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September 2006 
 Association Liaison E-Source
In This Issue


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Welcome to the September edition of the Association Liaison E-Source. This monthly e-mail notice provides indepth information on hot button issues affecting REALTORS and the real estate industry. It also features information on upcoming Association events and updates on services.

The E-Source is meant to provide information that you can either present at upcoming office meetings or forward to your colleagues via email or casual conversation. If you have any questions about any of the information provided here, please contact me at 610-560-4800 or email mlim@suburbanwestrealtors.com.

 New Suburban REALTORS Alliance to Now Include Consumer Outreach Role
 

SRA Logo As you may be aware the REALTORS Legislative Alliance (RLA), the largest regional coalition of REALTORS in Pennsylvania, will be changing its name to better reflect its expanding role in the region. Our organization, which was formed in 1998 and represents 11,000 REALTORS in Chester, Delaware, Bucks and Montgomery counties, will officially become the Suburban REALTORS Alliance (SRA) on Tuesday, Oct. 10.

In addition to continuing to serve as a comprehensive resource for members and government and elected officials on real estate policy issues impacting Suburban Philadelphia counties, we will embark on a new consumer outreach initiative aimed at expanding our scope and improving our effectiveness on public policy issues.

Our members have done a fantastic job of building relations with local, state and federal officials on real estate policies and issues impacting Suburban Philadelphia. Our goal will now be expanded to help consumers better understand how key real estate issues can impact their housing investment and rights as property owners. We feel that the best way to change or influence policy at any level of government is to use pressure from well-informed voters, and home owners tend to be involved in their community.

Given this expanded focus, one immediate priority of the Alliance will be to reach out directly to home owners when proposed legislation or a municipal ordinance threatens their property rights or investment. The Alliance hopes to accomplish the expanded outreach through the presence of a new website (www.suburbanrealtorsalliance.com) that will launch on Oct. 10, direct mail and traditional media outlets. Click here for a exclusive preview of the new brochure.

Moving forward, our commitment to providing the best possible government relations representation for our shareholder organizations and members will remain steadfast. Our mission is to ensure that public policy decisions affecting real estate create a healthy climate for housing, our industry and the consumers we serve.

If you or your colleagues are interested in becoming involved with the grassroots advocacy efforts of the SRA on behalf of your profession, please contact us at 610-981-9000 or grassroots@suburbanrealtorsalliance.com.

 


 Can a Real Estate Licensee Perform a Broker Price Opinion (BPO) or a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)?
 

The Association often fields questions from REALTOR members whether they can perform a Broker Price Opinion (BPO) or a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). To help alleviate any confusion, please take into account the following.

In 1998, when the Real Estate License and Registration Act (RELRA) was amended, appraisals were removed from the scope of practice of a real estate license. A Broker Price Opinion (by any name) falls under the definition of an appraisal service. BPO’s can only be performed by individuals with an appraiser license.

A CMA is not an appraisal. A CMA is performed by licensee for a consumer for the purpose of determining the asking or offering price for the property by an actual or potential customer or to secure a listing agreement. A CMA requires a specifically worded disclosure, which can be found in the following link: CMA Disclosure.

 


 Going Once...Twice...Sold!
 

gavel As the market changes, licensees are needing to identify different ways to best market their listings or locate deals for their buyers. One way being used more and more by agents is auctions. The auction method is utilized as another tool for selling and purchasing property. According to the National Auctioneers Association, about $14.2 billion in residential real estate was sold through auctions in 2005. Linked below is a detailed article on Auctions that recently appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer. Also note that the Association of REALTORS School just conducted a class called Essentials of Real Estate Auctions, that was very well received. If you or your colleagues are interested in future auction classes, please contact Paula Tansey at ptansey@suburbanwestrealtors.com.

Click here for the full article.

 


 Help Shape the Direction of the Suburban West REALTORS Association
 Board of Directors Election in October

Beginning October 4, REALTOR members will be eligible to cast their votes for the four open positions on the Board of Directors. Members will the have the opportunity to vote online, by mail or in person at the Annual Membership Meeting on October 25. The Association strongly encourages you to vote and to promote this election to your colleagues during one- on-one conversations and sales meetings.

The election of qualified candidates is critical to the continued success of the organization. And you and your colleagues can help secure this success by educating yourselves on the candidates and casting your ballot by 1 p.m. on October 25. Remember that the Board is responsible for new initiatives like the Association Liaison and that your and your colleagues' choice of candidates can have a significant impact on the future of the organization.

To learn more about the candidates, including an audio stream of their positions, please click here.

 


 Consumer Handouts Available
 

The National Association of REALTORS offers a number of FREE handouts for members to utilize in their marketing efforts and to promote their expertise. The handouts are handy for clients and potential prospects either they be a buyer or seller. Handouts are printer-friendly and can be used on websites.

To review and obtain these handouts, click here.

 


 Promotions
 Sign Up Today for the Annual Membership Meeting

The Association will also be conducting its Annual Meeting at the Springfield Country Club on October 25. This year's meeting will feature national speaker Terry Watson and his program "Top 10 Technology Mistakes that 99% of Agents Make". Terry is a dynamic speaker who has received raves from attendees at previous NAR conferences and events. This event will also provide 3.5 hours of continuing education credit and a great opportunity to network with members from throughout the membership area.

Click here for more information and to register.



Mary Lim
Suburban West REALTORS Association

phone: 610-560-4800
fax: 610-560-4801
Suburban West REALTORS Association | 100 Deerfield Lane, Suite 240 | Malvern | PA | 19355