Notes from Realtors luncheon
By LYNDA KINSEY
Staff
Lots of chatter filled the Seineyard restaurant as Realtors gathered for their monthly meeting until one of the speakers is introduced by Susan Jones, current president of the Wakulla Chapter. Justin Givens of the law firm Anderson Givens & Fredericks gave a short introduction about the company and how he and Jeremy Anderson partnered back in 2010. He invited Realtors to reach out to him to talk over coffee, cocktails, or lunch for the opportunity to get to know each other better.
Next speakers were Ashley Roland-Yost and Brandon Geiger from Wakulla County Planning department, who came to spread the word about the opportunity Wakulla has for reduced rates in the National Flood Insurance Program. According to Brandon Geiger 15% to 20% can be saved on flood insurance through this program. Wakulla earns points by having Realtors display the program’s flyers and brochures in their lobby and listing property flood zones in their posts on MLS listings.
Jeremy Anderson, partner in Anderson, Givens & Fredericks then addresses the group to provide updated information about HOAs. He urges Realtors to be familiar with a property’s HOA when selling. He said to get copies of the HOA to become familiar with the restrictions: “Can commercial vehicles be parked in the driveways? Can a business be run out of the home?”
“An association can actually place liens on your property for non-paid association fees and foreclose on you,” Anderson said.
Another interesting pointer he gave was that development restrictions may also be recovered after an HOA has dissolved within 30 years and can be enforced. Neighbors can sue over restrictions and an HOA can be revived with the Department of Commerce.
Announcements were made by Mary Wallace – The Wakulla Chamber Business Excellence will be held Thursday, Nov. 21. She also encouraged people to enter the Gingerbread House Contest held at Capital City Bank by Capital City Home Mortgage. Money raised will go to operation Santa to help a family.
Susan Jones announced that two positions for officers are still open for next year: president-elect and affiliate. Nominations are open for the positions.
The Wakulla Chapter of the Tallahassee board of Realtors meet the First Thursday of each month. A special meeting is held in December.
Lynda Kinsey is the sales and marketing representative for The Wakulla Sun.
