Paid Real Estate Job: Department of Business and Professional Regulation

 The point of the real estate class that I teach is to link you with practical information and empower you to obtain real estate related jobs.  See the paid job below offered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Regulation.  If you are interested, follow the instructions on how to apply.  This is an important job and a good way to get your foot in the door.  One of our most interesting Guest Lecturers,  Brian Piper, the Investigative Manager for South Florida for the Department of Business and Professional Regulation is offering the position.

https://peoplefirst.myflorida.com

OPS Investigation Specialist I

POS#:  79900594

Hiring Salary:  $14.00 per hour

The hiring salary of this position is anticipated to be $14.00 per hour with no benefits provided. 

DESCRIPTION: 

The work of this position is to investigate complaints of alleged violations of Florida Statutes and Commission and Board Rules involving the Real Estate professions under the jurisdiction of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Incumbent investigates complaints of alleged violations of Florida Statutes (Chapters 455 and 475), Florida Administrative Code (61J1 and 61J2) and the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) involving the real estate professionals under the jurisdiction of the Division of Real Estate. Interviews complainants, subjects, and appropriate witnesses. Reviews court records and other essential documents, collects corroborative evidence, conducts inspections, prepares and serves subpoenas and administrative complaints, prepares and serves notices to cease and desist, notices of noncompliance, and citations. Prepares comprehensive reports of final and supplemental investigations.

Maintains a working relationship with other governmental agencies and other divisions within the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.  Attends probable cause and administrative hearings as required. Builds and maintains collaborative networks with local authorities and professional organizations. Refers cases to appropriate external partners as directed.

May be required to testify at criminal, civil and administrative hearings and depositions.

REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to prioritize work to meet deadlines and have the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Must be computer literate in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.  Within one year of employment the incumbent must be proficient working with the agency's licensing database and document management system.

This position requires a security background check.

Note:  You may be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) and date of birth in order to conduct this background check.

Applicants are required to apply through the People First system by the closing date, by either applying online or faxing a completed application to the People First Service Center to 1-888-403-2110.  All required documentation must be received by the closing date of the advertisement.  If you have any questions regarding your application, you may call 1-877-562-7287.

** All responses provided to the qualifying questions for this vacancy advertisement must be verifiable on your State of Florida, Employment Application. **

Applicant Note:   If you are the selected candidate for this position and hold a current license through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, you may be required to place your license in an inactive status.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action
Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the
workplace.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the
Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority
and/or the People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to
the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to
provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace.  All employees are
subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section
112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

Get a Job! Check out the Job Opportunities at City National Bank in South Florida

Jobs are the  focus of the President's economic recovery plan.  Let me help match you with a real estate job! Based on my relationships in the real estate community, I match many students, alumni and friends-of-our-real-estate-class with real estate employers and mentors. I will write you a recommendation.

 Guest Lecturer, Mirielle Enlow, Mortgage Loan Officer at City National Bank Miami offers bank jobs listed below.  Mirielle provided us with frank insight on the process to obtain a loan today.  If you are interested in the opportunities to work in her bank, email your resume and cover letter to info@theprofessorrealestate.com or call Mirielle at 305-798-2393.

·         Outside Sales Oriented Personal Bankers – Hollywood, Pompano and Bird Rd

·         Banking Center Mangers – One Biscayne, Hallandale and North Miami

·         Tellers – Doral and Kendall

·         Business Bankers – Broward

·         Mortgage Loan Officer – Miami

·         BSA/AML Analyst - Miami

·         Deposit Operations Specialist –Miami

·         Residential Loan Processors – Miami

·         Private Client Group Officers – Tri- County

·         Programmer/Business Analyst – Miami

If you are interested in this postion please send your resume and cover letter to info@theprofessorrealestate.com and/or call Mirielle at 305-798-2393.

Miami 21: New Zoning Code Impacts Owners & Miami's Downtown Urban Core

Stay tuned if you own property in the City of Miami. Miami’s new zoning code, Miami 21,  impacts the value, use, density (# of units) and form of property in the City of Miami including Miami’s Downtown Core and the Miami River.  Subject to the new code, I help owners understand the highest value of their property, the best matches for qualified buyers and the potential to upgrade zoning designations.

Understanding the new code is essential and for that reason I invited the Director of the City of Miami Planning Commission, Mr. Francisco Garcia, and the Director of the Miami River Commission, to join me in presenting a case study to Florida International University Graduate Real Estate Students about the new code and its direct implications to Miami properties.

The code took effect 8 months ago and Director Garcia played a significant role in drafting the code – a process that took over 5 years and 100 public meetings.   Director Garcia is in charge of implementing the new code in Miami.  

The new code completely overhauls the former code, zoning ordinance 1100. Director Garcia explained that development in Miami exploded over a period of 6 years-- 75,000 residential units, 6,000 hotel rooms, 8 million square feet of office space, 2 million square feet of retail space and over 300 large scale projects were built in Miami.  The 20-year-old code was not equipped to deal with this type of development.  There was a risk that the pedestrian would be lost on the street by hovering towers and the developers would restrict the waterfront for private uses that did not benefit the public.  The new code was enacted to address this and make the city more walkable and livable.

The Director told us that developers “kicked, screamed and cried” over the implementation of the code because they had become familiar with the old code over the past 20 years and were resistant to understand such a new code,  even though, the new code simplifies the permit process (I can explain the direct route to obtain a permit to build by right) and is much easier to understand permissible density.  The underlying idea is that Miami is a world class city that needs to guide future development that emphasizes its natural beauty and authentic communities.

Director Garcia explained, the new code, starts over from scratch.   It emphasizes form over use.  It embraces mixed used and smart growth principles. Other world reknown cities that have used form based codes include City of New York, Washington, DC, Vancouver and Prince Georges County, Maryland.

Transects are central components of the new code.  The new code designates 6 transects in the City of Miami.  The Transect concept is based on the idea that the city is the “human habitat” and the City of Miami Planning Department desires to create a set of environments that go from most natural to least natural and organizing each to be successful near each other. 

Some areas now have reduced heights to buffer the transition to higher development.  Owners may apply for a zoning designation upgrade – this process changed from the former code – changes may be to the next designation level, must go through the Director, the City Commission and are scheduled to be heard twice a year. 

High density is still permitted under the code – for example certain areas of the Central Business District allows up to 1000 units per acre, subject to FAA height restrictions.  In the Performing Arts District (“PAC”) District up to 500 units per acre are allowed.   Most of the property owners that I work with have property in the most urban and dense transect of the City- T -6.  Contact me if you would like additional information on the value of your property in the T-6 Urban core area and the learn about the zoning change process.

An example of the new form based code is a building that is lined with windows open to the street and a pedestrian realm (walkway) with a buffer of trees and then the thoroughfare with cars.  The cars are regulated to parking in parking lots and the pedestrian rules the street – the car’s “feelings are not hurt” and the quality of life of the pedestrian is improved by shaded walkways and “eyes on the street” – interaction with retailers and other pedestrians on the street.

Miami 21 is exciting as it will create a livable, walkable city in Miami that is focused on the pedestrian.  This type of community will increase property values and fuel the desire of people and business from around the world to live, work, play and enjoy the City of Miami

Contact me if you would like more information on how the new code impacts the value of your property in the City of Miami or if you would like information on the process to obtain a zoning change.  info@theprofessorrealestate.com

Student Comment:

It was a pleasure to see Mr. Francisco Garcia and hear his excellent speech about the new zoning code within our city. The fact that he used to work for DPZ sounds even better as that is a world renowned firm with an excellent portfolio. In other words, there is an expert driving our zoning regulations and things can only get better.

MIAMI RIVER: MIAMI's NEW ZONING CODE IMAPCTS PROPERTY VALUES

Property owners on the Miami River should know the impact of the City of Miami’s new zoning code to understand the value of their property. The new code, Miami 21, took effect 8 months ago and completely overhauls the previous zoning regulations of the past 20 years. I help the owners understand the highest value of their property and who to target as a potential purchasers subject to the new code. 

Properties on the Miami River are centrally located on Miami’s “Main Street” on the water.  The Miami River links the Atlantic Ocean to the Everglades.  It also links the Miami of  today – a thriving central business district and dense urban core full of residential condos – with the Miami of the future - the Billion Dollar University of Miami Life Science Park (a 10 acre complex that will be a magnet for international bio research) an the Billion Dollar New Marlins stadium, both within minutes of the Miami River.

The application of the new zoning code to the Miami River presents a tangible case study of how zoning addresses property rights on private property through a cross section of Miami.  For this reason, I organized an event with the Director of the City of Miami Planning Department, Francisco Garcia and the Director of the Miami River Commission, Brett Bibeau, to join me in presenting this case study to Florida International University Graduate Real Estate Students entitled “Zoning Out on the Miami River.”  In preparation for the case study, I led approximately 70 students on a private Miami River Property tour where we visually examined the properties on the Miami River and discussed their zoning and land use with the Director of the Miami River Commission and the The Miami Dade Property Appraiser – the Honorable Pedro Garcia.  We experienced zoning in action.

The Miami River is recognized as an authentic location in Miami with a mixed use character – high rise residential, low rise residential (single family homes) and industrial all side by side.  It was determined that high rise residential is no longer a compatible use right next to industrial marine and buffer zones are needed.  During past 10 years, approximately 14,500 new residential units and 46 buildings were built along the River.  This increase in residential density – right next to marine industrial uses and low rise residential uses substantially changed the character of the Miami River.

According to the Director of the City of Miami Planning Department, the new zoning code better protects the Miami River from the “attack of residential developers.”   Miami 21, the new code, imposes height reductions on properties located West of Interstate 95.  Many Miami River owners will find that the permissible heights of their buildings have been reduced.  For example, many properties along the Miami River close to the Health and Civic District are now zoned T6- 8-O.  This designation means that the property may be built up to 8 stories in height with an allowed density of 150 units per acre, by right.  As early as last year, before the implementation of this code properties were allowed to be built to skyscraper heights, subject to the Federal Aviation Administration approval. 

Owners may apply for a zoning designation upgrade – this process changed from the former code –changes may only be to the next designation, go through the Director, the City Commission and are now scheduled to be heard twice a year.  

The rationale for the implementation of the height restrictions is to encourage developers to make full use of the urban core and to protect single family and duplex area locations. 

Another new zoning category along the Miami River is T4 – this zoning designation allows the owner to built up to 4 stories with a maximum of 36 units per acre.   Prior to the implementation of this code, some these properties were allowed double the density- 64 units per acre.

The new zoning code makes public river walk requirements stronger.  The new code expands and widens the requirement for a riverwalk from 25 to 50 feet.  New developments must provide a publically accessible river walk that is 50 feet from the mean high water line of any waterfront.  This applies to properties with over 200 feet in depth, properties of less depth must provide a minimum of 25% of the lot depth.  The rationale for this is that the public enjoyment of the riverwalk and waterfrontage will increase the value of the property – just like the public waterfrontage in major cities around the world like London and Paris and even like the successful public baywalk in South beach’s luxury “South of Fifth” neighborhood.

Feel free to contact me if you would like to know more about the value of your property on Miami River and the potential to apply for a zoning designation upgrade under the new zoning code. info@theprofessorrealestate.com

Homestead Exemption: Hurry to Save on Property Taxes!

No one wants to pay more taxes… so hurry and file your Homestead Exemption today!  The Homestead Exemption reduces the amount of property taxes that you pay on your primary residence.  Applications are due to the Miami Dade Property Appraiser’s Office by March 1, 2011.   The Homestead Exemption is an important benefit for Florida residents because it saves property owners money by reducing property taxes in many cases by up to $50,000 off the assessed value!  I visited the Property Appraiser’s office today and the place is swamped with people filing for the exemption…you may also file on line or mail your application.

Properties that are homesteaded receive even more benefits!  First, the property can’t be touched by creditors (this means it can’t be taken to satisfy debts or judgments except for property taxes, mortgages and contractor liens). Second, the “Save Our Homes” cap on increase in value.  The Save Our Homes Amendment to the Florida Constitution caps the increase in assessed value of a homesteaded property to 3% or the increase in the consumer price index (CPI), whichever is less.  The cap protects property owners from the potential of sky-rocketing property tax bills – if the property owner had to pay taxes based on the wild assessed values of the hot market – 2004-2006- many long time Florida residents would not have been able to keep up.  Third, as of 2008, the cap is “portable”  this means that when a homeowner sells and moves to another home the homeowner may transfer up to $500,000 of the Save Our  Benefit to a more expensive property and a percentage to a less expensive property.

Here are some nitty gritty details: Homeowners are entitled to a $25,000 homestead exemption for the assessed value of the home for city, county and school board taxes and an additional $25,000 exemption from city and county (but not school board taxes).  Homesteaded properties with an assessed value of $75,000 or more are entitled to the entire $50,000 homestead exemption.

This benefit is exclusively for Florida residents who live in their homes! Snow-birds who buy vacation condos for short term stays may enjoy our Florida sunshine but are not eligible for the Homestead Exemption. Rental property and commercial property are also not eligible for the Homestead Exemption.

Here are some nitty gritty details: Homeowners are entitled to a $25,000 homestead exemption for the assessed value of the home for city, county and school board taxes and an additional $25,000 exemption from city and county (but not school board taxes).  Homesteaded properties with an assessed value of $75,000 or more are entitled to the entire $50,000 homestead exemption.  There a

To obtain the Homestead Exemption property owners must provide proof of ownership of the property as of January 1, 2010 and proof of Florida residency.

Contact me to learn more about the Homestead Exemptions and other exemptions to reduce your property tax assessment.

Get a Job! Real Estate Jobs Available Now!

Get a Job!  Real Estate Jobs Available Now! 


Jobs are important and they are now a focus of the President's economic recovery plan.  Let me help match you with a real estate job that is best for you! Based on my relationships in the real estate community, I match many students, alumni and friends-of-our-real-estate-class with real estate employers and mentors. Please see below for the jobs currently available.  If you are intereseted in one or more of these jobs please send your resume and cover letter to me at info@therealestateprofessor.com and I will send it employer.

**INTERNSHIP AT THE MIAMI RIVER COMMISSION** (posted 2/23/2011)
The Director of the Miami River Commission is seeking an intern to assist with various substantive projects relating to real estate, land use and the preservation of the Miami River.  If interested please your resume and cover letter to me at info@theprofessorrealestate.com

**INTERNSHIP AT MARGUILES ARTIST AGENCY** (posted 2/17/2011)
The Margulies Artist Agency, a cutting edge, dynamic and fun art agency is looking or interns - interns will have a great opportunity to work directly with the dynamic hard-working owner Mike Marguiles (also a real estate developer) and be in charge of grant writing, going to artist meetings, commisioning meetings, and administrative duties.  This is an excellent learning opportunity and a chance to work with a great mentor!

If interested:  Please send your resume and cover letter to info@theprofessorrealestate.com

**FULL TIME LEASING SPECIALIST OPPORTUNITY (Posted 2/16/2011)

Southgate Towers a 500+ unit apartment building on South Beach - is looking for a Full Time Leasing Specialist to join their team
Requirements:  Energetic Market Drive People Person, Must be Able to Work Weekends
Attractive Benefits, Training Offered, Great Working Atmosphere
If interested send your resume and cover letter to info@theprofessorrealestate.com

**PART TIME OPPORTUNITY TO WRITE A BUSINESS PLAN** (Posted 2/16/2011)
Westvest a dynamic real estate brokerage, management and leasing company in Doral, Florida is looking to fill a part time opportunity to write a business plan for the aquisition and financing of a car wash. 
If interested, send your resume and cover letter to info@theprofessorrealestate.com

SHOW ME THE MONEY: THE FEDERAL RESERVE BRANCH MIAMI

On Friday January 28, 2011 – I arranged for a private tour and program for my graduate students, undergraduate students and alumni to see the money…at The Miami Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.  It is important for anyone involved in real estate to understand the role of the Federal Reserve in the regulation of monetary policy in the United States of America (the “U.S”.)  Monetary policy plays a central role in real estate, especially in the availability credit which drives the market for real estate sales and development.

All 35 of us walked out of the Federal Reserve with bags of money + an unforgettable learning experience!!

(Don’t get too excited…it was shredded money that had been taken out of circulation!)

We also left the Federal Reserve with a clear understanding of the role the Federal Reserve in relation to U.S. Monetary Policy, U.S. Banking and Real Estate.

Being in a Home-Depot-sized-warehouse filled with dollar bills stacked from the floor to the ceiling was only part of the experience.  Most interesting and exciting were the private lectures that I worked with the Federal Reserve to plan especially for our class and also being followed by armed guards!

The highlight of the day was a private question and answer session with Mr. Juan Del Busto -  the Director and Region Executive of the Federal Reserve Bank of Miami.  Mr. Del Busto presented his opinions on the economy based on his over 30 year career at the Federal Reserve.  Mr. Del Busto engaged us in a lively discussion and answered their questions candidly and directly.

Mr. Del Busto explained that the Federal Reserve pays close attention to what is happening with businesses and industry to determine the level of flow of money in the economy.  This process is formalized via an advisory board called “Branch Directors.”  The members of the Branch Directors are business leaders who advise the Federal Reserve Branch in Miami of what the economic and realistic climate is like in their respective businesses such as banking, hospitality & tourism, education, agriculture/farming, and retail.  Mr. Del Busto said the latest topic is the impact of the new health care law on employer’s decisions to expand their businesses by hiring new employees.

Mr. Del Busto told us that we are in the midst of a changed economy and job market.  He said all employees now need to work harder, seek more training and may even work two jobs until the economic crisis is stabilized.

Mr. Del Busto also explained that the Miami Federal Reserve Branch is home to a large volume of check clearing because of its location physically close to the Miami International Airport.  The time it takes to get to the Miami Federal Reserve from the Miami Airport is even less than the time it takes to get from the New York City airports to the Federal Reserve in New York, and for this reason many international currencies choose to fly into Miami to clear the checks faster and eliminate the float.

In addition to hearing directly from Mr. Del Busto, we also learned from presentations made by Ms. Gloria Guzman, the Economics Financial Education Specialist and Ms. Ana Cruz-Taura the Regional Community Development Director.

Ms. Guzman provided us with a presentation about how the Federal Reserve Bank works, what it does and its relation to monetary policy in the U.S.  Ms. Cruz-Taura provided us with a presentation on Real Estate and Financial Crisis and the Impact on the Markets and Industry.   This presentation led to a heated discussion about the economic downturn, credit market tigtheing, regulatory reform, capital and secondary market restructure, real estate underwriting and investment shifts and fraud in foreclosures.  Ms. Cruz-Taura also pointed out that although interest rates are at their lowest ever mortgage underwriting guidelines have become more conservative and this is making it more difficult for borrowers to qualify in the current market.

Both presentations generated many thoughtful questions from the students and led everyone to think more about what can be done to solve the problems of the current economic and real estate crisis, as well as to understand the responsibility that the players, the banks, the lenders, the mortgage brokers and the borrowers all bear in relation to today’s crisis.  

At the end of the tour no one wanted to leave, but I reminded them they had to go home and prepare their homework for me next week and with and I had to run off to my next commercial listing appointment!

If you would like more information on the Federal Reserve and its relation to real estate please feel free to contact me – Suzanne Hollander, Professor Real Estate – info@theprofessorrealestate.com Below are some of the students comments:

“The Chairman’s discussion was incredibly insightful.  He is extremely important and to hear his opinions and advice on current issues the Fed faces is an opportunity you don’t get often”

***

“I was amazed just from the beginning at the gates with all the security that the Fed has in order to access its building was just impressive; …The museum’s exhibit was very interesting to see how the money was kept just like IKEA keeps its products is astonishing.  Finally I don’t ever recall having seen Billions of Bills like I saw at the end of the tour.  It was very exciting to visit the Federal Reserve and I appreciate the opportunity we had. Thank you Teacher!”

***

“Most  interesting to me about the Federal Reserve private tour was meeting Juan Del Busto!  He is such an inspiring person, very down to Earth, to learn about his responsibilities and the fact that employees seem to enjoy their jobs and stay there forever.  To get an inside look at how money is handled, counted, distributed and shredded.  As finance major it would be my dream job now that I’ve been there and seen the branch”

***

MIAMI'S NEW ZONING CODE UPDATE: IMPLICATIONS FOR OWNERS AND DEVELOPERS

 For the first time in 20 years, The City of Miami’s zoning changed. This change is BIG DEAL for property owners and developers.  It impacts the $$$ that they may expect to make on the development and sale of property.   I’ve  helped the owners that I work with as a Realtor to understand the implications of the new code, Miami 21, to their property and sale price, save their entitlements and learn about the potential of up-zoning. 

Miami 21 is essential to understand if you own or are purchasing property in the City of Miami.   It regulates the density (number of units), size (height and building size), use and design of what can be built on every property in the City of Miami.  

The new code is so important for property owners in the City of Miami  that I invited one of the most instrumental officials in drafting the code, Mrs. Luciana Lamardo González, the Assistant to the Director of the City of Miami’s Planning Department and the City of Miami’s Project Manager for the new code, to Guest Lecture in class.

Ms. Gonzalez Guest Lectured on Wednesday February 9, 2011.  Ms. Gonzalez’ lecture was dynamic and informative because of her role as a central figure in the development and implementation of the new code. She served a significant role in the drafting of the Code, managing all the public outreach, marketing and communications, briefing of political leaders, drafting legislation, and leading the Miami 21 implementation and staff training.   Over the past five years, Ms. Gonzalez participated in 60 public hearings on behalf of the City of Miami Planning Department regarding the enactment of the provisions of the new code and 500 meetings with property owners, developers and stakeholders.

Ms. Gonzalez prepared a detailed power point presentation that explained the reasons that the City adopted the new code which include: providing a stable environment for investment in real estate, providing specific and clear guidelines for development and creating a more efficient permitting process.

Ms. Gonzalez also explained that new code divides the City of Miami into six Transect Zones: T1 (Natural), T2 (Rural); T3(Suburban); T4 (General Urban); T5 (Urban Center) and T6(Urban Core) as well as three districts: D1 (Work Place Light Industrial); D2 (Industrial) and D3 (Waterfront Industrial).

Most of the property owners that I work with as a Realtor own properties in the T6 – Miami Urban Core and T4 General Urban Core locations.   

In terms of development capacity, Ms. Gonzalez explained that the new code uses Floor Lot Ratio (FLR) as the ratio to determine overall capacity, instead of FAR (Floor Area Ratio) used under the previous code.  FLR is a multiplier, it is the net lot area (the property square footage) multiplied by the development capacity identified in the transect zone.  The use of FLR eliminates confusing gross lot area calculations and adds predictability.

Ms. Gonzalez also shared with us that she and the City of Miami are very proud that the new code won significant national awards, recognition and praise, including: American Planning Association National Award of Excellence for Best Practice, Chicago Athenaneum- American Architecture Award, Form Based Code Institute – Driehaus Form Based Code Award – Paul Crawford Distinction for a Groundbreaking Code and Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association Best Practices Award.

We thank Ms. Luciana Lamaro Gonzalez for her Guest Lecture and participation in a lively class discussion with us about the importance, implications and application of the provisions of the new code to properties throughtout the City of Miami.

 As mentioned above, most of the owners that I work as a Realtor own properties in in the T6 – Miami Urban Core and T4 General Urban Core locations.    I’ve  helped them to understand the implications of the new code to their property, save their entitlements (permissions to build) and learn about the potential of up-zoning. 

Contact me if you’d like more  information on how Miami 21 impacts your property and your ability to sell your property for the best price.

Federal Reserve Private Tour for Professor Real Estate Students

Professor Real Estate, Suzanne Hollander, and the Federal Reserve Bank Branch in Miami organized a private Federal Reserve Tour for student and alumni of Suzanne's class.  Learn about how the Federal Reserve regulates banking.