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 Good things come to those who wait
If you haven't secured your spot for the upcoming OAR Annual Convention & Expo (Sept. 14-17 in Columbus), it's not too late! In fact, we're extending the special "early bird" pricing--giving you the opportunity to "Get in the Game" and take advantage of all the excitement, all the fun for just $150.
As an added bonus--every REALTOR registered for the Convention before Sept. 3 will be entered into a drawing to win a coveted Nintendo Wii game system and a $100 gas card.
The 98th edition of the OAR Annual Convention offers you the ability to glean new insights in how to succeed in today's real estate marketplace, earn up to 15 hours of continuing education credit, socialize with peers from all corners of Ohio and see the latest products and services offered at our Trade Expo.
To learn more about how to make an investment in your profession by registering for the OAR Convention, click here!
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CRIS, NORMLS join forces
For the first time ever members of the Centralized Real Estate Information Service (CRIS) and the Northern Ohio Regional Multiple Listing Service (NORMLS) will access one MLS system and will be able to view all MLS listings in northeast Ohio. Members who have been inconvenienced by duplicate fees, duplicate systems to learn, duplicate searches, duplicate listing input and maintenance, and duplicate listings in their IDX websites will now have one MLS system to interface with for an efficient and enhanced MLS experience. Read more...
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Out of touch economics...60% of Americans not worried about housing market
 Last month, presidential nominee John McCain's (R-AZ) top economic advisor, Phil Gramm, was quoted in a Washington Times article calling the citizens of the United States a "nation of whiners." This sound bite sent a shockwave through the media, resulting in nationwide backlash and giving political ammunition to the Democratic party to position McCain as "out of touch" with the economic situation of the country.
While calling hard working Americans a "nation of whiners" certainly put Gramm in a position to seem out of touch, the rest of his explanation on the economic state of the union went lost amongst the vicious uproar.
"You've heard of mental depression; this is a mental recession," said Gramm.
"Misery sells newspapers. Thank God the economy is not as bad as you read in the newspaper every day."
While Gramm cited in his Washington Times interview that economic growth has held up at about one percent despite all the publicity of a recession, recent headlines in such respected newspapers as the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times and USA TODAY have confirmed his theory that, "misery sells newspapers." Read more ...
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Homebuyer tax credit...buy a home, get a tax break
As part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, a First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit is now available. However, this limited-time tax break ends in mid-2009. A homebuyer tax credit has been available for first-time homebuyers in Washington, D.C. for many years, and now first-time homebuyers nationwide can take advantage of a similar benefit. Read more ...
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Households still spending
 Consumer spending remains resilient, says NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun in a commentary on household income. Disposable income is up 6.6 percent year-over-year, and consumer spending is up 5.3 percent. Read more ...
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Rising China means U.S. real estate sales
Canadians are the top foreign buyers of U.S. homes but the Chinese are rising rapidly, NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun says in a commentary on the rising economic might of China. If current Chinese and American GDP growth rates persist, it's possible for China to overcome the U.S. as the world's largest economy in a little over 20 years. Even if China's growth cools, the country, with 1.3 billion people, will continue to impact the world economy, including U.S. residential markets, in major ways.
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Top 10 features desired by home buyers
According to NAR's Profile of Buyer's Home Feature Preferences the top 10 features that buyers' look for in a home are:
- Central Air Conditioning
- Garage (2 or more spaces)
- Walk-in closet in master bedroom
- Backyard/play area
- Cable/Satellite TV-ready
- High-speed Internet Access
- Separate shower enclosure in master/main bath
- Patio
- Fencing
- Home less than 10 years old
Buy Profile ...
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State fiscal conditions and taxes
The latest state-by-state study by NAR's Research Division reviews state budget shortfalls and examines how property tax and transfer tax increases may affect home sales and values. Additionally, a county by county comparison of taxes and imputed rates is available as a supplement for each state. Find out how your state compares. Read more (member log-in required) ...
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7 questions to consider for buyer's agents
Real estate professionals considering taking the buyer's agent path aren't required to have special training, but certification can improve the chance of success. Inside are some ground rules to iron out before signing on as a buyer's agent. Read more ...
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Stop buyers from stringing you along
Real estate professionals should qualify prospective buyers before agreeing to work with them, as the process weeds out buyers who lack the means to achieve homeownership at the current time and allows you to focus only on those who are serious about making a purchase. Read more ...
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Protect yourself from foreclosure litigation
 Real estate professionals would be wise to prepare for potential litigation related to foreclosures; and they should begin by keeping files for each transaction and including all handwritten, typewritten, and printed documents. The file also should contain photographs, e-mails, and electronically stored documents pertaining to the deal.
Additionally, agents and brokers should keep track of public foreclosure notices, identifying early on which properties might cause them problems and preparing accordingly.
Finally, brokers should examine their associates' mortgage deals, especially those that are in default or foreclosure, keeping in mind that problematic transactions involving their associates likely will hit them in the form of a lawsuit.
Source: RISMedia, Richard Charnley (08/06/08).
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Get more from your open houses
Lelia Chapman, vice president of real estate sales at American Home Shield, says real estate practitioners can benefit from holding open houses, maximizing listings exposure. However, they must be prepared, promoting the date of the event well in advance and ensuring it does not conflict with sporting events or religious holidays.
Agents should know all about the property itself, as well as conduct research about neighborhood schools, the local climate, and property taxes. They should provide light refreshments, home inspection reports, and home warranty information as well as display pictures of the residence during various seasons.
Additionally, to prepare the home, agents should ensure it has been thoroughly cleaned and cosmetic improvements have been made. They should rely on natural light, ensure all other lights are in working order, play soft music to create a soothing atmosphere, remove all vehicles from the driveway, and avoid artificial deodorizers in case prospective buyers have allergies.
Source: RISMedia, Lelia Chapman (08/07/08)
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When their computer goes bust, what's a boomer to do?
The generation known for Beatlemania, Free Love and Rock and Roll are taking their place in another revolution -- the Technology Revolution. Baby Boomers have wholeheartedly embraced home computers, according to a new study conducted by www.support.com, the leader in solving personal computer problems quickly over a broadband connection. Read more ...
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Save with OAR and NAR
Your membership in the Ohio Association of REALTORS allows you to take advantage of a number of me mber benefits. For questions about member offers and benefits contact Greg Stitz at stitz@ohiorealtors.org.
In addition, the National Association of REALTORS also provides its members many more benefits and offers.
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Tech Tips
 Change your work week calendar in Outlook...The Outlook calendar is set up to display Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday when you click the Work Week button. However, what if you only work three days a week and you only want those three days displayed in your Work Week? Adjust your work week using the steps that are listed below.
- Open your Outlook calendar.
- From the Tools menu, click Options.
- Click the Calendar Options button on the General tab.
- Select the check boxes beside the days of the week in your workweek.
- Use the drop down arrow beside the First day of week box to select the day that you want.
- Click OK.
- Click OK to close the Options window.
Sell your used cell phone...If you have recently upgraded your cell phone, why not put your old phone up for sale! At cellforcash.com you can select your cell phone model and request a shipping box. In 5 business days, you will receive a postage paid shipping box to send your used phone! They also offer free recycling on older models. Check it out at: http://www.cellforcash.com/index.asp
Sort by column in Excel...The default setting for sorting in Excel Ascending or Descending order is by row.
To sort by columns, follow the steps below…
- From the Data menu, select Sort, and then Options
- Select the Sort left to right option button and click OK.
- In the Sort by option of the Sort dialog box, select the row number by which the columns will be sorted and click OK
Don't forget OAR's free Tech Hotline service...
866.478.TECH (8324) New EXPANDED hours of operation: M-F: 8 am - 8 pm ... S-S: 10 am - 4pm
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Education
GRI Institute coming this fall...
The Graduate REALTOR Institute (GRI) designation is the mark of a real estate professional who has made a commitment to providing a superior level of professional services. REALTORS holding this designation are highly trained in many areas of real estate and are better able to serve and protect their clients. Courses can be taken in any order. OAR will offer these classes in Columbus on the following dates:
GRI 100...Oct. 6-9
GRI 200...Oct. 27-30
GRI 300...Nov. 17-20
Register today!
30 hours online...Take your real estate continuing education hours online. You can take 3, 6 or all 30 hours in any combination...Sign-up today...
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