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.
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]
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.
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