OAR Winter Conference Highlights

Highlights from the OAR Winter Conference

By Bob Miller
OAR District #6 Vice President

Nearly 500 REALTORS® from all corners of Ohio convened in Columbus for three days in early January to 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:

Directors unanimously approved a resolution in memory of OAR Past President Vince Aveni, who passed away on Sept. 22. Additionally, the Past President's Committee created the "Vincent T. Aveni Lifetime Achievement Award." The first award will be given to Mr. Aveni posthumously, with future awards given to OAR past presidents.

Attendees at the popular Lunchbox Economics session gained insights on market trends and a forecast of the 2007 real estate market from NAR economist Lawrence Yun and a review of the barriers to attracting businesses to Ohio by Andrew Doehrel, president and CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce.

The highly-attended Legal Issues Forum featured a legal update highlighting the New Title Rule: Controlled Business Arrangements; professional standards; HB 294; Do Not Call; and the New Residential Property Disclosure Form.

The Appraisal Committee had Amy Kuhn, director, Community Development Division of the Ohio Department of Development, present "The Home Buyers Protection Act and Its Impact on Appraisers."

The Business Technology Forum explored "Professional Presentation Pizzazz," with speaker Amy Chorew of Matthew Ferrara Seminars.

Another widely-attended session, the Local Government Forum, featured Mike Hinnenkamp, Springfield Township Administrator, and Ed Humphrey, Miami Township Trustee, explaining the issue of "home rule townships."

The Equal Opportunity Diversity Committee featured discussions on "Unequal Opportunity in a Diverse America: Reality or Myth?," along with "Promoting Fair Housing Month: A Strategy for Cure and Prevention."

On the legislative front, Directors directed staff to explore the feasibility of developing an RPAC educational communication that could be used by Local Board/Associations and/or brokerages around the state to promote investing in RPAC.

The Products & Services Committee agreed to enter into an affinity agreement with Advanced Access, which will provide website creation and hosting at a discount for OAR members.

The Legal Action Committee agreed to prepare a White Paper on Property Management issues.

Participants in the Mediator's Forum explored methods to stimulate interest in mediation as a strategy-of-choice to resolve money disputes between real estate professionals; introduced members to its "win-win" benefits through creative local promotions; and enhanced mediators' applied skills by sharing tactical tips and techniques.

The Professional Standards Forum discussed the revised and new standards of practice, forms and services that can be waived and its effect on case procedures.

The Professional Development Committee appointed a working group to examine updates or changes for online education offerings. Additionally, the Professional Development Forum featured a presentation on "Updates and Procedures for Continuing Education" by Tom Yersavich, education compliance administrator for the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing.

Pat O'Neil was installed as 2007 President of the Ohio Association of REALTORS®. President O'Neil 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. He stressed that the individual talents found within Ohio's real estate professionals ensures that the organization as a whole can continue to make a positive difference in advancing the American Dream.

Sandy Schupp, Real Living HER, was awarded the Ohio Association of REALTORS® (OAR) Distinguished Service Award January 16, 2007 during their Winter Conference.

Throughout her 26-year career, Sandy has earned the title of CBR REALTOR® of the Year, president of two area associations, president of Women's Council of REALTORS® Columbus Chapter and the Ohio Chapter of WCR, and is one of 5,000 REALTORS® to attain membership in the National Association of REALTORS®' Omega Tau Rho fraternity.

"I feel honored to get such an award that recognizes those who have gone over and above for work in their local board as well as state and national committees," said Sandy. Sandy is now one of 21 REALTORS® in the state to receive this distinguished honor.

Chip & Sue Parish, 2006 CORPAC co-Chairs (shown here with 2006 President Chris Reese) were presented the Award of Distinction for reaching a record $149,298 in CORPAC contributions last year! (Fellow co-chairs John Royer and Kathy Bornhorst were not present.)

Ohio's REALTOR® community set new records in contributions to the REALTORS® Political Action Committee in 2006 - with more money raised (in excess of $770,000) from more members than at any time in RPAC's storied history. Our success is directly attributable to our 52 Ohio Boards/Associations who raised funds for this vitally important cause.

The Nominating Committee presented its slate of candidates which included CBR's Doug McCloud for the OAR Treasurer position with a term beginning in January 2008. The slate will be voted on by the Board of Directors at the OAR Convention in September.

The MLS Forum discussed a recommendation for search criteria for vacation or resort homes and an open forum highlighting limited services; negotiation; Exclusive Agency vs. Exclusive Right to Sell; the revised Residential Property Disclosure Form; and rethinking MLS from "Scratch"?the NAR Work Group.

Attendees were able to earn two credit hours of free continuing education with "Hot Button Negotiating," with Dee Dunsten, CRS, of Salisbury, MD. Special thanks to the Ohio CRS Chapter for its co-sponsorship of the program.

As you can tell, the Association has hit the ground running and is poised to accomplish great things in 2007. 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!