GHAR Weekly E-mail

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS - DEADLINE TO APPLY IS JULY 15!
Do you consider yourself a leader? Are you interested in how the Association operates? Do you want a hand in shaping the future of the Association? 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. At the Annual Meeting and Trade Fair on October 13, the membership will be electing 7 members to serve on the Board of Directors. Deadline to apply is July 15. The application form is available at www.ghar.info.

Pennsylvania REALTORS^® Education Foundation Scholarship Program Now Accepting Applications
The Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS^® Education Foundation scholarship program encourages active PA REALTORS^® to continue professional development by pursuing REALTOR^® designations and/or broker licensure. Scholarships of $500 are awarded annually to eligible PAR members who demonstrate a desire to complete educational programs above and beyond the level of state-regulated continuing education or quadrennial ethics training.

The following courses will be eligible for scholarship funds: ABR, ABRM, AHWD, ALC, CCIM, CIPS, CPM, CRB, CRE, CRS, e-PRO, GAa, GREEN, GRI, PMN, RAA, RSPS, SIOR, SRES and TRC. In addition, broker courses approved by the State Real Estate Commission will be eligible (applicant must provide documentation of course approval by the Commission at the time of request of scholarship funds.)

Applicants must currently be a REALTOR^® member and have held REALTOR^® membership for at least two years. PREF scholarships, offered up to a maximum of $500, can be used for tuition and reimbursement of lodging and travel expenses.

Scholarships must be used within one calendar year. The application deadline is July 31. For details on the PREF scholarship program and to apply, visit www.pref.biz.

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.

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.)

August 17, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. sponsored by Home Spec Inspection Protection
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.

SAVE THE DATE: SEPTEMBER ICI BREAKFAST
The September ICI Breakfast is sponsored by CAMPBELL Commercial Real Estate, and it is scheduled for Thursday, September 1. Please watch for more information about this breakfast later this summer.

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
GHRI is offering both the General Module and the Residential Module, the courses required for new licensees. For more information call (717) 364-3205.

REALTORS^® CARE & SHARE CAMPAIGN - DONATIONS STILL BEING ACCEPTED!
Since 1993, the Greater Harrisburg Association of REALTORS^® Foundation has donated a total of over $594,000 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 REALTORS^® Care & Share Campaign.

During the REALTORS^® 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 2011 goal is $21,000.

Thank you to the following Companies and Offices who have contributed to the 2011 REALTORS^® Care & Share Campaign:

New this year, contributions to the REALTORS^® Care & Share Campaign may be made with credit cards by going to Members Only at www.ghar.info or may be mailed to the GHAR Foundation, 424 N. Enola Drive, Suite 1, Enola, PA 17025. If you have any questions on the REALTORS^® Care & Share Campaign, please contact the Association at (717) 364-3200. Thank you for making our community better!

SAY GOOD BYE TO PARAGON 4
The Paragon 4 cutoff date has been delayed. I encourage you to work in P5 so you are ready when Paragon 4 has been turned off.

IF THERE ARE STILL ANY ISSUES IN P5 THAT YOU FEEL SHOULD BE CORRECTED BEFORE THE CUTOVER, PLEASE EMAIL THEM TO RCROSSLEY@CPML.COM. PLEASE PUT “P5 ISSUE” IN THE SUBJECT LINE.

PARAGON 5 WEBINAR TRAINING
Webinars have started for training on P5 (Paragon 5). For a short period of time the webinars will be held 2 times a week and twice a day. The topics will include:

P5 Essentials-Learn Navigation, Multi-Tasking, Inline Auto Complete. Customizing Searches, Emailing, Printing, Customizing Reports, Mailing Labels and Browsers.

Contact Manager and Client Connect - Learn Contact manager Wizard, Saving Searches to Client, Client Connect Customer View, Client Connect Set-up, Agent Notification.

CMA - Learn CMA Wizard, New Themes, CMA Setup and Navigation.

Listing Input - Learn Bulk Photo Upload, Inline Auto Complete, Features and Geo Coding

Preferences - Learn how to Upload Photos and Logos, Client Connect Preferences, E-card, Market Monitor Customization and CMA Customization.

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

PARAGON TRAINING SCHEDULE
Training classes have been scheduled on the following dates for the PARAGON system:
July 7th August 11th

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.

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.

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.

USE THE HOUSELOGIC REALTOR^® CONTENT RESOURCE TODAY!
The best FREE way to keep in touch with your clients!

With the REALTOR^® Content Resource, a new tool from the National Association of REALTORS^®, you can easily add ready-to-use, expert articles about home ownership, buying and selling to your marketing efforts and continue the conversation with clients long after the sale. Plus, you have a chance to win great prizes!

Share content via your communications channels:

Social media and e-mail
Blogs, website
E-newsletters
Personalized handouts

Hundreds of seasonal and timely articles cover:

Improvement and maintenance ideas, which add home value
Finance, tax, and insurance tips that save home owners money
Community ideas to keep neighborhoods strong
Buying and selling tips

Visit www.HouseLogic.com/members to login and start your new marketing strategies!

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.

REALTORS^® FEDERAL CREDIT UNION - JOIN TODAY!
REALTORS^® Federal Credit Union is proud to be a REALTOR Benefits^® Program Partner! NAR has partnered with industry leaders to provide REALTORS^® with value-added offers and significant savings on products and services they use every day. Through unique understanding and real partnership, we guide members to securing their financial independence, while supporting NAR's mission and benefiting the greater community.

REALTORS^® FCU Now Offers:
·         Highly Competitive Interest & Dividend Rates
·         Traditional & Money Market Savings
·         Traditional, Roth & SEP Individual Retirement (IRA) Savings and Certificate Accounts
·         Free eChecking with MasterCard Debit Card
·         Surcharge-Free ATM Transactions at Thousands of CO-OP Network & CU24 Network ATMs
·         Your own Virtual Branch
        o        Remote Check Deposit, Online Bill Pay Online Statements, Electronic Statements, Alerts, Messaging and more
                    o        myMortgage Center
·         Personal Loans & Credit Lines
·         New & Used Vehicle, Boat & RV Loans
·         Home Loan Financing
·         Certificate Investments
·         Business Savings & Money Market Accounts

As a REALTORS^® Federal Credit Union member, you have access to our diverse portfolio of products and services. Our cooperative approach to financial services allows us to provide you with great rates and fewer fees. Eligible members include anyone who is a member of or works with the NAR as well as their immediate family or household members. You can become a member of REALTORS^® Federal Credit Union as early as your first day of membership or relevant affiliation with the National Association of REALTORS^® or any time afterward. Join today!

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.

GHAR LAUNCHES RPAC CAMPAIGN!
On June 13, GHAR kicked off its annual campaign for the REALTORS^® Political Action Committee, better known as RPAC. The theme of the campaign is “OUR PAC is YOUR PAC”. The campaign will run through August 5. Click here for more information on the GHAR Web site.

U.S. HOUSE APPROVES 1-YEAR EXTENSION OF THE NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM
On June 2, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation extending the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for one year. The NFIP is set to expire on September 30, 2011, unless Congress acts to reauthorize the program. The program has expired several times over the last two years. While the House did approve the extension, it is unclear if the U.S. Senate will approve the legislation. NAR strongly supports its reauthorization, and it is advocating for passage of a reauthorization bill as soon as possible. Click here to read more about this issue on the NAR Web site.

NAR LAUNCHES CALL-FOR-ACTION! CONTACT YOUR CONGRESSMAN ABOUT THE MORTGAGE INTEREST DEDUCTION
Over the last several weeks, Congress once again has suggested changes to the Mortgage Interest Deduction (MID) as part of an overhaul of the nation’s tax system. NAR strongly opposes any changes to the MID because any changes would have an adverse effect on the entire housing market, potentially lowering home values and slowing sales. NAR launched a member-wide Call-for-Action (CFA) on March 28. NAR is asking members to contact their Congressman to ask him to oppose any changes to the MID and to co-sponsor H.Res. 25, a bipartisan House resolution that affirms the value and importance of the Mortgage Interest Deduction. Click here to participate in this CFA and for more information on the NAR Web site.

PRIVATE TRANSFER FEES LEGISLATION APPROVED!
On June 15, the Pennsylvania General Assembly approved House Bill 442 (Helm, R-Dauphin) banning private transfer fees (PTFs) in Pennsylvania. A PTF is a covenant attached to a deed that forces the seller to pay 1% of the purchase price to a private third party corporation each time the property sells in a period of 99 years. HB 442 will ban all future PTFs in Pennsylvania and would enact strong disclosure requirements for existing PTFs. The legislation is now on the Governor’s desk awaiting signature into law. PAR strongly supported this legislation, and it expects the bill to become law in the next few days. Thank you to all members who responded to the Calls-for-Action on this critical issue! For more information, please contact Sherri Pursel.

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.

In this Email: