- Free Webinar Coming April 8th - Understanding Fair Housing: Advocacy, Challenges, and Your Role in Ensuring Equal Access
- Leadership Development Program Applications Open in 2 Weeks
- Reports of Land-Selling Scams Continue in Pennsylvania
- Women, Wealth & Homeownership: Progress and Challenges
- Affiliate Member Segment: The True Cost of Skipping Owner’s Title Insurance
- SRA: Pottstown Rental Ordinance Legal Challenge Continues In Commonwealth Court
- Calendar of Events
|
Free Webinar Coming April 8th - Understanding Fair Housing: Advocacy, Challenges, and Your Role in Ensuring Equal Access |
|
|
Tri-County Suburban REALTORS® Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee is hosting a free webinar for all members in partnership with the Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania, in honor of Fair Housing Month.
On April 8th at 2:00 PM, Rachel Wentworth, Executive Director of the Housing Equality Center, will guide members through the critical issues surrounding fair housing. With years of expertise in fair housing advocacy, Rachel will provide insights on the history of the Fair Housing Act, review its impact on today’s real estate practices, and offer essential guidance on how REALTORS® can address issues like appraisal discrimination.
In this session, you’ll also learn about the essential role the Housing Equality Center plays in supporting equal access to housing for all individuals, and how you, as a REALTOR®, can effectively advocate for fair housing. Get the tools and knowledge you need to support your clients and help pursue redress in cases of housing violations.
Big Whys to Attend:
Gain a deeper understanding of your legal responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act and the impact it has on your practice.
Learn about pressing issues like appraisal discrimination and how to address these challenges in your day-to-day work.
Discover how the Housing Equality Center supports fair housing and how you can get involved in promoting equality within your community.
Please note: This webinar does not provide CE credits nor fulfill NAR Fair Housing Training requirements.
To register, click here.
|
|
|
Leadership Development Program Applications Open in 2 Weeks
|
Are you ready to take your leadership skills to the next level? For many years, the Tri-County Suburban REALTORS® Leadership Development Program (LDP) has been a cornerstone of professional growth, shaping industry leaders year after year.
The LDP is a five-session, in-person workshop series designed to empower members to maximize leadership potential—in both business, personal life, and within the REALTOR® community. Through interactive workshops and required supplemental reading, participants will build essential skills in:
✅ Teamwork
✅ Emotional Intelligence
✅ Diversity & Inclusion
✅ Negotiation
✅ Public Speaking
The program culminates in a final public-speaking presentation before peers and past graduates. Graduates will be recognized at the Annual Membership Meeting and receive a certificate to the Association of REALTORS® School for further professional education.
If you’re looking to enhance your professional skills, expand your network, and position yourself for leadership opportunities within the industry, this program is for you!
Click below to hear video testimonials of three recent graduates of The Leadership Development Program.
For an overview of the program, curriculum, and more visit: tcsr.realtor/involvement/ldp/
Applications open April 1st.
|
|
|
Reports of Land-Selling Scams Continue in Pennsylvania |
|
|
Recently, one of our members experienced a land scam involving parcels of 'vacant land' being sold in the Lehigh Valley area. This article serves as a reminder that real estate professionals can be targeted by fraudulent schemes. As these scams continue to surface, it’s critical to stay informed and take proactive measures to protect yourself and your clients.
The National Association of REALTORS® noted that these types of scams are steadily increasing as scammers create elaborate schemes to dupe potential buyers, property owners and real estate professionals.
NAR notes certain red flags should raise concern for real estate agents when the potential client:
Wants to list the property for significantly below market value.
Has a strong preference or requirement for cash.
Does not want a “For Sale” sign in the yard.
Emphasizes an urgency to sell quickly.
Never communicates in person or on video, preferring to text or email.
Claims to be out of the state or country.
Will only use a remote notary and requests a remote closing.
To help members recognize and avoid falling victim to these scams, knowledge is the best tool. We urge our members to advise caution when dealing with individuals attempting to sell vacant land if they avoid in-person meetings or insist on highly specific communication methods. Remember that all members of Tri-County have access to a free FOREWARN account for instant due diligence on prospective clients. In seconds, with as little information as a phone number or name, members can verify a prospect’s identity, criminal records, bankruptcies, liens, judgments, address history, and property records all in one place.
For the full article featured on PAR's JustListed Blog, click here.
|
Women, Wealth & Homeownership: Progress and Challenges |
Until 1974, financial institutions could legally deny loans to unmarried women or require a male co-signer. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act changed that, allowing women to access credit independently. Since then, single women have become a driving force in homeownership.
Dr. Jessica Lautz of NAR notes, “Single women homebuyers are an integral part of the market, making significant financial sacrifices to achieve homeownership.”
In honor of Women’s History Month, recognized annually in March, here are six key facts that pertain to women in the housing market.
Single women outpace single men in homeownership – In 2024, 20% of homeowners were single women, compared to 8% single men.
More first-time buyers are single women – Last year, 24% of first-time buyers were single women, while 11% were single men.
Women prioritize proximity to loved ones – 16% of single women buy homes to be closer to family, compared to 10% of men
They earn less but still buy – Single women first-time buyers made $71,300 on average, while men made $87,500.
Women make more financial sacrifices – 44% of single women cut costs to afford a home, compared to 37% of men.
Women of color face greater barriers – Homeownership rates are lower among single women of color than their white counterparts.
Women have made remarkable strides in homeownership—but challenges remain. Three women serve on our Board of Directors, and offered their commentary on being leaders within the industry.
|
|
|
| Women make up a large portion of the real estate workforce, yet leadership roles are still predominantly held by men. What steps can be taken to close this gap?
To bridge this gap, we must establish more inclusive and adaptable pathways for female leadership, particularly for those balancing multiple responsibilities. As I navigated my career, I realized that leadership is not about asserting dominance, but about being resources and being a resource that others can rely on. - Amanda Helwig, REALTOR® Member & 2025 Director
|
|
|
What advice would you give to women looking to advance their careers in real estate leadership?
"The relationships you establish throughout your career will be invaluable as your career grows. Especially, in our industry, as the seeds of kindness and respect of yesteryear will directly impact and determine the harvest you reap in the future. Every transaction and every relationship along the way… matters!"
- Tameka Goldsborough, REALTOR® Member & 2025 Director
|
| |
|
| What aspect of real estate have been most fulfilling for you?
"Overcoming a challenge." - Ayse Clay, REALTOR® Member & 2025 Director
|
|
|
Affiliate Member Segment: The True Cost of Skipping Owner’s Title Insurance
|
As home prices continue to rise and many parts of the US are experiencing an affordability crisis; NAR reports that purchasing a home is now 55% more expensive than it was a year ago. While wages have risen by 6%, they have not kept pace with inflation, which stands at 8.5%. Real estate professionals continuously seek innovative strategies to help their clients maximize savings and successfully reach the closing table. While advocating for cost-effective solutions, agents must also uphold the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, ensuring that their fiduciary duty to clients is met while facilitating a smooth and successful transaction
Waiving Owner’s Title Insurance may seem like a way to save on closing costs in the short term, but it can expose homebuyers to significant risks and potential financial loss in the long run. While there may be an immediate reduction in expenses, the lack of coverage leaves buyers vulnerable to title defects, legal claims, and unexpected financial liabilities. Here are several things for your client's to consider:
|
-
Protection Against Title Defects: Title insurance protects you from issues that may arise with the property’s title, such as liens, encumbrances, or disputes over ownership. If a problem arises after you purchase the property, you could be held financially responsible.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have coverage for unforeseen title issues can provide peace of mind. This is especially important for your largest investment—your home.
- Long-Term Savings: While you might save money upfront by waiving title insurance, the costs associated with resolving title issues can far exceed the cost of the insurance. Legal fees, back taxes, or claims against the property can add up quickly.
-
Lender Requirements: If you have a mortgage, your lender will likely require a lender's title insurance policy, which only protects their interests. Without an owner's policy, you could be left vulnerable while the lender is protected. And purchasing a Lender’s Title Insurance will make your savings considerably smaller if waiving your Owner’s coverage.
-
Potential Claims: Title issues can arise from a variety of sources, including fraud, mistakes in public records, or undisclosed heirs. Title insurance can cover the legal costs associated with defending against these claims.
|
|
|
SRA: Pottstown Rental Ordinance Legal Challenge Continues In Commonwealth Court
|
|
|
|
A lawsuit challenging Pottstown’s rental inspection ordinance, which allows officials to enter and search rental units without a warrant, was recently brought before Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Court. The long running saga began in 2017, when the Institute for Justice filed the suit on behalf of four Pottstown tenants and their landlord. In January 2024, the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County ruled that Pottstown must give notice to renters before they enter, but would still allow them to enter. While it was seen as a victory, attorneys said authorities can still use probable cause to enter without warrants, a violation of basic privacy rights. The decision led to the case being brought before the Commonwealth Court on March 5. Similar ordinances have been struck down in Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota.
Source: Pottstown Patch; 3/5/2025
|
|
|
|
| | Office
1 Country View Road
Suite 201
Malvern, PA 19355
|
|
|
Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.
|
1 Country View Road Suite 201 | Malvern, PA 19355 US
|
|
|
This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.
|
| |
|
|
