As a result, PAR and its for-profit subsidiary, Business Services for Real Estate (BSRE), formed EasyStreet Insurance Services. EasyStreet is a licensed insurance brokerage that works with leading providers such as Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Geisinger Health Plan, Capital BlueCross and United HealthCare. 

As independent contractors, REALTORS® often have a difficult time finding a trusted source for their insurance needs. 

EasyStreet’s licensed insurance professionals are experienced, knowledgeable and qualified to guide you through many insurance matters. The staff at EasyStreet is interested and committed to understanding your personal or business needs.

“We’d like the chance to talk to you about your insurance needs,” said Dan Reed, PAR’s director of insurance services. “At EasyStreet, we’re not just interested in placing you with an insurance product.  We want to guide you in the right direction.”

Become a fan of EasyStreet Insurances Services on Facebook

“We’ve had some last-minute changes and we want to ensure the form is legally compliant and meets the needs of our members,” said Mike Barth, PAR’s standard forms specialist.

Electronic vendors have started to post the e-forms and all vendors are expected to have the new form online by March 1. The previous ASR is still acceptable to use for transactions.

A sample of the new form and the Guidelines for Preparation and Use (PAR login required) are available on PAR’s web site.

The revised Agreement of Sale incorporates some major changes: an expanded broker box; updated mortgage contingency paragraph and a new format for handling inspections. It also has a reduced default time for inspections of 10 days. In response to the new Real Estate Licensing Registration Act (RELRA) changes, the form incorporates a change in language to dictate what will happen to escrow monies in the event of a dispute.

The Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (PAR Form LPD) is being released with the Agreement of Sale and replaces the previous Lead Paint Addendum. The Oil, Gas and Mineral Rights Addendum (PAR Form OGM), which was developed to explain what surface and subsurface rights are included in the sale, is available now.

John Cognetti

BSRE was formed by PAR in 1999 primarily for the purpose of selling PAR Standard Forms. Over the past several years, BSRE has expanded to include additional product and service offerings designed to produce non-dues revenue for PAR. Recently, BSRE has expanded its business to include EasyStreet Insurance Services, a licensed brokerage offering professionals insurance coverage from well-respected companies.

The BSRE Board of Directors recently met to discuss how the board may be internally restructured and to address ways to better serve PAR members. The board also heard a report that EasyStreet Insurance Services is already managing more than $400,000 in annualized premiums, including PAR’s employee insurance plan.

“BSRE continues to explore services to provide resources REALTORS® need to do business,” said Henry Lerner, Esq., BSRE’s chief operating officer.

Other directors for 2010 include: Jules Falcone, Media; Bob Hay, Stroudsburg; Sally Heimbrook, Beaver; Frank Jacovini, Philadelphia; Ted Laskowski, Quakertown; Guy Matteo, Newtown Square; Michael McGee, West Chester; Patrice Merzanis, Lemoyne; Teresa Wygle, Meadville and Gary Yost, Wyomissing.

All active REALTORS® have access to an NAR program that partners with Lowe’s. As part of this program, REALTORS® can access exclusive coupons, mailings and offers for themselves as well as clients. My REALTOR® sent me a 10 percent off coupon for Lowe’s days after moving to a new address. Members can access this program at LowesRealtorBenefits.com. The program also allows REALTORS® to save client information in databases and send personalized mailings.

In addition to incentives and free mailings for sellers and buyers, REALTORS® may purchase Lowe’s gift cards at a 5 percent discount.  The gift card can be used as a closing gift or for personal use. REALTOR® staff members may also access the program if they have an NRDS number.

Lowe’s also partners with RISMedia to bring members a daily newsletter with events and articles from across the real estate industry. This is another chance for REALTORS® to set themselves apart from the crowd by taking advantage of another unique marketing opportunity.

One of the first places I turn to when researching new ideas and topics is definitely NAR’s site at realtor.org. (When I was searching for a home, I’ll admit, it was realtor.com) While I may be a little biased, NAR’s website is easy to use and they are constantly editing and improving their pages and data. More importantly, they have a wealth of information for not only consumers, but also the REALTORS® they serve each and every day. Did you know that you can access state information regarding home price analysis reports via NAR’s site? The 2009 Local Market Reports contain a wealth of information including foreclosure rates, housing inventory and the health of local job markets.

The information doesn’t stop there! On NAR’s State and Local Market Information page reports concerning state fiscal conditions, mortgage conditions and even the economic impact of housing can be found. All of this and more can help you as a REALTOR® stay on top of trends in your local market area. All real estate is local, so take the first steps in becoming your local expert!

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