GHAR Weekly E-mail

ANNUAL AWARDS - DEADLINE TO APPLY OR NOMINATE IS SEPTEMBER 30
The Association announces the applications for the following awards are now available:
    Hall of Fame - recognizes significant contributions of the individual to the real estate industry
    REALTOR^® of the Year - recognizes a member who shows a variety of contributions to the Association, community and the real estate business
    Professional Merit - recognizes professionalism through education, participation and community service
    Affiliate of the Year - recognizes an affiliate members who shows a variety of contributions to the Association and Foundation

Please consider nominating a peer for these special awards. For more information and for the award applications visit, www.ghar.info. All applications must be submitted by September 30 to be eligible for consideration. Questions can be directed to Cindy Cuddeford (cindy@ghar.info) or Kathy Ludwig (kathy@ghar.info).

If you would like to be an Exhibitor at the GHAR Annual Meeting and Trade Fair and you did not receive information by e-mail, you can contact Cindy at the Association office by calling (717) 364-3200 or by e-mailing her at cindy@ghar.info. Exhibitors: please register by September 9 to receive the Early Bird discount rate!

TECHNOLOGY LUNCH AND LEARN, TABLETS AND APPS – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
Join us, Friday, September 9, 2011 for the Technology Lunch and Learn Seminar at the GHAR Office! Registration begins at 10:45 a.m. with the Session starting at 11:00 a.m. Cost is only $7.00 for members and includes a lunch. Thank you to our sponsor: A Plus Mortgage Solutions, Inc.

The Basics of Tablets and Apps and How to Utilize in your Real Estate Business!
Our speaker is John Henry. The following topics will be covered:
        What is a tablet and an app?
        What is the difference between an iPad and other tablets on the market?
        How can a tablet help my real estate business?
        The top ten real estate apps available today

Reservations are required by Friday, September 2, 2011. 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. Friday, September 2 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.

MANAGEMENT ISSUES BREAKFAST - SURVIVING SETTLEMENT ISSUES - SEPTEMBER 14
Our Management Issues Committee has assembled a panel of experts to discuss "Surviving Settlement Issues" on Wednesday, September 14 at the GHAR Building. Our speakers are Dave Reager, Esq., (Reager & Adler) Phil Dorn (Orrstown Bank) and Jodi Bezanilla (Metro Bank) and Anne Storms as the moderator. This is a FREE event open to brokers, managers, associate brokers, owners, trainers and the GHAR Board of Directors. Registration opens at 8:15 a.m. with breakfast and the program starts at 8:30 a.m. Members can register by calling Cindy Cuddeford at 364-3200.

1, 2, 3 & MORE CLUB - SEPTEMBER 22
All members are invited to join us for a FREE discussion on Legal Concerns presented by Doug Marsico of Caldwell & Kearns. The Are You Legal? session will be held on September 22 from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. (registration is at 2:45 p.m.) Thank you to the sponsorship of Home Spec Inspection Protection, there is a Wine and Cheese Social immediately following the event. Members need to register by going online, www.ghar.info or by calling (717) 364-3200 before September 20. Registered attendees will receive a GHAR REALTOR^® Store coupon good for 10% off their entire purchase. This program is free. However, if you do not attend and do not cancel your reservation by September 20, you will be charged a $5.00 fee.

DISCOVERING YOUR MEMORY POWER - SEPTEMBER 28
Your profession demands that you remember a wealth of knowledge including, client information, market data, presentations...and most importantly names. A simple slip of the mind can result in lost sales or credibility. This program will demonstrate how to remember: Names and faces; Key client information; Presentations (without notes); Important details from meetings and conversations. What to expect: Less stress; Higher sales; A boost in confidence; Increased referrals and repeat business; Better time management. Cost: $5.00. Call (717) 364-3200 to register.

BREAKFAST BYTES - LOCKBOX ESSENTIALS - OCTOBER 12
Robbin Crossley of CPML will discuss key topics regarding your SUPRA lockbox on October 12. Registration and continental breakfast is at 8:30 a.m. Session is 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Cost is $5.00 for GHAR members and $7.00 for non-members. Learn how to keep your lockbox safe and how to use it to its fullest potential. Register online at www.ghar.info or call (717) 364-3200.

INFORMATION FROM PENN WASTE
GHAR has been asked by Penn Waste to share the following information with REALTORS^® listing and selling homes in Dauphin, Cumberland and York counties.

Penn Waste is contracted by 65 townships and boroughs to provide and bill for trash service. Most of these are mandatory trash areas requiring Penn Waste to bill all property owners whether or not the service is used. Penn Waste files many civil complaints in order to collect on the past due bills. Many times, they are awarded judgment. Many properties have outstanding balances or judgment at the time of settlement. When a judgment is entered at the county level, a judgment liability is imposed on the defendant. In addition, a judgment constitutes a judgment lien on real estate owned in the name of the defendant.

For better communication, Penn Waste has created an e-mail address, collections@pennwaste.com. REALTORS^® can submit inquiries of judgment or outstanding balances on any specific property in all of the municipalities Penn Waste services. In the e-mail subject line, please put the name of the township or borough. The property address should be noted in the body of the e-mail. For questions or more information, contact Sheila Beichner, Credit and Collections Supervisor at Penn Waste.

REMINDER! ARE YOU COMPLYING WITH CAN-SPAM ACT REQUIREMENTS?
This is a reminder that if you purchase e-mail addresses to, for example, contact individuals regarding listings, you must comply with the requirements of the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003. Information about the Act’s requirements can be found on the Federal Trade Commission’s Web site. The Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS^® also has information on its Web site.

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.

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

October 5, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. sponsored by Members 1st Federal Credit Union

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

SEPTEMBER ICI BREAKFAST - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
The September ICI Breakfast is sponsored by CAMPBELL Commercial Real Estate, Inc. The breakfast will be held at RockBass Grill, 461 S. Front Street, Wormleysburg. A panel of experts will discuss the topic: “Lender, Appraiser & Broker Perspectives on Commercial Property Appraising”. Panelists include: Janak Amin, CEO, Graystone Tower Bank, Art Campbell, President, CAMPBELL Commercial Real Estate, Inc., and Jeff Walters, MAI, Walters Appraisal Services. 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, August 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, August 29, at 4:00 p.m.

OCTOBER ICI BREAKFAST - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6
The October ICI Breakfast is sponsored by Carrow Real Estate Services. The breakfast will be held at the Camp Hill Corp. Center, 300 Corp. Center Drive, Camp Hill. Bruce Ketrick, Owner of Guardian CSC, will be speaking on the topic “Legionella – Does It Reside in Your Property?” *PLEASE NOTE: Exhibit tables will be available for this breakfast. Small tables will be set up around the room to allow any attendee to showcase their services at no charge. The first 30 minutes will be a networking period when attendees may visit exhibit tables to learn about the exhibitors’ services. Any attendee interested in reserving table space should contact Sherri Pursel by September 30. After the networking portion, the breakfast program will include: ICI/GHAR announcements, government affairs announcements, “Needs & New” segment, comments from the sponsor, and speaker’s comments. The Marketing Exchange Table and the ICI Listing Slideshow will still be available to attendees. Registration is at 7:50 a.m. Breakfast begins at 8:00 a.m. Reservations are required by noon on Wednesday, October 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, October 3, at 4:00 p.m.

SAVE THE DATE: FALL ICI SOCIAL EVENT SET FOR THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20
Please save the date for the next ICI Social Event scheduled for Thursday, October 20, at the Holiday Inn New Cumberland. This event is co-hosted by the GHAR Industrial, Commercial & Investment (ICI) Council and the REALTORS^® Association of York & Adams Counties (RAYAC) Commercial, Industrial & Investment Council. Registration for this event will open in September. We currently are looking for sponsors for the event. If you or your company is interested in sponsoring, please complete and submit the Sponsor Sign-up Form or contact Sherri Pursel.

GREATER HARRISBURG REALTORS^® INSTITUTE

GHRI E-MAIL IS SENT ONCE A MONTH DURING THE SUMMER
To help decrease the size and scope of the weekly e-mail, the Association has decided to send out a separate e-mail highlighting upcoming classes held at the Greater Harrisburg REALTORS^® Institute.

REQUIRED COURSE FOR NEW LICENSEES
In the fall, GHRI is offering both the General Module and the Residential Module, the courses required for new licensees.
For more information call (717) 364-3205.

PHOTO LABELS AND DESCRIPTIONS
Please look under MLS DOCS on the P5 system for documentation on adding labels and descriptions to your photos.

CPML ELECTION
Election for CPML Board of Directors will be held November 7, 2011. If you are interested in becoming a candidate, the Candidate Application is under MLS Docs in P5, or you may call the CPML office at 717-761-8440 and we will fax you the application.

PARAGON TRAINING SCHEDULE
CPML is now offering four different classes on P5. You may come to any or all, and you may come as often as you feel is necessary. For new agents, the two Basic Classes are required.

PARAGON 5 WEBINAR TRAINING
Webinars are available for P5. You have a choice of live or prerecorded webinars. The topics will include:

For complete schedule and registration, please see link on home page in Paragon.

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 Web site 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.

PAR ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR PENNSYLVANIA BOARDS
PAR currently is taking applications for vacancies on several Pennsylvania Boards including the State Real Estate Commission, the Housing Alliance of PA, and the Federal Home Loan Bank. Members interested in serving on these Boards should apply to PAR. PAR then will select applicants to "recommend" to serve on these boards. Click here for a complete overview of the process and a list of Pennsylvania Boards. Click here to submit an application.

SAVE ON THESE NAR MARKETING MATERIALS TODAY!
We wanted to inform you first about some exciting new offerings at the completely redesigned online store, (www.REALTOR.org/Store), for the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^® (NAR). They’re offering the latest must have products to help you take advantage of the changing market. They’re also giving you 10% off your next purchase when you use promotional code GH2 at checkout.

The newly designed online store has everything you need to be a successful REALTOR^® from products on:

sales and marketing
commercial
investment
home buying and selling
technology
mortgages

Visit the site often, as it is constantly updated, with offerings based on member feedback and changes in the market. Included in this special offer are items printed using the new Print on Demand Program.

Help turn a “changing” market into a marketing opportunity by visiting www.REALTOR.org/Store and take advantage of your special 10% discount today when you use code GH2 at checkout.

RPAC SWEEPSTAKES WINNER ANNOUNCED!
Congratulations to Matt Hockley with Exit Platinum Plus Realty! He is the winner of the Apple^® iPad^® 2 and carrying case from the 2011 RPAC Sweepstakes. Matt’s winning ticket was pulled during the drawing at the GHAR Board of Directors meeting on August 18. Congratulations Matt! And, thank you to all those members who entered the RPAC Sweepstakes and invested in RPAC. With your commitment, we will be able to continue to advocate for REALTORS^® and private property rights at all three levels of government! *Pictured here is Matt Hockley, RPAC Sweepstakes winner, and Bernie Campanella, Chairman of the GHAR-PAC Board.

EMERGENCY HOMEOWNERS’ LOAN PROGRAM – FUNDS AVAILABLE!
The Emergency Homeowners' Loan Program (EHLP) is a foreclosure prevention program intended to help families in danger of losing their homes due to involuntary unemployment, under-employment or for medical reasons. Initially, Pennsylvania had been approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to receive $105 million to aid homeowners facing foreclosure. Pennsylvania still has approximately $50 million available for families in danger of losing their home to foreclosure. If the money is not used for what it was intended for by September 30, the funds return to HUD. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) is administering the program, and has set an application deadline of September 16th in order to get the processing completed prior to September 30th. The EHLP will offer homeowners a declining balance, deferred payment "bridge loan" for up to $50,000. Additionally, the EHLP will help homeowners in danger of imminent foreclosure with payment of arrearages, plus up to 24 months of monthly payments on their mortgage principal, interest, mortgage insurance premiums, taxes, and hazard insurance. To qualify for EHLP loan, homeowners need to meet certain HUD requirements, including:

Pennsylvania residents should call PHFA at 1-800-342-2397 for details. Operators are available Monday through Friday during normal business hours. EHLP funding will only be available for a limited time, so people are advised to call as soon as possible.

REGISTER TO ATTEND THE 2011 LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST - SEPTEMBER 22
Please sign up to attend GHAR’s annual Legislative Breakfast! Association members will have the opportunity to interact with our state representatives and senators and hear about important issues at the state level. The event is being held on Thursday, September 22, at the Hilton Harrisburg, from 7:45 to 9:30 a.m. The event is FREE to GHAR members who have made a contribution of $99.00 or more to RPAC. All other members may attend for $20.00. Click here to view the event flyer. If you are interested in attending, please contact Cindy at the Association at (717) 364-3200.

NAR LAUNCHES CALL-FOR-ACTION! TELL CONGRESS TO REAUTHORIZE NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM!
On June 29, the National Association of REALTORS^® issued another member-wide Call-for-Action regarding the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). REALTORS^® are asked to contact their Congressmen urging them to pass legislation in the House to reform and reauthorize the NFIP. The program, which faces expiration at the end of the federal fiscal year, September 30, is critical for home buyers to obtain financing in areas where flood insurance is required. The bill would authorize the program for another five years and make long-sought reforms to put the program on a more fiscally sound footing. Click here to take action on the NAR Web site and to learn more about this critical issue!

NAR LAUNCHES CALL-FOR-ACTION! CONTACT YOUR CONGRESSMAN ABOUT EXTENDING LOAN LIMITS!
On June 21, the National Association of REALTORS^® issued a member-wide Call-for-Action asking REALTORS^® to contact their Congressmen about extending the loan limits on Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans and Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac (GSEs) loans. The loan limits are set to expire on September 30. More than 669 counties in 42 states and the territories would be negatively impacted by the loan limit expiration. Click here to participate in the Call-for-Action and to read more about this issue on the NAR Web site.

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.

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.

CONDOLENCES
   To Ann Marie Haggerty, Jack Gaughen REALTOR^® ERA, whose mother passed away recently
    To Jim Holtzman, Jack Gaughen REALTOR^® ERA, whose father passed away recently
    To Mary Sill, Lawyers Realty, LLC, whose father passed away recently
    To Susan Woska, Latus Commercial Realty, whose husband passed away recently

Our thoughts go out to these GHAR members and their families during their time of sorrow.

JUDGES NEEDED FOR HARRISBURG PARADE OF HOMES
The Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg is looking for 6-8 REALTOR^® judges to help with their Parade of Homes. Judging is on Tuesday, September 13, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Judges will likely visit 5-8 homes in two categories throughout the day, and drivers will be provided. Judges will receive $10 for lunch, and 2 vouchers tickets for the 2011 PA Home Show (March 3 to 11, 2012). A REALTOR^® may not judge a home that they are showing for a current Parade of Homes Builder. If you are able to help, please email Laura Frey at the HBA of Metro Harrisburg at Laura@harrisburgbuilders.com.

In this Email: