Our future has no boundaries

2013 has been an outstanding year and I am grateful for the opportunity to have served as president of this wonderful organization. My theme this year was “Our Future Has No Boundaries,” and looking at our accomplishments, we were not held back by any boundaries.

With the efforts of many we have a number of improved and new benefits for our membership.

Legislative arena:

• We defeated realty transfer tax increase for transportation after nearly 2,500 Realtors® responded to our Call to Action. Our experience with the realty transfer tax fight showed us how important it is to have elected leaders who understand our industry and the impact their decisions have.
• PAR representatives were on hand as Gov. Tom Corbett reinstated seller financing on September 1. The banking bill, sponsored by Rep. Mario Scavello (R-Monroe), restored seller financing for less than four mortgage loans in a year. This law is vital to our industry because it allows greater flexibility in financing options for Pennsylvania taxpayers and homeowners.
• PAR continues to work toward passing Senate Bill 869, which recommends changes to the state Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act (RELRA). These changes address educational issues and broker price opinions (BPOs). We believe the recommended changes reflect our rapidly changing industry and will help us better serve our clients. The proposed amendments to RELRA would allow licensees to conduct Broker Price Opinions under certain criteria to fulfill a niche in the real estate market, not currently being met by other products. In addition, the bill would expand the pre-licensure and continuing education requirements.

Property tax reform:

• We are working very hard on property tax reform. PAR believes that this reform is important to maintain the real estate industry recovery in the Commonwealth. The association has launched a website, RealReform76.com, to support Senate Bill 76. Realtors® are urged to visit the site, which shows which senators support SB 76 as co-sponsors and those who have not yet signed on. Visitors can send emails directly to their senators via RealReform76.com, thanking those who support the bill or urging senators to support this legislation.

The Realtors® Political Action Committee (RPAC):

• As I write this column, RPAC has raised $490,954 towards its $550,000 goal and I commend each of you who continue to support RPAC. We have several new major investors this year and hope those who have not given to consider your fair share of $15 or more.
• We have a new RPAC fundraising committee to help with ideas for local and state associations on how to raise RPAC dollars.

PAR’s Preferred PARtner program:

• Our members are offered a discount for using their services, our newest include: Nationwide Insurance, Taxbot, SmartMove and ICan. PAR also just refreshed its sponsor program. Visit the member savings page for more information.

PARJustListed.com:

• Just Listed is undergoing a complete update with a new logo, new look, navigation, and distribution strategy. The site is earning recognition far beyond Pennsylvania borders, with readership now extending to all 50 states. This year we have featured more articles by our line officers to let our members recognize and be familiar with the leadership team of PAR.

Association Independent Management (AIM):

• PAR is successfully managing a number of clients including two local Realtor® boards as well as one large association taking advantage of our services. We are working with others to add on for 2014.

New online merchandise store:

• Our own line of monogrammed products including shirts, jackets, hats, bags and much more!  I can’t wait to see our members show off their PAR pride with our new line of products.

New committees:

• Mentoring program, College Recruiting program and the Horizon Committee – big thinkers for new PAR ideas.

National Association of Realtors® election:

• Pennsylvania’s own Jim Helsel contended for the position of NAR president in 2016. The election was close with Jim losing by only six votes. It was a hard fought campaign and Jim continues to epitomize the Realtor® spirit.

A special thank you to Dave Phillips and the PAR staff, our 2014 President Kim Skumanick, Ron Croushore, Todd Polinchock and the district vice presidents, committee chairs and vice-chairs, committee members and all the Realtor® volunteers who contribute to PAR’s efforts. The efforts of all have resulted in a successful 2013 and I am so grateful for their professionalism as well as their friendship.

The line officers work together throughout the year to attend and visit local functions. We have enjoyed attending various local association and board meetings, and I personally would like to thank you all as you have truly made me feel at home.

Best wishes for a successful 2014!