President's Perspective

Do you know what CBR does?

Skip Weiler, 2004 President

Every time I leave a meeting at the Board, I am impressed with the work the staff and members put forth.  We do have the best staff in the country, starting at the top with the Executive Officer, Larry Metzger, all the way through to the print shop in the basement.  Every one of our staff is extremely dedicated, very hardworking and of utmost competence.  The individuals running every department at the board do a remarkable job.  I will briefly describe some of the things the board does for you.

The most obvious member benefit is our CBR Tempo Multiple Listing Service.  Everyone is aware of MLS and how we assist buyers and sellers in finding properties.  We may be familiar with the service; however, we may not be familiar with all the hardware and software that goes to support the system, as well as the technical assistance the board provides.  We have six staff members dedicated just to the Multiple Listing Service.  In addition to maintaining the service, teaching classes and working on improvements, they field hundreds of calls and contacts each month from members seeking assistance.

I believe one of the most, if not the most important service the Columbus Board of REALTORS® provides is keeping on top of proposed legislation and property issues through the CORPAC and lobbying efforts.  We are the largest trade association in the city and yield great power and respect among our legislators and government personnel.

REALTORS® have been vital in monitoring and educating those elected to office of the concerns of the real estate industry.  We were instrumental in having the governor withdraw the proposed tax on real estate commissions; prevented communities from instituting point of inspection requirements prior to sales; prevented communities from prohibiting real estate signs in yards; influenced the outcome of annexation legislation and the Darby Creek Watershed issues; as well as many, many other efforts.

Our CORPAC governing board interviews candidates and contributes to those who will help assist the REALTORS® cause.

Every member that has been to the CBR Membership Headquarters building has seen our member services center and all the items we provide for you.  In addition, the Member Services Committee has obtained discounts with many vendors on such services as insurance, office products, printing, phone & cell service, legal services, advertising, travel, the internet, and now carpet and flooring. Be sure to take a look at pages 12-13 for our newest two approved vendors as well as a new page we’ll be including regularly in the magazine featuring more information on two preferred vendors each issue.

Programs through the Member Services Committee also help generate non-dues income which helps to offset your dues.

CBR seeks many ways to recognize its member through our awards programs.  Not only do we honor members whose business is flourishing, we also recognize members who volunteer for our industry and community. Members of our committees volunteer many hours to review applicants and nominees as well as helping to plan the events themselves.

As for your education, last year CBR offered 35 lecture classes, 49 Tempo MLS classes and a wide assortment of other classes for a total of 2,826 CE certificates.  With the addition of the eKEY, Palm, purchase contract and Realist classes this year, we’ll far exceed last year’s numbers.  That’s a lot of class time geared specifically to helping you improve your business!

I’m quickly running out of space but can’t forget to mention our outstanding orientation and mentoring sessions for new members, affordable housing roundtables and programs, foundation fund, library, and standard forms.

Speaking of standard forms, we’ve compiled a complete list of real estate forms that includes description and cost/availability info which should be a valuable reference for you.  This list is included as an insert near the back of the magazine.

As you can see, your Columbus Board of REALTORS® does a tremendous amount for each member.  But I’ve just scratched the surface in this article.  I ask you to get involved and find out more.  You can call me or any staff member and we will be happy to share what is going on at your board.