February 25th, 2015
Featured Article
No Exceptions to Lead Based Paint Disclosure Form in Pre-1978 Homes
An all too common misunderstanding among real estate licensees is that a Lead Based Paint Disclosure form is not required if the seller has answered the lead based paint questions in the Seller Property Disclosure. This is NOT TRUE.
For any home built prior to 1978, the "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home" pamphlet along with various disclosures and statements must be provided to the buyer. While some disclosures may be met by the Seller Property Disclosure it is not complete and not fully in compliance with the format required by the EPA which governs. The EPA does perform audits and PA Brokers have been fined. For more detail on this important topic read the article "Basics Requirements of a Lead Based Paint Disclosure" written by Desiree Brougher, Standard Forms Manager at the Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS.
SWRA Seminars & Events
REALTOR/Lawyer: Getting Resales Right in the Condominium & Homeowners Assoc.
Understanding the process of resale units in a condominium or homeowners Association is critically important for the REALTOR. lawyer or other practitioner in the marketplace. From statutory requirements relating to the resale certificates, to limitations on financing, to a purchaser's right of rescission, the resale process is chock full of dangerous traps for the unwary. In order to ensure that every owner gets the most out of their HOA, they must be educated about them and that, of course, starts with a knowledgeable real estate professional.
In the March 5th (9:00am-10:30am) REALTOR/Lawyer: Getting Resales Right in the Condominium & Homeowners Association program, REALTOR and attorney Steven Sugarman, Esq. will discuss and evaluate the legal requirements and practical solutions applicable to the resale of units in a community Association so that you can avoid those traps and get your sale to the settlement table successfully. Click here to register (access the Event Calendar) or call 610-560-4800. This seminar is generously sponsored by First Choice Loan Services: Dawn Momot.
Association Tip
Professionalism Tip: An Open Door Policy to Save Time and Lives
This Professionalism Tip has been provided by SWRA Staff Paula Tansey
Safety is a top-tier issue among REALTORS today. As each new story comes to light about a REALTOR in jeopardy - or killed - in the course of doing their work, the REALTOR community seeks new ways to be safe. Would an Open Door Policy help?
In an article for NAR REALTOR Magazine, Sam Debord, a REALTOR from the Seattle area writes that the concept of an open door policy comes from "the idea that the ability to meet a potential client at a real estate office is by far the most effective way to deter stalkers and criminals. It avoids the situation that defines nearly every crime we hear about against agents: being victimized by an unknown person at an unsupervised location." Debord defines the open door policy like this - "Every real estate office across the country should promote an open door policy that would allow real estate agents with other companies to use their public space for quick safety check-ins with new clients."
In an informal poll offered in the article, 58% of respondents agreed that "Yes. Members should be able to use any brokerage's lobby to vet new clients." Some respondents felt the concept would not help and others were opposed to the idea that REALTORS from competing firms should share office lobby space in this manner. Learn more and cast your vote here.
And remember, modern technology has made new tools available for agents in the field who may need to signal for immediate help, click here to learn about four apps that make life safer for REALTORS.
Association News
Webinar Series Archive Updated with RPR Basic Tools to Build Your Business Session
The Association's Webinar Series Archive has been updated with our most recent recording and slides RPR - Basic Tools to Build Your Business. In this recording, representatives from the REALTORS Property Resource (RPR) discuss how top agents use RPR as their all-in-one data and information source to impress clients. Listen to this presentation to learn how to generate stunning property reports, conduct a detailed CMA in minutes, research tool and neighbors and more.
Association of REALTORS School
Learn to Maneuver the Complexities of Short Sales and Foreclosures
Knowing how to help sellers maneuver the complexities of short sales as well as help buyers pursue short sales and foreclosure opportunities are not merely good skills to have in today's market - they are critical.
While short sales and foreclosures are not for the faint of heart, REALTORS with the proper tools and training can use these specialty areas to build their business for the long term. The one-day SFR: Short Sales and Foreclosures Certification course (March 18th; 9:00am-5:00pm) will give students a framework for understanding how to qualify sellers for a short sale, negotiate with lenders, tap into buyer demand, limit risk, protect buyers and safeguard your commission.
To register, please click here (access the Education Calendar) or contact Gail Parke at 610-560-4900. This course is generously sponsored by CK Captial Management: Bill McCormick.
Please note that the Association of REALTORS School has announced our slate of spring Designation courses including SRES, Marketing Reboot, Effective Negotiating and more. Access our MCE calendar for dates and times!
Suburban REALTORS Alliance
FHA Under Fire From Congress
HUD Secretary Julian Castro was the witness at a contentious February 11th hearing before the House Financial Services Committee entitled, "The Future of Housing in America: Oversight of the Federal Housing Administration." Nearly all Members of the Republican majority criticized FHA's recent reduction in FHA premiums since FHA is not at the required 2% capitalization ratio. Following the hearing, NAR President Chris Polychron spoke up in favor of the FHA's decision to reduce premiums. Read NAR's summary of premium reductions here.
Association members can sign up to receive free weekly Suburban REALTOR Alliance News Briefs by visiting their Action Center.
SWRA Notices
Employment Notice
A top producer in Delaware County is seeking a Professional Assistant to help with everyday duties. Must be knowledgeable with technology and proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher and Outlook. Must be able to multi-task and have good communication skills. Real estate knowledge a plus. The applicant would be expected to work approximately 35 hours per week. Please call 610-627-4905 for more information.
Reminders:
Popular Happy Hour/Affiliate Expo Returns on March 19th!
After a sold out event the past few years, SWRA is bringing back our popular Happy Hour and Affiliate Expo on Thursday, March 19th (5:00pm-7:00pm) at Tague Design Showroom in Malvern. This fun event will feature 25 vendor tables, FREE beer/wine/appetizers, valet parking and more. Registration is required, so please register today (access the Event Calendar) to reserve your spot!


In This Issue
No Exceptions to Lead Based Paint Disclosure Form in Pre-1978 Homes

Seminar: Getting Resales Right in the Condominium and Homeowners Association

Association Tips: Professionalism

Suburban West Webinar Series Archive Updated

Short Sales and Foreclosures Certification Course Returns

FHA Under Fire
From Congress

SWRA Notices:
Employment Notice
Payment & Registration Center
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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!
Important Numbers
for REALTORS
DocuSign Support Center
866-219-4318

DocuSign Transaction Rooms
888-600-4146

National Association of REALTORS (NAR)
800-874-6500

PA Real Estate Commission
717-783-3658

PAR Legal Hotline
800-727-5345

Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS (PAR)
800-555-3390

RPR Help Desk
877-977-7576

Suburban REALTORS Alliance
610-981-9000

Supra Support
877-699-6787

TREND
877-330-9900

zipForm Support
586-840-0140
Suburban West
REALTORS Association

100 Deerfield Lane, Suite 240 | Malvern, PA 19355
P: 610-560-4800 | F: 610-560-4801


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