IRS REQUIREMENTS FOR REPORTING COOPERATIVE COMMISSIONS
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. 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.

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.

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.

TECHNOLOGY LUNCH AND LEARN – MARCH 17
Technology Lunch and Learn will be held at the GHAR Office on Tuesday, March 17 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Cost is only $7.00 and lunch is included. Come learn about the Basic Benefits of Using Microsoft Outlook for Your Business. All attendees will receive a coupon good for 10% off their entire purchase from the GHAR REALTOR^® Store!

Reservations are required by noon on Friday, March 13 and space is limited! Register by calling the Association at 717-364-3200 or email Sara@ghar.info.

USING ETIQUETTE TO UNLOCK THE 10 SECRETS TO WRITING CONTRACTS - MARCH 26
Join top industry professionals as they answer your questions, and discuss how the use of etiquette between REALTORS^® can translate into written contracts and closed sales! The session will highlight: Techniques for improved communications and cooperation between REALTORS^®,Using Technology to Present and Provide Feedback, Open House Protocol, Presenting Offers and Setting and Keeping Appointments. Panelists for this session include: Tim Clouser, RE/MAX Realty Select, Donna Fleetwood, RE/MAX 1st Advantage and Ron Warfel, Century 21 Piscioneri Realty.

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 364-3200. Please remember reservations not canceled by Wednesday, March 25 at 5:00 p.m. will be billed.

MEMBERSHIP APPRECIATION RECEPTION - APRIL 1
All REALTOR^® and affiliate members of GHAR are invited to attend the Membership Appreciation Reception on Wednesday, April 1 at the Greater Harrisburg Association of REALTORS^® Office on 424 N. Enola Drive. The reception will be from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. At 5:30 p.m. there will be a brief program honoring our Association Board of Directors, Foundation Board of Directors and our Association Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs.

Mix, mingle and enjoy free hors d’oeuvres, soda, wine and beer. The reception is a great way to socialize and network with your fellow REALTORS^® and our affiliate members in a relaxed informal setting. Back by popular demand – the Association’s scrapbooks and photo albums will be available for viewing in the Cumberland Board Room.

The cost is free to members who register by March 30. Please register on your office sign-up sheet, online through the Members Only Section of the Web site, www.ghar.info or by calling 364-3200. Please join us!

MANAGEMENT ISSUES BREAKFAST - APRIL 3
All brokers and managers are invited to attend the Management Issues Breakfast on April 3 at the Radisson Penn Harris Convention Center (Keystone Room D). Peter Wilson, Reager & Adler, PC and Linda Melham, Homestead Group, Inc., REALTOR^® will be discussing Short Sales and Foreclosures. Key discussion points include CPML Required Field for Short Sales, PAR Short Sales Standard Forms, How do Short Sales Work, and What Agents can do to make the process go smoother. Registration and breakfast is at 8:15 a.m. with the program starting at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $20 and includes breakfast and program. The event is only open to managers and brokers of the Association. Brokers and managers may register by calling Cindy Cuddeford at 364-3200 or by e-mailing her at cindy@ghar.info. Reservation deadline is Monday, March 30. Reservations made and not cancelled 48 hours in advance will be billed regardless of attendance.

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 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!

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 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.

Sign up now for a Newsletter Sponsorship or House Cover Photo
The Association is now accepting reservations for the house cover photo and the sponsorship of the electronic newsletter. If you would like to showcase a home or development in the electronic newsletter or sponsor the newsletter as an advertiser, please contact Sara Bloss for more information at sara@ghar.info or 364-3200.

ICI BREAKFAST - APRIL 2
The April ICI Breakfast is sponsored by HBG Realty, Inc.. The breakfast will be held at the Hilton Harrisburg, Juniata Room, 1 N. 2nd Street, Harrisburg. Neal S. West, Esq., Senior Vice President, Real Estate and General Counsel, Harristown Development Corporation, will be speaking on the topic "Revitalization of Downtown Harrisburg". 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, April 1. Register online at www.ghar.info or call 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 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 364-3205.

IT'S COMMUNITY NIGHT AT ISAAC'S RESTAURANT & DELI!
On Thursday, March 26, 2009 Isaac’s Restaurant & Deli (Silver Spring Commons or Paxton Street/TecPort locations) will host a fundraiser to benefit The Greater Harrisburg Association of REALTORS^® Foundation. Bring your friends and family to enjoy great food and great company while supporting us. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the total cost of your meal will go directly to GHAR Foundation.

Please remember that this fundraiser applies to dine in and take out orders and must be used at either the Silver Spring Commons (Carlisle Pike) or the Paxton Street/TecPort (Friendship Road) location!

To download a copy of the flyer for this event please visit: http://www.ghar.info/About_Us/Meetings_Events.htm

SAVE THE DATE! FOUNDATION MINI GOLF TOURNAMENT - MAY 20, 2009
Save the date for the GHAR Foundation Miniature Golf Tournament on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at Water Golf on City Island. More information to follow soon!

Interested in being a sponsor? Contact Sara Bloss at (717) 364-3200 or 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!
March 25, 2009 – Showing Assist! If you haven’t used Showing Assist or if you currently use it, come out and learn how to use it more effectively. Learn how Showing Assist can work together with your SUPRA iBOX. Seminar times are 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. FREE

March 30, 2009 – Social Media and Technology Seminar. Take advantage of social media features provided to you for free! Facebook, Web 2.0 and more. Seminar time 10:00 a.m. FREE

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! SAVE 10% on any PAID registration by March 31, 2009
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! Please call CPML at 761-8440 to register for any of these dates.

iBOX LEASE PRICE SALE
In light of the current economy, the CPML Board of Directors has decided to have a “Lease Price Sale” on SUPRA iBoxes. Starting today thru March 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.

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.

CPML OPEN HOUSE WEBSITE
CentralPennOpenHouse.com is live! Consumers are now able to access this site and search, using individualized parameters, all scheduled open houses posted within the paragon system. Posting of your open houses is an existing function within the paragon system. But now, with our new WEB site, your clients and customers will have the ability to access the data on the Internet at CentralPennOpenHouse.com

We have begun promotion of this site with billboards 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.

PARAGON TRAINING SCHEDULE
Training classes have been scheduled on the following dates for the PARAGON system:
                           March 12, 2009
                           April 9, 2009
                           May 14, 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
761-8440 to reserve a time. Classes are held at the GHAR Office at 424 N. Enola Drive, Enola, PA 17025.

ARE YOU A STAR IN REAL ESTATE?
The PAR Excellence Club honors REALTORS^® and REALTOR-ASSOCIATES^® who have exhibited a high standard of professionalism through active participation in National, State or Local Association/Board activities, business activity and pursuit of education in the real estate field. Any PAR member is eligible to apply. Click here to get your application. All applications are due prior to March 31, 2009.

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.

CAMP HILL BOROUGH TO CONSIDER POINT OF SALE INSPECTION ORDINANCES ONCE AGAIN ON MARCH 11
On March 11, the Camp Hill Borough Council once again will consider two ordinances that will mandate inspections at the point of sale. These two ordinances will required 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 showed the property is not in compliance with Borough Codes, the property owner would have been required to make repairs/replacements prior to the sale of the property. Representatives from GHAR attended the February Council meeting to express our opposition, and Association representatives also met with Council members in late February to further discuss our position. Throughout the process, GHAR has provided comments to Council regarding these bills and suggested a number of alternatives to address the Borough’s infrastructure upgrades. While Council has said that it will consider tabling these bills once again at the March 11 meeting, there is NO GUARANTEE that they will not consider them. Therefore, GHAR is working to notify Borough residents and agents that list and sell in the Borough about the severe detrimental impacts of these ordinances on real estate transactions in the Borough. If you live in the Borough, or if you have a listing in the Borough, please consider attending the meeting on March 11 to voice your opposition to these two ordinances. Please watch for additional updates in future Weekly E-mails. For more information, including copies of the ordinances, please contact Sherri Pursel.

FANNIE MAE ORDERS SERVICERS NOT TO CUT COMMISSIONS ON SHORT SALES
On February 24, Fannie Mae announced that it was directing its servicers to NOT negotiate list agent’s commissions on short sales as long as the commission does not exceed six percent. Announcement 09-03 took effect on March 1. In the announcement, Fannie Mae indicated that (a) negotiating commissions for short sales is unfair because getting a short sale to closing requires intensive work over many months, often requiring working with numerous buyers, and (b) compensating real estate agents fairly benefits Fannie Mae because agents play a crucial role in short sales. The announcement also reminds servicers that third party approvals (i.e., private mortgage insurers) may be required and can affect commissions. NAR was very supportive of this announcement and it also has urged Freddie Mac to enact a similar policy.

GHAR SUPPORTS COALITION OPPOSING PAXTON CREEK TMDL
On February 19, the GHAR Board of Directors approved a recommendation of the Government Affairs Committee to support the coalition fighting the implementation of the Paxton Creek Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plan. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released this TMDL for the Paxton Creek watershed in Dauphin County in the summer of 2008. The TMDL requirements, as drafted by the EPA, mandate certain levels of phosphorous that can be discharged into the watershed. The goal of the TMDL is to improve the quality of the stream by limiting this phosphorous input into the stream. However, the TMDL is highly restrictive and will drastically impact real estate in the municipalities impacted by the plan. These strict limits imposed by the TMDL plan would impact development, as well as those residents living in the municipalities through increased sewer fees and other potential restrictions. Furthermore, there are questions surrounding the validity of the data used by EPA to craft the TMDL. There is substantial concern that the EPA has failed to show a direct relationship between phosphorous levels and stream quality in the Paxton Creek watershed. Following the decision by the Board of Directors, GHAR will be contributing $5,000.00 to assist the coalition in fighting the EPA. Please watch for a more detailed article about this issue in the March newsletter. For more information, please contact Sherri Pursel.

WHITE HOUSE ANNOUNCES FORECLOSURE PLAN
On February 18, President Obama unveiled his Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan that would help between seven and nine million families avoid foreclosure. According to NAR, the plan not only helps responsible homeowners behind on their payments or at risk of defaulting, but prevents neighborhoods and communities from being pulled over the edge too, as defaults and foreclosures contribute to falling home values, failing local businesses, and lost jobs. The key components of the plan include: 1) Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) refinancing for up to four to five million responsible homeowners with GSE loans to make their mortgages more affordable; 2) a $75 billion homeowner stability initiative to reach up to three to four million at-risk homeowners; and 3) supporting low mortgage rates by strengthening confidence in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. For more detailed information on this plan, please visit the NAR Web site.

PRESIDENT OBAMA SIGNS ECONOMIC STIMULUS BILL
On February 17, President Barack Obama signed the Economic Stimulus Bill into law. The $787 billion package includes a number of housing components. In particular, the bill provides for a $8,000 tax credit that would be available to first-time home buyers for the purchase of a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. The credit does not require repayment. Additionally, the bill also reinstates last year's 2008 loan limits for FHA, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae loans, as well as provides funding for neighborhood stabilization, commercial real estate, rural and low-income housing initiatives, and additional housing-related measures. NAR has provided a detailed breakdown of the housing initiatives in the legislation on its Web site. For more information, please contact Sherri Pursel.

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.

Our condolences go out to family and friends of Thomas Rozman. Tom passed unexpectedly on Friday, February 27. Tom was an agent with Lawyers Realty, LLC and member of the Association since 2006. Memorial contributions can be sent to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 310 Hertzler Dr., Mechanicsburg. PA 17055

NAREB INFORMATIONAL MEETING - March 16
The Central PA Chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) invites you to join them for its first informational and organizational meeting on Monday, March 16 at 6:00 p.m. at the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC Building, 3211 North Front Street, Suite 201, Harrisburg. The NAREB, founded in 1947, is the oldest African American and minority trade association in America. NAREB's national goal is to bring together the nation's minority professionals in the real estate industry to serve the un-served and the underserved as well as being the guardian of our communities. Featured speaker is Annette Collier, Regional Vice President of NAREB. RSVP to Lois Glass at lglass@lionsgatehomesofpa.com.

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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