"Get in the Game" at convention - and get a campaign shirt!
Network with REALTORS® from around the state, take continuing education classes, and learn something new at the annual OAR Convention, Sept. 14-17 here in Columbus. All CBR members who register will receive a "The Grass is Greener Here" campaign  golf shirt to wear on Monday, Sept. 15 at convention. [Click here to register]

Compatible Devices
If you are planning to use your smartphone or PDA to as your eKey or get access to Tempo Wireless, check the  Compatibility Device List first.

New FHA Loan limits
(03-06-08) The newly published FHA conforming loan limits should have a significant impact on the housing market. The new FHA loan limits can be accessed online. To find the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac confirming loan limits, select 'Fannie/Freddie' in the Limit Type drop down menu.

Getting help for homeowners
National programs such as FHASecure, HOPE NOW, Project Lifeline and the Mortgage Relief Act will help homeonwers in trouble with their mortgages. Your March In Contract addresses these programs and much more. Read article

How will market changes impact property taxes?
If property values do decline, how much of a tax break would we see? Essentially none. Find out why in this article by Franklin County Auditor Joe Testa.

New form required for sales award applications
With the conversion to Tempo 5 MLS in February 2008, the burden of paperwork previously needed for the CBR million dollar club awards will be greatly reduced. However, until the conversion, a new form has been developed which must be used for transactions between November 1, 2007 and the time the system goes live. Form

Commercial Property Search
The Central Ohio Commercial Information Exchange (COCIE) is the hottest commercial tool to hit the market this decade. It combines the CBR, CCIIR and Xceligent information into one comprehensive property database. Click here to find out more.

March 25 was deadline to add Military Status as Protected Class
Recent legislation added Military Status as a protected class (along with race, color, religion, sex, familial status, ancestry, disability, and national origin). This change must be reflected in all real estate related forms, contracts, posters and pamphlets which are required to include fair housing information by March 25. More info][

Short Sale? Be aware! 
Buyer, sellers and REALTORS® should be aware of issues that can arise with a short sale. Click here to read revised article.

Homes in contract climb
Low interest rates and high inventory added up to more homes in contract in July. More homes, in fact, than any other month since August 2007. [More info]

Columbus featured on Fox Business News
CBR President Greg Hrabcak was interviewed live regarding the central Ohio housing market on the Fox Business News nationally televised program, ?Bulls & Bears" on 08/21/08. [Watch the news segment]

Scholarship available
We still have one more John G. Hondros scholarship for pre-license classes this fall. Deadline to apply is Sept. 30. [More info]

CBR campaign featured in REALTOR® Magazine
CBR's outreach training for "The Grass is Greener Here" campaign is featured in the August issue of REALTOR® Magazine in an article and six minute video. [Read the article/Watch the video]

New tax credit for first time home buyers
The Housing & Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HR 3221), signed by the President on 7/30/08, is expected to help many first time home buyers. More info - NAR, NAHB.

CORPAC Golf Outing - Sept. 4 
Foxfire Golf Club. Deadline: Aug. 29 (but sign up early if you want to play on the Players Club course.) $20 late fee after 8/29. Non-Golfers can join us at 4pm. [More info]

Month's supply & inventory decrease as sales increase
The central Ohio housing market continues to stabilize as fewer homes are added to the market and sales increase [More info]

Community Service Awards
CBR's 2nd quarter Spotlight on Community Service Award recipients:
     Shari Carroll             Anita Graves
     Bonnie Nyikes          Janet Thiede

Home sales continue to increase this spring
(June 26, 2008) The 2,064 homes sold in May marked a 15.7 percent increase over the number of sales the previous month and the number of homes added to the market continues to decrease slightly. [More info]

REALTOR® Care Day a big success!
Over 500 volunteers armed with $23,000 and in-kind donations valuing over $24,000 tackled 24 community service projects during CBR's 4th annual REALTOR® Care Day on Thursday, June 5, 2008! [More info & slideshow]

Fannie/Freddie drop declining market penalty
On May 16, the two biggest players in the mortgage field, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, reversed their policies of penalizing buyers in troubled real estate markets with a 5 percent higher down payment. [Read more]

Annual Award Winners!
Congratulations to the following who were honored at the CBR Awards Dinner on April 23.

• Ted Oatts - Broker of the Year
• Brian Kemp - Salesperson of the Year
• Dave McKee - Affiliate of the Year
• Betty Montgomery - Citizen of the Year
• Lorri Molnar - Instructor of the Year

100 Acts of Kindness
In honor of CBR's 100th Anniversay, we will be recognizing members for their community service (acts of kindness). Those recognized will receive an honorary pin. Submit yourself or another. [More info/Nomination form]

Tempo classes! [Register for a class]