November 2002 - CBR Announcements

CBR Election
Can you hang your marketing fliers on Mailboxes?
ODRE offers extension on use of the New Agency Disclosure Forms
10 Points qualifies you for a Volunteer Service Award
Join a 2003 Committee!
Section 8 Downpayment Assistance Program finalized
UFAX - New Member Service Added
MedPerks - New Member Service Added
eNeighborhoods - - New Member Service Added
Applications being accepted for Multi-Cultural Real Estate Grant

CBR Election
On November 12, CBR members will be mailed a ballot to cast their vote for one new Affiliate Director and four new REALTOR® Directors members who will begin their term on January 1, 2003. Your ballot must be returned in the envelopes provided AND only one ballot per envelope will be accepted. Ballots can be mailed or dropped off at the CBR, however, they must be received by Noon on Friday, November 22, 2002.

Can you hang your marketing fliers on Mailboxes?
You know that you may not put your ‘sure to get attention' marketing materials inside a mailbox. But can you put your flier in a bag and hang it on the hook affixed to the post?
Not according to the USPS Domestic Mail Manual. Here's what their manual states:
“Except under 2.11 (newspaper recetacles), the receptables described in 1.1 (mailboxes) may be used only for matter bearing postage. Other than as permitted by 2.10 or 2.11 (refers to newspaper delivery), no part of a mail receptable may be used to deliver any matter not bearing postage, including items or matter place upon, supported by, attached to, hung from, or inserted into a mail receptable. Any mailable matter not bearing postage and found as described above is subject to the same postage as would be paid if it were carried by mail.”
For further information, visit the the USPS Postal Explorer web site.

ODRE offers extension on use of the New Agency Disclosure Forms
The Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing (ODREPL) has revised the Agency Disclosure Statement and the Dual Agency Disclosure Statement.
Originally, word was that all licensees had to begin using the new form immediately. However, after further discussion, the Division relaxed that position and is now allowing you an extension of time (until August 1, 2003) in which to use up your current supply.
In return, they ask that you manually change the Division's zip code from 43266 to 43215.
CBR has the new forms available for sale in the Member Service Center. Here are links to the forms...Agency Disclosure Form...Dual Agency Disclosure Form

10 Points qualifies you for a Volunteer Service Award
Did you serve on any CBR committees this year? Were you involved in any area association projects? Did you donate blood, contribute to CORPAC or volunteer for any community-oriented programs? If so, you may have already accumulated the 10 points needed to qualify for CBR's Volunteer Service Award.
This award celebrates volunteerism! Everyone who qualifies will received an award and be recognized at CBR's Forecast Night on January 22, 2003. To apply, please complete the Volunteer Service Award application (beige insert in this magazine between pages 28 & 29) and return it via mail (2700 Airport Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43219) or fax (614-475-4091) by Friday, December 20.

Would you like to decide what programs and services you get for your dues?
Join a 2003 Committee!
By serving on a CBR committee, you get to have input on how your REALTOR organization runs, what programs and services you get for your dues. Committee service also offers you opportunities to network with other real estate professionals.
Serving on a committee takes an average of one hour per month. That's a pretty good return on your investment.
And remember...serving on a committee satisfies your industry requirement for the CBR $1, $5, $10 and $25 million dollar club.
On-line committee registration is not available, however, you can print out the 2003 Committee Registration Form. Don't delay, complete the form and fax to CBR today!

Section 8 Downpayment Assistance Program finalized
HUD published the final rule Oct. 18 on the Section 8 downpayment assistance program. The rule, effective Nov. 18 and pursuant to appropriated funds, allows Section 8 families to use the aggregate of up to one year's worth of their Section 8 vouchers for the downpayment and closing costs on a home.
Families who take advantage of this program will no longer receive Section 8 vouchers or monthly assistance after they close on their home purchase. Public housing agencies have the option of offering the downpayment assistance program to their residents. To read the rule, click here.

UFAX - New Member Service Added
UFAX is a web-based communications network faxing service that combines fax, email and internet technology. Among other things, this service allows you to have faxes turned into email and sent directly to your email account. The monthly fee is $9.99. Questions should be directed to Brian Hoy, (614) 827-2469.

MedPerks - New Member Service Added
The MedPerks card provides discounts on services not covered by a health care plan. It is used as a supplement to existing health care coverage where no benefits exist for dental, vision, hearing, chiropractic, or vitamins. MedPerks is also useful in providing additional savings when existing health care coverage has high deductibles and co-payments. Cost is $8.95/month. For more information, contact Charlie or Scot at (614) 486-6466.

eNeighborhoods - - New Member Service Added
This new service, added by NAR, provides information on millions of recent home sales, neighborhood demographics, housing trends, school facts, and crime reports for every residential address in the country. The product allows the creation of customized 1-Minute Reports™, which can be used daily for listing and buyer presentations. Reports are personalized with the agent's name and photo and can be printed, e-mailed or linked to a Web site. On-line and monthly CD update versions available. Members can try the service free for 3 months. For more info, visit www.eneighborhoods.com.

Applications being accepted for Multi-Cultural Real Estate Grant
The Columbus Board of Realtors® Equal Opportunity Committee is accepting grant applications for the CBR Multi-Cultural Real Estate Grant Program.
To apply for the grant, applicants must be associated with a broker member and must apply within the first six months of being licensed. Other eligibility requirements are listed in the grant application.
Grants are awarded twice a year in January and July. For the January funding period, applications must be postmarked by December 31. Completed applications should be sent to Multi-Cultural Real Estate Grant Program, Columbus Board of Realtors®, 2700 Airport Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43219.