A Focus on Defeating Amendment 4

Many efforts are already being launched Statewide regarding pushing to defeat Amendment 4 which will be on the upcoming November 2010 Ballot. The Florida Realtors RPAC (Realtor Political Action Committee) Trustees have solicited the support of local Realtor Associations to earmark 16% of local RPAC funds specifically to fight Amendment 4. The OSCAR BOD has voted in favor of this effort. In conjunction with many other efforts, Public Policy Chair, Tim Weisheyer, will be making a presentation on Amendment 4 to help our OSCAR Realtors understand this important issue better. I have also written an article on Amendment 4 which is going to be published on the April issue of our magazine. I encourage all members to attend this Amendment 4 presentation on Tuesday, April 13th, at 8:30 a.m. during the MLS Marketing meeting at the OSCAR Main Room. Please plan to stay after the meeting to attend the General Membership Meeting at 9:30 a.m.

OSCAR Visits Florida House Representatives and Senators

A group of about 15 OSCAR Realtors just returned from a very successful trip to Tallahassee for the Great American Realtor Days. Key Contact Daisy Cid (Rep. Darren Soto) and Key Contact Cheryl Grieb (Rep. Mike Horner) together with Public Policy Chair, Tim Weisheyer, led us as we talked to our elected officials regarding support for key legislative issues that are important to Florida Realtors. OSCAR was one of the many Realtor Associations that showed up in numbers to lobby for these important real estate related issues that are focused on revitalizing Florida’s economy and strengthening the local real estate market. We also had an opportunity to join other Realtor Associations who were Key Contacts for Senator Mike Haridopolis and Senator Paula Dockery as well as Representative Stephen Precourt.

Many other associations were impressed by OSCAR numbers who attended GARD considering the smaller size of our organization. The highlight of the trip was when both Rep. Darren Soto and Rep. Mike Horner (from our districts) stopped by our dinner table to spend some quality time with OSCAR. We thank our public officials for their commitment to our community and their support of OSCAR.

OSCAR BOD Votes to Upgrade Technology Infrastructure

As a much needed capital improvement, the BOD recently passed a resolution to upgrade OSCAR technology hardware and software. This came as a recommendation from Technology Chair, Kemp Howland, whose committee worked tirelessly with our AE, Carol Platt, and staff. A study of the immediate and long term technology needs was made which resulted in a stage by stage hardware and software improvement plan. We are grateful to the Technology Committee for their contribution in making OSCAR move towards a more technologically advanced organization thus resulting in improved current and future member services.

OSCAR Presents Real Estate Market Trends To The St. Cloud Chamber

This morning, April 9th, Director David DeLoach made a presentation of real estate market trends on behalf of OSCAR at the St. Cloud Chamber Economic Strategy Summit. This was by invitation of Chamber President, David Lane. St. Cloud Mayor Donna Hart led the meeting and the small group of 12 included local banks, businesses and the St. Cloud Economic Development. I was in attendance at this meeting as OSCAR President and the forum brought about many great ideas for reaching out to the local community regarding information on key economic issues that affect us nationally and locally. Mayor Hart has invited OSCAR to actively participate in the coming local community outreach events. We are very grateful to the St. Cloud Chamber for the opportunity to be a part of the conversation and OSCAR is proud to be the local voice of real estate. Our many thanks to Director David DeLoach for his service to the community and to OSCAR!

General Membership Meeting Called

A general membership meeting has been called to vote on the adoption of the changes to our current OSCAR By-Laws. These changes have already been approved by NAR, FR, Board Attorney Daniel Villazon, and the OSCAR BOD. As the final step, the changes need to be ratified by our general members per our current By-Laws. Please make an effort to attend this meeting on Tuesday, April 13th, at 9:30 a.m. at the OSCAR Main Room. Your Leadership Team will also be presenting the First Quarter of 2010 Strategic Plan Progress Report at this meeting.

FREE Welcome Reception for AE

A Welcome reception for our new AE, Carol Platt, has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 30, 2010 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Kissimmee Steak House. This is a FREE event for all members. Affiliate members are most welcome. This will give you an opportunity to meet Carol in person. OSCAR Leadership and Staff will also be in attendance. Cocktails and Hors d'œuvres will be provided.

An official announcement with event details will be made shortly. I look forward to seeing you there!

Statewide OPEN HOUSE April 10-11

According to Florida REALTORS®, “Picture this: On April 10 & 11, 2010, more than 35,000 blue balloons featuring the REALTOR® logo will be flying above mailboxes at open houses from the Panhandle to Key West. It’s all part of the first-ever statewide open house weekend! But Florida Realtors aren’t the only ones showcasing properties during that weekend. State and local associations across the country have also designated April 10 & 11 as Open House Weekend. From coast to coast, the signature blue balloons will showcase thousands of open houses. It’s a buyer’s dream! The timing couldn’t be better for buyers. Interest rates are low. There’s a supply of homes at all price points. And the Florida Open House Weekend is two weeks before the April 30 deadline for the homebuyer tax credit. Take time now to prime move-up and first-time buyers to go to contract that weekend. Your state association will provide balloons FREE OF CHARGE to local boards/associations for distribution to brokers.”

I urge all our members to participate in this state-wide effort. OSCAR is gearing up to promote this event through local media. Let’s take an active part as a member of the REALTOR® family in reviving the local real estate market!