This publication and most of our communication with you focuses on programs, meetings, classes, events as well as education on topics we hope you find valuable.
Our state-of-the-art MLS system and electronic KeyBox system are most obvious as member benefits. But there are many more that we tend to overlook, or take for granted, such as ...
Standard forms -- Although members are not required to use the CBR standard forms, the value in offering them is that you don't have multiple forms from different companies to study and understand in order to ensure proper representation for your clients. These forms are updated regularly as needed and available in paper form, on disk or on-line.
Library -- Our on-site real estate library is free to members and offers resources on a variety of relevant industry topics. You really should `check it out!'
Commercial/Investment Section -- As a commercial member, I can attest to the fact that CBR is one of the top boards in the country when it comes to servicing the commercial sector.
Recognition -- CBR offers members the opportunity for recognition for their sales, service to the industry and service to the community. These honors can be used in your marketing to establish your experience, level of commitment and professionalism.
Low-Cost Arbitration -- If you have a dispute over a commission, the board provides a venue that allows you to argue your case privately, before your peers (who understand this profession) and for much less than you would spend through the public legal system.
Government Oversight -- Probably one of the most important, if not the most important, benefits of membership is the collective voice we have in our government -- at all levels. Many of you are not interested in getting involved in the politics surrounding the housing industry. That's ok. We have a large number of members who are very active in this arena as well as staff and lobbyists who meet with our policy makers daily to make sure that the buying and selling of real property is maintained without undue hindrance or hardship. And trust me, everyone benefits greatly from this critical service!
REALTOR®-Friendly news -- Not only does CBR send out news releases and articles promoting REALTORS® and the use of a real estate professional, we work with the media to provide them with statistics and experts for each and every story/article request. And, despite what you continue to hear, see and read, CBR dispatches news releases that, while honestly relating current sales and price data, educate the media on what's happening that's positive in the central Ohio area.
Discounts -- CBR members have approved 26 vendors who provide their products and services to members at an enhanced and/or discounted rate. The list includes vendors that provide insurance, financial services, carpet, moving, cellular service, forms, office supplies, travel service, marketing materials, home security, cleaning and `junk' removal! You'll find the entire list on page 43.
Member Service Center -- The CBR store is conveniently located just inside the building and offers a wide variety of products used by REALTORS® including marketing materials, jewelry, business tools, binders, folders, books, videos, forms, etc.
REALTORS®' Foundation Fund -- Your CBR charitable fund has tax-deductible charitable status, providing a way for the real estate industry to pool resources and have a positive impact on central Ohio housing.
Design, Typesetting and Printing --The CBR print shop (located in the basement) provides design and printing of business cards, fact sheets, brochures and forms at competitive prices and with quick turn-around.
20+ Committees -- The board committees provide you with an opportunity to network with other members while working collectively to improve the services that you receive.
Continuing Education -- You know, I think we take this for granted. But, if you think about it, CBR offers some of the best quality education programming available in the state. You have about 200 classes annually to choose from (more when we have an MLS or KeyBox update) and generally pay only $10/hour. Plus we have a state-of-the-art computer lab which provides hands on training.
ColumbusRealtors.com -- OK, so everyone has a Web site nowadays. But I'm not sure members realize just how much information is available on our Web site. Did you know that ours has over 1,900 pages!!! You'll find much more detail on all of the services I've mentioned above plus advertising guidelines, license law changes, safety tips, available grants/scholarships, affordable mortgage and DAP programs, etc. etc. etc. And, if you can't find what you're looking for, use the `Search' function because chances are -- it's there on our site!
By Greg Hrabcak, President
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