2008 Education Committee Report

Residential Education Committee Mission to development, organize and present educational opportunities; and to enhance our members' professionalism and profitability

By Connie Salts, ABR, CRB, CRS, PMN, Co-Chair
and Michael Sliemers, RRS, Co-Chair

One of the most important and beneficial committees to the CBR membership is the Residential Education Committee. The mission statement of the committee is to develop, organize and present educational opportunities; and to enhance our members' professionalism and profitability.

The Education Committee includes two subcommittees (Review and Library) and others as the need arises.

The Review Subcommittee reviews and presents to the full committee course proposals that come to the committee from outside sources for upcoming classes.

The Library Subcommittee's mission is to stimulate an interest in and promote the opportunity for life-long learning in real estate by offering a balanced, broad collection of the printed and spoken word, visual images and exhibits designed to reflect the needs and interest of board members.

Recently, a task force was formed to compile the results of a Brokers survey concerning holding the CRB (Certified Residential Broker) class at the Board in January 09'. We will also be holding the CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) course in October in conjunction with the Ohio Chapter of CRS. These are both NAR Designations achieved by sales volume, number of transactions and completing the required courses.

As a committee we are constantly promoting the benefits of obtaining the NAR Designations such as the ABR (Accredited Buyers Representative), CRS (Certified Residential Specialist), CRB (Certified Residential Broker), GRI (Graduate, REALTORS® Institute), etc.

The committee is working to obtain the following objectives:

• Promote CBR Tempo classes for the MLS System.
• Continue to offer technology classes.
• Offering updates on the new FHA and VA Guidelines.
• Offering updates on Short Sales, Foreclosures and HUD programs.
• Continue to offer the required CE classes (core law, ethics, civil rights).

We are here to serve the membership and we strongly encourage the members to tell us what they think. If you have an idea for a course offering, contact any of the following committee members: Lori Molnar, Linda Whiting, Ron Brandler, Shauna Brennan, Art Covan, Susan Dworkin, LeAnna Gompf, Anita Graves, Tristam Griffith, Pat Himes, Donna Jackson, Jan Johnson, Joyce Logan, Michelle McCormick, Deborah Miller, Laura Peters, Virginia Phillips-Reagan, Regina Render, Joe Sidon, Dennis Swartz, Priscilla Teixeira, Dana Thorla, Sheryl Trout and Tom Weiss. And, of course, you can contact us as well.

This world is changing rapidly and the people who are educated and prepared will reap the benefits of the opportunities that present themselves. The Residential Education Committee would like to help you be educated and prepared!

Be sure to look each month in your In Contract magazine for the yellow pullout section that lists upcoming classes, schedule and descriptions. Also the same information is available on the website www.ColumbusRealtors.com There are a number of ways to register for the classes and it is easy to register online!