President's Perspective

Half over but half full

By Greg Hrabcak
President

Can you believe that 2008 is half over? Although my position with CBR keeps me busy (a bit of an understatement), I don't think it's just that. It seems that everything is moving faster these days. From what I'm hearing and seeing, everyone is working twice as hard for the same amount of business as in recent years.The Grass is Greener Here". Want proof? Check out the chart on page 48 which compares central Ohio to the rest of the state and nation.

But there's light at the end of this tunnel.

Although housing sales statistics still trail last year, sales have increased each month in 2008. And current inventory (about 17,922) is less than the same time last year (18,911) supporting the market correction we need. We hold that "The Grass is Greener Here", where are we?

Speaking of "The Grass is Greener Here"!

As of June 24, we've had almost 7,800 visitors at www.ColumbusHousingFacts.com. Almost 46 percent is direct traffic (they are physically typing in the web address) which means our radio and billboard ads are working -- as well as member marketing efforts. Almost 49 percent of the traffic is coming from links on other web sites. Hat's off to our local builders as about 30 percent of the referrals are coming from links they have put on their web sites! I also want to thank Delaware County Auditor Todd Hanks as his web site is the 4th highest referral site.

Although radio and billboard ads will cease as of July 15, CBR leadership just approved an online continuation of the campaign via www.Dispatch.com, www.ColumbusRealEstate.com and www.ColumbusAlive.com. Banner ads will continue to appear on these web sites into September.

On June 22, CBR held its first ever citywide Open House Extravaganza for listings in all price ranges. 989 members registered their open house through CBR Tempo^TM and most of you affixed green balloons to your signs in support of the ad campaign. Comments from members were all over the board -- some of you had little to no activity and some saw increased activity. But one comment was resounding -- "Great idea! Do it again."

During a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 3 in honor of National Homeownership Month (June), I joined Mayor Coleman, HUD and Habitat in supporting housing opportunities. (Notice the banner in the background.)

This past April, I spoke against a proposed ordinance that sought to impose registration and inspection for all residential rental properties (including an annual per unit inspection fee) in the City of Westerville. As Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5323 already requires rental property owners to register with the county auditor, we opposed the necessity of additional registration as well as the fees. (As a practical example, an owner of a 400 unit complex would have had to pay over $4,000 in reinspection fees annually.) I'm pleased to report that this issue has been removed.

Keep up the good work. Continue to wear your pins, include campaign messages in your marketing and we will convince central Ohioans that "The Grass is Greener Here"!