Government Affairs

Misinformation creates HVCC confusion

Monday, October 19, 2009
By Kim Shindle
Misinformation creates HVCC confusion

Many REALTORS® think HVCC only affects appraisers but that’s not the case, according to Michelle Czekalski Bradley, PA Certified General Appraiser with Czekalski Real Estate Appraisal. HVCC has an effect on everyone industry-wide including REALTORS® because they’re part of the transaction. »

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Recording fees to increase despite PAR opposition

Friday, October 16, 2009
By Jennifer Shockley
Recording fees to increase despite PAR opposition

Starting in December it will cost consumers an additional $13.50 to file a document for recordation, thanks to a bill signed into law earlier this month. »

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REALTORS® say no to mandatory sprinklers

Wednesday, October 7, 2009
By Samantha Elliott Krepps
REALTORS® say no to mandatory sprinklers

Research shows that hard-wired interconnected smoke detectors – already mandatory - are the best way to prevent fire-related deaths and the decision to install additional fire-safety devices should be a consumer choice. Mandatory sprinklers are yet another unnecessary and expensive government mandate for Pennsylvanians. »

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Mensch wins special election to fill PA Senate seat

Wednesday, September 30, 2009
By Samantha Elliott Krepps
Mensch wins special election to fill PA Senate seat

State Rep. Robert Mensch (R-Montgomery) will fill the unexpired seat held by former State Sen. Rob Wonderling. »

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Rep. Civera noted as friend of REALTORS®

Friday, September 25, 2009
By Kim Shindle
Rep. Civera noted as friend of REALTORS®

State Rep. Mario J. Civera Jr. (R-Delaware) was honored by PAR during its annual awards ceremony this week in Harrisburg. »

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PA-RPAC encourages REALTORS® to get out the vote in September

Wednesday, September 23, 2009
By Samantha Elliott Krepps
PA-RPAC encourages REALTORS® to get out the vote in September

A special election is being held September 29 to fill the open seat vacated by Sen. Rob Wonderling who retired in July. »

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Call for action: Extend and expand the Homebuyer Tax Credit

Tuesday, September 15, 2009
By Meghan Tinkham, e-PRO
Call for action: Extend and expand the Homebuyer Tax Credit

The first-time homebuyer tax credit is having a positive impact on the real estate market recovery. As the expiration date for this successful program looms, Congress needs to hear about the positive impact this program has had and ask them to extend it, and expand it, so that REALTORS® can continue to see the... »

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State budget agreement reached?

Friday, September 11, 2009
By Jennifer Shockley
State budget agreement reached?

At an 11 a.m. press conference, leaders from the Senate Republican, House Democratic and Senate Democratic caucuses announced an agreement “in principle” on the 2009-10 state budget. »

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The rules of home rule

Thursday, September 3, 2009
By Elizabeth Hensil
The rules of home rule

There are 71 home rule municipalities in Pennsylvania. All 71 have the ability to increase the realty transfer tax. There is no better time to ensure your market isn't at risk. »

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Freddie Mac issues commission guidelines for short sales

Friday, August 28, 2009
By Hank Lerner, Esq.
Freddie Mac issues commission guidelines for short sales

Freddie Mac issues guidance on short sale commissions and it might surprise you. »

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