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January 5, 2006
 
 
Weekly News Service
Providing the Latest Association and Local Real Estate Information

The Weekly News Service is an exclusive benefit available to members of the Suburban West REALTORS Association. Featuring both Association news and local real estate industry information, the Weekly News is a service meant to benefit all members of the organization.

Have You Signed Up For Your Free Class?
ARS Logo All REALTOR Members are strongly encouraged to register for their free class from the Association of REALTORS School. Due to the success of the Association’s merger, we are pleased to leverage our resources to make this benefit available to our 4,700 REALTORS. Members can redeem the voucher they received with their dues for any class scheduled between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2006 (NOTE that designation and certificate courses are excluded).

To utilize the voucher, members simply need to notify the staff at the time of registration of their intent to redeem your free registration. Note that this can be accomplished via phone or paper registration—you cannot use the voucher if you are registering on-line. Each member is only eligible to receive one free class and must pay their 2006 dues prior to use of the voucher.

Since classes fill up quickly, members are encouraged to register for their classes as soon as possible. A comprehensive list of available courses is posted at the Association of REALTORS School’s website, www.realtors-school.com, including a list of classes being offered at our satellite locations in Concordville, Springfield and Plymouth Meeting. Any questions regarding the education voucher can be e- mailed to Gail Parke at gpar ke@suburbanwestrealtors.com or call 610- 560- 4900.

Code of Ethics Updated
REALTOR Logo As of January 1, the 2006 Code of Ethics is effective. The Code Of Ethics is available on our website by clicking here. Remember to take special notice of Standards of Practice 1-13 and 1-15. These two standards were amended significantly to address issues concerning multiple offer situations. Be sure to check the January 2006 issue of the "REALTOR News" for a full explanation of all the changes to the Code of Ethics.

Chester Heights Approves Controversial Ordinance
On Wednesday night (1/4/06), the Chester Heights Council adopted an ordinance that declares the borough’s intention to acquire two properties for road improvements and borough facilities. Council member and Fire Chief Lawrence Ward abstained from voting. During a long public discussion before the vote, council President Michael Pierce told more than 30 residents that the borough has no immediate plans to obtain land owned by resident Jeane DiSalvo and the Chester Heights Camp Meeting Association.

The ordinance is the first legal step toward obtaining funds and drawing plans, Pierce said. The concept of realignment came up during a meeting with PennDOT officials concerning a possible three-way traffic signal at the Smithbridge/Valleybrook Road intersection. The ordinance gives the borough the ‘‘option’’ of obtaining parts of the DiSalvo and Camp Meeting properties, but only if the need arises, Pierce said. (Source: Daily Times; 1/5/06)

Course Spotlight
Please mark your calendars and register today for these quality education opportunities from the Association of REALTORS School.
school RELRA Update: License Law Applications to Everyday Real Estate Practice—Often referred to as limited service brokers or discount brokers, the emergence of alternative business models is growing in the ever competitive real estate profession. Many state real estate commissions across the country are scrambling to create minimum service standards for licensees. Did you know that Pennsylvania has had minimum service criteria since 1999? Learn about these and other applications of license law to your real estate practices in this course. Other issues such as advertising, referrals, reciprocity, and the proper use of personal assistants will be covered. Next offering, Friday, January 13, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

The CFE's of Real Estate; Know When It's Safe to Call, Fax or E-mail--The fine for violating the Federal Do-Not-Call rules is $11,000! The Association of Realtors School has developed a course, “The CFE’s of Real Estate” to help you navigate the rules for calling, emailing and faxing consumers. Learn how to develop a business plan that will bring you business and promote and protect the best interest of your client while working within the various communication rules and regulations. Next offering, Friday, January 20, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Both classes are $35 and have been approved for 3.5 hours Pennsylvania continuing education credit. To register, please click here. Detailed information on all the classes offered by the Association of REALTORS School can be accessed at www.realtors-school.com.

Delco’s "Main Streets" Mark a New Renaissance
While western Delaware County is starting to groan under the weight of continued development, "Main Street" is slowly but surely reawakening in the rest of the county. Through a combination of courageous entrepreneurs and government funds, the centers of once thriving communities such as Chester, Upper Darby, lifton Heights, Marcus Hook and Lansdowne are getting a second chance after being abandoned by major industry. A strategic piece of the puzzle is Delaware County Council’s Renaissance revitalization program for the southern and eastern portions of the county.

Since 2002, Delaware County Council has directed $1 million annually to its Renaissance program which is aimed at revitalization of 29 "first generation" municipalities -- 22 boroughs, six townships and the City of Chester. (Source: Daily Times, 01/02/2006)

Employment Notice
Associate Broker at Century 21 Norris-Valley Forge in Phoenixville is looking for a part-time assistant - approx. 25 hrs. per week. Real Estate license is a plus but not required. Flexible hours available. Interested candidates should contact Lynne Norris at 610-631-8998 or email at C21lnorris@aol.com .

Welcome Reception for 2006 Board of Directors
Tyson All members are invited to attend the Suburban West REALTORS Association’s Welcome Reception for the 2006 Board of Directors and the Association’s new Chairman, Harrison “Bud” Tyson. This special event will be held on Thursday, January 12 at the Waynesborough Country Club in Paoli from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The cost for the event is $65 and black tie is admired. To register online, please access the Online Payment Center by clicking here. Once logged on, just click on the link for event calendar and follow the link for the Welcome Reception. Or call 610-560-4800 to register over the phone.

State Representatives from Chester County Elinor (EZ) Taylor and Bob Flick Announce Retirement
State Rep. Elinor Z. Taylor, who has represented the West Chester area since 1977, announced that she would not seek a 15th term. Representative Bob Flick, who has been a member of the House since 1983, has also revealed his plans for retirement. A few other incumbent lawmakers from the region have decided to not to seek reelection this year. Two suburban Philadelphia House members, Reps. Raymond Bunt Jr. and Jacqueline R. Crahalla, both Montgomery County Republicans, announced over the weekend that they, too, would not seek reelection.

Reminders
Free TREND Classes on January 9--Sign up today for the latest TREND classes being offered at the Suburban West REALTORS Association office in Malvern To sign up, please call 610-560- 4800 or email vpagnini@suburbanwestrealtors.com. The following free classes are being offered:

Buyer Prospecting (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.) --Use Prospecting to expand your business. During this course you will learn how TREND’s MLS system can help you successfully find properties for your buyers. In addition, you will learn how to manage your clients information in the Address Book and set up your E- Card.

CMA: Comps and Reports (1 p.m. – 3 p.m.) -- Increase your understanding of getting the correct comps. During this course, members will learn how to search tax records, comps and sold inventory, compile the Three-Up Report and search for and calculate Seller Closing Costs.

Commercial/Investment Marketing Exchange Meeting on January 12--The C/I Marketing Exchange will next convene at the Association’s office in Malvern from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 12. Because the December meeting was cancelled, this month’s meeting will feature last month's schedule including a holiday party and a discussion on the C/I Exchange's plans for 2006. The meeting will also feature an opportunity to network with upwards of 30 other members and discuss any “haves” and “wants” of your clients.

Employment Notice--Team Spillane (Zeke, Mike & Jeannie Spillane) with Keller Williams Real Estate is looking for a full-time assistant. Interested parties please contact Zeke Spillane at 610-363-4364 direct or 610-363-4300 for the office.

Important Phone Numbers & Websites
  • Association of REALTORS School: 610-560-4900 (www.realtors-school.com)
  • REALTORS Legislative Alliance: 610-981-9000 (www.rladirect.com)
  • Suburban West REALTORS Association TECH HOTLINE: 800-704-7240 (email: techhotline@att.net) (8:30 am to 8 pm, Monday to Friday)
  • PAR Legal Hotline: 800-727-5345 (9 am to 11 am & 1 pm to 3 pm, Monday to Friday)
  • Suburban West REALTORS Association Website: www.suburbanwestrealtors.com
  • SUPRA Support: 877-699-6787 (8 am to 10 pm, Everyday)
  • TREND: 610-783-4650 (www.trendmls.com)
phone: 610-560-4800

Disclaimer on Events--Please note that networking events are brought to members by the Suburban West REALTORS Association as a venue to meet and socialize with colleagues. Overt and direct recruiting practices are not acceptable during our events.