GHAR Weekly E-mail

ANNUAL AWARDS - DEADLINE TO APPLY OR NOMINATE IS TODAY
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 5:00 p.m. today o be eligible for consideration. Questions can be directed to Cindy Cuddeford (cindy@ghar.info) or Kathy Ludwig (kathy@ghar.info)

BACK TO SCHOOL SALE - STORE ITEMS 20 % OFF I
GHAR announces its Back to School Sale. All merchandise in the REALTOR^® Store is 20% off through October 7. Some restrictions apply. No coupon needed - just stop in during regular business hours to take advantage of the savings!

2011 ANNUAL MEETING AND TRADE FAIR - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13
The GHAR Annual Meeting and Trade Fair will be held on Thursday, October 13 at the Radisson Penn Harris, in Camp Hill from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. REALTORS^® are invited to cast your ballot for the Board of Directors, visit over 40 exhibitors from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., network, and enjoy free food and a cash bar. Entertainment, door prizes and raffles also will be held during this exciting event. The Annual Meeting will take place from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. During the business meeting, we will announce raffle winners, door prize winners and the election results. This event is FREE to registered REALTOR^® members who vote! Office Sign up Sheets are due to GHAR next Friday, October 7.

REALTORS® REACH OUT 2011!
Registration is now open to participate in GHAR's community service event to celebrate REALTORS^® Reach Out. This month long celebration is a campaign that will showcase REALTORS® and the contributions they make to their local communities and is being held October 1 – 31, 2011. During this month, local REALTOR®associations across the state will take part in community outreach projects.

To celebrate this month, GHAR will be hosting a volunteer work day on Friday, October 21. Partnering with Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area, REALTORS® will be participating in a block clean-up in the Camp Curtin area in Harrisburg.

If you are interested in volunteering for the work day, please download and complete the event flyer and sign-up form and return it to the Association. Click here to visit the REALTORS® Reach Out webpage on the GHAR website. For more information, or questions about these events please contact Sherri Pursel.

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.

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 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. sponsored by Members 1st Federal Credit Union
November 16 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - sponsored by Mid Penn Bank

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

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.

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR FALL ICI SOCIAL EVENT - OCTOBER 20
Registration now is open for the 2011 fall ICI Social Event. This event will take place on Thursday, October 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Holiday Inn New Cumberland. This event is co-hosted by the GHAR ICI Council and the REALTORS^® Association of York & Adams Counties (RAYAC) Commercial, Industrial & Investment Council. The event is free to GHAR and RAYAC 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.

Special thank you to our sponsors:
·        BL Companies
·        Colliers International
·        Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC
·        Law Offices of Robert M. Walker, LLC
·        Reager & Adler, PC
·        Rhoads & Sinon LLP

NOVEMBER ICI BREAKFAST - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3
The November ICI Breakfast is sponsored by High Associates Ltd. The breakfast will be held at Windsor Park Shopping Center (form VIP Fitness), 5210 Simpson Ferry Road, Mechanicsburg. Jack Messenger, from Dale Carnegie Training, will be speaking on the topic: “Swallowing the Future Without Getting Indigestion.” *PLEASE NOTE: Exhibit tables will be available for this breakfast. Any attendee interested in reserving table space should contact Sherri Pursel by October 28. 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, November 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 Monday, October 31, at 4:00 p.m.

GREATER HARRISBURG REALTORS^® INSTITUTE
The Greater Harrisburg REALTORS^® Institute is offering several classes this fall. Don't wait to the last minute to earn your CE credits. For more information call (717) 364-3205.

REQUIRED COURSE FOR NEW LICENSEES
GHRI is offering the Residential Module on December 7. This course is required for new licensees. For more information call (717) 364-3205.

25th ANNUAL THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE
This year, we are celebrating the Greater Harrisburg Association of REALTORS^® Foundation's 25^th Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. Last year, we successfully helped 659 local families enjoy a Thanksgiving Day meal. This year the goal is to EXCEED THAT NUMBER with your help.

We’re simply asking for each REALTOR^® to make a suggested contribution of $25 for the 25^th year. The Foundation will do the rest! Through your generosity, each family will receive a turkey and a Giant Foods gift card for purchasing the remaining meal items.

Or, you can sponsor an entire family! The cost to sponsor one family with a turkey and Giant Foods gift card is $40. Please give what you can. Make checks payable to: The Greater Harrisburg Association of REALTORS^® Foundation

This year you can go to the GHAR website www.ghar.info and to “Members Only” to make your contribution to the Food Drive.

Keep in Mind the Closing Gifts! Please consider sponsoring an entire family. This year we will have 3 different amounts for the Closing Gift Note Cards - $10, $25 and $40 - to honor your client(s). It is as easy as 1, 2, 3 to participate!

All Food Drive donations are due to the GHAR Office - 424 N. Enola Drive, Suite 1, Enola 17025 - by OCTOBER 28, 2011 (or check with your office on how they are collecting). You also may make your contribution through the GHAR website at www.ghar.info.

PLEASE REMEMBER YOUR DONATION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE.
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.

INCLUDE EXACT PROPERTY DIRECTIONS IN YOUR LISTINGS
Directions to a property are a very important part of your listing in the Paragon system. Please provide exact directions from a given point. Example: Starting at GHAR building, turn right on Enola Dr....... Telling an agent or consumer, if they receive the listing in an email to "Use MapQuest" is not acceptable. If you are unsure of directions, you can use MapQuest to find the directions.

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

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.

TEMPORARY EXTENSION OF FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM NEARS!
NAR has announced that it expects Congress to approve a temporary extension of the National Flood Insurance Program. The program is set to expire on September 30, 2011. However, the U.S. Senate recently passed a temporary extension through November 18, 2011. The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to approve the temporary extension very soon, and no lapse in the program should occur. NAR intends to continue working on a long-term reauthorization before the new November 18 deadline expires. Click here for more information on the NAR website.

CONGRESS FAILS TO ACT ON EXTENDING FHA LOAN LIMITS
Congress has failed to extend the mortgage loan limits for FHA and Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac backed loans. On October 1, these loan limits will drop from 125% of local area medium home price to 115%. Locally, this change will impact York and Lancaster Counties, while Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry Counties will not see a change. Click here for more information on the NAR website.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR PLANNING COMMISSION
The Cumberland County Planning Commission is accepting applications to serve on the Commission beginning in 2012. Three positions are open on the Commission. Anyone interested in serving must complete an application and submit a resume for consideration. Potential members must be residents of the county but do not need to have a background in planning. Applications must be submitted by October 6. Click here to visit the Cumberland County Planning Commission website (application at bottom of the page). For questions or more information, please call the Cumberland County Planning Department at (717) 240-5362.

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.

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