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

September 1, 2005

NEW INFORMATION

• Please be advised that the Suburban West REALTORS Association office will be closed on Monday, September 5 in observance of Labor Day. Members requiring assistance from staff should contact the office prior to 4 p.m. on Friday, September 2. The office will reopen Tuesday, September 6 at 8:00 a.m.

• Parkside Intensifying Its Enforcement of Property Maintenance Violations-- PParkside Borough Council, Aug. 24, announced plans to crack down on a wide variety of violations with a focus to be placed on properties owned by absentee landlords. Deputy Fire Marshal Joseph Nerelli is coordinating the campaign to hold residents to code and ordinance requirements. He updated council on 18 separate cases, including several instances of uncut lawns and hedges, which he personally investigated and tried to resolve over the past month. A few hardcore cases exist, often where the property owner lives out-of-town. "We will be cracking down on all non-resident landlords. We will be making inspections of the properties, they will be given some time to comply, and if they do not comply, they will receive a citation," stated Council President Thomas Deitman.
  
  One common infraction that will now be policed on all properties is the non-removal of curbside weeds. Property maintenance starts at the curbline of the street, according to Councilman Frank McCollum. Home improvement projects, such as building decks or replacing roof shingles, must have borough permits before work starts. Jobsites that do not display the proper permits will be shut down without warning, according to Licenses and Inspections Chairman Sam Iannucci. The borough will be targeting a different type of code violation each month. (Source: County Press Online; 8/31/05)

• Memorial Notice— It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of REALTOR member John Bascelli of Unlimited Realty. John, age 31, had been a member of the Association since 2003. Funeral Mass Saturday at 10 AM at Our Lady of Charity Church, 231 Upland Rd., Brookhaven. Interment Ss. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Marple Twp. Friends may call Friday evening from 5 to 9 PM and Saturday from 8:30 to 9:30 AM at the NOLAN-FIDALE FUNERAL HOME, 5980 Chichester Ave., Aston, Bethel Twp. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ava Rose Bascelli Benefit Fund, c/o Commerce Bank, 4235 Edgmont Ave., Brookhaven, PA 19015.

• Ready To Increase Your Earning Power? — Consider becoming an e-PRO. The e-PRO certification course will enhance your skills and abilities to help you succeed in a high tech marketplace. To see if e-PRO is for you, attend Introduction to e-PRO on Thursday, September 15, 2005, 1:30 – 3:00. This 90 minute FREE session will be held at the Association of REALTORS School in Malvern. This ‘try before you buy’ seminar will give you free tips on:

• Creating a permanent email address.
• Creating an e-mail marketing campaign with software you already own.
• Turning ordinary email into marketing pieces.
• Building your e-mail address book
• Using auto responders
• Creating filters and unlimited email addresses to eliminate the hassle of SPAM

The seminar is FREE but registration is required. To register go to http://ims.suburbanwestrealtors.com Once logged in go to events calendar and register for the e-PRO event on September 15. Or call 610-560-4900 to register by phone.

• Develop a Business Plan That Keeps You at the Center of the Transaction— In order to maintain their value to the consumer, the successful REALTOR must become and remain informed about a variety of issues that affect real estate. “State and Local Legislative Trends - What you Need to Know to Service Your Client” offered through the Association of REALTORS School will help you identify trends on the legislative agenda and understand the background leading to these various issues so that you can guide your client to an informed decision.

REALTORS must also know how to effectively and legally communicate with the consumer. Learn how to navigate the world of telephone, fax and email solicitation and stay on the right side of the laws governing each by attending “The CFE’s of Real Estate – Know When it’s Safe to Call, Fax or Email.”

Both courses are offered in September to give your fall marketing campaign a boost. However, dates are available throughout the year. Go to www.realtors-school.com for a complete schedule and registration information or call 610-560-4900 for assistance.

• Commercial/Industrial Marketing Exchange Meeting on September 9— 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 Friday, September 9. This month’s meeting will feature a presentation on “Grocery Store Trends by Jeffrey Metzger of Food Trade News. It will also feature 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.  

• Employment Notices— Real Estate/Relocation Coordinator position available with local Real Estate firm. The position requires the following skills: computer, excellent communication, multi tasking, attention to detail and ability to think creatively. Candidate will interact with real estate agents, relocation professionals and potential customers on a daily basis.  Candidate should have a good knowledge of Real Estate and be looking for a responsible position with a “brand name” real estate company in West Chester, PA. License not required. Please send resume via e mail to: eferrara@c21relo.com or fax to 610-696-8424.

Cayman Properties is a growing Real Estate investment company with 12 years experience. We are seeking a P/T Office Manager with full time potential. Our areas of specialty are in pre-foreclosures and renovations. Experience as an Executive Secretary or as an Office Assistant in a Real Estate or Attorney’s Office is preferred. The salary amount is negotiable and will reflect the candidate’s experience, skills, and fit for the position. The position requires an organized, dependable, energetic, resourceful, teachable individual with excellent PC skills: including MS Outlook, Word, Excel, Internet, etc. For more details call -800-818-9236 x 9010. References Required. Interested applicants should submit resume and cover letter addressed to Scott at CaymanPropertiesLLC@comcast.net.

REMINDERS

• Save The Date! --Brokers-Owners/Managers Invitational Featuring Jim Goldsmith— On Friday, September 9, the Suburban West REALTORS Association will be sponsoring a Broker-Owner/Manager Invitational. This invitational will feature roundtable discussions, networking opportunities and speaker PAR Legal Counsel Jim Goldsmith, Esq. Jim will present on RESPA, Risk Management Issues and more! The event will be held at the Concord Country Club in Concordville, PA from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Brokers-Owners and Managers are encouraged to contact Andrea Bonacquisti Vaughn at avaughni@suburbanwestrealtors.com or call 610-560-4800 for more information or to register.

• Sign Up Today For The Annual Membership Luncheon — Registration is now open for the Annual Membership Luncheon of the Suburban West REALTORS Association on October 21 at the White Manor Country Club. Beginning that morning at 10:30, the Luncheon will begin with an hour-long presentation by nationally-known speaker Walter Bond. Walter will present on just how important the phrase “attitude is everything” can really be to your professional success. Following the presentation, a networking reception will occur featuring a cash bar and prizes. Finally, in addition to the lunch, the event is the final opportunity to cast your ballot for the 2006 Board of Directors. The 2006 Board of Directors will be announced on Monday, October 24.

The cost to attend this Luncheon is $25. For more information on the event, please click here. As space is limited, members are encouraged to sign up at their earliest convenience by accessing the Payment/Registration Center and after logging in, clicking on the link for the Event Calendar. If you have any questions, please call 610-560-4800.

• FREE TReND Classes Scheduled For Monday, September 19— 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: Price Is Right (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.

Important Phone Numbers & Websites:

• 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)