REALTOR® and Association Defined

REALTOR® and Association Defined

What is a REALTOR®?
First, all REALTOR® in Ohio are agents or appraisers licensed by the Ohio Division of Real Estate to practice their profession. To hold a license, a person must complete 120 hours of pre-license coursework, pass a three-hour exam and continue to take education courses throughout his or her career. (30 classroom hours every three years!) Beyond that, most licensed agents also become "REALTORS®"-a trademarked name-by joining their local, state and national associations of REALTORS®.

REALTOR® agree to practice real estate under a strict Code of Ethics that protects consumers and other real estate professionals. They also have access to the regional Multiple Listing Service and receive numerous other professional benefits through the dues they pay. The Columbus Board of REALTOR® enforces the Code of Ethics for its members and provides these other services to help members conduct their business effectively.

What is the Columbus Board of REALTORS®?
Founded in 1908, CBR is the largest professional association in Central Ohio. The membership consists of more than 5,600 REALTOR® engaged in residential sales and leasing, commercial sales and leasing, property management, appraisal, consultation, real estate syndications, land development and more.

The board is led by four elected officers and fourteen directors - all actively involved in real estate. Each month, officers and directors discuss board policy and determine the direction for the association. The CBR Membership Headquarters, at 2700 Airport Drive in Columbus, Ohio, allows REALTOR® to receive all levels of training and information retrieval in one location.

REALTOR® are a very generous group and donate many hours of their time to help their association manage governmental affairs and to develop programs that advocate home ownership. Twenty-five committees cover issues from equal opportunity to affordable housing and the relationship between REALTOR® and other real estate providers like builders and lenders.

We believe that REALTORS® add long-term value to the real estate transaction.

We believe that the REALTOR® designation represents the highest standard of ethics and professionalism in the practice of real estate.

We believe in a commitment to lifelong learning, and personal and professional development.

We believe that the organization and its members have a responsibility to contribute to the health and welfare of our community.

We believe that by acting in the best interests of REALTORS®, we also act in the best interests of the real estate consumer.

We believe in the protection of individual property rights.

We believe in the representation and protection of the interests of all REALTORS®.