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June 28th, 2016

Featured Article
Drone Rules for Real Estate Agents

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released rules for commercial use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS or "drones"). The rules will take effect in August 2016.

The FAA page dedicated to drones can be found here. All drones must be operated by a certified pilot. Other basic operation requirements include:

must keep the aircraft in sight (visual line-of-sight)
must fly under 400 feet
must fly during the day
must fly at or below 100 mph
must yield right of way to manned aircraft
must not fly over people
must not fly from a moving vehicle

While the rules will allow for the use of drones in commercial settings (including real estate), members are urged to check for any locally enacted ordinances.

Additionally, a recent article in PARJustListed also recommends that REALTORS consider the privacy concerns and best practices identified in this document created by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

Association News
SWRA Supports Successful Chester City Homebuyers Fair

This past Saturday (June 25th) Suburban West helped to sponsor the 15th Annual Chester City Homebuyers Fair. Over 60 attendees were present to learn about the homebuying process, including important information on programs to encourage homeownership within the Chester community.

Representing Suburban West at the event were Chairman Leann Murphy and Board of Director Shannon Diiorio. Leann and Shannon provided a brief presentation "Selecting a Home and the Homebuying Process" on the value of working with a REALTOR. Also on hand was REALTOR member Luis Tovar who discussed the homebuying process for spanish speaking attendees. To learn more about the homebuyer assistance program available in Chester, click here.

Commercial REALTORS Advocate for 1031 Exchanges in PA Tax Code

Last Wednesday, Commercial Chapter members Craig Fernsler, Margo McDonnell and Tom Walsh were part of a state-wide contingency of Commercial REALTOR members who participated in the PAR first annual "Commercial REALTOR Day on the Hill". SWRA member and PAR Treasurer Bill McFalls was also present. Primarily, the day was about educating state representatives about House Bill 700 which would allow for 1031 Like-Kind Exchanges to be added to the Pennsylvania Tax Code. Read more.

Riverfront Alliance of Delaware County's Developers Forum Postponed

Please note that the Riverfront Alliance of Delaware County's Developers Forum that was scheduled for June 29th has been postponed. We will post details once a rescheduled date has been confirmed. If you have questions please feel free to contact the Alliance at 610-499-7534 or email kowalskij58@yahoo.com.

Association Office Closed on July 4th

The Association's office will be closed on Monday, July 4th in celebration of Independence Day.

The office will reopen on Tuesday, July 5th at 8:00am. All Association related requests should be made before 4:00pm on Friday, July 1st. Please note that you can access Suburban West's virtual office at www.suburbanwestrealtors.com.

Industry News
RPR: Help Your Seller See the Light on a Realistic List Price

But in 2003, we upgraded the bathroom, built a jungle gym and put in a new dishwasher. What REALTOR hasn't felt challenged during pricing discussions with homeowners in a similar situation? And why wouldn't an average homeowner expect to earn a return on home improvements? Thankfully there is common ground when it comes to landing on a solid listing price. The free member benefit for REALTORS, RPR: REALTORS Property Resource has two proven tools and techniques for guiding your seller in the right direction.

Suburban REALTORS Alliance
Oxford Borough Votes Some Relief From Sidewalk Ordinance

Enforcement of Oxford's point-of-sale sidewalk ordinance is being put on hold pending an upcoming hearing at the Council's August 8th meeting. Council approved advertising an amendment that removes the requirement that whenever a property is sold, sidewalks must be installed if there are currently none. Council has been debating sidewalks for years. For a time, the current ordinance went mostly un-enforced, but the policy shifted in the last year. As a result, property owners buying or selling in the borough faced what could be costly improvements at closing. If the ordinance amendment is not approved, the installation requirement will go back into effect.

Not receiving the SRA News Briefs email on Friday mornings? Association members can sign up to receive their free weekly News Briefs by visiting their Action Center.

SWRA Forums
Commercial/Industrial Marketing Exchange Meeting Friday, July 8th

The free, commercial-topic driven monthly seminar, Commercial/Industrial Marketing Exchange (C/I), is intended to help our REALTOR members learn and discuss the commercial side of the business with industry experts.

The C/I Exchange will meet next Friday, July 8th (8:30am-10:00am) at the Association office in Malvern. This month's topic is TBD. Registration is not required, but please email Steve Farace is you would like to be notified of future commercial-topic presentations.

Reminders:

Broker Courses Return to the Association of REALTORS School This Summer!

Get a jumpstart on earning your broker license this summer. The Association of REALTORS School will be offering the following core broker courses beginning in July: Real Estate Investment, Real Estate Office Management and Real Estate Construction. In addition, the following elective courses will be available; SRS: Sellers Representation Specialist and SRES; Senior Representative Specialist. Click here to learn more about broker licensing or contact Gail Parke.

In This Issue

Drone Rules for

Real Estate Agents

SWRA Supports Successful Chester City Homebuyers Fair

Commercial REALTORS Advocate for 1031 Exchanges in PA Tax Code

Riverfront Alliance of Delaware County's Developers Forum Postponed

Association Office Closed

on July 4th

RPR: Help Your Seller See the Light on a Realistic List Price

Oxford Borough Votes Some Relief From Sidewalk Ordinance

Commercial/Industrial Marketing Exchange Meeting Friday, July 8th

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 Modified).

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

Mark Your Calendars!

July 4

Association office closed

July 7; 10:00am-12:30pm

Passing the Fair Housing Test

July 7; 1:30pm-4:00pm

Passing the Fair Housing Test

July 12; 9:00am-2:00pm

Real Estate Investment (six-day course)

July 13; 9:00am-10:30am