MEMBERSHIP APPRECIATION RECEPTION - MARCH 10, 2010! HURRY, Registration Deadline is Today, March 5!

It's Fiesta Time! All REALTOR^® and affiliate members of GHAR are invited to attend the fiesta themed Membership Appreciation Reception on Wednesday, March 10 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. Offices are encouraged to participate in the Sombrero Decorating Contest.

The cost is free to members who register by March 5. Offices, Please Fax your Agent Sign Up Form Today! Members may also register online through the Members Only Section of the Web site, www.ghar.info or by calling (717) 364-3200. Please join us!

TECHNOLOGY LUNCH AND LEARN - TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2010!
Technology Lunch and Learn will be held at the GHAR Office on Tuesday, March 16, 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. Titled “Clean Up & Back Up”: Protecting Your Assets, this session will take a look at backing up your computer files and optimizing your systems performance.

Other questions and topics covered include:

External Hard Drives vs. Online Back Up Service?
Backing Up Outlook
“Back Up” Frequency
My Computer Crashed, Now What?
Why Should I Know what a De-Frag is?
Tips on Anti-Virus Programs

Reservations are required by noon on Friday, March 12 and space is limited! Register by calling the Association at (717) 364-3200 or online at www.ghar.info under Members Only!

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.

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 meal 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
The April ICI Breakfast is sponsored by Landmark Commercial Realty, Inc. The breakfast will be held at 2400 Thea Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17110. 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 .

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AT THE FOUNDATION COMEDY NIGHT!
Thank you to the following Comedy Night Sponsors:

CAMPBELL Commercial Real Estate
Central Penn Multi-List, Inc.
Complete Closing Services
Fulton Bank/Fulton Mortgage Company
RE/MAX Delta Group
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

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.

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 9th at 11:00 am and March 10th at 4:00 pm - CONTACT MANAGER (Learn how to import from Outlook, do mailing labels and auto e-mail notification and more)

March 16th at 11:00 am and March 17th at 4:00 pm - MAPPING (Learn how to use the mapping search, how to use mapping in reports as well as how to print maps and driving directions)

March 23rd at 11:00 am and March 24th at 4:00 pm - USER PREFERENCES (Learn how to add or change your photo or company logo, how to set up your e-card and more)

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 EXPECTED TO SHIP MARCH 1!
The publication of the new PAR Standard Agreement for the Sale of Real Estate (ASR) has had some delays but the form is now at the printer and is expected to begin shipping March 1.

Electronic vendors have started to post the e-forms and all vendors are expected to have the new form online by March 1. The previous ASR is still acceptable to use for transactions.

A sample of the new form and the Guidelines for Preparation and Use (PAR login required) are available on PAR’s web site.

The revised Agreement of Sale incorporates some major changes: 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.

The Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (PAR Form LPD) is being 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.

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

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 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.

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!

CONGRESS EXTENDS NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM THROUGH END OF MARCH
On March 2, President Obama signed into law H.R. 4691, also known as the Temporary Extension Act of 2010. This legislation extends the authority for several federal programs, including the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP was set to expire at the end of February. However, with this legislation, the program now is extended through March 28, 2010. The U.S. Senate currently is working on separate legislation that would extend the NFIP through the end of the year. NAR is very supportive of this extension. Click here for more information on the NAR Web site.

REGISTER TO ATTEND THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS BREAKFAST - MARCH 31
Please sign up to attend GHAR’s second annual County Commissioners Breakfast! Association members will have the opportunity to interact with our county commissioners and hear about important issues in the tri-county area. The event is being held on Wednesday, March 31, at the Radisson Penn Harris Hotel and Convention Center, from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. The cost to attend is $15.00. Click here to view the event flyer. If you are interested in attending, please contact Cindy at the Association at (717) 364-3200.

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.

FHA ANNOUNCES MAJOR CHANGES
On January 20, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) announced major changes to its underwriting standards in order to strengthen the Administration’s reserves. Some of the changes include: (1) an increase in the up-front mortgage insurance premium by 50 bps to 2.25 percent; (2) a FICO credit score floor of 580 for borrowers to qualify for the agency's 3.5 percent minimum down payment (other borrowers must put down a 10 percent minimum); and (3) a reduction in seller concessions from 6 percent to 3 percent of the mortgage amount. Click here to read more about this issue on the NAR Web site.

GOV. RENDELL PRESENTS BUDGET; PROPOSAL INCLUDES TAX ON SERVICES
On February 9, Governor Ed Rendell presented his 2010-2011 budget proposal to the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Included in his proposal is a plan to reduce the state sales tax from 6 percent to 4 percent and to expand the tax base. Under his proposed plan, REALTORS^® fees would be subject to the 4 percent sales tax. Click here to read more about this issue on PAR JustListed.com.

SUSQUEHANNA TWP. DELAYS CONSIDERATION OF CHANGES TO SIGN ORDINANCE
On February 11, the Susquehanna Township Board of Commissioners was scheduled to consider an ordinance amending the Township’s existing sign regulations. In particular, the proposed amendments include the elimination of all real estate directional signs (including open house signs), and changes to the maximum size of commercial real estate and new construction signs (shrinking the maximum size). GHAR is opposed to these changes and we submitted comments to the Township highlighting our concerns. Following receipt of our comments and concerns, the Township’s Board of Commissioner notified GHAR that it will table consideration of the ordinance. The Board of Commissioners intends to continuing working on these sign revisions and to reach out to GHAR for additional comments. Please watch for more information on this issue in future Weekly E-mails. If you would like a copy of the proposed ordinance, or if you have any questions, 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.

WEST SHORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LAND DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR (NEW DATE!)
REALTORS^® and Affiliate Members are invited to attend the West Shore Chamber of Commerce's Land Development Seminar on Wednesday, March 17, from 7:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., at the Holiday Inn Harrisburg West. This "Getting to Shovel Ready" Seminar will cover everything you need to know about getting past the difficulties of land development projects. Click here for more information on the West Shore Chamber of Commerce Web site.

In this Email:

AGREEMENT OF SALE EXPECTED TO SHIP MARCH 1! The publication of the new PAR Standard Agreement for the Sale of Real Estate (ASR) has had some delays but the form is now at the printer and is expected to begin shipping March 1.

AGREEMENT OF SALE EXPECTED TO SHIP MARCH 1!
The publication of the new PAR Standard Agreement for the Sale of Real Estate (ASR) has had some delays but the form is now at the printer and is expected to begin shipping March 1.