Suburban
August 11, 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.

Begin Earning the ABR Designation in Springfield
springfield country club Following up on our successful MCE courses in the spring, the Association of REALTORS School is pleased to bring more education courses to Delaware County. The 2 day Accredited Buyer Agency course will be held at the Springfield Country Club on September 18 and 19, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The course tuition is $249 which includes lunch both days and all course materials. The ABR designation class has been submitted for 14 hours of PA MCE credit, 14 Hours of DE MCE Credit and 1 broker credit.

The Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) Designation is considered the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. The Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council, Inc. (REBAC) owned by the National Association of Realtors awards this coveted designation to NAR members in good standing who complete the required and elective coursework and document five completed transactions (within three years of the coursework) as a buyer representative. The ABR required coursework helps the licensee create a comprehensive guide to becoming an effective, efficient and profitable buyer’s representative. The elective (students choose one from several offerings) will give the student specific guidance in representing one of a number of growing segment of buyers.

In addition to the required Accredited Buyer Agency course, the School offers a full complement of elective courses, allowing students the flexibility and convenience of completing the course work needed to earn the ABR designation. For more information, please click here.

Fed's Decision to Not Raise Interest Rates Good For Housing
The National Association of REALTORS and its current President Tom Stevens welcomed the news that the Federal Reserve had opted to not raise rates. Stevens said in a press release, "This move sends a very positive signal to the housing sector, which has been so robust over the past five years that it has sustained the economy while other sectors have lagged. Largely as a direct result of more than two years of interest rate hikes, the housing market today is fragile in some parts of the country. The Fed’s decision indicates that it realizes the vital role housing plays in the economy.”

After 18 consecutive increases that has subsequently pushed up rates for the past two years, it was welcome news for the housing industry that rates would not be raised this time. Added Stevens, "“We can’t continue to raise rates without expecting the housing economy to suffer. That translates into higher costs for home buyers, slower sales and a lower level of economic activity in housing, which accounts for one-fourth to one-fifth of the gross domestic product.”

Know Some Interested in a Career in Real Estate?
pre license Pre-Licensing Courses could be the key to a successful new career in Real Estate for your family, friends and clients. Our classes feature expert material and instructors with a broad range of first- hand experience and knowledge.

We are now accepting registrations for our Fall Session that begins September 12 and runs 10 weeks (two classes/two nights a week). To sign up today, call 610-560-4900 or email gparke@suburbanwestrealtors.com.

Knowing that many individuals' schedules are tighter than ever, the Association has also just begun offering our Pre-License courses online. This provides another convenient option for students to pursue their real estate license. To learn more, please click here.

State: North Wayne District OK
The North Wayne Historic District has been certified by the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission (PHMC), the official history agency of the commonwealth. Radnor’s Board of Commissioners approved a Historic Preservation Ordinance in November and in doing so, defined the limits and regulations of the historic district and guidelines to establish a Historic and Architectural Review Board (HARB). The district is already on the National Registry of Historical Places, but when adopting a preservation ordinance, a township is required by the state to have the PHMC certify the historical significance of the area.

PHMC also helps review ordinances for consistency with the State Historic Act. Radnor made some changes to the original ordinance in May based on the commission’s suggestions. The only one of note is that the previously required preliminary review was taken out of the ordinance for concern that someone could construe it as starting a project’s official timeline. The township is still less official offering a preliminary review, again to make the process easier and more convenient for applicants.

The Radnor HARB members want to make sure that the ordinance that governs the district is not too onerous. Homeowners of the district can still replace roofs, paint the exterior any color, change siding or windows, or gut the entire interior if they wish. Those taking down, erecting or adding to a home or its accessory structure (including decks, porches and garages—but not sheds) would have to appear before the review board. (Source: Suburban Wayne Times; 8/4/06)

Next Broker Course Scheduled For September
broker class Finance is an essential part of the real estate transaction in all real estate markets. The mortgage process can be one of the most confusing aspects of the transaction for your client. Understanding the relationships that affect financing and the cost of money can enhance your value to the consumer.

Real Estate Finance course begins Wednesday, September 6th and continues on four consecutive Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Whether you are working toward your broker license or looking for the advantage that will keep you in the center of the real estate transaction, this course is for you! The class will be led by Richard Heller a long time member and respected attorney. Tuition is $325 which includes text, course handouts and lunch on all four days. To learn more about the course, credits available and registration, please click here or call 610-560-4900.

Reminders
Additional Specialty Lists Now Online-- Following up on a message posted three weeks ago, the Association has now posted its initial listing of Appraiser, Attorney and Property Manager members on the website. It is available in the Find a REALTOR or Affiliate Section and can be accessed by clicking here. Note that this listing will also be included in future editions of the hard copy membership roster. If you are actively an appraiser, attorney or property manager and would like to be listed, please click contact Steve Farace at sfarace@suburbanwestrealtors.com.

Become a Key Contact to Your Municipality-- Do you attend your local township’s meetings? Do you have a friend of neighbor who is involved at the municipal level? Do you take an interest in what is happening in your community? If so, the REALTORS®Legislative Alliance has a unique opportunity for you to be involved without being overwhelmed with responsibilities. The RLA is pleased to introduce its Municipal Key Contacts Program. This program provides our members a unique opportunity to become involved in the areas of government that directly impact the communities where they live and work. In the event of a major issue of concern for REALTORS in the area, the Municipal Key Contact will be briefed by the RLA staff and asked to contact their local officials. Click here to obtain a Municipal Key Contacts form.

Employment Notice--Small Real Estate office in West Chester, established over 40 years, dealing in commercial, residential, sales and property management is seeking organized, detail oriented Administrative Assistant proficient in MS Word, with a working knowledge of general bookkeeping and QuickBooks. Flexible hours. Interested parties should call Thomas Spackman at 610-692-2424 or fax resume 610-692-2718.

Important Phone Numbers & Websites
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.


Suburban West REALTORS Association | 100 Deerfield Lane, Suite 240 | Malvern | PA | 19355