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 NAR to issue CALL TO ACTION tomorrow
OAR has just received word that NAR will issue an all-member CALL TO ACTION tomorrow, Tuesday, March 18.
Topic: NAR Call for Action: Market Conditions Demand FHA Reform Now
The increased loan limits for FHA that were included in the Economic Stimulus package are set to expire at the end of the year. NAR supports an FHA Reform Bill that includes realistic and permanent increases in the loan limits.
Early evidence shows that the increased FHA loan limits are providing a much needed infusion of stability, liquidity and security into the market. If Congress lets the new limits expire, the fragile housing market will once again be thrust into a period of turmoil.
Don't let Congress stop progress through inaction. Tell Congress that realistic loan limits that permanently help all areas of the country are needed now.
If you do not receive the e-mail by Noon tomorrow, please visit the REALTORS Action Center to participate in the Call to Action.
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Save The Dream campaign
With a $160,000 contribution from the Education & Research Fund, the Ohio Department of Commerce has launched the “Save the Dream” campaign. It is intended to help homeowners who may be facing mortgage foreclosure. The radio and television spots are excellent. And the money contributed by Ohio’s real estate licensees via the E & R Fund is being used in a very positive way.
To find more information, go to:
- www.savethedream.ohio.gov
- Click on “continue” button
- Go to: “Informational Videos” section
- Radio & Television spots are under “The Save the Dream Campaign”"
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Legal issues
Failure to request accommodation dooms accessibility lawsuit...A subdivision whose common areas weren't accessible didn't violate state fair housing and disability laws because its common areas weren't intended for the public, the Court of Appeals of Arizona, Division 1, ruled, affirming the trial court. Also, the couple bringing the lawsuit never made a request for reasonable accommodation, a prerequisite for bringing a claim against the subdivision.
Court rules against HUD on seller-funded downpayment assistance...HUD's regulation against seller-funded downpayment assistance programs is invalid and violates federal law by failing to explain why the Department reversed its favorable stance on downpayment assistance and by failing to consider reasonable alternatives to the regulation, a federal court in California ruled.
The lawsuit was brought by two seller-funded assistance providers, Nehemiah Corporation and AmeriDream, Inc. In its concerns to HUD on its rule, NAR said the agency risked hurting qualified downpayment assistance programs and called on HUD to construe the limits on non-profit downpayment assistance as narrowly as possible.
A ruling from the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia is expected shortly.
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NAR President's Podcast: Make the loan limits work
NAR President Dick Gaylord in his latest podcast explains how REALTORS can implement the new FHA and GSE loan limits. He also provides an update on the Association's most recent efforts to pass legislation to reform the oversight of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and to make the loan limit increases permanent.
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OAR/NAR host 'Surround Sound' training
OAR extended a complimentary invitation to Local Board/Association leadership and staff to participate in an exclusive "Surround Sound” training session being offered in partnership with NAR.
The program, which was previewed at OAR's Winter Conference, is designed to assist REALTOR organizations in changing the public’s perceptions about the vitality of the local real estate market...particularly among potential home buyers who are on the fence about making a move.
NAR has shifted the focus of its $45 million public awareness campaign to stress that it’s a great time to buy and that all real estate is local...urging interested buyers to contact a REALTOR to get the facts of what’s taking place in each marketplace. “Surround Sound” is a key component of the program’s overall success in getting the REALTOR message out to the home buying and selling public.
NAR’s training will be conducted in Ohio in April by top national experts and consist of a review of the “Surround Sound” messaging & talking points, media & community relations and on-camera training.
It is critical that REALTORS take control of the perceptions in their communities by surrounding potential consumers with accurate information about the local market and opportunities for individual homeownership. By communicating efficiently and effectively with your community through multiple channels, you will begin to shape the insight governing consumer choice in your community.
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'Get in the Game'
Do you feel like the current market has you benched?...Find out how to "GET IN THE GAME"!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR OAR'S ANNUAL CONVENTION & EXPO...SEPTEMBER 14-17...COLUMBUS
Three days of fun, networking, education, technology and give aways that will motivate and inspire you to score big in 2008. Start planning now to be there. Save $25 on your registration fee by bringing a first-time REALTOR attendee who will also receive a $25 discount. THIS JUST MIGHT BE THE BEST INVESTMENT YOU EVER MADE IN YOUR BUSINESS! .
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Save with Pearl
 Real Estate Errors & Omissions (E&O) coverage from Pearl Insurance is underwritten by the A rated (by A.M. Best) XL Insurance companies (through Greenwich Insurance Company and Indian Harbor Insurance Company). Our E&O program has earned sponsorships from over 40 national, state and local real estate associations, including the Ohio Association of REALTORS since 1995.
Because Pearl understands real estate professionals' hectic lifestyles, we designed our Click. Quote. Buy. process for E&O shopping. We've made it easy for you to login, obtain a quick E&O quote--and, if qualified, even buy your policy online immediately at www.pearlinsurance.com/quote/.
As a Pearl E&O insured, you'll receive valuable risk management tools and services to help educate you on effectively minimizing your legal liability. All attendees of our Risk Management Seminars are eligible for premium credits. In addition, you'll gain access to our entire online library of monthly Risk Managers and receive mailings of our quarterly newsletters. View samples of our Risk Management information here. Call us today at 800.289.8170 or visit www.pearlinsurance.com/quote/ for more information on Pearl Insurance E&O for real estate professionals.
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Tech Tips
How to turn off CD's autoplay feature...How can you stop Windows XP from launching program CDs?
- Click Start; click Run, type GPEDIT.MSC to open Group Policy in the Microsoft Management Console.
- Double-click Computer Configuration, double-click Administrative templates, double-click System, and then click Turn off auto play.
- The instructions on your screen describe how to configure this setting. Click Properties to display the setting dialog.
- Click Enabled, and choose CD-ROM drives, then click OK, to stop CD auto play.
This setting does not prevent Auto play for music CDs.
Beware of fradulent links in e-mail...If you are in doubt, do not click links in e-mail! If you get an email from your bank or PayPal that asks you to verify account information by clicking on a link, beware. Put your cursor OVER the link and look at the web address that is displayed. If the address DOES NOT include the domain of the company, it may be fraudulent. Open a new browser and type in the correct URL to the company and log in to your account that way.
Insert a file in Word...If you have two word documents that you would like to merge, you don’t have to copy and paste, you can simply insert a file:
- Open your Word document.
- Place the cursor in the open document where you want to insert the second one.
- From the Insert menu, click Insert File. If you are using Word 2002, click File from the Insert menu.
- Locate the file that you want to insert into your document and click the Insert button!
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
Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES)...Understand what motivates the largest and wealthiest buyer's group in the country...Baby Boomers. This mature demographic can make your business boom. Course held April 10-11 in Cleveland. Register today!
Introduction to Commercial Investment Real Estate Analysis...Enhance your knowledge...This course provides an overview of all aspects of commercial real estate...from property inspection through follow-up after the property is sold. Course will be held in April 14-15 in Cleveland and April 17-18 in Columbus. Approved for 14 hrs. of c.e. 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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