100 Acts of Kindness
In honor of CBR's 100th Anniversay, we will be recognizing members for their community service (acts of kindness). Those recognized will receive an honorary pin. Submit yourself or another. [More info/Nomination form]

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 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.

New form required for sales award applications
With the conversion to Tempo 5 MLS in February 2008, the burden of paperwork previously needed for the CBR million dollar club awards will be greatly reduced. However, until the conversion, a new form has been developed which must be used for transactions between November 1, 2007 and the time the system goes live. Form

Commercial Property Search
The Central Ohio Commercial Information Exchange (COCIE) is the hottest commercial tool to hit the market this decade. It combines the CBR, CCIIR and Xceligent information into one comprehensive property database. Click here to find out more.

March 25 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.

Election Results - C/I Steering Committee
Congratulations to Paul Bloomfield (Kohr Royer Griffith) and Shane Woloshan (Grubb & Ellis Adena Realty)  who were elected to 3-year terms on the C/I Steering Committee beginning in 2009.

Holiday Schedule
In observance of the upcoming holidays, CBR will be closed Dec. 25 & 26 and Jan. 1 & 2.

National financial debacles take their toll on local housing
October home sales were almost 10 percent lower than last year likely due in part to the drop in consumer confidence that followed the drop in stock market values. [Read more]

Foundation Raffle winner
Congratulations to Jim Coridan who was the $5,000 winner of CBR's Charitable Foundation Fund raffle.

CBR Director Election Results
Congratulations to the following elected Directors:
   Newton Burris, Coldwell Banker King Thompson
   Ben Calhoon, Prudential Calhoon Company 
   Ron Hobelman, Keller Williams Capital Partners
   Jill Rudler, Real Living HER
    Scott Brader (Affiliate), Concord Mortgage

Financing options still plentiful for first-time homebuyers
With the passage of the 2008 Housing & Economic Recovery Act, seller-funded down payments were eliminated. But there are still plenty of other programs to help first-time buyers. [More info]

Young Professionals Network
CBR is starting a new networking group for our younger generation members. Click here to read more and find out how to become part of this exciting new group.

Home sales remain strong, inventory continues to balance
(Oct. 22, 2008) Strong home sales and lower inventories are significantly aiding central Ohio's return to a more traditional housing market. [Read more]

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]

The Bailout...
REALTORS® are closely monitoring the federal government's response to the credit crisis. Click here for a summary of the proposed Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (EESA) or visit the NAR Credit Crisis web page.

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]

New tax credit for first time home buyers
The Housing & Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HR 3221), signed by the President on 7/30/08, is expected to help many first time home buyers. More info - NAR, NAHB.

Suspected rapist caught
The man suspected of attacking a Newbury Homes rep has been caught by police. [More info]

Crime Alerts
Last update 3-13-08. More info.