, agents with the proper tools and training can use these specialty areas to build their business for the long term. Instructor: Jim Dague GRI 3 - July 25-27, Aug. 2-3, 2011: An NAR survey in 2008 shows that the gross income for GRI designees was $69,800; gross income for Realtors® without designations or certifications was $37,300. This course carries 30 hours of Broker’s Post-License credit and 11 hours CE. 14 Hours CE - Aug. 9-10, 2011: This session provides the full 14-hours of continuing education needed for license renewal. The 14-hours CE includes 3 hours of Core Law. Or, you may opt to take Core Law only which consists of the first three hours of the 14 hours. Instructor: IFREC. SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) - Oct. 11-12, 2011: Adults aged 50+ represent more than 20% of the U.S. population. For most senior adults, the homes that they live in are their largest asset and account for most of their net worth. Completion of the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) Designation Course is an essential step for Realtors® in understanding the distinct real estate goals, concerns, and needs of seniors today. This course looks at key differences in housing options, from age-restricted communities to age-in-place design to assisted living; applications of the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA); the ins and outs of reverse mortgages; the use of pensions, 401k accounts, and IRAs in real estate transactions; and developing a team of senior specialists, including estate planners, reverse mortgage lenders, clutter and staging specialists, and more. Instructor: Jim Dague

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Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

DECEMBER 2010

21

Sarasota hosts GRI Course 1 in 2011!

Title: GRI Course 1 Dates: Jan. 24-26 & Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 2011 - 8a.m. to 5 p.m. (varies daily) Credits: 45 hours salesmen’s post-license credit, or 14 hours Continuing Education credit and NAR Code of Ethics Requirement for 2012 Cost: $310 (by Jan. 10, 2011) After Jan. 10, add $25 Did you know Realtors® who hold just one designation make on average twice as much than Realtors® who don’t?

Only one in every three Realtors® holds any designation at all.

In today’s competitive business environment you need more than just motivation and initiative to succeed. You need the advantage of the education you receive in the GRI program.

This GRI series is offered by FAR through its Florida Realtor® Institute. Instructors for the Sarasota course are: Grant Simon (Finance); Steve David (Contacts to Contracts and Negotiating Skills); Chuck Bonamer (Professional Standards, Law, Business Planning and Fair Housing) and Ira

Zlatkin (Tax).

But don’t wait too long to sign up for GRI Course 1! SAR is the only Realtor® Association in the vicinity that’s offering any of the courses in 2011 and we expect the course to fill up quickly.

What are the tax implications of distressed sales?

Title: Tax Implications of Short Sales & Foreclosures Date: March 2, 2011, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Instructor: Ira H. Zlatkin, CPA, MST, ITI & GRI Tax Instructor Cost: SAR Members, $20; Others, $30 4 Hours CE (DBPR Course # 0012331) In these turbulent times, homeowners and investors alike are increasingly faced with short sales, foreclosures, and even abandonments. In these cases, property owners are surprisingly faced with the potential of cancellation of indebtedness income and even a gain or loss on the property’s disposition.

Recent economic stimulus legislation allows a limited exclusion of income from the forgiveness of debt on a personal residence. Learn how the amount of taxable income reported by the bank due to debt forgiveness on a personal residence could be totally eliminated. Also, learn how sellers of investment property and real estate used in a trade or business may also avoid taxation of debt forgiveness income.

Learn how to protect, for future use, the most valuable tax benefits which may have been accumulated by the seller, such

as unused tax credits and suspended losses, from being taken away by Uncle Sam to offset the allowed reduction of debt forgiveness income. Register at www.sarasotarealtors.com.

Award-winning printing and customer service Specializing in pocket portfolios, die-cutting and foil-stamping done in-house FSC and SFI certified to help you go green

CONGRATULATIONS! Carolyn Steirer, one of SAR’s most

valuable employees, is retiring on Dec. 17th after more than 10 years of dedicated service to the association in our Professional Development Department.

We all wish Carolyn the best as she prepares to enjoy her retirement years in sunny Sarasota, Florida!

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DECEMBER 2010

Sarasota’s Premier Real Estate Printer 1730 Independence Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34234 (941) 351-1515 • (941) 351-8639 F • www.coastalprint.com sales@coastalprint.com

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Form Simplicity training offered at SAR Title: Form Simplicity Training Date: Dec. 2, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Cost: FREE Florida Realtors® forms will likely not be licensed to Transaction Desk after Dec. 31, 2010, due to ongoing disputes between the vendor and REIS, Florida Realtors® subsidiary company. Therefore, it appears very likely that you will not be able to use Transaction Desk next year.

It is critical that you access your Transaction Desk account and begin to move your completed forms either into Form

Simplicity or to another location, such as your hard drive.

After Dec. 31st, you will not be able to access those forms.

Simplify your forms process and take advantage of your FREE member benefit! Florida Realtors® Form Simplicity is a new forms program available as a FREE member benefit to all Florida Realtors®.

Form Simplicity was designed to be powerful, yet easy to learn and use, saving Realtors® time. Webinars were offered in November, and now SAR offers two free courses in December. Watch for more classes in the coming weeks!

MLXchange education gives you the edge Pre-registration is required for all MLXchange classes at www.mfrmls. com. All classes are hands-on in the SAR Technology Center (except for Entering and Updating). Registration is limited to 18. Please be sure that you will attend if you reserve a spot!

MLXchange Basic Dec. 6, 9 a.m. to Noon Mandatory session for all new users.

Learn the basic tools of MLXchange.

It does the work for you, emailing the listings that match your client’s criteria automatically through auto notification. Learn the quick way to find a listing or view your inventory with one click right from the home page or create a professional CMA in less time than it takes to drive to work.

- Review the home page features - Add a new client from the search module, saving a search and setting prospecting notification features - Searching and viewing listings, using the map, showing road, aerial, hybrid, and locator features - Adding additional search criteria - Viewing/printing/emailing reports, images, virtual tours, tax, map, driving directions and MLS listing history - Customizing hotsheet configurations - Search Tax - Creating a professional CMA - Personalize user contact information Entering and Updating Listings in MLXchange Dec. 6, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Mandatory if you will be entering and updating your own listings. www.sarasotarealtors.com

You will be taught how to input and modify listings, enter photos, and add attachments along with valuable tips and techniques.

- Listing maintenance authorization forms - Explain the importance of accurate data - Rules and Regulations - Review the profile sheet - Entering a new listing, using tax auto pop, reviewing the fields that have specific entries in the Rules and Regulations - Adding images, attachments, open house information, Supra Key and ShowingTime - Inventory watch-easiest way to modify the listings Creating a Professional CMA Dec. 15, 9 a.m. to Noon This class is designed to teach you the skills needed to create a comprehensive CMA. You will learn how to import properties that are listed outside of the MLS, into your CMA along with valuable tips and techniques for creating a professional CMA. - Create a new seller or buyer CMA - Importing subject property from MLS or tax search and entering additional

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

information about the subject property - Adding MLS and tax comparables - Adjustments, pricing, net sheet, selecting pages, and viewing report - Edit and remove reports - Emailing, saving, and printing CMA - Customizing a personal CMA and setting it as the default iMapp - Interactive Tax and Mailing Labels Dec. 15, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

In this class you will learn how to use the tax search features of MLXchange, access iMapp’s interactive maps, tax data, comparables, auto-valuations, and easily create mailing labels for your favorite area.

- MLXchange tax search, using map and field searches, printing mailing labels - iMapp tax search, viewing parcel, GIS, MLS listings, zoom levels, street, aerial and flood zones - Measuring tool, pan and save map - Creating, viewing and downloading mailing labels - Illustrate the link to the tax appraiser website - Viewing and modifying the criteria for comparable properties - MLS and foreclosure searches

DECEMBER 2010

23

On the SAR Scene

Tech Expo, Affiliate event both hits!

Visit SAR on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SarasotaRealtors

SAR members are active, energized and out in force in the community! You can find hundreds of photos from our regular events at www.facebook.com/ SarasotaRealtors Please visit soon and tag your friends and business associates!

More than 200 people attended the first-ever SAR Tech Expo on Nov. 12th at the Sarasota Alliance Church on Bee Ridge Road.

The all-day event was a major success for attendees, sponsors and presenters, setting the stage for a second event in 2011.

Photography by Jesse Sunday and Jackie Deemer

Kathy Roberts, CEO of SAR, and David Clapp, SAR board member and organizer of the Nov. 12th Tech Expo.

Doug Devitre, one of the keynote speakers, and Daniel Kijner attend the Tech Expo.

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DECEMBER 2010

Sarasota Realtor速 Magazine

Many informative breakout sessions helped make the big Tech Expo on Nov. 12th a major success for SAR and our members. www.sarasotarealtors.com

The SAR Affiliate Committee hosted an amazing event , the Changing of the Seasons Gala, on Nov. 10th, attracting more than 250 SAR members for a great evening of food, dancing and gift drawings.

Marina Slater of Keller Williams Lakewood Ranch and Stella Giudicelli of MoneyCorp at the Affiliate Changing of the Seasons Gala on Nov. 10th at SAR.

Blanda Glisson of Showcase Designs and Fred Sieger of RE/MAX Alliance Group enjoy the Affiliate event.

SAR President Erick Shumway with Janet Choynowski, CEO of Immobel, at the SAR Tech Expo on Nov. 12th.

Immobel made a major announcement at the event (see details, P. 31 of this issue!) www.sarasotarealtors.com

Angie Kaleskas of Neal Communities and Tom Zaharakis of Hometown Lenders at the Oct. 26th Affiliate Social at the Polo Grille.

Sarasota Realtor速 Magazine

DECEMBER 2010

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Realtor-Attorney Joint Committee 26

What are the benefits of historic preservation?

By Jeff Bimbach Sarasota County Historic Preservation Board

As Realtors® continue to face challenging market conditions, many are looking for unique solutions to help them meet their client’s objectives. A key element that can help Realtors® successfully market certain properties is a historic designation.

While many people at first mistakenly believe that such a designation severely limits their ability to improve or renovate a property, astute owners of historic properties are able to enjoy a wide range of benefits that often enhance the value of a property.

In some cases a historic designation can mean the difference between a viable renovation and a complete tear down with no inherent value.

There are two levels of historic designation: national and local. The federal program is administered by the US Department of the Interior’s National Park Service.

Local designations, often considered faster to obtain, are available through the City of Sarasota, City of Venice or Sarasota County, depending on the location of the structure.

Generally for a home to qualify for a historic designation, structures need to offer some historical integrity. For example, many of the Sarasota School of Architecture homes would generally be eligible for designation due to their unique style. Other examples of early architecture and construction such as Frame Vernacular, Prairie, and Mediterranean Revival Style would also be eligible.

Additions and changes to locally historically designated properties do require review and approval by the governing local historic preservation board.

However, each of these municipalities has advisory boards that work with home owners, designers and builders to help them achieve their objectives while still adhering to acceptable standards.

A financial benefit to owners who pay Sarasota County taxes is a 10-year exemption from increases in ad-valorem property taxes due to increases in value attributed to qualifying improvements. An added benefit is that this exemption is transferable from seller to buyer when the property conveys.

For non-conforming (a.k.a. grandfathered) historic structures in FEMA designated high risk flood zones the NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) gives special consideration to the unique value of designated historic structures.

Provided such structures retain their historic designation, communities do not have to require them to be brought into compliance with current elevation requirements if they will be substantially improved or

DECEMBER 2010

were substantially damaged. The NFIP’s definition for “historic structures” includes: 1) listed or preliminarily determined to be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; 2) certified or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior as contributing to the historic significance of a registered historic district; or 3) designated as a historic site under a State or local historic preservation program that is approved by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior. The definition does not include structures that or merely old, those that residents refer to as historic, or those that happen to be located in historic districts.

In some cases a historic designation can mean the difference between a viable renovation and a complete tear down with no inherent value.

Applications for improvements to historic structures are required to be accompanied by two pieces of evidence: 1) documentation that confirms the building is designated an historic structure; and 2) documentation that confirms the proposed work will not preclude the structure’s continued historic designation. Applicants need to ask the appropriate qualified entity that makes such designations to review the construction plans.

“Substantial improvement” (aka FEMA 50 percent rule) means any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the start of the improvement project. “Market value” means the replacement value of a building or structure, less the value of all forms of depreciation and doesn’t include land value.

An example would be if a non-conforming structure is determined to have a market value of $100,000, and the cost of an improvement project exceeds $50,000, then the structure would have to be elevated to meet current standards. Historic structures are exempted from this requirement.

Owners, builders, architects and Realtors® are encouraged to contact the Sarasota County History Center to get information and guidance on how historic designation can be of value to them. The center can be reached at 941-861-5000 or contact Lorrie Muldowney, Historic Preservation Specialist at lmuldown@scgov.net

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

o

o

By G.M. Filisko Realtor® Magazine Online

One proven method of taking your sales volume to a higher level is convincing your competitors’ top talent to jump ship for a better deal with you. But given the reluctance of many professionals to uproot their practice, boosting your business in this way requires a longterm approach.

The key is keeping your name in front of associates so that, when the waters turn choppy at their brokerages, you’re the one whose lifeline they’ll want to grab.

1. Look Inward First Start your recruiting efforts by defining your own company culture and market position. Unless you have a good idea of your strengths and weaknesses, you could end up trying to attract the wrong people.

“Highly productive people are attracted to highly productive offices,” says Carol Johnson, president of The Recruiting Network Inc., a Schaumburg, Ill., consultancy. “Often, brokers think that if they say just the right words or have just the right mailer, they’ll attract top producers. But unless you have a productive, energetic environment and attitude, you can send thousands of letters and do thousands of interviews, and nothing’s going to work.”

So, if your highest producer generates $2 million in gross commission income, you can forget about attracting an associate whose GCI is $10 million, for example.

That makes your marching orders clear. To attract megaperformers, you first have to focus on making your existing crop of associates more productive. Then, your company will start looking like the kind of place a top performer would find attractive, says Johnson.

2. Look Outward Second Once your own house is in order, learn everything you can about www.sarasotarealtors.com

To attract megaperformers, you first have to focus on making your existing crop of associates more productive. Then, your company will start looking like the kind of place a top performer would find attractive.

the associates you’d like to attract.

“How many homes did they sell last year? What was their sales volume? What’s their price point?” says Bob Corcoran, founder and president of Corcoran Consulting & Coaching in Swansea, Ill. “If your price point is $200,000, it doesn’t make sense to recruit associates who sell $400,000 houses, because they won’t understand your brokerage culture.”

Gathering data on associates not only helps you know whom to pursue, it impresses them in meetings. “Recruits will think, ‘This guy must really want me if he’s studied me and is still interested in me,’ ” says Corcoran.

You can gather key intelligence on the associates you want, like whether they’re at a natural point for making a change, by examining competitors’ MLS statistics, says Johnson.

“At what production level are associates entering that office, and at what level are they leaving?” she says. Knowing that a competitor’s associates typically jump ship at about $5 million GCI helps you know when they’re hitting a plateau and might be open to your plan to boost their production.

3. Make Contact Once your intelligence is in hand, you need to create a plan.

Fran Stiakakis, director of career Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

advancement at the 3,500-associate Metro Brokers GMAC Real Estate in Atlanta, has her team of four recruiters begin a series of calls to a list of targeted top performers.

“They try to arrange appointments, and the dialogue is straightforward,” says Stiakakis.

“They say, ‘Let’s get together when it’s convenient at a place that’s convenient to you, and let me explain what we can do for you.’ ” When they’re successful in arranging appointments, recruiters handle the meetings. “It’s not a hard sell,” she says. “We just lay out the benefits and let associates make the decision.”

Metro Brokers’ recruiters attract about 30 experienced associates each month to the firm, says Stiakakis.

4. Identify the Discontent Johnson says there’s no universal script to use when you meet with top producers. “Just listen very carefully to what they say,” she says.

“There’s nothing — absolutely nothing — that doesn’t apply to recruiting and retention. It’s the rock in the shoe. The rock could be that the copier or phone system conks out, that the company has a terrible Web site, or a personal issue.”

For one top associate recruited

by Mark Jenkins at Prudential California Realty in Valencia, Calif., the rock in his shoe was a minor increase in desk fees. “His broker was going to raise his desk fee $100 a month,” says Jenkins, whose office doesn’t charge desk fees. “He said, ‘I’ve been here 20 years, and you want to raise my rent? That’s enough!’”

Though some might conclude the associate left because of a money dispute, that’s not the lesson that Jenkins draws. Rather, Jenkins says, in cases like this one there’s typically a deeper discontent. “Often, associates feel they’re not wanted or appreciated,” he says.

DECEMBER 2010

Broker Corner

Recruiting: Attract your town’s top talent

27

Remembering 2010: WCR enjoyed a great year

t

By Karen Grant 2010 WCR President

WCR 2010-2011 Programs

The Women’s Council of Realtors National Conference & Expo was held November 5-8 in New Orleans. We were honored to support and install the following officers: President - Margo Willis from Tocoma, Washington; President Elect - Bobbie Nelson from Rio Del Mar, California; Recording Secretary Anita Davis from Baltimore, Maryland; and Financial Secretary - Mary Ann Jeffers from New Braunfels, Texas.

Our Sarasota chapter ended their programs for the year on November 19th with an All Member Orientation and Awards Ceremony at Michaels on East. Marianne LeBar- President Elect for 2011 shared the tools she learned from National WCR to help us plan for and achieve success in the upcoming year.

Achievement and Chapter Awards were presented

by President, Karen Grant. The following Chapter Awards were given: - Extra Effort Award - Carrie Starr Rummery - Humanitarian of the Year - Charlotte Hedge - Mentor of the Year - Amy Worth-Paul - Affiliate of the Year - Sharyl Smith - Founders Award - Ann Ross - 2010 Honor Circle Award - Tina Darling - 2010 Rising Star Award - Marianne LeBar - Member of the Year - Mary Conklin - Business Woman of the Year - Doris Edwards I would like to thank the 2010 Dream Team, Sponsors, and all the members who have made this year “The Best Year Ever”, a year of wonderful memories this President will never forget.

A New Beginning is on the horizon with new leaders who will bring excitement, smiles and fresh ideas to our chapter. With your support next year will be bigger and better, growing and achieving success in the principles that make Women’s Council of Realtors stand out as a professional and elite organization.

Dec. 10th, 11 a.m., Installation of 2011 President and Board, Sarasota Yacht Club Jan 14th, 2011, University Park CC , Speaker Bill Furst- Sarasota County Property Appraiser Feb 11th, Hyatt Regency March 11th, Michaels on East April 8th, University Park CC May 6th, Joint meeting with Manatee WCR, Polo Grill June, Joint meeting with SAR, Date & Location TBD July 8th, Sarasota Yacht Club Aug. 12th, Sarasota Yacht Club; Sept Fashion Show Date & Location TBD Oct 14th, University Park CC Nov 4th, Michael’s on East Dec 8th, Sarasota Yacht Club

Sponsors Gold: University Park Lifestyles, Inc. Silver: Lakewood Ranch Communities, LLC

Neal Communities

Starr Title Insurance Services, Carrie

Rummery Bronze: Regions Mortgage

BB&T Oswald Trippe - Joe Sikora

Silver Fox Pest Management

MGA Insurance Group

Southern Trust Financial Planning

Intuitive Interiors, Debra Bois

2010 Line Officers

28

Karen Grant President Michael Saunders & Company Cell: 941-504-4952 karengrant@michaelsaunders.com

Marianne LeBar Vice President of Membership Michael Saunders & Company Cell: 941-650-0337 mariannelebar@michaelsaunders.com

Leslie Lauritano Recording Secretary Regions Bank Cell: 941-504-1028 leslie.lauritano@regions.com

Cindi Jackson President-Elect Exit Realty Signature Properties Cell: 941-400-6091 cindi_title@yahoo.com

Sharyl Smith Treasurer Bank of Commerce Cell: 941-374-06302 ssmith@bankofcommercefl.com

Melia Favorite Corresponding Secretary Iberia Bank Mortgage Cell: 941-807-0303 melia.favorite@iberiabankmortgage.com

DECEMBER 2010

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

2010 WCR Memories

- Our Chapter ,founded in 1957 is celebrating its 53rd year - The Website keeps expanding and highly used by our members - The Program Committee arranged and incredible set of educational programs - We have allocated tables at our program meetings for Realtors and Affiliates to display informational flyers - Our Chapter was the recipient of the National Chapter Excellence Award Gold Level.

- Florida State Chapter received Super Mega State Chapter of the Year for the entire country.

- Sarasota ranked #1 in Florida and #2 in the nation for the most new members during the membership drive.

- We had the “Dazzle, Glamour, Dine, & Glitter” Fantastic, Successful, Fashion Show.

- We donated funds to Forty Carrots Family Center.

- We continue our annual contribution to RPAC. - We won first prize in the WCR State Talent Show.

- We had great Member Mixers.

- Our own member Amy WorthPaul is now State Vice President for 2011.

- We sponsored a Short Sale & Foreclosures Class.

- We honored our Past Presidents at a joint meeting.

- Fundraiser: Celebrity Bartending, a fun and successful event.

- Fundraiser: Pashmina Sales, keep selling and selling.

- We have a beautiful roster.

- We had 67 new members join our Chapter.

- Florida is the largest WCR State Chapter.

- We build relationships.

- We are recognized as a successful organization of professionals.

Special Report: NAR Convention Report The NAR Delegate Body in November approved an amendment to Article 10 of the Code of Ethics to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. In a roll-call vote, more than 93 percent of the Delegate Body voted in favor of the amendment. The Delegate Body decision confirms a vote by the Board of Directors in May.

New: Center for Specialized Realtor® Education

The Board of Directors changed the name and scope of the Real Estate Buyers Agent Council to sharpen NAR’s leadership in professional education. Under the changes, REBAC is now the Center for Specialized Realtor® Education.

Its scope is expanded to include oversight of e-PRO, Realtor® University, the GREEN Council, the Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation, and the Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource (SFR) certification.

Evolving the Profession

The Directors made several changes in the professional standards arena: - Approved a new Statement of Professional Standards to clarify NAR’s longstanding policy that the Case Interpretations of the Code of Ethics are official expressions of NAR policy that can be cited by complainants in support of alleged violations of specific Articles of the Code and by hearing panels in support of their decisions.

- Amended Standard of Practice 12-5 to let members who are advertising their service or a listing in certain electronic communications (micro-blogging on Twitter, for example) to disclose the name of their broker and other required information through a link rather than in the electronic communication itself, because such formats don’t allow enough space for making the disclosures.

- Amended Standard of Practice 3-7 to clarify that the requirement to disclose your relationship to your client to another NAR member when you’re seeking information about a property applies even if you’re not representing that client but rather are acting in another capacity, such as conducting an appraisal.

- Amended Article 15, and Standards of Practice 15-2 and 15-3 to establish that even in cases where a real estate professional isn’t the competitor of another

NAR member, the duty to refrain from knowingly or recklessly making false or misleading statements still applies. For instance, an NAR member engaging in appraisal might not be the competitor of a member engaging in property management but would still be barred from knowingly or recklessly making false or misleading statements about the other.

This amendment and related standards require Delegate Body approval in November 2011.

- Approved a new Standard of Practice related to Article 3 to provide a more visible explanation of what “cooperation” means in the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual.

The new Standard says cooperation relates to the obligation to share information on listed property, and to make property available to other brokers for showing to prospective purchasers/tenants when it is in the best interests of sellers/landlords.

FHA: Supported an FHA sharedequity pilot program, under which FHA borrowers could partner with an FHAqualified third party investor who would contribute capital for the home purchase to buy down the principal on the mortgage.

This capital is provided at no interest; instead, the investor gets a share of any future equity.

Lender policy: Urged mortgage lenders, FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and federal regulators to amend their credit policies to increase lending to qualified home buyers. NAR’s Conventional Finance and Lending Committee has developed recommended credit policies around specific issues, including education and research, use of credit scores, the impact of adverse credit events, loan modifications, and strategic defaults.

Political advocacy. The Realtor® Party achieved significant victories in the 2010 national elections, according to RPAC Political Fundraising Liaison Chris Polychron. Out of 11 independent expenditure races, NAR backed eight of the winners; NAR achieved wins on both sides of the aisle.

At the heart of the Realtor® Party’s success this year was a successful fundraising drive for the Realtors® Political Action Committee. Even with membership down slightly from last year, Realtors® contributed $6.2 million, achieving 122 percent of NAR’s fair-share goal.

Membership News 30

The Association is pleased to welcome new members!

Designated Realtors®

Cavanaugh, Richard: Richard Cavanaugh Appraiser Harrington, Christopher: REALESTATE.COM Hulen, Patti: Renaissance Properties Lowry, Mary Fran: Lowry Properties LLC Lupson, Jayne: Sarasota Premier Properties Martin, LaVonne: Private Wealth Realty Inc. Monroe, Bradford: Coldwell Banker Res R E Woodward, John: Sarasota Real Estate Group

New Members Anderson, Mark: Century 21 Advantage Bingham, Frederick: Prudential Palms Realty Blumenthal, Marisa: Signature Sothebys Internat’l Brown, Kathleen: Gulf & Bay Club Realty LLC Buchanan, Linda: Michael Saunders & Company Carey, Nancy: Sandals Realty of Sarasota Clayman, Raymond: Florida Internet Realty LLC DeSantis, Gina: RoseBay Real Estate Inc. Erickson, Denise: Key Realty Gantley, Julie: Neal Communities Realty Inc. Garcia, Ernesto: Platinum Home Sales Gerdes, Ronald: Coldwell Banker Res R E Gillies, Rosemary: Prudential Palms Realty Huemoeller, Gayle: Exit Realty Signature Prop Kiessel, William: RER International Mannina Kinney, Samie: Ken Brand Lic R E Broker Marsh, Mayra: RE/MAX Alliance Group Matheson, Glenda: RSVP Associates Inc. Mizrahi, Keren: Keller Williams Lakewood Ranch Nelson, James: Prudential Palms Realty Osborne, Sharon: Horizon Realty International Petz, Beverly: Coldwell Banker Res R E Phillips, Olga: Coldwell Banker Res R E Richards, Lawrence: Keller Williams Lakewood Ranch Schouten, Paul: Keller Williams Lakewood Ranch Steele, Deborah: Xena Vallone Realty Inc. Stephens, Gary: Michael Saunders & Company Strong, Jill: Andrews & Associates Realty Terrill, Carolyn: Century 21 Advantage Traveler, Melanie: Coldwell Banker Res R E Truncale, Annie: Real Estate Boutique LLC Washburn, Thomas: Atchley International Realty

DECEMBER 2010

Now With ...

Benedick, Janice: Atchley International Realty Blumenthal, Marisa: Signature Sothebys Internat’l Bucknell, Lindsay: RE/MAX Alliance Group Byrd, Sharon: Team Blair Realty Inc. del Monte, Christine, Michael Saunders & Company DeVittori, Ronald: Horizon Realty International DeWitt, Ronnie: Ronnie Dewitt and Associates Dunn, Brian: Tarpon Coast Realty Inc. Duvall, Michael: RE/MAX Alliance Group Eastman, Terry: James Buchanan Realty Figlow, Nicholas: Keller Williams Lakewood Ranch Flood, Robert: Michael Saunders & Company Floyd, Henry: Sarasota Premier Properties Frostad, Alden: Seaside Resort Rentals & Mgmt Geweye, Charles: York Real Estate Inc. Glanz, Alexis: RE/MAX Alliance Group Greene, Richard: Sandals Realty of Sarasota Guilfoyle, Dayna: Sarasota Premier Properties Heuer, J. Eric: Realty Express Hilding, Lori: Sandals Realty of Sarasota Hodges, Michele: Exit Realty Signature Prop Kleiber, Jon: James Buchanan Realty Laver, Sean: Keller Williams On The Water Leavey, Patricia, Michael Saunders & Company Lee, Mark: Sarasota Realty Associates Inc. Lucas, Tony: Signature Sothebys Internat’l Maier, Robert: Sarasota Premier Properties Malone, Molly: Sandals Realty of Sarasota Martinetto, Wanda: Atchley International Realty McDonald, Andrew: REAL ESTATE.COM McGayhey, Donald: Sarasota Premier Properties Mollasis, Gus: RE/MAX Premier Services Overfelt, Marc: Billib & Billib P A Peters, Mary: Coldwell Banker Res R E Rivera, Fernando: Blakeley & Associates Realty Rogers, Donna: Coldwell Banker Res R E Semilof, Linda: Coldwell Banker Res R E Sharff, Mark: James Buchanan Realty Silverberg, Gigi: Signature Sothebys Internat’l Stevenson, Jean: Coldwell Banker Res Real Est Triolo, Kristin: Atchley International Realty Werner, Allison: Coldwell Banker Res R E Zuffa, Linda: Signature Sothebys Internat’l

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

The Sarasota Association of Realtors® (SAR) announced in November that we have partnered with Immobel to offer 13 language MLS and IDX searches through an application built on the Facebook platform, giving our members a key competitive advantage.

Since the launch on Nov. 12 at the SAR Tech Expo, SAR members have been able to offer the multi-language IDX search feature on their pages in Facebook®, the largest social networking site in the world.

Facebook® users who reach SAR’s own Facebook® page will be able to search MLS listings using map search, in their choice of thirteen different languages. Leads from listings will automatically be sent to the listing agent, whose contact information will be posted in the listing detail.

SAR Realtor® members will also be able to seamlessly add the MLS search to their own Facebook® pages, with the Realtors®’ own branding and contact information.

Immobel’s new application built on the Facebook® platform, IDX Buzz is now available to members following the app launch at the SAR Tech Expo.

The MLS / IDX app for Facebook®, IDX Buzz is a premium product, and offered for $19.99 per month.

“This represents a strategic step in social media real estate marketing,” said Janet Choynowski, CEO of Immobel. “Following the recent announcement by the

www.sarasotarealtors.com

National Association of Realtors® that now 47 percent of all home sales are to first time home buyers with an average age of 30, it is imperative that Realtors® have the ability to showcase their listings where these buyers spend so much time. Providing unprecedented access to Facebook’s 500 million users, including the 250 million Facebook users who access the site in other languages, IDX Buzz brings maximum marketing value for a minimal price.”

SAR members already have access to the Immobel multi-language IDX solution for their own websites, provided free by SAR as a benefit of membership.

Facebook® is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc. About Immobel: For over 10 years, Immobel has been the leading resource for global marketing for Realtors® including Translations, 13 language MLS and IDX search as well as Global Listing Exchange and Global Referral platforms. Immobel provides services to the members of over 100 Realtor® organizations in the United States and is the MLS services provider to 8 national real estate associations including Panama, Costa Rica and Guatemala. Immobel translates about 1.4 million property listings daily and does not use machine translation.

For more information, visit http://www.idx-buzz.com/

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

DECEMBER 2010

International Real Estate

Immobel launches IDX-Buzz for Facebook

31

E DUCATION & E VENTS C ALENDAR

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID MANASOTA, FL PERMIT NO. 451

DECEMBER 2010

300 250 200 150 100 50

Monday Nov. 29

9 a.m. iMAPP 1:30 p.m.

Creating a CMA

6

9 a.m.

MLXchange Basic

1:30 p.m.

MLXchange Entering & Updating Listings

Tuesday 30

Wednesday Dec. 1

7:30 a.m.

Toastmasters 9 a.m.

Appraisals 2010 Seminar

7

6 p.m.

Commercial Investment Division Holiday Party@Sarasota City Center

8

11:30 a.m.

SAR Installation & Holiday Luncheon @Michael’s On East

Thursday 2

8 a.m.

Power Marketing (University Park CC) 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Form Simplicity 5:30p.m.

SYR , After Hours Holiday Party - Mr Beery’s

9

8 a.m.

Power Marketing (SAR)

Friday

0

3

9 a.m.

CID Commercial Marketplace

1,200 1,000 800

10

600

9 a.m.

CID Commercial Marketplace

400 200 0

9 a.m.– 4 p.m.

New Member Orientation & Code of Ethics

14

15

7:30 a.m.

Toastmasters 9 a.m.

- Creating a CMA - Quickbooks Seminar 1:30 p.m. iMAPP

16 8 a.m.

Power Marketing (SAR)

17

9 a.m.

CID Commercial Marketplace-Off Site

20

21

22

23

24

27

28

29

30

31

8:30 a.m.

CID General Membership

5 p.m.

Affiliate Social-Gecko’s on Hillview

8 a.m.

Power Marketing (SAR)

8 a.m.

Power Marketing (SAR)

Christmas Eve SAR Closed

New Year’s Eve SAR Closed

Note: All events/classes are at SAR, except where noted

My Florida Regional MLS Training

18.0 16.0 14.0 12.0 10.0 8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0

The classes E & U (Entering & Updating), Tools, Design Web Pages, MLX Intro, MLX Advanced, iMAPP, Custom Reports and CMA are all My Florida Regional MLS training classes offered at no cost to MLS participants. All classes (except E & U) are HANDS-ON in the SAR Tech Center. Please register for all MLS classes at the MFRMLS website: http://mfrmls.com. Click on Education and Training.

Sarasota Association of Realtors®, Inc. 3590 S. Tuttle Ave. Sarasota, FL 34239

13

Condo

300 250 200 150 100 50 0 Oct‐09

Nov‐09

Dec‐09

Jan‐10

Feb‐10

Mar‐10

Apr‐10 May‐10

Jun‐10

Jul‐10

Aug‐10

New Listings

Sep‐10

Oct‐10

Single Family Condo

1,200 1,000 800 600 400 200 0 Oct‐09

Nov‐09

Dec‐09

Jan‐10

Feb‐10 Mar‐10

Apr‐10 May‐10 Jun‐10

Jul‐10

Months of Inventory 18.0 16.0 14.0 12.0 10.0 8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0 Oct‐09

Nov‐09 Dec‐09

Jan‐10

Feb‐10 Mar‐10 Apr‐10 May‐10 Jun‐10

Sep‐10

Oct‐10

Sep‐10

Oct‐10

Single Family Condo

Jul‐10

Aug‐10

Single Family

Sales Volume $200,000,000 $180,000,000 $160,000,000 $140,000,000 $120,000,000 $100,000,000 $80,000,000 $60,000,000 $40,000,000 $20,000,000 $0

Aug‐10

Condo

Sarasota Association of Realtors® MLS

Oct‐09 Nov‐09 Dec‐09 Jan‐10 Feb‐10 Mar‐10 Apr‐10 May‐10 Jun‐10

Jul‐10 Aug‐10 Sep‐10 Oct‐10

The Xtra Pages - Digital Version Only

Single Family

Days on Market

2010 - Third Quarter Report Single Family Sales ‐ By Quarter

REO

Short

Arm's Length

1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 2007‐Q4 2008‐Q1 2008‐Q2 2008‐Q3 2008‐Q4 2009‐Q1 2009‐Q2 2009‐Q3 2009‐Q4 2010‐Q1 2010‐Q2 2010‐Q3

Condo Sales ‐ By Quarter

REO

Short

Arm's Length

500 400 300 200 100 0 2007‐Q4 2008‐Q1 2008‐Q2 2008‐Q3 2008‐Q4 2009‐Q1 2009‐Q2 2009‐Q3 2009‐Q4 2010‐Q1 2010‐Q2 2010‐Q3

Single Family Median Sale Price

REO

Short

Arm's Length

$300,000 $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 $0 2007‐3rdQ 2007‐4thQ 2008‐1stQ 2008‐2ndQ 2008‐3rdQ 2008‐4thQ 2009‐1stQ 2009‐2ndQ 2009‐3rdQ 2009‐4thQ 2010‐Q1

Condos Median Sale Price

REO

Short

2010‐Q2

2010‐Q3

Arm's Length

$450,000 $400,000 $350,000 $300,000 $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000

Source: Sarasota Association of Realtors®

$50,000 $0 2007‐3rdQ 2007‐4thQ 2008‐1stQ 2008‐2ndQ 2008‐3rdQ 2008‐4thQ 2009‐1stQ 2009‐2ndQ 2009‐3rdQ 2009‐4thQ 2010‐Q1

2010‐Q2

2010‐Q3

Single Family Condo

REO Sales ‐ By Quarter 600 500 400 300 200 100 0

2007‐Q2 2007‐Q3 2007‐Q4 2008‐Q1 2008‐Q2 2008‐Q3 2008‐Q4 2009‐Q1 2009‐Q2 2009‐Q3 2009‐Q4 2010‐Q1 2010‐Q2 2010‐Q3 Single Family

Short Sales ‐ By Quarter

Condo

400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0

2007‐Q3 2007‐Q4 2008‐Q1 2008‐Q2 2008‐Q3 2008‐Q4 2009‐Q1 2009‐Q2 2009‐Q3 2009‐Q4 2010‐Q1 2010‐Q2 2010‐Q3

Arm's Length Sales ‐ By Quarter

Single Family Condo

1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 2007‐Q3 2007‐Q4 2008‐Q1 2008‐Q2 2008‐Q3 2008‐Q4 2009‐Q1 2009‐Q2 2009‐Q3 2009‐Q4 2010‐Q1 2010‐Q2 2010‐Q3

Source: Sarasota Association of Realtors®

Annual Sales ‐ 2000 to 2009 Single Family

Condo

Total

11267 10562 9697 8167 7,596 6533

7036

6,841

6,504

6358

5,603

6739 6042

5,183

4,940 4,353

4,349 3,193 2,184

2,096

5820

3,671

3,721

2,564 2,005

4,626 3,922

2,120 1,194

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

1,556

2009

Annual Median Sale Price ‐ 2000 to 2009 Single Family $351,000 $305,000

$342,000

$336,250

$301,225

$303,000

Condo

$320,000

$272,500 $226,000

$230,000

$225,000

$210,000 $172,500 $142,000 $132,300

$145,000

2000

2001

$191,000 $173,000

$191,000

2002

2003

$160,000

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009