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October 29, 2014

Featured Article
Important Updates to DocuSign

DocuSign is getting ready to release a new experience for its users. The primary effect of the change is a new interface which DocuSign believes is more intuitive and user friendly. New features include reduced number of steps it takes to send documents with simplified screens that don't distract with too many choices, but advanced options available when you need them. DocuSign has created a highly visual experience to make it easy for both first-time and experienced users. Graphical cues will help guide users through each step in the process, from creating a template to tagging a document for multiple recipients and more.

For the past four months, a team of Suburban West members has been testing the new experience. On November 3rd the new experience will become available to all Suburban West members to test and on December 5th DocuSign will officially launch the New DocuSign Experience (users will be able to switch from the Classic Interface to the New Interface up until August 31, 2015). After December 5th all accounts will open by default to the New Interface.

Click here to learn what to expect and what will happen when you see the "switch to new" button on your profile!

Do you need to activate your free DocuSign account? Contact Technology Specialst, John Barbone.

Industry News
Learn Legislators' Stance on REALTOR Priority Issues

The Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS (PAR) has recently developed a tool so members can easily see legislators' stance on REALTOR-priority issues - the Legislative Scorecard.

The Legislative Scorecard provides an overview of issues that are a priority for PA REALTORS. Most importantly, it shows how each member of the legislature voted. The issues highlighted on the Scorecard are REALTOR priorities from the 2013-2014 Legislative Session such as; reinstating seller financing, protecting homeowners from unfair mechanics' liens, property tax reform and carbon monoxide protectors. With access to the Legislative Scorecard, you are armed with information that will give you insight into your elected officials voting behaviors and how they represent the REALTOR Party in Pennsylvania.

In addition, the Suburban REALTORS Alliance has released its 2014 Voter Guide for REALTORS that provides important information about the upcoming general election, registering to vote and the candidates that are running for political office in our local area. The SRA Voter Guide will provide REALTORS with information about which incumbent legislators have been supportive of REALTOR issues and which candidates they feel in "open seat" legislative districts would best protect our industry and private property rights.

Remember to vote for candidates who understand and support our industry on Tuesday, November 4th! Click here to find your polling place information by address.

Association Tip
Legal Tip: The Answer is in the Agreement of Sale

This Legal Tip has been provided by SWRA Staff Paula Tansey.

The answers to buyer, seller and licensee's frequently asked questions about a transaction are almost always right in front of them in the Agreement of Sale. For example:

How do you count the days? [par 5(c)]
If the MLS (property description sheet, seller disclosure, or any other promotional material or discussion between parties) indicated that an item was included but it's not in the Agreement of Sale is it included? [par 25(a)]
The buyer was denied a mortgage (or was unable to secure commitment by the commitment date) what happens next? [par 8(g)]
How does the seller get a copy of the inspection report? [par 12(a)5]
Who orders the occupancy certificate (if applicable)? [par 15(b)]
What happens if a seller refuses to make corrections required by a municipality? [par 15(b)1-3]
What if the seller cannot provide "good and marketable title"? [par 17(f)]

Additional guidance, practice tips, definitions and explanation are readily available to REALTORS in the PAR Guidelines for Preparation and Use for the Agreement of Sale (log-in may be required).

SWRA Seminars & Events
Free Training Seminars Scheduled for November

The Association is excited to announce our slate of November training seminars - all free for Suburban West members. Take advantage of these opportunities simply registering for the events that interest you the most!

Starbucks Morning: Serving Today's Luxury Home Client (November 5; 9:00am-10:30am) at the Haverford Reserve Rec Center will feature presenter Carol Martin as she reviews how to develop a luxury home client business, the psychodynamics of working with affluent clients and emerging trends.

REALTOR/Lawyer: Risks Associated With Agency When Working on a Team (November 6; 9:00am-10:30am) will help attendees understand the relationship between team members and the fiduciary duties owed to clients.

Webinar: Update on Flood Insurance and Other Environmental Issues (November 17; 10:00am-11:00am) will feature the latest from Austin Perez and Russell Riggs, legislative and regulatory experts at NAR, on the fluid issues that impact homeowners and transactions.

To register for any of the free trainings listed above, click here (access the Event Calendar) or call the Association office at 610-560-4800 and any staff member can assist you.

A Step Ahead Program: Supplementary Training for New Agents

A REALTOR'S first few months in the real estate industry can be overwhelming and education is one of the keys to success. The free, YPN hosted, A Step Ahead Program (November 18; 9:15am-1:00pm) can help new agents get on the road to success with tips, ideas and helpful advice. The session will also feature a "coffee talk" with experienced REALTORS to review what they did to jumpstart their careers. Additional program sessions include:

Understanding local laws with the Suburban REALTORS Alliance
Building your sphere of influence
Creating your personal brand and marketing your business

This event is free to new agents, but registration is required (access the Event Calendar). Questions? Contact Kristin Tornetta.

Suburban REALTORS Alliance
Lower Chichester Township Passes Sprinkler Ordinance

Lower Chichester Township Council passed a sprinkler ordinance which will impact residential and commercial real estate sales in the township. The ordinance requires sprinklers in new construction, conversions from owner occupied to rental and rental properties that are sold.

The township did not follow proper procedure when passing a change to a building code. The Alliance is monitoring the issue and is in discussion with the Pennsylvania Homebuilders Association and other groups regarding the potential impact of the ordinance. The Alliance plans to reach out directly to home owners in Lower Chichester to inform them of the new ordinance and the potential negative impact it may have on the sale of their home or investment property.

Questions? Contact the Suburban REALTORS Alliance at 610-560-4800. Additionally, you can sign up for the SRA Weekly News Briefs through their Action Center.

Reminders:

SWRA Required Training Course Deadline Just 2 Months Away!

For the cycle 2013-2014, the Membership Renewal Training Requirement course Disclosures in Real Estate must be completed by all Suburban West REALTORS by this December 31, 2014. The Association is offering a variety of dates, times and locations to help members complete the requirement on a schedule that is convenient for them. To register click here (access the Education Calendar). If you are unsure if you completed the requirement, log onto our registration center, click on "education information" and choose "personal information tracking" to see if the Continued Membership Training 2013-2014 is either completed or pending.

In This Issue

Important Updates

to DocuSign

Learn Legislators' Stance on REALTOR Priority Issues

Association Tip: Legal

The Answer is in the Agreement of Sale

Free Training Seminars Available in November

A Step Ahead Program: Supplementary Training for New Agents

Lower Chichester Township Passes Sprinkler Ordinance

Payment & Registration Center

You can register for courses & events, pay Suburban West invoices and see past invoices & courses by logging into our Payment and Registration Center.

Log-in using your User Name (First and Last Name) and Password (Last Four Digits of Your Social Unless Changed).

Having difficulty logging in? Call the Association office at 610-560-4800.

Mark Your Calendars!

Nov. 5; 9:00am-10:30am

Starbucks Morning: Serving Today's Luxury Home Client @ Haverford Reserve Rec Center

Nov. 6; 9:00am-10:30am

REALTOR/Lawyer: Risks Associated With Agency When Working on a Team

Nov. 10; 10:00am-12:30pm

Disclosures in Real Estate @ Haverford Reserve Rec Center

Nov. 15

Membership Dues - Final Day to Submit Dues for Cycle 1

Nov. 18; 10:00am-12:30pm