Golden Dog Title & Trust - Your Reliable Closing Companion!

RESPA Reminder: What You Don't Know Can Cost You

RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act) is one of the most important — and often misunderstood — laws in our industry.

At its core, it’s simple:

You cannot give or receive anything of value in exchange for referrals.

That includes:

Paid marketing - just listed, just sold cards,
Open house sponsorships
Event tickets or gifts
Free advertising or “exposure” to include Social Media

Even well-intentioned partnerships can cross the line if they’re tied to business.

💡 Quick Test 💡

Would I still receive this if I sent zero business? If not, it could be a RESPA violation.

Why It Matters

Violations can result in:

Fines up to $10,000 per occurrence
Up to 1 year in prison
License and brokerage risk

Not worth it — especially when it’s preventable.

Let’s Keep It Simple (and Safe!)

RESPA isn’t about limiting relationships — it’s about keeping them ethical and transparent so you can serve your clients with confidence.

Need a Refresher for Your Office?

I offer quick, practical RESPA trainings with real-world Florida examples your agents will actually remember.

Let’s schedule a lunch & learn — I’d love to support your team!

Other Classes We Offer:

Contract to Close

Protecting Yourself and Your Business

Farming

New Agent Class

FIRPTA

Schedule A Lunch & Learn

AI Ready: From Overwhelmed to Operational

Ready to feel less busy and more in control of your business? Join us for a hands-on AI workshop designed specifically for REALTORS®—where you’ll learn how to simplify your day, improve follow-up, and create more time for your clients using tools you already have.

To make implementation easy, we’re breaking this into smaller, focused sessions so you can apply what you learn right away. Join us at the West Volusia Association of REALTORS on April 7, 21, and 28, with approximately 1 hour of instruction and 30 minutes of Q&A each session to support you every step of the way.

Cost: $20 for all three sessions to include continental breakfast

March In Pictures

Commercial Corner -

Commercial Marketplace - Commercial Deal Making

Session partnered FLCCIM, CFCAR and ORRA's Commercial Council

April 10 held at the Orlando Regional REALTOR Association - All are welcome! 9:00am to 10:30am

Central Florida Commercial Association of REALTORS (CFCAR) - CFCAR.net

April 1 - Commercial Wine Down Wednesday - No registration needed

April 2 - Session 1 - Strategic Commercial Real Estate Planning - Register

CFCAR Hallmark Awards June 3, 2026

🏆 Open Call for Nominations For Hallmark Awards

We proudly invite the commercial real estate community to submit nominations honoring the professionals, achievements, and transactions that represent the highest standards of excellence in our industry.

Submit General Award Nominations:

LINK: 2026 CFCAR Hallmark Awards Nomination Form

📊 Production Awards — Application Details

Production Award submissions require a formal application.

• Applications must be submitted through the official CFCAR JotForm

• A $125 + $25 processing fee will be required once you submit your jotform.

LINK: 2026 CFCAR Hallmark PRODUCTION Awards Nomination Form

Nomination Deadline:

Friday April 17th, 2026, at 11:59 PM

(Submissions may still be accepted after the deadline as space permits.)

🏅 Award Categories Include:

• CFCAR Legacy Award

• Innovation Award

• Deal of the Year Award

• Developing Leader Award

• Production Awards

Orlando Regional REALTOR Associations Commercial Council -

OrlandoRealtors.org

Florida Chapter of CCIM Central District - flccim.com

April 9 & 10 - Foundations for Success in CRE - More Information

April 13 - CI101: Financial Analysis for Commercial Investment Real Estate - Jacksonville - More Information

Save The Date - April

April 2 - West Volusia Association of REALTORS General Membership Meeting - Register

April 8 - Women's Council of REALTORS Volusia Area Wine Down Wednesday - Register

April 9 - Orlando Regional REALTOR Associations Affiliate Mixer

April 10 - Women's Council of REALTORS Orlando Volusia Barnyard Boogie - Register

April 11 - West Volusia Association of REALTORS Foundation Poker Run - Register

April 14 - Women's Council of REALTORS Orlando Event at Beazer Homes Lake Jessup - Register

April 17 - Orlando Regional REALTOR Associations State of Real Estate Orange County - Register

April 17 - Women's Council of REALTORS Volusia Area Luncheon - Share Your Message and Speak with Confidence - Register

April 28 - EXIT Realty Global PSA "Pricing Strategy Advisor" Designation Class - Register

April 30 - West Volusia Association of REALTORS Member Appreciation - Register

April 30 - Women's Council of REALTORS Safety Class with Chris Rich - TBD

April 30 - Orlando Regional REALTOR Associations Global Meeting - Doing business with Canada & United Kingdom - Register

If you have events you would like for us to add to our "Save The Date" section, please contact Mary Mula to have them added. 407.927.5204

Did You Know?

Did you know that you can create Seller Net Sheets and Buyer Estimates on our website. You can personalize them with your picture and your contact information. You can add lender fees and seller concessions. You can print them or email them directly to your customer. Just go to our website, click the get a quote button and then create an account. You will love how easy it is! In a hurry and need it fast? Text me with the specific information and I will create it for you.