January classes were sold out.
Register now to save the dates you prefer to attend classes.

Earn your required CE hours now while the market is quiet - in class and online now available.  Click here to see this week's and future in class offerings!

Click here for elective online classes.
To save 15%, enter the promotional code upon checkout: LOVE

When there is inclement weather, classes are canceled when Sussex County Government offices are closed. If the Sussex County Government offices are opening late, or imposes liberal leave, class begins as scheduled.

For evening classes, if the weather has improved you should call the SCAOR office at 302-855-2300 before 5 p.m.

Thursday, February 25, 2010
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
at SCAOR

Are you rusty, know there are shortcuts and helpful tools, don't know how to properly search on InnoVia? Discover the tips and tricks with non credit MLS training by Rick Allamong. NO laptops please.

Register at www.scaorstore.com >
More seats just added!.

Back by popular demand
SCAOR Sponsors a Trip to the...

Philadelphia Flower Show "PASSPORT TO   THE WORLD"

Friday, March 5, 2010
$43 per person
8 a.m. Departure from SCAOR Office Approx. return to SCAOR at 6 p.m.

Trip Includes: Bus transportation, admission to the show and snacks on the bus.

Join us for this special event. Enjoy the landscapes, gardens and culture of flowers from all around the world.

Register Today at scaorstore.com
or with the attached flyer.

Questions? please contact Crystal@SCAOR.com

Reservation / Payment Deadline
February 11, 2010

So, you need to update your Sentricard but can't remember your password?
No worries, mate! Just log into MLS and click on your name just under the Innovia logo, in the upper left corner of the "home" screen. On the profile page that comes up, your password is on the second line on the right side of the screen under your MLS user ID. Problem solved!!

A tip from Sandy Greene,
MLS Committee Chair

How do you think the Professional Standards Panel ruled in last week's
Case Study?
Below is the Hearing Panel's decision.

Case #13-2:
Use of Standard Purchase
Contract Form

The Hearing Panel concluded that REALTOR^® A had acted in conformance with the Code; that he had not undertaken to practice law; and that he was not in violation of Article 13.

If you would like to attend the NAR Midyear expo May 12 in Washington D.C., and let SCAOR do the driving, email TracyLee@scaor.com. Please indicate the length of time you would like to attend the expo, which opens daily at 10 a.m. during NAR's Midyear convention.

NAR will accept donations from REALTORS^® through the REALTORS^® Relief Foundation.

Please consider giving today. To make a donation, go to www.realtor.org/relief and complete the contribution form.

Click here to learn how REALTORS^® are already helping the earthquake victims in Haiti.

NEW FHA UNDERWRITING CRITERIA

On January 20, 2010, FHA announced major changes to ensure its long-term financial soundness. FHA is trying to balance three fundamental objectives:

1. Financial soundness of the FHA insurance fund - ensuring that its capital ratio returns above 2 percent,
2. Fulfilling its mission of serving borrowers not adequately served by the private sector, and
3. Facilitating the recovery of the housing industry and the over-all economy.

Read more:
FHA Announces Policy Changes >>
Washington Post article >>

FHA WAIVES 90 DAY RESALE RESTRICTION

Effective February 1, 2010, HUD is temporarily lifting the "90 day resale restriction" rule which prohibits FHA mortgage insurance for a subsequent resale within 90 days of original purchase. The waiver is effective for one year. To protect consumers from potential "flipping" scams, the waiver is limited to sales meeting specific conditions. Click below for details.

HUD Takes Action to Speed Resale of Foreclosed Properties, Press Release >>
Waiver of Requirements of 24 CFR 203.37a(b)(2) >>

NEW RESPA RULES NOW EFFECTIVE

The RESPA changes in effect as of January 1, 2010 include:

• Good Faith Estimate: The new three page GFE, including disclosure of yield spread premiums and the tolerance restrictions, must be used.
• HUD-1: The new three page HUD-1 Settlement Statement, redesigned to look like the GFE with additional cross references and a "cross-walk" chart comparing charges in the GFE with the final charges.

For more on RESPA, read Ronnie REALTOR^®, attend the FREE February 24 Update and visit HUD's website.

Full Listing of Delaware Planning
News & Meetings >>

January 29 Government Affairs Update from Delaware Association of REALTORS^® >>

Fannie Mae is offering a 3.5% incentive for buyers who purchase and close on a Fannie Mae-owned home between January 28 and April 30, 2010. Buyers purchasing properties listed on HomePath.com that are closed within this period may receive up to 3.5% of the final sales price for:

• Closing costs;
• The purchase of new Whirlpool^® appliances by Fannie Mae; or
• A mix of closing costs and appliances, at the buyer's discretion, up to the maximum 3.5%.

To be eligible for this incentive:

• Offers must be accepted on or after January 28, 2010;
• Property sales must close before May 1, 2010; and
• Buyers must be owner-occupants (investors are excluded).

The incentive reinforces Fannie Mae's commitment to stabilizing communities and assisting buyers. For more information about this incentive, visit www.HomePath.com and read the press release on fanniemae.com.