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
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-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
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