Spring 2018 by Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®

Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS MAGAZINE

The Official Magazine of the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®

Spring 2018

TAX REFORM THE REAL EFFECT ON HOMEOWNERS

YOUR RPAC

DOLLARS AT WORK

2017

ANNUAL REPORT

glvrmag.com

A Letter from the CEO Spring 2018

In today’s political climate, leadership at the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® has often been asked how the Lehigh Valley housing market will be affected by the presidential election, by tax reform, and the like. While we don’t have a crystal ball, and tax reform is so new that its affects remain to be seen, leadership takes comfort in the Lehigh Valley being known for its stability. Our communities are known for weathering storms better than most. Even today, with rock-bottom inventory, the market is still moving and competitive as ever. But that’s not to say today’s politics don’t affect you, the REALTOR®, or you, the homeowner. That’s why our first magazine of the year is aimed at explaining the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and how it may or may not affect real estate professionals, in addition to current and prospective homebuyers. We touch on RPAC and what it does for the industry, and we report on the 2017 housing market as a whole. I also urge you to peruse the department updates and learn what the Association is up to and what is planned for 2018. In a landscape rife with new variables, residential real estate is certainly poised to offer an interesting and active year ahead.

Justin Porembo CEO, Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®

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Contents

Spring 2018

cover story 25 Tax Reform The affects to current and future homeowners and real estate professionals.

ceo letter 4 A Message From Our CEO

features 6

Trash Talk How To Decide What Clutter to Keep

17 GLVR-PAC Committee Selections 18 RPAC - An Investment In Your Career 20 Your RPAC Dollars at Work 24 Sexual Harassment in the Workplace 34 Fair Housing

Promises of a Century

45 Preparing for Homeownership 48 2017 Annual Report

department updates 10 Professional Standards 12 Real Estate Academy

Enhance Your Career

14 Government Affairs

Advocacy, Accountability. Action

42 MLS

Zip FormMLS-Connect comes to GLVR MLS

18 guest writers Jim Honochick, Lehigh Agency Karen Smith, Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley Jim Andrews, JDog Junk Removal & Hauling Patrick Rooney, Supreme Lending Adrian Shanker, Bradbury Sullivan LGBT Community Center

Interested in becoming a guest writer? e-mail tammy@glvr.org e

GLVR Magazine | Spring 2018 {5}

Trash Talk: How to Decide What Clutter to Keep Explore the two types of junk every household has

Clutter takes a number of forms. But what it really comes down to is three types: necessary, sentimental, and downright unnecessary. Once you’ve separated your clutter into these groups, you can get rid of the things you don’t need or want. Here’s more about sorting old items to prep for trash removal. Necessary Clutter Useful household items that take up counter and floorspace plague everyone. The key to this kind of clutter is organization. An organized, clutter-free home benefits people in many ways. It causes less stress, promotes motivation, and creates a peaceful environment. Finding the right place for all your possessions can go a long way in promoting a healthy, happy space.

giving away functional items that can still be used and tossing the rest. Trash Removal The professional junk haulers at JDog Junk Removal & Hauling can help with the old items you do deem unwanted. Our team is ready, willing, and able to haul your trash so you can make the most of the newly reclaimed space in your home. Contact us today by calling 844-GET-JDOG to schedule a pickup.

Sentimental Clutter There are a number of items that qualify for this category. Take some time to save the items that take priority over others. For example, your baby blanket might be more keep-worthy than the T-shirt you were wearing when you caught that foul ball. Here’s a helpful hint for those of us who struggle to part ways with precious memories: take pictures. Letting your items live on digitally takes up space in your computer instead of in your home. Unnecessary Clutter This kind of clutter is the most troublesome. Those odds and ends around the house that you keep around just in case you’ll need it some day. While this can prove to be convenient in some situations, it can also result in excessive amounts of clutter. Try

Schedule an appointment, ask us a question, or get a free junk removal estimate. Fill out our contact form, email us, or give us a call to talk about your particular project. JDog Junk Removal & Hauling 36 Waterloo Ave STE 32 Berwyn, PA 19312 844-GET-JDOG | info@jdogvop.com

Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS MAGAZINE

Welcome New Members! November 15, 2017 - February 22, 2018 Ettore J. Angelo Weichert Realtors Vanessa M. Arroyo | Keller Williams Real Estate Nunzia Assante Di Cupillo | BHHS Fox & Roach - Bethlehem Julia M. Atiyeh | Keller Williams Real Estate | Kelsie Beck | BHHS Fox & Roach - Macungie

Publisher Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®

Brian L. Bennett | BHHS Fox & Roach - Macungie

CEO Justin Porembo | 484-821-0501

Tammy L. Bieber | BHHS Fox & Roach - Macungie | Jennifer L. Bowen | RE/MAX Real Estate

Sales Director Tammy Lerner | 484-821-0511

Stacey M. Brobst | Keller Williams Real Estate

Art Director Melissa Arranz | 484-821-0509

Wendy Ann Buchanan | Home Team Real Estate | Eileen Budd | Keller Williams Real Estate

eCommunication Specialist Mallory Siegfried | 484-821-0504

Calvara Campos | BHHS Fox & Roach - Bethlehem

Billing Sharon P. Adams | 484-821-0503

Timothy A. Charette | Hawthorne Real Estate | Brenda Clowser | Carol C. Dorey Real Estate Joyce M. Cornell | Coldwell Banker Town & Country Properties

The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® eMagazine is published quarterly by Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® 10 S. Commerce Way, Bethlehem, PA 18017

Board of Directors Sean LaSalle, President

Craig Liles

Cass Chies, Past President

Kimberly Lucas-Mantz

Carl Billera, President-Elect

Timothy Mahon

Barbara Gorman, Secretary

Glen Paisley

Donna Bartholomew-Sacco, Treasurer

Ellen Shaughnessy

Thomas Cramer

Michael J. Walters

Kathleen Gregory Jack Gross Charles R. Haley Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® reserves the right to edit or refuse any advertising submitted to this publication. The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® eMagazine is the official publication of the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®. All advertising published in the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® eMagazine is believed to be truthful and accurate. However, Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® assumes no responsibility whatsoever for typographical errors or omissions in the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® eMagazine. All real estate advertising in this publication is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, as amended, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” This publication will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of this law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this publication are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-424-8590. Any reference made to the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® is not to be construed as making representations, warranties, or guarantees concerning the information on properties advertised in the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® eMagazine. All ads contained herein are solely the responsibility of the advertiser. The opinions and statements contained in advertising or elsewhere in the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® eMagazine are those of the authors of such opinions and are not necessarily those of the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®. This magazine is published to inform GLVR members of matters of general interest and give reports of current events relating to real estate. Copyright © by Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the consent of Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® is prohibited.

We Appreciate Our Preferred Vendors!!!

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Learn More

THE REAL ESTATE COMPANY with Real Advantages.

Heritage Real Estate

DepartmentUpdate Professional Standards Here is a Case Study related to Article 1 of the Code of Ethics, which states:

B’s own judgment as to pricing the lot. Client A finally agreed and the sale was made to Buyer C.

When representing a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant, or other client as an agent, REALTORS® pledge themselves to protect and promote the interests of their client. This obligation to the client is primary, but it does not relieve REALTORS® of their obligation to treat all parties honestly. When serving a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant or other party in a non-agency capacity, REALTORS® remain obligated to treat all parties honestly. (Amended 1/01)

Two months later, Client A discovered the lot was no longer owned by Buyer C, but had been purchased by Buyer D at $55,000. He investigated and found that Buyer C was a brotherin-law of Realtor® B, and that Buyer C had acted on behalf of Realtor® B in buying the property for $32,500.

Case #1-4: Fidelity to Client (Originally Case #7-5. Revised May, 1988. Transferred to Article 1 November, 1994. Crossreference Case #4-5.) Client A contacted Realtor® B to list a vacant lot. Client A said he had heard that similar lots in the vicinity had sold for about $50,000 and thought he should be able to get a similar price. Realtor® B stressed some minor disadvantages in location and grade of the lot, and said that the market for vacant lots was sluggish. He suggested listing at a price of $32,500 and the client agreed. In two weeks, Realtor® B came to Client A with an offer at the listed price of $32,500. The client raised some questions about it, pointing out that the offer had come in just two weeks after the property had been placed on the market which could be an indication that the lot was worth closer to $50,000 than $32,500. Realtor® B strongly urged him to accept the offer, stating that because of the sluggish market, another offer might not develop for months and that the offer in hand simply vindicated Realtor®

Client A outlined the facts in a complaint to the Board of Realtors®, charging Realtor® B with collusion in betrayal of a client’s confidence and interests, and with failing to disclose that he was buying the property on his own behalf. At a hearing before a panel of the Board’s Professional Standards Committee, Realtor® B’s defense was that in his observation of real estate transactions there can be two legitimate prices of property—the price that a seller is willing to take in order to liquidate his investment, and the price that a buyer is willing to pay to acquire a property in which he is particularly interested. His position was that he saw no harm in bringing about a transaction to his own advantage in which the seller received a price that he was willing to take and the buyer paid a price that he was willing to pay. The Hearing Panel concluded that Realtor® B had deceitfully used the guise of rendering professional service to a client in acting as a speculator; that he had been unfaithful to the most basic principles of agency and allegiance to his client’s interest; and that he had violated Articles 1 and 4 of the Code of Ethics.

2017 Professional Standards Statistics The Professional Standards department at the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® tracks the ethics, arbitration, and mediation requests and hearings each year. Below are the statistics for 2017. To compare previous years, visit the member website HERE. Have a question about Professional Standards? Contact Diane Fetzer, Professional Standards Administration, at Diane@GLVR.org.

Requests for information: Ethics – 86 Arbitration – 10 Mediation (Buyer vs. Seller) – 70

Complaints/Requests Filed With GLVR: Ethics – 6 Arbitration – 1 Mediation (Buyer vs. Seller) - 19

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Hearings Held: Ethics - 4 Arbitration - 0 Mediation - 5

DepartmentUpdate Professional Standards

GLVR Hosts Professional Standards Training for Board, Committee Members The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORSÂŽ in January hosted a full day of Professional Standards training for members of the Board of Directors and the Professional Standards and Grievance committees. Melanie McLane was the instructor, and the training covered the role of the Professional Standards and Grievance committees, and the role of the Board of Directors in appeal hearings and affirming disciplinary actions and procuring cause.

Mock hearings showed committee members what to expect at grievance review meetings and hearings for ethics and arbitration cases. GLVR thanks these members for participating in ongoing and in-depth professional standards training, as we jointly work to enhance the real estate profession.

DepartmentUpdate Real Estate Academy

Enhance Your Career With Professional Certifications and Designations The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and its affiliated Institutes, Societies, and Councils provide a wide-range of programs and services that help members increase their skills, proficiency, and knowledge. Designations and certifications acknowledging experience and expertise in various real estate sectors are awarded by NAR and each affiliated group upon completion of required courses.

Seller Representative Specialist (SRS®) Credits: 1 Broker Credit and 15 CE Credits Instructor: Melanie McLane Dates: Monday and Tuesday, June 11 to 12, 2018

Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®)

The Seller Representative Specialist (SRS®) Designation Course will redefine your ‘normal’ and reinvent the way you represent sellers. Learn cutting edge tips and tools that will leave your competition in the dust! This course is an excellent opportunity for real estate professionals to understand how they can effectively demonstrate and communicate their value package, better represent the interests of sellers and avert potential risks and liabilities. This course is designed to provide agents with practical skills, training and resources to build their business.

Credits: 1 Broker Credit and 15 CE Credits

Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES)

Instructor: Melanie McLane

Credits: 1 Broker Credit and 15 CE Credits

Dates: Monday and Tuesday, March 12 to 13, 2018

Instructor: Melanie McLane

The Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designation represents a benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. It is designed to provide real estate professionals with practical skills, training and resources to build their business and the expertise they need for an edge in serving today’s home buyers.

Dates: Tuesday and Wednesday, September 11 to 12, 2018

Designations and certifications are offered in a wide range of real estate specialties. Earning these designations and certifications helps members increase their expertise and marketability, giving them a professional advantage. At the Greater Lehigh Valley Real Estate Academy, the following designation courses are currently scheduled for 2018:

At Home With Diversity Credits: 7 CE Credits

A generation of opportunity right at your fingertips. Discover the advantages of the Seniors Real Estate Specialist® designation. Build your real estate business with specialized knowledge to meet the special needs of maturing Americans when selling, buying, relocating, or refinancing residential or investment properties.

Date: Wednesday, May 2, 2018

By earning the SRES® designation, REALTORS® are prepared to approach mature clientele with the best options and information for them to make life-changing decisions.

The At Home With Diversity curriculum encompasses topics of diversity, inclusion, fair housing, and risk reduction. Participants will learn practical skills and tools to expand business and effectively service all cultural groups.

For more information on these designation and certification classes, go to www.GLVREAcademy.com and click “Designations & Certifications.” You can also enroll today at https://ims.glvr.org!

Instructor: Allan Hetkowski

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ZAP®, our lead generation website and CRM platform, enables agents to cultivate leads by predicting consumer behavior, connecting to tools and resources to guide consumers through the transaction, and providing data-driven intelligence to help the agent prioritize time and effort against those leads.

DWIGHT MUSSELMAN 484-226-8388

Networking and Collaboration

cassidonrealty.com 610-882-3135

Profitability

Hands-on Support

JACK GROSS 610-751-3945

Guidance

DepartmentUpdate Government Affairs

ADVOCACY. ACCOUNTABILITY. By Matthew Marks, Government Affairs Director, Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®

ACTION.

State

A co-sponsorship memo was recently sent to House and Senate members for a First-time Homebuyers Savings Account bill. Since the 2009 financial crisis, the number of first-time homebuyers has decreased significantly. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, the share of first-time homebuyers in the national home sale market has fallen from 45 percent to just 32 percent. In response, several states have passed legislation to allow first-time homebuyers to deposit money into a savings account, where it stays for the exclusive purpose of purchasing a first home, and the money can be deducted from their state income tax. Homeownership strengthens communities and provides stability for families. It is estimated that this type of savings account program in Pennsylvania could result in an annual increase of up to 4,000 home purchases within the state. The result would be an overall positive impact on Pennsylvania’s economy, spurring additional economic activity, job creation and earnings for households. It’s estimated that the economic impact could range between $7.8 million to $68.8 million. The Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS® is looking for as many co-sponsors as possible and are especially focused on members of the Urban Affairs Committees in each chamber. More information will be available soon!

Local

The Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® (PAR)

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in 2018 will offer Public Policy Regional Trainings throughout the state. The training is designed to help Realtors® advocate for the real estate industry and their clients. PAR will hold a Public Policy Regional Training on Monday, March 19, at Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem. The training sessions run from 2 to 5 p.m. (registration opens at 1:30 p.m.) and the agenda includes public policy issues, political advocacy, and local government affairs efforts. Staff from GLVR will be in attendance and/or will present.

REGISTER TODAY! Federal NAR Asks FHFA to Review G-fees in Light of Tax Reform- On January 29, 2018, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) sent a letter to Mel Watt, Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), requesting a review of guarantee fees (g-fees) charged by the Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) in light of recent tax changes. G-fees affect borrowing costs and affordability for homebuyers. Corporate tax rates were reduced as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The FHFA had previously set the g-fees based on a “target rate of return”. If g-fees are not lowered to reflect the lower corporate tax rate, realized returns at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will eclipse the FHFA’s target return. The letter requests that g-fees be reviewed and reduced.

REALTORSÂŽÂŽ POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE 2017 2018 INVESTORS Peter Adams Peter SharynAdams Adams Sharyn Adams Catharine Albertson Wajeeha Ahmed Michael Ameer-Beg Theresa Alfano Sebastian Amico Phillip Allen Jeffrey Amsler Michael Ameer-Beg Sebastian Amico Christine Amspacher Kori Andralis-Erceg Kori Andralis-Erceg Debra Andrews Debra Andrews Paula Antario Ettore Angelo Belinda Asmar KatelynnAttieh Anthony Albert Laura Belinda Aurigemma Asmar Debra Bagarozzo Lisa Assad Paveet Bali Nunzia Assante Di Cupillo Suchismita Banerjee Karen AxtBartholomewDonna Sacco Debra Bagarozzo Lori Bartkus Christopher Barr LeeAnn Baumer Arthur Barrett Susan Beattie Donna Bartholomew-Sacco Raymond Behan Lori Bartkus David Beil Karen Basak-Carey Randall Beitler Janice Benner LeeAnn Baumer Christopher Kelsie Beck Bennick Diann Benscoter Raymond Behan Merrill Beyer David BeilBischoff Nancy Janice Benner Cynthia Bishop Richard ChristopherBogdanski Bennick Mary Beth Bohri Diann Benscoter Zoltan Boldizsar Clara Bergstein Mary Lynn Bonsall Merrill Beyer Tarrant Booker Carl Billera Alan Bosch Barbara Bottitta Eugene Bodogh Lou MaryBottitta Beth Bohri Faith Brenneisen Mary Lynn Bonsall Catherine Breslin Tarrant Booker Darcel Bridges BarbaraJo Bottitta Bobbi Bromley Lou BottittaBrown Michael Marissa Burkholder Gretchen Brago Robert CatherineBury Breslin Frank Calabrese Stacey Brobst Theresa Calantoni Michael Brown Lori Campbell Wendy Buchanan Suzete Campos Jon SarahCapobianco Buck Dean MarissaCarnes Burkholder Gerard Carpinello Petrina Calantoni Carmelo Carrasco Bruce Campbell Melissa Carreras Lori Campbell James Carroll Gabriel Casas Calvara Campos Sonia Castro Suzete Campos Deborah CesanekJon Capobianco Nothstein Caden Caracciolo Janice Chrinko Gerard Carpinello Christopher Christian James Carmelo Christman Carrasco Tiffani Melissa Christman Carreras Stefan Cihylik Desiree Carroll Jessica Cincilla Marcella Carter

Scott Pysher Jason Ferkh Gabriel Casas Janice Sobieski Reis Russell Horn Courtney Matthews Robert Clarke Fritchman Patricia Karedis Roger Reis Carolyn Qammaz Barbara Filaseta Stephen Casey Mark Solomon Aubrecia Houston Michele Mazur Paula Meilinger Elissa Clausnitzer Mitchell Fry Susan Karper Sylvia Merkel FrankMatthew Renaldi Anthony Ramos Joseph Finnerty Sonia Castro Sorrentino Dana Huber Muchugia Mbugua Jo Ann Clyde Sherri Fucito Therese Kelley Diane Mertz Frank Renaldi Deborah Cesanek-Nothstein A. Louise Finney Peter Ramos Caroline Spears Bonnie Lynn Hufton Richard McCauley Brian Coffman Beverley Galtman Victoria Kemmerer Christopher Mesch Samantha Rendine Catherine JillMeyers Rand FletcherGamble Tammy Huk Jennifer Kennedy Sarina Spinelli Chad McConnahaDezzarae CarolChies Colangelo MaureenAdam Emma Reynolds Christopher James Raub Joanne Stahl RonaldChristian Coleman Joyce Folsom Melissa GarcsarPatricia Husted Jayme Kerr Kristine McCrearyGarett Michaels Carlos Ribau Robin Colon Meredith Miklas Rachel Riccobono Bradley Christman Razze Christopher Forister Gardner Matthew Starr Anna Huynh Dale KesslerJohn McDermott RebeccaLisa Meryl Cooper Denise Garrity John IannitelliShane Keyser ElizabethRoger Miksits Denise RichSternberger James Christman Reis Warren Fowler Douglas Joseph McDermott Alesia Coulter Karen Gehringer Lisa Kishbaugh David Miller Julie Rich Michele McDonald-Heinze Tiffani Christman Emma Reynolds Rebecca Francis Anthony Stratz Lynda Ivarsson Evonne Courduff Todd George Betty Klein Debra Miller Carol Richard Lori Mcfarland KimberlyCarlos Robyn Cimerol Cowen Brandy Franco Ribau Sutch Jeffrey Jacobs Catherine Lisa Gerstenblith Susan Knoble MitchellDulceLuanne Ridder Jessica Cincilla Cox Rachel Riccobono Teresa Arden Freeman Frederick Suter MaryEllen Cynthia Gilbert Heidi JaquithJill Koch Brigita McKelvie Goerlich Riggs-Fejes Thomas Cramer John Fretz Michael Gillis Kenneth Jones Jason Kocsis Kathleen Mia Mecleary Alfred Moll Elissa Clausnitzer Denise Rich Laura Rittenhouse Sverha Gloria Monks Roger Lorraine Glaessgen Robert Ritter Paula Meilinger Jo Ann ClydeCressman Chad Fritzinger Carol Richard Joseph Szivos Trevor JonesDouglas Koffel Juan Morales Alick Cutrona Michel Glower Joseph Kolarik Kyle Roberts Erica Mercado Brian Coffman Kathleen Rittenhouse Melissa Garcsar Pamela Szivos Nicholas Kalogeras Rose Mott Karen Daley John Gober Shannon Kolling Myra Rodriguez William Merlini Josh Mrozinski Ronald Coleman Kyle Roberts Jacob Garnjost Richard Szulborski Susan Dalius Jane Gonzalez Joseph Kaminski David Kopes Victoria Roelke Diane Mertz Robin ColonDamiano Angel Rodriguez Denise Garrity Tabarani Sean Mulrine Mark Mary Gonzalez Mary Kane Joseph Kospiah StuartPeter Rogers Dwight Musselman Barbara Gorman Phyllis KozeChristopher Mesch LisaLinda ConoverDanese Myra Rodriguez Karen Gehringer Taff William Kappauf JesseDustin Roldan Kathy DeBellis Lisa Graul-Oswald JohnJanice Rosario Rebecca Miklas Robert Natkie Meryl Cooper Victoria Roelke Lisa Gerstenblith Talmadge Susan KarperHeather Kramer William Nesbitt Andrea Decker Alyssa Graves Gay Krauss Rosner David Miller Robert Cornelius Jacqueline RomanickSarahBarbara Athena Gil Taylor Daniel Kastelnik Danny Nimeh William Deibert Kathleen Gregory Karen Kucharik Robert Ross Debra Miller Thomas Cramer Shannon Rosa Cynthia Gilbert Christa Taylor Melissa Keck Kristen Obert Deborah DeLong Michael Gregory William Kuklinski Thomas Roth Donna Miller Roger CressmanDelVecchio Robert Ross Farrah Gildner Terry TeelRowe Therese Kelley Marie Obert Christine John Gross Douglas Kuntz Christopher Nicholas Miller Ronald Ondishin Jeremy Cummings Thomas Roth NicholasKenneth Gildner Gross Jayme Kerr Stephanie LaBella Catherine Tien Marilyn DemendozaMichelle Rowe Conte Hershel Ruhmel Jamie Mitchell Terry Oplinger Alick Cutrona Michelle Rowe Michael Beth Gillis Guadagnino Robert Timlin Dale Kessler Joanna LaFaver Orlando Diaz Kathryn Orlando Tzuying Lai Alfred Moll RobinSandra Ruhmel Kristie Daku Hershel Ruhmel LorraineJoseph GlaessgenGuglielmo Tognoli Christine Kizer Michael Dickinson Richard Orloski Norman Gundrum Carol Landis-Pierce Peter Ryan Juan Morales William Ortiz Karen Daley Dieter Peter Ryan John Gober Louis Totani Betty Klein Robert Andrew Gusick Margaret Larter Nadya Salicetti Josh Mrozinski Carla Ortiz-Belliard LisaBrooke Dalition Dietrick Rachael Rymon RebekahJason Goldenberg DavidSanchez Tretter GutierrezJill Koch Sean LaSalle Katarine OufSalicetti Sean Mulrine Mohamed JohnMary Dally 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HartzellDouglas Kuntz Cliff Lewis Danny Nimeh Andrea Patterson BrianWilliam Desmarais Gina Sapnar John Gross Nancy Unangst Agnes Schoenberger Claudia Paulino Kelsey Elliott James CraigCody Liles Schrader Bethany Devine Nimeh-Chapkovich Patricia Saunders Susan KennethKathy Gross Hendricks Francisco Vasquez William Lambert Cheryl Penuel Jared Erhart Monna Lou Maryann Liles Iona Heidy Schwartz Katrina DeVito Shari Noctor Marie Sbrocchi Jaclyn Grynaviski Vega Carol Landis-Pierce Carrie Petrovich Dina Evangelou Henninger Salvatore Lisinichia Kent Seagreaves Jonah Diaz Evanko Kristen Obert John Philapavage Eric Schatz Beth Guadagnino Lawrence Ventrudo Shirley Lang Craig Alicia Hernandez Sureya Lococo Michael Seitz Orlando DiazFalco Terry Oplinger Janice Pigga Nicholas Schiavone PurviJoseph Norman Jessica Gundrum Hilbert Murline Larrieux Louis Andrea Lohman Shah Vlossak Horace Sarajoy DickeyFarber Jane Schiff Barbara Bonnie Hacker HoffmanSean LaSalleChristopher Richard William Vogt Long 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Louise Richard Hrazanek Stanley Majewski Laurie Shenkman FredLouis DiLorenzo Kelly Owens Jessica Schwartz Donna Harmony Tamra Poust James Wakefield Jennifer Lessard Fisher Dana Huber Mark Marina Dandie Shiffert Gale Pring Lou Fiske Bonnie Lynn Hufton MaryMary Beth Dolinich Denise Sebesta Scott Harrington William Waldman Barry Lewis Jon MarkleyJuan Pagan Laura Shimer John Pryslak ErinDorney Fleckenstein Robert Hartman Tammy Huk Marks Thomas Shive Michael Matthew Palmer Michael Seitz Jennifer Wales James Craig Matthew Liles Carolyn Qammaz Jie Floyd Patricia Husted Sholder Charalambos Papageorgiou Courtney Downs Nataliya SemenovychMarcHayley Richard Hartzell Walschburger Maryann LilesElizabeth Martinez Kristen Quijano Joyce Folsom Anna Huynh Michael Martinez Susan Shortell Nataly Partovi Leticia Quinones Stephen Dreisbach ForisterRobert Hay Purvi Shah Michael Walters Christopher John Iannitelli Salvatore Lisinichia Frank Mastroianni Judith Shuman Ellen Passman AnneKathleen Stuart Dubbs Mary Shahadi Amanda Heffelfinger Shih-Chiung Wang Alona Liska Christopher Raad Fosbenner Lynda Ivarsson Ladonna Mayo Kimberly Sidlar George Raad Philip Fowler Joel Ivory Shabana Pathan Helene Easterday Jo Ann Sheesley Dineen Henderson Ward Sureya Lococo Joseph Mazurek DavidCarrie Simoes Rader Jamie Frailey Jeffrey Jacobs Boabdil Louison Arthur Mazzei Andrea PattersonChristineLaurie William Eckert Shenkman Timothy Kathy Hendricks Janice Washeim-Krout SKutnik Anthony Ramos Kim Frailey Tina Jago Muchugia Mbugua AishaLinda Smith Cheryl Penuel Philip Edmiston Judith Shuman Alicia Hernandez Watson James Lunger Peter Ramos Rebecca Francis Heidi Jaquith Richard McCauley Smith John PhilapavageLauren Ranzino Mirtha Eduardo Lodshraun Simmons Cheryl Pamela Hissner Robert Weber James Macort Brandy Franco Bashar Jarrah Chad McConnaha Erin Smith Janice Pigga Kelsey Elliott David Simoes Erika Wells Janet Rasely James Francois Diana Hodgson Daniel Joseph Natalie Marasco Kristine McCreary Gregory Smith Raquel Ponce James Raub Jared Erhart Cheryl Smith Barbara Nicholas Hodick Betsey Wenger Mark MarinaJohn McDermott John Fretz Kalogeras Robert Smith Kurt Fretz Joseph Kaminski Richard PongraczDaniel Rawleigh Mario Famularo Steven Smith Christopher Hoffman Steven Werley Elizabeth Martinez Michele McDonaldSteven Smith Lisa Razze Richard Freyling ChristineMichael Kaminski Heinze GloriaSally Lee Snover Sharon Porter Michele Fedorov Dustin Snyder Hofstaedter Wildman Santiago Martinez Deborah Reinhard Christopher Mary Kane Lori Measler Snyder-Hare Tamra Poust Heather Fehr Carol Snyder-Hare CarolAudrey Thomas Hohl Winton Daralice Matos

Regina Wolkoff Janice ThomasSobieski Woodring Reis Xiaoxi Song Hui-Bing Wu Matthew Sorrentino William Wyland Caroline spears Kimberly Yandrisovitz Earl Stafford Jie YangStahl Joanne Matthew Paul YoderStarr Robert Stephens Daniel Young Douglas Sternberger D Martin Zawarski Michael Strickland Taras Zawarski Luanne Sutch Weston Zelenz Joseph Szivos Pamela Szivos Peter Tabarani Justin Taglioli Barbara Taylor Christa Taylor Sandra Tognoli Scott Tomlinson Christina Trabosci Julie Turylo-Wargo Nancy Unangst Kristine Vanderpool Theodore VanWert Zhanna Ved Ethel Velopolcek Marcia Villamil Daniela Villarejo Joseph Vlossak Ann Vlot William Vogt Jessica Vooz Katrina Wachob Amy Wakefield James Wakefield Jennifer Wales Dale Wallace Theodore Wallace Shih-Chiung Wang Carrie Ward Robert Weber Colette Weir Erika Wells Betsey Wenger Steven Werley Charlene White Denise Whitney David Wignovich Sally Wildman Thomas Williams Filomonia WilliamsFreeman Audrey Winton Monika Wojtynski Thomas Woodring Yvonne Worman Kimberly Yandrisovitz Paul Yoder Daniel Young Judi Youssef D Martin Zawarski Weston Zelenz Jennifer Ziegler Theresa Ziegler

GLVR Magazine | Spring 2018 {15}

REALTOR® Party Mobile Alerts is the advocacy texting platform of the National Association of REALTORS®. When a national or state legislative call for action is launched (2017 call for actions focused on tax reform, the National Flood Insurance Program, patent trolls, g-fees, and H.R. 3700 – Housing Opportunity through Modernization Act), subscribers get a short text message that contains information on how to take action.

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How the GLVRPAC Committee Selects Candidates to Support By Matthew Marks, Government Affairs Director At least twice a year (more if there’s a special election) the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) will share a message of support with the membership for specific candidates running for various seats at the local and state levels. The purpose of this supportive messaging isn’t to strongarm a vote. It’s to highlight candidates who are advocates for REALTORS® and private property rights. How are these candidates selected? There’s a process.

GLVR-PAC Committee The GLVR-PAC Committee consists of about five members who are also heavily involved in the Government Affairs Committee. The GLVR-PAC Committee’s mission is to establish the real estate industry in the Lehigh Valley as a concerned and involved constituency that gives active support to political candidates who recognize the needs of REALTORS®, property owners, and real estate consumers.

The Interview and Selection Process The GLVR-PAC Committee is first charged with identifying elections/races that have a direct impact on legislation that affects the real estate industry. Once an election/race is identified, invitations for candidate interviews are sent to those running for office. If a candidate accepts the invitation, they are invited to the Association office for an interview with members of the GLVRPAC Committee.

If approved by the Board, the Association uses its RPAC funds to send mailers on behalf of the supported candidates. The Association will also make phone calls to potential voters and/or provide the candidate with a check to use at their discretion. For state races, the GLVR-PAC Committee will interview candidates and incumbents for positions in the Pennsylvania State Senate and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. A recommendation is then sent to the Board of Directors for approval, as well as to the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® (PAR) RPAC Trustees for final review. For federal races, GLVR partners with PAR, as well as the National Association of REALTORS®, and will follow the same protocol as with state races.

Checks and Balances

For all interviews and to promote fairness, candidates are asked the same questions and are allotted the same amount of time to answer.

The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® believes it imperative to have these checks and balances in place to promote transparency during the political process.

For local/municipal races, Committee members vote on if/how they would like to support a specific candidate. If the Committee votes to support a candidate, the Committee sends their recommendation to GLVR’s Board of Directors for approval.

When final decisions are made, GLVR members are informed on which candidates the GLVR-PAC Committee supports and specific reasons are given on why they feel the candidates are proREALTOR® and will be an ally of the real estate profession.

GLVR Magazine | Spring 2018 {17}

RPAC: An Investment in Your Career

She, too, tip-toed her way into the world of RPAC.

By Mallory Siegfried, E-Communications Specialist

“I was in real estate at least four or five years before I knew what RPAC was,” Kelley admits. “Like the average REALTOR®, I had enough bills to pay that I didn’t want to ‘donate’ to something I didn’t really understand.”

Is real estate your profession? Then politics is your business. Since 1969, the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) has promoted the election of pro-REALTOR® candidates across the United States. The purpose of RPAC is clear: voluntary contributions made by REALTORS® are used to help elect candidates who understand and support their interests. These are not members’ dues; this is money given freely by REALTORS® in recognition of the importance of the political process. In other words, RPAC works to make sure those in office, whether they are at the local, state or national levels, are advocates for REALTORS® and private property rights. While most understand the importance of RPAC, why do so many REALTORS® ignore RPAC messaging and request refunds when they inadvertently invest in RPAC when paying their dues and fees? It’s a lack of education, according to George Raad of Harvey Z. Raad Realtors® in Allentown. Raad is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) RPAC Hall of Fame, which means he has invested at least $25,000 in cumulative monetary contributions over a lifetime of giving to RPAC. “I used to think that RPAC was a fundraiser for the [former Lehigh Valley Association of REALTORS®],” Raad said, noting that the purpose of RPAC continues to be misunderstood. “It wasn’t until I served on the Board of Directors at the local level that I realized what RPAC is and what it was doing for us and our business. I saw firsthand how RPAC protects our business.” Raad may be an RPAC champion today, but he had to start somewhere. In the beginning of his career, which began in 1972, Raad invested $50 to $100. The purpose and benefits of RPAC really clicked, though, when he was elected to serve on the former Lehigh Valley Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors in 1999. (In 2014, the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® was established by the merger of the now-former Lehigh Valley Association of REALTORS® and Carbon County Association of REALTORS®.) “RPAC isn’t a fundraiser for the Association and it isn’t here to tell you who to vote for,” Raad stressed. “RPAC is here to highlight the legislators who are advocates for REALTORS® and private property rights. RPAC stands up for the real estate profession and for consumers.” Therese Kelley, the broker of One Valley Realty in Allentown, served as the 2017 PA RPAC Fundraising Committee Chair.

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Like Raad, RPAC clicked for Kelley during time spent on various committees and the Board of Directors. “The only reason a new agent wouldn’t invest is because they don’t understand what RPAC is,” Kelley said, echoing Raad’s sentiment that RPAC education is lacking. “Every member should know that you’re not making a contribution. You’re not donating. What you’re doing is making an investment and participating in your career.” And while RPAC works because of member investments, RPAC actually saves you money, according to Raad, who has served on GLVR’s Government Affairs Committee, was a District I RPAC Trustee for two terms, and has a served as an NAR Director. “RPAC saves me time and money,” Raad said. “It covers me on all of the legal aspects that affect my business. We have car insurance and medical insurance. Why shouldn’t I have insurance for my business? That’s was RPAC is.” Raad urges members to picture the amount of legislation that is working its way through the pipeline on the local, state and federal levels. It’s impossible, according to Raad, for working professionals to keep tabs on such a large amount of legislation. Instead, Raad relies on staff at the National Association of REALTORS®, Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® and Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® to do it for him. “Staff is monitoring every bill and issue,” Raad explained. “I don’t have time to constantly monitor legislation. With RPAC, I have the trust that someone is monitoring the issues that affect my business. The reason I believe in RPAC as much as I do is because I’ve seen the results. I’ve seen the people at work.” For new members, Raad offers the following advice: “If you want to be in business for a long time, you need to connect with someone who can help you and you need to invest in RPAC. Investing in RPAC will keep you in business.” Raad may be in the NAR RPAC Hall of Fame and Kelley may be a major investor, but they don’t do it for the recognition. “The levels don’t matter,” Raad said. “We invest because the results matter. We do it for the ‘why.’” Kelley adds, “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.”

Want to get involved in government affairs and/or RPAC? Contact Matthew Marks, Government Affairs Director, at Matthew@GLVR.org

2017 RPAC STATS

Total % of state goal achieved % of Members investing

32.86%

194.55%

Dollars invested

$63,239.15

First time investors

153

Golden ‘R’, Crystal ‘R’, and Sterling ‘R” Investors

All information reflects statistics for RPAC investments in 2017

GLVR Magazine | Spring 2018 {19}

YOUR

RPAC DOLLARS AT WORK

By Matthew Marks, Government Affairs Director, and Mallory Siegfried, E-Communications Specialist

Local RPAC Wins: In 2017, several supported candidates successfully ran for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Lehigh County Commissioners and Allentown City Council. These candidates include Jeanne McNeill (133rd House District), Courtney Robinson (Allentown City Council), Percy Dougherty (Lehigh County Commissioner).

GLVR learned in May 2017 that the Jim Thorpe Area School District had filed about 600 property tax appeals based on purchase price. GLVR staff and leadership approached Jim Thorpe’s school board and asked that they stop this practice of appeals that follow sales. Thankfully they listened and halted the practice.

GLVR staff and members of the Government Affairs Committee worked with Easton City Council and the Mayor’s office on streamlining the Buyer Notification Inspection reports. The program had drawn criticism for making homeowners address non-safety related issues such as stained carpets and missing light bulbs.

GLVR successfully fought against a proposed ordinance that would have required certification of inspection of a home’s sidewalk prior to the sale of real estate in Lehighton Borough. The ordinance did not move forward.

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Federal RPAC Wins: • RPAC has fought against patent trolls who attack REALTORS® (and many other businesses and industry sectors) with frivolous lawsuits and overly broad claims. • RPAC will continue its legislative advocacy efforts for the 21st Century Flood Reform Act until this long-term reauthorization and reform bill is enacted. • RPAC investments have been used to protect the Mortgage Interest Deduction (MID) and the state and local tax (SALT) credit for homeowners. Initially, the SALT incentives were completely eliminated from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and MID was lowered to $500,000. With the power of RPAC behind us, we stormed D.C. to meet with our Congressional delegation to advocate for the incentives that have been so important to homeowners. Our persistence paid off with MID being raised to $750,000 and the SALT deduction being reintroduced at a cap of $10,000.

State RPAC Wins: RPAC dollars helped pass a Property Tax Referendum, which will allow the state legislature to enact legislation to enable local municipalities and/or school districts to exclude up to 100 percent of the assessed value of a home from taxation (the referendum does not apply to commercial properties).

RPAC not only allows us to advocate on your behalf for proREALTOR® legislation, but it also allows us to fight against bills that would negatively impact the real estate industry. Last year Senate Bill 486 would have allowed municipalities to impose a $15 document filing fee to support a blight demolition fund. We have always been a long supporter of blight remediation, but not on the back of the real estate transaction. Property owners that maintain their properties should not be asked to foot the bill for irresponsible owners. By implementing a state-wide Call-toAction, REALTORS® throughout the Commonwealth sent 4,000 emails into the Pennsylvania State House in less than 24 hours, forcing the bill to be pulled from the House Urban Affairs Committee. Because of this overwhelming response, the Chair of the Committee agreed to hold a hearing on the excessive fees on real estate transactions in Pennsylvania. This is a great example of how RPAC can work for you. Not only did your investment protect your business, but it jump-started a movement in Harrisburg to look closer at how our legislators regulate issues having to do with real estate. Another piece of legislation your RPAC dollars helped become law was House Bill 1437. This bill more clearly defines “unfit for habitation” and provides better guidance to local code enforcement officials. Some local municipalities claimed that missing house numbers make a house “unfit for habitation” and would refuse to issue temporary use and occupancy certificates to homebuyers, stifling the negotiation process and delaying closings. The signing of this bill into law allows homebuyers and sellers to fairly negotiate the transaction and get to the closing table.

Federal RPAC Wins: • A Call-to-Action was launched when there was a possibility that the House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee could target G-Fee revenue to help pay for reauthorization of the federal transportation budget. The National Association of REALTORS® put out the Call-to-Action, as the Association was opposed to the use of G-Fee revenue for any non-housing related purpose. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s proposed use of G-fee revenue did not move forward. • Following a Call-to-Action from the National Association of REALTORS®, we were instrumental in the process of passing HR 3700, the “Housing Opportunity through Modernization Act,” which reforms the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) condominium loan program, federal assisted housing programs and Rural Housing Service loan programs. The bill reduced the FHA condo owner occupancy ratio to 35 percent, directs FHA to streamline the condo recertification process and provides more flexibility for mixed use buildings. This bill unanimously passed the House.

RPAC Disclaimer Statement The Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) requires this notice on all RPAC written solicitation materials, including Dues Billing Statements, RPAC solicitation letters, RPAC brochures, and RPAC contribution slips: “Investments are not deductible for income tax purposes. Investments to RPAC are voluntary and are used for political purposes. The amount suggested is merely a guideline and you may contribute more or less than the suggested amount. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal and the National Association of REALTORS® or any of its state associations or local boards will not favor or disfavor any member because of the amount contributed. 70% of each investment is used by your state PAC to support state and local political candidates. Until your state PAC reaches its RPAC goal, 30% is sent to National RPAC to support federal candidates and is charged against your limits under 2 U.S.C. 441a; after the state PAC reaches its RPAC goal it may elect to retain your entire investment for use in supporting state and local candidates.”

GLVR Magazine | Spring 2018 {21}

Join one of the many levels of RPAC membership recognition designations, based on how much you invest! NAR RPAC HALL OF FAME Recognizes those Realtors® investing at least $25,000 in cumulative monetary contributions over a lifetime of giving to RPAC

PAR RPAC HALL OF FAME Recognizes those Realtors® investing at least $10,000 in cumulative monetary contributions over a lifetime of giving to RPAC

PLATINUM ‘R’ PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE MEMBERSHIP

PLATINUM ‘R’ MEMBERSHIP

10,000 initial investment; $5,000 to sustain (plus $2,000 President’s Circle contributions annually)

$10,000 initial investment; $5,000 to sustain

GOLDEN ‘R’ PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE MEMBERSHIP

GOLDEN ‘R’ MEMBERSHIP

$4,000 initial investment; $1,000 to sustain (plus $2,000 President’s Circle contributions annually)

$5,000 initial investment; $2,000 to sustain ($1,000 to sustain for those giving Golden ‘R’ before 2002)

CRYSTAL ‘R’ PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE MEMBERSHIP

CRYSTAL ‘R’ MEMBERSHIP

$2,000 initial investment; $1,000 to sustain (plus $2,000 President’s Circle contributions annually)

$2,500 initial investment; $1,500 to sustain

STERLING ‘R’ PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE MEMBERSHIP $1,000.00 annual minimum (along with $2,000 President’s Circle contributions annually)

STERLING ‘R’ MEMBERSHIP $1,000.00 annual minimum

GOVERNOR’S CLUB MEMBERSHIP

CAPITOL CLUB MEMBERSHIP

$99 CLUB MEMBERSHIP

RPAC MEMBERSHIP

$500.00 – $999.99 annual minimum

$250.00 – $499.99 annual minimum

$99.00 - $149.99 annual minimum

$15.00 - $98.99 annual minimum

** Members who contribute $99 and up will receive recognition on the RPAC website, a personalized thank you letter, personalized RPAC email signature, invitation to special receptions, and an invitation to the Annual RPAC Awards Event. ** Sterling R Members, Crystal R Members and Golden R Members receive PAR and NAR designation and recognition.

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SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN THE WORKPLACE By Jim Honochick, President, Lehigh Agency

5. Assure employees they won’t be retaliated against for reporting harassment or serving as a witness.

Sexual harassment isn’t a new phenomenon, despite many people just now finding the strength to step forward and tell their stories. Their claims detailing decades of improper and unacceptable behavior are playing out in front of us, and it’s well-past time that employers learn to be aware of issues, both internal and external, that can impact their business.

6. Promise that all reports of sexual harassment will be promptly and thoroughly investigated, and prompt remedial action will be taken should the organization conclude that sexual harassment occurred.

opefully the headline of this article or the news headlines of 2017 got your attention. If not, please check your pulse.

Unfortunately, rather than anticipate issues, many businesses react to them and often do so when it’s too late. Waiting for problems to develop almost ensures that they will. Having a plan and communicating it are keys to any successful business. So, do you have a plan for when harassment issues arise? If so, have you clearly communicated the plan? Does your organization understand it? If you’re starting from scratch, a good place to start is to seek a reference. I recommend The HR Specialist (www.theHRSpecialist.com), a monthly newsletter that engages the reader with brief articles on current Human Resource issues and trends. The January 2018 edition featured an article titled “Conduct a new year’s review of your harassment policy”. The article detailed seven points that are sure to improve your organization, whether you have a policy or not: 1. Broadly define the type of conduct that constitutes sexual harassment as well as specific examples. 2. Make clear that offenders will be subject to appropriate discipline, up to and including termination. 3. Establish a procedure that provides names and contact information of whom employees can report misconduct to. 4. Require all employees to report any offensive conduct that they experience or witness.

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7. Review these items with your organization, distribute it in writing, include it in your handbook and post it on the office bulletin board. So, what happens if a claim arises? I recommend that my business clients secure Employment Practices Liability (EPL) Insurance. This can protect them and their businesses against claims arising from: • Breach of Contract • Invasion of Privacy • Wrongful Termination • Discrimination • Sexual Harassment • Wage & Hour Law • FMLA Violations Coverage can also be provided for claims arising from a third party who is not an employee. Even if the employer is found to be innocent, defense costs can be considerable and this coverage can be an effective method of transferring that risk. Benjamin Franklin cautioned, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” Start working on your plan today. The business insurance team at Lehigh Agency can help. Preventing problems in the workplace is a far better approach than reacting to them!

How

TAX REF RM Really Affects Current and Prospective Homeowners and the Real Estate Professional By Matthew Marks, Government Affairs Director

have been approached by many Realtor® members recently who have asked me my thoughts on The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and what it means for homeowners and real estate professionals. Well, many homeowners, homebuyers, real estate investors and members of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) may initially see a benefit from the reform. The final bill includes some big successes as a result of the REALTOR® effort. The exclusion for capital gains on the sale of a home was saved and the like-kind exchange for real property was preserved. Many agents and brokers who earn income as independent contractors or from pass-through businesses will see a significant deduction on that business income. There is, however, large concern that this bill reduces the tax benefits of homeownership and will impact some markets more severely than others. In Pennsylvania, our markets are very different and it’s hard to generalize about its effect on real estate. The changes have, however, affected NAR’s projection for the market with slower growth in home prices. In markets with higher-priced homes and higher taxes, the market may experience price declines as a result of the legislation’s new restrictions on mortgage interest and state and local taxes. Unfortunately, the tax code no longer provides strong incentives for most people to become homeowners since the increase in the standard deduction

would greatly reduce the value of interest and tax deductions as tax incentives for homeownership. However, even with the changes in the code, being a homeowner still allows you to build wealth and equity- something renters cannot say. Looking at some provisions that will impact homeowners the most, the tax code now sets a cap on the combined total of state and local property taxes and incomes or sales tax deductions at $10,000 instead of the full amount of those expenses. The new law reduces the amount of deductible mortgage debt on primary and secondary homes. These two items were priorities for NAR, the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® and the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® as we met with our Congressional delegation locally and in Washington, D.C. Initially, language in both Senate and House bills threatened to totally eliminate the SALT deduction and would reduce the Mortgage Interest Deduction (MID) to $500,000 for new homeowners. Thanks to the hard work of Realtors® and staff from across the country, we were able to make the change to the state and local tax and had MID bumped up to $750,000 (from the previous $1 million mark). In the Lehigh Valley, the median sales price in 2017 was $185,000. According to Multiple Listing Service statistics, less than 3 percent of the available market – 63 homes – is listed with a price of $751,000 or above. Since the impact of the MID change will only be felt by property owners with mortgages above $750,000, I do not anticipate the change to the MID cap to have a significant impact on Lehigh Valley property owners. Looking at the bigger picture and beyond the MID, and despite not getting all of the items we wanted in the final bill, I am optimistic that the tax changes will not negatively impact the housing markets in Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. So, we have a general idea of how the tax changes will affect Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley, but how will they affect current and prospective homeowners and the real estate professional? In the following pages you’ll find a summary of provisions that affect the aforementioned parties. The examples provided are for illustrative purposes and based on a preliminary reading of the final legislation as of December 20, 2017. Individuals should consult a tax professional about their own personal situation. All individual provisions are generally effective after December 31, 2017 for the 2018 tax filing year and expire on December 31, 2025 unless otherwise noted. The provisions do not affect tax filings for 2017 unless noted.

GLVR Magazine | Spring 2018 {25}

Major Provisions Affecting Current and Prospective Homeowners Tax Rate Reductions • The new law provides generally lower tax rates for all individual tax filers. While this does not mean that every American will pay lower taxes under these changes, many will. The total size of the tax cut from the rate reductions equals more than $1.2 trillion over ten years. • The tax rate schedule retains seven brackets with slightly lower marginal rates of 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%. • The final bill retains the current-law maximum rates on net capital gains (generally, 15% maximum rate but 20% for those in the highest tax bracket; 25% rate on “recapture” of depreciation from real property).

Tax Brackets for Ordinary Income Under Current Law and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (2018 Tax Year) Single Filer

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Tax Brackets for Ordinary Income Under Current Law and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (2018 Tax Year) Married Filing Jointly

Exclusion of Gain on Sale of a Principal Residence • The final bill retains current law. A significant victory in the final bill that NAR achieved. • The Senate-passed bill would have changed the amount of time a homeowner must live in their home to qualify for the capital gains exclusion from 2 out of the past 5 years to 5 out of the past 8 years. The House bill would have made this same change as well as phased out the exclusion for taxpayers with incomes above $250,000 single/$500,000 married. Mortgage Interest Deduction • The final bill reduces the limit on deductible mortgage debt to $750,000 for new loans taken out after December 14, 2017. Current loans of up to $1 million are grandfathered and are not subject to the new $750,000 cap. Neither limit is indexed for inflation. • Homeowners may refinance mortgage debts existing on December 14, 2017 up to $1 million and still deduct the interest, so long as the new loan does not exceed the amount of the mortgage being refinanced. • The final bill repeals the deduction for interest paid on home equity debt through December 31, 2025. Interest is still deductible on home equity loans (or second mortgages) if the proceeds are used to substantially improve the residence.

• Interest remains deductible on second homes, but subject to the $1 million / $750,000 limits. • The House-passed bill would have capped the mortgage interest limit at $500,000 and eliminated the deduction for second homes. Deduction for State and Local Taxes • The final bill allows an itemized deduction of up to $10,000 for the total of state and local property taxes and income or sales taxes. This $10,000 limit applies for both single and married filers and is not indexed for inflation. • The final bill also specifically precludes the deduction of 2018 state and local income taxes prepaid in 2017. • When House and Senate bills were first introduced, the deduction for state and local taxes would have been completely eliminated. The House and Senate passed bills would have allowed property taxes to be deducted up to $10,000. The final bill, while less beneficial than current law, represents a significant improvement over the original proposals. Standard Deduction • The final bill provides a standard deduction of $12,000 for single individuals and $24,000 for joint returns. The new standard deduction is indexed for inflation.

GLVR Magazine | Spring 2018 {27}

• By doubling the standard deduction, Congress has greatly reduced the value of the mortgage interest and property tax deductions as tax incentives for homeownership. Congressional estimates indicate that only 5-8% of filers will now be eligible to claim these deductions by itemizing, meaning there will be no tax differential between renting and owning for more than 90% of taxpayers.

She also pays state income tax of $2,900 and makes charitable contributions of $2,088, but the total of these is lower than the standard deduction, so she claims the standard.

Repeal of Personal Exemptions

deduction, repeal of personal exemptions, mortgage interest and state and local tax deductions, and increase in the child credit might affect middle-income family of five, consider the example of Steve and Melinda. Steve is a store manager making $55,000 per year, while Melinda is a school principal, earning $65,000. They have three children, ages 17, 14, and 9. Steve and Melinda recently relocated from another city, and while they are getting to know their new community, they are leasing a home. But they would like to purchase as soon as they identify which area is the best fit for their family. As renters, they pay state income tax on their salaries, totaling $6,000, and also make some charitable contributions equaling $3,120. Since these itemized deductions do not reach the level of the standard deduction, they do not itemize, but they expect to do so when they purchase their home.

• Under the prior law, tax filers could deduct $4,150 in 2018 for the filer and his or her spouse, if any, and for each dependent. These exemptions have been repealed in the new law. • This change alone greatly mitigates (and in some cases entirely eliminates) the positive aspects of the higher standard deduction. To illustrate how the above-listed changes can affect the tax incentives of owning a home for a first-time buyer and a middleincome family of five, please see these examples:

EXAMPLE 1: To illustrate how the changes to the standard deduction, repeal of personal exemptions, mortgage interest and state and local taxes might affect a first-time homebuyer, consider the example of Barbara Buyer. Barbara, an accountant making $58,000 per year, is single and currently rents an apartment.

Additional Provisions Affecting Current and Prospective Homeowners

Click here for a complete breakdown:

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER EXAMPLE 2: To illustrate how the changes to the standard

Click here for a complete breakdown:

MIDDLE-INCOME FAMILY OF FIVE

$1,000 and keeps the age limit at 16 and younger. The income phase-out to claim the child credit was increased significantly from ($55,000 single/$110,000 married) under current law to $500,000 for all filers in the final bill.

Student Loan Interest Deduction • The final bill retains current law, allowing deductibility of student loan debt up to $2,500, subject to income phase-outs.

Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCCs)

• The House bill would have eliminated the deduction for interest on student loans.

• The final bill retains current law.

Deduction for Casualty Losses

• The House-passed legislation would have repealed MCCs.

• The final bill provides a deduction only if a loss is attributable to a presidentially-declared disaster.

Deduction for Medical Expenses • The final bill retains the deduction for medical expenses (including decreasing the 10% floor to 7.5% floor for 2018). • The House bill would have eliminated the deduction for medical expenses.

Child Credit • The final bill increases the child tax credit to $2,000 from

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• The House bill would have eliminated the deduction for casualty losses with limited exceptions.

Moving Expenses • The final bill repeals moving expense deduction and exclusion, except for members of the Armed Forces. • The House-introduced bill would have eliminated the moving expense deduction for all filers, including military.

Major Provisions Affecting Real Estate Professionals Deduction for Qualified Business Income Because the new tax bill greatly decreases the tax rate for corporations (from the prior law’s 35% to just 21%), many Members of Congress believed that the business income earned by sole proprietors, such as independent contractors, as well as by pass-through businesses, such as partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and S corporations, should also receive tax rate reductions. In addition to lower marginal tax rates, the final bill provides a significant up-front (above the line[1]) deduction of 20% for business income earned by many of these businesses, but with certain conditions. Specifically, the bill limits the 20% deduction to non-personal service businesses. Essentially, a personal service business is one involving the performance of services in the following fields: Health, Law, Consulting, Athletics, Financial Services, Brokerage Services (not real estate), and “Any business where the main asset of the business is the reputation or skill of one or more of its employees or owners.” It seems clear that most real estate agents and brokers will be considered in a personal service business and would thus not normally qualify for the 20% deduction. However, the National Association of REALTORS® was able to help secure a major exception (the personal service income exception) in the final bill that will make it possible for many real estate professionals to be able to take advantage of the deduction. • This exception provides that if the business owner has taxable income of less than $157,500 (for single taxpayers) or $315,000 (for couples filing jointly), then the personal service restriction will not apply. • Above this level of income, the benefit of the 20% deduction is phased out over an income range of $50,000 for singles and an income range of $100,000 for couples[2].

thresholds, the bill provides a second exception that may still allow a full or limited 20% deduction. This second exception (the wage and capital limit exception) places a limit on the deduction of the greater of: • 50% of the W-2 wages paid by the business, or • The total of 25% of the W-2 wages paid by the business plus 2.5% of the cost basis of the tangible depreciable property of the business at the end of the year. Bottom Line: Independent contractors and pass-through business owners with personal service income, including real estate agents and brokers, with taxable income below the $157,500 or $315,000 thresholds may generally claim the full 20% deduction under the personal service income exception. Independent contractors and pass-through business owners with non-personal service income and total taxable income below these thresholds may also claim the full 20% qualified business income deduction. In addition, independent contractors (or other sole proprietors) with non-personal service incomes above these thresholds may also be able to claim a 20% deduction, but that deduction may be limited by the wage and capital limit exception. The House and Senate started out with significantly different approaches to lowering the tax rate on qualified business income from sole proprietors and pass-through entities. The House bill featured a top rate approach while the Senate offered a deduction, which was set at 23% in the Senate bill. The House approach offered flexibility in allowing businesses with significant capital invested or wages paid. The final provision reflects a compromise between the different approaches. The provision generally follows the Senate proposal, but, at the request of the House, includes an additional factor related to the level of capital investment in the business. The following examples illustrate how these new changes would affect different real estate professionals based on how their income is earned, income they may claim from a spouse, and how their business is structured. NAR members should consult a tax professional about their own personal circumstances.

• For those with non-personal service income above these

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Example 1: Amy Agent, a single filer with sole income from real estate commissions

Example 2: Andy Agent, a married filer with children with income from his real estate business and W-2 income from his spouse

Example 3: Barry Broker, a single filer with income passed through his real estate LLC

Example 4: Bobbie Broker, a married filer with income passed through her real estate LLC and salary income from her spouse

Example 5: David Developer, a married filer with income from his development S corp, which also has wage employees and capital at risk

Additional Provisions Affecting Real Estate Professionals Section 179 Expensing • The final bill increases the amount of qualified property eligible for immediate expensing from $500,000 (current law) to $1 million. The phase-out limitations are increased from $2 million to $2.5 million. • The final bill expands the definition of qualified real property eligible for section 179 expensing to include any of the following improvements to nonresidential real property placed in service after the date such property was first placed in service: roofs; heating, ventilation, and airconditioning property; fire protection and alarm systems; and security systems. • The bill also significantly increases the amount of first-year depreciation that may be claimed on passenger automobiles used in business to $10,000 for the year in which the vehicle is placed in service, $16,000 for the second year, $9,600 for

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the third year, and $5,760 for the fourth and later years in the recovery period. Denial of Deductibility of Entertainment Expenses • The final bill provides that no deduction is allowed with respect to: • An activity generally considered to be entertainment, amusement, or recreation; • Membership dues with respect to any club organized for business, pleasure, recreation or other social purpose, or • A facility or portion of a facility used in connection with the above items. • Thus, the provision repeals the present-law exception to the deduction disallowance for entertainment, amusement, or recreation that is directly related to (or, in certain cases, associated with) the active conduct of the taxpayer’s trade or business. • Taxpayers may still generally deduct 50 percent of the food and beverage expenses associated with operating their trade or business (e.g., meals consumed by employees on work travel). Provisions Considered But Not Included in the Final Bill Additional Withholding Requirements for Independent Contractors • Language in the Senate-introduced bill would have subjected Independent Contractors to an additional 5% withholding requirement. This provision was dropped from the Senate (and final) bills. Expansion of Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) for Non-Profits • The Senate introduced bill expanded UBIT treatment to include royalties derived from association licensing of trademarks or logos. This provision was dropped in the Senate (and final) bill. Additionally, tax writers considered subjecting certain exempt income (such as trade show or education revenue) to UBIT treatment but these provisions were not included.

[1] Meaning one does not have to itemize deductions in order to claim it. [2] This means that for single individuals, the benefit of the deduction would be fully phased out for taxable income levels above $207,500 and for married couples filing joint returns, the benefit of the deduction would be fully phased out for taxable income levels above $415,000.

qualifying for the home mortgage interest deduction. Starting in 2018, taxpayers can only deduct interest on $750,000 of qualified residence loans, or $375,000 for a married taxpayer filing a separate return—down from $1 million or $500,000 for a married taxpayer, respectively. The IRS offered the following scenario in describing how the new tax law works when it comes to home equity loans:

IRS: HELOCs Still Deductible for Renovations DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | realtormag.realtor.org Taxpayers can continue to deduct the interest they pay on home equity loans when the funds are used for home improvements, the IRS confirmed in a statement on Wednesday. The status of home equity deductions has been in question following the limits on the mortgage interest deduction included in recent tax reform legislation. The IRS says it has been fielding more questions from taxpayers and tax professionals on whether the interest on home equity loans, home equity lines of credit, or second mortgages can still be deducted. In its statement, the IRS said despite the restrictions on mortgages, taxpayers can, in most cases, still deduct interest on home equity loans, a home equity line of credit, or a second mortgage.

“In January 2018, a taxpayer gets a $500,000 mortgage to buy a main home with a fair market value of $800,000. The following month, the taxpayer takes out a $250,000 home equity loan to put an addition on the main home. Both loans are secured by the main home and the total doesn’t exceed the home’s cost. Because the total amount of both loans doesn’t exceed $750,000, all the interest paid on the loans is deductible. But if the taxpayer used the home equity loan proceeds for personal expenses, such as paying off student loans and credit cards, then the interest on the home equity loan wouldn’t be deductible.” The National Association of REALTORS® welcomed the IRS announcement Wednesday to clarify that tax deductions for home equity loans or home equity lines of credit can still be taken if used on home improvements. “The National Association of REALTORS® is pleased with the IRS announcement clarifying and confirming that under the new tax law owners can continue to deduct the interest on a home equity loan, line of credit or second mortgage when the proceeds are used to substantially improve their residence,” said NAR President Elizabeth Mendenhall. “There has been much confusion on this issue, and the continued deductibility will bring real benefits to those who choose to take on remodeling projects to bring more resale value to their home or gain equity that may have been lost during the downturn.”

The tax law, passed in December, suspends from 2018 until 2026 the deduction for interest paid on home equity loans and lines of credit unless the funds are used to buy, build, or substantially improve the taxpayer’s home, the IRS notes. As such, the interest on a home equity loan used for building an addition to an existing home would generally be deductible, Accounting Today explains. But interest on the same loan used to pay personal living expenses, like credit card debt, would not be. Under the new tax reform, a limit has been placed on mortgages

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PROMISES OF A CENTURY Source: National Association of REALTORS®

For REALTORS®, the Fair Housing Act is one of our nation’s most significant laws guiding the real estate industry today. Usually we recognize it with Fair Housing Month, celebrated in April each year. 2018 is different, though, as we commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of this major milestone in our nation’s efforts to bring greater equal opportunities in the rights to private property and housing. As we commemorate this act, it is important to recognize that the way our country views property rights, and who has those rights, has been a struggle dating back at least since Europeans first came to North America. When he signed the Fair Housing Act into law on April 11, 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson noted that the bill would help fulfill “the promises of a century.” He referred to another law enacted just over one hundred years earlier, the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which declared “That all persons born in the United States [...] are hereby declared to be citizens of the United States; and such citizens, of every race and color, without regard to any previous condition of slavery or involuntary servitude [...] shall have the same right, in every State and Territory in the United States, to make and enforce contracts, to sue, be parties, and give evidence, to inherit, purchase, lease, sell, hold, and convey real and personal property....” Despite the language and spirit of the law, the intervening century provided countless examples of laws and events that contradicted this early declaration of equality, including the right to buy, sell and own homes and other real property. The Civil Rights Act of 1866 itself specifically excluded Native Americans and immigrants from its definition of “all persons.” California, Oregon, Minnesota and other states enacted laws restricting or prohibiting immigrants from China and other Asian countries from owning land. Cities and towns across the country often used covenants as part of property deeds to restrict who could purchase and live in a particular place, effectively creating neighborhoods

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from which African Americans and other groups were banned.

A parade of court decisions and legislation sought to overturn many of these restrictions. In the early 1800s, individual states began enacting laws granting women the right to own property. In 1948, the U.S. Supreme Court decided in the landmark case Shelley v. Kraemer that racially restrictive covenants on real estate could not be legally enforced. Less than a decade later, New

York City became the first locality in the United States to ban discrimination in privately owned housing. In 1962 discrimination in federally funded housing was banned. But it was the Fair Housing Act of 1968 that became the nation’s definitive law granting everyone equal access to housing, no matter their ethnicity, nationality, religion, handicap, or familial status. As President Johnson plainly explained: “It proclaims that fair housing for all — all human beings who live in this country — is now a part of the American way of life.”

FAIR HOUSING CASE STUUDY In an effort to educate our members about the Fair Housing Act, we ask that you review the situation below. While this situation happened in a different state, the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® feels it can bring further fair housing knowledge to local Realtors®. California Housing Authority Settles Disability Discrimination Complaint On January 25, 2018, a California housing authority recently reached an agreement to settle a HUD complaint alleging discrimination against a resident with disabilities. Federal fair housing law prohibits housing discrimination because of a disability, including refusing to make reasonable accommodations in policies or practices when a person with a disability requires such an accommodation. In the complaint, a resident with a disability alleged that the housing authority failed to renew his Housing Choice Voucher before it expired. The resident said he submitted a request to have the voucher renewed before it expired, but the housing authority thought that he didn’t want the voucher renewed. The complaint alleged legal advocates sent the housing authority several requests to reinstate the voucher as a reasonable accommodation, since any miscommunication may have been due to the resident’s disability, but the housing authority refused. As a result, the resident was forced to place his belongings in storage and live in homeless shelters and with relatives, according to the complaint. The settlement agreement requires the housing authority to pay the resident $5,833 as reimbursement for the storage fees and to provide a new Housing Choice Voucher. “Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities can mean the difference between having a place to call home and being homeless,” HUD’s Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, Anna María Farías, said in a statement. “HUD will continue working to ensure that no person loses his or her home because of their disability, and that housing providers understand and meet their responsibility to comply with the nation’s fair housing laws.” If you have any questions related to fair housing, please contact GLVR’s Government Affairs Director, Matthew Marks, at Matthew@GLVR.org.

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FEBRUARY 2018

You Can’t Live Here:

You Can’t Live Here: The Enduring Impacts of Restrictive Covenants

The 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act represents an opportunity to remind ourselves not only of the importance of the law in shaping the real estate landscape today, but also to look back on what the situation was like Source: National of REALTORS® before it wasAssociation enacted, when the process of buying or renting a home was decidedly unfair for millions of Americans.

who could not, and were in widespread use in major cities such as Chicago, Seattle, and St. Louis.

The Enduring Impacts of Restrictive Covenants The 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act represents an opportunity to remind only of the importance During the first fewourselves decades not of the twentieth century, a of the law in shaping thewasn’t real estate landscape today, but also to look property’s value defined just by architectural back details, on whatcurb the appeal, situationand wasneighborhood like before it features, was enacted, when but also by the people who in the community. In determining the process of buying orlived renting a home was decidedly unfair for property value, explained a standard appraisal text in millions of Americans. 1931, “we must recognize the customs, habits and

During the first fewofdecades the twentieth a property’s characteristics variousofstrata of societycentury, and races of valuepeoples.” wasn’t defined just by architectural details, curb family appeal,in The presence of an African-American and neighborhood features, but by also by thefor people who or lived a neighborhood populated whites, example, an in theItalian community. property value, explained a family inIna determining neighborhood populated by Northern Europeans, have detrimental standard appraisalwas textgenerally in 1931,believed “we musttorecognize the customs, effects on property values and social habits and characteristics of various strata order. of society and races of peoples.” The presence of an African-American family in a In the early 20th century, many cities in the South and the neighborhood populated by whites, for example, or an Italian Mid-Atlantic used zoning ordinances to keep blacks, family in a neighborhood populated by Northern Europeans, was whites and other ethnicities in their own neighborhoods. generally believed to have detrimental effects on property values Baltimore enacted the first racial zoning ordinance in and social order. 1910, and within a few years the practice was widespread in the region. When the U.S. Supreme Court declared a In the early 20th century, many cities in the South and the MidLouisville, Kentucky racial zoning ordinance as Atlantic used zoning ordinances to keep blacks, whites and other unconstitutional in 1917, restrictive covenants became the ethnicities in their own neighborhoods. Baltimore enacted the preferred method of accomplishing the same end. first racial zoning ordinance in 1910, and within a few years the practice was widespread in the region. When the among U.S. Supreme A typical restrictive covenant was a contract Court declared a Louisville, Kentucky racial zoning ordinance property owners prohibiting sales of homes to blacks or as unconstitutional in 1917, restrictive covenants became other minorities for a specified period of time, usually the preferred method accomplishing the same end.private twenty years. ofBecause the covenants were agreements, they were not covered under laws seeking to

A typical restrictive covenantThey was aquickly contract amonga property prevent discrimination. became popular owners prohibiting sales of homes to blacks or other minorities method of ruling who could live in a neighborhood and for a specified period of time, usually twenty years. Because the covenants were private agreements, they were not covered under laws seeking to prevent discrimination. They quickly became a popular method of ruling who could live in a neighborhood and who could not, and were in widespread use in major cities such as Chicago, Seattle, and St. Louis.

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Restrictive covenants proved so effective in segregating neighborhoods and stabilizing the property values of white families that they soon became an integral part of the federal government’s discriminatory housing practices. “If Restrictive covenants effectiveit in segregatingthat a neighborhood is proved to retainsostability, is necessary neighborhoods and stabilizing the property values of white properties shall continue to be occupied by the same families soon became an integral part ofHousing the socialthat andthey racial classes,” stated the Federal federal government’sinfluential discriminatory housing practices. “If a Administration’s Underwriting Manual. From 1934 on, theis FHA recommended inclusion that of properties neighborhood to retain stability, it the is necessary restrictive in theby deeds of homes insured, shall continuecovenants to be occupied the same socialit and racialand instituted a policy known as redlining, refusing to insure classes,” stated the Federal Housing Administration’s influential homes in African-American neighborhoods. Underwriting Manual. From 1934 on, the FHA recommended

the inclusion of restrictive covenants in the deeds of homes it Civil rights lawyers began challenging restrictive insured, and instituted a policy known as redlining, refusing to covenants and redlining policies in courts beginning in the insure homes in African-American neighborhoods.

1930s, but met with limited success. But in the 1940s, the massive societal changes brought about by World War II Civil rights lawyers began challenging restrictive covenants and began to change the tide, albeit slowly. In 1948, the redlining policies in courts beginning in the 1930s, but met with Supreme Court’s landmark decision in the Shelley v. limited success. But in the 1940s, the massive societal changes Kraemer case held that racially restrictive covenants were brought about by World War II began to change the tide, albeit unenforceable in court. The following year, the FHA slowly. In 1948, the reversed course, instructing its field offices not to reject applications mortgagedecision insurance solely because they Supreme Court’sforlandmark in the Shelley v. Kraemer might violate existing restrictive covenants. The change, case held that racially restrictive covenants were unenforceable however, only applied to new applications for mortgage in court. The following year, the FHA reversed course, insurance; not until 1968 was the policy fully overturned, instructing its field offices not to reject applications for when Congress explicitly prohibited racial discrimination in mortgage insurance solely because they might violate existing housing financing as part of the Fair Housing Act.

restrictive covenants. The change, however, only applied to new applications for mortgage not untilAssociation 1968 was the The real estate industryinsurance; and the National of policy fully overturned, when Congress explicitly prohibited racial Real Estate Boards (as the National Association of discrimination in was housing financing as part of complicit the Fair Housing REALTORS® called at the time) were in Act.these restrictions. In 1924, the Code of Ethics was revised to include Article 34, which stated: “A REALTOR®

Theshould real estate and the National Association neverindustry be instrumental in introducing into a of Real Estate Boards (as the National Association of REALTORS® was called at the time) were complicit in these restrictions. In 1924, the Code of Ethics was revised to include Article 34, which stated: “A REALTOR® should never be instrumental in introducing into a neighborhood a character of property or occupancy, members of any race or

nationality, or any individuals whose presence will clearly be detrimental to property values in that neighborhood.” The language regarding “race or nationality” was removed from the Code of Ethics in 1950 in response to the Shelley v. Kraemer decision. In the 4th quarter of 2017, the Census Bureau reported that the home ownership rate among white, non-Hispanic Americans was 72.7 percent, while for African-Americans the rate was just 42.1 percent. That enormous disparity can in large part be attributed to restrictive covenants and other discriminatory practices of the past. “Equity that families have in their homes is the main source of wealth for middle-class Americans,” explains author Richard Rosenstein in his book The Color of Law (Liveright Publishing, 2017). “African American families today, whose parents and grandparents were denied participation in the equityaccumulating boom of the 1950s and 1960s, have great difficulty catching up today.” Although passage of the Fair Housing Act in 1968 represented a huge step towards ensuring that all Americans have a chance to

live where they choose, dismantling these racially discriminatory practices has been a continual, decades-long process. For REALTORS® and others in the real estate community, there’s still much to do.

For more information, resources and to get involved, visit

www.FairHousing.realtor

Sean LaSalle Installed as President of Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® By Mallory Siegfried, E-Communications Specialist Sean LaSalle, a Realtor® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach in Macungie, was sworn in as the new president of the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) at an induction ceremony held at Hotel Bethlehem on January 18, 2018.

(RPAC). “Being a licensed Realtor® in New Jersey, I have seen firsthand what a passenger rail can bring to the communities it passes through – jobs, tourism, equity to homeowners, and more,” LaSalle said. “A passenger rail would make the Greater Lehigh Valley an even more desirable place to live. It would create jobs, housing opportunities, and improve property values. It would make us a better relocation destination for larger corporations.” LaSalle has asked GLVR’s staff and Board of Directors to participate in talks with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, and local legislators. “We need to get the ball rolling,” LaSalle urged. “It’s time to add a new way for our residents to commute to work and for tourists to visit our beautiful cities.” RPAC was a more member-centric message, but member investments help home buyers and sellers in the long run. Not only does RPAC help elect Realtor® Party-friendly candidates for local, state, and national positions, but member investments protect private property rights and help address local issues that Realtors® see every day, like streamlining Certificate of Occupancy inspections and keeping the transfer tax at 1 percent.

“I am very honored — and humbled — to be the new president of the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®,” LaSalle said before LaSalle’s RPAC message is already being heard. GLVR’s a packed room of GLVR leadership and members. “I approach Political Action Committee exceeded its 2017 RPAC goal, today’s installation and my service as President of the Greater which is determined by the Pennsylvania Association of Lehigh Valley REALTORS® with both a sense of honor and REALTORS®, and the Association is in contention (with samehumility. I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference sized Associations) to dominate the state in funds raised and in in the businesses and lives of my “My promise to you: I will lead our association member participation. colleagues.” in the effort to positively address any “Let’s keep the momentum going,” LaSalle, a Realtor® for 14 years, challenges that may come up, always keeping LaSalle said. “Help us continue the replaces former GLVR President Cass the best interest of our Association, our fight for property rights, promote Chies, the broker-owner of RE/MAX members, and our consumers at the forefront,” homeownership, and protect your Diamond 1st Realty in Palmerton. The LaSalle said. livelihood.” president of the association holds the position for one year and is elected by a Nominating Committee, In closing, LaSalle said, “I thank you, members of the Greater which consists of the past president and two directors. Lehigh Valley REALTORS®, for welcoming me aboard. I will always encourage fair and ethical decision making amongst our During his presidency, LaSalle said he expects to face challenges, Board of Directors, and will always lead our Association with a which will directly affect the real estate industry, GLVR’s non-biased and non-branded hat. I am your voice over the next members, and the area’s home buyers and sellers. year – and beyond – and I hope you will come to rely on me.” “My promise to you: I will lead our association in the effort to positively address any challenges that may come up, always keeping the best interest of our Association, our members, and our consumers at the forefront,” LaSalle said. Two goals top LaSalle’s agenda for what he hopes to accomplish during his presidency — participating in discussions and backing the addition of a passenger rail in the Lehigh Valley and member participation in the Realtor® Political Action Committee

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Originally from Totowa, New Jersey, LaSalle has resided in Salisbury Township since 2002 with his wife, Patricia, and two children, Matthew and Carissa. Sean is the Team Leader of The Sean LaSalle Team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Fox and Roach, and is licensed in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. LaSalle has been selling real estate for 14 years and has received several awards, including Chairman’s Circle Gold. He is ranked

in the top 2 percent in the country within the network of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Fox and Roach. Sean enjoys spending time with his family, watching baseball, and coaching youth sports. Sean serves on the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania Association of RealtorsÂŽ, and sits on the Board of Directors for St. Thomas More School in Allentown.

Congratulations and Welcome to the 2018 Leadership Team!

GLVR Magazine | Spring 2018 {39}

How to create a real estate report that gets attention Productive REALTORS® wake up every day with a deep-seated desire to do better today than they did yesterday, knowing even the smallest improvement can make a big difference. And what could be more impactful than sprucing up one of your most valuable leave-behinds? Last year, REALTORS® created more than three million real estate reports using Realtors Property Resource® (RPR®), proving the value of one of the data platform’s most popular features. For those seasoned and new RPR users, we submit five simple ways to make your RPR reports more meaningful to clients while also strengthening your role as a market expert. 1. Add custom pages Showcase your biography, testimonials, and best-in-class marketing tools through a simple PDF upload. It will make your report more comprehensive and give it an overall polished look. Here’s how: • Click the Reports tab at narrpr.com.

TIP: Brokers enrolled in RPR’s Broker Tool Set have the option to include an additional five PDF pages for their agents to use as well. 2. Add notes and photos using a smartphone It’s easy to add notes and photos to any property or report you create using the RPR website or mobile. If you’re in the field, start with the app. Consider using this tool to provide additional details about a home’s features that clients might find appealing. Then use the Add a Photo feature to snap additional photos of the property to include in the report. Here’s how: • Open your RPR app and find your property. • From the bottom of the Property Details screen, select Notes. • Here you have the option to Add a Note, Add a Photo or Add a Memo. • From there it’s easy to follow along to accomplish your task. When finished, you will have the option to include your saved notes and photos in reports. Don’t forget, you can access your notes from your RPR app by selecting the Notes icon from the home screen. The notes do not appear for other users.

• Under General Report Preferences, select Manage Custom Pages.

Tip: Notes created within the RPR app sync with the RPR desktop, allowing you to have access to your records from your cell phone, desktop or laptop computers.

• Select Add to upload up to five PDF files from your system. Note that the files must not exceed 10 MB in total.

3. Customize the report cover photo

• Choose a row and drag it up or down to arrange the order of the pages. Here, you can also specify whether the pages will appear at the beginning or the end of the report.

For that super special touch, use one of your own photos as the cover page of your next RPR Property or Seller’s report. Here’s how:

• Once complete, add your custom pages to individual reports under the My Details dropdown. Select or unselect custom pages you wish to be included. Your selections are saved for future reports, but can be changed at anytime.

• From the Property Detail page, select Upload Photos

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• Choose Browse for Photos • Select the photo to upload

• Choose Edit

5. Fast and easy ways to share your reports

• Press Use for Report Covers

Eight RPR reports are available for download or email with just a few quick clicks. Choose to deliver your report by email or download the report to share later. You will be notified when the report is ready and, by then, you’ll want to send it to clients by way of text message, email, or even Facebook. Links created in text messages will be active for 30 days.

• Choose Update to save Tip: The newly added photo will display on the report cover. All other added pictures will be included in the photos section of the report. When clicking Include in My Reports, keep in mind that all photos in that group will appear in your report. 4. Choose what to include in your reports

Tip: RPR’s tracks when the last person on your email distribution list viewed the report. Click on the orange plus sign on previously generated reports to track your client’s report activity.

Is your client already familiar with the area and not interested in neighborhood demographics? Are school test scores and parent reviews not relevant? One of the most frequently used report customizations is the ability to hide page elements from a report. Here’s how: • Visit the app’s report generation page and choose More Details. • Then simply uncheck an item to hide. Tip: If you’re not sure what a particular item represents, hover your mouse over the blue information icon to the right and you will see a quick preview of the section.

OUR FIRST PRIORITY IS YOU!

PARKLAND ABSTRACT

CORPORATION

A Full Service Title Insurance Company

DepartmentUpdate MLS

Completing Forms Just Got a lot Easier!

zipFormMLS-Connect® Comes to GLVR MLS

In December 2017, members of the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® who have a zipForm® Plus account gained the ability to add zipFormMLS-Connect® through the GLVR MLS.

• Push listing details in zipForm® Plus using mlsPush

zipFormMLS-Connect®, which has a cost of $24.95 per year, is your fast-track solution to alleviating data entry error during the transaction creation process. Import or push data from your MLS listings directly into zipForm® Plus to fill out forms quicker and easier.

• Add forms to a Transaction

What all do you get with zipFormMLS-Connect®? MLS Data Access: Easily access your MLS listing data while staying logged into zipForm® Plus by entering your MLS provider name and login credentials. Property Search: Quickly find and select a property listing by entering the MLS listing ID. Automatic Form Fill: Save time and eliminate double data entry by importing or pushing MLS data directly into your zipForm® Plus transactions.

If you missed the live zipForm® webinar training, YOU CAN WATCH THE WEBINAR HERE.

The following items are covered in the webinar: • Establish Profile Settings • Explore the Agent Dashboard • Review Guided Help Features • Create a New Transaction from the Agent Dashboard • Pull in listing details using zipFormMLS-Connect®

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• Explore the Transaction Summary Screen

• Explore the zipForm® Plus Tabs and Navigation Bar

Don’t have a zipLogix account? Here’s what to do: 1. To set up a single-user account, go to http://ziplogix.com/order/order.asp to get started. 2. Select that you are a REALTOR® and then select Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® from the dropdown. 3. Input your NRDS# as well as your Last Name and follow the steps to get things set-up. 4. If asked for any pricing options, select the $0 amount.

Customer Support: Phone support can be reached at 586-840-0140. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, Monday thru Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Email support is available 24 hours a day, Monday thru Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Go to https://www.ziplogix.com/support/email-support to utilize email support. Online support is available anytime, 365 days a year – https://www.ziplogix.com/support/.

DepartmentUpdate MLS

More than 100 Changes Coming to MLS Input Selection, Searches and Displays The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORSÂŽ (GLVR) Board of Directors in 2016 recommended a task force be established to improve the quality of the MLS input selections, searches, and displays. Specifically, and in an effort to keep data current and accurate, the task force was charged with researching all MLS fields to determine if changes are needed. The task force consisted of eight members who met on a monthly basis. When all was said and done, the task force recommended over 100 changes to the MLS Committee, which then sent final recommendations to the Board of Directors for approval. Changes include adding the ability to auto-fill area number, county and municipality; making various fields required, like Lot Acres / Sq. Ft., Style, Garage, etc.; adding selections under the Exterior Features field; and a whole lot more.

Matrix staff is in the process of making the changes and task force members are testing on a staging environment. The changes will be rolled out to the membership in either spring or summer, depending on how testing goes. The printable input sheets will also be updated.

RPR online learning resources, covering nearly every segment of the industry and every stage of the RPR learning life cycle, have reached multitudes of real estate agents who want to choose when and how they learn. From Quick Start Guides to webinars, eBooks and video tutorials, the Platform has something for everyone. Different mediums for different learning styles

The Greater Lehigh Valley Real Estate Academy offers on-site RPR training. Lead by MLS Director and RPR Certified Trainer Michael Naratil, the classes, which qualify for 3.5 CE credits, are scheduled for March 5 and May 25, 2018. For more information and/or to enroll, go to www.GLVREAcademy.com and click on “Continuing Education.” On-demand Videos

Webinars:

• Getting Started With RPR

The Platform’s on-demand video tutorials have been equally popular, with the number of views exceeding 350,000 so far this year. Each lesson plan, such as The RPR Guide to a Successful Listing Presentation, comes equipped with a series of brief tutorials, averaging about two to three minutes each, so that an agent can drill down to exactly the topic they want to know more about, like How to Create an RPR Seller’s Report or Understanding the Realtor Valuation Model® (RVM®).

• Three Ways to Build Listing Inventory

Quick Start Guides

• Perfect Pricing With Easy, Accurate CMAs from RPR

Clear and simple, step-by-step instructions make up RPR’s new Quick Start Guides. These handy one-page downloads will help get you started on RPR, quickly. The tutorials come in a variety of topics, ranging from buyer tours and open houses to listing presentations, how to download the mobile app, and even how to use RPR to create an attention-grabbing social media campaign.

RPR online learning resources, covering nearly every segment of the industry and every stage of the RPR learning life cycle, are offered regularly with a simple, web-based registration process. The Platform even sends a recording of the webinar to both attendees and those who missed their session. Here are the most popular online webinars from 2017.

• 5 C’s of a Successful Farming Strategy • Getting the Most Out of the RPR/zipForm Partnership • Using RPR for Residential Investment Analysis

eBooks

REGISTER On-site Training RPR also offers instructor-led classes at local and state associations as well as at MLSs throughout the year, with many approved for CE. Topics are similar to online webinars yet come with the added benefit of having an RPR subject matter expert at your disposal.

{44} GLVR Magazine | Spring 2018

Yet another of RPR’s learning resources, and well suited for those who like written instruction, downloadable eBooks offer a variety of industry-centric topics, such as The RPR Guide to Working with Buyers or The RPR Guide to a Successful Open House. Each of the seven topical eBooks will show you how to apply RPR’s data, tools and reports to every aspect of your everyday business. Since the program’s launch, more than 30,561 eBooks have been downloaded by Realtors®.

PREPARING FOR

Homeownership B

uying a home is often the biggest financial decision most people will make in their lifetime. So it makes sense that people spend a year or more getting ready before making the commitment to become homeowners. This checklist can help you if you aren’t quite ready to buy, but one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to become a homeowner in 2018! ONE YEAR BEFORE: - Check credit scores - Create a monthly budget and determine how much house you can afford

6 MONTHS BEFORE: - Gather the paperwork you will need for a loan application - Research mortgage lenders and real estate agents

NMLS# 203265

Cell: (610) 973-4173 Patrick.Rooney@SupremeLending.com www.PatrickRooney@SupremeLending.com 79 West Market Street, Suite 400

3 MONTHS BEFORE:

Bethlehem, PA 18018

- Get pre-qualified for a loan

EVERETT FINANCIAL, INC. D/B/A SUPREME LENDING NMLS ID #2129 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) 14801 Quorum Dr., #300, Dallas, TX 75254. 877-350-5225. © 2017. Intended for Pennsylvania consumers, Pennsylvania Mortgage Lender License 45048. Licensed Mortgage Banker by the PA Department of Banking.

- Start shopping for a home 2 MONTHS BEFORE: - Make an offer on your dream home - Get a home inspection

- Establish a plan for your down payment

THE FINAL MONTH:

9 MONTHS BEFORE:

- Purchase homeowner’s insurance

- Research neighborhoods

- Get a cashier’s check or bank wire for closing costs.

- Prioritize your wants and needs list for your new home

Call Patrick Rooney with Supreme Lending for mortgage information!

Supreme Lending is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.

GLVR Magazine | Spring 2018 {45}

GLVR Event Photos General Membership Meeting January 2018

New Member Orientation February 2018

Cops ‘n’ Kids Book Fair February 2018

{46} GLVR Magazine | Spring 2018

GLVR Recognizes New Emeritus Recipients During Installation of Officers and Directors By Mallory Siegfried, E-Communications Specialist

The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) recognized five new Emeritus recipients at its Installation of Officers and Directors on January 18, 2018. An Emeritus is any person who has held membership in the National Association as a REALTOR®, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®, or a combination of both, for a cumulative period of 40 years in one or more Associations of REALTORS®. Congratulations to Deborah Campanella of Keller Williams Real Estate, Joseph Kochan of Joseph T. Kochan Realtors®, Chuck Haley of Howard Hanna The Frederick Group, Bill Stoerrle of Key Realty, and Ted VanWert of Iron Valley Real Estate of the Lehigh Valley for achieving the status of Emeritus! Click HERE to watch a video that details the accomplishments of these Emeritus recipients. GLVR will recognize 17 new Emeritus recipients in 2018. This latest group brings GLVR’s total of Emeritus recipients to 99. A full list of Emeritus can be viewed HERE. Do you qualify for Emeritus? Eligibility information is available HERE. Members can also contact Sharon Adams at Sharon@GLVR.org or 484-821-0503 to learn more and/or to apply.

GLVR Magazine | Spring 2018 {47}

2017

Annual Report

on the Greater Lehigh Valley

Housing Market

By Mallory Siegfried, E-Communications Specialist As the premier source of real estate information in the Lehigh Valley and its surrounding communities, the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) is pleased to provide an in-depth report on the 2017 local housing market. Highlights of the report include: INVENTORY: In 2017, the ongoing housing shortage storyline remained a constant in the Lehigh Valley, with year-over-year inventory levels steadily declining since 2014. The Lehigh Valley is seeing improved builder confidence and an increase in new construction – both are needed to combat the ongoing inventory shortage. As we move through 2018, we anticipate more of that new construction to go from the building phase to the selling phase. Affordability remains a concern, however. In 2017, the median sales price of new construction in the Lehigh Valley was $398,000, according to data from the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service. More sellers should feel ready and willing to list in 2018. Economic indicators such as unemployment rates and consumer confidence are in an improved state, and sellers currently hold the keys in the buyer-seller relationship. This does not mean that sellers can set their price and watch the offers roll in. Buyers will be poised to test prevailing price points, particularly in areas where home price increases are outpacing wage growth (like the Lehigh Valley) and in light of the fact that mortgage rates are expected to increase further in 2018. PRICES: High prices are also being seen outside of new construction. The overall median sales price in 2017 increased 4.5 percent to $185,000. Single-family home prices were up 5.0 percent compared to 2016, and townhouse-condo home prices were up 4.7 percent. SALES: Despite inventory and price concerns, the Lehigh Valley real estate market showed gains in 2017 and proved to still be growing at a healthy pace. Pending sales increased 7.5 percent,

{48} GLVR Magazine | Spring 2018

landing at 8,573 to close out the year. Closed sales were up 4.0 percent to finish 2017 at 8,346. LIST PRICE RECEIVED: Sellers received, on average, 97.7 percent of their original list price at sale, a mild year-over-year improvement of 0.5 percent. Percentage of list price received has been on the up since 2013. As sales prices are expected to increase further in 2018, this should bring original list price received for sale up as well. DISTRESSED PROPERTIES: The foreclosure market has dwindled from its peak several years ago. In 2017, the percentage of closed sales that were either foreclosure or short sale decreased by 49.6 percent to end the year at 4.8 percent of the market. CARBON COUNTY QUICK FACTS: The housing market in Carbon County had one of its best years in… well… years! In 2017, closed sales were up 10.2 percent to 607. There were 951 new listings, and the year closed with 277 active listings. Original list price received at sale for 2017 was, on average, 94.2 percent. The overall median sales price increased 7.9 percent to $116,000. WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2018: For those who have their minds made up to buy a home in 2018, it will likely be a competitive ride. The trend has widely been toward fewer days on market and fewer months of supply, indicating strong demand despite higher prices and low inventory. This could prove tricky for first-time home buyers, especially for those who are impacted by student loan debt, content to rent or among the more than 15 percent of adult children still living at home. In a landscape rife with new variables, residential real estate is certainly poised to offer an interesting and active year ahead. About the Report / View the Full Report: The Annual Report provides thorough data on the 2017 real estate market in Lehigh and Northampton counties. A quick review of Carbon County and its school districts is also reported.

ShowingTime, the vendor used to create the annual and monthly market reports, uses research collected from the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is utilized by more than 2,500 REALTORS® and Appraisers.

Local lenders. National strength.

The Annual Report provides commentary on the 2017 real estate market and a breakdown of the following criteria:

For more than 145 years, BB&T’s local approach to banking has kept us close to our clients and the communities we serve. Our lenders understand the nuances of the local market, which helps make buying a home a little easier. Experience the difference with a local lender backed by the resources of one of the nation’s largest financial institutions. BBT.com/Mortgage

• Quick Facts • New Listings • Pending Sales

BB&T Home Mortgages

• Closed Sales • Median Sales Price • Average Sales Price • Percent of List Price Received

 Fixed and

 First-Time Homebuyer

Adjustable Rate  Jumbo

Programs  Government, USDA,

 Construction/

Permanent

and State Housing Programs

• Inventory of Homes for Sale • Monthly Supply of Inventory • Property Type Review • Price Range Review • Distressed Homes Review • Activity by School District with Review of Median Sales Price Should you have any questions about the Annual Report, contact Michael Naratil, MLS Director, at Michael@GLVR.org

Mindi I. Coons, Mortgage Loan Officer 484-515-6326 • NMLS# 145107 Wendy Schaffer, Mortgage Loan Officer 610-751-8228 • NMLS# 457902 Troy R. Knauss, Mortgage Loan Officer 610-533-5478 • NMLS# 457901

NOTE: This report is only available to Association members. Login information is the same as the MLS.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE REPORT

B A N K I N G

I N S U R A N C E

I N V E S T M E N T S

Branch Banking and Trust Company is a Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender. Loans are subject to credit approval. Only deposit products are FDIC insured. © 2018, Branch Banking and Trust Company. All rights reserved.

Volunteer Challenge 2018 Bringing the business community together in support of nonprofits The Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley is synonymous with connecting volunteers to nonprofit needs in our community. Each year the Volunteer Center hosts a Volunteer Challenge, which challenges companies to form teams and complete a sustainable project for a nonprofit agency. This event is the annual fundraiser for the Volunteer Center, and despite the competitive nature of the Challenge, everyone comes out a winner. The 9th Annual Volunteer Challenge will be held on May 15, 2018. The Challenge is the only corporate competition in which company sponsored teams conceive, design and complete projects for local nonprofit agencies. Projects are either self-selected by the organization or by project opportunities identified by the Volunteer Center. The projects are required to be sustainable and must be completed between February and May. The bar is set very high in 2018 and competition will be tight with an anticipated 32 teams competing in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Challenge. Companies range in size from 10 to 1,500 employees. There is a project need to fit any size organization, and many of the projects have multiple components that allow a broader base of employees to participate. Since the inception of the Volunteer Challenge, the Volunteer Center has cumulatively engaged over 150 project teams. The overall impact of the Volunteer Challenge is difficult to quantify, but the growth of this program from six teams to 29 teams over an 8-year period speaks volumes. In 2017, 29 teams and 520 volunteers completed over 2,500 volunteer hours.

{50} GLVR Magazine | Spring 2018

Team building, sustainable projects and fundraising are the three anchors that make up the Challenge. Past project examples include room makeovers; a skill-based interactive program with nonprofits and their constituents; environmental cleanups; new garden plantings coupled with educational information on healthy eating; adopting an apartment; creating/enhancing educational space in schools and daycares; outdoor spaces for residents and patients; and playground makeovers. Projects can include multiple facets such as hands-on tasks, educational components and the collection of goods. The demographic of the population served through the Challenge includes students, families, residents of programs, and the homeless population. New companies join us each year for the Challenge and many companies, such as Air Products, Crayola, Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba, P.C., HMK Insurance, Klunk & Millan and The Morning Call, have been with us for many years. The winners for 2017 were: Small Business: ASR Media / The Peak TV worked with Good Shepherd to design and paint a wall mural that empowers children through a brightened space. Medium Business: Fitzpatrick Lentz and Bubba, P.C. teamed up with Central Elementary School on a Positive Minds/Positive Body campaign. The team revamped the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main entryway and stairwell with themed floors to reaffirm positive, welcoming messages. They also focused on positive food choices and engaged

the children with their own planter boxes and seeds to grow fresh fruits and vegetables. Large Business: Dunn & Bradstreet partnered for a second year with McKinley Elementary School to transform an underutilized, old classroom into a multipurpose Community room, which is now used for Communities in Schools Advisor offices, storage and family meetings. Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice Award: Crayola partnered with Third Street Alliance for Women & Children and transformed an underutilized storage space into a multi-purpose room. A fresh coat of paint, furniture and accessories converted the space into a relaxing and motivating environment where residents can work on developing themselves.

We hope you consider joining the Challenge on May 15, 2018! The event will be held at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks (101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA 18015) from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.volunteerlv.org. If you are interested in entering a team, contact the Volunteer Center at 610-807-0336.

Crayola

Fitzpatrick Lentz and Bubba, P.C

ASR Media / The Peak TV

Dunn & Bradstreet

GLVR Magazine | Spring 2018 {51}

Making the Lehigh Valley Home for Your LGBT Clients

Five Reasons your LGBT clients will love the Lehigh Valley

for them. LGBT youth in the Lehigh Valley can participate in Project SILK Lehigh Valley, a daily, professionally-staffed program at Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center that creates brave space for LGBT youth, builds youth leadership, provides direct support, encourages health promotion, and promotes artistic expression. The program is grounded in a positive youth development framework where youth program participants are empowered to make programmatic decisions regarding the direction of the program and are offered leadership opportunities and skills development. We believe in a brave space model where our center is an affirming space for LGBT youth to be themselves. We also take great responsibility in promoting healthy youth decision making, including regular HIV testing, wellness check-ins, tobacco cessation, and non-partisan voter registration. We believe in a Lehigh Valley where LGBT youth voices are heard and validated and where youth can be the leaders of today.

Adrian Shanker, Executive Director, Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center LGBT individuals and families considering a move would choose wisely by selecting the Lehigh Valley as their new home. They should know what the Lehigh Valley has to offer for our community and as their real estate agent, you can let them know!

Vibrant LGBT arts & culture: LGBT communities have a rich history in the arts. Luckily, so does the Lehigh Valley! In addition to the Allentown Art Museum, Civic Theatre, Miller Symphony Hall and more, Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center offers high-quality arts and culture programs that celebrate LGBT artists, writers, and filmmakers. Through our professionally-curated Fine Art Galleries, our 2,100-volume LGBT library, and our Reel Queer Film Series, we frequently host artist receptions, intergenerational community book discussions featuring LGBT memoirs, book talks by authors on book tours, and free film screenings of LGBT feature and documentary films.

A healthy community: The LGBT community has a tradition of needing to be our own healthcare advocates. Luckily, the Lehigh Valley is home to an LGBT primary care clinic (Novus Adult Care Services), and numerous LGBT-welcoming healthcare providers. Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center can help your clients find an LGBT-welcoming healthcare professional in the community, and we also provide regular supportive services including LGBT-specific bereavement, recovery, and sexual assault survivor support groups.

An equal community: Ok, so it’s true that Pennsylvania STILL hasn’t passed a law banning discrimination against LGBT people (get on that, Pennsylvania), but luckily in the Lehigh Valley, the cities of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton all have. It is illegal for Realtors to steer clients to or from specific neighborhoods, but it’s perfectly fine (actually it’s good) to inform your clients that these cities have passed non-discrimination laws that include families like theirs.

25 Years of Pride: 2018 marks the 25th year of a vibrant, fun, and community-oriented pride festival right here in the Lehigh Valley! Held in August each year, Pride in the Park is a family-friendly celebration of LGBT art, history, health, resources, and most of all: community. Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center produces vibrant arts & culture programs, leading-edge health promotion programs, critical supportive services, and daily LGBT youth programs. For more information or resources that can help you make the Lehigh Valley home for your LGBT clients, visit www.bradburysullivancenter.org or visit us at 522. W. Maple St., in the heart of downtown Allentown.

The Lehigh Valley is home to Vibrant LGBT arts programs High quality LGBT healthcare Cities with pro-equality laws Expansive LGBT resources A welcoming LGBT community Make the Lehigh Valley your home Be a part of a vibrant LGBT community

Support for LGBT youth: The world is often not kind to LGBT youth, but for LGBT youth with supportive families, knowing that the Lehigh Valley has affirming options for their children could help them decide that this is the right place

For programs, events, and resources: www.bradburysullivancenter.org

BOOST YOUR LISTING WITH 99.9 THE HAWK! Affordable pricing options for all GLVR members, call 610-258-6155 to learn more! Contact Devon for immediate assistance at 484-767-9301 Or Michael at Manthony@connoisseurpa.com

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