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The RACC Newsletter

Volume X, Issue 9 September 2014

The REALTORS® Association of Citrus County, Inc. exists to inform, educate and uphold the high standards set forth in the

REALTOR® Code of Ethics enhancing our members professionalism and image while fostering cooperation among our members

and serving our communities. We provide education and leading-edge technology to better safeguard private property rights and

promote equal housing opportunities

Realtors ® Association

of Citrus County

Inside Issues Florida Realtors® 2014 Conference & Trade Expo Highlights This year's conference theme was productivity, profitability and professionalism wrapped around a festive "Carn-a-val" theme.

District 7 Cheryl Lambert, as our DVP, was instrumental in pulling everyone in the district together to work together as a team. We did two major events together.

Feed the Homeless – we participated in an event to put together 55,000 meals for the homeless.

Parade – We were selected as the winning float in the parade. Come to the next monthly meeting and see what everyone did to help us win.

RACC / Habitat Golf Tournament

The Golf Tournament committee is working hard to put on a great tournament this year. We are looking for your help. We need volunteers and golfers. If you are interested in helping out for a great cause or just want to have a fun day and play a round of golf – please contact the association at 746-7550. The tournament will be held on Monday, October 6, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. Shotgun Start – Registration begins at 10:00 a.m.

General Membership Meeting & Election of Officers and Directors Thursday, September 11 at 11:30 a.m. Networking will begin at 11:00 a.m. Elections At this month’s membership meeting we will be holding elections for our Officer and Board of Directors. Please come and enjoy this FREE lunch. There are rumors that we will be serving lasagna and chicken parmesan. To register, please contact the board, or logon to the website. We need a head count. If reservation is not made by September 8th or you are a walk-in, you will be charged $9.00. continued

Greg Younger President

President Message

Legal FAQ

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August membership

meeting

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September Membership

AAwarness Marketing

Full Ad

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Habitat for Humanity

ReStore

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Education Classes 8-13

RPR 14

.Realtor Domain 15

56 Safety Tips for Realtors 16 - 18

Tech this Out 19

Business Partners cards 19-20

2015 Committee

Request Forms

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Florida Realtors® Believe

Housing Matters

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Business Partner

Showcase

Be-A-Leader of the PAC

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New Orleans Conference

and Expo

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ED Conn & MLS Tidbits 29

MLS Warnings 30

Calendar 31

On the Move 32

MLS Stats 33

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Homeless Coalition If you were at the last meeting you saw the video for the hidden homeless. This issue has is something we can do something about. We ask that you bring something to this month’s meeting to donate. Every little bit helps. Link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6jSKLtmYdM News The Board of Directors has been working hard over the past few months. We will announce a couple of things that I think you will like. At the begging of the month we approved changing to FREE listings. More is coming.

Business Building Tip Get More Listings Here is a fun one, target Moving Sale on Local Newspapers. When was the last time you looked for “moving sale” in local newspapers or on Craigslist? Yes, the kind of moving sale when people are trying to get rid of their junk and furni-ture. But, it could be that they’re moving. Run their locations in the MLS and see how many are already listed for sale. Find out the stories of others that are not listed for sale. Go to the sale and offer them a free home value analysis report. Plus you might find a hidden treasure. ************************************************************************************************

Legal FAQ’s – Code of Ethics

Q: I’m a real estate licensee, and I’d like to place a “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO) sign in my front yard to attract potential buyers

and other real estate licensees. I’m not actually planning to sell my house; I just want to market my real estate services to anyone

who sees my FSBO sign and calls me. Is this allowed? A: No. Enticing potential buyers and other real estate licensees to call about your house, which you have no intention of selling, in

an attempt to market your services is a violation of Article 12 of the Realtor® Code of Ethics, promulgated by the National Associa-

tion of Realtors® (NAR) and adopted by the Florida Association of Realtors (FAR). Article 12 advises, in part, “Realtors shall be

careful at all times to present a true picture in their advertising and representations to the public.” Check with your local Board or

visit here for a copy of the Realtor Code of Ethics.

From a licensing law perspective, Section 475.25(1)(c), Florida Statutes, warns that licensees must not “advertise any property or

services in a manner which is fraudulent, false, deceptive, or misleading in form or content,” and Rule 61J2-10.025, Florida Admin-

istrative Code, echoes this point. The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) may also be able to assert that this type of activity is

dishonest dealing under Section 475.25(1)(b).

Q: I’m a sales associate listing my own property for sale with the brokerage where I have my real estate license. Must I disclose my

license status to prospective buyers and provide an agency disclosure?

A: If you’re a member of a local Board of Realtors®, you must disclose your license status to prospective buyers, in writing prior to

the signing of any contract, when selling your own property or when you have any ownership interest in property, as per the Realtor

Code of Ethics, Article 4, to which the National Association of Realtors (NAR) requires you to adhere. Because you’re acting in your licensed capacity in selling this property, you must comply with the agency disclosure requirements

under Section 475.278, Florida Statutes. Thus, you may need to provide a prospective buyer with the No Brokerage Relationship

Disclosure, per Section 475.278, Florida Statutes. Florida law requires a real estate licensee who has no brokerage relationship with a

potential seller or buyer to disclose his or her duty to the seller and the buyer. The real estate licensee disclosure requirements apply

to all residential sales unless an exemption applies, per Section 475.278(5)(b)(2), Florida Statutes.

Q: I'm a Realtor® representing a buyer (as a single agent) who’s interested in a property listed with another agent. I submitted my

buyer’s offer to the listing agent several days ago; however, I’m concerned that he hasn’t presented the offer to the seller. I’ve been

unsuccessful in reaching the listing agent. May I contact the seller directly?

A: No. Pursuant to Article 16 of the Code of Ethics, a Realtor working as a buyer’s agent may communicate with the seller only

through the listing office, unless he or she has permission from the listing agent to communicate with the seller directly. It’s recom-

mended that the buyer’s agent obtain permission from the listing agent or broker in writing.

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The August General Membership Meeting brought 76 Realtors® and 26 Business Partners and Guests to-

gether for a great meeting. President Greg Younger called the meeting to order at 9am; at that time Rhonda

Lestinsky of Nature Coast Bank led us in the Innovation and Pledge followed by Melissa Seney of Great

Florida Insurance introducing the Business Partners that were present. Next, President-Elect Debbie Rector

inducted 20 new members, congrats and welcome to RACC!

Fred Clark of Aawareness Marketing was the Business Partner of the Month and provided the table covers

and centerpieces, thanks Fred.

Everyone enjoyed a delicious breakfast catered by Oysters while watching a video of the Florida Realtors

Convention. Past President/DVP Cheryl Lambert took a moment to speak about the District Event that took

place in July. Cheryl thanked everyone who helped to “Stuff the Bus” and three other vehicles for the home-

less. Cheryl also discussed Convention and the District Float Parade before introducing the guest speaker,

Congressman Richard Nugent.

Congressman Nugent provided us with the following update:

Realtors® allow people to live the American Dream, but to accomplish

that they must have jobs. The House has passed 40+ job bills this year,

many were bipartisan in nature. He stated small businesses create 80%

of the jobs in America.

Congressman Nugent sponsored a reauthorization of mental health bill.

There is a great need for mental health professionals.

The Flood Insurance Bill was tweaked, but did not solve the problem, there is still much to be

done.

Tax reform is dead this year, but you will see it on the agenda again next year. Currently there

are 74,000 pages to review.

Jenette Collins, Citrus County Planning and Development also provided us with an update:

The new flood insurance maps will be effective 9/26/2014. You can call

Carla Grzeca at (352) 527-5264 for questions.

For zoning questions, please call (352) 527-5329.

Junk Yard conditions and overgrown yards are issues- there is an ordinance to regulate unsafe

structures. An inspector reviews the site, and then files a notice to the property owner. A formal

hearing is held and fines are assessed to the property. Those fines attach as liens to the property.

Permit numbers are increasing and Floral City Water is going to update the water storage facility.

continued

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New Members (not listed in order): Susan Banden, Madeline Baran, Jessica Byrd, Staci Eckert, Lori Flagg,

Jackie Gorman, Laurie Kelner, Rosemarie Klimiata, Miranda Maisel, Judy Moseley, Rex Rusaw, Richard Simms,

Terry Smith, Jennifer Stauff, Margaret Turner, Steven Watson, James Watt, Shawn Widrick, Susan Woods and

Stefanie Young.

Lots of members were lucky winners too. Coleen Fatone-Anderson was the winner of the Share n Share.

Coleen won $150, she donated $100 back to Habitat which gave them a total of $250.00 today, thanks

Coleen!

Lori Flagg, Lisa Jimmo, Steve Varnadoe, Karen Morton, Kathy Tolle, Coleen Fatone-Anderson, Gary Ayres,

Lisa VanDeBoe, Andrea Migliaccio, Miranda Maisel, Sherri Parker and Margaret Turner were the winners

of the unique door prizes. Thanks for the Frustration Breakers Fred Clark.

John Maisel drew for the Queen of Hearts; he didn’t draw the queen so he will get a free lunch at the next

meeting. The Queen of Hearts drawing will be $280 in September.

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Are you using this free resource?

RPR has developed a new webinar series designed to focus on just a single topic. These 30-minute webinars

show members how to use RPR to meet the needs of their different clients. In addition to the short class, mem-

bers can also download class notes and slides, as well as view short on-demand tutorials.

Our most recent class, “Creating the Perfect Relocation Packet with RPR,” featured how RPR can be used to

help relocating clients find their perfect new neighborhood.

Our newest class, “Getting the Edge with RPR’s Investment Tools,” shows REALTORS® how to use the right tools to help clients find the right properties and envision how their investment might perform, whether it's a rental property, a "flip", or a business. Please join RPR for this webinar on September 10 to see the features available in RPR that can impress even the pickiest client. You can RSVP here.

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.REALTOR DOMAIN

As a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, you already understand the exclusive benefits that come with membership. You also know the value of being recognized as a REALTOR® by prospects and clients, showing that you adhere to NAR’s code of ethics and professional conduct. As a result, one of the primary benefits of the new .REALTOR domain, is the ability to clearly show your status as a REALTOR® prominently in your website address. There’s more than that though. Having your own .REALTOR domain:

• Establishes a branded destination for consumers, ensuring they’re dealing with a REALTOR®. • Search engines like Google are focused on delivering relevant results, having a .REALTOR domain will

tell them what kind of content to expect on your site, making it more likely that you will show up first when a consumer is searching for a REALTOR®.

• You don’t have to use valuable characters to the left of the dot to incorporate REALTOR® into your do-main name, allowing you to focus on selecting the best domain for you.

• .REALTOR offers a clean slate of domain names to choose from, whereas most desirable domains are already taken in .com.

• The .REALTOR TLD directly connects YOU to the $5 billion REALTOR® brand, delivering additional branding and marketing value – just like placing the NAR logo on your business cards or your wear-ing REALTOR® lapel pin has in the past.

• The .REALTOR extension can only be used by REALTORS®, immediately proving your membership and status as a REALTOR®

• Because the .REALTOR domain shares the REALTOR® name, it will continue to communicate positive attributes of trust, professionalism, community and expertise to consumers.

• .REALTOR will bring order and consistency to the currently disorganized real estate space on the Inter-net.

• Empowers NAR to set standards of professionalism and use that differentiates the .REALTOR domain from all others.

• The Internet is evolving and NAR has positioned our members to be at the forefront of this change, secure your future online presence with a .REALTOR domain.

• The first domain is FREE for the first year for the first 500,000 members.

Don’t miss the opportunity to get your free domain for one year.

.REALTOR launch for members is 10.23.14! Starting 10.23.2014, members will be able to go to www.claim.REALTOR .REALTOR domains. The first 500,000 NAR and 10,000 CREA members will be able to claim their first domain FREE for one year.

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Tip #1 - Keep it light Show properties before dark. If you are going to be working after hours, advise your associate or first-line supervisor of your schedule. If you must show a property after dark, turn on all lights as you go through, and don't lower any shades or draw curtains or blinds.

Tip #2 - Checking-in When you have a new client, ask him/her to stop by your office and complete a Prospect Identification Form (Find a copy online at www.REALTOR.org/Safety). Also, photocopy their driver’s license and retain this information at your office. Be certain to properly discard this personal information when you no longer need it.

Tip #3 - Don’t be too public Limit the amount of personal information you share. Consider advertis-ing without using your photograph, home phone number and/or home address in the newspaper or on business cards. Don’t use your full name with middle name or initial. Use your office address—or list no address at all. Giving out too much of the wrong information can make

you a target.

Tip #4 - Touch base Always let someone know where you are going and when you will be back; leave the name and phone number of the client you are meeting and schedule a time for your office to call you to check in.

Tip #5 - Open house safety Open house: it ain’t over till it’s over. Don’t assume that everyone has left the premises at the end of an open house. Check all of the rooms and the backyard prior to locking the doors. Be prepared to defend yourself, if necessary.

Tip #6 - Stranger danger Tell your clients not to show their home by themselves. Alert them that not all agents, buyers and sellers are who they say they are. Predators come in all shapes and sizes. We tell our children not to talk to strangers. Tell your sellers not to talk to other agents or buyers, and to refer all inquiries to you.

Tip #7 - Sturdy doors are key to home safety Make sure that all your home’s doors to the outside are metal or solid, 1 ¾" hardwood, and have good, sturdy locks.

Tip #8 - Block identity theft Contact the fraud department of any of the three consumer reporting companies— Equifax®, ExperianSM and Trans Union®—to place a fraud alert on your credit report. The fraud alert automatically lets credit card companies and other creditors know they must contact you before opening any new accounts or making any changes to your existing accounts.

Tip #9 - Keep track of colleagues Have a check-out employee board at your office, listing your name, destination, customer name, date and expected return time.

Tip #10 - Wear your REALTOR® ID Always wear visible company identification such as a badge. It is also best to drive a vehicle clearly marked with your company name. These will be invaluable for identification if you need to get assistance.

Tip #11 - Bring up the rear When showing a home, always have your prospect walk in front of you. Don’t lead them, but rather, direct them from a position slightly behind them. You can gesture for them to go ahead of you and say, for example, “The master suite is in the back of the house.”

Tip #12 - Pick up some self-defense skills The best way to find a good self-defense class is to learn what is available, and then make a decision. Many health clubs, martial arts studios and community colleges offer some type of class. You can also ask your peers, friends and family if they have taken a self-defense class that they would recommend.

Tip #13 - You take the wheel Whenever possible, take your own car to a showing. When you leave your car, lock it.

Tip #14 - Shield your computer from e-mail viruses Computer viruses can impair and seriously damage your computer. Viruses are often distributed via attachments in e-mail spam. Never open an attachment from someone you don’t know, and, if you receive a strange or impersonal-sounding message from a familiar address, check with that person to make sure that they really sent it.

Tip #15 - Got cell service, everywhere? When you’re showing commercial property, thick walls and/or remote locations may interfere with mobile phone reception. Check in advance to be sure your phone is serviceable in the area in which you are show-ing the property.

Tip #16 - Choose flight over fight While every real estate agent should take a basic self-defense course, the primary goal in any threatening situation is to escape from immediate danger and call for help.

Tip #17 - “Who’s calling?” Install caller I.D. on your telephone, which should automatically reject calls from numbers that have been blocked. This will provide you with immediate information about the source of the call.

Tip #18 - Your trash is another man’s treasure Just bought a new entertainment system? A bunch of empty boxes out by the curb triggers an alarm to would-be thieves. Instead of putting boxes out in plain sight, cut them down, and stuff them in trash bags.

Tip #19 - Hide personal information Tell your sellers: DON'T leave personal information like mail or bills out in the open where anyone can see it. Be sure to lock down your computer and lock up your laptop and any other expensive, easy-to-pocket electronics, like iPods, before your showing.

Tip #20 - Agree on an office distress code Create a voice distress code, a secret word or phrase that is not commonly used but can be worked into any conversation for cases where you feel that you are in danger. Use this if the person you are with can overhear the conversation, but you don’t want to alarm them. Example: “Hi, this is Jennifer. I’m with Mr. Henderson at the Elm Street listing. Could you email me the RED FILE?”

56 Safety Tips for Realtors®

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Tip #21 - Have your excuse ready Part of being prepared to deal with a threatening situation is having “an out.” Prepare a scenario in advance so that you can leave—or you can encourage someone who makes you uncomfortable to leave. Examples: Your cell phone or pager went off and you have to call your office, you left some important information in your car, or another agent with buyers is on his way.

Tip #22 - Take two seconds when you arrive at

your destination to check out potential dangers: • Is there any questionable activity in the area? • Are you parked in a well-lit, visible location? • Can you be blocked in the driveway by another vehicle?

Tip #23 - You are not alone If you encounter an individual while working late or alone in your office, indicate to that person that you are not alone. Say something like, “Let me check with my supervisor to see whether she’s able to see you now.

Tip #24 - Your email is public Don’t send any vital or private information via email. Keep in mind that unlike websites, email is never secure.

Tip #25 - Don’t get lost If you are in an unfamiliar area, make mental notes of landmarks, points of interest and intersections. And always know the exact address of where you are going. If you must use a GPS, then pull over and stop in a safe place first.

Tip #26 - Careful with cash deposits! If you periodically carry large deposits to the bank, be especially aware of any strangers lurking around the office parking lot. If you must transport cash deposits, use the buddy system or arrange for a securi-ty service or police escort.

Tip #27 - Lock up client keys Be sure to use the lockbox property-key procedure that has been estab-lished to improve real estate agent safety.

Tip #28 - Shop online safely When shopping online, check out a website before entering your credit card number or other personal information. Enter this information only on secure web pages with addresses that start with "https" and have a closed padlock symbol at the bottom of the browser window. These are signs that your information will be encrypted or scrambled, protecting it from hackers.

Tip #29 - Nothing personal… When talking to clients and prospects, be friendly but still keep your personal information private. This means avoiding mention of where you live, your after-work or vacation plans, and similar details.

Tip #30 - Take two seconds as you walk towards

your destination to check out potential risks. • Are people coming and going or is the area unusually quiet? • Do you observe any obstacles or hiding places in the parking lot

or along the street? • Is anyone loitering in the area?

Tip #31 - Be careful with keys Don't hand out house keys to friends, even if they are trustworthy. Know the location of all your house keys all the time. Never use hide-a-keys or leave the key under the doormat, above the door, in a flower-pot, or anywhere outside the house. You may think you're being clever, but experienced thieves know all the tricks. Also, keep your car keys and house keys on a different ring if you ever use valet parking or leave your keys with parking lot attendants or even at a repair garage.

Tip #32 - From dawn till dusk When showing a vacant commercial site, be aware of the time of day you meet a client. Showing a property at dusk or after dark, with no electricity on in the space you are showing, is not advisable.

Tip #33 - Thwart thieves Remind your clients that strangers will be walking through their home during showings or open houses. Tell them to hide any valuables in a safe place. For security’s sake, remember to remove keys, credit cards, jewelry, crystal, furs and other valuables from the home or lock them away during showings. Also remove prescription drugs. Some seeming-ly honest people wouldn't mind getting their hands on a bottle of Viagra, uppers or downers.

Tip #34 - Long-term thinking If you think it may be some time before a property sells (and you may, therefore, be showing it often), get acquainted with a few of the immediate neighbors. You will feel better knowing they know your vehicle, and they will feel better about the stranger (you) who frequently visits their neighborhood.

Tip #35 - Don’t dial and drive! Using a cell phone while driving can cause an accident. For driving safe-ty, purchase a hands-free phone kit for your vehicle. And never attempt to take notes while driving – pull over and stop in a safe place first.

Tip #36 - Carry less If you carry a purse, lock it in your car trunk before arriving at an appointment. Carry only non-valuable business items (except for your cell phone), and do not wear expensive jewelry or watches, or appear to be carrying large sums of money.

Tip #37 - Don’t get parked-in When showing property or meeting someone, park your car in front of the property rather than in the driveway. You will avoid having your car blocked in, you’ll have an easier time escaping in your vehicle, and you will attract lots of attention running and screaming to your car at the curb area.

Tip #38 - Monitor your financial accounts Open your credit card bills and bank statements right away. Check for any unauthorized charges or withdrawals and report them immediately. Call if bills don’t arrive on time. It may mean that someone has changed contact information to hide fraudulent charges.

Tip #39 - Take two seconds to pause and look

around as you enter your destination. • Does anything seem out of place? • Is anyone present who shouldn’t be there or who isn’t expected?

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Tip #40 - Plan ahead with escape routes Upon entering an open house property for the first time, check each room and determine at least two “escape” routes. Make sure all dead-bolt locks are unlocked for easy access to the outside.

Tip #41 - Keep it professional All of your marketing materials should be polished and professional. Don’t use alluring or provocative photography in advertising, on the Web or on your business cards. There are many documented cases of criminals actually circling photographs of their would-be victims in newspaper advertisements.

Tip #42 - Best practices for model home showings When a person comes through the office to view a model home, have them complete a guest register that includes their full name, address, phone number, email, and vehicle information.

Tip #43 - Safe apartment living Moving into an apartment? Have the locks changed when you move in. (The maintenance crew can simply swap lock cylinders with a random vacant apartment, a project that is free and takes only a few minutes.) And just use your last name, or if necessary last name and first initial, on your door or mailbox. This keeps strangers from knowing your gender or how many people live in your apartment.

Tip #44 - Rely on good neighbors Inform a neighbor that you will be hosting an open house, and ask if he or she would keep an eye and ear open for anything out of the ordinary.

Tip #45 - Be prepared: pre-program! To best prepare for an emergency, pre-program important numbers into your cell phone. These may include your office, your roadside assistance service or garage, and 9-1-1.

Tip #46 - Beware of “phishers” Don’t respond to emails requesting personal or private information such as passwords, credit card numbers or bank account numbers. Even if a message appears to be from your bank or a trusted vendor, credible companies never request private information this way.

Tip #47 - Scam alert! At an open house, be alert to visitors’ comings and goings, especially near the end of showing hours. Police have reported groups of criminals that target open houses, showing up en masse near the end of the afternoon. While several "clients" distract the agent, others go through the house and steal anything they can quickly take.

Tip #48 - Make your clients your “safety partners” Inform clients who are selling that while you are taking safety precautions, and that you've checked and locked the home before leaving, they should immediately double-check all locks and scout for missing items immediately upon their return, in case you've missed any less-than-obvious means of entry.

Tip #49 - Don’t use the “v word” When describing a listing, never say that a property is “vacant.” This may be an invitation to criminals.

Tip #50 - Check suspicious emails Before you act on an email request, check a list of the latest email scams on the Federal Trade Commission’s website at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menu-internet.htm.

Tip #51 - When in doubt, shred! Thoroughly shred all papers with personal information before you throw them away. Shred unwanted credit card applications and "convenience checks" that come in the mail, credit card receipts with your account number, outdated financial papers and papers containing your clients’ personal information.

Tip #52 - Public transportation should be for the

public… not from the public If you plan on using public transportation, whether it’s from a conven-tion or to an open house, Make sure that you are riding in a registered taxi (before entry). Be aware that people may be soliciting rides using their own vehicles. Ask yourself some questions before entering.

• Can you definitively indicate that the vehicle you are about to enter is a registered form of public transportation? (Look for signs, symbols, or a phone number on the car to confirm its validity)

• If in doubt, stay out

Tip #53 - Be in charge Whenever possible, be sure your cell phone has a full battery charge or is in the process of charging. This is critical, especially if you plan on leaving the house/venue.

Tip #54 - People are not who they say they are Even with the help of caller I.D, you can never be too sure you know who you are talking to. For example, if someone who claims to know you gives you a call and starts to make unusual requests on your behalf,

then STOP TALKING. Scammers feed of your reactions in order to

compile additional information. Hint: If the caller has no recollection of previous conversations, then they are not who they say they are.

Tip #55 - Have a lifeline If you find yourself to be the last one in an open house and your car is not in the immediate vicinity of the venue, then make a phone call as you walk. Assailants will be less willing to attack if you are in mid con-versation with another person. Give your best friend a call; they would love to hear about your day.

Tip #56 - Be aware of adware and malware Be sure that you don’t click on error messages with unfamiliar logos that state “your computer has been infected with a virus” or “Trojan found” These messages with unfamiliar logos will tell you there is something wrong with your computer and to download their protec-tion service, when in actuality you are downloading a virus and setting yourself up for information loss. Download article (Word: 60KB)

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Tech This Out

The modem connects to the WiFi right? If setting up a home office, you have access to free advice from a

technology analyst. Florida Realtors Tech Helpline is a great help when things go wrong, but it's also an

ideal resource for new members building their first home office. When your broker says, "We have a VPN

connection for you to use," and you think, "What the heck's a VPN connection," it helps to know that expert

advice is just a phone call/email away.

Tech Helpline

The Florida Realtors Tech Helpline support team is available to answer Florida Realtors members' ques-

tions Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Just call 407.587.1450

and have your membership information handy.

You may also access this free service via email, live-online chat text feature or remote desktop streaming.

The Tech Helpline is always a click away. For quick computer repair and technical support, download the

desktop widget at http://www.techhelpline.com/tech-help-widget.

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REALTORS® Association of Citrus County, Inc

2015 COMMITTEE REQUEST FORM

2015 is going to be a GREAT YEAR for You! It will be even

greater with your participation. Make

2015 a year to be involved in the operation of your

Association. We need your time and talents.

The Association will stay on the cutting edge of technology, but we need the active

participation of committed professionals like you. I extend to you a personal invitation to

join a committee. No doubt you have your own business to manage, but the rewards of your

contribution are great and will pay dividends for years to come. Your leadership team is

working hard to make every moment you spend sharing your talents worthwhile. Please

share your talent and expertise to help make your association the best that it can be! As it

stands, we need members for every committee listed- Please join! Fill out the form on the

next page and return to the association office.

Sincerely,

Debbie Rector 2015 President

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COMMITTEES

MLS Board of Managers – All things MLS. We have two openings for 2015. Be involved in helping to set policy, make

changes and review new products. Time Commitment is 2 to 5 hours per month.

Education – Responsible for development of educational programs as well as their marketing and administration. We

also need people that know how to use a video camera and turn that into a finished product that we can put on our

Website. Time Commitment is 2 to 15 hours per month depending on how involved you want to be.

Grievance – Requests for arbitration and ethical complaints are reviewed to determine if hearings are warranted and ensure

that complaints are in proper form, have been filed within the time limit established by NAR and are otherwise procedurally

correct. The Board of Directors must approve members. Special training (3-4 hrs. max.) is required and participation is

closed after the training date. Training date is Wednesday, February 4 from 1:00 p .m. – 4:00 p.m.

Key Contact and Legislative- Monitors governmental regulations that affect the real estate industry. Attends public

meetings as necessary and has contact with governmental officials. Keeps Board of Directors and membership informed

and recommends actions as necessary.

Professional Standards – Functioning similarly to a court, this committee convenes hearing panels on an as-needed basis to

hear matters of alleged unethical conduct by association members or to provide arbitration. Experience on the Grievance

Committee is a requirement and the Board of Directors must approve members. Special training (3-4 hrs. max.) is required

and participation is closed after the training date. Training date is Wednesday, February 4 from 1:00 p .m. – 4:00 p.m.

RPAC – Raises funds for furtherance of industry related political issues on a non-partisan basis.

Technology – Continually monitors and reviews the cutting-edge advances in technology for association and member use

and benefits.

YPN (Young Professional Network) – NO AGE REQUIREMENT. Be a part of the hottest networking and education

group.

2015 COMMITTEE REQUEST FORM

Name:

Office: Office Phone:

I would like to join Committee

Please fax to Bonnie (352) 746-3223, or email your request to bonnie@raccfl.com

Thanks in advance for your participation.

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MLS WARNINGS AND FINES FOR AUGUST

In August the MLS issued the following to Participants and/or Subscribers: Warnings: Duplicate Listing (0) Wrong Category or Area (2) Pending and Closed (9) Lender owned (0) No Photo (0) Branded Virtual Tour (0) Lockbox Code in Listing (0) Name/Phone# (0) Sign in Photo (0) Alt Key (2) Fine: (1) $50 Violation of the same offense will be subject to the following:

1st offense: Written Notice 2nd offense: $50.00 Fine

3rd offense: $100.00 Fine

• Failure to submit contingent, pending and closed information within two (2)

business days.

• Failure to enter a photo. Note: The seller may request in writing a photograph

of the property not be included.

• Failure to enter a listing in the correct category.

• Duplicate address and/or alternate key for the same property.

Our condolences and deepest sympathy are extended to Association

Executive Bonnie Rosenberger on the loss of her husband, Dan.

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Sep-

tember

2014

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

Labor Day

Bd Closed

2

3

4

Bd Directors

8:30am

5

ICE

FHA/VA

Financing

1-4:00pm

6

7 8 9

Orientation

8 am-4pm

Ed Comm

9am

10

Contract to

Close 9-10:30

11

Membership

Meeting 11:30

General

Elections

12 13

14 15 16

Ask The

Expect Land

Dev 1pm

17 18

Quad Ethics

9am-12pm

3Hrs CE

Contracts

1-5pm 4hrs

19 20

21 22

23

10

Command-

ments 9:00am

Deb Rector

24

Business

Partners

Showcase

Comm

11:30-12:30

25

MLS Bd Mgrs

9:00am

26 27

28 29 30

Tech Talk

9:00am

SEPTEMBER 2014

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0

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200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr

Single Family

Condo

Mobile

Vacant

July and August Residential and Vacant Land MLS Stats

These statistics were taken from the MLS on These statistics were taken from the MLS on

July 31, 2014 August 31, 2014

RESIDENTIAL VACANT LAND RESIDENTIAL VACANT LAND

Active 1535 Active 1820 Active 1528 Active 1780

New 347 New 104 New 400 New 124

Closed 224 Closed 35 Closed 227 Closed 38

Pending 326 Pending 44 Pending 331 Pending 41

BOM 179 BOM 55 BOM 151 BOM 46

Expired 177 Expired 128 Expired 135 Expired 139

Withdrawn 58 Withdrawn 18 Withdrawn 71 Withdrawn 13

Chart displays

Closed listings