SEPTEMBER 2011

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 9

B O R F O R W A R D

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

Officers & Directors 2

Calendar 3

REALTOR/Affiliate 4

New Members 5

Big Brothers Big Sisters 6

Presidents Message 7

Builders Council News 8

Go Green 9

Tech Tip 10

Affiliate Committee Back-

pack Drive & REALTOR Trivia

11

Committee Updates 12-13

September Safety Month

Tips

14-15

August General Membership 16-19

NAR Dues Q&A 20-21

FloridaRealtors

Convention & Tradeshow

22-23

Affiliate Trade Show 24

Chili Cook Off 25

Wally Conway 26

Monthly Statistics 27

October Preview

Staff Contact

Information

28

BOR PUBLIC WEBSITE: www.stjohnsrealtors.com

Home equity loan and refinancing scams can cost you more than money--these scams can cost you your house. Loan flipping Loan flipping is a scam targeted at homeowners looking to get money back when they refinance a mortgage. This is often referred to as a cash-out refi. Scammers take advantage of this desire to tap the equity in a home to pay for things the homeowner couldn't otherwise afford. A cash-out refi in itself isn't a scam. For some, it's a smart way to borrow. What is a scam is when a lender, after receiving a few payments, comes back to you with an offer of another refinance, this time to fund a vacation or a new car. The easy money is difficult for some homeowners to turn down.

Many borrowers don't realize how much they're paying in fees to refinance. The U.S. Federal Reserve estimates the set-tlement costs on a typical refi to be 3% to 6% of the loan amount. Loan flippers often charge much more, plus they may quietly roll the settlement costs into the loan to disguise the total charges. Take a day or two to get quotes from several lenders and compare terms.

Loan flipping ultimately leaves you with more debt and more years that you'll owe on that debt. When the equity finally dries up, you might not be able to afford your higher monthly payments and another refinancing will be impossible. You could be forced to sell your home.

Equity stripping Equity stripping can occur in several ways, but at its heart is a scam artist who gains ownership of your home, borrows against it or sells it, pockets the proceeds, and disappears. You're often left with a hefty mortgage balance and no place to live. A telling sign of equity stripping is a lender that offers more loan than you can afford or that encourages you to pad your income on a loan application. Homeowners with low incomes but a good amount of equity built up are prime targets be-cause they otherwise would have a hard time borrowing. According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, a lender that's pushing a home loan with too-high monthly payments is likely counting on foreclosing on the property when you fall be-hind. A variation on equity stripping has a scam artist talking you into selling your home at a discount or signing over the deed, perhaps with a promise of securing better loan terms if your name isn't on it. The scammer promises to let you stay in the home as a renter until the refinancing is finalized, then you can buy back the home. In reality, the scam artist drains equity by borrowing against the house or selling the house, perhaps after evicting you. According to Consumers Union, don't agree to a home equity loan if you can't afford it. A good rule of thumb: Your com-bined home loan payments shouldn't exceed 28% of your gross income. The nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports magazine also warns against signing any documents unless you understand them and turning over you property to any-one without first consulting a trusted adviser.

Phantom help Watch out for unsolicited offers to refinance from companies claiming government affiliations. In particular, don't be fooled by the use of official-sounding acronyms like "TARP" or official-looking website addresses. Scammers use these to gain your trust. Once they do, they'll likely try to charge you for access to government assistance. Worse, they might extract enough personal information to commit identity theft.

You never need to pay to find out about legitimate government programs. A housing counselor approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development can point you in the right direction. For federal refinancing and loan modification help, check out the Making Home Affordable program.

New disclosure rules make spotting scams easier Many unscrupulous lenders have relied on confusing paperwork to dupe borrowers into paying excessive upfront fees on loans. Others would pull last-minute rate switches at closing. Still others would disguise prepayment penalties, which can prove costly if you ever try to refinance again or retire a loan early. Balloon payments, which come due at the end of a loan term, can also catch borrowers off-guard. A lender may offer a low monthly payment on an equity loan, but only because the payment is interest-only. The principal is due in one lump sum. Surprised homeowners must scramble to refinance again, tap other assets, or sell. Disclosure rules that went into effect Jan. 1, 2010, make spotting these types of deceptions easier. All lenders are re-quired to use redesigned Good Faith Estimate and HUD-1 Settlement Statement forms that clearly disclose key loan terms--including interest rates, prepayment penalties, and balloon payments--and closing costs. The GFE is an estimate of loan terms and closing costs, while the HUD-1 is a final accounting of terms and costs. The redesigned forms, cross-referenced by line number, must be used for mortgage refinancing and home equity loans (with the exception of home equity lines of credit, or HELOCs). The only fee a lender is allowed to collect to issue a GFE is a charge for a credit report, which averages $37. If you don't receive the new forms, don't do business with the lender. If the estimates on the GFE don't match the final figures on the HUD-1, ask why. Some, but not all, fees are allowed to increase within a fixed range. This article is reprinted with permission from Donna Fuscaldo. She has written about personal finance for Dow Jones, the

Wall Street Journal, and Fox Business News for more than a decade. Like many homeowners, her mortgage is precariously close to being underwater.

A V O I D H O M E E Q U I T Y L O A N A N D R E F I N A N C I N G S C A M S

http://members.houselogic.com/articles/equity-loan-options/

http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/i_want_to/talk_to_a_housing_counselor

http://members.houselogic.com/articles/making-home-affordable-refinance-option/

http://members.houselogic.com/articles/making-home-affordable-modification-option/

http://members.houselogic.com/articles/making-home-affordable-modification-option/

http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/

http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/ramh/res/respa_hm.cfm

http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/ramh/res/gfestimate.pdf

http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/ramh/res/hud1.pdf

http://members.houselogic.com/articles/home-equity-line-tips/

B O R F O R W A R D

2011 ST. AUGUSTINE & ST. JOHNS COUNTY BOARD OF REALTORS®

AND MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE, INC. BOARD OFFICERS & DIRECTORS

BOARD OF REALTORS® MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE, INC. Chuck Pacetti , PRESIDENT Andrew Birchall, PRESIDENT Homestar Pacetti Realty St. Augustine Realty (O) 827-0600 / (F) 819-9907 / (C ) 669-5000 (O) 824-3331 / (F) 825-2685/ (C ) 392-3362 [email protected] [email protected] Roy Barnes, PRESIDENT-ELECT Dirk Schroeder , PRESIDENT- ELECT St. Augustine Realty Century 21- St. Augustine Properties (O) 824-3331 / (F) 825-2685/ (C ) 669-1430 (O) 797-6000 (F) 797-7963/ (C ) 540-2360 [email protected] [email protected] Kea Blalock - SECRETARY Katherine Delaney – SECRETARY Saltwater Property Group Watson Realty (US1)

(O) 829-2002/ (F) 829-2029/ (C ) 814-2424 (O) 797-8600/ (F) 797-8606/ (C ) 669-2115 [email protected] [email protected] Gene Johnson – TREASURER Robert West - TREASURER

Watson Realty (US 1) Coldwell Banker Premier Properties (O) 797-8600 (F) 797-8606 (C ) 710-1090 (O) 471-4204 / (F) 471-4216 / (C ) 814-2006 [email protected] [email protected]

DIRECTORS DIRECTORS Roberta Odom (2) Ron Barry (2) Re/Max 100 Realty St. Augustine Team Realty

(O) 461-9500 (F) 461-9501 (C ) 466-0114 (O) 825-0099 (F) 513-9264 (C ) 501-2424 [email protected] [email protected] Edward Paucek (2) Paula Silberberg (2) Moses Creek Realty Watson Realty (A1A)

((C ) 669-6422 (O) 461-9066 (F) 461-9925 (C ) 687-8803 [email protected] [email protected] Bill Thew (2) Joe Hatin (2) Olde Carriage Realty Saltwater Property Group (O) 824-4500 (F) 824-6866(C ) 347-6736 (O) 829-2002 (F) 829-2029 (C ) 669-5099 [email protected] [email protected] Dianne Pittman (1) Tom Scheirer (1) Watson Realty (US 1) Scheirer Realty (O) 797-8600 (F) 797-8606 (C ) 540-9644 (O) 461-9557 (F) 471-7220 [email protected] [email protected] Gayle Logan (1) Ian Edmonson, P.A. (1) Watson Realty (A1A) Edmonson & Associates Real Estate, Inc. (O) 461-9066 (F) 461-9925 (C) 669-2778 (O) 827-0722 (F) 638-4746 (C) 315-0997 [email protected] [email protected] Judi Schuyler (1) Michael DeLorenzo, PAST- PRESIDENT Coldwell Banker Premier Properties Olde Carriage Realty (O) 471-4204 (F) 471-4216 (C ) 669-0788 (O) 824-4500 (F) 824-6866 (C ) 377-5582 [email protected] [email protected] Teresa Mercurio, PAST-PRESIDENT Chuck Pacetti , Ex-Officio Re/Max 100 Realty Homestar Pacetti Realty (O) 461-9500 (F) 461-9501 (C ) 377-0974 (O) 827-0600 (F) 819-9907 (C ) 669-5000 [email protected] [email protected] Andrew Birchall, Ex-Officio St. Augustine Realty Victor J. Raymos, Ex-officio

( O) 824-3331 / (F) 825-2685/ (C ) 392-3362 (O) 829-8738 (F) 823-9512 (C) 505-220-8683

[email protected] [email protected]

Victor J. Raymos, Ex-officio

(O) 829-8738 (F) 823-9512 (C) 505-220-8683

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]



















V O L U M E 4 , I S S U E 9

S C H E D U L E O F E V E N T S

1st & 2nd—CCIM—INTRO

8:30am

5th—CLOSED IN

OBSERVANCE OF LABOR DAY

7th—Commercial CIE Forum

8:30am

Technology Committee

9:30am

8th—Board Orientation 9am

9th—FR/BAR-1 3CE 9am

12th—Education Committee

9am

Android Users Group 10am

RPAC Committee 12:00pm

13th—iCE How to Make the

Most of Your Property Mgmt

Business 4CE Webinar 1pm

14th—1031 Deferred Tax

Exchange 3CE 9am

16th Code of Ethics 3CE

19th—Integrated Marketing

Specialist 3CE 9am

20th— Finance Committee

12pm

MLS Training 1pm

21st—SRES 8:30am

Public Relations 9:30am

MLS Board 12pm

22nd— SRES 8:30am

Board 12pm

23rd— Master Trainer Course

9am

27th—INNOVIA @ 1:30pm

Mixer 5:00pm

28th—iPhone User’s Group

9am

29th—After The Contract 9am

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3

4 5

CLOSED

6 7

8 9 10

11 12

Full

Moon

13

14 15 16 17

18

19 20 21 22 23 24

25

26 27 28 29 30

September2011 Birthstone: Sapphire

Flower: Aster Astrological Signs: Virgo: August 23 - September 22, Libra: September 23 - October 22

http://www.holidaysmart.com/birthstones.htm

http://www.holidaysmart.com/flowerofthemonth.htm

http://www.holidaysmart.com/astrologicalsigns.htm

"Success is

a prize

given to

those who

try and fail

willingly."

R E A L T O R ® S P O T L I G H T – D A N I E L W E L L S

A F F I L I A T E S P O T L I G H T – T H E R E A L E S T A T E B O O K

S U Z I E A D A M S

B O R F O R W A R D

Daniel Wells

industry, he decided to follow his dream and become a full time Real Estate Agent.

Daniel is thrilled about joining the Watson Realty Corp. family and is looking forward to a successful year.

Daniel J. Wells

Daniel J. Wells III

Watson Realty Corp.

3505 U.S. 1 South

St. Augustine, FL 32086

(ph) 904.495.0162

(fax) 904.794.7002

[email protected]

Daniel Wells III was raised in Eureka, FL. a small town just outside of Ocala and in the heart of the Ocala National Forest. He moved his family to the beautiful city of St. Augustine in 2000 and has enjoyed life here ever since. He has two boys, Garrett (13) and Wyatt (11) who are avid sports and recreation fans.

Daniel has worked in customer service for more than 21 years and enjoys day to day interaction with the public. While working full time in retail he was a part time investor in the housing market and enjoyed flipping houses in the early 2000‟s. After leaving the retail

Suzie Adams purchased the St. Johns territory of the

Real Estate Book in September of 2010. Suzie is 4th

generation to Flagler County and has seen the growth

of both Flagler and St. Johns County first hand. Suzie

moved back to the area in 2006 after living in Atlanta

where she attended college and earned her Bachelors

Degree in International Business and Marketing in

2001. When Suzie moved back she worked for

Randstad Staffing solutions until she had her first child

in 2009. She decided when it was time to go back to

work, that she wanted to skip the corporate grind and

venture out on her own, so she would be able to spend

more time with her family.

With 500 markets in both North America and Canada,

The Real Estate Book is the largest and most popular

real estate advertising publication. When consumers

shop for a home they use The Real Estate Book in their

search. The Real Estate Book is known for being the

Digest Size Full Color Catalog of homes.

Suzie Adams

Their marketing is not just in print but also an extensive

online distribution to top real estate website, in addition all

listings also go onto TheRealEstateBook.com their own com-

pany website that is ranked in the top 3% of Real Estate

Websites.

Suzie was recently awarded the Real Estate Books ―Rookie

of the Year‖ award at their annual meeting in Nashville, TN.

To be eligible for the award you must have purchased a

territory in the company during the last year. Twenty people

were eligible from both the United States and Canada and

three were nominated.

The Real Estate Book is always staying on the cutting edge

of technology for their REALTORS. They are

currently rolling out a new product which enables each ad-

vertiser’s listings to have QR Codes, a Mobile

Website for each listing, and Text Codes for each listing.

Call Suzie Adams for any questions or additional

details.386-338-4110 [email protected]



THE ST. AUGUSTINE & ST. JOHNS COUNTY

JULY 2011 CONSENSUS AGENDA

ED QUASKY OLDE CARRIAGE REALTY

Join Date 06/30/11 (Primary BOR/Primary MLS)

PAULA NOEL WEICHERT REALTORS HOMETOWN FIRST


PAULETTE PURDUM HMS NATIONAL HOME WARRANTY

Join Date 07/06/11 (Affiliate Member)

KALIE CHAMBERS

RMG MORTGAGE GROUP

Join Date 07/11/11 (Affiliate Member)

MATTHEW HODGES NEW WORLD REALTY


KAREN AIBEL

PRUDENTIAL-PONTE VEDRA

Join Date 07/13/11 (MLS Only)

MATTHEW SHAFFER THE ST. JOHNS REALTY GROUP


CHRISTOPHER SHEE SABAL REALTY GROUP, LLC

Join Date 7/20/2011 (Secondary BOR/Reciprocal MLS)

MERRY COBB EXIT REAL ESTATE GALLERY

Join Date 7/20/2011 (Secondary BOR/Reciprocal MLS)

ROBERT STEINER EDMONSON & ASSOCIATES


S E P T E M B E R F E S T I V A L S A N D S P E C I A L E V E N T S I N H I S T O R I C S T . A U G U S T I N E

F L O R I D A

B O R F O R W A R D


P R E S I D E N T S M E S S A G E

Dear Fellow Association members:

I want to report to you some of the things I have been doing on your behalf as President of the Association,

as well as some of the things that the Board of Directors has and will be doing as well.

Recently on August 25th, I headed down to the Florida Realtors Annual Convention. As President, I am a voting Director of the State As-

sociation Board of Directors, which required that I be there through Sunday the 28th in order to attend the yearly Board of Directors

meeting. It is at this meeting that the Florida Realtors officers are elected, as well as other business like amendments to the Bylaws are

proposed, discussed and voted on, the annual budget is presented, discussed and voted on, and other announcements and business

that the State Association needs to conduct.

This year three (3) things stood out to me as highlights at the meeting:

Paws for Patriots – our Association along with many other Associations around the State teamed up to raise over $42,000.00

to donate to this cause. The audience experienced a very moving presentation by a Marine veteran who had been wounded overseas

and was ultimately blinded by his injuries. He described how through the ups and downs of his healing and recovery period, he had

come to benefit from the program that helps these Patriots acquire a Seeing Eye dog. This dog becomes an important, integral part of

their lives. As he thanked us (you) for our help, it was an extremely emotional moment. I felt very proud to be a member of an organiza-

tion who takes an active role in helping with important causes such as these.

Scholarship awards – Every year the State association provides scholarship funding to the contest winners (much like our local

association does). This year there were videos presented of the winners, it was great to see the excitement and appreciation of these

young people as they were looking forward to their educational opportunities that will surely impact their lives.

The election of officers for the State Association – The process is much the same as ours locally. There is a nominating com-

mittee that is charged with reviewing the candidate applicants, and presenting a recommended slate of nominees for the Board of Di-

rectors to consider. However, any candidate that meets the proper requirements but was not recommended by the Nominating Com-

mittee can run from the floor. All three positions – Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary had candidates who chose to run from the

floor. Ultimately, all three officers were elected from those candidates that ran from the floor. It was interesting to be involved in the

election process, and to see how they dealt with the actual mechanics of the election. Our own Victor Raymos, was a member of the

election committee whose job it was to see that the ballots were handled fairly and honestly. I can tell you it speaks highly of Victor that

he was asked to serve in this capacity.

There were also lots of educational opportunities, we heard from Governor Rick Scott about his mission to strengthen business and

bring jobs to our state, and overall it was a good time to network with our leaders and colleagues from around the state (as well as

some of our local Realtors as well).

On the local level, the nominating committees for the Board and the MLS have met this week to select a proposed slate of officers and

directors for their respective Boards. Soon we will be given the opportunity to participate in the election process when these nomina-

tions are announced!

OK, so now that you’ve heard all this from me, I encourage you to be active in YOUR association. Take advantage of the outstanding

educational classes that are offered, attend committee meetings that you may be interested in, and feel free to sit in on the Board and

MLS meetings if you desire. There is no better way to know what is going on than to get involved!

I thank you for the opportunity to serve as your President. Please feel free to get in touch with me if you have ideas

or concerns that you would like to discuss.

Sincerely,

Chuck Pacetti

President St Augustine and St Johns County Board of REALTORS®.

S T . J O H N S B U I L D E R S C O U N C I L

B O R F O R W A R D

www.stjohnsbuilderscouncil.com

The adage safety first is paramount behind the wheel of any

vehicle. Safety is the most important aspect of driving and

keeps all motorists protected. To help drivers, the Go Green

Auto Rally has compiled a list of helpful safety tips for

drivers to keep in mind when they are out on the road.

Hang up & Drive

It’s no secret that using a cell phone, PDA, or other

electronic device while driving is a huge distraction that can

lead to car accidents. Eight states prohibit drivers from using

a handheld cell phone while driving, and 30 states prohibit

drivers from text messaging behind the wheel. Not only can

mobile phones be against the law in your state, but statistics

show that the only other greater risk to your safety while

behind the wheel is driving under the influence.

There are ways to hold a phone conversation safely while

driving. Use of Bluetooth or hands-free devices are great

ways to carry on your conversation, but still have two hands

on the wheel and both eyes on the road. Additionally, storing frequently called numbers into your

speed dial or creating a favorite list on your mobile phone

makes connecting with the people drivers speak with the

most, quick and easy. Just like texting, dialing while driving

is dangerous. It’s also a good idea to program 911 into your

phone just in case drivers do get into an accident or need

help. If drivers have a verbal command system in their

vehicles, voice activation of cell phones is even better. When to Pull Over

There undoubtedly will be a time when every driver will

need to take a call while in the car. The best way to ensure

the safety of them and others on the road is to pull over onto

the shoulder of the road, or into a safe, secure parking lot.

Once stopped with their undivided attention, drivers can take

the call without endangering themselves or others. Even more importantly, try not to use the cell phone on the

go for serious, emotional phone calls. Certain conversations

with family or friends, coworkers, etc. are best conducted

when you aren’t behind the wheel. Make or take these calls

when you’re safely parked, or pull your car over if it is

imperative you take the call while driving. Driving Distractions

Eating, drinking and smoking can distract drivers from

the task at hand: driving safely! It’s best to avoid notorious

driving distractions: save the eating and drinking for outside

the car. Also, keep the cigarettes in the glove box. Save

smoking breaks for after your commute to allow for keeping

two hands on the wheel. And also remember some states have

outlawed smoking cigarettes in cars where a minor is present.

Check your local driving laws to see if your state enforces

this statute. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety

Administration, twenty-five percent of fatal road accidents

are caused by driving distractions, some of which are

mentioned above. The majority of that twenty-five percent of

fatalities are due to distractions involving drivers under

the age of twenty. It’s important for young drivers to keep

their concentration on the road and avoid the most common

driving distractions: cell phone use, eating and fiddling with

in-car electronics. Follow Safety Protocol

Take the time to read your vehicle owner’s manual

regarding safety equipment, including seat belts, air bags and

head restraints. This manual contains important information

on proper use of these safety items, including baby and

toddler safety.

If driving with a child, it is important to know what kind

of child seat is needed, and how to properly install it. Drivers

can always consult the owner’s manual of the child seat, but

many local safety agencies, such as the fire department, will

show you how to correctly install the seat and ensure your

child is protected while in the car.

In case of an accident, be sure you know the proper

protocol for collecting insurance and driving information

from all parties involved. Car insurance agencies can provide

drivers with a list of what to do if involved in a collision.

Remember, it is against the law to not report a vehicle

accident to your insurance agency. Keeping a car insurance

card at all times is important so drivers can easily call and

report any accidents. Keep an emergency kit in your car that includes bandages,

gauze, flashlight, water and a warm blanket among other

things. Try to imagine all potential scenarios you could

encounter while on the road, and pack essential emergency

items in your trunk. Drivers need to be sure to be prepared no

matter what comes their way!


G O G R E E N A U T O R A L L Y S A F E T Y T I P S

You Tube for You!

If you are not a YouTube enthusiast, let me present to you some

reasons you might change your mind.

First of all – Music – Ok you might not need to use it for music

but it’s fun to look up songs you remember but can’t find and if

you don’t have an excellent singing voice you can serenade your

sweetie by sending them music videos from YouTube!

Funny Videos – Of course this is a huge waste of time, but some-

times just having something to laugh at isn’t really a total waste.

Most important is helping you to learn something you don’t know

how to do. As I write this I am reminded that just a few weeks

ago I found myself with a dead battery in a parking lot and was

surprised to learn that the local auto shops charge quite a bit to

cross the street to change out a battery. A lot more than I would

have imagined, so I walked home and pulled up YouTube to help

me learn how to remove an old battery and install a new battery.

It worked and I saved some money!

Change a battery, bake a cake or anything else you can imagine.

There’s nothing like watching someone else do it that helps us

learn and with YouTube you can rewind and see it over and over

(much like my battery moment).

So let’s expand on that. It’s simple. Pull up YouTube.com and

then type in what you are looking for ~ peruse the results to see

if what you are looking for is represented. And just like all inter-

net searches you may have to refine your search to get exactly

what you need. I usually look for a professional but sometimes

just plain ole’ people have a good video. Like all internet infor-

mation, you have to use your head as to whether it is good info

or junk and watch more than one to get a well rounded lesson.

If you want to send these to friends, post on a social network or

post your own video you will need to have an account – but you

can watch without one.

Everyday in the Real Estate industry we think about how to expand

our business and YouTube can help with that too. Here’s some

things that can be found on YouTube: ―Habits of Successful Real

Estate Agents‖, ―Real Estate Marketing‖, Succeeding in Real Es-

tate‖, ―Today’s Real Estate Market‖, ―Real Estate Appraisals‖ and

anything else you can think of. You can use these to educate your-

self and also to help educate your seller or buyer. There are en-

tire seminars on YouTube. Seminars you might travel to and pay

for you can find right there on YouTube! I typed in Florida Associa-

tion of Realtors and found some interesting videos about the 2011

conference in August.

Now that you know how to find and watch a video, the next step is

to make your own YouTube video to help bring in some new busi-

ness. So the first thing you do is type in ―making a YouTube

video‖…really.

Enjoy and don’t forget to keep an eye on the clock!

Penny James

Alarion Bank/Mortgage

904-814-8508 (O)

904-466-0110 ©

[email protected]

Technology Committee ―Tech Tip‖ By: Penny James

B O R F O R W A R D


F U N R E A L E S T A T E T R I V I A

The Affiliate Committee provided 20 back packs filled will school supplies to the Communities In School Reach-Out Program to benefit underprivileged children in the St. Johns County School District.

Student receiving the back packs participate in the Communities In School College Reach-Out Program, and attend one of the following schools: St. Augustine High, Pedro Menendez High, Murray Middle, or Sebastian Middle. These students have the drive and potential but not the vision to attend college. All come from low social economic families and will be the first generation in their families to attend college. Many of the students come from single parent homes, foster care, children of incarcerated parents.

Through the College Reach-Out Program these students participate in Saturday workshops, tutoring, mentoring, middle school summer camps, college tours, and community service projects.

T H E A F F I L I A T E C O M M I T T E E B A C K P A C K D R I V E

Q What is the most unusual maintenance project done once each year in the United States?

A The Niagara Falls is shut down for maintenance every year in the fall by diverting the flow of water for 24 hours us-ing a massive series of pipes constructed in 1837.

Q Where is the world's oldest pyramid?

A The oldest pyramid is the Third Pyramid of Mycerinus is at El Gizeh, Egypt; it has the largest single block weighing 320 tons.

Q What is the busiest airport in the world?

A According to the Airports Council International, the Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia is currently the busiest airport in the world, serving 76.87 million passengers per year.

Q What does the term Curb Appeal mean?

A This term describes how homes look from the street; this first impression is very important to prospective homebuy-ers.

Q What is the most populous state in the United States?

A California, with 35.9 million people.

B O R F O R W A R D

A F F I L I A T E C O M M I T T E E U P D A T E

Marlene Lagasse

Affiliate Committee Chair

[email protected]

C O M M E R C I A L C O M M I T T E E U P D A T E

Sonny Shanks

Commercial Committee Chair

[email protected]

P U B L I C R E L A T I O N S C O M M I T T E E U P D A T E

Bill Thew

Public Relations Committee Chair

[email protected]

The Commercial Committee (Florida Commercial Real Estate Alliance) holds monthly meetings on the first Wednesday at 8:30 AM. This is an opportunity for all those practicing commercial real estate or just wanting more information about commercial real estate to gather together to exchange ideas and listing information. We are also working with several affiliates and invite those affiliates who may want to work within the commercial market as well.

The committee meeting was on Wednesday, September, 7th .The Commercial CIE meeting started at 8:30 AM with morning refreshments and time for introductions and net-working. The seminar discussions started at 9:00 AM with the following panel:

1. Norm Gregory, CCIM, Vice President of Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce,

2. Howard White, County Building Department,

3. Industrial Development Authority member.

A light lunch will follow the seminar at 11:30 and provided an opportunity for our affiliates to discuss their relationships to the commercial committee and time for those with commercial list-ings to exchange information.

If you have commercial listings, I encourage you to enter your commercial listings in the commercial information exchange (CIE) offered by the commercial committee. The CIE is an Innovia product and works just like the MLS but with greater opportunity to expand the coded features with commercial specific features. When we have 100 active listings in the CIE, we will be able to ask NAR to automatically IDX the listings into the com-mercial side of REALTOR.com. Please help us reach this goal. Together, we have 140 active list-ings in the MLS. If we had all of these in the CIE as well, we would all have another very effective means to put our commercial listings out to the world. Members of the commercial committee stand ready to assist you with the CIE.

The Public Relations committee

continues to provide copy, Q&A and

pictures for the Records weekly Real Estate

section. We have had very

limited input from the (Board)

membership and would greatly

appreciate any and all submissions. We need

real estate related topics

consisting of approximately 350 words and

any Q&A. Additionally; we have

begun to accumulate recipes for the Boards

cookbook. These

submissions should be ―tried and true‖

with a brief history of their origin. Sev-

eral upcoming public events will be in

need of scheduled staffing to represent

the Board. Any and all help will be

greatly appreciated.

Please contact Victor J. Raymos at the

Board or Bill Thew at 347-6736.

Hello from the Affiliate/ Realtor Committee

I would like to start out by thanking all of the committee

members that give their time and expertise in making this

a successful committee.

Our committee’s job is to apply the special talents and

resources of Realtors and Realtor Partners in support of

education, networking, community and other endeavors

of the Association.

We are always looking for ways to give back to the

community. If you have a project that you would like to

get some assistance with please bring that information to

one of the meetings.

We have a lot of FREE FUN activities for all

members of the board to enjoy.

September 27th Mixer at St. Augustine Team Realty

5-7pm Free Food and Drink

October 21st the Annual Trade Show and CHILI

Cook-off. This will be held at the board office, there

will be drawings for door prizes and lots of CHILI to

eat.

Please mark your calendars and show up, get

involved with the Board.

I look forward to seeing you at one of the events!

Marlene Lagasse


Sonny Shanks

Commercial Committee Chair

[email protected]

Rob West

Education Committee Chair

[email protected]

E D U C A T I O N C O M M I T T E E U P D A T E

T E C H N O L O G Y C O M M I T T E E U P D A T E

Marjorie Taylor

Technology Committee Chair

[email protected]

Greetings from the Education Committee! We are

currently working on forming the education

calendar for 2012 and are excited about bringing in

some new, unique and timely courses. We

appreciate the ideas from the membership so

please keep them coming!

Don't forget to sign up for our Master Trainer

seminar on Sept. 23rd. This 1 day course is a

pre-requisite for teaching at our board and will also

be useful for improving your presentation skills that

you use in your daily business. Also coming up, we

have Integrated Marketing Specialist 3CE-9/19/11,

MLS Training-9/20/11, Innovia 2-9/27/11 &

iPhone Users Group-9/28/11.

As always, we are always looking for new mem-

bers to join our committee. I would like to wel-

come the following recent additions: Noel

David, Barbara Collins & Lacey Connor. Thank

you to all of our committee members for

your service to our association!

The Technology Committee strives to con-

tinue offering relevant technology based in-

struction and user groups. The iPhone users

group meet the 4th Wed. of every month 10-

11 a.m., with John Taylor and Droid Users

group the 2nd Monday of every month 10-

11am, with Dave Hall. Good News - Addi-

tional Wireless Internet connection is now

available at the Board for multi users! We are

planning some hands on technology classes

where you will be able to follow along on your

The Technology Committee meets the

first Wed. of each month from 9:30 –

10:30 a.m.. Whether you are high-

tech or no-tech, we welcome you to

join us.

Call Chairman Marjorie Taylor,

904-591-9121 for more information.

B O R F O R W A R D

S E P T E M B E R S . A . F . E . A R T I C L E B Y A N D R E W W O O T E N

September is Safety Month-Are You Prepared to Protect Yourself,

Your Clients and Your Family?

The past 12 months have been the most violent I have seen in twenty-six years working in the real estate industry. We've seen an increase in

attacks, murders and suicides. Let's work together on decreasing these numbers.

Keeping you and your family safe is not only my job, but my passion. Seeing all the crime unfold in our industry this past year has made my heart heavy. As we approach September, safety month, I will be seeing many of you at classes and conventions all over the country. I look forward to sharing tips and techniques with you all that will keep you, your families and your clients safe. But in the meantime, I have prepared a short safety video that I would like to share with you. Please find the link below. In addition to, below are some key safety points I want you all to not just read, but implement as soon as possible. Take care and just be safe!

Andrew

Safety Tips

Listen to yourself. Trust yourself. Pay attention to what your body is saying.

Safety Tip Number Two:

Agent Identification Form

Agent Itinerary

Prospect Identification Form

Safety Tip Number Three:

Always let someone know where you are and where you are going. And remember

what our mothers said, "There is safety in numbers."

Law enforcement officials, real estate boards, real estate trainers, and others routinely advise agents to observe some

common sense safety precautions.

Realtor Safety Tips:

1. Always meet a client for the first time in the office. Introduce him or her to coworkers and make it clear that

they know you are taking him out of the office. Try to take separate cars but if that is not possible you will have

slightly more control if you drive. Do not meet a client at the property, particularly if he is calling on a yard sign.

He will already have had a chance to note if the property is vacant.

2. Get a license plate number and leave it at the front desk. Just explain that it is office policy; a customer who means

no harm won't mind. You might also leave an itinerary for your house tour.

3. Don't identify a property as vacant to a caller on an ad or sign.

4. When showing property to a stranger, follow rather than lead him through the house. Don't let him get between you

and the door. At an open house, take up a position as close to the door as practical.

5. Always carry a cell phone where it is easily accessible (not in the purse you left in the car or stowed in a kitchen

cabinet.) Make sure emergency numbers are programmed into the speed dial.

6. Ask the office manager to control keys to the office and to place deadbolts on the doors. If you are alone in the of-

fice at night draw the shades and do not admit anyone you do not know well and trust.

Go with your gut. If something doesn't feel right, if anything raises the hair on the back of your neck escape the situa-

tion immediately. You might feel like an idiot but don't worry about it.

S E P T E M B E R R E A L T O R S A F E T Y M O N T H

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=8ccprfdab&et=1107152056090&s=3376&e=001zGQM689dML5QL0zuJSuCO9-t46cXeI84naM2DzuZ1oSpX2kDnS_ycrBEhSuErnpRaI8qqW0XubD6Z_Xzz-l5d6CWawPQYwoPTytqzzgBdehchpxbtXbrOH0s6fFqysDtL2iSn991PrqAAaGrasa4QFG44_Yrkv3g

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=8ccprfdab&et=1107152056090&s=3376&e=001zGQM689dML5YT12E0AmLoAyfyexEi-JUwn4Sf5GBT6sfwbC_K_oXtU8u9QI_nO9i3P8jERYK6piL_zeLgEhBreSkXAVdhZvE8PJJZdqwh-FAiGhyiKun1-9jS7RFLo_PO4Gs4hA7Mux9brxFp0iuhw==

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=8ccprfdab&et=1107152056090&s=3376&e=001zGQM689dML6retvCB4KQAtSFbQMA9nUQpu1CxRcRxi3-IPE80Hzt5pVDUBfgGQyQzujZrcK1Ff_TBKtDR2q12VLOFvE7eIJDFAK01B9QDWkr9GF6zvSL63-6K5faDy73I_c6FfhI-2Y00fOF4ufEFxH1OUnGG_Uj


Here is a checklist to follow for safety:

When a person comes through the office to view your model homes have them complete a guest register that includes making a copy of their driver‟s license. Get this information back to the office by fax or e-mail and let the office know it is coming.

Keep the keys to your vehicle and your cell phone with you at all times. Keep your handbag locked in the trunk of your vehicle rather than in your desk.

When closing the model homes for the night never assume that the home is vacant. Be familiar enough with each home to know the exits. Check the interior of the house prior to locking the doors, working from the top floor to the bottom, back of the house to the front, locking the doors behind you. Be aware of your surroundings. Be prepared to protect yourself.

Enroll in a self defense education course to assist you in protecting yourself until someone can respond to your call for help. Never assume that you can talk your way out of a situation. Look for and take the first opportunity to escape.

The DO list:

Take the safest and best-lighted route--day or night--while driving to appointments.

Always inform your office of where you will be, who you will be with and when you will next be in touch. Make sure the person you are meeting knows that you‟ve given your office this information.

Be aware of the neighborhood in which you are showing a listing. If the neighborhood poses any possible threat to your personal safety, take another person with you.

Allow the client to proceed ahead of you while showing the property. Make sure you have previewed the property and know all of the accessible exits. Leave the doors unlocked for easy exit. Carry your cellular telephone with you.

Establish a method of being able to relate an emergency situation to the office or a contact person.

Have a secret phrase to notify the office you are in trouble such as “Pick up dog food” when you don‟t have a dog.

The DON'T list:

Hold an open house alone, if at all possible. Working with a partner allows you the luxury of having someone available to call or go for assistance if needed, and someone to help monitor how many people are in the house. If you must do an open house alone, stay near the door and let the prospect look through the house alone. Keep all valuables--jewelry, money, guns, etc.-- locked away.

Host an open house at a property you have not already previewed. Know the location of all of the exits and how to con-tact the closest neighbors. Make sure that if you use the backyard as an escape route that there is an exit out of it. Make sure all of the exit doors are unlocked during the open house.

Wear expensive jewelry and, if at all possible, keep your handbag locked in the trunk of your vehicle while you are host-ing an open house. Have your car keys readily available by keeping them either in a pocket or clipped to a belt.

Assume everyone has left the premises at the end of an open house. Check all of the rooms and the backyard prior to locking all of the doors. Be prepared to defend yourself, if necessary.

Show a property alone at night, especially if it is vacant.

What the office can do to protect its agents:

Each office should keep a file on each agent‟s vehicle — make, year, model, color and license plate number.

Each agent should leave a daily schedule of outside appointments with their office showing client names and times.

Always meet your client, prospect or buyer at your office and have them complete an information form, taking a photo of their driver‟s license. The information form should contain vehicle information, also.

Have each agent carry a log to write down prospective client„s name, driver‟s license and vehicle information.

At open houses, a guest registry should be kept for all persons viewing the house. This registry should include vehicle information.

Never have an agent show a property as the result of only a telephone call. Always meet them at the office and have them complete an information form.

Do not list your home address or telephone number on your business cards.

All agents in your office should use only their first initial and last name on their “For Sale” signs to conceal gender and prevent anyone other than a personal acquaintance asking for you by name.

Many of these points may already in practice for the profession. Look to these procedures as also a safety concern. These safety tips should become second nature with little thought to be truly effective.

S E P T E M B E R R E A L T O R S A F E T Y M O N T H

N E W S L E T T E R T I T L E

A U G U S T G E N E R A L M E M B E R S H I P M E E T I N G - S C H O O L S U P P L Y D R I V E

Lunch Sponsored by

Suzie Adams &

Susie Sullivan catered Lunch Margo Currie (left)

won the Door Prize

George Spohrer (right)

won the 50/50

drawing—

Suzie Adams


A U G U S T G E N E R A L M E M B E R S H I P M E E T I N G

Victor J. Raymos AE/CEO gets the meeting started Guest Speaker- Mr. Tim Egnor,

Executive Director for Curriculum Services.

Chuck Pacetti—Board President

Craig McCall—District 1 Vice President

Rita & Victor J. Raymos and Craig McCall

(left) Barb Goll & Karl Vierck Mix up

the tickets for the 50/50

Drawing.

(right) Barb Goll watches while Libby

Johnson pulls the winning ticket

Marlene Lagasse—Affiliate Committee Chuck Pacetti, Tim Egnor & Victor J. Raymos

Penny James & Barbara Goll selling 50/50 tickets

N E W S L E T T E R T I T L E


The Pledge Roy Barnes, Judi Schuyler,

Tim Egnor & Steven Schuyler

Ray Feliciano, Marcus Wally, Jennifer Ellen-Ellis,

Penny James, Jeanette Raccioppi & David Graubard

Dave Hall, Teresa Mercurio & Winston Burrell Chuck Pacetti & Craig McCall

Michael DeLorenzo

& Ian Edmonson

Barbara Goll Paula David, Margo Currie, Kea Blalock

& Kim Conlee

Barbara Collins & Craig McCall

Suzie Adams, Tony Bosco, Elise Stobe, Karl Vierck, Norma

Higginson, Diane Ward, Marlene Lagasse & Cathy Catalfamo

Ian Edmonson, Michael DeLorenzo,

Rob West & Roy Barnes



Teresa Mercurio & Berta Odom David Graubard & Marlene Lagasse Dianne Pittman, Geri Clay & Tracy Glochau

Seymoine Schmidt & Barbara Piet Barbara Collins, Libby & Gene Johnson Suzie Adams, Tony Bosco, Elise Stobe, Karl Vierck, Norma

Higginson, Diane Ward, Marlene Lagasse & Cathy Catalfamo

Lee Bickenell & Linda DeGrande Margo Currie & Suzie Adams Diane & Nico Vespucci & Barbara Jenness

Tony Bosco & Elisa Stobe

Karol Young and Noel & Paula David

Donna Wendler, Carol Alford & Diane Leonardi

Shirley Bennett, Barbara Tatro, Lacey Connor & Barbara Collins

B O R F O R W A R D

Q & A R E G A R D I N G T H E N A R M A N D A T O R Y $ 4 0 A S S E S S M E N T F O R 2 0 1 2 D U E S

At the Legislative meeting in May in Washington, DC, the NAR Board of Directors voted to approve a $40.00 assessment to

be included in the 2012 dues and assessments. Here are some questions and answers that address the reason for this

$40.00 assessment.

1. Why did my dues and assessments bill paid to NAR go up?

2. In May 2011, NAR Directors from around the country approved a bold new initiative to increase the advocacy power of

our organization on the national, state, and local level.

The real estate industry is facing monumental issues—in Congress, in the regulatory agencies that govern mortgage

financing, in the statehouses dealing with critical budget crises and declining property tax revenues, and in municipalities

and counties. Each of these issues impact REALTORS®' ability to do business and serve clients.

In partnership, NAR and your state and local associations will help REALTORS® be influential at all levels of

government, sharing our collective expertise about the industry and advocating for the rights of the nation‟s home

owners.

2. Specifically, how will the funds be used?

The funds will allow REALTORS® to strengthen and leverage their collective voice in support of sound public policy on

property rights and home owner issues in their communities, and create and sustain an environment in which their

businesses can grow.

NAR will provide direct funding and grants to help state and local associations:

Mobilize REALTORS® and property owners on key local, state, and national issues

Implement RPAC fundraising initiatives.

Tap into advocacy campaign support services and tools, such as a national voter registration database to help

target messages, and consulting services to help associations maximize their political impact.

Make independent expenditures on behalf of candidates, at all levels of government, who support the

REALTOR® Party agenda. Fellow members will decide how those funds are spent.

3. Will we give NAR dues money directly to candidates?

Candidates are the ones who vote on issues, and issues drive our industry. Decisions on which candidates we support are

made not at the national level but at the state and local level. Also, none of your NAR dues money will be used for a direct

contribution to a candidate, but the money may be used to independently support a candidate's campaign. This is commonly

referred to as an Independent Expenditure campaign. Again, members at the state and local level will determine which

candidates receive Independent Expenditure funding.

4. Why are we doing this now?

Home ownership and private property rights are under attack. Policies being proposed today threaten to transform, for

generations, Americans' ability to buy property.


Imagine a world without the mortgage interest deduction. Imagine a world where the flow of mortgage capital is un-

steady. Imagine a world where buyers have to come up with a minimum 20% down payment or can no longer get a 30-

year loan.

And this isn't just about home ownership. Around the country, governments are seeking ways to close revenue shortfalls.

We need the resources to fight proposals that would impose new taxes on our businesses and our customers and make

it even harder for us to earn a living in real estate.

With the economy trying to bounce back from the hard knocks of the last few years, it's more important than ever that

REALTORS® speak up and ensure that public policies, and our elected and appointed officials, support the recovery of

the housing market and the economy as a whole.

5. What will this program do for me?

It will protect your profitability and your future. Every day, this organization is advocating for you on issues that impact

your business, such as tax treatment of your income. We're also fighting for policies that benefit your clients, such as

preservation of the mortgage interest deduction.

You need to be able to run your business without excessive government intervention. Home ownership has to be a vi-

able option for our children and their children. For investors, real estate has to be viewed as an advantageous place to

put their money. Without those things, REALTORS® won't be in business.

6. How is this different from RPAC? Why am I still being asked to donate to RPAC?

RPAC is a voluntary program, and it's still vitally important. RPAC provides the personal, "hard" dollars we use to make

direct contributions to national, state, and local candidates. It will work in tandem with the new initiative, which includes

more resources for state and local RPAC fundraising initiatives. Remember: the Federal Election Commission still re-

quires that only “hard” dollars — that is, personal contributions — can be used for direct contributions to congressional

candidates or federal parties, so your RPAC checks remain critical. We need our voice to remain strong.

7. Is this candidate Independent Expenditure program legal?

Yes, the Supreme Court ruling on corporate advocacy supersedes what was the law prior to that ruling. Under the ruling,

it‟s clear that dues funds may be used as corporate contributions in Independent Expenditure campaigns on behalf of

candidates. Decisions for these expenditures are made by fellow members. Direct contributions to federal candidates will

continue to come from RPAC.

Q & A R E G A R D I N G T H E N A R M A N D A T O R Y $ 4 0 A S S E S S M E N T F O R 2 0 1 2 D U E S

B O R F O R W A R D

Victor J. Raymos AE/CEO, Dirk Schroeder—MLS President Elect,

Chuck Pacetti, Board President, Rob West—MLS Treasurer, Gene

Johnson—Board Treasurer & Libby Johnson

Victor J. Raymos, AE/CEO, Ann King, Gayle Logan—Board Director,

Rick McChesney, Roy Barnes—Board President Elect, Chuck Pacetti,

Board President & Dirk Schroeder—MLS President Elect

Left– Roy Barnes

Right—Chuck Pacetti

F L O R I D A R E A L T O R S C O N V E N T I O N & T R A D E S H O W

The Florida Realtors held their Convention & Trade Expo in Orlando from August 23rd through August 28th at the

Rosen Shingle Creek St. Augustine & St. Johns County Board of REALTORS® and MLS had approximately 25

members that attended all or a part of the convention. Those attending were Chuck Pacetti, Board President,

Andrew Birchall, MLS President, Roy Barnes, Board President-Elect, Dirk Schroeder, MLS President-Elect, Gene

Johnson, Board Treasurer, Rob West, MLS Treasurer, Joe Hatin, MLS Director, Dianne Pittman, Board Director,

Teresa Mercurio, Board Immediate Past President, Gayle Logan, Board Director, Paula Silberberg, MLS Director,

Berta Odom, Board Director, Barbara Goll, Ann King, Rick McChesney, Diane Vespucci, Marjorie Taylor, Chair of

Technology Committee, Ed Paucek, Chair of RPAC Committee, Nancy Taylor, Shelley Trela, Dave Hall, Maxine

McChesney, Libby Johnson, Linda DeGrande, and Chris Rich..

The FR convention & Trade Expo is always a highlight for FR and its members. It is also a big event for the

Women’s Council of Realtors. Together, FR and the WCR presented many educational opportunities that offered

CE credits and/or designations.

Offered at the same time are governance and committee meetings. The six (6) day event wrapped up with the FR

Board of Directors meeting on Sunday, August 28th. Our Board had two (2) Directors and they were Chuck Pacetti

and Andrew Birchall. The highlight of the Board of Directors meeting was the election of the 2012 Officers,

Directors, District Vice-Presidents, NAR Directors, and NAR Alternate Directors.

The following candidates were elected: Sherri Meadows, Vice President; Andrew Barbar, Treasurer; and Matey

Veissi, Secretary. Millie Kanyar was elected as our District 1 Vice President. Your Board supported the wining

candidates in advance and during the Board of Directors meeting.


Gayle Logan, Paula Silberberg

& Rick McChesney Ann King & Shellie Trela

Maxine & Rick McChesney

Diane Vespucci & Teresa Mercurio

Ed Paucek, Victor J. Raymos-AE/CEO

& Chuck Pacetti—Board President

Marjorie Taylor & Dave Hall

Marjorie Taylor

Roy Barnes Jr — Board President Elect

Nancy Taylor & Roberta Odom

Victor J. Raymos—AE/CEO

F L O R I D A R E A L T O R S C O N V E N T I O N & T R A D E S H O W

A F F I L I A T E T R A D E S H O W

B O R F O R W A R D

C H I L I C O O K O F F


4 Secrets to Short Sale Success by Wally Conway, President of HomePro Inspections 904-268-8211

B O R F O R W A R D

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Have Wally Conway speak at your office or for your favorite group! Wally is a speaker,

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I visit real estate, business, and networking events

each and every week. Lately, it seems that I attend at

least one event a week where someone announces

that they are the latest and greatest ―short sale

guru‖! No doubt you’ve had similar experiences. But

I find that most of these so called ―experts‖ don’t

have the best interest of the buyer in mind, and don’t

really explain how an agent might best protect a buyer

of a short sale home.

Truth be known, I’ve never done a short sale. Not as

a buyer, seller, or agent. But here at HomePro, we’ve

inspected A LOT of short sale homes. So what have I

learned that might help bring you Short Sale

Success?

1. Most homes subject to short sale have more

problems than similar homes in the same

neighborhood. Did I say short sale homes are bad,

broken, or to be avoided? Absolutely NOT! But the

reality is that when financial problems strike, the care

and repair of the home are among the first expenses

to be trimmed. And on occasion, the frustration of

the process has resulted in owners/sellers doing

intentional damage to the home before their

departure, sometimes in ways that are malicious and

often hidden to the untrained eye.

2. The true condition of a home in a short sale

situation is not known by the lender. The lender’s

loss mitigation department is in the business of

recovering money, not spending money to properly

determine condition. This leaves assessment of the

condition of the home to the buyer, but most buyers

are not sophisticated enough to view the home

objectively and without emotion for their possible

future home. This is where a professional expert like

HomePro comes in!

3. What about after the sale? Is the buyer ready for

the costs of fixing and maintaining this home? Maybe

the house was a ―great deal‖ in relation to other

homes in the neighborhood, but was it truly a ―good

deal‖ for this buyer? How will they know what it will

take to fix the home if it isn’t thoroughly inspected?

Are they guessing? Are they trying to save money by

foregoing some or all the inspections? This is when a

good agent will step in to RESCUE the buyer!

If a buyer is considering no inspections, or cheap inspec-

tions, then the buyer of a short sale home is probably not

truly ready for the costs of home ownership.

It is critical to have electrical power on in the short sale

home for its inspection. Yes, expert and knowledgeable

inspection companies like HomePro can inspect without

power, but the most thorough assessment of a short sale

home comes only from turning on all mechanical systems.

The power company can temporarily put power into home

in many cases for a small fee or deposit. Do not expect

the lender to reimburse this expense, but turning on the

power (and assuring it will remain on for your inspection

appointment) is usually a very simple task and one that is

important to the process.


Monthly Statistics Report St Augustine & St. Johns Co.

Compiled on September 7, 2011

Aug-11 Aug-10

Change from 08/2010 to

08/2011 YTD 2011 YTD 2010 2010 - 11 YTD

Residential

New Listings 317 420 -24.52% 2751 3409 -19.30%

Sold Listings 225 195 15.38% 1605 1432 12.08%

Vol. Sold Listings $43,837,830.00 $ 34,661,086.00 26.47% $313,995,031.00 $ 287,013,026.00 9.40%

Avg. Sell Price $ 194,834.80 $ 177,749.16 9.61% $ 195,635.53 $ 200,428.09 -2.39%

Avg. Day on Market 141 125 12.87% 155 148 4.52%

Lots and Land

New Listings 55 126 -56.34% 626 795 -21.25%

Sold Listings 18 7 157.14% 135 114 18.42%

Vol. Sold Listings $ 3,188,800.00 $ 302,950.00 952.58% $ 15,128,057.00 $ 10,522,202.00 43.77%

Avg. Sell Price $ 177,155.56 $ 43,278.57 309.33% $ 112,059.68 $ 92,300.02 21.40%

Avg. Day on Market 203 167 21.92% 210 165 26.98%

Commercial/Industrial

New Listings 9 15 -40.00% 124 98 26.53%

Sold Listings 3 1 200.00% 24 16 50.00%

Vol. Sold Listings $ 709,900.00 $ 575,000.00 23.46% $ 5,846,586.00 $ 5,143,500.00 13.66%

Avg. Sell Price $ 236,633.33 $ 575,000.00 -58.84% $ 243,607.75 $ 321,468.75 -24.22%

Avg. Day on Market 208 62 236.02% 191 202 -5.25%

Multi-Family

New Listings 6 3 100.00% 52 52 0.00%

Sold Listings 4 1 300.00% 25 16 56.25%

Vol. Sold Listings $ 1,414,900.00 $ 330,000.00 328.75% $ 5,212,800.00 $ 3,935,525.00 32.45%

Avg. Sell Price $ 353,725.00 $ 330,000.00 7.18% $ 208,512.00 $ 245,970.31 -15.22%

Avg. Day on Market 316 213 48.47% 166 155 7.08%

Total

New Listings 387 564 -31.38% 3553 5354 -33.64%

Sold Listings 250 204 22.54% 1789 1578 13.37%

Vol. Sold Listings $49,151,430.00 $ 35,869,036.00 37.03% $340,182,474.00 $ 306,614,253.00 10.94%

Avg. Sell Price $ 196,605.72 $ 175,828.61 11.81% $ 190,152.31 $ 194,305.61 -2.13%

Avg. Day on Market 149 126 17.89% 160 150 6.42%

Search Criteria

Date Start: 8/1/2011

Date End: 8/31/2011

ALL INFORMATION DEEMED RELIABLE BUT NOT GUARANTEED

S T . A U G U S T I N E & S T . J O H N S

C O U N T Y B O A R D O F R E A L T O R S ®

OCTOBER 2011 PREVIEW

3rd EDUCATION COMMITTEE 9:00AM

ANDROID USER’S GROUP 10:00AM

RPAC COMMITTEE 12:00PM

5th COMMERCIAL COMMITTEE 8:30AM

TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE 9:30AM

NEFAR CONTRACT CLASS 1:00PM

6th BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTER OF ST AUGUSTINE 8:00AM

7th iCE EXPAND YOUR MARKET 3CE 1:00PM

10th CLOSED—COLUMUS DAY—CLOSED

11th FINANCE COMMITTEE 12:00PM

12th AFFILIATE COMMITTEE 9:00AM

MLS BOARD 12:00PM

13th LISTING AGREEMENT 9:00AM

BOARD MEETING 12:00PM

17th AFFORDABLE HOUSING SOLUTIONS –WCR 1:00PM

18th MLS TRAINING 1:00PM

19th PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE 9:30PM

21st GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING—TRADE SHOW & CHILI COOK OFF 11:00AM

26th RSPS 8:30AM

26th Iphone USER’S GROUP 9:00AM

Phone: 904-829-8738

Fax: 904-823-9512

C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N

Board Office Staff

Victor J. Raymos, RCE

[email protected]

Association Executive

Professional Standards

Sharon Lainhart

[email protected]

Membership and Finance

Lise Hays

[email protected]

Education /Membership/

Newsletter/Website/ SUPRA

Carla King

[email protected]

MLS , SUPRA, Website updates

Just like the Board of REALTORS® is

your Board, this is YOUR newsletter! We

can’t do this without you!

B O A R D W E B S I T E :

S T J O H N S R E A L T O R S . C O M

1789 Lakeside Avenue

St. Augustine, FL. 32084

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION

National Association

of REALTORS—

www.realtor.org

1-800-874-6500

NAR Member

Benefits Program—

800-NAR-5233

www.REALTOR.org/RealtorBenefits

REALTOR.COM— 800-878-4166

INNOVIA (MLS) Support—

800-334-0831

FORMSimplicity— 407-587-1450

SUPRA Support—877-699-6787

FloridaRealtors–

www.floridarealtors.org

Tech Hotline—

407-587-1450

Legal Hotline—

407-438-1409

FR Event Registration—

800-669-4327

FR Orlando—407-438-1400

FR Tallahassee—850-224-1400

RPAC—850-224-1400

[email protected]


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SEPTEMBER 2011

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