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News

Economics, Real Property Podcasts

It’s back to basics for real estate

Monday, February 8, 2010
By Samantha Elliott Krepps
It’s back to basics for real estate

PAR’s consulting economist Dr. Austin Jaffe says price stability and reduced foreclosures are contributing factors needed to stabilize the economy. »

2 Comments »

News

Technology

‘MoveScore’ can predict when consumers will move

Friday, February 5, 2010
By Kim Shindle
‘MoveScore’ can predict when consumers will move

RealAgile.com uses predictive analytics to help REALTORS® determine which consumers have a high probability of moving, according to Ed Neiman, executive vice president of marketing and sales for RealAgile. The patent is pending on the product. »

3 Comments »

News

Association News

Roth takes helm at PAR

Thursday, February 4, 2010
By Kim Shindle
Roth takes helm at PAR

The gavel was passed from 2009 PA Association of REALTORS® President Greg Herb to incoming President Don Roth at the January Board of Directors meeting in Harrisburg last week. »

No Comments »

Blog

Legal Issues

‘Blended fees’ do not violate RESPA

Thursday, February 4, 2010
By Brett Woodburn, Esq.
‘Blended fees’ do not violate RESPA

A debate has emerged among agents and brokers across the country about whether “blended fees” – a combination of the traditional percentage-based commission and a flat fee -- are legal and, if so, how they have to be disclosed to consumers. »

4 Comments »

Blog

Economics

Anatomy of a disaster: Option ARMs

Wednesday, February 3, 2010
By Austin Jaffe, Ph.D.
Anatomy of a disaster: Option ARMs

Option ARMs were used from 2004 until 2007 with five-year resets (or less) to higher interest rates with standard amortization schedules. Thus, many have come into play during 2009 and we will see many more in the months ahead. »

3 Comments »

News

Association News, Government Affairs

House expected to vote on Housing Trust Fund next week

Tuesday, February 2, 2010
By Kim Shindle
House expected to vote on Housing Trust Fund next week

PA Association of REALTORS® (PAR) supports the PA Housing Alliance’s effort to establish a housing trust fund. The fund would provide monies to build, rehabilitate and preserve homes for low- to moderate-income individuals and families, senior citizens and persons with disabilities. »

5 Comments »

News

Real Property Podcasts

Serve the underserved in the real estate market

Monday, February 1, 2010
By Samantha Elliott Krepps
Serve the underserved in the real estate market

Casa Latino founder Robb Heering tells REALTORS® that understanding another culture is sometimes more important than learning the language. »

1 Comment »

News

Association News

Don Roth begins term as PAR president

Friday, January 29, 2010
By Kim Shindle
Don Roth begins term as PAR president

Roth said association members will face many challenges in 2010 including regulatory, legislative, business and consumer expectations. He said the association has many ongoing projects it will focus on in the coming year. »

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News

Association News, Government Affairs

RPAC investments reach $548,964 in 2009

Friday, January 29, 2010
By Kim Shindle
RPAC investments reach $548,964 in 2009

The Suburban West REALTORS® Association claimed back its first place award in the Extra Large Associations/Boards category at the annual REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) Awards Luncheon this week. The association achieved 164.04 percent per capita fundraising in 2009. »

2 Comments »

Blog

Social Media

Ask Meghan: Facebook pictures privacy settings

Friday, January 29, 2010
By Meghan Tinkham, e-PRO
Ask Meghan: Facebook pictures privacy settings

Question: How do I hide pictures/videos that my name is associated with from showing on friends, friends of friends, etc.? Is it possible to only have a picture/video, where your name has been tagged, to just show on your Facebook site? »

No Comments »

News

Economics, Industry News

Jaffe predicts home sale activity may increase in 2010

Thursday, January 28, 2010
By Kim Shindle
Jaffe predicts home sale activity may increase in 2010

The housing market remains troubled and it may be years before the market levels out, according to Dr. Austin Jaffe, PAR’s consulting economist. »

2 Comments »
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