LICENSE RENEWAL DEADLINE IS MAY 31, 2010
Licensees must earn 14 hours of continuing education and renew their license with the State Real Estate Commission by May 31, 2010. Failure to earn the credits and to renew the license will result in the inability to practice real estate. If you still in need of continuing education credits, online courses are available at www.ghar.info.

Licensees, who have not renewed their licenses by May 31, 2010, may NOT practice real estate effective June 1, 2010.

Licensees may renew their license online after June 1, 2010. As soon as the license is renewed, the licensee may practice real estate.

Brokers and office managers should verify that all agents in their company/office have renewed their license. The Web site for license verification is www.licensepa.state.pa.us

The State Real Estate Commission will begin the licensee audit process in mid to late July. 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. If you took your courses at GHRI, please contact Liann Migash or Lisa Aaron at 364-3205. Watch the weekly e-mail for more information on the audit process.

MANAGEMENT SOCIAL- JUNE 3
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 Social will be held in the Fairway Room at the Colonial Golf & Tennis Club in Harrisburg from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Cost is $20 and includes hors d'oeuvres and sodas. Wine, Beer and Cocktails may be purchased. The event is only open to managers and brokers of the Association. The Colonial Golf & Tennis Club is offering a special rate on golf to event attendees. Members wishing to play golf prior to this event may contact John Brown at (717) 657-3212 to arrange a tee time.

Brokers and managers may register by calling Cindy Cuddeford at (717) 364-3200 or by e-mailing her at cindy@ghar.info. Reservation deadline is Tuesday, June 1. Reservations made and not cancelled 48 hours in advance will be billed regardless of attendance.

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 – 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 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. sponsored by Mid Penn Bank
September 2, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. sponsored by An'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.

JUNE ICI BREAKFAST - THURSDAY, JUNE 3
The June ICI Breakfast is sponsored by RE/MAX Delta Group. The breakfast will be held at The BenMar Building, 116 Pine Street, Fourth Floor, in 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, June 2. 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 Tuesday, June 1, at 4:00 p.m.

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 $9,021.00.

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

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
High Associates Ltd.
Hooke, Hooke & Eckman, LLC
J.F. McGraw Co.
John Glise, Inc. REALTOR^®, Camp Hill Office
Lawyers Realty, LLC
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, Karl Krug

Contributions may be mailed to the GHAR Foundation, 424 N. Enola Drive, Suite 1, Enola, PA 17025 by May 31. 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!
Eagle Sponsor - $2,500 (Exclusive, Call for Availability)
Birdie Sponsor - $1,000
Par Sponsor - $500
Bogey Sponsor - $250

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 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.

NAR LAUNCHES CALL-FOR-ACTION TO PREVENT NEW TAX BURDENS ON REAL ESTATE
On May 16, the National Association of REALTORS^® launched a nationwide Call-for-Action asking REALTORS^® to contact their Congressman and Senators regarding new tax proposals. Congress is considering these new tax proposals that would place additional burdens on owners and investors in residential and commercial real estate. Click here for more information and to participate in the Call-for-Action!

REGISTER TO ATTEND FIRST ANNUAL MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS BREAKFAST – JUNE 9
Please sign up to attend GHAR’s inaugural Municipal Officials Breakfast! Association members will have the opportunity to interact with local municipal officials and staff and to learn about the local housing market. The event is being held on Wednesday, June 9, at the Radisson Penn Harris Hotel and Convention Center, from 7:45 to 9:30 a.m. The cost to attend is $20.00. Click here to view the event flyer. If you are interested in attending, please contact Cindy at the Association at 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.

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.

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES APPROVES RURAL HOUSING PROGRAM BILL
On April 27, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5017, a bill to restore the USDA rural housing 502 single family mortgage insurance program. According to NAR, the legislation will increase the upfront guarantee for the program, which will allow the loan program to be self-sustaining. Borrowers will continue to be able to finance the upfront fee. Also on April 27, Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced S. 3266, a companion bill to the recently passed House legislation. The Senate version now awaits action in the Senate Banking Committee. Click here for more information on the NAR Web site.

cONGRESS PASSES FLOOD INSURANCE EXTENSION; working on Longer extension
On April 15, Congress passed legislation to renew the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through May 31, 2010. The House Financial Services Committee also approved a bill that will extend the NFIP for five years and increase maximum coverage limits. H.R. 5114 now will move to the full House for consideration. The National Association of REALTORS^® (NAR) intends to continue working with Congressional leaders to develop a long-term reauthorization prior to the May deadline. Click here to read more about this issue on the NAR Web site.

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 meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. on June 2 and 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.

COURTESY ANNOUNCEMENTS

CONDOLENCES
Our condolences go out to Terri Torquato and her family on the recent loss of Terri's Mother in Law, Dorothy Stanish Torquato. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepard Catholic Church at 3435 Trindle Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011.

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