Sarasota Realtor Magazine - February 2012

FEBRUARY 2012

The Official Monthly Publication of the Sarasota Association of Realtors速

Brighter Skies

2012 CID President Brad Lindberg is optimistic about the future

Page 6

Finding the right home is easy

when you know where to look.

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ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. *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 ©2011 Pulte Home Corporation. All rights reserved. 8/11

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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. CBC057850 ©2011 Centex Homes. All rights reserved. 8/11

Contents

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine Volume 9, Issue 2 FEBRUARY 2012

Sarasota Association of Realtors®, Inc. 3590 South Tuttle Avenue Sarasota, Florida 34239 Phone: 941/923-2315 FAX: 941/923-0191 www.sarasotarealtors.com www.facebook.com/SarasotaRealtors

6

Brighter Skies

SAR 2012 CID President Brad Lindberg has experienced

2012 SAR Officers

the commercial real estate difficulties in the past few years,

but notices improving conditions ahead in 2012.

President Laura Benson Michael Saunders & Company

10 Top Priorities

Governmental Affairs Director Marc Mansfield examines

the priorities our state legislators are facing when it comes

to real estate-related issues in 2012.

Treasurer Peter Crowley RE/MAX Alliance Group

Chief Executive Officer Kathy Roberts

Communications and gaining public input have been key

components of Property Appraiser Bill Furst’s approach to his office.

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.

For the full year 2011, property sales of SAR members were up 8.2 percent

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.

over 2010 and prices have stabilized, leading to a healthier,

Sarasota Realtor® is published monthly by the Sarasota Association of Realtors® Inc.

positive market leading into 2012.

15 A Positive Year Volume 9 • Issue 2 •FEBRUARY 2012

Secretary Stafford Starcher RE/MAX Alliance Group

Immediate Past President Michael Bruno Michael Saunders & Company

12 Annual Report

Editorial Staff Director of Communications Ray Porter

28 New WCR Year

The Sarasota Women’s Council of Realtors® has started

2012 under new leadership, and President Marianne LeBar

looks forward to another successful year!

In every issue 10- Governmental Affairs 12- Property Appraiser 15- Sales and Listing Statistics

24- On the SAR Scene 29- Global Business Council 30- Membership

FEBRUARY 2012

Director of Information Technology Jesse Sunday Director of Professional Development Catherine McCaskill

Production Coastal Printing, Inc.

Visit SAR on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SarasotaRealtors See a few of the photos this month on Page 24!

18- Commercial Investment Division 20- Education Programs

Director of Membership and Administrative Services Dan Andrews

Governmental Affairs Director Marc Mansfield

ON THE COVER: 2012 CID President Brad Lindberg braves the rooftop of the Ritz Carlton hotel in Sarasota, overlooking the scenic bayfront bridge and downtown.

32- Calendar of Events/Education 4

President-Elect Roger Piro Town & Country Realty

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

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

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.

2012 Copyright© by the Sarasota Association of Realtors®, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Great American Realtor® Days this month in Tallahassee

What are Great American Realtor® Days?

Great American Realtor® Days are two days set aside during Florida’s legislative session when Realtors® converge on Tallahassee to voice their opinions on legislative issues.

Visitors are briefed on the status of pending real estate legislation and meet with and lobby legislators. The event has attracted a large contingent of Sarasota participants for many years, and will again this year.

Every 10 years, redistricting occurs and the Legislative Session is held earlier in the year. The session dates for 2012 are Jan. 10 – March 9. Great American Realtor® Days is set for Feb. 14-15th. Register now and don’t miss this excellent opportunity for your voice to be heard in Tallahassee.

The Legislative briefings for Great American Realtor® Days will be at the Challenger Learning Center (CLC), the same as last year. All events are within walking distance, and the CLC provides a great venue for our briefings and registration.

The CLC is just two blocks west of the Florida Realtors® Public Policy office and two blocks north of the Capitol, so you’ll have an easy time getting from the briefings to those important meetings with your legislators.

Half way between the CLC and Florida Realtors office on Adams Street, you’ll find the annual Florida Realtors Block Party on Feb. 14, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Contact Marc Mansfield, Governmental Affairs Director, at marc@ sarasotarealtors.com for more details!

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS Short Sales Foreclosures Bankruptcy

Bill Ayers: SAR Affiliate of the Month for February 2012

The February 2012 SAR Affiliate of the Month is Bill Ayers, the owner of iTrip.net Sarasota Bradenton.

After 20 years in corporate banking at JP Morgan Chase and Sallie Mae, Bill became the owner of iTrip. net Sarasota Bradenton in October 2011.

With vacation properties under management across the U.S., iTrip.net is a webbased company that has revolutionized the way people book vacations, making the Bill Ayers process easy and stress free. In Florida, iTrip.net serves second homeowners in Siesta Key, Venice, Lido Key, Clearwater, Destin, Panama City, Orlando, South Walton Beach, St. Pete Beach and Perdido Key. Most recently iTrip.net has expanded to Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. You can contact Bill Ayers at 941-404-4600, or by email at bill@itrip.net .

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.rlglawfirm.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.

Cover Story 6

Bright Future

2012 CID President Brad Lindberg is cautiously optimistic

F

Fostering positive relationships, even among business competitors, helps achieve positive results, according to Brad Lindberg, 2012 President of the SAR Commercial Investment Division.

As an entrepreneurial businessman in the early eighties, Lindberg, now a commercial Realtor® with Sperry Van Ness Commercial Advisory Group, also learned at an early stage of his career that if you believe in what you are doing, you can be successful.

Lindberg stresses that developing a good relationship with his competition helped him when he was in a jam. As peers in the same industry, facing similar trials and tribulations, they were glad to help. This revelation helped to transform his business life, and when he entered the real estate profession, his career benefited greatly.

“This is a business that is all about making a deal happen, and having strong working relationships with your competitors can be the difference between a deal coming to completion or the deal going south,” noted Lindberg.

When Lindberg was growing his entreprenurial business, cash liquidity was always a problem, he noted. Having a great working relationship with the banks was the difference between survival and bankruptcy. The liquidity exposure from a dynamically growing business is just as dangerous as a business that isn’t growing, he learned.

Having spent 25 years in the dynamically growing telecommunications industry, Lindberg said he learned that what you did yesterday will not necessarily work effectively tomorrow. If you don’t adapt, chances are you will be out of the business.

“Commercial real estate is all about the survival of your client,” said Lindberg. “Having that previous experience in business, and being aware of the threats that can derail a business, allows me to gain the clients’ trust and confidence that the deal will work for their business model.”

Lindberg has practiced real estate locally since 2006, the year the residential real estate market started to tumble, followed quickly by the commercial market.

“Although the commercial market has been severely depressed since I entered into the market in 2006, it has allowed me to be better prepared to deal with future opportunities, navigating through the learning curve as well as establishing my name and reputation in the community,” noted Lindberg, turning a potential negative into a positive learning experience.

FEBRUARY 2012

After his recent move to Sperry Van Ness, which he calls “the best move for my career,” Lindberg has benefited from the recent turnaround in the local commercial market.

Lindberg was named “2011 Commercial Realtor® of the Year by the CID, an honor bestowed on the individual who has demonstrated “exceptional skill and ability” as a commercial Realtor®, and is held in “high regrard” by CID members.

With his new firm, and his new position in CID leadership, Lindberg is ready to tackle the changing marketplace, and national economic picture.

“Today we are faced with the dilemma of how to infuse the economy with new business and jobs,” he noted. “It will be the number one topic of discussion in the upcoming 2012 Presidential election. The key debated issue is the experience and knowledge of business and what it will take to turn the economy around. Real estate is like any other profession.

Having the specific knowledge to make the right decision is the difference between success and failure.”

While emerging technology will always play a part in any transition, Lindberg said he relies most on the oldfashioned approach.

“I’m a little old school with a bent towards social media,” he explained. “I firmly believe that technology is our future, but there is no replacement for the faceto-face meeting and personal presentation. I believe in the ability to touch as many people as you can through social media, but never sharing my personal life as many do. Image is important and professionalism is tantamount for maintaining high profile relationships.”

The real estate profession, while constantly evolving, will remain crucial to the transaction process, whether residential or commercial, Lindberg noted.

“The medical community is made up of specialists.

You wouldn’t go to your ophthalmologist for the birth of a child or your obstetrician to get your eyes examined, so why would you jeopardize your business location decision to anyone other than a professional who understands the demands of your property requirements?”

Bullish on the importance of the Realtor®, Lindberg is equally bullish about Sarasota.

“Sarasota is a treasure trove of opportunities for commercial real estate. Florida ranks high in the

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

Continued on P. 8, See LINDBERG

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LINDBERG From Page 6

nation with the best tax benefits for business,” said Lindberg. “Why wouldn’t you want to relocate your business to an area where the fun in the sun is as important to success as your bottom line?”

In terms of where the market now stands, Lindberg said he is cautiously optimistic about 2012.

“I feel like we reached the bottom in 2011 as far as values go. I am optimistic that there is pent up demand for expansion, and although the economy is still anemic, business knows that they will need to invest moving forward and we are poised to meet that demand.”

As CID President for the coming year, Lindberg will not only be working to take advantage of the emerging market, but also working with his industry peers to improve their businesses.

“My goal as President is to provide the most engaging and informative membership meetings throughout the year, with top-rated speakers and panels, ensuring our members get good value for the time they have invested in education.

“Out of the 3,500-plus or minus members of SAR, only 300 reside in commercial.

There are 3,200 opportunities for a commercial partnership with agents who have a relationship with a potential commercial prospect. My initiative for our membership is to develop a cohesive relationship with our residential counterparts under a program called C.A.R.E (Commercial and Residential Embracing). Working together for the good of the client is crucial.”

The commercial real estate industry is made up of predominately baby boomers who are technologically challenged, Lindberg noted. So another of his goals for 2012 and beyond is to leverage the technology millennial membership to integrate proven technology in CID’s educational offerings to help the membership function more effectively.

“The possibilities are endless. Technology makes information more readily accessible. But what we do have to remember is that technology is only the device to acquire the information. Data is only as good as its accuracy.

Getting bad data quickly and efficiently is useless. Garbage in, garbage out, as they say. I’m not sure we have a device that will correct input error. Giving your customer bad information is going to impress anyone, regardless of how fast and efficent you are.”

8

FEBRUARY 2012

Thirty five years ago at Florida State University, Brad Lindberg met his wife, Carol. They have been blessed with two “great children - my son David and my daughter Kristen, who have carved out successful careers in the media and entertainment industry.”

Lindberg said it is his family he credits most for imparting traditional family values in his personal and business life, and he gives “the full credit to my wife who maintained a normal home life while I was travelling around the country meeting the demands of corporate life.”

To the question, “Is the commercial Realtor® still important and valid in 2012?”, Lindberg has no doubts.

“Commercial real estate is complicated and industry specific. The Commercial real estate professional is the business owner’s link to long term success by educating the client about government regulations, zoning issues, and long term growth restrictions. In today’s complicated regulatory environment, it’s important to have all the best tools in your toolbox. The Commercial real estate professional is one of the most indispensible tools your client will ever need.”

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Getting paid $3,000 is quick and easy Sell a new Taylor Morrison home and you won’t have to wait until closing to start getting paid!

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SELL A SELECT SHOWCASE HOME AND RECEIVE A $3,000 BONUS

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Plus, receive a 3% commission paid at closing MUST CLOSE BY 3/31/2012

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Taylor Morrison wants to thank you for your support! And help you thank your clients by giving them a special incentive.

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866.495.6006 taylormorrison.com *Limited time offer. Valid 1/1-3/31/12 (the “Term”). Incentive remains subject to change, extension or early termination in Seller’s discretion. Taylor Morrison’s $1,000 “Pay it Forward™” bonus paid at Loan Commitment (or Evidence of Funds on cash transactions) and subject to full return without deduction to Seller, if transaction cancels or home does not close by 3/31/2012. **3% Commission valid on select showcase homes sold during Term that close by 3/31/12. Not responsible for lost/stolen Gas Cards,limit of up to 250 total Gas Cards distributed to 1st time registered clients only at any Taylor Morrison WFL Sales Office during Term and no cash or substitutions. Limit of 1 card to REALTOR® per Client, regardless if same 1st time Client is registered at multiple WFL Sales Offices during Term. Offer void where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. All information (including, but not limited to prices, available incentives, floor plans, site plans, features, standards and options, assessments and fees, planned amenities, programs, conceptual artists’ renderings and community development plans) is not guaranteed and remains subject to change or delay1without notice. Maps and plans are not to scale and all dimensions are approximate. Please see your Sales Associate and Cooperative Broker Agreement/Incentive Addendum for complete details and additional restrictions. © January 2012 Taylor Morrison of Florida, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Governmental Affairs

hen you look at the win column for Florida Realtors’® real estate-related issues during the 2011 legislative session, it’s a long and impressive list considering the political climate this session.

There were many new elected officials in the state capital — lawmakers and cabinet — who were hearing our issues for federal legislative priorities. Issues such as the mortgage

By Marc Mansfield the first time. interest deduction, short sales, health insurance, flood Governmental Affairs Director ThereThe was2012 a newfound emphasis on fiscal accountability, insurance, natural disaster insurance, homebuyer tax Legislative session will be focused on credits, real estate finance issues and energy labeling of thanks in large part to a nearly $4 billion budget deficit.

Redistricting, a budget shortfall and proposals to expand gambling state-wide.

While these issues will undoubtedly In addition, unlike the previous two years, there were no properties are extremely important to Florida Realtors®. make headlines, Florida Realtors® continue to focus federal stimulus funds to reduce thewill deficit. on revitalizing the economy and strengthening real 2011 SESSION AT A GLANCE “It was a challenging environment in which tothe advance estate market. Florida Realtors® will also oppose legislation our agenda, that’s for Florida’s sure,” says president that could hinder realJohn estateSebree, market vice recovery, of public policy for the Florida Realtors. “We workedand and support legislation that encourages job creation economic growth.

Please see below, courtesy Florida diligently to engage freshmen legislators on ourofoverarching Realtors® a summary of legislative priorities for the goal, which was to stimulate the housing market, and Number of bills filed upcoming 2012 session: therefore the Florida economy.

Workdeserve to repeal existing local business taxes on real “Realtors a tremendous of credit estate sales associates and brokeramount associates.

Proposed for educating legislators about our issues, local market legislation will exempt all real estate sales associates and conditions challenges by the industry and only brokerand associates from afaced local business tax. Currently, sales owners. associatesWe andhave broker associates who did not pay a Number of bills passed property much to celebrate.” business tax to their local government as of October Among the victories was “Scrapping the Cap” on 13, 2010 are exempt. the Sadowski Housing Trust Funds — a goal of Florida Encourage the Legislature to use money in the Realtors for the past fiveHousing years — Trust and passage a proposed Sadowski Affordable Fund forofhousing or constitutional amendment to lower the cap on property initiatives that stimulate the economy. If fully funded intax Number of bills signed into law the 2012-2013 fiscal year, theproperties trust funds from could10 pump assessments on non-homestead percent $116.6 million doc money into housing-a to 5 percent — a goalofof thestamp association since 2008. move that would create more than 9,000 jobs and have a $900 billion impact on the state’s economy. Sadowski funds could be used to retrofit foreclosure and rehab blighted properties into rental homes and workforce housing, FY 2011-2012 state budget helping to deal with high unemployment and foreclosed inventory problems in Florida.

‘Scrapping the cap’ on affordable Support periodic evaluation of onsite septic tank housing trust funds systems that may negatively impact the state’s largest It took five years to accomplish, but the $243 million springs and other bodies of water. Proposed legislation cap on the housing trust funds is history. will repeal the mandate that all septic tanks in Florida be inspected and instead make on-site wastewater system HB 639 by Rep. Gary Aubuchon (R-Cape Coral) Photography Gary Langhammer evaluationsbyoptional at the local level. Florida Realtors® removes the cap enacted by the 2004 Legislature at the opposes time-of-sale inspection requirements and peak of the housing boom. Since 2007, when the $243 mandating that all systems be improved to meet current million limit took effect, Florida Realtors and nearly performance standards. three dozen other organizations lobbied lawmakers Secure funds to prevent and publicize the dangers to “scrap the cap” on the Sadowski Housing Trust of unlicensed real estate activity. Florida Realtors® will Funds. The fund is sustained entirely by a portion of advocate for a greater appropriation for the Department of documentary stamp taxes paid on deeds.

Business and Professional Development and the Division “Ensuring that doc stamps will still be directed of Real Estate in order to carry out their core missions of to affordable housing, their intended purpose, is a regulating the industry and protecting the public. huge win for Florida families and for the Florida Represent real estate interests as the Governor, Realtors organization, which played a big part in the Legislature and Citizens Property Insurance Board of creation of the Sadowski Affordable Housing Act in Governors seek to improve the financial solvency of 1992,” says Sebree. “We owe a tremendous amount Citizens Property Insurance. Citizens Insurance continues of credit to Rep. Aubuchon and to Sen. Mike Bennett to add approximately 1,000 new policies each day. Over (R-Bradenton), who sponsored the companion bill the past four years, the Legislature has been reluctant to in the Senate, for restoring trust in the housing trust raise Citizens premiums even while there is fear Citizens funds.” could not withstand the financial impact of a massive hurricane. Florida Realtors® will work to find a balance, This year, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation ensuring rate increases do not create unnecessary financial has $64 million available to state and local housing hardships while helping Citizens improve its financial programs for downpayment assistance, foreclosure solvency. prevention and property renovations for low- to Partner with the National Association of Realtors® on moderate-income families.

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Interesting facts about Florida government

T

2,186 295 266

Bills That Pa $69.7 billion Trust Funds

FEBRUARY 2012

Effective July 1, 2011

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Ne de H Co cre &D eco eff mi to bu law Wo of To int Ec

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It took fiv accomplis

Florida RealtorsŽ will also oppose legislation that could hinder Florida’s real estate market recovery, and support legislation that encourages job creation and economic growth.

Property Appraiser

Extra, Extra!

Read all about it!

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!

Since taking office it's been my mission to make property information available to as many residents of Sarasota as possible, using as many forms of media as possible.

By Bill Furst, GRI, CRS, CRB Starting mid‐year of 2011 we began distributing an e‐newsletter/bulletin, Sarasota County sending the most up‐to‐date information on exemptions, valuations and Property Appraiser "news you can use" directly to subscribers’ inboxes. Our subscribers are Since taking office it’s been my mission to make property now among the first to know:

S

information available to as many residents of Sarasota as possible, using as many forms of media as possible.  When preliminary values are posted on our website Starting mid-year of 2011 we began distributing an  When TRIM notices are available on our website e-newsletter/bulletin, sending the most up-to-date information  When links to tax bills are available on our website on exemptions, valuations and “news you can use” directly to  About changes to statutes and ordinances affecting your subscribers’ property. inboxes. Our subscribers are now among the first to know:  And much, much more...

• When preliminary values are posted on our website Over the past months we’ve provided readers with notifications of • When TRIM notices are available on our website important mailings, links to TRIM notices, online filing options for • When links to tax bills are available on our website homesteads and Tangible Personal Property returns, and Tax Roll • About changes to statutes and ordinances affecting their certification announcements. property.

• And much, much more...

You can add you name to our distribution list by going to our website, Over the past months we’ve provided readers with notifications www.SC‐PA.com and clicking the “Subscribe to our e‐newsletter” link on of important mailings, links to TRIM notices, online filing our homepage. The subscription process, hosted by Sarasota County options for homesteads and Tangible Personal Property returns, Government, is quick and easy. and Tax Roll certification announcements.

We promise not to share your contact information and not to inundate You can add your name to our distribution list by going to our you with unnecessary emails. We know how valuable your time is. We website, www.SC-PA.com and clicking the “Subscribe to our want to give you one more tool to work more efficiently and to be well e-newsletter” link on our homepage. The subscription process, informed about what’s going on in the Property Appraiser’s office. hosted by Sarasota County Government, is quick and easy.

We promise not to share your contact information and not to Another step in our efforts to make interaction with the Property inundate you with unnecessary emails. We know how valuable Appraiser’s office as hassle‐free as possible was the implementation of your time is. We want to give you one more tool to work more our online homestead application program. There’s a link to that program efficiently and to be well informed about what’s going on in the on our website at the Homestead/Exemptions tab on our homepage.

Property Appraiser’s office.

Another step in our efforts to make interaction with the And, starting with the 2012 tax year, information has been sent to Property Appraiser’s office as hassle-free as possible was the existing Tangible Personal Property accounts with instructions on how to implementation of our online homestead application program. file their TPP returns online using account‐specific user names and There’s a link to that program on our website at the Homestead/ passwords.

Exemptions tab on our homepage.

And, starting with the 2012 tax year, information has been sent Public input has been an integral part of the adoption and to existing Tangible Personal Property accounts with instructions implementation of the many changes and improvements we’ve made in on how to file their TPP returns online using account-specific the past three years. Have you got ideas for any improved services or user names and passwords. additional information we can provide? We’re open to suggestions! Let us For more Public input has been an integral part of the adoption and information, know what you need by emailing us at PA@sc‐pa.com. implementation of the many changes and improvements contact the we’ve made in the past three years. Have you got ideas for any Property improved services or additional information we can provide?

Appraiser’s We’re open to suggestions! Let us know what you need by office at emailing us at PA@sc-pa.com.

941.861.8200.

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FEBRUARY 2012

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

MARCH 1 EXEMPTION FILING DEADLINE!!!

Don’t let your customers and clients miss out on the 2012 Homestead or other Exemptions!

Homestead: Applicants must: Establish themselves as Florida residents by January 1, 2012.

Have legal or beneficial title to and occupy the property as their permanent residence as of January 1, 2012.

Widow/er: Applicants must have lost their spouse prior to January 1, 2012.

Veteran Exemptions: Applicants must have a rating letter from the Veteran’s Administration granting disability status prior to January 1, 2012.

Civilian Disability: Applicants must have been certified as totally and permanently disabled, by a licensed Florida physician, as of January 1, 2012.

Charitable Exemption: The organization must own the property and use it for an exempt purpose as of January 1, 2012.

Agricultural and Conservation Classifications also have a March 1, application deadline.

Contact us for more information.

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

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

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Models Now Open and Selling

Realtors, take advantage of this opportunity to cash in your Gold Medallions by offering your clients our pre-construction pricing.

Riva Trace features a Gated Maintenance Free Community • Located along the Natural Beauty of the Braden River • 3 Furnished Models • 86 Beautiful Home Sites • 7 Customizable Floor Plans • 2 Minutes to Publix, Target and Fresh Market • Minutes from Sarasota/Manatee County’s Main Street Shopping, Dining, Theater, Golf and Polo The Inlets features a Gated Community • Home Sites w/Deep Water • Nature Walking/Jogging Trails • Lighted Tennis Court • Beach Lagoon • Boat, Wave Runner and Kayak Launch • Clubhouse • Fishing/Golf and Boating Clubs Playground • 2 Minutes to Publix • 20 Minutes to Downtown Sarasota • 10 Minutes to Downtown Lakewood Ranch • 5 Minutes to Downtown Bradenton

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941.748.7777

Annual Sales ‐ 2000 to 2011 Single Family Single Family

Condo

Total

11267 10562 9697 8224

8167 7603

7,596 7036

6533

6,841

6 504 6,504

6739

6358

6042

5,603

5,183

4,940 4,353

4,349 3 671 3,671

3,193 2,184

2,096

5820

3 721 3,721

2,564 2,005

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

5,938

4,626 3,922 ,

2,120

2006

2007

2,137

2,286

2010

2011

1,556

1,194

2000

5,466

2008

2009

Annual sales have now reached a level not seen since 2005 as the Sarasota real estate market continues to recover following the historic drop in 2006. Prices have also stabilized, returning to normal appreciation trends.

Annual Median Sale Price ‐ 2000 to 2011 Single Family

Condo

$351,000

$342,000 $336,250

$272,500 $305,000

$226,000 $172,500

$303,000

$210,000 $163,000 $156,800

$230,000

$191,000

$142,000

$173,000

$132,300

2000

$301,225

$225,000

$191,000

$320,000

$160,000

$145,000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

$163,000

2010

$155,925

2011

F

F

Property sales up 8.2 percent for full year 2011

For the full year 2011, property sales of members of the Sarasota Association of Realtors® jumped by 8.2 percent to 8,224, achieving the highest level since 2005. The surge in sales was accompanied by stabilization in the median sale prices, which now stand at $155,925 for single family homes and $156,800 for condos over the full year, and have not fluctuated much for the past 12 months.

Once again, the market has demonstrated that Sarasota is a destination of choice for many homebuyers. For the overall year of 2011, the resurgence in sales was dramatic, and represents a 44 percent increase over the low point of the downturn in 2008, when only 5,820 properties changed hands.

“This is really incredible news, and demonstrates how far this market has improved in only three short years,” said SAR President Laura Benson. “Now, we also offer very affordable pricing. Combined with the high quality of homes and condos on the market, I think we clearly have the best values in Florida, without question.”

Property transactions in the Sarasota real estate market jumped 7.3 percent in December 2011, compared to the November totals. Combined sales stood at 648, up from last month’s figure of 602 and the October 2011 sales of 577.

This sales resurgence has paralleled the drop in the available inventory, and put the remaining months of inventory in the range of a seller’s market.

The inventory of available properties for sale in Sarasota was at 4,567 in December, down slightly from the 4,672 in November. The inventory fell to a 10-year low of 4,408 in August 2011. As the inventory has slid, the months of inventory has dropped and now stands at 6.3 months for single family homes and 9.2 months for condos. A figure of 6 months is considered equilibrium between a buyer’s and a seller’s market.

The December 2011 median sale price for condos recovered strongly to $150,000 from November’s figure of $127,000.

This was the highest level since August 2011. Condo prices have been fluctuating for several months, with the year-todate median sale price at $156,800.

For single family homes, the median sale price dropped slightly in December to $160,000 from $162,000 in November 2011. For the overall year, the figures have remained remarkably steady, indicating a stabilizing market.

“There is a real sense of optimism and excitement returning to the market,” Benson noted. “We’re entering the height of the season, and the open houses have been bustling with energy and interest. Recent news of new home sales doubling in one community and setting records for annual sales in another are clear signs of the strength of the current market.”

Pending sales were at 694 in December 2011, down slightly from the November 2011 number of 782. Last month, 504 single family homes and 190 condos went under contract.

www.sarasotarealtors.com

“There is a real sense of optimism and excitement returning to the market.

We’re entering the height of the season, and the open houses have been bustling with energy and interest.”

- SAR President Laura Benson

Distressed property sales continued to represent a higher percentage than normal in the local market for the fourth quarter of 2011. In total, 41.7 percent of sales in the fourth quarter were distressed property sales (foreclosures and short sales). This was somewhat higher than the third quarter, when the overall percentage was 38.8 percent, but well below the market high of over 50 percent in the second quarter of 2010.

Median sale prices continued to show three distinct markets, with normal market transaction sales prices more than double those for bank-owned transactions. But the price gap has narrowed somewhat, particularly during the past two quarters.

For the second quarter of 2011, foreclosed condos sold for a median price of $62,250, while market condo transactions saw a $270,000 median. For the quarter just ended, those prices were at $73,500 and $193,500, respectively.

“Realtors® and consumers have adjusted to the market realities, and it appears that pricing in all categories has become more reflective of the current conditions,” said Benson. “We continue to watch and hope for a break in the distressed property cycle, and we anticipate the improving economy and lower unemployment rate will eventually bring these figures down to lower levels. The positive side is that our market offers incredible buying opportunities that won’t last long.”

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

FEBRUARY 2012

15

Sarasota MLSSM Statistics - December 2011 Single Family Condo

Unit Sales 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 Dec‐10

Jan‐11

Feb‐11

Mar‐11

Apr‐11 May‐11

Jun‐11

Jul‐11

Aug‐11

Sep‐11

Oct‐11

Nov‐11

Dec‐11

Single Family

Median Sale Price

Condo

$250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 $0 Dec‐10

Jan‐11

Feb‐11

Mar‐11

Apr‐11 May‐11

Jun‐11

Jul‐11

Aug‐11

Sep‐11

Oct‐11

Nov‐11

Dec‐11

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

2,974

471

15.8

192

$160,000

$155,925

6.3

504

16.9

588

162

This Month Last Year

3,920

500

12.8

178

$165,000

$163,000

7.8

567

14.5

661

156

3,031

435

14.3

190

$162,000

$156,074

6.9

552

18.2

765

175

‐

5,938

‐

183

$155,925

‐

‐

7,570

‐

8,044

‐

Oct 95.2 95.1

Nov 94.8 95.3

Dec 94.1 94.8

Last Month YTD

Jan 94.4 94.5

2010 2011

Single Family – Sale Price Vs. List Price % Rates Feb 92.8 94.1

Mar 95.2 94.7

Apr 94.8 94.1

May 95.2 94.2

Jun 95.3 94.3

Jul 94.7 94.1

Aug 95.2 94.5

Sept 94.6 95.2

Statistics were compiled on properties listed in the MLS by members of the Sarasota Association of Realtors® as of Jan. 10th, 2011, 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

FEBRUARY 2012

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

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Sarasota MLSSM Statistics - December 2011 Single Family Condo

Inventory 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0 Dec‐10

Jan‐11

Feb‐11 Mar‐11 Apr‐11 May‐11 Jun‐11

Jul‐11

Aug‐11 Sep‐11

Oct‐11 Nov‐11 Dec‐11

Single Family Condo

Pending Sales 1000 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 Dec‐10

Jan‐11

Feb‐11

Mar‐11

Apr‐11 May‐11

Jun‐11

Jul‐11

Aug‐11

Sep‐11

Oct‐11

Nov‐11

Dec‐11

Condo

This Month This Month Last Year Last Month YTD

2010 2011

#Active

#Sold

%Sold

Average DOM

Median Sale Prices

Median Last 12 Months

Months of Inventory

Pending Reported

%Pending

# New Listings

# Off Market

1,593

173

10.8

212

$150,000

$156,600

9.2

190

11.9

247

211

2,127

181

8.5

211

$160,000

$163,000

11.7

222

10.4

309

139

1,641

167

10.2

181

$127,000

$158,000

9.8

230

14.0

325

241

‐

2,286

‐

217

$156,600

‐

‐

2,610

‐

2,961

‐

Oct 94.3 93.2

Nov 94.5 93.6

Dec 92.9 92.7

Jan 92.5 93.4

Condo – Sale Price Vs. List Price % Rates Feb 92.4 91.2

Mar 92.5 92.2

Apr 93.2 93.4

May 94.2 94.5

Jun 93.7 94.2

Jul 94.2 92.5

Aug 93.5 93.1

Sept 93.2 92.8

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

FEBRUARY 2012

17

Commercial Investment Division

Leadership depends on strong support

By Brad Lindberg CID President I’m sure you’ve heard the old saying, “Behind every great man, there’s a woman.” Well, it’s just as true that behind every great leader, there’s a great support group - family, staff members, others in leadership who help take the organization to a higher level.

Leadership is often a born trait, but implementing a leader’s vision is normally learned. Those who have learned to work with the often strong, dynamic egos of their leaders are normally the reason for the success of any mission.

Those who support the leader are the unsung heroes, providing the hard work, perseverance and patience to achieve success, only to then acquiesce the accolades to the leader.

That’s where I come in. As the new CID President for 2012, I consider myself somewhat of a natural leader. But I truly rely on those who support me in that leadership role to make positive things happen.

Often, first-time leaders and committee members come to the table to try and reinvent the wheel.

Charged with enthusiasm and fresh ideas (many of which have actually already been tried in the past, to mixed results), they attempt to institute their vision.

It’s up to the support staff and others on the team to try and gracefully acknowledge the enthusiasm, while tempering the approach in order to achieve actual results.

In other words, leaders can sometimes come in and make a big mess, but it’s up to the supporting staff and

others to clean up the mess and keep the organization on task.

There’s an old saying - “You can’t get fired from a volunteer job.” But, the fact is that a leader will wind up doing all their own work if they don’t appreciate the supporting team that will ultimately make them look good. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that you need to take care of those who take care of you. In the end, that will mean a higher quality of achievement in your appointed task.

We can fully expect 2012 will be as challenging as the past few years. Our industry is saddled with uncertainty, and our economy remains fragile. The decisions we make today will impact the future outcome. These decisions will help our successors create their strategic plans, banking on the foundation we laid in our tenure. We should never leave a mess for our successors to clean up. If I have one overriding goal this year, that would be it.

I intend to make sure that those who help me in my leadership role are recognized, remembered and appreciated. Because it really isn’t the leadership that does most of the hard work - it’s the staff and the support team, implementing the ideas.

The “vision” is only as good asd the implementation of that vision.

I truly believe that the CID board and its members make positive things happen, and, or course, the SAR staff. Without these people at my side, my leadership would achieve nothing. I’m looking forward to a great 2012!

CID slates meetings for February 2012 CID General Membership Meeting - Tuesday, Feb. 21st, 8:30 a.m. – SAR Auditorium Details of the program to come Commercial Marketplace Sessions

- Friday, Feb. 3, 9 a.m. – SAR Auditorium - Friday, Feb. 10th, 9 a.m. – SAR Auditorium - Friday, Feb. 17th, 9 a.m. – Manatee Association of Realtors®, 10920 Technology Terrace, Lakewood Ranch, FL - Friday, Feb. 24th, 9 a.m. – SAR Auditorium

2012 CID Officers & Directors Officers:

Directors:

President: Brad Lindberg, Sperry Van Ness President-Elect: Linda Emery, Sperry Van Ness Vice-President: Tim Mapp, Mapp Realty Secretary: Dave Roth, RE/MAX Alliance Treasurer: Lori Hellstrom, Osprey Real Estate Services Past President: Anthony Homer, LWR Commercial 18

FEBRUARY 2012

Susan Goldstein: Michael Saunders & Company (1 year 2012) Sarah Olesen: Michael Saunders & Company (1 year 2012) Tony Veldkamp: Sperry Van Ness (2 years - 2013) Bob Milhoan: Hembree & Assoc. (2 years - 2013) Peter Skokos: Norton Hammersley (3 years - 2014) Kevin Robbins - Harry Robbins Associates (3 years - 2014)

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

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RFCU fastest growing credit union Since it opened in May 2009, the Realtors® Federal Credit Union has become a significant benefit among National Association of Realtors® members, offering a diverse portfolio of services and products. Since then, Realtors® FCU has experienced unprecedented growth in membership.

Most recently, Realtors® FCU was rated as the fastest growing credit union in the country by Callahan & Associates, a leading credit union information source. Realtors® FCU ranked number one in organic membership growth which neared 25 percent between June 2010 and June 2011. Over the 12-month time period, Realtors® FCU also grew its loan portfolio by 10.66 percent. Currently, Realtors® FCU has 7,501 members with total assets of $77.9 million.

“Realtors® FCU is one of NAR’s most valued member benefits,” said NAR President Moe Veissi, broker-owner of Veissi & Associates Inc., in Miami. “Credit union members have access to an assortment of products and services, as well as tremendous rates and fewer fees than with other institutions. The rapid growth Realtors® FCU has experienced comes as no surprise because it was established with Realtors® in mind. And now that Realtors® FCU has a mobile banking app, we expect even greater growth.”

Realtors® FCU recently began offering a free mobile banking app for its members; the app is available for iPhone, Android and Blackberry. After just eight weeks, nearly 14 percent of Realtors® FCU online banking users had downloaded the app, which currently has more than 600 registered mobile users.

“The industry average for mobile banking users after this amount of time is typically between 5-7 percent,” said Realtors® FCU Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Jesse Boyer. “Realtors® FCU surpassed this and we continue to sign up new users every day. Mobile banking allows our on-the-go members to access account information, transfer funds, review transactions and find ATMs from the convenience of their mobile device.”

For more information regarding services, benefits and membership requirements, visit Realtors® FCU’s website at www.RealtorsFCU.org.

Realtors® FCU is a member benefit offered by NAR and is a partner in the Realtor Benefits® Program. NAR’s Realtor Benefits® Program offers practical solutions for Realtors® on the products and services they use every day. The program includes offerings from nearly 30 companies, in a variety of categories, recognized as leaders in their respective industries.

Keys to recovery? Lending, loan modifications Stabilizing and restoring the health of the housing market is critical to a broader economic recovery, according to a white paper by the Federal Reserve Board.

Many of the issues and recommendations outlined in the paper support key principles established by the National Association of Realtors® to help revitalize the housing industry and economy.

The white paper, The U.S. Housing Market: Current Conditions and Policy Considerations, calls for increased lending to creditworthy home buyers and more loan modifications, mortgage www.sarasotarealtors.com

refinancings, and short sales to reduce the rising inventory of foreclosed homes and help stabilize and revitalize the housing industry; an approach long recommended

by NAR to help spur the housing market recovery.

“As the nation’s leading advocate for homeownership and housing issues, NAR knows that a strong housing market recovery is key to the nation’s future economic strength,” said NAR President Moe Veissi, broker-owner of Veissi & Associates Inc., in Miami. “Improving access to affordable mortgage financing Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

for qualified home buyers and investors and aggressively pursuing more loan modifications and short sales is necessary to help reenergize the housing market and spur an economic recovery.”

The pendulum on mortgage credit has swung too far following the housing downturn. According to the 2011 NAR Member Profile, 34 percent of Realtors® reported that the most important factor in limiting their clients’ ability to buy a home was difficulty in obtaining a mortgage.

FEBRUARY 2012

19

Education Programs

Profit in the local luxury home market Title: Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) Course Dates: Feb. 28-29, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: SAR Auditorium Cost: $550 Register at www.luxuryhomemarketing.com/sarasota Targeting the upper-tier buyers can be challenging.

Earning the “Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) designation will position you as an expert and give you the tools you need to move to the next level as the agent of choice for affluent buyers and sellers.

At the time of this writing, over 22 agents have made that investment in their luxury home market careers and have registered for this course.

Please visit the CHLMS website to register (see above) and to read about any other designation requirements at www.luxuryhomemarketing.com.

Gain valuable insights on distressed sales Title: Short Sales & Foreclosure Specialist (SFR) Course Date: March 21, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: SAR Auditorium Cost: $99 SAR Members; $119 NonMembers; After March 7, add $25 Instructor:Terry Watson Designed for real estate professionals at all experience levels, the NAR Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource Certification, or SFR for short, gives you a framework for understanding how to: • Direct distressed sellers to finance, tax and legal professionals • Training on both the buyer and seller side of short sale and foreclosure transactions • Free webinars that you can download anytime, anywhere • Access to SFR logo and marketing materials • Differentiation as an SFR at www.realtor. com and www.realtor.org.

Becoming SFR Certified

The path to pursuing the SFR certification is straightforward: 1. Be a member in good standing of the National Association of REALTORS 2. Complete a qualifying core course (this one or CRS 111) 20

Recognized as the mark of accomplishment in luxury markets around the world, the Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) designation assures affluent buyers and sellers that the agents who have earned it have the knowledge, experience, competence and confidence they require.

FEBRUARY 2012

3. Complete three 1-hour webinars (free at www. realtor.SFR.org) 4. Download application from www.realtorSFR.org 5. Submit application with $175 application fee to SFR@realtors.org.

Find more information at www.realtorSFR.org.

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

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SAR School of Real Estate offering Pre- and Post-License Education Spread the word! New careers in real estate can now be nurtured at the brand-new Sarasota Association of Realtors® School of Real Estate (SARSRE).

Classes will be held nights and weekends in Conference Room A in the SAR Education Building.

Permit holder and instructor for the SAR School of Real Estate is Michael W. Davenport.

He is multi-licensed in Florida and has a distinguished resume that includes over 40 years of sales and management experience.

The SAR School of Real Estate has the support and expertise of a thriving 3,200 Realtor® member association. Students who enroll in SARSRE courses will be exposed to the next step in their professional careers after licensure and will be well prepared to join the Realtor® organization.

SAR will blend the pre-license courses with current offerings of post-license for salespeople and brokers which also lead to the Graduate, Realtor® Institute (GRI) designation.

2012 Course Schedule

Sales Associate Pre-License Dates: Beginning April 12th, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 10 p.m.; Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.’ with review May 19th, 8:30 to 10 a.m., end of course exam.

Course Code is SA-2 Tuition: On or before March 29: $339 (includes manual and materials) After March 29: $364 Class limited to 20 students Tuesday & Thursday Evenings 5:00-10:00 AND Saturdays 8:30-1:30 Review: May 19, 8:30-10 End of Course Exam: May 19, 10-1 Instructor: Michael W. Davenport

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Broker Pre-License Dates: March 1-March 31 Tuition: By Feb. 22: $395 (includes manual and materials) After Feb. 22: $420 SAR Members: 10% discount Class limited to 15 students Tuesdays & Thursdays 5 to10 p.m. AND Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. EXCEPT March 1 (3 to 10 p.m. and March 3, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Review: March 31, 8-10 End of Course Exam: March 31, 10-1 Instructor: Michael W. Davenport 30 Hours Broker PostLicense GRI Course 2: Essential Real Estate Techniques Dates: April 23-May 3 Tuition: On or before April 9: $265 (includes manual and materials) After April. 9: $290 Course dates: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday--Jan. 23-25, AND Tuesday, Wednesday May 1 & 2, 9-4 each day End of Course Exam: Thursday, May 3, 10-1 (Course also carries 11 hours continuing education credit for license renewal for sales associates and brokers) Instructors: Lou Ludwig, Steve David, Ira Zlatkin, Chuck Bonamer Course provider: Florida Realtors® School of Real Estate 30 Hours Broker Post-License GRI Course 3: Real Estate Specialties July 23-25 and July 31-August 1 Tuition: On or before July 9: $265 (includes manual and materials) After July 9: $290 Course dates: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday—July 23-25, AND Tuesday, Wednesday July 31-August 1 End of Course Exam: Wednesday,(Course also carries 11 hours continuing education credit for license renewal for sales associates and brokers) Instructors: Jorge Cantero, Lou Ludwig, Pat Reass Course provider: Florida Realtors® School of Real Estate

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

FEBRUARY 2012

21

The ‘Greening’ of the MLS: A GRAS Seminar Extra!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Dedication and hard work pay off!! We congratulate our members who have successfully completed the Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist (RSPS) designation and Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES)!

SENIOR REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST (SRES)

Philip Abraham Esti Baughen Tracey Bodmer Brenda Boynton John Buice Karen Ann Burket Patricia Clouser Vicki Collier John Harold Curp Jennifer Flanders Janet Gillett Sabine Gredzinski Kathleen Griffin Raffilena Hamilton Stephen Harris Susan Hilton Kathy Hoonhout Christopher Iacobelli Robert Ispaso Daniel Jasmer Catherine Lamphier Louis Moore II Linda McCown Marci McFarland Brian McGreevy Carl S. Meyer Maruta Miluns Irene Murray Janice Perry Penelope Plack John Schnackenberg Kathryn Scott Alfredda Smith-Odato Inna Stelson Diann Lawton Thelen Michele Van Zandycke

Ashton Lakes Realty Coldwell Banker Res RE EXIT King Realty Jeffrey S. Dieter RE Broker Keller Williams Lakewood Ranch Michael Saunders & Company Key Solutions Real Estate Grp Coldwell Banker Res R E Coldwell Banker Res R E Century 21 Dockside Rlty Assoc.

Michael Saunders & Company Nextage Lighthouse Realty Michael Saunders & Company Good Life Realty LLC Michael Saunders & Company Michael Saunders & Company Coldwell Banker Res R E Keller Williams Lakewood Ranch Michael Saunders & Company J Wood Realty Michael Saunders & Company Moynihan Realty Group Inc. Michael Saunders & Company Michael Saunders & Company Sarasota Home Realty Coldwell Banker Res R E Michael Saunders & Company Michael Saunders & Company Michael Saunders & Company Realty Executives Solutions RE/MAX Alliance Group Coldwell Banker Res R E Cityscapes Int’l Realty Grp Coldwell Banker Res R E Coldwell Banker Res R E Coldwell Banker Res R E

RESORT/SECOND-HOME PROPERTY SPECIALIST (RSPS) Maureen Horn Pamela Rubin Wexler 22

FEBRUARY 2012

Title: The Greening of the MLS Date: Feb. 22, 9 a.m.

Instructor: MFRMLS FREE to SAR members Here are some new ways to drill down in the MLS for your customers! Please join the Green Realtors Alliance of Sarasota (GRAS) as they learn all about the new GREEN input fields in the MLS. Here is an example of one of the new fields (there are many): - Cisterns are storage tanks for rainfall that has been collected from a roof or some other catchment area.

Although usually located underground, cisterns may be placed at ground level or on elevated stands either outdoors or within buildings. Cisterns should be watertight, have smooth interior surfaces, enclosed lids, and be large enough to provide adequate storage. They should be fabricated from non-reactive materials such as reinforced concrete, galvanized steel, and plastic.

After the presentation, which should take 30-45 minutes, there will be a general discussion about ways that GRAS can help fulfill their SAR mission statement.

All are welcome!

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

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

Michael Saunders & Company Atchley International Realty

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

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Know your MLXchange inside and out 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! If you need to cancel, please call MFRMLS at 800.686.7451 (not SAR).

MLXchange Basic Feb. 6 or Feb. 27, 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 Entering and Updating Listings in MLXchange Feb. 6 or Feb. 27, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Mandatory class if you will be entering and updating your own listings.

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 Using MLXchange to Effectively Manage Time and Contacts Feb. 16, 9 a.m. to Noon Time and contact management are more important than ever in today’s fast-paced real estate industry. This course will show you how to maximize the tools available in MLXchange along with other products that work hand-in-hand allowing you to become more productive in your real estate business.

• Adding and managing Contacts • Creating mailing Labels www.sarasotarealtors.com

• Modifying and creating Email templates • Scheduling Tasks and appointments • Activity Plans manager (to-do list) • Outlook synchronization • Communicating through client web page Design Web Pages and Capture Leads Feb. 15, 9 a.m. to Noon One of the most crucial components in today’s real estate professional’s day-today business is capturing and handling leads along with time management. This course will teach you how to set up your personal agent and client web pages, contact management and scheduling features that go hand-in-hand with a successful real estate business.

Creating Professional CMAs Feb. 15, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

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. Creating Custom Reports in MLXchange Feb. 16, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

This course is designed to give you the ability to personalize your own reports within MLXchange. You will learn the necessary skills to create and customize reports that help you succeed in your business.

• Report Manager - add, modify and copy reports using report editor • Copy, save and customize a report, adding or removing fields, changing font style and color • Selecting multiple fields for customizing font, moving or deleting

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

fields • Adding photos, map, date, time or additional fields • Possible reports include: Broker’s Synopsis, Customer Synopsis, Flyers, CMA Reports and more iMapp - Interactive Tax and Mailing Labels Feb. 28, 9 a.m. to Noon 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 MLXchange Advanced Feb. 28, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Take MLXchange to the next level!

In this session you will learn how to customize a search & display screens, personal website links and setup & save advanced searches.

- Creating a custom template, adding fields, changing the display order - Foreclosure, fixer upper, and vacant listings with lockbox access - Customizing columns, adding/ removing fields, changing the column headers and changing the field sort order - Editing favorite reports

FEBRUARY 2012

23

On the SAR Scene

SAR begins 2012 on positive note!

The SAR New Member Orientation in January 2012 saw 16 new members welcomed to the ranks of SAR.

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

Photos by Jesse Sunday

David Clapp (left) congratulates Dave Swenson for being named Meritorious Service Award winner for 2011.

24

FEBRUARY 2012

SAR extends gratitude to Michael Bruno, 2011 President, who led the organization through a very successful year!

Sarasota Realtor速 Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Title: Global Business Council Hosts Tuccillo on Economy Date: Feb. 21, 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Location: SAR Auditorium Cost: FREE to SAR GBC members; $10 for others The SAR Global Business Council kicks off its seminar season with Florida Realtors’ John Tuccillo speaking on the Florida real estate economy and how global events impact the market. The event is free to members of the Global Business Council.

Total residential sales in Florida for 2010 were estimated at approximately $48.8 billion, and sales to foreigners were estimated at $12.7 billion.

According to the most recent NAR study on the subject,

approximately 25 percent of total Florida residential sales are estimated to have been to foreigners in the 12 months ending June 2011 Four states—Florida, Arizona, California, and Texas accounted for 58 percent of total U.S. residential home sales to non-resident foreigners in the 2009/2010 time frame. Florida accounted for 31 percent of total U.S. residential home sales to non-resident foreigners in the same time period.

SAR members will also receive an update on participation in international trade shows and conferences. If you would like to join the Global Business Council, please contact Catherine at 941328-1167.

John Tuccillo

Build referral network at Realtor® Quest Event: Realtor® Quest Toronto, Canada May 2, 2012 from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

May 3, 2012 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Cost: $200 per time slot More Canadians purchase real estate in Florida, particularly on the west coast, than any other nationality. This is your chance to connect with 7,000 Realtors® at Realtor® Quest, Canada’s largest Realtor® trade show and conference. Maximize your marketing potential in the Canadian market, business to business, with Realtors® around the Toronto area.

The event is set for May 2-3 in Toronto, Canada.

Once again, SAR has reserved a booth and is making time slots available to SAR Global Business Council members who want to expand their network in this hot market. Only nine spots are available, so don’t delay – register today.

The deadline for payment is either March 18 or whenever all spots are sold, whichever occurs first.

Each participant can purchase only one slot prior to the payment deadline.

The cost of a two-hour slot (for one person or two) is only $200. Slots at the end of each day are 90 minutes and cost $150 (if you draw one of these slots, your credit card will be refunded the $50). Slots will be randomly assigned by drawing to those who enter by the deadline. There will be an www.sarasotarealtors.com

Global Business Council

GBC hosts Tuccillo for economic update

additional cost of $40 per person for the show pass which gives access to lunch and snacks on both days.

Participants will be responsible for setting up and breaking down the exhibit booth.

There are many business networking opportunities when you are not working the booth. The booth number reserved for SAR this year is 121—a very good location right at the entrance to the show. The show has more than 250 exhibits to visit, and there are multiple education sessions and receptions.

No refunds will be possible after the drawing has occurred, but substitutions are allowed.

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

FEBRUARY 2012

25

Total Sales ‐ By Quarter

REO

Short

Market

1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 2009‐Q2

2009‐Q3

2009‐Q4

2010‐Q1

2010‐Q2* 2010‐Q3 * Homebuyer Tax Credit In Effect

2010‐Q4

2011‐Q1

2011‐Q2

2011‐Q3

2011‐Q4

Distressed sales rise slightly in fourth quarter

SAR continues to monitor the level of distressed property sales on a quarterly basis, with several pages of additional charts, on our web site (www.sarasotarealtors. com) and in the digital version of the monthly magazine (also posted on the front page of our web site, with a link e-mailed to SAR members the week prior to the magazine printing date).

Foreclosures and short sales in the Sarasota market remain a reality - they aren’t going away any time soon, but their impact on the overall market health has leveled off.

Distressed property sales continued to represent a higher percentage than normal in the local market for the fourth quarter of 2011. In total, 41.7 percent of sales in the fourth quarter were distressed property sales (foreclosures and short sales). This was somewhat higher than the third quarter, when the overall percentage was 38.8 percent, but well below

the market high of over 50 percent in the second quarter of 2010.

The disparity in prices between foreclosures and market sales has started to moderate, but there are still clearly two distinct local real estate markets - one for distressed properties, and the other for non-distressed, or market properties.

Distressed properties continue to represent both a negative and a positive in the current local market - a negative because they reflect the continuing difficult economic times for many families; a positive because they provide opportunities to purchase properties at lower initial cost.

Combined with the obvious benefits of living in Sarasota, the lower prices in the market act as a magnet for families moving to the area, as well as investors.

National home sales rise for third consecutive month Nationwide, existing-home sales continued on an uptrend in December, rising for three consecutive months and remaining above a year ago, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

The latest monthly data shows total existing-home sales rose 5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.61 million in December from a downwardly revised 4.39 million in November, and are 3.6 percent higher than the 4.45 million-unit level in December 2010.

The estimates are based on completed transactions from multiple listing services that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist,

26

FEBRUARY 2012

NAR President Moe Veissi, brokersaid these are early signs of what may owner of Veissi & Associates Inc., in be a sustained recovery. “The pattern Miami, said more buyers are expected of home sales in recent months to take advantage of market conditions demonstrates a market in recovery,” he this year. “The American dream of said. “Record low mortgage interest homeownership is alive and well. rates, job growth and bargain home We have a large pent-up demand, prices are giving more consumers the and household formation is likely to confidence they need to enter the return to normal as the job market market.” steadily improves,” he said. “More For all of 2011, existing-home sales buyers coming into the market mean rose 1.7 percent to 4.26 million from additional benefits for the overall 4.19 million in 2010. economy. When people buy homes, According to Freddie Mac, the they stimulate a lot of related goods national average commitment rate and services.” for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate Total housing inventory at the end mortgage fell to another record low of December dropped 9.2 percent to of 3.96 percent in December from 2.38 million existing homes available 3.99 percent in November; the rate for sale, which represents a 6.2-month was 4.71 percent in December 2010; supply2 at the current sales pace, down recordkeeping began in 1971.

Source:from Sarasota Association of Realtors® a 7.2-month supply in November.

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

By John D. Mayfield Realtor® Magazine

Real estate has seen its share of ups and downs over the past 10 years. When life, and the market, throw “LEMONS” your way, use these tips to make lemonade.

My mother always liked to remind me, “Nothing but sunshine makes a desert.”

I’ve recalled that maxim throughout my life, as I — like most folks — have to deal with occasional rainy days.

Staying motivated in tough times is, well, tough. But with the acronym “LEMONS,” you can remember six simple steps for keeping your drive up in a down market. Using the following LEMONS that life gives you, you can enthusiastically make lemonade.

L: Listen to a positive message

What are you “listening to” in your head? Every time you think of or quote a message in your mind, you’re hearing the result or outcome of thoughts. If you constantly tell yourself the real estate market is bad and the economy is prohibiting you from reaching your goals, you’re getting the wrong message, which more than likely will lead you to the wrong outcome.

Instead, put positive ideas into your mind. Listen to motivational tapes instead of playing the news channel on your car radio, or read an inspiring book instead of watching television. Remember: Bright thoughts will help lead you to a bright future.

E: Emulate successful agents

If you’re planning to bake a great cake, it would be helpful to have the recipe. Without the list of ingredients, the amounts to include, and the instructions, your cake won’t rise. It’s really no different than how to make your real estate career rise. Ask yourself: What are the top-producing practitioners doing to create success? Study their routines and practices, and if you can, ask them for coaching and advice. Use their “recipe” for success to become successful yourself.

M: Meditate on affirmations

Affirmations can be helpful for staying motivated.

Practice writing out a few statements about your future success and where you see yourself at the end of this calendar year. For example, “I have closed ‘X’ number of transactions for the coming year, surpassing my goal by ‘X’ units. I have a fantastic referral base, and my business has grown so much that I had to recruit an additional team member to help me handle the increased business.” By writing down positive

www.sarasotarealtors.com

affirmations, and reading and mediating on these affirmations daily, you will stay motivated to reach your goals.

Broker Corner

Six ways to stay motivated in a down market

O: Opportunity

Regardless of the circumstances, there is always an opportunity. As we continue to go through a glut of foreclosures and falling housing prices, there are opportunities for you to work with investors and others who are exploring ways to move from a turbulent stock market to new assets. Look for the silver lining in any situation, and you will discover an opportunity that awaits you.

N: Never quit

Successful people never quit. What if the Wright brothers had given up after their first attempt at flying?

Hank Aaron went 0–5 in his first game in the major leagues, but he did not quit. Discouragement will always come up and try to squash your motivation and encouragement. At times like these, remind yourself that you’re in this business for the long haul, and that you do not intend to quit!

S: See success

Most successful people would probably admit that they visualize success in their lives. This helps inspire new ideas and gives them confidence to move forward with their plans. So, what are you visualizing — success or failure?

In Closing

The next time you feel like life has thrown you a handful of sour fruit, remember to use these LEMONS to taste sweet successes. Have a great month, and stay encouraged!

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

FEBRUARY 2012

27

WCR achieves success with numbers

By Marianne LeBar WCR President

Why join the Women’s Council of Realtors®? You may want to ask our very valued Sponsors why they continually grow. This year over a dozen new sponsors have joined so far. I think you will hear across the board how WCR works as a business organization.

We empower women and men to be their best and we refer to our sponsors consistently.

Featured Member this month is Leslie Lauritano, Chair of Programs and Education of the

2012 WeD JaN

18 FrI FeB

10 FrI Mar

9

FrI apr

WCR. Leslie is a vital member of WCR for the last seven years and counting. For the past two years she has taken the huge responsibility of locating and booking speakers for our very valuable Business Resource Meeting Luncheons.

We invite you attend a BRM Luncheon and see why our organization is so popular.

We have a very supportive National Referral Network that all members are participants in.

We meet monthly between UPCC

WCR Program Meeting Dates

Finding the UP in the Downturn Location: University Park Country Club Speaker: Fawn Germer

Ringling Museum of Art

Location: University Park Country Club Speaker: Ringling Museum of Art

Technology Presentation

Location: University Park Country Club Speaker: Steve Richman

FREC Presentation

13

Location: University Park Country Club Speakers: Darla Furst & Juanita Watkins

FrI MaY

Past President’s Luncheon

11 FrI JUN

15

Location: Polo Grill, Lakewood Ranch Joint Event with Manatee WCR

Joint Meeting with SAR Location: TBD Speaker: TBD

and the Sarasota Yacht Club. Our luncheons are $25 and have a featured speaker that will motivate, educate and inspire you! Yet you are sitting with a network of local business women and men that are always glad to see you and want to help you succeed just as we know that you want to see them succeed too!

Come to WCR and meet Leslie and all the line officers from your real estate community and members too that want to be part of your success network!

SaraSota Chapter

Maximize Your Membership.

FrI JUL

RPAC Presentation

13

Location: Sarasota Yacht Club Speaker: Helen Moore & Jack Graecen

WeD aUG

Sarasota Historical Presentation

15

WeD Sept

12

FrI oCt

Location: Sarasota Yacht Club Speaker: Sarasota Historical Society

Fashion Show Location: Polo Grill, Lakewood Ranch

Business Development

12

Location: Michael’s On East Speaker: TBD

WeD NoV

Insurance

14

FrI DeC

14

Location: Michael’s On East Speaker: Ron Regan

Incoming President’s Installation Location: Sarasota Yacht Club

REGISTER FOR ANY OF THESE EVENTS by e-mailing Linda Witt at MzWitt@aol.com

2012 Leadership Team

28

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

Peter Salefsky Vice-President Membership Michael Saunders & Company Cell: 941-544-0763 maryhellhake@michaelsaunders.com

Sherri Spanos Recording Secretary Lakewood Ranch Communities Phone: 941-907-6000 sherri.spanos@lakewoodranch.com

Mary Hellhake President-Elect Michael Saunders & Company Cell: 941-544-0763 maryhellhake@michaelsaunders.com

Carrie Starr Rummery Treasurer Starr Title Insurance Phone: 941-365-7827 carrie@starrtitle.net

Linda McConnell Corresponding Secretary FBC Mortgage LLC Phone: 941-504-0823 lmcconnel@fbchomeloans.com

FEBRUARY 2012

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

Reach the Realtors® With Your Message!

Th

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Of

Advertise in Sarasota Realtor® Magazine!

Rates start as low as $75 per month for SAR Affiliate Members!

Call Ray Porter - 328-1168 - and jump start your business!

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Membership News

The Association is pleased to welcome new members!

Designated Realtors®

Dunham, Nathan: Dunham Calabrese Realty Inc. Neilinger, Karen: KGN Properties, LLC Taboada, Ursula: SRQ International Realty LLC Weaver, Barry: Westlake Housing GP Inc.

New Members

Bauer, Annie: Michael Saunders & Company Bish, Douglas: RE/MAX Alliance Group Darcy, Sheila: Coldwell Banker Res R E Devos, Mireille: U.S. Invest International LLC Donovan, Matthew: RE/MAX Alliance Group Friedman, Juana: Keller Williams Lakewood Ranch Gaudiano, John: Keller Williams On The Water Gay, Lawrence: Sandals Realty of Sarasota Hornikel, Cheryl: Keller Williams On The Water Kotaska, Theresa: Fortune Realty Associates Inc. Lewis, Monica: Neal Communities Realty Inc. Lystad, Cynthia: Michael Saunders & Company Maloney, Robin: Tarpon Coast Realty Inc. Martinez, Alicea: Keller Williams On The Water Ovitz, Ernest: Blakeley & Associates Realty Riley, Linda: Coldwell Banker Res R E Rodriguez, Jose: Horizon Realty International Rovnak, Nathan: Shirley International Realty Sampson, Christine: Cristello and Co. Real Estate Spielberger, Robert: Dawn Cohen and Associates Stinson, Misty: Horizon Realty International Varga, Angela: Sperry Van Ness Commercial Wettlaufer, Janet: Keller Williams On The Water Whalen, Margaret: ERA Waterside Realty

Now With ...

Allen, Sandra: Sandals Realty of Sarasota Calabrese, Fred: Dunham Calabrese Realty Inc. Chandler, Susan: Hook & Ladder Realty Inc. Coker, Gary: Keller Williams Lakewood Ranch Cooper, Debra: Sperry Van Ness Commercial Doyle, Maria: Prime Residential Brokers Feuerbach, Silvia: Engel & Voelkers LBK Realty Gonzalez, Bernardo: Atchley International Realty Greenstein, Eric: Realty Executives Solutions Hellstrom, Lori: Osprey Real Estate Services Holt, Anna: Dunham Calabrese Realty Inc. Holt, Lauren: Dunham Calabrese Realty Inc. Huemoeller, Gayle: Exit Realty Signature Prop McIntosh, Diane: Signature Sothebys Internat’l Nahrwold, Todd: Horizon Realty International Nelson, James: Coldwell Banker Res R E Ovitz, Ernest: Blakeley & Associates Realty Riozzi Fields, Joanne: Atchley International Realty Rovnak, Nathan: Shirley International Realty Ruszkiewicz, Laura: RE/MAX Platinum Realty Scheller, Linda: RE/MAX Alliance Group Severino, Stephen: ERA Waterside Realty Shaw, Brenda: Exit King Realty Silvers, David: Dunham Calabrese Realty Inc. Smith, Barbara: Exit King Realty Stanek, Mary: Sandals Realty of Sarasota Thomas, Steve: Dunham Calabrese Realty Inc. Varga, Angela: Sperry Van Ness Commercial Weeks, Stephen: Beckmann Properties Wexler Rubin, Pamela: Atchley International Realty

30

FEBRUARY 2012

New Affiliates

Adventure Hot Tubs & Pools

2114 17th Street Sarasota, FL 34239 Phone Number: 941-923-7100 Representative: Margaret Bell Specialty: Adventure Hot Tubs & Pools can sale, move, service, maintenance and repair virtually any make or model of hot tub, spa or swim spa. We service and repair pool equipment. We also, do deck remodeling and pool resurfacing. Get the attention you deserve. Call for an appointment for any day, evening, or weekend.

Email: info@adventurehottubs.net

Home Inspections Plus LLC

5077-109 Fruitville Rd Ste 426 Sarasota, FL 34232 Phone Number: 941-926-5026 Representative: Jim Van Such Specialty: Home Inspections Plus provides peace of mind home inspection and home watch services.

If you are purchasing a home, Home Inspections Plus is dedicated to making sure you get a thorough inspection so you can feel confident in your decision. If you need our services for insurance purposes we will promptly get the insurance company what they need. And whether you are a seasonal homeowner or just vacationing Home Inspections Plus Home Watch and Concierge service will make sure your home is taken care of and all your needs are met. Give us a call; we look forward to speaking with you!

Email: jimv@HIPSarasota.com

Taylor Morrison

501 N. Cattlemen Road Ste 100 Sarasota, FL 34232 Phone Number: 941-371-3008 Representative: Katy Walker Specialty: A new home is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s an essential part of who you are.

At Taylor Morrison, we create the most exciting new homes imaginable, set them in vibrant neighborhoods and invite people to invest their dreams in them. The Taylor Morrison brand is your assurance of quality construction, superior design and award-winning customer service throughout the home-buying process and beyond. You’ll see the Taylor Morrison difference at every step. Taylor Morrison is a Developer and Homebuilder.

Email: kwalker@TaylorMorrison.com

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

www.sarasotarealtors.com

2012 Strategic Plan Mission

Vision

“To be the advocate and resource for real estate in Sarasota.”

“To be the association of choice for real estate professionals.”

Empower Members

Strengthen the Association

Lead and Advocate

Major Initiatives

Major Initiatives

Major Initiatives

• Provide quality training

• Construct a new SAR headquarters

opportunities

facility

• Expand, build relationships, partnerships w/ stakeholders

• Increase member professionalism

• Open a satellite storefront to serve

• Boost political influence/advocacy

members in other locations

• Increase member awareness of their role in communicating and advocating housing issues

• Promote programs, products and services • Provide an effective platform for members to promote listings, wants and needs • Leverage international markets

• Ensure leadership succession planning, encouraging younger members to leadership

• Meet RPAC goal of $47,805

• Conduct program budget audit to

• Educate candidates for office on real estate issues

direct resources at priorities • Define SAR’s value proposition

• Participate in activities that promote/improve housing and community

SAR begins new year with visionary plan In late 2011, the process began to shape the future direction of the Sarasota Association of Realtors® - an annual exercise that combines the talents, backgrounds, knowledge, opinions and foresight of SAR’s leadership team to craft a Strategic Plan for the coming year.

This year, the final result focused on three primary areas of concern - empowering SAR members; strengthening the Association; and continuing to lead and advocate in the industry, and the overall Sarasota community.

The SAR Board of Directors, chairs and vice-chairs of the various committees, and SAR staff members spent hours discussing the various elements of the plan, and how to accomplish the goals and objectives. It was a rigorous process, and many worthy ideas were brought forward, vetted and honed, and finally refined to create a road map for the various committees and task forces to follow through 2012.

Quarterly updates will be produced for the Board by staff liaisons, and the plan will act as the guide for many of the ongoing activities of the Association, its volunteers, and staff www.sarasotarealtors.com

members. The results should be obvious by the end of the third quarter, and will be reported on in this magazine, as well as in the 2012 SAR Annual Report.

SAR President Laura Benson, as the leader of the Board, hopes this process, which has evolved over the past few years, will produce positive, creative, energized and involved committees, and achieve amazing results.

SAR has clearly weathered the storm of the real estate market decline of the past few years, and membership numbers have been on the rise for several months. The enthusiasm and involvement of our members has never waned, even during the toughest years. In fact, SAR members have embraced the various challenges and made major strides even in the face of difficulties and road blocks.

The year 2012, with the 2012 Strategic Plan as the blueprint for success, should be another period of growth, prosperity and achievement for SAR and its members.

The best is yet to come!

Sarasota Realtor® Magazine

FEBRUARY 2012

31

E DUCATION & E VENTS C ALENDAR Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Jan. 30

8 a.m.

GRI Course 1

31 8 a.m.

GRI Course 1 5 p.m.

RE License Course

Feb. 1

2

3

6

7

8

9

10

Basic MLXchange 1:30 p.m.

Entering & Updating

9 a.m.

Core Law/14 Hrs. CE 5 p.m.

RE License Course

13

14

15

17

Toastmasters 9 a.m.

Design Web Page 11:30 Smart Lunch

16 8 a.m.

Power Marketing (SAR) 9 a.m. Time & Contacts 10 a.m. Send Out Cards 1 p.m. Send Out Cards 1:30 p.m. MLX Reports 5 p.m. RE License Course

9 a.m.

9 a.m.

7:30 a.m.

Toastmasters 8 a.m.

GRI Course 1

9 a.m.

14 Hrs. CE

7:30 a.m.

New Member Orientation 1:30 p.m.

Code of Ethics

1:30 p.m.

CMA

8 a.m.

Power Marketing (University Park CC) 5 p.m.

RE License Course

8 a.m.

Power Marketing (SAR) 5 p.m.

RE License Course

9 a.m.

CID Commercial Marketplace

9 a.m.

CID Commercial Marketplace

9 a.m.

CID Commercial Marketplace (offsite)

20 SAR Closed (President’s Day)

21

22

23

8 a.m.

Power Marketing (SAR) 5 p.m.

RE License Course

9 a.m.

CID Commercial Marketplace

27

28

29

March 1

2

9 a.m.

Basic MLXchange 1:30 p.m.

Entering & Updating

8:30 a.m.

CID Membership 1:00 p.m.

Global Economic Outlook/John Tuccillo 5 p.m.

RE License Course 8:30 a.m. CLHMS 9 a.m. iMapp 1:30 p.m. Advanced MLX 5 p.m.

RE License Course 5 p.m.

Affiliate Networking (Gecko’s)

9 a.m.

GRAS Seminar: Greening of the MLS 12 p.m.

RAJC Seminar (TBA)

8:30 a.m.

CLHMS

8 a.m.

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

Broker Pre-License Course

24

9 a.m.

CID Commercial Marketplace

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

My Florida Regional MLS Training

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

Monday

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

FEBRUARY 2012

16.0 14.0 12.0 10.0 8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0 Dec‐10

Jan‐11

Feb‐11 Mar‐11 Apr‐11 May‐11 Jun‐11

Jul‐11

Days on Market 300

Aug‐11

Sep‐11

Oct‐11

Nov‐11 Dec‐11

Oct‐11

Nov‐11

Single Family Condo

250 200 150 100 50 0 Dec‐10

Jan‐11

Feb‐11

Mar‐11

Apr‐11 May‐11

Jun‐11

Jul‐11

Aug‐11

Sep‐11

Dec‐11

Single Family

Sales Volume

Condo

$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 Dec‐10 Jan‐11 Feb‐11 Mar‐11 Apr‐11 May‐11 Jun‐11

Jul‐11 Aug‐11 Sep‐11 Oct‐11 Nov‐11 Dec‐11 Single Family Condo

New Listings 1,000 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0

Sarasota Association of Realtors® MLS

Dec‐10

Jan‐11

Feb‐11

Mar‐11

Apr‐11 May‐11

Jun‐11

Jul‐11

Aug‐11

Sep‐11

Oct‐11

Nov‐11

Dec‐11

The Xtra Pages - Digital Version Only

Single Family Condo

Months of Inventory

Fourth Quarter 2011 Report Single Family Sales ‐ By Quarter

REO

Short

Market

1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 2009‐Q2

2009‐Q3

2009‐Q4

2010‐Q1

2010‐Q2*

2010‐Q3

2010‐Q4

2011‐Q1

2011‐Q2

2011‐Q3

2011‐Q4

* Homebuyer Tax Credit In Effect

Condo Sales ‐ By Quarter

REO

Short

Market

600 500 400 300 200 100 0 2009‐Q2

2009‐Q3

2009‐Q4

2010‐Q1

2010‐Q2*

2010‐Q3

2010‐Q4

2011‐Q1

2011‐Q2

2011‐Q3

2011‐Q4

* Homebuyer Tax Credit In Effect

Single Family Median Sale Price

REO

Short

Market

$300,000 $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 $0 2009‐2ndQ

2009‐3rdQ

2009‐4thQ

2010‐Q1

2010‐Q2

2010‐Q3

2010‐Q4

Condo Median Sale Price

2011‐Q1

REO

2011‐Q2

Short

2011‐Q3

2011‐Q4

Market

$350,000 $300,000 $250,000 $200,000 $150,000

Source: Sarasota Association of Realtors®

$100,000 $50,000 $0 2009‐2ndQ

2009‐3rdQ

2009‐4thQ

2010‐Q1

2010‐Q2

2010‐Q3

2010‐Q4

2011‐Q1

2011‐Q2

2011‐Q3

2011‐Q4

Single Family Condo

REO Sales ‐ By Quarter 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 2009‐Q2

2009‐Q3

2009‐Q4

2010‐Q1

2010‐Q2* 2010‐Q3 * Homebuyer Tax Credit In Effect

2010‐Q4

2009‐Q4

2010‐Q1 2010‐Q2* 2010‐Q3

2011‐Q3

2011‐Q4

Condo

400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 2009‐Q3

2011‐Q2

Single Family

Short Sales ‐ By Quarter

2009‐Q2

2011‐Q1

2010‐Q4

2011‐Q1

2011‐Q2

2011‐Q3

2011‐Q4

* Homebuyer Tax Credit In Effect Single Family Condo

Market Sales ‐ By Quarter 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 2009‐Q2

2009‐Q3

2009‐Q4

2010‐Q1 2010‐Q2* 2010‐Q3

2010‐Q4

2011‐Q1

2011‐Q2

2011‐Q3

2011‐Q4

* Homebuyer Tax Credit In Effect

Source: Sarasota Association of Realtors®

Annual Sales ‐ 2000 to 2011 Single Family Single Family

Condo

Total

11267 10562 9697 8224

8167 7603

7,596 7036

6533

6,841

6 504 6,504

6739

6358

6042

5,603

5,183

4,940 4,353

4,349 3 671 3,671

3,193 2,184

2,096

5820

3 721 3,721

2,564 2,005

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

5,938

4,626 3,922 ,

2,120

2006

2007

2,137

2,286

2010

2011

1,556

1,194

2000

5,466

2008

2009

Annual Median Sale Price ‐ 2000 to 2011 Single Family

Condo

$351,000

$342,000 $336,250

$272,500 $305,000

$226,000 $172,500

$303,000

$210,000 $163,000 $156,800

$230,000

$191,000

$142,000

$173,000

$132,300

2000

$301,225

$225,000

$191,000

$320,000

$160,000

$145,000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

$163,000

2010

$155,925

2011