Gotta toot my own horn sometimes.... I'm featured in an article on Realtor.com for my green business practices! A few months ago, Sandy Keith and I were interview by a liaison of the National Association of Realtors and the US Deparment of Energy. Super cool, right? Below is the excerpt about me and here's a link to the entire article: http://www.realtor.org/rmosales_and_marketing/articles/2009/0911_sales_greenpractitioners. Special thanks to Julie Hawkins. What a pleasure to work with you.
It's the Little Things
Christina Pitchford of Allen Real Estate Services in Sarasota, Fla., has always made resource conservation part of her business. Pitchford has a Green certification from Green Real Estate Education and makes use of technology to be more green. She does a majority of her transactions over e-mail with PDF files rather than multiple faxes. She prefers linking to disclosures and other documents rather than printing them on paper. Pitchford also cuts down on driving by working with clients over the Internet to screen out listings that don't make the cut.
"My key to success is staying true to myself," says Pitchford. "The environment has always been a concern to me, so I started articulating green features to my clients. I always ask them what green features they're interested in."
It pays off. Pitchford gets most of her referrals from green-minded clients.
"What I hear most from referrals with environmental values is that they can trust me and that I understand what they are looking for," she says. "I won't hesitate to walk into million-dollar homes that are lit up like Christmas trees and turn off all the lights. I do it so my clients can then see how well the home is lit by the sun during the day. Little things like that can make a big difference on an energy bill, especially in a large home."
Pitchford works to educate her fellow practitioners as well. She and Sandra Keith of Lighthouse Realty, also in Sarasota, are founding members of the Green REALTORS® Alliance of Sarasota, which has held two annual Green Home Expos. The expos introduced green vendors to the public and to real estate professionals. Through these events, GRAS has convinced Sarasota County's Green Business Partners to become affiliate members of the Sarasota Board of REALTORS® and to educate and network extensively within the community.
Showing posts with label achievements. Show all posts
Showing posts with label achievements. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009
BREAKING NEWS: Advanced Credit For First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit!!!
The Florida Association of Realtors rocks! Thanks for looking out for my clients' best interest!!!
2009 FLORIDA LEGISLATURE ADJOURNS
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - May 8, 2009 - Having approved a $66.5 billion state budget, the 2009 Florida Legislature adjourned minutes ago. For the Florida real estate industry, the budget includes several gems. Perhaps the shiniest: $30.1 million for downpayment assistance programs.
Beginning July 1, those who qualify for the federal first-time homebuyers tax credit will be able to apply for downpayment assistance in advance of closing, and then repay the amount borrowed when they get their tax refund.
"What an incredible opportunity for thousands of families," says Cynthia Shelton, 2009 FAR president. "The beauty of this program is that the state will be paid back and, conceivably, more potential homebuyers could take advantage prior to the Dec. 1 expiration of the $8,000 federal first time homebuyer tax credit."
The program will operate through local county housing administrators, though details are still being worked out. Keep reading FAR's EarlyBird e-news and checking the home page of floridarealtors.org for updates.
The state spending plan passed today also includes the following for real estate-related programs:
• Up to $400,000 to prevent, combat and publicize the dangers of unlicensed real estate activity in Florida.
• $540,000 to continue and complete a study to make recommendations on passive strategies on nitrogen reduction that complement the use of onsite wastewater treatment systems.
• $3 million in the Real Estate Trust Fund for the Education and Research Foundation.
• A reduction in the eviction filing fees from $265 to $180 - the only fee reduction in the 2009-10 budget and one with a negative fiscal impact of up to $36 million. Even though the session was extended to today for the purpose of budget negotiations, all non-budget legislation was finalized last Friday. Here are the highlights reported previously:
• SJR 532, a constitutional amendment that will ask voters to limit increases in property tax assessments on all non-homestead properties to 5 percent annually. First-time homebuyers could benefit, too, with an additional homestead exemption up to $100,000.
• HB 521, a bill that puts the burden of proving that a property tax assessment is correct on the appraiser, not the property owner.
• In the area of property insurance, the Legislature capped rate increases at 10 percent per year for Citizens policyholders (HB 1495). The Legislature also repealed the requirement that, effective Jan. 1, 2010, sellers of property located in a wind-borne debris region, and which has an insured value on the structure of $500,000 or more, provide prospective buyers the structure's windstorm mitigation rating.
• The growth management bill (SB 360) FAR supported passed as a big package. It includes a provision to encourage urban infill by eliminating transportation concurrency, one that allows for expedited comprehensive plan reviews, and another that eliminates the development of regional impact process (DRIs) in urban areas. The bill also extends previously obtained permits and approvals by two years, creates a transition process for moving towards a mobility fee system, and streamlines and reduces inefficiency in the state's approach to growth management.
For additional updates, please visit FAR's legislative Web site: http://www.floridarealtorslegislative.org
© 2009 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
2009 FLORIDA LEGISLATURE ADJOURNS
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - May 8, 2009 - Having approved a $66.5 billion state budget, the 2009 Florida Legislature adjourned minutes ago. For the Florida real estate industry, the budget includes several gems. Perhaps the shiniest: $30.1 million for downpayment assistance programs.
Beginning July 1, those who qualify for the federal first-time homebuyers tax credit will be able to apply for downpayment assistance in advance of closing, and then repay the amount borrowed when they get their tax refund.
"What an incredible opportunity for thousands of families," says Cynthia Shelton, 2009 FAR president. "The beauty of this program is that the state will be paid back and, conceivably, more potential homebuyers could take advantage prior to the Dec. 1 expiration of the $8,000 federal first time homebuyer tax credit."
The program will operate through local county housing administrators, though details are still being worked out. Keep reading FAR's EarlyBird e-news and checking the home page of floridarealtors.org for updates.
The state spending plan passed today also includes the following for real estate-related programs:
• Up to $400,000 to prevent, combat and publicize the dangers of unlicensed real estate activity in Florida.
• $540,000 to continue and complete a study to make recommendations on passive strategies on nitrogen reduction that complement the use of onsite wastewater treatment systems.
• $3 million in the Real Estate Trust Fund for the Education and Research Foundation.
• A reduction in the eviction filing fees from $265 to $180 - the only fee reduction in the 2009-10 budget and one with a negative fiscal impact of up to $36 million. Even though the session was extended to today for the purpose of budget negotiations, all non-budget legislation was finalized last Friday. Here are the highlights reported previously:
• SJR 532, a constitutional amendment that will ask voters to limit increases in property tax assessments on all non-homestead properties to 5 percent annually. First-time homebuyers could benefit, too, with an additional homestead exemption up to $100,000.
• HB 521, a bill that puts the burden of proving that a property tax assessment is correct on the appraiser, not the property owner.
• In the area of property insurance, the Legislature capped rate increases at 10 percent per year for Citizens policyholders (HB 1495). The Legislature also repealed the requirement that, effective Jan. 1, 2010, sellers of property located in a wind-borne debris region, and which has an insured value on the structure of $500,000 or more, provide prospective buyers the structure's windstorm mitigation rating.
• The growth management bill (SB 360) FAR supported passed as a big package. It includes a provision to encourage urban infill by eliminating transportation concurrency, one that allows for expedited comprehensive plan reviews, and another that eliminates the development of regional impact process (DRIs) in urban areas. The bill also extends previously obtained permits and approvals by two years, creates a transition process for moving towards a mobility fee system, and streamlines and reduces inefficiency in the state's approach to growth management.
For additional updates, please visit FAR's legislative Web site: http://www.floridarealtorslegislative.org
© 2009 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Florida Leads The Way To Recovery?
Florida deserves a round of applause and Sarasota too since we've been leading all other counties in the state with home sales:
Housing Predictor - which monitors over 250 residential property markets nationwide - says Florida appears to be emerging from the realty slump before any other state, including California.
The Sunshine State is seeing population growth, and single-family home and condominium sales have been on the rise for more than six months. Foreclosures and short sales presently account for approximately 67 percent of all sales and often are not included in real estate agents' tallies. Additionally, banks in many Florida housing markets are cranking out more home loans, and sellers finance almost 20 percent of all sales.
Source: First
EmailWire.com (04/21/09)
© Copyright 2009 INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD (301) 215-4688
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Florida Votes Against New Septic Tank Rules
A septic tank rule opposed by FAR was voted down yesterday by a state advisory panel. The proposed rule covers the Wekiva River area of Central Florida, but it's also a possible blueprint for new septic system rules throughout the state. If enacted as written, one area of concern to Realtors is timing: It would mandate a septic system inspection as part of every home sale; and since most septic systems would fail the seepage test, they'd have to be replaced. While the advisory panel's decision carries some weight and is applauded by FAR, the vote is not binding. The Florida Department of Health will make a final decision later.
© 2009 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
© 2009 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Economic Stabilization Bill Includes Clean Energy Tax Incentives
Update from the Department Of Energy:
President Bush signed the $700 billion Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (H.R. 1424) into law last week, which also extended and enhanced critical tax credits and financing relating to renewable energy and energy efficiency. The Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008, which was attached to H.R. 1424, provides a one-year extension of the production tax credit (PTC) for wind energy, keeping the credit in effect through 2009. The bill also provides a two-year PTC extension, through 2010, for electricity produced from geothermal, biomass, and solar energy facilities, as well as trash-to-energy facilities, small hydropower facilities using irrigation water, capacity additions to existing hydropower plants, and hydropower facilities added to existing dams. In addition, the bill creates a new PTC for electricity produced by marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy systems (also called advanced water power systems) with a rated capacity of at least 150 kilowatts and placed in service by 2011. To help on the financing end, the bill authorizes $800 million in new Clean Renewable Energy Bonds for all of the above technologies. See the White House press release: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/10/20081003-17.html.
While the PTC extensions and enhancements are good news for all major renewable energy sources, arguably the biggest winner in the tax bill is solar energy, which gained an 8-year extension (through 2016) of the 30% tax credit for residential and commercial solar installations, as well as the elimination of the $2,000 tax credit cap for residential solar electric installations. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) expects the creation of more than 440,000 jobs and the generation of at least $325 billion in private investment due to those changes, which should yield more than 28 gigawatts of solar power. The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) also sees huge potential growth in a measure that allows electric utilities to take advantage of these tax credits. In addition, small wind power gained a 30% tax credit, up to $4,000 for wind turbines with capacities of 100 kilowatts or less, which is also good through 2016. The tax credits for fuel cells and microturbines are also extended by 8 years, and the fuel cell tax credit limit is tripled, to $1,500 for each 0.5 kilowatts of capacity. The act also creates a new 10% tax credit for certain combined heat and power systems and for geothermal heat pumps (up to $2,000). In addition, the bill also provides accelerated depreciation for utilities installing smart meters and smart grid systems. See the press releases from SEIA http://seia.org/cs/news_detail?pressrelease.id=217 and SEPA http://solarelectricpower.org/docs/SEPA%20Statement%20on%20ITC.pdf.
In terms of energy efficiency and alternative fuels, the act extends and revives a number of energy efficiency tax incentives for buildings, creates new tax credits for efficient vehicles, and extends and modifies tax credits for biofuels. Specifically, it extends energy efficiency tax deductions for commercial buildings through 2013 and revives similar deductions for home improvements installed in 2009, adding a new $300 tax credit for energy-efficient biomass fuel stoves. It also extends tax credits for builders of new energy-efficient homes through 2009 and increases tax credits for manufacturers of energy-efficient appliances, while extending that credit through 2010. The act creates a new tax credit of up to $7,500 for plug-in hybrid vehicles, which are expected to go on sale in 2010, while providing tax exemptions for idle reduction technologies and advanced insulation installed in trucks. The act also extends a 30% tax credit for alternative fuel refueling facilities through 2010 and expands the credit to include electric charging stations. For biofuel producers, the act extends a 50% first-year depreciation for cellulosic biomass ethanol plants to include any plant producing biofuels from cellulosic (non-food) biomass sources. The act also extends through 2009 a PTC of $1 per gallon for biodiesel and other biomass-based diesel fuels and a credit of 10 cents per gallon for small biodiesel producers, but it cuts the PTC for renewable diesel blended with petroleum to 50 cents per gallon, while closing a loophole that allowed foreign producers to earn a U.S. tax credit. See the press releases from the ACEEE http://www.aceee.org/press/0810legislation.htm and the National Biodiesel Board http://biodiesel.org/news/08clickthrus/20081003_taxextender.shtm.
To help individuals take advantage of all the tax credits, Division C of H.R. 1424 increases the income limits for the Alternative Minimum Tax, while the energy tax provision allows unused tax credits to be carried over to the next tax year. And to help finance energy efficiency improvements, the bill authorizes $800 million in Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds, which will be issued by state and local governments. The bonds can be applied to a wide range of energy efficiency projects, research and demonstration projects, and even renewable energy projects. The bill also extends the authority to issue bonds for qualified green building and sustainable design projects through 2012. See the Division B and C of H.R. 1424, and for comparison, see Subparts A, D, and E of Part IV of Subchapter A of Chapter 1 of the existing Internal Revenue Code http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/26/usc_sup_01_26_10_A_20_1_30_A_40_IV.html (posted by the Cornell University Law School), as well as Section 168 of Part VI of Subchapter B.
To subscribe to the source newsletter, visit http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/subscribe.cfm.
President Bush signed the $700 billion Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (H.R. 1424) into law last week, which also extended and enhanced critical tax credits and financing relating to renewable energy and energy efficiency. The Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008, which was attached to H.R. 1424, provides a one-year extension of the production tax credit (PTC) for wind energy, keeping the credit in effect through 2009. The bill also provides a two-year PTC extension, through 2010, for electricity produced from geothermal, biomass, and solar energy facilities, as well as trash-to-energy facilities, small hydropower facilities using irrigation water, capacity additions to existing hydropower plants, and hydropower facilities added to existing dams. In addition, the bill creates a new PTC for electricity produced by marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy systems (also called advanced water power systems) with a rated capacity of at least 150 kilowatts and placed in service by 2011. To help on the financing end, the bill authorizes $800 million in new Clean Renewable Energy Bonds for all of the above technologies. See the White House press release: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/10/20081003-17.html.
While the PTC extensions and enhancements are good news for all major renewable energy sources, arguably the biggest winner in the tax bill is solar energy, which gained an 8-year extension (through 2016) of the 30% tax credit for residential and commercial solar installations, as well as the elimination of the $2,000 tax credit cap for residential solar electric installations. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) expects the creation of more than 440,000 jobs and the generation of at least $325 billion in private investment due to those changes, which should yield more than 28 gigawatts of solar power. The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) also sees huge potential growth in a measure that allows electric utilities to take advantage of these tax credits. In addition, small wind power gained a 30% tax credit, up to $4,000 for wind turbines with capacities of 100 kilowatts or less, which is also good through 2016. The tax credits for fuel cells and microturbines are also extended by 8 years, and the fuel cell tax credit limit is tripled, to $1,500 for each 0.5 kilowatts of capacity. The act also creates a new 10% tax credit for certain combined heat and power systems and for geothermal heat pumps (up to $2,000). In addition, the bill also provides accelerated depreciation for utilities installing smart meters and smart grid systems. See the press releases from SEIA http://seia.org/cs/news_detail?pressrelease.id=217 and SEPA http://solarelectricpower.org/docs/SEPA%20Statement%20on%20ITC.pdf.
In terms of energy efficiency and alternative fuels, the act extends and revives a number of energy efficiency tax incentives for buildings, creates new tax credits for efficient vehicles, and extends and modifies tax credits for biofuels. Specifically, it extends energy efficiency tax deductions for commercial buildings through 2013 and revives similar deductions for home improvements installed in 2009, adding a new $300 tax credit for energy-efficient biomass fuel stoves. It also extends tax credits for builders of new energy-efficient homes through 2009 and increases tax credits for manufacturers of energy-efficient appliances, while extending that credit through 2010. The act creates a new tax credit of up to $7,500 for plug-in hybrid vehicles, which are expected to go on sale in 2010, while providing tax exemptions for idle reduction technologies and advanced insulation installed in trucks. The act also extends a 30% tax credit for alternative fuel refueling facilities through 2010 and expands the credit to include electric charging stations. For biofuel producers, the act extends a 50% first-year depreciation for cellulosic biomass ethanol plants to include any plant producing biofuels from cellulosic (non-food) biomass sources. The act also extends through 2009 a PTC of $1 per gallon for biodiesel and other biomass-based diesel fuels and a credit of 10 cents per gallon for small biodiesel producers, but it cuts the PTC for renewable diesel blended with petroleum to 50 cents per gallon, while closing a loophole that allowed foreign producers to earn a U.S. tax credit. See the press releases from the ACEEE http://www.aceee.org/press/0810legislation.htm and the National Biodiesel Board http://biodiesel.org/news/08clickthrus/20081003_taxextender.shtm.
To help individuals take advantage of all the tax credits, Division C of H.R. 1424 increases the income limits for the Alternative Minimum Tax, while the energy tax provision allows unused tax credits to be carried over to the next tax year. And to help finance energy efficiency improvements, the bill authorizes $800 million in Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds, which will be issued by state and local governments. The bonds can be applied to a wide range of energy efficiency projects, research and demonstration projects, and even renewable energy projects. The bill also extends the authority to issue bonds for qualified green building and sustainable design projects through 2012. See the Division B and C of H.R. 1424, and for comparison, see Subparts A, D, and E of Part IV of Subchapter A of Chapter 1 of the existing Internal Revenue Code http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/26/usc_sup_01_26_10_A_20_1_30_A_40_IV.html (posted by the Cornell University Law School), as well as Section 168 of Part VI of Subchapter B.
To subscribe to the source newsletter, visit http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/subscribe.cfm.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Bragging Rights!
At the Florida Association of Realtor's Convention last weekend, I won a super big award for my contribution to the local and state assocations and the community of Sarasota!
Here's what FAR had to say:
Newcomer Award
Winning FAR’s Newcomer Award for 2008 is Christina Pitchford Perez, a member of the Sarasota Association of Realtors. The Newcomer Award recognizes an outstanding individual who entered the Realtor profession within the past three years, and, during that time, made notable contributions to the local and state associations, as well as to his or her community.
Pitchford Perez is a founding member and the 2008 vice chair of the Sarasota Young Realtors group, established by her local association in 2007 to identify and foster future leaders. She also is a founding member of the Green Realtors Alliance of Sarasota, which created and hosted a successful trade expo this year to introduce green and sustainable real estate related products to Realtors, clients and potential clients in the community.
Pitchford Perez helped plan a trade mission to the United Kingdom last year with the association’s International Committee, worked with the Mid-Florida Regional MLS Review Team, and assisted many of the local association’s committees behind-the-scenes. She volunteers for numerous community groups as well, including the Children’s Miracle Network, the PTA, United Cerebral Palsy, the local public library system, Mote Marine Laboratory and Sarasota’s Empty Bowl Project.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Jungle Gardens Saved & New Venice Park
The rescued animals and tropical plants at Sarasota's Jungle Gardens will have a safe home, and Venice a new park, after state money was approved Thursday for both local conservation projects.
The Sarasota Conservation Foundation secured $6.7 million to buy a conservation easement for the 10-acre Jungle Gardens site, ensuring that the 68-year-old attraction will remain a zoological and botanical garden.
The city of Venice will receive $3.7 million for a new 10-acre waterfront park near the historic Venice Train Depot site.
The two projects had to qualify as natural, cultural, historic or recreational "jewels" to receive Florida Communities Trust grants, funded through the $300 million annual Florida Forever program that state legislators reauthorized this year.
Both projects made the cut despite fierce competition. The state had $73 million to dole out and applications for $263 million in grants from 84 communities. In the end, 18 projects received funding for 2008. "They had to be pretty special," said Doug Hattaway, who helps communities secure grants as the senior project manager for the Trust for Public Lands conservation group.
Sarasota County, he added, "was well represented."
Albert Joerger, president of the Conservation Foundation, said Sarasota County community leaders traveled to Tallahassee to make the case for Jungle Gardens as a historic treasure.
"This is a great day for Sarasota," Joerger said. "Jungle Gardens is exemplary of old Florida. They're not making any more of these."
According to Jungle Gardens' Web site, it is one of the oldest continuously operated attractions in the state, and dates back to 1940 when tourists arrived by car and roadside attractions were popular.
Joerger said a private donor has agreed to contribute part of the required local matching funds to purchase the easement from a family trust. But Joerger is still looking for private and possibly public financial support for the roughly $9 million purchase.
By Zac Anderson
Published: Friday, September 5, 2008 at 1:00 a.m. Last Modified: Friday, September 5, 2008 at 1:20 a.m.
The Sarasota Conservation Foundation secured $6.7 million to buy a conservation easement for the 10-acre Jungle Gardens site, ensuring that the 68-year-old attraction will remain a zoological and botanical garden.
The city of Venice will receive $3.7 million for a new 10-acre waterfront park near the historic Venice Train Depot site.
The two projects had to qualify as natural, cultural, historic or recreational "jewels" to receive Florida Communities Trust grants, funded through the $300 million annual Florida Forever program that state legislators reauthorized this year.
Both projects made the cut despite fierce competition. The state had $73 million to dole out and applications for $263 million in grants from 84 communities. In the end, 18 projects received funding for 2008. "They had to be pretty special," said Doug Hattaway, who helps communities secure grants as the senior project manager for the Trust for Public Lands conservation group.
Sarasota County, he added, "was well represented."
Albert Joerger, president of the Conservation Foundation, said Sarasota County community leaders traveled to Tallahassee to make the case for Jungle Gardens as a historic treasure.
"This is a great day for Sarasota," Joerger said. "Jungle Gardens is exemplary of old Florida. They're not making any more of these."
According to Jungle Gardens' Web site, it is one of the oldest continuously operated attractions in the state, and dates back to 1940 when tourists arrived by car and roadside attractions were popular.
Joerger said a private donor has agreed to contribute part of the required local matching funds to purchase the easement from a family trust. But Joerger is still looking for private and possibly public financial support for the roughly $9 million purchase.
By Zac Anderson
Published: Friday, September 5, 2008 at 1:00 a.m. Last Modified: Friday, September 5, 2008 at 1:20 a.m.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Florida's Home Sales Increases For First Time In 2 Years!
So the increase is only six more homes last month compared to July 1007 but every little bit counts, right?
For the full story: http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/n1-082508.cfm.
For the full story: http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/n1-082508.cfm.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Sarasota City Hall Landscape Honored As Florida Friendly Yard
To see firsthand what a quintessential Florida Friendly Yard looks like, take a peek at City Hall, 1565 First Street. The City of Sarasota was notified yesterday its City Hall landscape achieved the highest recognition level for Florida Friendly Yards. The recognition was awarded by environmental experts at the University of Florida extension office in Sarasota County.
The City achieved the “Golden Oak” recognition level, the highest of three levels, by assuring the landscape protects our natural resources. The landscape demonstrates to the public that serious environmental issues, such as storm water runoff, water shortages, and disappearing wildlife habitats, can be addressed without sacrificing attractive landscaping. “We wanted to showcase the plantings at City Hall as an educational tool because it is a public space that receives many visitors,” said Michele Mician, Neighborhood Coordinator who oversees green initiatives for the City of Sarasota. Some of the techniques used at City Hall include:
• Planting more native species
• Recycling grass clippings
• Collecting rainwater and using it to water plants
• Using drip irrigation
• Avoiding fertilizers and pesticides
• Positioning trees and shrubs to improve the building’s cooling capacity
• Planting low maintenance plants
• Providing cover for wildlife
• Purchasing plant materials from local native plant stores
• Positioning plants according to the principals of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED)
Moving forward with green initiatives is one of the City Commission’s top five critical priorities. In October 2007, the Environmental Management Task Force, comprised of City employees, was created to oversee sustainability issues within City government. “The landscape department includes a master gardener whose expertise helped make the garden bed at City Hall Florida friendly,” said Neil Gaines, a Public Works employee who is a member of the EMTF.
In addition to the Florida Friendly Yard, visitors to City Hall can also see a set of rain barrels, which capture rainwater. Ultimately, that water is used to irrigate plants and flowers at City Hall through a drip system.
In addition to the Florida Friendly Yard, visitors to City Hall can also see a set of rain barrels, which capture rainwater. Ultimately, that water is used to irrigate plants and flowers at City Hall through a drip system.
For more information about green initiatives visit yourgreencity.sarasotagov.com.
For more information, please contact:Jan Thornburg, Public Information Officer (941) 954-2613
Source: City Hall Press Release 8/7/8
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Updates To Public Policy
The Sarasota Association of Realtors has updated our public policy. According to Marc Mansfield, our Governmental Affairs Director, we have "retained the overall philosophy" and "tweaked language" with regards to smart growth and sustainability in addition to other core policies we support.
To read the SAR's Public Policy, click here: http://www.sarasotarealtors.com/files/pdfdocuments/RevisedPolicyPositions0808062734453.pdf.
To read the SAR's Public Policy, click here: http://www.sarasotarealtors.com/files/pdfdocuments/RevisedPolicyPositions0808062734453.pdf.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Green Features on New MLS!
The Sarasota Association of Realtors' Green Realtor Alliance of Sarasota committee was amazingly able to have 4 green feature options added to our new Mid-Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service system's listing form. This makes us one of a small handful of Realtor associations and multiple listing services in the country to offer green features (1) as a way to distinguish your home for sale and (2) as an option to look for in your home. Go Sarasota!
Check out our new listing form: http://www.mfrmls.com/uploads/MFRMLSresidential.pdf. The green features can be found on the bottom left corner of the first page. My contribution is the last option which I felt was important since a lot of homes have some green elements (energy efficient appliances, window upgrades, skylights, low impact yards that may not yet be Florida Certified, etc), especially considering that every little bit helps!
Thanks for all the hard work, GRAS!
Check out our new listing form: http://www.mfrmls.com/uploads/MFRMLSresidential.pdf. The green features can be found on the bottom left corner of the first page. My contribution is the last option which I felt was important since a lot of homes have some green elements (energy efficient appliances, window upgrades, skylights, low impact yards that may not yet be Florida Certified, etc), especially considering that every little bit helps!
Thanks for all the hard work, GRAS!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
National Homeownership Month
"This year commemorates the 40th Anniversary of the historic 1968 Fair Housing Act. On April 11, 1968 President Lyndon Johnson urged congress to approve the Fair Housing Act just one week following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as a tribute to Dr. King's legacy and commitment to civil rights. One of the Act's central objectives was to prevent discrimination based on race in the sales or rental of housing. This historic Act has since empowered people from all races and ethnicities to pursue the dream of equal access to housing.
"In 2002 President George W. Bush enhanced our nation's commitment to equal housing opportunities for all by designating June as National Homeownership Month, with the goal of increasing minority homeownership in America by 5.5 million by the end of the decade," National Association of Realtors.
Just wanted to share. :)
Monday, July 23, 2007
Board of Directors!?!?!
Yours truly was nominated to serve on the Board of Directors for the Sarasota Association of Realtors!
I'll find out on September 21st if I'm voted in by all the members.
What an honor just to be considered! Thanks to everyone who helped along the way!
Here's a link to the announcement: http://www.sarasotarealtors.com/about/hottopic.cfm?eveID=9.
I'll find out on September 21st if I'm voted in by all the members.
What an honor just to be considered! Thanks to everyone who helped along the way!
Here's a link to the announcement: http://www.sarasotarealtors.com/about/hottopic.cfm?eveID=9.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Local REALTOR e-PRO® Agent Utilizing Technology
March 14, 2007 – Christina Pitchford Perez of RE/MAX Gulfstream Realty has successfully completed the REALTOR e-PRO course to become one of a select few real estate professionals to earn the prestigious certification offered through the National Association of REALTORS.®
As more and more consumers begin their search for real estate-related information on the Internet, it is critical that real estate professionals are well educated in the use of technology to the benefit of both the consumer and the agent and/or broker.
Realizing the importance of technology training, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) now offers its members the e-PRO certification course -- the only technology certification program offered by NAR. The program is designed to prepare real estate professionals to make the most of Internet technology and to identify, evaluate, and implement new Internet business models. The elite group of course graduates represents only one percent of all REALTORS in the country including Christina Pitchford Perez of RE/MAX Gulfstream Realty.
“The real estate industry has undergone a fundamental change over the past five years,” Christina Pitchford Perez said. “Today, more than 70% of all buyers and sellers begin their search online. As an e-PRO certified agent, I have knowledge and tools needed to provide my clients with the information they need and the customer service they demand. It’s both hi-tech and hi-touch.”
The REALTOR e-PRO certification course is an educational program unlike any other professional certification or designation course available, comprehensive and interactive. It is specifically designed to provide real estate professionals with the technology tools needed to assist consumers in the purchase or sale of a home.
The exclusive REALTOR e-PRO certification course is presented entirely online and certifies real estate agents and brokers as Internet professionals. The course is designed to help REALTORSÒ stay at the leading edge of technology and identify, evaluate and implement new Internet business models.
Once completed, the e-PRO certified real estate professional joins the ranks of a special community of highly skilled and continuously trained professionals who provide high quality and innovative online-based real estate services. Consumers can identify the e-PRO through the exclusive e-PRO Internet Professional logo.
Both the content and the delivery platform were created by San Diego-based technology company InternetCrusade®. Graduates use the skills they've acquired to provide clients information on properties for sale, local communities, and the local real estate market.
For more information, e-mail Christina Pitchford Perez at Christina@YourHometownConsultant.com or call (941) 350-4411.
As more and more consumers begin their search for real estate-related information on the Internet, it is critical that real estate professionals are well educated in the use of technology to the benefit of both the consumer and the agent and/or broker.
Realizing the importance of technology training, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) now offers its members the e-PRO certification course -- the only technology certification program offered by NAR. The program is designed to prepare real estate professionals to make the most of Internet technology and to identify, evaluate, and implement new Internet business models. The elite group of course graduates represents only one percent of all REALTORS in the country including Christina Pitchford Perez of RE/MAX Gulfstream Realty.
“The real estate industry has undergone a fundamental change over the past five years,” Christina Pitchford Perez said. “Today, more than 70% of all buyers and sellers begin their search online. As an e-PRO certified agent, I have knowledge and tools needed to provide my clients with the information they need and the customer service they demand. It’s both hi-tech and hi-touch.”
The REALTOR e-PRO certification course is an educational program unlike any other professional certification or designation course available, comprehensive and interactive. It is specifically designed to provide real estate professionals with the technology tools needed to assist consumers in the purchase or sale of a home.
The exclusive REALTOR e-PRO certification course is presented entirely online and certifies real estate agents and brokers as Internet professionals. The course is designed to help REALTORSÒ stay at the leading edge of technology and identify, evaluate and implement new Internet business models.
Once completed, the e-PRO certified real estate professional joins the ranks of a special community of highly skilled and continuously trained professionals who provide high quality and innovative online-based real estate services. Consumers can identify the e-PRO through the exclusive e-PRO Internet Professional logo.
Both the content and the delivery platform were created by San Diego-based technology company InternetCrusade®. Graduates use the skills they've acquired to provide clients information on properties for sale, local communities, and the local real estate market.
For more information, e-mail Christina Pitchford Perez at Christina@YourHometownConsultant.com or call (941) 350-4411.
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