It has truly been an unprecedented year. For all the things we face year in and year out, 20 has definitely been an eye-opener. Personally I have a new found appreciation for life, family and helping others. Staying on top of the changes and direction we are going as an Association has kept us busy.
First let’s talk about the Coronavirus. The number of new cases and statewide mandates keep changing. NAR provides updates on their website with a Guide for Realtors & a Guide for Property owners. www.nar.realtor/search-results?qu=Coronavirus. PAR also continues to stay on top of the changes on their website and Facebook page. https://www.parealtors.org/coronavirus/ I have found that by following the PAR updates on Facebook I can click on the links faster to keep informed of the latest issues. If you have not seen the updates online you can also search the Pennsylvania Department of Health and
CDC as well. It is important to keep in mind that if we do not follow the guidelines as an industry in Pennsylvania we would run the risk of reverting back to no in-person activities.
Just to touch on the latest issues besides the Coronavirus, discrimination in real estate is a concern on everyone’s minds. NAR continues to fight for fairness for all from start to finish during a real estate transaction. www.hud.gov/ fairhousing is a great resource for you. As we all learned in our real estate classes, it is illegal to discriminate against any of the protected classes in a sale, rental, or financing of dwellings, and in other housing related transactions.
Hank Lerner, Esq., has stated that “any real estate licensee whose actions discriminate against those in a protected class in the context of housing can potentially be subject to a complaint through HUD, the PA Human Relations Commission (PHRC) or the State Real Estate Commission.” This is a serious issue and all guidelines need to be followed. Another pressing issue that you may not be aware of is Senate Bill 637, now Act 53 of 2020, clarifying that conviction of a crime does not automatically preclude someone from being issued a state professional or occupational license in PA. Real estate licensees fall under this category. The State Real Estate Commission will be tasked with determining if the applicant had a criminal offense that is directly related to the duties, functions and responsibilities in real estate.
You can find the full article on www.parealtors.org .
On a personal note, I wanted share with you one of the secrets to my success. It was the day I joined a committee at R-BAR. It
is so rewarding to be a part of Professional Development, Outreach, YPN, and Government Affairs. I continue to learn and grow as a real estate professional just by taking part in these committees. If time does not permit you to join all of them at one time, feel free to reach out to any committee member or to
me.
Lastly, tell everyone you know…complete the 2020 Census. Key points to remember are that this information means hundreds of billions in Federal Funding, the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives, where communities need more programs, schools, roads & clinics. This will impact
us for the next decade!
Thank you and be safe!
Angela Tolosky,
~ Angela Tolosky
2020 President, Reading-Berks Association of REALTORS®