Announcements

Reminder: March 25 is deadline to update forms to include Military Status as a Protected Class

House Bill 372 revised Ohio Revised Code 4735.16 and 4735.55 to include military status as a protected class. Your fair housing poster (which must be prominently displayed in the same immediate area as the licenses) as all written agency agreements and consumer guides to agency relationships must indicate that it is illegal to discriminate against any person because of military status. Both must also include a definition of the practice known as "blockbusting" and a statement that it is illegal.

Deadline for compliance is March 25, 2008.

For pre-printed materials, the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing recommends providing an addendum to include the new fair housing language. If the pre-printed materials contain carbon copies, attach an addendum to each copy. The addendum should include the fair housing statement and have a place to obtain the client's signature. Maintain a copy for company files.

If you have any questions regarding the upcoming changes, call the Division at (614) 466-4100. More info.

100 Acts of Kindness

In honor of our 100th anniversary, CBR will be awarding members a pin in recognition of any act of community service provided this year. Things such as helping with a charitable fundraiser, education program, local government project, coaching a children's sports team, working with a housing service, etc. will qualify. You can nominate yourself or someone else. To apply, visit ColumbusRealtors.com.

Interested in becoming more politically involved?

If you are interested in becoming politically involved in federal real estate issues, let NAR know by filling out a Member Political profile. NAR will use this information when selecting members for key politically oriented volunteer assignments.

Are you involved in your community?

The Spotlight on Community Service award recognizes four members quarterly for their community volunteerism. The award is not geared to honor only those "exceptional" volunteers, but our hundreds of members who are giving back every day in smaller, sometimes unnoticed ways. If you are volunteering or know of someone who is, please complete and submit the application available online at http://www.columbusrealtors.com/9001.cfm.

Funding will allow up to 700 homes to be built or rehabbed in Columbus

Enterprise Community Investment Inc. announced Thursday that it will put $9.5 million worth of New Markets Tax Credits toward helping the Columbus Housing Partnership build or rehabilitate up to 700 affordable homes in Columbus over seven years.

Further, the city of Columbus' Home Again initiative - which seeks to rehabilitate the city's 4,100 vacant properties for productive use, facilitate homeownership, and prevent decline and disinvestment in local communities - and the Affordable Housing Trust for Columbus and Franklin County will link up with the Enterprise-CHP project.

Proceeds from home sales then will be used to finance the next set of homes until loan maturity.

Free Relocation Reports from NAR

NAR Research produces Relocation Reports for every county in the U.S. Relocation Reports pinpoint which counties relocation clients are coming from/going to along with relative income information. For the first time, NAR Research is making these Reports available to all members free of charge. The electronic Reports can be accessed online at http://www.realtor.org/prodser.nsf/products/E186 71?OpenDocument. Simply select the Report you want and complete the "buying" process on the store page, but don't worry, as a member you will not be charged.

REALTOR® Pride Ribbons still available

Are you proud to be a REALTOR®? Show your pride by purchasing a REALTOR® Pride magnet for your vehicle. These 4"x8" magnets on the back of your vehicle are a great marketing opportunity to let others know what your profession is and that you're proud of what you do!

REALTOR® Pride magnets are just $10 and available in the CBR Member Service Center. All proceeds from this product benefit the Affordable Housing Committee's outreach projects.

Do you have a story to tell?

Any time we ask members what you would like to see in the magazine, we hear "funny stories" (or something to that affect.) Do you have a story to share about a real estate related event or adventure? We'd love to hear from you. Send your tale to MBressler@columbusrealtors.com. If it's appropriate, we'll try to include it.

Area Realty Association Directory Change

Below is a change in the Area Realty Association Directory since its publication in the last issue of In Contract. Click here for the latest directory.

Independent Broker's Association -- meetings have been changed from the 2nd Tuesday to the 4th Tuesday of each month.

Use good judgment when sending out mass emails to fellow members

You could potentially be doing more harm to your business than good if recipients begin blocking your emails.