IRS REQUIREMENTS FOR REPORTING COOPERATIVE COMMISSIONS - CLARIFICATION
The Internal Revenue Service requires that listing brokers who pay a cooperative commission in excess of $600.00 to an individual who is not their employee must complete a Form 1099-MISC. Please note that this requirement only applies to payments made to individuals and does not apply when the payments are made to corporations. This is NOT a new law. However, NAR has released more information about this requirement after it learned that many brokers were not aware of the requirement. For more information, please visit the NAR Web site. Please note that you are required to log in to view this information. In addition, GHAR advises you to consult with your auditors and tax attorney.

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF STATE ONLINE NEWSLETTER
The Department of State will no longer publish paper newsletters for Pennsylvania's 29 Professional Boards.

Beginning in March, you may view the bi-monthly electronic newsletters. Simply visit your Board web. To do so, go to www.dos.state.pa.us/bpoa, select Business-Related Boards or Health Related Boards from the left navigation, and choose your profession.

Business-related board newsletters will be posted during the first week of January, March, May, July, September and November.

PA STATE REAL ESTATE COMMISSION WEB SITE
The SREC has improved the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) portion of their Web site. When you go to the Department of State's Web site, you will now see a link directly to FAQ section, rather than having to first enter the Licensure Information page. Within the FAQ page is a list of question categories, each of which can be clicked to take you further down the page to the list of questions corresponding to that category. When you click on a question, you will be taken to a .pdf document that contains only that question and its answer. I believe this format will be much more user-friendly and it will be easier to access specific questions. Please note that the content of the questions and answers has not changed, only the way they are accessed and viewed. http://www.dos.state.pa.us/bpoa/cwp/view.asp?a=1104&q=449298

ORIENTATION
Orientation is required for all new REALTOR^® members. You must meet this requirement within the first two offerings of applying for membership. Learn what it means to be a REALTOR^®, your obligation to abide by our Code of Ethics, and the many benefits and services that the Greater Harrisburg Association of REALTORS^®has to offer. A boxed meal is provided by the sponsor of the orientation.

Orientation will be held on the following dates and times: (Registration begins at 10:45 a.m.)
April 21, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. sponsored by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
June 10, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. sponsored by A n'S Company, Inc.

Remember failure to attend orientation as required may result in paying an additional application fee.

1-2 CLUB FOR NEW AGENTS - MAY 7!
If you have been a member of the Greater Harrisburg Association of REALTORS^® for 0-2 years, we have planned a special FREE education program and social/networking hour just for you! Sponsored by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, sessions include: Understanding Credit Scores with Jessica Regan from 3:00-3:45 p.m. and Handling Multiple Offers with Jim Spagnolo from 3:45-4:30 p.m. All attendees will receive a coupon for 10% off their entire purchase from the GHAR REALTOR^® Store!

Registration is at 2:45 p.m. The cost is free, but you must register. Please remember that if you do not attend and do not cancel your reservation by Tuesday, May 5 at 9:00 a.m., you will be charged a $5 fee. To register, call (717) 364-3200, register
on-line in the MEMBERS ONLY section of our website at www.GHAR.info, or e-mail: sara@ghar.info before May 5.

** Please note, that while this event is geared towards agents who have been in the business for just 0-2 years all agents are welcomed to attend!

INFORMATION SESSION - MAY 13: UNDERSTANDING/BUILDER AGENT PARTNERSHIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL SALES
Join industry professionals as they answer your questions, and discuss Understanding/Builder Agent Partnerships For Successful Sales. Learn the building blocks to help you understand the Builder's construction systems, timeframes, and Buyer access rules. Help you buyers explore financing options for new construction. Inform yourself, and your Buyer of the processes and protections the Lien Law in Pennsylvania provides. The session will highlight: Fostering Good Relationships with Builders, Helping Your Buyer Understand the Builder, Lien Laws in New Home Construction, How Does New Home Construction Financing Really Work and Understanding Your Role as A Buyer Agent in New Construction.

The information session will be held in the GHAR classroom, Enola. Registration opens at 9:30 a.m. and the program starts at 10:00 a.m. Cost is $5.00 for members. Register online at www.ghar.info or call (717) 364-3200. Please remember reservations not canceled by Tuesday, May 12 at 5:00 p.m. will be billed.

MANAGEMENT ISSUES COCKTAIL PARTY - JUNE 4
All brokers and managers are invited to attend this networking opportunity. This informal relaxed setting allows both residential and commercial brokers and managers the opportunity to socialize, meet each other and to catch up. The Cocktail Party will be held in the Hearth Room at the West Shore Country Club in Camp Hill from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Hearth Room has access to the Outdoor Courtyard. Cost is $20 and includes hors d'oeuvres and sodas. Cocktails may be purchased. The event is only open to managers and brokers of the Association. Brokers and managers may register by calling Cindy Cuddeford at (717) 364-3200 or by e-mailing her at cindy@ghar.info. Reservation deadline is Tuesday, June 2. Reservations made and not cancelled 48 hours in advance will be billed regardless of attendance.

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR THE 2009 SPRING ICI SOCIAL - APRIL 23
Registration now is open for the 2009 spring ICI Social event. This spring’s event will take place on Thursday, April 23, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Lancaster Brewing Company, 469 Eisenhower Blvd., in Harrisburg. The event is free to GHAR members, however, members must register as space is limited. Please register through the Members Only section, or by calling the Association at (717) 364-3200. Click here to view a copy of the event flyer.

ICI BREAKFAST - MAY 7
The May ICI Breakfast is sponsored by RE/MAX Delta Group, Inc. The breakfast will be held at the Hollywood Casino at Penn Nation Race Track, in the John Henry Room, fourth floor, 777 Hollywood Blvd., Grantville. Garrett Brinton, CFM, co-founder of Facilities Planners + Architects, Inc., will be speaking on the topic "Saving Green by Going Green". Attendees are encouraged to bring marketing materials to the meeting and to utilize the Marketing Exchange Table. Registration is at 7:50 a.m. Breakfast begins at 8:00 a.m. Reservations are required by noon on Wednesday, May 6. Register online at www.ghar.info or call (717) 364-3200.

GREATER HARRISBURG REALTORS^® INSTITUTE

GHRI BI-WEEKLY E-MAIL
To help decrease the size and scope of the weekly email, the Association has decided to send out a separate email highlighting upcoming classes held at the Greater Harrisburg REALTORS^® Institute. Look for the email to be sent out the second and fourth Mondays of each month

REQUIRED COURSE FOR NEW LICENSEES
If you were initially licensed on December 1, 2007 or later, to renew your license in May 2010 you will need to complete a required course for new licensees during the 2008-2010 renewal period. Many of the "approved for continuing education" credits for Pennsylvania licensees currently being offered will not fulfill this continuing education requirement. If you have any questions about continuing education requirements contact GHRI at (717) 364-3205.

PRE-LICENSING PACKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE
Pre-licensing packets including the spring pre-licensing class schedule is now available! Offices interested in receiving packets for distribution may contact Liann at (717) 364-3205.

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN - DONATE TODAY!
Since 1993, the Greater Harrisburg Association of REALTORS^® Foundation has donated a total of over $530,000 to housing and shelter related organizations in the greater Harrisburg area. To help raise the money, the Foundation holds various
fundraising events. In addition to these events the Foundation holds an annual Capital Campaign.

During the Capital Campaign, the Foundation asks each REALTOR^® to give a minimum contribution of $10. All funds go back to the communities in which we live. Our 2009 Capital Campaign goal is $15,000. To date the Capital Campaign has collected $745.00.

Contributions may be mailed to the GHAR Foundation, 424 N. Enola Drive, Suite 1, Enola, PA 17025 by May 15. If you have any questions on the Capital Campaign, please contact the Association at (717) 364-3200. Thank you for making our community better!

MINI GOLF TOURNAMENT - MAY 20, 2009
Join us, Wednesday, May 20 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. for the annual Foundation Miniature Golf Tournament at Water Golf on City Island! Individuals may register for $20 each or teams of 5 persons for $100. Food and Beverages will be provided with prizes for Best Team Score, Best Dressed Team and much more! Space is limited to the first 120 people so register soon!

Interested in being a sponsor or donating prizes? Contact Sara Bloss at the association by calling (717) 364-3200 or email her at sara@ghar.info.

Note: The official registration and financial information of the Greater Harrisburg Association of REALTORS^® Foundation may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Dick Betts is returning! CPML & GHAR will once again offer four CE certified classes.

$45 for one class ~ $80 for two ~ $125 for three ~ $150 for all classes
Early registration discount! There is a cancellation fee of $25.00 within 48 hours of class.

April 27, 2009
8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.          Today’s Top Technology Trends
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.          e-PRO Designation Information Workshop and FREE Pizza
1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.            Taking Prospecting a Step Further (Certification Pending)

April 28, 2009
8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Smartphone Fundamentals for Real Estate Professional
1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Beyond the Fundamentals ~ Creating a Mobile Office

Smartphone classes will include Blackberry and iPhones! Please call CPML at (717) 761-8440 to register for any of these dates.

The “Lease Price Sale” on SUPRA iBoxes has been extended through May 31, 2009. The lease price for an iBox will be $53.00 ($50.00 + tax). I would like to remind you of some of the benefits to using SUPRA iBoxes. The boxes are secure and can only be opened by agents with SUPRA Active Keys or eKeys.

An agent has the ability to assign their iBoxes to a particular Multi-List number in the Paragon system or by logging onto www.supraekey.com. You will then have the ability to obtain reports to see who has entered your property for any given time period. You can also receive an email when an agent has opened your iBox.

UPDATE ON CPML OPEN HOUSE WEB SITE
NEW! Open Houses on the website now appear on an interactive map. The home page of the web site shows all available open houses marked by a balloon. Click on the balloon and see the property information. Zoom-in, Zoom-out or change area of map you wish to view. Consumer can still enter search parameters and the map will show only the properties that belong to the search. The map will then display the 10 properties on each page.

We have added our affiliate members to the Open House site. Our affiliate members have the ability to add a link to their name; this will allow the consumer to learn more about their company. Do you use a particular home inspector, lender or pest control company? Encourage them to add their link to our site.

Are you advertising your open houses on the website? Are you advertising the Open House website on your websites? Consider adding the Open House website to your ads when you advertise the open house.

We are promoting the site with radio and newspaper ads; we need you to promote this site to your clients and potential clients through your web sites. It is important now that your Open House information we be entered into the Paragon system. You can find instructions on entering your open house data under MLS DOCS in the Paragon System.

REALTOR.COM UPDATE!
Realtor.com will soon be showing four photos with their free listings on their site. CPML will provide the first 4 photos of the 12 allowed in our system. If you have more than four photos in Paragon, you have the ability to rearrange them.

SUPRA SOLUTION FOR BLACKBERRY USERS
SUPRA has announced a solution for Blackberry users. CLICK HERE for information. Information is also available under MLS Docs.

PARAGON TRAINING SCHEDULE
Training classes have been scheduled on the following dates for the PARAGON system:
                           April 9, 2009
                           May 14, 2009
                           June 11, 2009
                           July 9, 2009

Basic class will be held at 9:00 a.m. The Basic Class covers simple searches, descriptions of terms used in the PARAGON system, introduction to input sheets, CPML input rules for paragon as well as system requirements. The Basic Class also provides a brief look at the financial program.

Advanced class will be held at 1:00 p.m. The Advanced Class covers creating CMA's and using the Contact Manager to manage clients as well as send automatic emails.

You need only attend one day, but you may attend more than one class if you choose. Please call the CPML office at
(717) 761-8440 to reserve a time. Classes are held at the GHAR Office at 424 N. Enola Drive, Enola, PA 17025.

DNCQUICKCHECK PROGRAM AVAILABLE AT A DISCOUNTED PRICE
DNCQuickcheck, is the easy-to-use Do Not Call compliance solution for real estate professionals. If you call or e-mail prospects - referrals, expired listings, FSBOs - you need to complete protection against Do Not Contact laws. With DNCQuickcheck, you can take a proactive approach for your marketing campaigns. And only DNCQuickcheck includes everything you need in one quick, easy-to-use Internet-based service.

Get the protection you need now! Call PossibleNOW at (800) 585-4888 or (770) 255-1020 or visit www.dncquickcheck.com.

Are you a member of PAR? Use the discount code of sc0986pr to receive special rates for real estate professionals!

HAVE YOU VISITED JUST LISTED?
Just Listed is PAR's new blog, another member benefit for you. Log on and join in the discussion with authors including attorney Jim Goldsmith and his Legal Hotline team, economist Austin Jaffe and PAR staff.

REGISTER TO ATTEND THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS BREAKFAST – APRIL 22
Please sign up to attend GHAR’s inaugural County Commissioners Breakfast! Association members will have the opportunity to interact with our county commissioners and hear about important issues in the tri-county area. The event is being held on Wednesday, April 22, at the Radisson Penn Harris Hotel and Convention Center, from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. The cost to attend is $15.00. Click here to view the event flyer. If you are interested in attending, please contact Cindy at the Association at (717) 364-3200.

HARRISBURG CITY INTRODUCES NUISANCE ABATEMENT LEGISLATION
The Harrisburg City Council has introduced legislation aimed at curbing nuisance properties in the City. Under the proposed legislation, owners of property would be subject to a point systems. Points would be assessed for violations, whether criminal or codes, based on the severity of the violation. If a property is assessed more than 12 points in a six month period, or 18 points in a 12 month period, the City could remove the Certificate of Occupancy for the property. This legislation would apply to both owner-occupied dwellings, as well as rental units. GHAR is examining this legislation to determine our course of action. Please watch for more information in future Weekly E-mails. If you have any questions, or if you would like a copy of the legislation, please contact Sherri Pursel.

RELRA AMENDMENTS LEGISLATION VOTED OUT OF SENATE PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE COMMITTEE
On March 31, the Pennsylvania Senate Professional Licensure Committee passed Senate Bill 241. This legislation, sponsored by Senator Robert Tomlinson (R-Bucks), makes two important changes to the Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act (RELRA). First, SB 241 would allow real estate licensees to form business entities already recognized by the Commonwealth. Currently, real estate licensees are not permitted to form entities - such as S corporations or LLCs. This bill would modify the RELRA to allow for those formations. Secondly, SB 241 would amend the language of the RELRA to address a broker's duty to hold escrows. Specifically, the legislation would allow for a set process of releasing escrows if a transaction is not completed between a buyer and a seller. The process would be agreed upon by both the buyer and the seller, and it would be included in the Agreement of Sale. The bill is identical to Senate Bill 844 of 2007, the PAR-supported legislation that died in the House Appropriations Committee at the end of last session. The legislation now will go to the full Senate for consideration. For more information, please contact Sherri Pursel.

CHECK OUT PAR’S CAPITOL BRIEFS
For the latest information on state government issues, please check out PAR’s Capitol Briefs on the PAR Web site. This column is published during weeks the PA General Assembly is in session and consists of a recap of state government affairs information of interest to real estate professionals. Click here to read the latest PAR Capitol Briefs.

BROKERS/MANAGERS CAN REQUEST OFFICE’S RPAC CONTRIBUTIONS REPORT
Attention brokers and office managers: If you are interested in learning who in your office has invested in RPAC, GHAR can provide you a report listing all your agents and their contributions to RPAC. Please feel free to contact Sherri Pursel at the Association for this report.

SIGN-UP to be a MUNICIPAL Political CONTACT!
GHAR is still searching for volunteers to be Municipal Political Contacts. As a Political Contact, GHAR will work with you when issues impacting REALTORS^® and the real estate industry arise in your municipality. GHAR’s goal is to identify REALTORS^® from each municipality in our tri-county area to be Political Contacts. We are still in need of contacts for the following municipalities:

If you are interested in participating in this vital program, please contact Sherri Pursel.

U.S. CENSUS BUREAU NEEDS REALTORS^®
Pennsylvania REALTORS® looking to supplement their incomes have a chance to make more than $13 an hour verifying addresses and collecting data for the 2010 census. The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting full- and part-time workers to work from home on their own schedules beginning in 2009. To qualify, workers must pass a 28-question basic skills test administered by the bureau. Call 1.866.861.2010 to schedule a test or visit census.gov.

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