GHRI E-Mail

August 11, 2008

In an effort to decrease the size and scope of the GHRI E-mail, the Greater Harrisburg REALTORS® Institute will send a separate e-mail highlighting the upcoming pre-licensing, continuing education, online and designation courses available through the Institute. During the summer, the GHRI E-mail will be sent on the second Monday of each month. We hope you find this to be an easier read.

In this GREATER HARRISBURG REALTORS^® INSTITUTE E-mail:

Quadrennial Ethics Requirement - Deadline is December 31, 2008
Pre-licensing Courses
Continuing Education Courses
Scholarship Information - Diversity Scholarship Deadline is September 15, 2008
Broker Courses
On-line Courses
On-line Designation Courses
How Do I Register Online?
School Policies
 

QUADRENNIAL ETHICS REQUIREMENT - December 31, 2008
All REALTORS^® are required to complete 2 1/2 hours of ethics training every four years. All REALTORS need to take ethics training between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2008. The next deadline is December 31, 2008.

The Ethics and the REALTOR^® course is approved for BOTH continuing education and the quadrennial ethics requirement. For course dates and times, see paragraph above on Ethics and the REALTOR^®. GHRI is offering Ethics and the REALTOR^® classes in the fall of 2008, schedule is as follows:

• Friday, September 26, 2008, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

• Friday, October 10, 2008, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

• Wednesday, October 22, 2008, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (For Commercial Agents)

• Monday, October 27, 2008, 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Saturday*, November 1, 2008, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

• Wednesday, November 19, 2008, 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.*

• Wednesday, December 17, 2008, 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

* Denotes special day or time added to academic schedule

Register in the Members Only section of www.ghar.info or call the Institute at (717) 364-3205.  GHRI will be offering two additional classes that are for commercial agents.  These dates will be published soon!

Ways to meet the Quadrennial Ethics Requirement include:

• Strategies for Success, GHAR's New Member Orientation (taken between January 1, 2005 and 

• December 31, 2008) 

• GRI 404 

• PAR Professional Standards Training for Professional Standards and Grievance Committee members 

• NAR Online ethics course and Code of Ethics for the Real Estate Professional (ethics course at Triple Play)  to access the course visit, http://www.realtor.org/mempolweb.nsf/pages/quadrennialethicstrainingcourse. 

Failure to meet the requirement:

Failure to meet the requirement is a violation of a membership requirement and results in suspension of membership until the requirement is met or until membership is automatically terminated. What this means for a REALTOR® who is suspended for not meeting the Quadrennial Ethics Training Requirement is that all the rights, privileges and services  that an agent is entitled to receive because of being a REALTOR® are suspended until the requirement is  satisfied. If the requirement is met tithe next day, then rights, privileges and services are restored the next day. While suspended, though, it is still the agent's obligation to abide by the Code of Ethics continues, as does the obligation to pay dues.

Pre-licensing courses and information
Real Estate Fundamentals and Real Estate Practice are the two thirty-hour courses required to obtain a Pennsylvania Real Estate Salesperson’s license. The two courses may be taken in any order – however we recommend that individuals take the Real Estate Fundamentals first. Tuition for either Fundamentals or Practice is $185. Register and pay for both courses together for a package price of $360.  The textbook that is used for both courses is $30 plus tax . Class size is limited so students should register early.

Real Estate Fundamentals Fall 2008

Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays September 8, 9, 11, 15, 16 & 18
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays  September 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 & 28
Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays October 20, 21, 23, 27, 28 & 30
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays November 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 & 23

Real Estate Practice Fall 2008

Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays September 29, 30 October 2, 6, 7 & 9
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays October 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 & 19
Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays November 10, 11, 13, 17, 18 & 20
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 & 14

CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES

DESIGNATION CLASSES AT GHRI

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

Pre-licensing Scholarship

Judith H. Reid Memorial Diversity Outreach Scholarship
Judy Reid was a member of the Greater Harrisburg Association of REALTORS^® who was active in minority recruitment, and was instrumental in setting up this program that now bears her name.  The scholarship covers tuition for the two required pre-licensing courses with the Harrisburg REALTORS^® Institute, the required textbook, and the state exam fee.  Also included is tuition for the Purchase Contract: Preparation through Settlement class through the Harrisburg REALTORS^® Institute within the first year of licensure, and the application fee is waived for membership to the Greater Harrisburg Association of REALTORS^®. Applications for the scholarship are available on our website, www.ghar.info or by calling the Association at 364-3205.  Up to three scholarships will be awarded quarterly.  The deadline to apply for this quarter is September 15, 2008.

Professional Development Scholarships

The Constance I. Kugler and Charles E. Kugler, Jr. Scholarship. The Greater Harrisburg Association of REALTORS^® annually presents a scholarship to a deserving REALTOR^® to help them continue their education and professional development. The scholarship can be used for tuition to a NAR approved designation course offered by any REALTOR^® school, up to a maximum scholarship amount of $150.  The scholarship must be used within one calendar year of the presentation date.  The scholarship is funded through a contribution from the Constance I. Kugler Trust.  Both Charles and Constance (Connie) were REALTORS^® and wanted their legacy to include a scholarship to promote education and professionalism in the real estate Industry. Visit http://www.ghar.info/Scholarship.htm for an application. The deadline to apply is November 15, 2008.

 BROKER COURSES

Real Estate Office Management
October 2, 6, 9, 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This class provides the tools needed to establish and manage a real estate brokerage. The course will help you become a more effective manager, leader and communicator in today’s real estate market.  Topics include communication, leadership and management skills , policies and procedures, marketing the office, company and properties , and staffing, recruitment and training your agents.  Brenda Florida is the instructor. This course is approved for 30 hours of Pennsylvania Real Estate Continuing Education and 2 broker credits. Cost is $330 and the textbook is included.   

ON-LINE COURSES
Online Continuing Education must be accessed through the Online CE link on our website, www.ghar.info. 
(Pending C.E. approval from S.R.E.C.)

FUNDAMENTALS OF COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE - NAR Online Course 
Optimize your earning potential and create more transaction opportunities with a class on the information you need to know to get started in commercial real estate. The REALTORS^® Commercial Alliance is offering an online version of this award-winning course. Great for commercial agents, residential brokers who supervise commercial agents, and real estate investors. The 6 hour self-paced course is available from: www.realtor.org/rca. Cost is $99.

CHECK IT OUT: HOME INSPECTION IN REAL ESTATE PRACTICE
Learn the importance of property inspections and how to advise your clients about the inspection process.  You will understand how to prepare a home for inspection and how to limit your liability during the process.  This course will also teach you how to analyze the final inspection report, and the appropriate follow-up questions to ask.  Approved for 3.5 hours Real Estate Continuing Education credit. Cost is $35.

FEDERAL LAW AND COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
This course acquaints students to specific laws pertaining to commercial real estate ownership, transactions and federal laws governing real estate agencies.  Includes agency, contracts, deeds, easements, estates in land, zoning, tenancy, liens, foreclosures, title transfer, leases and court decisions. Approved for 3.5 hours Real Estate Continuing Education credit. Cost is $35.

COMMERCIAL FINANCE AND INVESTMENT ANALYSIS
In this class, different types of commercial financing are explained in detail, with a review of investment evaluation methods. You will also learn about all aspects of savings and loans, commercial loans, construction loans and second lien loans. Approved for 7 hours Real Estate Continuing Education credit. Cost is $60.

COMMERCIAL LEASES
This course will teach you to analyze the typical provisions of office leases. You will determine the appropriate formula to use in calculating rent, learn about some of the issues related to rental rates in office leases, and understand which lease provisions are frequently the subject of negotiation. Approved for 7 hours Real Estate Continuing Education credit.  Cost is $60.

COMMERCIAL SALES AND EXCHANGES
This class covers aspects of the commercial sales transaction and tax-deferred exchanges in great detail. You will understand the advantages and disadvantages of investing in real estate, key terms and concepts, essential elements of the contract and the benefits of the tax-deferred exchange. Approved for 7 hours Real Estate Continuing Education credit. Cost is $60.

MAXIMIZE YOUR BUYER'S BORROWING POWER
Through this course, you will learn the basic elements in real estate finance, including the calculation and use of debt ratios, understanding loan types and programs, and comparison of lending sources. You will also complete a sample qualifying worksheet, to apply what you have learned. Approved for 3.5 hours Real Estate Continuing Education credit. Cost is $35.

METHODS OF RESIDENTIAL FINANCE
All of the various forms of residential real estate financing are explained in this class, including conventional FHA, VA loans, loan assumptions, purchase money mortgages and alternative financing. The class also covers financing legislation, mortgage insurance requirements and calculations, and a full knowledge of the role and function of the FHA. Approved for 7 hours Real Estate Continuing Education credit. Cost is $60.

PRICING PROPERTY TO SELL
This course will examine and teach you to apply some of the basic approaches used to price property, and help you understand the factors which affect the value of a home. You will learn to distinguish pricing from appraisal, market price from market value, review the principles of value, including supply and demand, and how to complete a market analysis worksheet. Approved for 7 hours Real Estate Continuing Education credit. Cost is $60.

TAX FREE EXCHANGES
This course will teach you the basics of a tax free exchange of residential property. Topics covered include requirements of a tax free exchange, the four types of exchanges, how to determine what property is eligible for exchange, and methods for transferring title when an exchange takes place.  Approved for 3.5 hours Real Estate Continuing Education credit. Cost is $35.

USING THE INTERNET IN YOUR REAL ESTATE PRACTICE: AN INTRODUCTION
This course will assess the impact of the internet of the real estate business. It will help you analyze the hardware and software requirements for accessing the internet, utilize the internet to market listings and to find useful real estate information, illustrate the steps involved in sending email messages, and utilize email to market listings and manage leads, and determine the appropriate features of a web site to maximize exposure to potential clients and customers. Approved for 3.5 hours Real Estate Continuing Education credit. Cost is $35.

ON-LINE DESIGNATION COURSES

Offered through the Pennsylvania REALTORS^® Institute (PRI) Online Courses for ABR Designation are now available for Pennsylvania REALTORS^®!  Courses are online through NAR’s REALTOR^® University.  These courses are approved for 12 and 6 Hours of CE Credit) In order to receive your ABR designation, you must complete both a required and an elective course. For current ABR designation requirements, click the following link: www.rebac.net  For more information on these courses visit http://www.parealtor.org/content/pri_online_CE.htm 

ABR – Accredited Buyer Representation
This is a required course to earn your ABR Designation.  This course covers the proper techniques and practices of buyer representation that will enhance your bottom line, review agency relationships, negotiation strategies, explain the advantages of buyer representation from the buyer's, sellers, listing and selling broker's perspectives and identify sources of buyer clients.  Approved for 12 hours Pennsylvania Real Estate Continuing Education. This 12 hour self-paced course is available online from: http://www.parealtor.org/content/pri_online_CE.htm COST: $295

e-Buyer (Elective Course for ABR Designation)
This elective course explores how traditional business practices are being changed by the emerging Internet consumer, and offers strategies to apply new technologies to provide better customer service through the entire real estate transaction. Special emphasis is placed on the increased importance of high-touch, quick-response communications. Approved for 6 hours Pennsylvania Real Estate Continuing Education Credit and an Elective Course towards the ABR Designation. This 6 hour self-paced course is available online from: http://www.parealtor.org/content/pri_online_CE.htm COST: $115

Innovative Marketing Techniques for Buyers Representatives (Elective Course for ABR Designation)
The course is broken down into nine modules including: Identifying the target market, who they are and where they are, generating new marketing ideas, how to use the buyer counseling session to turn prospects into clients and how to eliminate the unmotivated, unqualified and uncommitted buyer.  Approved for 6 hours Pennsylvania Real Estate Continuing Education Credit and an Elective Course towards the ABR Designation.
This 6 hour self-paced course is available online from: http://www.parealtor.org/content/pri_online_CE.htm COST: $115 

Successful Buyer Representative in New Home Sales (Elective Course for ABR Designation)
To keep pace with a changing real estate market, buyer’s representatives need to find new buyers to serve and new services to bring them. Learn how the development and new home sales processes work, what kinds of services a buyer needs, and where and how to find new home sales business. Approved for 6 hours Pennsylvania Real Estate Continuing Education Credit and an Elective Course towards the ABR Designation.
This 6 hour self-paced course is available online from: http://www.parealtor.org/content/pri_online_CE.htm COST: $115

Successful Relocation Representation (Elective Course for ABR Designation)
Relocation buyers have all the concerns of other buyers, plus the added stress associated with moving to an unfamiliar area. This course will address, how relocation works, building relocation relationships, how to provide superior relocation service and developing a marketing strategy and personalized relocation marketing plan. Approved for 6 hours Pennsylvania Real Estate Continuing Education Credit and an Elective Course towards the ABR Designation. This 6 hour self-paced course is available online from:  http://www.parealtor.org/content/pri_online_CE.htm COST: $115

HOW DO I REGISTER ONLINE?
To register for continuing education classes, please log on to the Members Only section of our website at www.ghar.info, or call the Institute at 364-3205. 

To access the Members Only section, go to www.ghar.info and under "Association" on the left side, click on MEMBERS ONLY. You will be asked to log in with your login ID and your password. In most cases, your login ID is your first initial plus your last name. For example for Jane Doe - jdoe. Your password is the last four digits of your social security number or any four numbers you provided to us.

This will take you to the Member Services menu. There are four categories: Personal Services, Registration, Other Services and Communication Services.

Under Registration, select Register for Classes to register for classes.

Under Personal Services, you can view your education history by clicking on Your Education History.

Under Other Services, you can view the education calendar with a complete listing of upcoming courses with dates, times and locations.

SCHOOL POLICIES

CONTINUING EDUCATION AND GENERAL INFORMATION
Payment and Refunds

• At the time a GHAR member registers for a class, he assumes payment responsibility for that class. GHAR members may pay tuition (class fees) at the door. Non-members must pay at time of registration. Tuition must be paid in full prior to the start of a class.
• Tuition payments are refundable if 48 hour cancellation notice is given. If a student leaves after a class begins, no portion of tuition is refunded. Exceptions due to hardship/emergency may be granted by the School Director.
• Students must have registered, paid for class, and be seated at the advertised class start time in order to be admitted to the class. Late arrivals will not be seated, and will not be entitled to a refund.

  Weather Cancellation Policy

• Weather Policy: If East Pennsboro Schools are closed, morning and full-day classes are cancelled; otherwise, classes will begin at the scheduled time. For afternoon and evening classes, the School Director will determine advisability of cancellation. In the event of cancellation, every student will be contacted by telephone and e-mail by school staff and a notice will be posted on the door.

  GHRI Cancellation

• Classes will be cancelled if enrollment does not reach above a break even amount, individually determined by each class by instructor fee and materials costs. Classes are cancelled one week in advance of the scheduled date, and students are notified.
• If GHRI cancels a class, the full dollar amount of any tuition payment is refunded.
• IF GHRI cancels a portion of the class, the tuition is transferable to another class.

  Transcripts

• GHRI will transmit real estate continuing education transcripts to the State Real Estate Commission. Students may use the blue copy of the enrollment agreement as proof of attendance or verify their attendance online.
• GHRI will continue to issue paper transcripts for appraisal continuing education courses.
• Students will be charged $5.00 for duplicate paper transcripts.

  PRE-LICENSING

  Examination Retake

• Students may arrange to retake the course examination one additional time at no additional fee by contacting the Institute to arrange a convenient time.
• If a passing grade has not been received after taking the examination a total of two times (once at the end of the course and one retake), the student may pay $25 to retake the test one additional time. The student also has the option of retaking the course for a $75 fee.
• Retaking the course requires 80% attendance from the student.
• After retaking the course, the student will have the opportunity to retake the examination one additional time if not passed the night of the course. (Total of two retakes.)
• After that, the student must pay full price to attend a future course.
• Convenient times are within normal business hours unless special permission is granted by the School Director.
• All examination retakes must be completed within one year of completion of the course.
• Examination retake policies apply to all GHRI pre-licensing students including students attending on a scholarship.
• Scholarships include a one time $25 examination retake fee. All other additional fees must be paid by the scholarship recipient.

Feel free to visit the GHAR web site by going to the HOME page.                                  Back to Top