sarasota realtor magazine december 2010

StarSof SAR

IMPORTANT DUES INFORMATION INSIDE - See 4

DECEMBER 2010

11OA K V ISTA S

Single-family homes from the low $200s

941-822-0243

13L A N DM A R K

E STAT E SSingle-family homes from the mid $300s

866-475-3347

12R ED H AW K

R E SERV ESingle-family homes from the mid $300s

941-312-6470

14PA L M ER OA K SSingle-family homes

from the upper $100s941-822-0243

America’s Builder IsGROWING!

www.DRHorton.com/Sarasota

6GR E Y H AW K

L A N DI NGSingle-family homes


7L EGE N DS BAYSingle-family homes from the mid $300s

941-567-4065

4OLD TA MPA

E STATE SSingle-family homes


5RY E W IL DER N E SS

E STAT E SSingle-family homes from the low $200s

941-896-8816

2COV ER ED BR IDGE


941-479-4937

3SUG A R MILL

L A K E SSingle-family homes from the low $100s866-475-3347

1OA K HUR ST

Single-family Homes from the upper $100s

866-475-3347

9R EGEN T L A K ESingle-family homes from the mid $300s

866-475-3347

8WA LK ER’S COV E AT R I V ER PL ACE

Single-family homes from the mid $200s

941-896-8816

10PHIL L IPPI PI N E S


866-475-3347

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.

Move-In-Ready Homes Available Now!• 14 Communities in locations throughout Sarasota & Bradenton

A complete list of Move-In-Ready homes is available at HortonReadyNow.com

For more information, please call 866.475.3347.

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NewAdSAR.indd 1 9/15/2010 3:18:45 PM

866-296-3151

excitingwhere

comes to live.

With ideal locations and year-round amenities and events, our communities are a haven for your clients looking for an exciting new chapter in their lives. Call today to register your clients, and schedule a tour of our new decorated models.

Now your clients can experience the lifestyle they’ve always wanted.

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. 12/1/10

Stonehaven SarasotaCondosfrom the $100s

Venetian Falls RiverwoodPort CharlotteCarriage Homes & Single-Family Homesfrom the $150s

VeniceAttached Villas &Single-Family Homesfrom the $170s

11OA K V ISTA S

Single-family homes from the low $200s

941-822-0243

13L A N DM A R K


866-475-3347

12R ED H AW K

R E SERV ESingle-family homes from the mid $300s

941-312-6470

14PA L M ER OA K SSingle-family homes


America’s Builder IsGROWING!

www.DRHorton.com/Sarasota

6GR E Y H AW K

L A N DI NGSingle-family homes


7L EGEN DS BAYSingle-family homes from the mid $300s

941-567-4065

4OLD TA MPA

E STATE SSingle-family homes


5RY E W IL DER N E SS

E STAT E SSingle-family homes from the low $200s

941-896-8816

2COV ER ED BR IDGE


941-479-4937

3SUG A R MILL

L A K E SSingle-family homes from the low $100s866-475-3347

1OA K HUR ST

Single-family Homes from the upper $100s

866-475-3347

9R EGEN T L A K ESingle-family homes from the mid $300s

866-475-3347

8WA LK ER’S COV E AT R I V ER PL ACE


941-896-8816

10PHIL L IPPI PI N E S


866-475-3347

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.

Move-In-Ready Homes Available Now!• 14 Communities in locations throughout Sarasota & Bradenton

A complete list of Move-In-Ready homes is available at HortonReadyNow.com

For more information, please call 866.475.3347.

1 234

56

78

910 11

12 1314

NewAdSAR.indd 1 9/15/2010 3:18:45 PM

866-296-3151

excitingwhere

comes to live.

With ideal locations and year-round amenities and events, our communities are a haven for your clients looking for an exciting new chapter in their lives. Call today to register your clients, and schedule a tour of our new decorated models.

Now your clients can experience the lifestyle they’ve always wanted.

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. 12/1/10

Stonehaven SarasotaCondosfrom the $100s

Venetian Falls RiverwoodPort CharlotteCarriage Homes & Single-Family Homesfrom the $150s

VeniceAttached Villas &Single-Family Homesfrom the $170s

Sarasota Realtor® MagazineVolume 7, Issue 12

DECEMBER 2010

Sarasota Association of Realtors®, Inc.

3590 South Tuttle Avenue Sarasota, Florida 34239

Phone: 941/923-2315 FAX: 941/923-0191

www.sarasotarealtors.com

2010 OfficersPresident

Erick Shumway RE/MAX Alliance Group

President-Elect Michael Bruno

Prudential Palms RealtySecretary Roger Piro

Town & Country RealtyTreasurer

Laura Benson Michael Saunders & Company

Immediate Past President William Geller

RE/MAX Platinum RealtyChief Executive Officer

Kathy Roberts

Mission StatementThe 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 CommunicationsRay Porter

Director of Member ServicesDan Andrews

Director of MLS Information SystemsJesse Sunday

Director of Professional DevelopmentCatherine McCaskill

Governmental Affairs DirectorMarc Mansfield

ProductionCoastal Printing, Inc.

Sarasota Realtor® Advertising: For information on advertising rates and deadlines, contact Ray Porter at 941/328-1168 or [email protected].

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. V

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6 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.

15 Market Steady 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 issue10- Governmental Affairs12- Property Appraiser15- Sales and Listing Statistics18- Commercial Investment Division20- Education Programs24- On the SAR Scene27- Broker Corner28- WCR News30- Membership News31- International Real Estate32- Calendar of Events/Education

Visit SAR on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/SarasotaRealtors

See a few of the photos this month on Page 24!

4 DECEMBER 2010 Sarasota Realtor® Magazine www.sarasotarealtors.com

Barbara Zdziarski: SAR Affiliateof 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 941-556-2521 or by email: [email protected]. Barbara Zdziarski

When it comes to representingyour interestsin a real estate transaction, look to attorney

StevenR.Greenberg.

Steve is aFloridaBarCertifiedRealEstateSpecialistwithmore than25years experience

andhandleshundredsof closings eachyear.Call us!

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2033MainStreet, Suite 500Sarasota, FL34237Call: 941.365.6216

For ImmediateService: LindaWitt,Director ofMarketingCall 941-586-4412 e-mail:[email protected]

AFirmCommitment To You.

StevenR.GreenbergBoardCertified RealEstateAttorney

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SAR Installation & Holiday Luncheon set Dec. 8thThe 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.

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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 2010Realtor® 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

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

2010 Stars of SARThese volunteers exemplify excellence in service

Judy Schomaker Christina Pitchford David Clapp Bob Milhoan


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Continued on P. 9, See STARS

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 high-five.

Congratulations to Christina Pitchford, SAR’s 2010 Humanitarian of the Year!David Clapp - SAR 2010Meritorious 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 Sub-committee, 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!

MORTGAGES DESIGNED TOACHIEVE YOUR DREAMS

Let us develop the blueprint for making your clients’ dreams come true!

• Local, in-house decision making, streamlining the approval process & ensuring on time closings • Portfolio jumbo mortgages & Foreign National Programs available

• Robust traditional lending capabilities, ranging from FHA, Conventional, VA, USDA, Bond and more!

• Low fixed rates & closing costs

• Exemplary service from a dedicated Mortgage Banker

Linda McConnellVP/Mortgage Production ManagerSr. Loan OfficerUrban Trust Bank Mortgage Division235 N. Orange Ave. Suite 101Sarasota, FL 34236

Office: (941) 893-4923Cell: (941) 504-0823Efax: (877) 338-1586 [email protected]

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.

Here’s how it works:• Visit www.medallionhome.com to locate a sales center near you and pick up a treasure map with details about our neighborhoods.

• Receive a $500 Gold Medallion* at each neighborhood that you visit.

• Sell a Medallion Home and receive $500* for each coin collected, in addition to your commission at closing. Must present coins at time of registration.

• No more than 10 Medallions ($5000 value)* may be redeemed per sale.

• 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 treasure map for details.

• Opt-In to receive text messages by visiting our web site. Be the first to know about new neighborhoods, floor plans, events, and special opportunities to receive additional Medallions. Be one of the first 100 to opt-in and receive an additional two $500 Medallions.*

* Medallion Home Gold Coins have no cash value until the closing of a Medallion Home.

www.medallionhome.com/sar • 2212 58th Ave East • Bradenton 941-359-9000

MORTGAGES DESIGNED TOACHIEVE YOUR DREAMS

Let us develop the blueprint for making your clients’ dreams come true!

• Local, in-house decision making, streamlining the approval process & ensuring on time closings • Portfolio jumbo mortgages & Foreign National Programs available

• Robust traditional lending capabilities, ranging from FHA, Conventional, VA, USDA, Bond and more!

• Low fixed rates & closing costs

• Exemplary service from a dedicated Mortgage Banker

Linda McConnellVP/Mortgage Production ManagerSr. Loan OfficerUrban Trust Bank Mortgage Division235 N. Orange Ave. Suite 101Sarasota, FL 34236

Office: (941) 893-4923Cell: (941) 504-0823Efax: (877) 338-1586 [email protected]

Bob Milhoan - SAR 2010President’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!

“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!

STARSFrom Page 7

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.

Here’s how it works:• Visit www.medallionhome.com to locate a sales center near you and pick up a treasure map with details about our neighborhoods.

• Receive a $500 Gold Medallion* at each neighborhood that you visit.

• Sell a Medallion Home and receive $500* for each coin collected, in addition to your commission at closing. Must present coins at time of registration.

• No more than 10 Medallions ($5000 value)* may be redeemed per sale.

• 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 treasure map for details.

• Opt-In to receive text messages by visiting our web site. Be the first to know about new neighborhoods, floor plans, events, and special opportunities to receive additional Medallions. Be one of the first 100 to opt-in and receive an additional two $500 Medallions.*

* Medallion Home Gold Coins have no cash value until the closing of a Medallion Home.

www.medallionhome.com/sar • 2212 58th Ave East • Bradenton 941-359-9000 www.sarasotarealtors.com Sarasota Realtor® Magazine DECEMBER 2010 9

2011 New Year Wishes

tG

over

nmen

tal A

ffai

rsBy Marc MansfieldGovernmental Affairs Director

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 arguing about growth than worrying about our economic future. Creating good paying

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!

Michelle Crabtree, an SAR board member and real estate agent with Michael Saunders & Company, dressed up her dog, Sophie, and headed to the polls on Nov. 2nd to help defeat Amendment 4. This is what is called “Going the extra mile”!

The Isles on Palmer Ranch S A R A S O TA

Carriage Homes, Attached Villas & Single Family Homes from the high $100sAsk about our new floorplancoming soon!

Attached Villas & Single FamilyHomes from the high $100sNew model park now open!

IslandWalk at the West Villages N O R T H P O R T

High standards. High expectations. TOGETHER, UNDER ONE ROOF.

The next stage in life can feel like a new lease on life. Why not make a fresh start in a new home? With well-designed living spaces, attractive details, welcoming curb appeal and solid block wall construction, DiVosta homes have everything you want – all within a resort-style master-planned community. Start your search today. Call DiVosta.com.

*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. 12/1/10


The Isles on Palmer Ranch S A R A S O TA

Carriage Homes, Attached Villas & Single Family Homes from the high $100sAsk about our new floorplancoming soon!

Attached Villas & Single FamilyHomes from the high $100sNew model park now open!

IslandWalk at the West Villages N O R T H P O R T

High standards. High expectations. TOGETHER, UNDER ONE ROOF.

The next stage in life can feel like a new lease on life. Why not make a fresh start in a new home? With well-designed living spaces, attractive details, welcoming curb appeal and solid block wall construction, DiVosta homes have everything you want – all within a resort-style master-planned community. Start your search today. Call DiVosta.com.

*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. 12/1/10

dPr

oper

ty A

ppra

iser Yes, Virginia - there will be a bottom!

We just can’t see it yet

For more information, contact the Property Appraiser’s office at 941.861.8200.

By Bill Furst, GRI, CRS, CRBSarasota CountyProperty Appraiser

December is already here; the year is almost over. Although at the Property Appraiser’s office we encounter multiple cycles, the close of each calendar year is always the most significant because January 1 is the date of assessment in Florida. As with most people and most organizations, this is a time for reflection and a time filled with hope and expectations.

In looking back at 2010, we are not pleased to report the market value of Sarasota County has continued on the precipitous plunge that began in 2008.

Unfortunately, such are the facts.Since 2007 the County’s total

value has dropped by more than $30 billion, or 35 percent. The county’s 2010 market value is just slightly more than in 2004.

The most dramatic reduction occurred in 2008 when values declined nearly $13 billion, or 15 percent. The change from 2009 to 2010 was not as sharp, $6 billion or 10 percent.

I wish we were able to answer everyone’s question, “Have we reached the bottom?” However, my office is not ready to forecast or predict what the market value will be for 2011, although early indications point to further reductions.

Other indicators confirm what everyone in the real estate industry and in our community already knew. For example, during the past three years the number of parcels listed on the assessment rolls has remained fairly constant when in prior years on average we would see a gain of 3,000 new parcels added each year.

For the first time since this office has kept records, the total number of homestead exempt parcels dropped from 2008 to 2009 and again in 2010. Previously, on average, we would see a net gain of 2,500 new homestead exempt properties added

to the tax rolls each year.Homeowners had seen a steady

increase in their property’s value that was sheltered from ad valorem taxes after 1995, following adoption of the Save Our Homes constitutional provision. The amendment limits annual increases in the assessed value of homestead exempt properties to 3 percent or the Consumer Price Index (whichever is less).

Traditionally, nearly 90 percent of all homestead exempt properties would have noticed their property’s market value was higher than the assessed value.

In 2010, this number has eroded to 45 percent. As a result many homeowners who were counting on “Porting” their Save Our Homes value to another home have lost that option.

Perhaps the greatest sorrow my staff and I have experienced this year has been witnessing the hundreds of Sarasota families who have lost their homes. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

As we continue to contend with difficult economic times, we should pause and reflect on the things in our lives we value most.

We at the Sarasota Property Appraiser’s office hope your celebrations are joyous; your dreams for the New Year come true; and you spend the holiday season surrounded by the people and traditions you love and cherish.

YES VIRGINIA, THERE WILL BE A BOTTOM. WE JUST CAN’T SEE IT YET. December is already here; the year is almost over. Although at the Property Appraiser’s office we encounter multiple cycles, the close of each calendar year is always the most significant because January 1 is the date of assessment in Florida. As with most people and most organizations, this is a time for reflection and a time filled with hope and expectations. In looking back at 2010, we are not pleased to report the market value of Sarasota County has continued on the precipitous plunge that began in 2008.Unfortunately, such are the facts. Since 2007 the County’s total value has dropped by more than $30 billion or 35%. The county’s 2010 market value is just slightly more than in 2004. The most dramatic 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 wish we were able to answer everyone’s question, “Have we reached the bottom?” However, my office is not ready to forecast or predict what the market value will be for 2011 although early indications point to further reductions. Other indicators confirm what everyone in the real estate industry and in our community already knew. For example, during the past three years the number of parcels listed on the assessment rolls has remained fairly constant when in prior years on average we would see a gain of 3,000 new parcels added each year. For the first time since this office has kept records, the total number of homestead exempt parcels dropped from 2008 to 2009 and again in 2010; previously, on average, we would see a net gain of 2,500 new homestead exempt properties added to the tax rolls each year. Since 1995 when the Save Our Homes constitutional provision limitting annual increases in the assessed value of homestead exempt properties to 3% or the Consumer Price Index (whichever is less), homewoners had seen a steady increase in their property’s value that was sheltered from ad valorem taxes. Traditionally, nearly 90% of all homestead exempt properties would have noticed their property’s market value was higher than the assessed value. In 2010, this number has eroded to 45%. As a result many homeowners who were counting on “Porting” their Save Our Homes value to another home have lost that option. Perhaps the greatest sorrow my staff and I have experienced this year has been witnessing the hundreds of Sarasota families who have lost their homes. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. As we continue to contend with difficult economic times, we should pause and reflect on the things in our lives we value most. We at the Sarasota Property Appraiser’s office hope your celebrations are joyous; your dreams for the New Year come true; and you spend the holiday season surrounded by the people and traditions you love and cherish.

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

Perhaps the greatest sorrow my staff and I have experienced this year has been

witnessing the hundreds of Sarasota families who

have lost their homes. Our thoughts and

prayers are with them.


+2

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

L A K E W O O D R A N C H S P O T L I G H T

MARKET trendsLakewood 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.comfor more information.

L E T T E R F RO MJimmy StewartDirector of Sales & Project Management, LWR Communities

The real estate season has certainlystarted here in Lakewood Ranch. The month of October was a recordsetting month for us—with 18 sales in the last 18 days, for a total of 49sales and reservations for the month!This is more than double our activityfrom 2009 and we know this meanswe are in for a great season. If youhaven’t been out to Lakewood Ranchlately, you are missing out on somegreat new models and new builders.This year alone, we have added 11new model homes and 18 more areon the way for 2011. In fact, at the end of the first quarter of 2011, there will be more than 50 new homemodels to see in Lakewood Ranch.That is unprecedented both in thisarea and around the state. Averageselling prices are coming in over$500,000! But with new communitieslike Pat Neal’s Central Park, our pricesstart in the mid $100’s. We inviteeveryone to come see the new andchanging face of Lakewood Ranch!

Go to www.lakewoodranch.com or call941.907.6000 to discover more aboutliving on the Ranch.

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 3Music on MainMusic on Main! Free monthlystreet party with live music

December 4Farmer’s Marketfrom 9am-1pm

December 4The Scottish FestivalReturns with Country Singingsensation David Nail!

December 10Holidays on the Ranchfrom 9am-1pm

December 11Breakfast with Santa Macallisters Restaurant 8:30am-10:30am

For more details on MainStreet events and other upcoming events, go towww.lwrevents.com

TOUR OF HOMES wraps upThe 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.

Play tag! Learn how at:lakewoodranch.com

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

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

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.


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

Pending sales spiked by 10 percent in October 2010 in the Sarasota real estate market, signaling more closings in future months as the season begins in southwest Florida. There were 819 total pending sales reported last month, compared to 744 in September 2010 and 839 in October 2009. Pending sales reflect future closing activity and they are again trending upward.

Overall sales dropped by 11 percent in October 2010 compared to last month, and 15 percent from last year at this time. The drop is likely attributable to a slowdown in foreclosures prompted by lender concerns over faulty paperwork. Looking at the most recent four months, there has been a fairly steady trend in sales and prices, indicating a stabilizing of the market following more fluctuations earlier in the year.

Property sales in October 2010 stood at 487 total sales, compared to 547 September sales and 574 sales in September 2009. The breakdown was 351 single family home sales and 136 condos.

The median sale price for single family homes was $147,500 for October 2010, compared to $155,000 for single family homes in September, and $151,000 last October. The median sale price for condos was $158,525 in October 2010, higher than last month’s figure of $150,450, but lower than the October 2009 figure of $220,000. Last year’s figure was a statistical anomaly likely caused by an influx of high-end condominium buyers all closing during the same time period.

“As we enter the traditionally busier season, the local real estate market appears to be on solid ground,” said 2010 SAR President Erick Shumway. “Now that the mid-term election is behind us, and the foreclosure freeze seems to have thawed, there is certainly reason for optimism. Sales and showing activity have been consistent, and even with 50 percent of the market dominated by distressed sales, the median prices are also relatively steady.”

The median sale price for single family homes over the past 12 months was $163,900, and for condos was

$169,000. Last year at this time, looking back over the previous 12 months, the median sale price for single family was $160,000, and for condos was $199,450.

The overall inventory dropped from 6,226 in September to 6,069 in October, a good sign for

future price appreciation as long as demand remains steady. The months of inventory for single family homes in October 2010 rose to 11.1 months from the figure of 9.9 months in September. The figure was 9.3 months in October 2009. The rise reflects the lower sales during the month. Months of inventory represents the number of months it would take to sell all available homes at the current pace. For condos, the figure rose to 15.9 months from 15.1 months in September. It was at 15.0 months in October 2009. Once the market reaches the 6

month level it is considered to be in equilibrium between a buyers and sellers market.

Distressed property sales continue to be the primary reason for the overall median price at a level lower than would be expected, with normal arm’s length sales garnering three-times as much as bank-owned properties, and twice as much as short sales on average. For example, condo foreclosure sales saw a median price of $90,000 in October, compared to a median price of $273,000 for arm’s length condo sales.

“The level of distressed sales dropped a little in October, from 54 percent down to 50 percent, which is most likely attributable to some major banks delaying many foreclosures to check on potentially flawed paperwork,” explained Shumway. “When the distressed sales are finally weeded out, and we have primarily arm’s length sales, we should begin to see a return to traditional, historic pricing trends in the market.”

“Now that the mid-term election is behind us, and the foreclosure

freeze seems to have thawed, there is certainly reason for

optimism.” - SAR President Erick Shumway

www.sarasotarealtors.com Sarasota Realtor® Magazine DECEMBER 2010 15

Sarasota MLSSM Statistics October 2010 Sarasota MLSSM Statistics October 2010

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®

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

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

Unit Sales Single FamilyCondo


$0

$50,000

$100,000

$150,000

$200,000

$250,000

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 FamilyCondoMedian Sale Price

Single Family – Sale Price Vs. List Price % Rates Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

2009 93.0 93.1 92.5 92.4 93.2 93.8 93.2 93.6 94.2 94.4 94.1 94.2 2010 94.4 92.8 95.2 94.8 95.2 95.3 94.7 95.2 94.6 95.2 ‐ ‐

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

Last Month 4,007 404 9.9 179 $155,500 $164,000 9.9 553 13.8 824 230

YTD ‐ 4,583 ‐ 174 $163,000 ‐ ‐ 6,307 ‐ 8,256 ‐


Sarasota MLSSM Statistics October 2010 Sarasota MLSSM Statistics October 2010

Median sales price is the middle value, where half of the homes sold for more, and half sold for less. Listings sold were closed transac-tions 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

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000


InventorySingle FamilyCondo


0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900


Pending SalesSingle FamilyCondo

Condo – Sale Price Vs. List Price % Rates Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

2009 91.0 90.2 90.4 92.2 90.1 91.4 92.1 92.4 91.5 92.4 92.3 93.1 2010 92.5 92.4 92.5 93.2 94.2 93.7 94.2 93.5 93.2 94.3 ‐ ‐

Condo

#Active #Sold %Sold Average DOM

Median Sale Prices

Median Last 12 Months

Months ofInventory

Pending Reported

%Pending # New Listings

# Off Market

This Month 2,170 136 6.3 206 $158,525 $165,000 15.9 211 9.7 293 179

This Month Last Year

2,331 155 6.6 250 $220,000 $199,450 15.0 238 10.2 331 235

Last Month 2,156 143 6.6 209 $150,450 $169,000 15.1 191 8.9 262 189

YTD ‐ 1,784 ‐ 205 $165,000 ‐ ‐ 2,382 ‐ 3,071 ‐


CID

(Com

mer

cial

Inve

stm

ent D

ivis

ion)

L2 says ‘Thanks for a great year!’

Officers:President: Lee DeLieto, Jr., Michael Saunders & CompanyPresident-Elect: Anthony Homer, Lakewood Ranch CommercialVice-President: Brad Lindberg, Hembree & AssociatesPast President: Jag Grewal, Ian-BlackSecretary: Tim Mapp, Mapp RealtyTreasurer: Linda Emery, Michael Saunders & Co.

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)

2010 CID Officers & Directors

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

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!

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


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

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.”

2011 CID Board elected2011 CID Officers & DirectorsOfficersPresident: Anthony Homer, LWR CommercialPresident-Elect: Brad Lindberg, Hembree & AssociatesPast President: Lee DeLieto, Jr., Michael SaundersVice President: Linda Emery, Michael Saunders & CompanySecretary: Diane Lee, Wagner RealtyTreasurer: Tim Mapp, Mapp RealtyDirectorsEric 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)


Educ

atio

n Pr

ogra

ms How can you benefit from QuickBooks I?

Title: QuickBooks I for Real Estate ProfessionalsDate: Dec. 15, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.Location: SAR Main AuditoriumInstructor: Abby BarbozaCost: $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 AccountsModule II is scheduled for March 9, 2011 and also

costs $20.

Title: Tax Strategies for the Real Estate ProfessionalDate: Jan. 19, 2011, 9 to 11 a.m.Location: SAR Main AuditoriumInstructor: Kelly Clark, Bradford & CompanyCost: $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).

Learn tax strategies that make good sense

Lunch ‘n Learn features title insurance informationTitle: What to Know About Title Insurance When Buying or Selling REO Property - Realtor®-Attorney Joint Committee Lunch ‘n LearnDate: 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

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.


2011 offers numerous NAR Designation CoursesGRI 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 CompanyGRI 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 DagueGRI 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


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!

Sarasota’s Premier Real Estate Printer

Award-winning printing and customer service

Specializing in pocket portfolios,die-cutting and foil -stamping

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[email protected]

Sarasota hosts GRI Course 1 in 2011!Title: GRI Course 1Dates: 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 2012Cost: $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 & ForeclosuresDate: March 2, 2011, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.Instructor: Ira H. Zlatkin, CPA, MST, ITI & GRI Tax InstructorCost: SAR Members, $20; Others, $304 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.


MLXchange education gives you the edgePre-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 BasicDec. 6, 9 a.m. to NoonMandatory 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 informationEntering and Updating Listings in MLXchangeDec. 6, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.Mandatory 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 - 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 CMADec. 15, 9 a.m. to NoonThis 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

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 Taxand Mailing LabelsDec. 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

Form Simplicity training offered at SARTitle: Form Simplicity TrainingDate: 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!


On

the

SAR

Sce

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SAR members are active, energized and out in force in the community! You can find hundreds of photos from our

regular events atwww.facebook.com/

SarasotaRealtorsPlease visit soon and tag your

friends and business associates!

Tech Expo, Affiliate event both hits!

Visit SAR on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/SarasotaRealtors

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.

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

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

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

Photography byJesse Sunday

and Jackie Deemer


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.

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

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.

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

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!)


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e What are the benefits of historic preservation?By Jeff BimbachSarasota County HistoricPreservation 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

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.

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 [email protected]

oIn some cases a historic designation can mean the difference between a

viable renovation and a complete tear down with no inherent value.


oBroker Corner

By G.M. FiliskoRealtor® 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 long-term 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 FirstStart 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 SecondOnce your own house is in order,

learn everything you can about

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 ContactOnce your intelligence is in hand,

you need to create a plan.Fran Stiakakis, director of career

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 DiscontentJohnson 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.

Recruiting: Attract your town’s top talentTo 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.


tBy Karen Grant2010 WCR President

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.

WCR 2010-2011 ProgramsDec. 10th, 11 a.m., Installation of 2011 President

and Board, Sarasota Yacht ClubJan 14th, 2011, University Park CC , Speaker Bill

Furst- Sarasota County Property AppraiserFeb 11th, Hyatt RegencyMarch 11th, Michaels on EastApril 8th, University Park CCMay 6th, Joint meeting with Manatee WCR, Polo

GrillJune, Joint meeting with SAR, Date & Location

TBDJuly 8th, Sarasota Yacht ClubAug. 12th, Sarasota Yacht Club; Sept Fashion

Show Date & Location TBDOct 14th, University Park CCNov 4th, Michael’s on EastDec 8th, Sarasota Yacht Club

Sponsors Gold: University Park Lifestyles, Inc.Silver: Lakewood Ranch Communities, LLC Neal Communities Starr Title Insurance Services, Carrie

RummeryBronze: Regions Mortgage BB&T Oswald Trippe - Joe Sikora Silver Fox Pest Management MGA Insurance Group Southern Trust Financial Planning Intuitive Interiors, Debra Bois

Remembering 2010: WCR enjoyed a great year

Karen Grant President Michael Saunders & Company Cell: 941-504-4952 [email protected]

Cindi Jackson President-Elect Exit Realty Signature Properties Cell: 941-400-6091 [email protected]

2010 Line OfficersMarianne LeBar Vice President of Membership Michael Saunders & Company Cell: 941-650-0337 [email protected]

Sharyl Smith Treasurer Bank of Commerce Cell: 941-374-06302 [email protected]

Leslie Lauritano Recording Secretary Regions Bank Cell: 941-504-1028 [email protected]

Melia Favorite Corresponding Secretary Iberia Bank Mortgage Cell: 941-807-0303 [email protected]


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 Worth-Paul 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.

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 shared-equity pilot program, under which FHA borrowers could partner with an FHA-qualified 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 fund-raising 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.

Special Report: NAR Convention Report

Mem

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hip

New

s

Designated Realtors®

Cavanaugh, Richard: Richard Cavanaugh AppraiserHarrington, Christopher: REALESTATE.COMHulen, Patti: Renaissance PropertiesLowry, Mary Fran: Lowry Properties LLCLupson, Jayne: Sarasota Premier PropertiesMartin, LaVonne: Private Wealth Realty Inc.Monroe, Bradford: Coldwell Banker Res R EWoodward, John: Sarasota Real Estate Group

New MembersAnderson, Mark: Century 21 AdvantageBingham, Frederick: Prudential Palms RealtyBlumenthal, Marisa: Signature Sothebys Internat’lBrown, Kathleen: Gulf & Bay Club Realty LLCBuchanan, Linda: Michael Saunders & CompanyCarey, Nancy: Sandals Realty of SarasotaClayman, Raymond: Florida Internet Realty LLCDeSantis, Gina: RoseBay Real Estate Inc.Erickson, Denise: Key RealtyGantley, Julie: Neal Communities Realty Inc.Garcia, Ernesto: Platinum Home SalesGerdes, Ronald: Coldwell Banker Res R EGillies, Rosemary: Prudential Palms RealtyHuemoeller, Gayle: Exit Realty Signature PropKiessel, William: RER InternationalMannina Kinney, Samie: Ken Brand Lic R E BrokerMarsh, Mayra: RE/MAX Alliance GroupMatheson, Glenda: RSVP Associates Inc.Mizrahi, Keren: Keller Williams Lakewood RanchNelson, James: Prudential Palms RealtyOsborne, Sharon: Horizon Realty InternationalPetz, Beverly: Coldwell Banker Res R EPhillips, Olga: Coldwell Banker Res R ERichards, Lawrence: Keller Williams Lakewood RanchSchouten, Paul: Keller Williams Lakewood RanchSteele, Deborah: Xena Vallone Realty Inc.Stephens, Gary: Michael Saunders & CompanyStrong, Jill: Andrews & Associates RealtyTerrill, Carolyn: Century 21 AdvantageTraveler, Melanie: Coldwell Banker Res R ETruncale, Annie: Real Estate Boutique LLCWashburn, Thomas: Atchley International Realty

Now With ...Benedick, Janice: Atchley International RealtyBlumenthal, Marisa: Signature Sothebys Internat’lBucknell, Lindsay: RE/MAX Alliance GroupByrd, Sharon: Team Blair Realty Inc.del Monte, Christine, Michael Saunders & CompanyDeVittori, Ronald: Horizon Realty InternationalDeWitt, Ronnie: Ronnie Dewitt and AssociatesDunn, Brian: Tarpon Coast Realty Inc.Duvall, Michael: RE/MAX Alliance GroupEastman, Terry: James Buchanan RealtyFiglow, Nicholas: Keller Williams Lakewood RanchFlood, Robert: Michael Saunders & CompanyFloyd, Henry: Sarasota Premier PropertiesFrostad, Alden: Seaside Resort Rentals & MgmtGeweye, Charles: York Real Estate Inc.Glanz, Alexis: RE/MAX Alliance GroupGreene, Richard: Sandals Realty of SarasotaGuilfoyle, Dayna: Sarasota Premier PropertiesHeuer, J. Eric: Realty ExpressHilding, Lori: Sandals Realty of SarasotaHodges, Michele: Exit Realty Signature PropKleiber, Jon: James Buchanan RealtyLaver, Sean: Keller Williams On The WaterLeavey, Patricia, Michael Saunders & CompanyLee, Mark: Sarasota Realty Associates Inc.Lucas, Tony: Signature Sothebys Internat’lMaier, Robert: Sarasota Premier PropertiesMalone, Molly: Sandals Realty of SarasotaMartinetto, Wanda: Atchley International RealtyMcDonald, Andrew: REAL ESTATE.COMMcGayhey, Donald: Sarasota Premier PropertiesMollasis, Gus: RE/MAX Premier ServicesOverfelt, Marc: Billib & Billib P APeters, Mary: Coldwell Banker Res R ERivera, Fernando: Blakeley & Associates RealtyRogers, Donna: Coldwell Banker Res R ESemilof, Linda: Coldwell Banker Res R ESharff, Mark: James Buchanan RealtySilverberg, Gigi: Signature Sothebys Internat’lStevenson, Jean: Coldwell Banker Res Real EstTriolo, Kristin: Atchley International RealtyWerner, Allison: Coldwell Banker Res R EZuffa, Linda: Signature Sothebys Internat’l

The Association is pleased to welcome new members!


International Real Estate

Immobel launches IDX-Buzz for FacebookThe 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

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/


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Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Nov. 29 9 a.m. iMAPP 1:30 p.m. Creating a CMA

30

Dec. 1 7:30 a.m. Toastmasters 9 a.m. Appraisals 2010 Seminar

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

3 9 a.m. CID Commercial Marketplace

6 9 a.m. MLXchange Basic 1:30 p.m. MLXchange Entering & Updating Listings

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

9 8 a.m. Power Marketing (SAR)

10 9 a.m. CID Commercial Marketplace

13 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


17 9 a.m. CID Commercial Marketplace-Off Site

20

21 8:30 a.m. CID General Membership

22


24 Christmas Eve - SAR Closed

27

28 5 p.m. Affiliate Social-Gecko’s on Hillview

29


31 New Year’s Eve - SAR Closed

DECEMBER 2010

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.

EDUCATION & EVENTS CALENDAR


0

50

100

150

200

250

300


Days on Market Single Family

Condo


0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

16.0

18.0


Months of Inventory Single Family

Condo

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200


New Listings Single Family

Condo

Source: Sarasota Association of Realtors® MLS

The Xtra Pages - D

igital Version OnlySarasota Association of Realtors® MLS

0

50

100

150

200

250

300


Days on Market Single Family

Condo


0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

16.0

18.0


Months of Inventory Single Family

Condo

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200


New Listings Single Family

Condo

Source: Sarasota Association of Realtors® MLS


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


Sales Volume Single Family

Condo


0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

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 Sales ‐ By Quarter REO Short Arm's Length


0

100

200

300

400

500

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


$0

$50,000

$100,000

$150,000

$200,000

$250,000

$300,000

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

REO Short Arm's LengthSingle Family Median Sale Price


$0

$50,000

$100,000

$150,000

$200,000

$250,000

$300,000

$350,000

$400,000

$450,000

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

REO Short Arm's LengthCondos Median Sale Price

2010 - Third Quarter Report


0

100

200

300

400

500

600

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

REO Sales ‐ By Quarter Single FamilyCondo


050

100150200250300350400

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

Short Sales ‐ By QuarterSingle Family

Condo


0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

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 QuarterSingle FamilyCondo

11267

Annual Sales ‐ 2000 to 2009Single Family Condo Total

9697

11267

10562


6,504

7,596

6,8416533

7036

8167

9697

11267

10562

63586042

6739


4,3494,940

5,603

6,504

7,596

6,841

4,3533,922

4,6265,183

3,671 3,721

65337036

8167

9697

11267

10562

63586042 5820

6739


4,3494,940

5,603

6,504

7,596

6,841

4,3533,922

4,6265,183

2,184 2,0962,564

3,1933,671 3,721

2,005 2,120

1,1941,556

65337036

8167

9697

11267

10562

63586042 5820

6739


4,3494,940

5,603

6,504

7,596

6,841

4,3533,922

4,6265,183

2,184 2,0962,564

3,1933,671 3,721

2,005 2,120

1,1941,556

65337036

8167

9697

11267

10562

63586042 5820

6739

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009


4,3494,940

5,603

6,504

7,596

6,841

4,3533,922

4,6265,183

2,184 2,0962,564

3,1933,671 3,721

2,005 2,120

1,1941,556

65337036

8167

9697

11267

10562

63586042 5820

6739

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009


Annual Median Sale Price ‐ 2000 to 2009 Single Family Condo

$351,000$342,000

$303,000$305,000 $301,225

$336,250$320,000


$191,000

$226,000

$272,500

$351,000$342,000

$303,000

$230,000

$191,000

$225,000

$305,000 $301,225

$336,250$320,000

$210,000


$132,300

$172,500$191,000

$226,000

$272,500

$351,000$342,000

$303,000

$230,000

$160,000$142,000 $145,000

$173,000$191,000

$225,000

$305,000 $301,225

$336,250$320,000

$210,000


$132,300

$172,500$191,000

$226,000

$272,500

$351,000$342,000

$303,000

$230,000

$160,000$142,000 $145,000

$173,000$191,000

$225,000

$305,000 $301,225

$336,250$320,000

$210,000


$132,300

$172,500$191,000

$226,000

$272,500

$351,000$342,000

$303,000

$230,000

$160,000$142,000 $145,000

$173,000$191,000

$225,000

$305,000 $301,225

$336,250$320,000

$210,000

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009


$132,300

$172,500$191,000

$226,000

$272,500

$351,000$342,000

$303,000

$230,000

$160,000$142,000 $145,000

$173,000$191,000

$225,000

$305,000 $301,225

$336,250$320,000

$210,000

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009


sarasota realtor magazine december 2010

Documents

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