Announcements

Despite projections of a loss in members as a result of lower home sales, CBR membership as of May 31 was 7,399 - up from 7,362 one year ago. As new members are down slightly (435 this year versus 490 last year), this indicates a higher than usual annual retention rate.

Forms currently required for each transaction submitted for the awards include the MLS Agent Full Report and the Sales Certification form (as well as the HUD statement). While the Sales Certification form affords the space to list all team members, the Agent Full Report does not.

Therefore the rule was changed so that, although both forms remain a requirement, team members' names are only required to appear on one of these two forms. This revision will be effective this award year as no applicant would not be adversely affected by the change. The Sales Advisory Committee continues to discuss ways to clarify team credit and hopes to have a method of tracking sales award production through the CBR Tempo? system in the future.

And remember... Effective April 1, 2007, all Sales Certification Forms submitted with any Million Dollar Club application must have original signatures in blue ink. For complete reporting requirements and deadlines, please visit ColumbusRealtors.com.

The Buyers Request for Return of Earnest Money Deposit has been revised and is now called the Request For Disbursement of Earnest Money Deposit. This change was made primarily as the form's title suggested that it was only for the Buyer. However, paragraph 10 of the Real Estate Purchase Contract regarding earnest money deposit specifically states that either the seller or buyer can request return or payment of the earnest money deposit.When available (expected mid July 2007), the new agreement will be 1 page/1-sided, sell for $4 (for pad of 50) in the CBR Member Service Center and will be available in the PCF online forms Residential Library.

At the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Midyear Conference in May, Directors voted to increase REALTOR® membership dues to $80 effective in 2008 and that dues remain at that level in 2009 and 2010. This action takes NAR dues from the current level of $64 to $80, effective next year. It is the first increase in NAR dues since 1994. The additional revenue will be used to fund what NAR is calling its "Second Century Initiatives," which includes the following:

• Outreach to consumers in an attempt to gain their support on key legislative issues;
• Creation of a technology investment company;
• Creation of a national property data "Gateway;"
• Creation of a credit union for NAR members;
• Earmarking of additional funds for issues advocacy;
• Development of new services for commercial members.

In addition, Directors voted to maintain the current special assessment for the public awareness campaign at $30 per member in 2008, but to increase it to $35 per member in 2009 and 2010.

 September 9-12
OAR Convention --
Viva Columbus!