OAR Winter Conference Report

By Lynda Long
OAR District #6 Vice President

With more than 35,000 members, the Ohio Association of REALTORS® stands tall as the leading professional trade association in the Buckeye State. But the true strength of the organization lies within the "can-do" spirit found within each individual member, noted newly installed President Darlene Breen during the OAR inaugural Banquet.

President Breen told attendees of the OAR Winter Conference that the organization will continue to provide Ohio's real estate professionals with the necessary tools to succeed in the marketplace today and tomorrow. Her theme, "The Power of You," stresses that the individual talents found within Ohio's real estate professionals ensures that the organization as a whole can advance the American Dream.  

Nearly 500 REALTORS® from all corners of Ohio convened in Columbus for three days in early January to celebrate the installation of President Breen, thank Immediate Past President West for his lasting contributions, tend to the business functions of the organization and get the year off to a fantastic start.

While the bulk of our attention and effort was devoted to matters involving Association operations, public policy initiatives, professional development and a host of related issues, there was ample opportunity to mix a little pleasure into the proceedings.

There are a number of Winter Conference highlights that I would like to share with you, including: 

Ohio's REALTOR® community set new records in contributions to the REALTORS® Political Action Committee in 2005?with more money raised (more than $750,000) from more members than at any time in RPAC's storied history. Our success is directly attributable to our 48  Boards/Associations who raised funds for this vitally important cause. The following Boards were honored at the Board of Directors meeting for their overall excellence in their respective categories? Dayton, Akron Area, Youngstown Columbiana, Medina, Firelands, Springfield and Steubenville. Additionally, the Columbus and Cincinnati Area boards were honored for their outstanding effort during last year's campaign. The organization established a goal of $700,000 for the 2006 RPAC campaign.

Directors unanimously approved a resolution honoring the memory of long-time REALTOR® member Ann Bolte. Ann was a true pioneer in Ohio real estate, becoming the first woman in Ohio licensed as a broker, becoming the first woman to serve as an OAR District Vice  President (1961), first woman named OAR REALTOR® of the Year (1963), and first woman to serve on the Ohio Real Estate Commission (1962). REALTORS® throughout Ohio mourned her passing on Dec. 24, 2005 at the age of 102.

2005 NAR Region 6 Vice President Steve Brown, Dayton, provided Directors with an update of pending issues facing the national organization.

Attendees at the popular Lunchbox Economics session gained insights on market trends and a forecast of the 2005 real estate market from NAR economist Ken Fears.

The Business Technology Forum explored the "Mobile Tech Tools," with speaker Amy Chorew of Matthew Ferrara Seminars. Another widely-attended session, the Local Government Forum, featured Jean Caudill of the Ohio Department of Health explaining the new sewage treatment rules as required by HB231.|

The Nominating Committee presented its slate of candidates for the OAR Treasurer position, and District Vice President positions from Districts 2, 4, 6 and 8, with terms beginning in January 2007. Additionally, the Committee recommended two candidates for the 2008 NAR Region #6 Vice President position. The slate will be voted on by the Board of Directors at the OAR Convention in September. The candidates (listed by position) are:

OAR Treasurer: Jon Hall, Midwestern Ohio

2008 NAR Region #6 Vice President: Barbara Lach, Columbus & Jim West, Akron Area

District 2 Vice President: Steve Yingling, Lake & Geauga Area

District 4 Vice President: Joann Amos, Wood County

District 6 Vice President: Bob Miller, Columbus

District 8 Vice President: Marian Everhart, Scioto Valley

On the legislative front, Directors agreed to monitor and support various components of a predatory lending bill that will be introduced in the Ohio General Assembly. OAR reaffirmed its support of the measure that will mandate licensure of appraisers, however agreed to monitor the following contained in the predatory lending bill: an effort to expand coverage of the Consumer Sales Practices Act to mortgage brokerage activities; a prohibition against serving as a mortgage broker and real estate licensee in the same transaction; and a prohibition against a mortgage brokerage owning or controlling a title agency. Additionally, OAR agreed to oppose SB 148, which will require county recorders to impose a $2 per image fee for documents accessed electronically. OAR will support HB 294 which will permit certain foreclosure cases to be filed with the county board of revision.

The Political Activity and RPAC Fundraising Committee instructed staff to send an electronic message to inform membership of President Bush's Tax Reform Advisory Commission Report, which recommends the elimination and/or reduction of the Mortgage Interest Deduction on primary and secondary homes.

The Research Advisory Committee agreed to distribute the "OAR Members' Experience in the Real Estate Profession" survey results to all brokers within the organization.

The Professional Development passed motions designed to strengthen the 10-Hour Post Licensure Sales Course and 10-Hour Post Licensure Course for Brokers. Additionally, OAR supports the recommendation to expand approvable real estate continuing education topics in the following areas as they relate to real estate: technology and internet marketing, negotiating and real estate business communications, cultural diversity, and personal and consumer safety.

A series of "roundtable" meetings were conducted simultaneously?attracting big & Second Home Forum, Residential Property Management & Investment Forum, Discover OAR Forum, Appraisal Committee, Auction Forum and Communications Committee.

The Professional Standards Forum featured a presentation on "Arbitration and Mediation: You Have Options!"

The Equal Opportunity Diversity Committee featured a discussion on emerging markets with featured speakers Cynthia Flaherty, Fannie Mae Partnership, and Emily Bibyk, president of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals and CBR member.

Attendees were able to earn two credit hours of free continuing education, featuring Michael Selvaggio on "Consumer & Digital Advantage." This session was cosponsored by the Ohio CRS Chapter.

Directors approved the 2006 Capital Expenditures Budget. Thanks to prudent fiscal management, OAR is well positioned as we begin the year.

 As you can tell, the Association has hit the ground running and is poised to accomplish great things in 2006. OAR will continue to work hard to not only ensure that REALTORS® are prepared to meet the challenges of today, but succeed tomorrow.

Thank you for your past and continued support!