Highlights - January 2003 OAR Meetings

Highlights from the January OAR meetings Honoring Our History While Building The Future

By Doug McCloud
OAR District 6 Vice President

With newly installed President Bonnie Boyd addressing the crowd during the Ohio Association of REALTORS® Inaugural event during the Winter Conference, spotlights shone on banners bearing a simple, yet powerful message - "Honoring Our History While Building The Future."

The sacrifices made by so many men and women throughout the 93 year history of the organization of time and talent have positioned OAR-the state's largest professional trade association-to achieve even greater accomplishments for the industry and Ohio's property owners.

Nearly 500 REALTORS® from all corners of Ohio convened in chilly Columbus for three days in early January to celebrate the installation of President Boyd, thank immediate Past President Steve Brown for his lasting contributions, tend to the business functions of the organization and get the year off to a fantastic start.

There are a number of Winter Conference highlights that I would like to share with you, including:

• Ohio's REALTOR® community set new records in contributions to the REALTORS® Political Action Committee in 2002-with more money raised (nearly $599,000) from more members than at any time in RPAC's storied history. Our success is directly attributable to our 53 Boards/Associations who raised funds for this vitally important cause. The following Boards were honored at the Board of Directors meeting for their overall excellence in their respective categories-Cincinnati Area, Akron Area, Toledo, Youngstown Columbiana, Licking County and Scioto Valley. Additionally, OAR honored the Columbus Board for exceeding $100,000 in money raised-marking the first time this has been accomplished by a Local Board. Further, Harley E. Rouda Sr. was presented with NAR's Golden "R" pin for investing $5,000 in RPAC for the fourth year. The organization established a goal of $525,000 for this year's RPAC campaign.
• Directors approved a report of the Agency Disclosure Task Force, which is intended to update and revise Ohio's agency law by improving the disclosure procedure for both licensees and consumers. The hard work of Task Force Chair Brad Knapp and the entire committee will greatly improve state law and has already garnered the support of the Ohio Division of Real Estate and the Ohio Real Estate Commission, which will help as it is considered by the Ohio General Assembly later this year.
• Adoption of the Property Condition Disclosure Task Force report was also accomplished, which will result in more comprehensive disclosures and be beneficial to buyers and sellers of real estate. Led by Chair Ed Sitter, the Task Force diligently reviewed forms from across the country-strengthening various components of the form by including several areas on the document, including Megan's Law notice, flood plains, water intrusion, mold and mechanicals, among others. The report will be presented to the Division for its consideration.
• The Nominating Committee presented its slate of candidates for the OAR Treasurer position. The slate will be voted on by the Board of Directors at the OAR Convention in September. Candidates for Treasurer are Darlene Breen and Gene Courtney.
• Our own Nancy Sharp of Columbus was elected to a three-year term as an NAR Director, commencing in January 2003. Vince Evers of Cincinnati and John Lynch of Cleveland were elected to three-year terms as NAR Directors, beginning in January 2004.
• On the legislative front, Directors adopted a number of recommendations, including support of an increase in the recordation fee as a permanent funding source for the Ohio Housing Trust Fund and seeking changes to allow both institutions of higher learning and organizations that represent the interests of Ohio's real estate brokers, appraisers and agents to be authorized as recipients of funding from the state's Education and Research Fund.
• The Commercial/Industrial Committee recommended changes to its statement of purpose. As approved, the Committee's purpose reads: "It's primary purpose is to monitor the issues/trends that affect commercial (non-residential) practitioners and implement programs and services that will enable commercial practitioners to better serve their clients." In addition, the Committee has asked OAR legal counsel to research state law with respect to the "Buy Ohio" process and the state's obligation to use Ohio-based firms when contracting for property management and other real estate related services. The Committee also created a working group to determine what C/I services commercial practitioners want and need to be successful.
• The Research Advisory Committee received approval to partner with NAR in its "Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers" survey, allowing for a more comprehensive look at the Ohio marketplace. NAR will conduct additional surveys of Ohio consumers.
• The Professional Development Committee is looking to increase awareness and participation in NAR designation programs by having staff visit brokerages and meet with training directors, principal brokers, managers and agents.

As you can tell, the Association has hit the ground running and the theme established by President Boyd-"Honoring Our History While Building The Future"-has never been more apropos. OAR will continue to work hard to not only ensure that REALTORS® are given the tools to succeed in the marketplace today and tomorrow, but that the American Dream remains attainable.

Thank you for your past and continued support!