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.)
September 24, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. sponsored by SunTrust Mortgage, Inc.
October 28, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. sponsored by Sovereign Bank

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

2009 ANNUAL MEETING AND TRADE FAIR - SEPTEMBER 16
The GHAR Annual Meeting and Trade Fair will be held on Wednesday, September 16 at the Radisson Penn Harris, Camp Hill from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. REALTOR^® Members are invited to cast your ballot for the Board of Directors and Officers, visit over 40 exhibitors from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., network, and enjoy free food and a cash bar. Entertainment, Door Prizes and Raffles will also be held during this exciting event. The Annual meeting will take place from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. and will conduct its annual business meeting, announce raffle winners, vote on bylaw changes, Election Results and much more.

Office Sign Up Sheets are being distributed to your Office Managers! We ask that offices use these forms and return them to the Association by September 9!

If you would like to be an Exhibitor at the GHAR Annual Meeting and Trade Fair and you did not receive information in the mail you can contact Cindy at the Association office by calling (717) 364-3200.

INFORMATION SESSION - SEPTEMBER 17: TAX STRATEGIES FOR THE REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL
Join Maury Scarborough of Bradford and Company to learn about tax reduction strategies and money-making solutions for the self-employed. Maury's experience as a real estate agent and sales manager has taught him the importance of tax planning and the benefits of getting business taxes under control. Join Maury and find out where you can benefit from new tax strategies. This session will highlight the following: How to Find Tax Dollars, Stimulus Package Deductions for 2009, Increase Your Income, Car Strategies, Home Office Deduction, Entertainment Strategies, and Double Entertainment Deductions.

The information session will be held in the GHAR classroom, Enola. Registration opens at 12:30 p.m. and the program starts at 1:00 p.m. Cost is $5.00 for members. Register online at www.ghar.info or call (717) 364-3200. Please remember, reservations not cancelled by Wednesday, September 16 at 5:00 p.m. will be billed.

INFORMATION SESSION - OCTOBER 5: WHAT DO THE CHANGES TO RESPA MEAN FOR THE GFE AND HUD 1 - AND FOR ME AS A REALTOR^®Brett Woodburn, Esq., Caldwell and Kearns will be here to discuss how the overhaul of RESPA has made significant changes that will affect REALTORS^®. The session will highlight the following: What Type of Transaction Does RESPA Apply To, What Areas of Real Estate Are Not Governed by RESPA, What Precipitated the New RESPA Revisions, What Are The Changes In The Good Faith Estimate (GFE), How Is The HUD-1 Changing, and When Do These Changes Go Into Effect.

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 cancelled by Friday, October 2 at 5:00 p.m. will be billed.

INFORMATION SESSION - NOVEMBER 4: THE BEST OF THE LEGAL HOTLINE RETURNS TO GHAR
Over the past 18 years, Jim Goldsmith, Esq., Caldwell and Kearns has handled thousands of Hotline calls from REALTORS^® all across the state. Some issues are static, others short-lived and some emerge, disappear and re-emerge. The questions asked of the Hotline attorneys run the gamut of real estate. Join Jim Goldsmith as he highlights the following: Discussion of Problems and Practices Presented by Hotline Callers, Emerging Trends in Real Estate, Tips and Practice Pointers in Seller Disclosure, Deposit and Deposit Disputes, Contract Formation, Procuring Cause, Post-Settlement Problems and Lending and Short Sales.

The information session will be held in the GHAR classroom, Enola. Registration opens at 12:30 p.m. and the program starts at 1:00 p.m. Cost is $7.00 for members. Register online at www.ghar.info or call (717) 364-3200. Please remember, reservations not cancelled by Tuesday, November 3 at 5:00 p.m. will be billed.

SEPTEMBER ICI BREAKFAST - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
The September ICI Breakfast is sponsored by CAMPBELL Commercial Real Estate. The breakfast will be held at the Business Journal Center, 1500 Paxton Street, Harrisburg. A panel of experts will be discussing “The Future of Energy Costs & Savings”. Panelists include:

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, September 2. Register online at www.ghar.info or call (717) 364-3200.

SAVE THE DATE: FALL ICI SOCIAL EVENT
Please save the date for the next ICI Social Event on Wednesday, October 14, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Brewhouse Grille in Camp Hill. Registration for this event will open in September. We currently are looking for sponsors for the event. If you or your company is interested in sponsoring, please contact Sherri Pursel.

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 e-mail to be sent out the second Mondays of each month during the summer months.

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 $13,568.00.

Thank you to the following Companies and Offices who have contributed to the 2009 Capital Campaign:

Brownstone Real Estate Company
Caldwell & Kearns
CAMPBELL Commercial Real Estate
CB/Select Professionals
Central Penn Appraisals, Inc.
Central Penn Multi-List, Inc.
Clauser Real Estate Appraisals
Cody Financial Mortgage Services
Commerce Bank
Exit Platinum Plus Realty
For Sale By Owner Plus REALTORS^®
George L. Ebener and Associates
Help-U-Sell Detwiler Realty
High Associates Ltd.
Homestead Group, Inc. REALTOR^®Howard Hanna Real Estate Services
John Glise, Inc. REALTOR^®
Keller Williams of Central PA
Lawyers Realty, LLC
Mark Heckman Real Estate Appraisers
McNaughton Real Estate Group, Inc.
Mid Penn Bank
Prudential Homesale Services Group - Camp Hill Office
Prudential Homesale Services Group - Colonial Park Office
Prudential Homesale Services Group - Hershey Office
Prudential Homesale Services Group - Lebanon Office
Prudential Thompson Wood Real Estate
RE/MAX 1st Advantage
RE/MAX Realty Associates, Inc.
RE/MAX Realty Professionals
Spencer and Spencer, REALTORS^®
Szeles Real Estate Development
Weichert REALTORS^® - First Choice

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!

SAVE THE DATE! GHAR FOUNDATION WALKATHON!
Step by Step, REALTORS^® Sheltering the Community!

Join the Greater Harrisburg Association of REALTORS^® Foundation, Saturday October 3 at Shank Park in Hershey for a Walk-A-Thon! All proceeds from the Walk-A-Thon will benefit shelter and housing related charities in the Central Pennsylvania area. Walk as a team or as an individual! Registration is $10 per walker, plus a minimum of $25 in pledges. Walk-A-Thon T-Shirts will be given to all walkers registered by the deadline!

Prizes will be awarded to the Top Fundraising Team and Top Individual Fundraiser with additional door prizes given away at the end of the walk!

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Walker Registration/Pledge Forms and Sponsorship Forms are available at http://www.ghar.info/About_Us/Meetings_Events.htm or by calling the Association at (717) 364-3200.

Registration deadline is Monday, September 14, 2009!

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.

LEARN SOCIAL NETWORKING
**Seats available** You asked for it and here it is! Dick Betts presents "This is not your Teenager's Networking". Come out and learn how to use Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites you may have signed up for. The class will be held on August 27th at 9:00 am. Cost is $25.00. Class size is limited, so call now and reserve your seat. Call the CPML office at (717) 761-8440.

FREE WEBINAR TRAINING
Do you want training on the Paragon system but just can't seem to make it to one of our monthly classes? Here is your chance to get training in the privacy of your home. Stay in you pajamas, grab a cup of coffee and learn the Paragon system!!

FREE Webinar Paragon Training presented by the Paragon Training Team at LPS!! Go to the Home Page in Paragon for more information and the registration page. If you do take any of the Webinar training, please email me at rcrossley@cpml.com and let me know what you thought. Thanks.

Join us on August 4th at 11:00 for Mapping & Geocoding
Join us on August 11th at 11:00 for Getting Started in Paragon
Join us on August 18th at 11:00 for Contact Manager
Join us on August 25th at 11:00 for Spreadsheets and Reports

**I recommend any agent who maintains their own listings take this class as well as any admin responsible for maintaining listings should take this as a refresher.

Please call the CPML office at (717) 761-8440 to register.

CPML BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION
Are you interested in serving on the CPML Board of Directors? Are you interested in giving a little of your time to help CPML keep moving in a direction to best serve our members and participants? If you answered yes, consider running for the CPML Board of Directors. All directors serve a three year term. The only requirement is that you must be a participant of CPML. If you would like more information on what is involved in being a CPML Director, please call Linda Melham, Jerrod Paterson, Tim Clouser or Robbin Crossley. You can find a ”Candidate for Director Application” under MLS Docs in the Paragon System, or call the CPML office at (717) 761-8440 for a copy.

This year the CPML Annual Meeting and Election will be held on November 4, 2009. As a reminder, the broker is the CPML member and therefore the only person who may vote at the annual meeting.

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:
August 13, 2009
October 8, 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.

FAQS OF ACT 14 OF 2009
For the past several years, PAR has been working to amend the Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act (RELRA) in two key areas. In early July we helped to pass what is now Act 14 of 2009, which takes effect on September 4, 2009.

The first change allows licensees to be paid through "qualified associations" that are established by one or more licensees affiliated with the same broker. Up until this change, the law required that brokers pay licensees directly and not through any sort of a corporate entity. Now, brokers can pay to (and licensees can be paid as) certain entities as laid out in the law.

There are a number of issues to be considered when deciding whether or not to establish a qualified association. These include:

whether the broker allows them as a brokerage practice
what tax or business benefits may be gained from setting up such an entity
whether you are willing and able to maintain the entity in compliance with RELRA and relevant state/federal laws that apply to the entity.

The second change clarifies a number of issues relating to escrow requirements. The biggest change to the escrow rules now permits brokers to release escrow where there is a dispute between the parties if the parties agreed in advance how the money should be distributed in the event of an unresolved dispute. The PAR Standard Forms Oversight Committee will be working on appropriate forms language to assist members in handling this issue.

Direct links:
Blog post - http://blog.parealtor.org/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=163
Resource Page - http://www.parealtor.org/content/RELRA2009.htm
Issues Resource Center - http://www.parealtor.org/content/IssuesResourceCenter_main.htm (use link for “2009 RELRA Amendments”)

JOIN THE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK!
Interested in networking with local professionals in Central PA? Then join the Young Professionals Network!
Email Adrienne Loughery at adrienne.loughery@verizon.net if you would like to join this social networking group.

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 2009 LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST – SEPTEMBER 24
Please sign up to attend GHAR’s annual Legislative Breakfast! Association members will have the opportunity to interact with our state representatives and senators and hear about important issues at the state level. The event is being held on Thursday, September 24, at the Hilton Harrisburg, from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. The event is FREE to GHAR members who have made a contribution of $99.00 or more to RPAC. All other members may attend for $20.00. Click here to view the event flyer. If you are interested in attending, please contact Cindy at the Association at 364-3200.

CHANGES TO TILA DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS EFFECTIVE JULY 30, 2009
On July 30, new disclosure requirements mandated by the Truth In Lending Act (TILA) went into effect. These new requirements will have a substantial impact on real estate lending. NAR has created a one page fact sheet that explains the changes and its impact on REALTORS^®. Click here to view the fact sheet. For more information, please visit the NAR Web site, or contact Sherri Pursel.

PAR DETAILS MORE INFORMATION ON RELRA AMENDMENTS CHANGES
The Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS^® has provided an overview of the changes to the Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act (RELRA) that were approved by the Pennsylvania Legislature in early July. These changes relate to escrow accounts and the use of entities. Click here to read more about these changes on the PAR Web site.

NEW CONSUMER NOTICE DEADLINE EXTENDED TO SEPTEMBER
On June 12, the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission announced is was delaying the deadline for the new consumer notice form to go into effect in Pennsylvania. The new consumer notice has been redesigned to be more clear and readable. Licensees now must begin using the new form by September 15, 2009. The Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS^® has more information on this change. Click here to visit their Web site.

COALITION AND GHAR KICK OFF PETITION DRIVE ON CAMP HILL POINT OF SALE ORDINANCES
On July 15, a coalition of Camp Hill residents and REALTORS^® hosted an informational meeting to discuss the Camp Hill Borough point of sale ordinances that are being considered by the Borough Council. These two ordinances will require mandatory inspections of a property’s sewer lateral connection and sidewalks/curbing prior to the transfer of the property. If the results of these inspections show the property is not in compliance with Borough Codes, the property owner will be required to make repairs/replacements prior to the sale of the property. The informational meeting gave the coalition an opportunity to discuss the ordinances and their negative impacts. The coalition also kicked off its petition drive. Over the next two months, the coalition will be collecting signatures from Borough residents and property owners opposing the ordinances. We expect to present the signed petitions to the Camp Hill Borough Council in September. For more information about these efforts, including how you can help, please contact Sherri Pursel.

CHECK OUT RPAC CONTRIBUTORS ON GHAR WEB SITE!
Check out the GHAR Web site to see who has invested in RPAC in 2009. Click here to view the Web site. The contributors also are listed in the July REALTOR^® Newsletter. And, if you would like to see your name on the list (or perhaps a different category!), click here to make your contribution online through the PAR Web site. Thank you again to all those members who have invested in RPAC!

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.

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