REALTOR^® MEMBERS, YOUR PARTICIPATION IS NEEDED IN SURVEY
On Wednesday March 17, all REALTOR^® members of the Association received an e-mail that contained a link to a survey. GHAR is participating in the first national REALTOR^® Association Benchmark Study and we need your help! The purpose of this study is to establish performance ratings for REALTOR^® Associations that can be used to gauge how well the association is performing. Your responses will only be seen by the independent third-party organization and will remain confidential to the Association. GHAR will only receive the aggregate results. Your opinion matters - please take 5 minutes to answer the brief 22 question survey. Questions, please contact Kathy Ludwig at kathy@ghar.info or 364-3200.

MANAGEMENT ISSUES BREAKFAST - APRIL 9, 2010
Open to all Brokers and Managers, join the Greater Harrisburg Association of REALTORS^® for a Management Issues Breakfast on Friday, April 9, 2010 at the Radisson Penn Harris Hotel (in the Governor Room in the Hotel). Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. with breakfast and program at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $20 and includes the breakfast and program. Brokers and managers may register by contacting Cindy Cuddeford at cindy@ghar.info, Kathy Ludwig at kathy@ghar.info or by calling the Association Office at (717) 364-3200. Reservation deadline is noon on Wednesday, April 7.

Reservations made and not cancelled 48 hours in advance, will be billed regardless of attendance.

PARTICIPATE IN NATIONWIDE OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND - APRIL 10 AND 11
On April 10 and 11, thousands of REALTORS^® across the country will participate in the first-ever Nationwide Open House Weekend. GHAR is encouraging all agents to participate in this program. Agents can host open houses and/or encourage their buyers to visit open houses. This weekend is an incredible opportunity for consumers to shop for a new home and to take advantage of favorable market conditions, including the home buyer tax credit.

Agents also can post their open houses on the Central Penn Multi-List’s Web site: www.CentralPennOpenHouse.com.

For more information about this program, please visit the GHAR Web site or contact Sherri Pursel at the Association.

1, 2, 3 & MORE CLUB – TUESDAY, APRIL 20!
Whether you have been a member of the Greater Harrisburg Association of REALTORS^® for 1-2 or 3 years or more, we have planned a special FREE educational program and social/networking hour for all REALTORS^®!

Join us, Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at GHAR for this session on The Evolution of Construction: Changes and Tips Everyone Should Know presented by Mike Biechler of the Inspection Center! Registration begins at 2:15 p.m. with the program beginning at 2:30 p.m. Also stay with us for any questions and network with local agents at the Wine and Cheese Social hour beginning at 4:30 p.m. Register today by calling the Association office at (717) 364-3200 or register online at www.ghar.info under the members only section! Special thanks to Wells Fargo Home Mortgage for their sponsorship of this great event!

Please remember while this program is free if you do not attend and do not cancel your reservation by Friday, April 16 by 9:00 a.m., you will be charged a $5 fee. We need to have an accurate count for handouts and refreshments, so please assist us by complying with our policy.

JOIN US FOR REALTORS^® TAKE TIME "OUT"
Hosted at Duke’s Bar & Grille in Wormleysburg on Wednesday, April 21, 2010, this new event is geared towards GHAR REALTOR^® members as an after hours social. Network, mix, mingle and just “Take Time Out”!

A cash bar and light hors d’ oeuvres will be available from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. REALTOR^® Members may register online at www.ghar.info through the Members Only section of call the Association Office at (717) 364-3200. Pre-Registration deadline is Friday, April 16, 2010. Only Pre-Registered REALTOR^® members are eligible for door prizes and must be present to win.

Thank you to the following sponsors of this event:
Charter Homes and Neighborhoods
Fulton Mortgage Company
Law Offices of Robert M. Walker

This event is brought to you by the Greater Harrisburg Association of REALTORS^®as a venue to meet and socialize with colleagues. Overt and direct recruiting practices during these events are not acceptable. The Association requests that all attendees drink responsibly. Payments to the Greater Harrisburg Association of REALTORS^® are not deductible as charitable contributions for Federal Tax purposes; however, such payments may be deductible as ordinary and necessary business expenses.

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.)
April 12, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. sponsored by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
May 27, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. sponsored by Metro Bank

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

Sign up now for a House Cover Photo
The Association is now accepting reservations for the house cover photo in the electronic newsletter. If you would like to showcase a home or development in the electronic newsletter please contact Sara Bradnick for more information at sara@ghar.info or (717) 364-3200.

APRIL ICI BREAKFAST AND MARKETING EXCHANGE - THURSDAY, APRIL 1 (NEW LOCATION)
The April ICI Breakfast is sponsored by Landmark Commercial Realty, Inc. The breakfast will be held at 425 N. 21st Street, 3rd Floor, Camp Hill. This breakfast will follow the networking format. 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, March 31. Register online at www.ghar.info or call (717) 364-3200. Commercial REALTORS^®: the deadline to submit PowerPoint slides for the ICI Listings Slideshow is Monday, March 29, at 4:00 p.m.

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 2010 SPRING ICI SOCIAL EVENT - APRIL 22
Registration now is open for the 2010 spring ICI Social Event. This event will take place on Thursday, April 22, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Mount Hill Tavern 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.

A special thank you to our sponsors:
BL Companies
Carrow Real Estate Services, PA
Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC
Law Offices of Robert M. Walker
Snyder, Secary & Associates, LLC

MAY ICI BREAKFAST AND MARKETING EXCHANGE - THURSDAY, MAY 6
The May ICI Breakfast is sponsored by Metro Bank. The breakfast will be held at the Colonial Golf & Tennis Club, 4901 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg. This breakfast will follow the networking format. 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 5. Register online at www.ghar.info or call (717) 364-3200. Commercial REALTORS^®: the deadline to submit PowerPoint slides for the ICI Listings Slideshow is Monday, May 3, at 4:00 p.m.

GREATER HARRISBURG REALTORS^® INSTITUTE

2010 LICENSE RENEWAL AND CONTINUING EDUCATION DEADLINE
The State Real Estate Commission will be sending out 2010 Real Estate License Renewal notifications beginning in March. You will receive your notification from the Real Estate Commission in the form of a postcard. Notices are mailed to the most recent employer address that was reported to the Commission.

Once you receive notification that you are eligible to renew your license, you may do so at any time. The Real Estate Commission does recommend that your Broker renew prior to individual renewals. Please check with your Broker regarding their renewal status.

You will be asked on your renewal application if you have completed the required 14-hours of continuing education for the continuing education cycle ending May 31, 2010.

There is no incorrect answer. If you have already completed 14-hours, you should answer yes. If you have not yet completed your continuing education you should answer no. If you have completed 14-hours of continuing education by May 31, 2010, your answer will be considered correct

The State Real Estate Commission will begin the licensee audit process in June. If you are notified that you have been selected in the audit, you will at that time be requested to submit documentation confirming that you completed 14-hours of continuing education by May 31, 2010.

The Greater Harrisburg REALTORS^® Institute has scheduled a wide variety of Commission approved classes to help you meet your educational requirements.

If you completed continuing education courses at the Greater Harrisburg REALTORS^®Institute and have been requested to submit documentation, please contact Lisa Aaron, Director of Professional Development or Liann Migash, Professional Development Coordinator at (717) 364-3205 for course transcripts.

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 and fourth Mondays of the 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. GHRI is offering the General Module and the Residential Module. Please call GHRI at (717) 364-3205 for dates .

FOUNDATION KICKBALL TOURNAMENT!
Join us for the 2010 Foundation Kickball Tournament on Friday, May 14, 2010 at Adams-Ricci Park in Enola. Team registration cost is $200 (Teams of 10), Cheerleader Cost is $10. Registration Deadline is Monday, May 3, 2010. Players may check in the day of the event at the Midway Pavilion in Adams-Ricci Park at 2:00 p.m. with Kick Off at 3:00 pm.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase the day of the event. Players must be 18 and older. All proceeds from the event will go to the GHAR Foundation which supports shelter and housing related organizations in Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry Counties.

Sponsorships available now! Cost is $250 and include recognition in the GHAR Electronic Newsletter, GHAR Weekly E-Mail, all event materials and banner displayer at the event. Please note: Sponsors are responsible for the delivery and pick up of their banners. Banners must be at the Association Office no later than Friday, April 30 along with sponsorship payment to ensure proper recognition.

Download your Sponsor or Team Registration form at www.ghar.info and click on Meetings and Events.

Please contact Sara Bradnick at GHAR for additional information on sponsorships, player registration or volunteer opportunities by calling (717) 364-3200 or e-mail Sara 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.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS REMINDER!
Daylight Savings time began on Sunday, March 14, 2010. This means the standard time on your SUPRA Keyboxes will now be 9:00 am until 10:00 pm. You still have the option of making your boxes accessible 24 hours.

DICK BETTS RETURNS!!
DO YOU STILL NEED CE CREDITS? DO YOU HAVE A SMARTPHONE OR DO YOU PLAN TO PURCHASE ONE IN THE NEAR FUTURE? DO YOU WONDER WHAT EVERYBODY MEANS WHEN THEY ASK YOU "ARE YOU ON FACEBOOK"? OR "DO YOU TWITTER"?

IF YOU ANSWER YES TO ANY OF THESE QUESTIONS, YOU NEED TO REGISTER FOR DICK BETTS CLASS IN MARCH.

Tuesday March 30, 2010    $35/Class or $60/Both
8:30 a.m. – Noon            Today's Top Technology Trends (CE CERTIFIED)
1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.      Beyond the Fundamentals -Business Management and Your Smartphone^®
                                        (CE CERTIFIED)

Wednesday March 31, 2010   $35/Class or $60/Both
8:30 a.m. –Noon             Basic Social Networking
1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.     "This is not your Teenager's Networking" Business Builder (CE CERTIFIED)

What a great way to earn your CE Credits! Seating is Limited so Make your Reservations Early!

To Register Call CPML at (717) 761-8440 or email rcrossley@cpml.com

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:

March 30th at 11:00 and March 31st at 4:00 pm - CUSTOMIZING SPREADSHEETS AND REPORTS (Learn how to customize the spreadsheets and reports you use, what reports are available and see how often your listing are looked at)

April 6th at 11:00 am and April 7th at 4:00 pm - CMA (Learn how to complete a CMA including adjustments, cover letter, resume and more)

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:
                        April 8, 2010
                        May 13, 2010
                        June 10, 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.

NAR ACCEPTING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2011 COMMITTEES
The National Association of REALTORS^® is now accepting recommendations for committees in 2011. Using an online form on the NAR Web site, members can recommend themselves or other suitable candidates for up to three committees at a time. NAR has a wide variety of committees - to learn more information, please visit the NAR Web site. After logging in, members can review each committee's structure, purpose statement, composition (how many members), length of term you would be expected to serve, and specific qualifications for consideration. Please note that if you are appointed to a committee, you are expected to attend all of its meetings and serve the full length of your term. Click here to visit the Web form on the NAR Web site (please note you will need to login using your NAR user name and password). The deadline for submitting a recommendation for a committee is May 24, 2010.

And, please consider completing or updating your "expertise profile" on the NAR Web site. NAR's Expertise Profile Database was designed to provide all levels of the REALTOR^® family (including the Local, State, and National Associations) with key information about you and your professional experience. The information that you will provide in this profile will be used as a resource in a variety of ways, including identification of members with certain expertise to serve on committees, working groups, presidential advisory groups; also, to respond to surveys about association issues, products, services, etc. Individuals interested in serving on NAR's committees are encouraged to create and/or update their expertise profiles. However, they are NOT required. Also, completing an expertise profile is NOT the same as completing the NAR committee recommendation form. Click here to complete/update your expertise profile.

For more information, please contact the Association.

PAR HOSTS PRESS CONFERENCE OPPOSING TAX ON PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
On March 24, the Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS^® hosted a press conference at the Capitol Building in Harrisburg to publically outline its opposition to Gov. Ed Rendell’s proposal to impose a 4 percent sales tax on professional services. 2010 PAR President Don Roth spoke at the press conference, as well as unveiled the results of a statewide survey conducted by PAR. The survey results revealed that an overwhelming majority of likely voters – 70 percent of those surveyed – oppose the proposed tax on professional services involved in the home-buying and –selling process. Click here to read more about the press conference on PARJustListed.com.

CONGRESS PASSES HEALTH CARE REFORM LEGISLATION
On March 21, the United States House of Representatives approved H.R. 3590, also known as “The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act”. This health care reform legislation contains a number of provisions that impact REALTORS^®. Click here to read more about this issue on the NAR Web site.

HARRISBURG YOUNG PROFESSIONALS ANNOUNCES CLOSING COST ASSISTANCE PLAN; HARRISBURG CITY UNVEILS HOUSING PROGRAM
On March 24, the Harrisburg Young Professionals (HYP) announced a new program to assist homebuyers with purchasing a home in the City of Harrisburg. The program will provide any HYP member with $1,000 at settlement to assist with closing costs. The program is open to homes purchased between now and April 30, 2010. Click here for more information on the HYP Web site. The City of Harrisburg also unveiled a new program to provide purchasers with $5,000 towards closing costs on eight city-owned homes. Click here to read more about these programs on The Patriot-News Web site.

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.

USDA RURAL HOUSING LOANS FACING FUNDING GAP
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that funding for the Rural Housing 502 Single-Family Loan Guarantee program likely will be exhausted by the end of April. The USDA says that it will stop issuing conditional commitments until Congress appropriates additional funds for the program. NAR has contacted congressional appropriators asking them to continue funding the program and to announce a funding decision prior to the end of April. Click here to read NAR’s letters.

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.

In this Email: