CALL FOR NOMINATIONS - DEADLINE TO APPLY IS JUNE 21
Do you want to get involved with the Association? Do you want to assist in developing policies and positions that guide the Association? Do you want to give back to your profession? If so, please consider running for the Association's Board of Directors. In order to serve on the Board, a member must have been a REALTOR^® member of the Association for at least two years. Board members must attend 6 board meetings, participate in the Association's Strategic Planning process, attend certain Association events, be informed about the Association and industry issues and be supportive of the Association, the Foundation and RPAC. For a more information and an application form, please contact Kathy Ludwig at kathy@ghar.info or (717) 364-3200. Deadline to apply is June 21

TECHNOLOGY LUNCH AND LEARN, SEE NEW FEATURES OF PARAGON 5 – THURSDAY, JUNE 24!
Technology Lunch and Learn will be held at the GHAR Office on Thursday, June 24, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Registration begins at 10:45 a.m.) Cost is only $7.00 and lunch is included. The topic, “Paragon 5”: Learn and review all the changes recently updated on the Paragon System will be presented by Robbin Crossley of the Central Penn Multi-List, Inc.

Other questions and topics covered include:

Cross Browser and Operating System Compatibility including Internet Explorer, Firefox, Apple Safari, Google Chrome and Opera!
Fully operational on any MAC Operating systems.
Open multiple property searches, listing input/maintenance, CMA or Contacts.
New CMA Wizard!
Create your own agent webpage with Client Connect, in which clients can review the listing and be in direct contact with you!
Auto-complete features allow users to select data or criteria rather than continue to enter the information.

Reservations are required by June 21, 2010. Space is limited. Register by calling the Association Office at (717) 364-3200 or online at www.ghar.info under Members Only!

Please note: Reservations made and not canceled by 5:00 p.m. Monday, June 21 will be billed regardless of attendance. You may pay in advance or at the door. If you do not receive a confirmation, it is your responsibility to confirm your reservation by calling the Association Office at (717) 364-3200.

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 lunch is provided by the sponsor of the orientation. * Please note the time change.

Orientation will be held on the following dates and times: (Registration begins at 9:45 a.m.)

July 14, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
September 2, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. sponsored by A n'S Inspect

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

INFORMATION SESSION: July 21: 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 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 Tuesday, July 20 at 5:00 p.m. will be billed.

SAVE THE DATE - SEPTEMBER ICI BREAKFAST
The September ICI Breakfast is sponsored by CAMPBELL Commercial Real Estate, and it is scheduled for Thursday, September 2. Please watch for more information about this breakfast later this summer.

GREATER HARRISBURG REALTORS^® INSTITUTE

GHRI BI-WEEKLY E-MAIL MOVES TO ONCE A MONTH IN THE SUMMER
To help decrease the size and scope of the weekly email, the Association has decided to send out a separate e-mail highlighting upcoming classes held at the Greater Harrisburg REALTORS^® Institute. During the summer months, the GHRI E-mail will only be sent once a month.

REQUIRED COURSE FOR NEW LICENSEES
GHRI will offer the General Module, Commercial Module and the Residential Module, the courses required for new licensees, again in the fall. Watch for more details.

CARE & SHARE CAMPAIGN - DONATE TODAY!
Since 1993, the Greater Harrisburg Association of REALTORS^® Foundation has donated a total of over $556,000 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 Care & Share Campaign.

During the Care & Share 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 2010 Capital Campaign goal is $15,000. To date the Care & Share Campaign has collected $10,792.00.

Thank you to the following Companies and Offices who have contributed to the 2010 REALTORS^® Care & Share Campaign:

Bank of America, Gloria Latin
Brownstone Real Estate Company
Caldwell & Kearns
Campbell Commercial Real Estate
Central Penn Appraisals, Inc.
Central Penn Multi-List, Inc.
Cody Financial Mortgage Services
Coldwell Banker Select Professionals, Hershey
For Sale By Owner Plus REALTORS^®
George L. Ebener and Associates, Carlisle Office
HBG Realty, Inc.
High Associates Ltd.
Hooke, Hooke & Eckman, LLC
Jack Gaughen REALTOR^® ERA, Paxtang Office
J.F. McGraw Co.
John Glise, Inc. REALTOR^®, Camp Hill Office
Lawyers Realty, LLC
LionsGate Realty Group
Livingston & MaGilton REALTORS^®
L W Brodisch Real Estate
NAI CIR
Prudential Homesale Services Group
Prudential Thompson Wood
RE/MAX Realty Associates
South Central PA Home Inspection
Steven W. Barrett Real Estate
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

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

2010 FOUNDATION GOLF OUTING - JUNE 23
Register today for the Foundation Golf Outing which will be held on Wednesday, June 23 at Mayapple Golf Club in Carlisle. Sponsorship and player registration forms are available by calling the Association office at (717) 364-3200 or visit http://www.ghar.info/About_Us/Meetings_Events.htm. Registration and lunch are at 11:00 a.m. Shotgun start is 12:00 p.m. Dinner, prizes and awards will occur at 5:00 p.m.

Sponsorship Opportunities are Available! All Sponsorships includes golfers!
Eagle Sponsor - $2,500 (Exclusive, Call for Availability)
Birdie Sponsor - $1,000
Par Sponsor - $500
Bogey Sponsor - $300

If you are interested in being a sponsor or donating a door/hole prize, please contact Sara Bradnick, Member Services Manager the Association at (717) 364-3200.

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.

PARAGON PASSWORD CHANGE
Keeping the data in the Paragon system secure is very important to CPML and it has come to our attention that persons other than our members have been accessing our data.

The CPML Board of Directors have decided to implement a Required Password Change every ninety (90) days in the Paragon system. The first required password change will be Monday, April 5, 2010; when you log-in to the Paragon system you will be prompted to change your password. There is a restriction that you cannot use the same password you had in the previous two changes.

This policy is meant to protect you as well as our data. If somebody else has access to your log-in and password, they also have access to all the contacts and prospects you have stored in the system.

If you feel somebody has gotten access to your login and password, you still have the ability to change your password as often as you choose between the 90 day required change.

If it is discovered that any of our members have given access to a non-member, there is a fine of $100 per occurrence and loss of access to the CPML database for a period of sixty (60) days.

CPML OPEN HOUSE WEB SITE
Are you advertising your open houses on the web site? Are you advertising the Open House web site on your web sites?

Consider adding the Open House web site to your ads when you advertise the open house. The consumers are using this web site; don’t let your Open House be missed because you are not on our site.

Open Houses on the Centralpennopenhouse.com web site 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. Consumers can still enter search parameters and the map will show only the properties that belong to the search. The map will then display the 8 properties on each page.

It is important now that your Open House information be entered into the Paragon system. You can find instructions on entering your open house data under MLS DOCS in the Paragon System. Open Houses entered into the Paragon system will appear on the web site in about 4 hours.

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.

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.

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 your pajamas, grab a cup of coffee and learn the Paragon system!!

FREE Webinar Paragon Training presented by the Paragon Training Team at LPS!! Click Here for more information and the registration page.

Here are the upcoming topics:

June 8th at 11:00 am and June 9th at 4:00 pm : CMA - Learn how to complete a CMA including adjustments, cover letter resume and more. You will also see how Contact Manager will look in Paragon 5.

If you are unable to attend these webinars, LPS offers other ways to get support and training on the Paragon System including Quick Start Guides, Training Videos and Pre-Recorded Training. Please check the home page in the Paragon system for links to these sites.

PARAGON TRAINING SCHEDULE
Training classes have been scheduled on the following dates for the PARAGON system:
                        June 10, 2010
                        July 8, 2010
                        August 12, 2010

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.

AGREEMENT OF SALE RESOURCES AVAILABLE
The new PAR Standard is now available. The revised Agreement of Sale incorporates some major changes including an expanded broker box; updated mortgage contingency paragraph and a new format for handling inspections. It also has a reduced default time for inspections of 10 days. In response to the new Real Estate Licensing Registration Act (RELRA) changes, the form incorporates a change in language to dictate what will happen to escrow monies in the event of a dispute.

To view a sample of the new agreement, go to http://www.parealtor.org/content/upload/AssetMgmt/Standard%20Forms/PDFs/ASR.pdf.

The sample agreement contains three different colors:
    Black - unchanged language from previous edition
    Blue - location of the language has changed but the concept has not changed
    Red - new concept or substantially different wording

To compliment the release of the new agreement, PAR has updated the Guidelines for Preparation and Use. GHAR and PAR encourages agents to read the Guidelines. To view the revised Guidelines go to http://www.parealtor.org/content/form_samples.htm. Members may download a copy of the Guidelines from this link. PAR Password is required.

The Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (PAR Form LPD) has been released with the Agreement of Sale and replaces the previous Lead Paint Addendum. The Oil, Gas and Mineral Rights Addendum (PAR Form OGM), which was developed to explain what surface and subsurface rights are included in the sale, is available now.

Electronic vendors have the new form. The previous Agreement of Sale form is still acceptable to use for transactions.

JOIN JUSTLISTED.COM TODAY!
PARJustListed.com from the PA Association of REALTORS^® has all the news you need to get your day started, with economic and industry news and weekly podcasts. This is such a great source of industry information and we hope you are taking advantage of it. If you haven’t registered for PARJustListed.com’s free daily e-news, visit the link below to register. Each weekday morning you will get updated real estate industry news in your inbox or mobile phone.

http://tinyurl.com/parjl-email

JOIN THE PAR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK (YPN)
We are looking for members who would like to join as Charter Members of the PA chapter of the Young Professionals Network! REALTOR^® Magazine launched the Young Professional Network in 2006 as a way to help the younger generation of REALTORS^® build a stronger link with the magazine and the real estate industry, in general. There is a lively blog, YPN website and social events that are designed to give its members the tools they need to advance their careers – and have fun in the process!

NAR approved Pennsylvania's Chapter on October 19, 2009. YPN is a member-driven organization that helps young real estate professionals excel in their careers by giving them the tools and encouragement to become involved in four core areas:

REALTOR^® Associations. Attend REALTOR^® conferences and pursue leadership roles with their local, state and national associations.
Real estate industry. Take an active role in policy discussions and advocacy issues; be informed about the latest industry news and trends.
Peers. Network and learn from one another by attending events, participating in online communication and seeking out mentoring opportunities.

Benefits of Membership

Exclusive invitations to YPN events.
Stay abreast of industry happenings. Through the blog on the YPN national site members stay in the loop on hot issues. YPN also has special educational sessions at REALTOR^® conferences that address strategies for success in real estate. The PA chapter has a group on Facebook.
Get involved. Many people who are new to the industry want to get involved with their local, state or national association but either don’t know how to go about it or they find it too intimidating. YPN encourages members to explore leadership opportunities at all levels.

How to Become a Member
Contact Adrienne Loughery (E-mail | Facebook) or PAR staff liaison to YPN, Brenda Florida, if you are interested in being a member or if you have any questions.

JOIN THE REAL ESTATE CELEBRATION AT NARdiGRAS!
The 2010 REALTORS^® Conference & Expo is back in New Orleans (November 5-8) and you won’t want to miss this party. NAR has planned another great event for REALTORS^® and guests, including over 125 education sessions, the largest real estate expo, and lots of opportunities to expand your network. This year’s program highlights include: Mary Lou Retton, Earth Wind & Fire, Rich Karlgaard.

More Value for Your Money in 2010!
Now you can attend education sessions of your choice at the conference and download the rest of the programs at home for continued learning throughout the year. That’s double your registration value for nearly 100 sessions, and it’s a great way to make sure you don’t miss a thing. Just be sure to register for a full conference pass ($350 before August 15, $380 after August 15).Thanks to sponsor Bank of America for making this possible.

Come make the good times roll for your business at NARdiGras 2010, November 5-8. Registration is Now Open!

Visit: http://www.realtor.org/convention.nsf/

SHARE YOUR STORY
NAR wants to know how being a member of the Association has made a difference to you, your clients and your community. Log on and share your story and you'll be mailed a FREE "I LOVE Being a REALTOR®" pin (limit two per member, while supplies last). Your story will also be posted on the "Gallery" and you'll be invited to share your story through a unique link on your Facebook and Twitter pages, and by email, sharing with others the expertise and value being a REALTOR® brings to them. Visit the site for details and to share your story. For more information¸ visit...
http://www.realtor.org/heartmarket.nsf/pages/index?opendocument?wt.mc_id=HM0010&WT.mc_id=LS042810&CAT=About

NAR LAUNCHES CALL-FOR-ACTION ON NFIP AND RURAL HOUSING PROGRAM
On June 1, the National Association of REALTORS^® launched a nationwide Call-for-Action regarding the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and Section 502 Rural Housing Single Family Loan Guarantee Program. On May 31, the NFIP reauthorization expired once again. Because of the lapse in reauthorization, the NFIP currently does not have the statutory authority to issue new or renewal policies until Congress reauthorizes the program. Similarly, the Section 502 Rural Housing Program ran out of funding in May. NAR has been lobbying Congress to finalize legislation to address both of these critical housing issues. Click here to participate in the Call-for-Action and to contact your Congressperson and Senators.

National Flood Insurance Program
The NFIP expired on May 31. Because of the lapse in reauthorization, the NFIP currently does not have the authority to issue new or renewal policies until Congress reauthorizes the program. This will not affect existing policies, renewal policies within a 30-day grace period, or policies purchased prior to the program's lapse. Also, FEMA allows buyers to "assume" the seller's existing policy without having to re-issue it: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/nfip/manual201005/03gr.pdf.

NAR has been working with FEMA, FHA, Fannie, Freddie and the VA to provide guidance, similar to what it provided in April, for lenders as to the steps they may take to meet flood insurance purchase requirement during an NFIP lapse. With updated guidance in hand, lenders should have the assurances that they need to continue to close loans. FHA has already issued updated guidance. Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the VA, and other lending authorities are expected to release guidance shortly. For more information, please visit the Flood Insurance page on the NAR Web site.

Section 502 Rural Housing Program
Congressional leaders are still working on final legislation to restore funding to the Section 502 Rural Housing Single Family Loan Guarantee Program. Legislation has been passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The legislation now needs to be reconciled by the chambers prior to going to the President for final approval. However, the Rural Housing Service released a notice saying that they would continue to accept complete loan applications and issue Conditional Commitments for approved lenders up to $2.5 billion in total loan guarantees. These loans may be closed pending Congressional action. Click here for more information on the NAR Web site.

GOVERNOR ABANDONS PROPOSAL TO PLACE 4% SALES TAX ON PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
On May 27, the Associated Press reported that Governor Ed Rendell has decided to abandon his proposal to lower and expand the state sales tax. The governor’s proposal, announced in February 2010, was to lower the sales tax from 6% to 4% and to expand the tax base to include 74 items and services not currently taxed – including professional services, such as REALTORS^® fees. Click here for more information on PARJustListed.com.

CONTACT GHAR TO SCHEDULE A GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS OFFICE VISIT!
Is your office interested in a government affairs update during one of your sales meetings? Are you looking for more information about what is going on at the local, state, and national level? If so, please contact Sherri Pursel at the Association to schedule a Government Affairs Office Visit. Sherri will come to your office during one of your sales meetings and make a 15 to 20 minutes presentation about government affairs and the important issues facing REALTORS^® at all three levels of government. It is a great opportunity to learn more about legislative “hot topics” and what is happening in government affairs! Feel free to contact Sherri at sherri@ghar.info or by calling (717) 364-3200.

THOUSANDS OF REALTORS^® LOBBY CONGRESS DURING THE NAR MID-YEAR MEETINGS
On May 11, the National Association of REALTORS^® opened its annual Mid-Year Legislative Meetings in Washington, DC. REALTORS^® from across the country came to Washington, DC to discuss important real estate issues with their members of Congress. This year’s key issues included: (1) the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and Section 502 Rural Housing mortgage program; (2) commercial market liquidity issues; (3) FHA reform and extending the conforming loan limits; and (4) GSEs reform (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac). Click here to read more about these meetings on the NAR Web site. For the NAR Talking Points on these key issues, please click on the following hyperlinks: NFIP and Rural Housing; Commercial Mortgage Market; FHA Reform; GSE Reform. For more information, please contact Sherri Pursel.

HARRISBURG CITY TO HOST HEARINGS ON PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE CHANGES
The Harrisburg City Planning Commission will be hosting hearings to receive comments from the public on the proposed revisions to the City’s Zoning Ordinance. The City has been in the process of updating its current Zoning Ordinance, and the Planning Commission will be taking public comments during their scheduled meetings this spring and summer. The final hearing begins at 6:30 p.m. on July 7. Click here to view the public notice for these meetings. Click here to view the draft update of the Zoning Ordinance.

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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