Take Advantage of Free Training Seminars This March

Suburban West offers numerous opportunities exclusively for members to become more knowledgeable about the industry through free training workshops. The following opportunities will be available next month in Malvern:

REALTOR/Lawyer: Title Insurance 101 (March 1st; 10:00am-11:30am) - This seminar will feature a discussion of the history of title insurance, title insurance today, review an entire Title Commitment from A to Z, and explain differences between a standard owner policy vs enhanced policy.
Starbucks Morning: Cyber Crime, Cyber Security and Real Estate (March 7th; 10:00am-11:30am) - From identity theft to wire fraud, real estate transactions are increasingly the target of cyber criminals. This seminar will raise awareness of the recent cyber security concerns and discuss best practices to avoid becoming a victim.
Professionalism Exchange: The Art of a Professional Closing (March 16th; 10:00am-11:30am) - How can REALTORS manage the emotions and last-minute challenges that pop up at closing in an appropriate and professional yet crowd-pleasing manner? In this exchange, our panel will provide attendees the opportunity to explore things such as: setting expectations and using private caucus to manage an effective and efficient closing.

Click here to register for any of the March seminars (once logged in, click "events" and then "upcoming meetings"). Please note that free seminars do not provide continuing education credits.

More Information on Last Month's Rent and Security Deposits

Following up on the recent articles on the Pennsylvania Superior Court’s decision in E.S. Management v. Yingkai Gao, et al., PAR Counsel Jim Goldsmith has published more information on the decision and what it means for landlords and property managers. Click here for the full article.

Some key points are: 1) The court did not create or change the limitations on escrow. Those limitations always existed. The fact that landlords have collected more than was permissible is not relevant; 2) The Landlord Tenant Act does not use the terms ‘security deposit’ or ‘last month’s rent’. The LTA refers to sums in escrow for damages and default payments. Call it what you want, as Mr. Goldsmith says, “When you charge for something in advance to protect against nonpayment or damages, it is subject to the limitations” of the LTA; and 3) It is likely that heightened scrutiny of landlords practices will follow. Read more.

Complimentary Tech Helpline Available for all Suburban West Members

The Tech Helpline is a free membership benefit offering support for hardware, software, networking and digital devices. The best part is you have the choice of contacting their friendly and knowledgeable analysts via phone, e-mail, or online chat. They troubleshoot problems and offer solutions, often by remoting in to your computer while you relax. They can advise you on hardware and software purchasing, and most importantly, they understand your needs as a REALTOR. To find out more, please view this video.

The Tech Helpline is available Monday-Friday (9:00am-8:00pm) and Saturday (9:00am-5:00pm) toll-free at 800-897-0873. Keep the phone number handy, and save it to your contact list! NOTE: You will need to provide your NRDS number when contacting the Tech Helpline. Don’t remember your NRDS number? Click here to retrieve it.

Lower Merion School District Will Not Increase Taxes More Than 2.4%

The Lower Merion Board of School Directors unanimously approved a resolution promising not to raise taxes for the 2018-19 school year above the state Act 1 index limit of 2.4 percent. The initial $272.7 million budget for next year is higher than the current year budget of $265.2 million and calls for the use of $3.7 million of the district’s savings, along with the tax increase, in order to balance the budget. If finalized, a 2.4 percent tax hike would result in a 28.7477 millage rate for an additional $169 in taxes on a home assessed at the district average of $250,680. This will be the first year since the Act 1 limit on taxes was enacted that Lower Merion will not use exceptions to increase taxes over the Act 1 index. Read more.

Don't forget to follow the Suburban REALTORS Alliance on Facebook for updates and news on industry and consumer advocacy.

Employment Ad

A brokerage in Wayne, PA is seeking an additional support person for the office. This individual must possess a strong background in marketing and social media with a focus on real estate. Assist with time and daily management. Occasional back up on phones, writing correspondence and scheduling meetings. Excellent written and verbal communication. Bandwidth to manage multiple priorities and projects. Service based attitude, great ability to focus and strong customer service skills to internal and external customers. Minimum of 3-5 years experience in real estate industry. Knowledge of Microsoft Office, ZipForms, TrendMLS and Docusign is required. Please submit resumes to barb@homesofpa.com.

Calendar of Events

February 22nd; 9:00am-12:30pm - Federal Tax Strategies for Commercial Real Estate
February 22nd; 6:00pm-9:30pm - Back to Basics: Advertising, Marketing and Promotion
February 23rd; 9:00am-5:00pm - Construction Basics @ Wyndham Garden Hotel, Glen Mills
February 27th; 9:00am-5:00pm - Risk and Representation @ Red Clay Room, Kennett Square
February 28th; 1:30pm-5:00pm - 1031 Tax Deferred Exchanges

Suburban West REALTORS Association
1 Country View Road, Suite 201, Malvern PA 19355
P: 610-560-4800 | F: 610-560-4801

Association of REALTORS School
1 Country View Road, Suite 101, Malvern PA 19355
P: 610-560-4900 | F: 610-560-4801

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1 Country View Road Suite 201
Malvern, PA | 19355 US

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