Member News

Joseph Hart, Coldwell Banker King Thompson, has received an Certificate of Appreciation from the National Association of REALTORS® and REALTOR® Magazine for his commitment to improving the quality of life for others, through his work with the American Cancer Society.

Sharon Selby, Real Living HER, has earned the Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Accredited Buyer Representative Manager (ABRM) and the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designations.

Scott Solomon, Coridan & Associates, has been elected to serve as 2008-2009 president of Columbus Commercial Industrial Investment, REALTORS® (CCIIR).

CRS 206: Technologies to Advance Your Career
Fifty-four local REALTORS® became more technologically savvy, learning cutting-edge tips and tricks, during a two-day CRS 206: Technologies to Advance Your Career held last month at the CBR.

The class was taught by National CRS President Michael Selvaggio on Oct. 13-14. The 16-hour program was an in-depth look at everything from Smartphones, photo and video programs to contact management software and navigational tools.

Clients are becoming more tech savvy everyday and more than 80 percent of buyers say they search the Web before even selecting a REALTOR®. Many use texting or e-mail as their primary method of communication and expect instant contact and quick responses.

"Therefore, we better focus our marketing and advertising dollars on the World Wide Web and on tools that will help us enhance our value to today's Generation X and Y clientele. Those REALTORS® that don't will be left behind," said Chris Anderson, a CRS REALTOR® who attended the class.

"Selvaggio also suggested we focus on first-time buyers that are renting and aren't dependent on having to sell first. I can certainly see how CRS 206 has evolved into the Council's most-appreciated and attended two-day course."

In Memoriam

Jean Allison, a former REALTOR®, passed away on Friday, Sept. 26, 2008, at St. Ann's Hospital. She owned her own real estate company and enjoyed working for many years as a REALTOR®. She was a dedicated Air Force wife for 20 years, an advocate for the Afghan Hound Rescue of Central Ohio, and an avid sewer. Jean is survived by her husband of 58 years, Robert Allison; children, Sue Allison Roberts, Kay (Kevin) Resch and Rick (Julie) Allison; grandchildren, Timothy (Babette), Allison, Christopher, and Jeremy Resch, Sara (Edward) Jordan and Samantha Allison; great-granddaughter, Abigail Jordan; sister-in-law, Maxine McCoy; and special pet companions, Brock and Judah.

Jeffrey Paul Koontz, of Upper Arlington, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2008. Jeffrey was a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker King Thompson and a member of the Columbus Board of REALTORS® $25 Million Sales Award Club. He served as a past President of the Northwest Area Real Estate Association, a former Director of the Upper Arlington Civic Association, and as a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Scioto Country Club, Brookside Country Club, Upper Arlington Chamber of Commerce, and the OSU President's Club. He was a graduate of Whetstone High School, attended Miami University and a graduate of The Ohio State University. He is survived by his wife, Diane; children, Paula (Brian) Gilmour, Gregory Koontz and his girlfriend Lindsay Thomas; and Mark (Pender) Koontz, of New York City; grandchildren, Ashley Elizabeth and Jack Christopher Gilmour; mother and father-in-law, Joanne and Harry Edgington; sister-in-law, Judy and Dennis Richardson and a host of other family and friends. Jeff was the best and most loving husband, father, "papa," son and son in-law who loved spending time with his family. He loved Upper Arlington sports, University of Virginia lacrosse, and OSU sports. In his memory, contributions may be made to The Nationwide Children's Hospital Foundation, 700 Childrens Drive, Columbus, OH 43205.