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.
Monte Carlo Night at
Waynesborough Country Club
A great opportunity awaits REALTOR and Affiliate members who are interested in winning prizes, networking, having fun and helping a very worthwhile cause. On Monday, September 26, 2005, the Association is sponsoring a Monte Carlo night to top off its Golf Classic. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. For only $60, you will receive a two hour open bar, hor d’ouvers, dinner and entrance into the Monte Carlo event. Bring your cash for an even exchange of Funny Money to play Roulette, Texas Hold ‘Em, Blackjack and Craps. Are you a big winner at the Casinos? Then come down for a great night and help the American Cancer Society be the big winner!
And don’t forget that there is still time to sign up for the Golf Classic. Taking place at the prestigioius Waynesborough Country Club which has hosted PGA events, it is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to play a challenging golf course with colleagues. We are getting close to capacity regarding tee times so be sure to sign up today. For further information on either event, please contact Andrea Bonacquisti Vaughn at avaughni@suburbanwestrealtors.com or 610-560-4800.
REALTORS and the
Importance
of Safety
Sponsored by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). REALTOR Safety Week (which began on September 11 and runs through the 17th) is a time for us to remember those who have been threatened or harmed while on-the-job, but also to take precautions for our own safety, now and in the future.
NAR recommends REALTORS value their personal safety on the road, at home and at work. Be careful of your marketing materials and the way you present yourself to prospective clients. At property showings, always make sure that you direct the clients, rather than lead them, through a house. Have clients meet you and at least one other co- worker at your office before ever taking them on the road. Finally, always remember that you should have an emergency code set up with a colleague or family member at all times.
Though some precautions make seem inconvenient, there is nothing more important than your life. To learn more about REALTOR® Safety, visit NAR’s website at www.realtor.org.
Rendell Toughens Up Act 72
As Harrisburg gears up for the fall legislative session, Gov. Ed Rendell launched the opening salvo Monday by saying the state's failed plan to provide school property tax relief is best remedied by mandating it across all school districts. Revising the failed property tax reform seems poised to trump the fall agenda. Republican legislative leadership seemed warm to the idea of most of Rendell's plan, with the exception of the minimum wage hike. Act 72, however, is bound to crack open a continued and larger debate about property tax reform, and Rendell and lawmakers seem focused on the fact that they have to get it right this time around with reelection bids looming next year. Rendell has said he'll compel the Legislature to stay in session into the December holiday season if need be to settle the issue. Because there's so wide a cast of proposals, the property tax debate could prove a messy one. The Pennsylvania School Boards Association immediately objected to Rendell's plan for a mandate, while saying a full debate on property tax reform is needed. (Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 9/13/05)
Agreement of Sale Availability
and
an Additional Seminar Added
The revised version the Standard Agreement for the Sale of Real Estate (A/S-R) will be available to pick up at the Association by the middle of next week. Since it has been five years since any major revisions were made to the Agreement of Sale, there are a number of changes and enhancements. Note that while there is no legal requirement that you stop using the old form (A/S-2K), however, proper use of the new form is should reduce a licensee’s exposure to risk.
To educate members on the new Agreement of Sale, the Suburban West REALTORS Association is hosting two seminars on Tuesday, October 18th to help you navigate the new form and understand the changes. The morning session, 9:00 a.m. to Noon is almost full. An afternoon session has been added from 1-4 p.m. Both sessions are FREE but pre-registration is required. To register, click here. Once logged in click on events calendar. Or call 610-560-4800 to register by phone.
Classes That Can Save Money
and Time on September 22
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.
A property inspection, while valuable to your client’s decision to purchase, can tie up the transaction process. Get an inside look at property inspections in A Home Inspector’s Report on Property Inspections. Taught by certified home inspectors, this course will give you the information you need to guide your client through a smoother and timelier transaction.
Both courses are offered on Thursday, September 22. Sign up for one or both. Each class is 3.5 hours and can be applied to continuing education credits for Pennsylvania and Delaware. Go to www.realtors-school.com to register or for a complete course schedule. You may also call 610-560-4900 for assistance.
Office Furniture Clearance Sale--The Suburban West REALTORS Association will be conducting a sale of the former Chester County Association of REALTORS’ office furniture at the 555 W. Uwchlan address on Thursday and Friday, September 22nd and 23rd, 2005. The sale will be held from 9:00 AM to 12:00 NOON on both dates. The sales will be “cash and carry” only and all furniture or products must be removed the day of sale. To view a small sampling of what is to be sold on our website, please click here. Many, many more items will also be available for purchase. Be sure to bring along tools and a van/truck for the larger pieces. Please contact Vinnie at vpagnini@suburbanwestrealtors.com for additional information.
Helping Those Devastated By Hurricane Katrina— The Suburban West REALTORS Association urges all members to contribute to one or many of the funds that have been established to assist those individuals whose lives have been uprooted and irreparably damaged by Hurricane Katrina. I am sure many have already contributed financially and/or with goods or maybe even services. If you have not yet contributed, we would like to make you aware of some specific funds set up by the National Association of REALTORS and the three state Associations that were most affected by this remarkable disaster. The Suburban West REALTORS® Association has contributed $15,000 and we hope that many of you can also contribute through a number of worthy funds. Click here to access the list of charities.
Delaware County Real Estate and Bar Practices Committee on September 22--The committee will convene its popular breakfast meeting this month on Thursday, September 22 at the Little Inn, Media, PA. This month’s topic is “Real Esatate Broker’s Buyer Agency Contract” Cost for this event is $13.00 payable at the door. The fee covers the cost of breakfast and room expenses and will be charged to all attendees. Breakfast is served at 8:15 a.m., the session will begin at 8:45 a.m. Advance Reservation is required. Call Vince Mancini, Esquire at 610-566-8064 to reserve your spot.
REALTOR Happy Hour on September 29-- 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, September 29 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Georges in Wayne. 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.
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 10 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)
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