July 7, 2005

NEW INFORMATION

• Supreme Court Decision a Boost for Ardmore Plan— The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding eminent domain holds some significance for those on both sides of the Ardmore redevelopment plan. The ruling bolsters Lower Merion Township's position. Those on the Save Ardmore Coalition, nevertheless, remain stalwartly optimistic noting that the eminent domain ruling applies only in the case of an economically distressed community, a category which Lower Merion Township would not be included. With over half the commissioner's seats up for election, this issue should continue to remain in the spotlight. (Source: Main Line Times; 6/30/05)

• Update on State Bills To Require Installment-Payment Option of School Taxes— The Pennsylvania General Assembly is currently examining t wo bills (SB 709 and HB 1788) that have been introduced that amend the Local Tax Collection Law.  These bills require school districts to provide installment-payment options for residential and commercial property taxes.  These bills have been considered by the State House and State Senate for a floor vote. The House and Senate are currently working on a final budget and will recess for the summer once the budget is completed. Therefore it is unlikely that these two bills will come up for a vote before September. In the mean time all REALTORS are encouraged to contact their legislators to express their support for these two bills.

PAR believes that allowing Pennsylvania property tax owners to pay their local property taxes in installments, rather than yearly, would be a great benefit to numerous entities and would ultimately increase homeownership.

• 3rd Annual 5K Run For Home Charity Fundraiser— Suburban West REALTORS ® Association strives to enhance the REALTOR image by promoting the activities of the association and the services of its members.  We want our communities to be aware of REALTORS and the roles we play in their lives.  By teaming up with other members of the association, we provide valuable support to those in community programs that promote homeownership.  This year the 5K Run For Home is scheduled for Saturday, August 13 at the Eagleview Corporate Center in Uwchlan.  All proceeds will go to support Habitat for Humanity of Chester County.  There are many ways that you, as a member, can be involved in this event: PARTICIPATE (for registration brochure CLICK HERE), VOLUNTEER, or become a SPONSOR (for sponsorship info CLICK HERE).  For additional information, please contact Mary Lim at 610-560-4800 or mlim@suburbanwestrealtors.com.  

• Memorial Notice— It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Gene Cheatham on Sunday, June 26. Gene was an interim Executive Officer for the Chester County Association of REALTORS from 1996 through 1997 and he also served in this capacity for a number of other REALTOR associations. Gene was 66.

• Employment Opportunity— Long and Foster, Newtown Square is seeking a part-time receptionist, 2-3 days a week and every other weekend (9am to 5 pm). Interested parties should email resume to jackie.jorgensen@longandfoster.com or call direct at 610-359-4060.

REMINDERS

• Commercial/Industrial Marketing Exchange Meeting
  on July 8 — The Commercial/Industrial Marketing Exchange will next convene at the Association’s office in Malvern from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Friday, July 8.This month’s meeting will feature a presentation on “CoStar Group-Helping Brokers Maximize Profitability” by Mei O’Neill, Account Executive, CoStar Group, Inc. The meeting also provides an opportunity to network with upwards of 30 other members and discuss any “haves” and “wants” of your clients. 

The C/I Marketing Exchange meetings are open to all members of the Association. Thus, if you are actively involved in this unique area of the industry or want to get involved, please plan on attending the next meeting.Please contact Steve Farace at 610-560-4800 or email sfarace@suburbanwestrealtors.com if you have any questions or would like to be added to the C/I Marketing Exchange email list.

• REALTOR Happy Hour On July 20 — The Suburban West REALTORS Association in conjunction with the REALTORS Legislative Alliance is pleased to announce the next Happy Hour for members of the Association. All members are invited to attend our Happy Hour on Wednesday, July 20 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the America Bar & Grill in Chester Springs. Like previous events, it will feature complimentary appetizers, discounted drinks and prize giveaways courtesy of the Affiliate Member Forum. Most importantly, the Happy Hour is a great chance to network with colleagues. Click here for a printable flyer about the event.  

• Managing Risk in Real Estate— Pursuing your GRI Designation or want to complete your continuing education requirements early? Sign up today for Managing Risk in Real Estate. This course will help reduce your exposure to risk by providing you a better understanding of misrepresentation, antitrust, fair housing, ADA, environmental law, agency/buyer representation, and contracts/real estate forms. The two day course is Wednesday, August 10 and Thursday, August 11, 2005 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. both days. Tuition: $199.00 includes all course materials and in-house lunch both days. Approved 1 PA Broker credit. Approved 14 hours PA 04-06 Real Estate license renewal.

To register click on http://ims.suburbanwestrealtors.com. Log in and click on Education Calendar or call 610-560-4900 to register by phone. This course is one of five required courses for the GRI Designation. For more information on the GRI criteria and other designation requirements click here, 

• Safety Alert for REALTORS— When a prospective buyer’s agent contacts a listing agent for access into a combination lockbox, we strongly encourage each agent to check the background of the buyer’s agent. This can be accomplished by either calling their office to verify their employment or offering to e-mail the combination to them. You can also verify the buyer agent’s name by checking the Association website in the “Find a Realtor” section. Sadly, we have received reports of combination lockboxes that have been stolen with house keys inside because the combinations were haphazardly provided to non-agents.

Remember that the Association offers an electronic lockbox system that disallows anyone who is not a REALTOR or Affiliate member to gain access to a listing. The electronic system also tracks access to the home, thus establishing a record if anything is amiss. If you have further questions on any REALTOR safety issue or the electronic lockbox system, click here or contact Andrea Bonacquisti Vaughn via
e-mail at avaughni@suburbanwestrealtors.com or 610-560-4800.

OTHER IMPORTANT NUMBERS:

• Suburban West REALTORS Association TECH HOTLINE:
  800-704-7240 (email: techhotline@att.net)
  (8:30 am to 8 pm, Monday to Friday)
  
• PAR Legal Hot Line: 800-727-5345
  (9 a.m. to 10 am & 1 pm to 3 pm, Monday to Friday)
  
• Suburban West REALTORS Association:
  http://www.suburbanwestrealtors.com
  
• SUPRA Support: 877-699-6787 (8 am to 10 pm, Everyday)