CBR News

News Archives

Fake HUD web site - scam
There is a deceptive website posing as HUD which appears to be an official government site (bailout.hud-gov.us/) but tries to dupe people into giving out personal information (known as "phishing"). The official HUD website is www.HUD.gov.

NAR Quadrennial Ethics Requirement
We're getting a lot of calls regarding NAR's 4-yr Ethics course requirement due Dec. 31, 2008. FYI - The Ohio Ethics course licensees are required to take every 3 years satisfies this NAR 4-year ethics requirement. However, if you have taken that ethics course somewhere other than CBR, you need to provide us proof. [More info]

2008 Year End Report
Click here to read the central Ohio Housing and New Construction Year End reports by Ralph Berger and Robert Binns.

CRB Class Rescheduled
The CRB Course: Managing and Leading Teams has been cancelled and rescheduled for October 19 & 20, 2009.

Mandatory Short Sale Disclosure & New Forms
As of Oct. 1, members are required to disclose the existence of a short sale. Click here to read the article and view the forms.

Columbus featured on Fox Business News
CBR President Greg Hrabcak was interviewed live regarding the central Ohio housing market on the Fox Business News nationally televised program, ?Bulls & Bears" on 08/21/08. [Watch the news segment]

CBR campaign featured in REALTOR® Magazine
CBR's outreach training for "The Grass is Greener Here" campaign is featured in the August issue of REALTOR® Magazine in an article and six minute video. [Read the article/Watch the video]

Committee Forums
CBR members have the ability to communicate with others on their committee through forums. [More info]

Do Not Call rules

Real estate agents who wish to cold call potential clients must check first to see if the phone number is on the 'Do Not Call' list. [More Info]

March 25, 2008 was deadline to add Military Status as Protected Class
Recent legislation added Military Status as a protected class (along with race, color, religion, sex, familial status, ancestry, disability, and national origin). This change must be reflected in all real estate related forms, contracts, posters and pamphlets which are required to include fair housing information by March 25. More info][

Short Sale? Be aware!
Buyer, sellers and REALTORS® should be aware of issues that can arise with a short sale. Click here to read revised article.

How will market changes impact property taxes?
If property values do decline, how much of a tax break would we see? Essentially none. Find out why in this article by Franklin County Auditor Joe Testa.

Compatible Devices
If you are planning to use your smartphone or PDA to as your eKey or get access to Tempo Wireless, check the Compatibility Device List first.

Getting help for homeowners
National programs such as FHASecure, HOPE NOW, Project Lifeline and the Mortgage Relief Act will help homeonwers in trouble with their mortgages. Your March In Contract addresses these programs and much more. Read articleMonth's supply & inventory decrease as sales increase

Community Service Awards
CBR's 3rd quarter Spotlight on Community Service Award recipients:
Joseph Hart Terry Penrod
Donna Stevenson Sara Walsh

REALTOR® Care Day a big success!
Over 500 volunteers armed with $23,000 and in-kind donations valuing over $24,000 tackled 24 community service projects during CBR's 4th annual REALTOR® Care Day on Thursday, June 5, 2008! [More info & slideshow]

Fannie/Freddie drop declining market penalty
On May 16, the two biggest players in the mortgage field, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, reversed their policies of penalizing buyers in troubled real estate markets with a 5 percent higher down payment. [Read more]

Annual Award Winners!
Congratulations to the following who were honored at the CBR Awards Dinner on April 23.

Ted Oatts - Broker of the Year
Brian Kemp - Salesperson of the Year
Dave McKee - Affiliate of the Year
Betty Montgomery - Citizen of the Year
Lorri Molnar - Instructor of the Year

New software for Windows Mobile eKey
Supra released a new version of the eKey software for the Windows Mobile operating system ths fall. This upgrade improves IR comminication, application responsiveness and nightly automatic eSYNCs. To download this new Windows Mobile version of eKey, click here and log in to KIMweb.

2007 best year ever for home buyers!
Home sales statistics for the year 2007 have been pulled and are now available. And it comes as no surprise to real estate professionals that, due to the high inventory, competitive home prices and low interest rates, 2007 was an excellent year for home buyers. [Read more]

All politics are local
Protecting the right to own what you have created, built, purchased or even been given as a gift is our job. Read this opinion article by CBR's CEO Larry Metzger.

MLS Area Elimination postponed
Traditional MLS areas will be eliminated with the Conversion to Tempo 5 in February 2008 (pushed back from the originally published January 1 date). [More info]

Rental Property Registration Changes
HB 119, effective 10/30/07, made changes to last year's bill regarding registration by owners of rental property. One of the changes is that registration is now only required in counties with populations of 200,000 or more. [More info/forms]

Forecast Night presentation
NAR Senior Economist Lawrence Yun provided Forecast Night attendees an excellent in depth look at housing and the economy. He made several good points regarding the ideal buying and selling conditions that exist is our market today. Click here to download his powerpoint presentation. FYI - you'll need a Powerpoint Viewer to open/view the slide show.

Columbus Ohio ranked 3rd most stable market
In October, Forbes.com and Moody's Economy.com studied America's 40 biggest cities focusing on the state of local economies, new construction contracts, foreclosure rates, local credit markets, sales rates, affordability and inventory. Of those 40 cities, Columbus, Ohio: Ranks as 3rd most stable housing market; should boast the eight-fastest sales rate next year; and home prices are projected to increase 3.49% in 2008.

Showing Feedback
In today's buyer's market, it is critical that agents provide feedback on showings. Not doing so provides a negative representation of everyone involved in the industry. [Read more]

REALTOR® Care Day!
CBR's June 6, 2007 community service event was a tremendous success. Over 400 REALTORS®, friends and industry professionals donated their manual labor as well as $16,000 to complete 14 service project around central Ohio. News Release. Slide Show & Project descriptions!

Is it legal for a person without a social security number to buy a home?
Yes. There are loan programs which will accept the IRS issued ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Idenitification Number) as proof of identity. [Read more]

Tempo Wireless
This new MLS feature is free and will provide access to the entire MLS database from a compatible smart phone or PDA. [Read more.] eKey v. Tempo Wireless Comparison

How can you spot Mortgage Fraud?
Mortgage fraud has more than doubled in the last five years. What are the types of schemes and what can you do? [Read more]

CBR Tempo^TM Status Blog
Since the Welcome Screen does us little good in notifying members when the CBR Tempo^TM system is down, we have created an update page. The blog will include messages such as when the system is down, when it is back up, concerns about the system to watch for/be aware of, advance notice of scheduled down time (usually due to system maintenance), etc. [More info]

The foreclosure problem worsens
In 2006, Columbus ranked 19th in foreclosures of the top 100 U.S. cities, with one house in foreclosure for every 45 households. [Read more]

Affordable Open House - May 6, 2007
Over 250 homes listed for $125,000 or below were open Sunday, May 6, 2007 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. to show central Ohio residents what an exciting selection of affordable homes our area has to offer. [More info]

January home sales up 12%
Sales are up 12.2%, homes in contract are the same and new listings added are roughly the same as last year. But the new listings are double what they were last month. [Read more]

CBR events cancelled on Feb. 14
As Franklin County was under a Level 2 Snow Advisory on Feb. 14, CBR classes and meetings were cancelled. [More info]

So how was the convention in New Orleans?
Realty Times author Blanche Evans truly captured the scene as she addressed the city's genuine welcome in spite of its still critical situation. [Read her article - NAR Triumphs in New Orleans]

President's Ball - The December 9 President's Ball honored 2006 President Chris Reese and the outgoing leadership, welcomed 2007 President Brad Bennett and the incoming leadership and recognized 89 recipients of the 2006 Million Dollar Club. Click here for highlights.

Election Results
Congratulations to the following on their election as CBR officers and directors. (FYI: Election of the President-Elect as President is automatic. The officers are elected by the Board of Directors.) President Brad Bennett, HER Real Living; President-Elect Greg Hrabcak, Group One Realty; Treasurer Gary Parsons, Cam Taylor Co., Ltd., REALTORS®; Secretary Sue Lusk-Gleich, Keller Williams Capital Partners; Directors: Gloria Cannon, Coldwell Banker King Thompson; Milt Lustnauer, RE/MAX Premier Choice; Lari Madosky Shaw, Coldwell Banker King Thompson; Linda Whiting, HER Real Living; Affiliate Director Mike Troutman, Ohio Savings Bank

Highlights from Sales Associates Day - click here!

Minimum Services Law - effective Oct. 9 -
New law clarifies the fiduciary duties an Ohio real estate licensee owes to their buyer or seller and requires that a new form - "Waiver of Duties" - is signed should a client waive any of those required duties. [More info]

REALTOR® Care Day - Our second annual REALTOR® Care Day on June 22, 2006 was a tremendous success. Over 150 members and their family/friends turned out to help with five different community service projects around Central Ohio. View slideshow and summaries

Changes made to sales award rules

Minor changes were made to the Million Dollar Club rules which are in effect for this upcoming application period. Click here to read a summary of the changes.

MLS fines - On April 1, 2006, CBR Tempo began implementing fines for violations of MLS rules. [Read more]

Title Insurance choices - Agents should be aware that there are two types of standard title insurance policies -- ALTA '92 and ALTA '98. The ALTA '98 costs more but is more comprehensive. [More info]

REALTORS® have Big Hearts - Generosity and a deep sense of community pride are two characteristics most REALTORS® possess. Read how our latest four Spotlight on Community Service awardees are working to better our community. Chris Close - Dublin Community; Darryl Isabel - working with school children; Alan Jones - Red Cross; Joyce Ronding - Children's Hospital

Homeownership benefits everyone - In additional to tangible financial benefits, homeownership is said to bring substantial social benefits for families, communities, and the country as a whole. A National Association of REALTORS® study "Social Benefits of Homeownership and Stable Housing" supports these claims. [Read more]

Lach running for NAR Region 6 VP
Our own Barbara Lach is running for 2008 NAR Region 6 Vice President. OAR Directors will vote September 20 at the state convention in Cleveland. Click here to view Barbara's campaign brochure. Click here to view Barbara's resume.

Client Listing Site (CLS)

The new CLS replaces CBR Tempo Prospecting and offers members superior functionality for interaction with clients. [More info]

Housing still hot despite cooler weather - November home sales were up slightly over a phenomenal November 2004. Year to date sales are up 3% and the average price of a Central Ohio home is up 4.5% from one year ago. [More info]

Thank you for voting! - Thanks to your diligence, Issues 2-5 were overwhelmingly defeated effectively preventing liberal modifications to the election process. Additionally, Issue 1 passed which will provide for needed job growth initiatives in Ohio. [Read more]

Hurricane Relief Donations
Hurricane Katrina has left our neighbors down south in dire need of assistance. If you'd like to help, here are a couple options: The National Association of REALTORS® is collecting money through the REALTORS® Relief Fund. As of October 3, $5.67 million has been collected (which includes NAR's seed donation of $1.15 million). For more info and/or to contribute, click here. Member Jill Gjamov is collecting/recycling aluminum cans and using the proceeds to help. [More info]

CAT registration was required by November 15
The Ohio biennial budget passed this summer includes a CAT (Commercial Activity Tax) which requires taxpayers with annual gross receipts in excess of $150,000 to register by November 15, 2005 or face a penalty of $100/month. [Read more]

Free Credit Reports
Ohio residents have access to free credit reports from the three big bureaus - Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. This free access should help consumers keep track of any inaccuracies or omissions in their credit files that could depress their credit scores and raise the cost of the mortgage money they need to purchase a home. [More info]

Changes in the real estate law
In order to simplify the agency disclosure process, changes have been approved to Ohio's real estate law. The non-agency changes were effective November 1, 2004 and the agency provisions, as well as the new Agency Disclosure Statement are effective January 1, 2005. [More info]

Emergency Preparedness Guide
Prepared by NAR, this guide to help homeowners understand the kinds of threats they may face, collect emergency supplies and make effective emergency plans for their families. Member can download the free guide to distribute to homeowners at www.Realtor.org.

Have you contacted your Senator about the Health Care bill?
The good news is that on July 26, the US House of Representatives passed H.R. 525, the Small Business Health Fairness Act. Now it's companion bill (S. 406) is before the Senate. If passed, this will allow associations to negotiate health care plans on a national basis and achieve true group rates! Your action is needed now. To send a letter to your Senator, click here . (FYI - If you do not see the Call for Action on S. 406 after clicking above, you have already sent the letter.)

Fraud Alert
There's been two incidences of this scam in Central Ohio this spring. Click here for more information and a picture of the suspect.

Keep our DSCC in Columbus
As Congress reviews possible base closings this year, our own DSCC is at risk. The loss of jobs and tax revenue will be devastating for Central Ohio. You can help keep our DSCC in Columbus. Here's how...

CBR Members Recognized at Convention
Bob Miller received the OAR REALTOR® of the Year award; Charlotte Van Steyn will receive the OAR Distinguished Service Award, Pat O'Neil was elected OAR 2005 Treasurer. [Read more]

NAR Ethics requirement due Dec. 31?
Confused about the NAR quadrennial "Code of Ethics" requirement? Click here for answers to your questions.

November home sales up almost 18%
1,875 homes were sold in November 2004 - up 17.6% over 2003. Year to date sales are up 9.7%. [More info]

Scott Bell passed away
We're sad to report that Scott Bell passed away on Friday, December 31. Viewing hours are Monday, January 3, 12pm-9pm at The Vineyard Columbus, 6000 Cooper Road, Westerville, OH 43081, and Tuesday from 10 a.m.-12 noon. A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. Online condolences at www.shaw-davis.com. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Tree of Life Christian School Bell Family Fund for Scott's Children's Education Trust, 935 Northridge Rd, Columbus, OH 43224. A special thank you from the Bell family for all those who gave endless love, support, and prayer.

October In Contract online
Wondering why you're getting so much spam? Looking for info on the upcoming Sales Associates Day? Want to improve your efficiency? Check out your October In Contract magazine - online? [Read more]

Free Voter Registration Packets are avialable at CBR courtesy of a joint venture between the League of Women Voters and CBR. Pick up packets for your new homeowners in the lobby.

New Radon, Mold Notice for HUD properties
Starting on June 27, HUD's new Radon Gas and Mold Notice Release Agreement must be included with all HUD sales contracts. The notice provides information to potential purchasers of single-family properties repossessed by the Federal Housing Administration that radon gas and some molds have the potential to cause health problems. The notice also ensures that potential purchasers of HUD-acquired single- family properties have the cautionary information in the release agreement, which mitigates potential liability. For more info, visit www.HUD.org. For an interactive version of the new form, click here.

New mandatory FHA Home Inspection Form
The FHA revised its Home Inspection Form to incorporate radon testing as one of the components homebuyers should consider at the time of purchase. The new form also clarifies the importance of and differences between an appraisal and a home inspection. According to the form, the buyer is to have considered the form before signing a contract with the seller. Starting Feb. 22, 2004 HUD requires use of the revised form when lenders submit their package of information for FHA loan endorsement. Click here to access the form.

MLS to implement fines

Beginning January 1, 2006, CBR Tempo will begin implementing fines for violations of MLS rules. [Read more]

Want to verify if you're on a 2006 CBR Committee?

It's been really busy and we've missed notifying some members of their appointments to 2006 committees. So, in case you're wondering, here's a way to verify your appointment. Click here to view the master list by Name Click here to view the master list by Committee

Franklin County reappraisals

The recent Franklin County reappraisals have created quite a stir among property owners. Click here to read a letter from Auditor Joe Testa providing insight on the mandatory appraisal process.

Smart Commute Plus

Buyers purchasing a house within 1/4 mile of a COTA bus route could qualfy with only $500 down! For more info, click here.

The central Ohio housing market continues to stabilize as fewer homes are added to the market and sales increase [More info]