HCAR Monthly Newsletter

January 2024

President's Message

Dear HCAR members!

We blinked and 2024 is here!

As your new 2024 President, thank you for allowing me the honor to serve YOU our members, and our association in this role. Hand in hand, with a committed and eager leadership team, dedicated committee members and chairs, and of course our outstanding HCAR staff.

Looking back on all we accomplished this last year; I would like to take a moment to congratulate our 2023 award recipients: REALTOR® of the Year- Pat Richard; Hometown Hero- Linda Tacy; and Business Partner of the Year- Jim Feeney. Your contributions to our association and our community are unwavering and I thank you for your dedication.

Most of us, in the start of the New Year, reflect back on the previous year. We set new goals and opportunities for the coming year, which this brings me to my theme for 2024:

Be The Change You Want To See

You may notice, it aligns with Tracy Kasper’s – Ignite Others; Christine Hansen’s - Elevate Our Industry; and Gia Arvin’s - Homegrown. The common thread, is to be the best we can, showcase our industry, to spotlight our VALUE and our DRIVE to have Home Ownership for All. As individuals, we know who we are and what we do. The public, especially now more than ever, does not always recognize our engagement and involvement within our communities. We are the heart of the community, That is WHO WE ARE! Let’s show them the importance of working with a REALTOR®.

For those who were not able to attend installation, I have officially charged both our Board of Directors and our Board of Managers to all obtain their C2EX Endorsements this year. I also welcome each one of you to do the same. What is C2EX, you may ask? I am glad you did. This is a REALTOR®'s commitment to excellence, ethics, advocacy, technology, data privacy, and customer service, above all. Through my years, my parents have taught me anything can be accomplished through drive, integrity and the ability to helping others tap into their latent potential. You will get all you want in life, if you help other people get what they want. Please click here for more info on the C2EX Endorsement.

The Hernando County Association of REALTORS® is a member organization - YOU are the most important part of our association. With the constant support of our phenomenal staff, our association is run by its members. We depend on your continued active involvement by volunteering your time, talents and ideas.

If you would like to engage more with our association, please contact our staff for ways and opportunities - click here to volunteer for a committee! Please consider participating in our upcoming Leadership Development Program. This is a great way to learn not only about our association, but also Florida REALTORS®, NAR, and many other topics that will be beneficial in your business. Learn more by registering here for the Leadership Development Overview session scheduled for January 5th at 9:30 a.m. at the association.

I am also keeping with 2023 President, Silvia Dukes’ theme of REACH (Respect, Engage, Adapt, Commit and Honor). Again in 2024, each month we will be recognizing members who are involved in the community and the organizations where they volunteer.

For January, I would like to recognize Molly Blair and her work with the Humane Society of the Nature Coast and Brian Brijbag with The Brijbag Family Foundation.

Founded in 1964, the Humane Society of the Nature Coast, Inc is a private, no time limit, 501c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue and health of orphaned, surrendered, and abandoned pets. All pets who reside at the shelter or in a HSNC-approved foster home are spayed or neutered, have age-appropriate vaccines, and receive parasite prevention. They work every day to find alternatives to save lives and find forever homes for homeless pets. They are proud to serve the people and animals of the Nature Coast, which includes Hernando, Pasco, and Citrus counties, with a variety of programs and services. Learn more about helping with the Humane Society of the Nature Coast by clicking here.

Brian Brijbag and his life’s work with The Brijbag Family Foundation. Brian Brijbag avidly supports his community by sponsoring many local events and serving on several committees. He and his wife, Stephanie, founded the Brijbag Family Foundation, a 501c(3) non-profit, to raise funds to build sensory rooms for students in Hernando County schools. Stephanie is a board-certified behavior analyst who works with children with disabilities in the school system. Brian has five children including Rachel, a young woman on the autism spectrum. “My heart broke when she was teased at school or struggled with homework,” said Brian. “Like most parents I wondered how my kids would succeed as adults. But with Rachel I had concerns about her future, and I knew I needed to plan to help her into adulthood.” Brian and Stephanie Brijbag, and the Brijbag Family Foundation made a donation to the Hernando County Education Foundation to establish “Rachel’s Room” in schools in Hernando County. This donation was matched through several means with the Hernando County Education Foundation including, but not limited to, the school district education foundation matching grant program, Suncoast Credit Union, and the Hernando County Education Foundation. Click here to learn more about The Brijbag Family Foundation.

I am so excited for the coming year. So, let’s work together as an association and make that commitment to ourselves, and our customers to show how much we care, The REALTOR® Heart!

Join me in 2024 in Elevating Our Industry, while Igniting Others, to Be the Change You Want to See, and remaining Homegrown.

#elevateourindustry

#igniteothers

#bethechangeyouwanttosee

#homegrown

Wishing you and your families all the best for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Sincerely,

2024 President

Leadership Development Program Overview

January 5, 2024 - 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Have you been thinking about getting more involved with the Association? Have someone in your office who goes above & beyond to make a difference? Are they Leadership material?

We encourage all interested members to attend this session! This session will explain the Leadership Development Program and how it will increase your chance to build/expand your network, grow your professional business, contribute to the success of your community as well as learn more about the REALTOR® Association. During this session, participants who are interested can enroll for the 2024 Leadership Development Program and pay during this session. Enrolled Leadership Development Program participants are expected to attend ALL scheduled program sessions to graduate! Register here for the overview. If you already know that you want to enroll in the Leadership Development Program, submit your application here.

Honor Society Annually Recognizes Standout REALTORS®

Have you submitted your 2023 HCAR and/or Florida REALTORS® Honor Society application(s) yet? The deadline is February 2nd!

To submit your digital application for the 2023 HCAR Honor Society, click here!

Click here for the Florida REALTORS® 2023 Honor Society Application.

Note: Florida REALTORS® Honor Society Application will need to be emailed to info@HernandoRealtors.com.

REACH Program Continues

Respect – Engage – Adapt – Commit – Honor

We know that REALTORS® are deeply involved in our community by continuously and consistently reaching out to our community in many ways. You know who you are and what you do, so please share with us so that we can spotlight you and the organization that you are involved with by volunteering!

By continuing this program, we are hopeful to change the public perception of REALTORS® who help make the community a better place to call home. There are many charitable causes supported by our REALTORS® that are near and dear to their hearts.

We want to know which organizations you, or another member you know, are supporting and are involved with. Click here to submit information so that we know who you are and how much you care about our community!

New Member Benefit Offers Instant Background Checks

Use Forewarn on your phone or desktop to learn the background of the person calling you — and ensure your safety. Available January 3, 2024 to Florida REALTORS® Members! Learn more here.

NEWS BRIEFS

Top AI Strategies for Real Estate Agents in 2024

Artificial Intelligence has a multitude of uses in real estate, including customer insight, lead generation and property appraisals. Read more here.

American Consumer Confidence Increased Again

The consumer confidence index exceeded analysts’ expectations and rose to its highest level since July. Read more here.

New Witness Rule for Many Real Estate Docs Starts January 1

To fight property fraud, Florida law will require witnesses for deeds and “recording instruments affecting real property” to include their full name and mailing address. Read more here.

The FTC is Sniffing Out Fake Testimonials Online

The Federal Trade Commission can fine companies up to $50,000 per violation for fake online reviews. Read more here.

Deadlines Loom for Some Florida Foreign Landowners

The law that applies to some foreign principals who own/acquire certain Florida properties has registration deadlines. Buyers should speak to counsel about legal obligations. Read more here.

TAKE 5 VIDEO

Relationship-Building Skills Every REALTOR^®Needs

Successful relationships between REALTORS® and clients aren't just built on communication style and personality. Experience and expertise are needed to build trust. View video here.