Cleveland Area Board of REALTORS®

CABOR Shares Thoughts on REALTORS® and Vacant Property Registrations

CABOR — Thu, 09 May 2013 15:02:12 +0000

Recently, the Cleveland Area Board of REALTORS^® (CABOR) released recommendations for municipalities to consider prior to enacting or amending vacant property legislation.

With more than 26,000 vacant homes in Cuyahoga County[1], it is no surprise that there are roughly 20 cities in Cuyahoga County with some type of Vacant Property Registration Ordinance (VPRO) either on the books or pending action by city council[2].

“In addition to the negative impact vacant homes can have on any given neighborhood, we are finding that many REALTORS^® are concerned about what their liability is when listing a vacant home for sale,” said CABOR Chairwoman Joanne Zettl.

As an association, CABOR does believe it is appropriate – and expected – that a city exercise its policing power to insist on the exterior upkeep of all homes in its jurisdiction. However, this should not be confused as support for any inspection tied to the sale of a home.

“ If a city believes that enforcement of maintenance codes already on the books and/or a systematic exterior inspection of all properties within in its jurisdiction is not enough to ensure the health, safety and general welfare of a neighborhood, then CABOR recommends that certain points are considered before a VPRO is proposed,” Zettl said.

Recommendations include:

The VPRO should clearly state what properties are subject to its provisions and what exactly triggers a property registration. Clarity will allow for fairness and alleviate due process concerns.
If a property owner is actively listing a property for sale or rent; or is undergoing active construction, rehabilitation, renovation or repair, CABOR recommends associated registration and fees be waived. Associated fees for a registration and/or property maintenance do not exceed the actual cost to the city.
REALTORS^® should not be liable under any VPRO. It is customary and usually fair for a property owner or occupant to bear legal responsibility for ensuring that a property complies with maintenance standards and registration requirements. It is unfair to treat REALTORS^® as if they are the owners and make them responsible for ensuring compliance. VPROs should be clear that REALTORS^® are not responsible for the obligations imposed by the ordinance. CABOR does believe, however, that a REALTOR^® may act as a conduit of information between the city and the property owner.
Maintenance standards for the vacant property should be clear, and property owners understand what exactly is required of them while the property is vacant.
Any fines or other civil penalties should be clearly defined and fairly applied. The official responsible for imposing penalties should be given the authority to waive or suspend penalties in appropriate circumstances.
Inspection provisions must comply with the Fourth Amendment. An inspection provision should: (1) clearly set forth the scope of the inspection; (2) require that reasonable notice be provided; and (3) not punish an owner for refusing to give entry to an official who does not have a warrant.

“As an organization of professionals dedicated to betterment of the real estate industry and promotion of home ownership, we believe that these recommendations will not only protect the REALTOR, but more importantly the property owner’s rights, as well,” Zettl stated. “CABOR is always looking for ways to improve our communities and encourage growth throughout the Cleveland metropolitan area. We welcome the opportunity to work with cities and organizations dedicated to improving our neighborhoods.”

CABOR and its staff are available as a resource to municipalities, organizations, and property owners in the greater Cleveland area. For more information, call (216) 901-0130 or visit our website, www.cabor.com.

[1] Northeast Ohio Community and Neighborhood Data for Organizing, http://neocando.case.edu/

[2] Safeguard Properties, http://safeguardproperties.com/Resources/Vacant_Property_Registration/OH.aspx?filter=vpr

Ohioans Save Energy & Money Through ECO-Link

CABOR — Mon, 06 May 2013 13:20:20 +0000

ECO-Link is a partnership between the State Treasurer of Ohio and participating state banks that provides a 3% interest rate reduction for five or seven years on bank loans when completing energy-efficient upgrades in your home. Through this program, ECO-Link invests in Ohio’s environment and communities while fostering economic growth. The maximum loan amount the interest rate reduction can be applied to is $50,000. A homeowner can opt for a seven-year rate reduction if the loan is for more than $25,000.

Weatherization projects may reduce energy bills while adding value and comfort to your home. Additionally, most improvements are also eligible for federal tax credits and rebates, as well as utility companies’ incentive programs, which add to your potential savings. ECO-Link provides a money-saving tool for Ohioans while supporting a green economy.

ECO-Link is not a loan from the Treasurer’s office to the homeowner but rather a strategic investment with lenders to spur energy conservation, a cleaner environment and a healthy state economy. Here is how the program works:

The Treasury purchases an investment with a participating bank at a discounted rate on behalf of the homeowner participating in ECO-Link
The lender then passes along the discounted savings to the homeowner as a 3% interest rate reduction of for five or seven years on an eligible bank loan
Through the life of the loan, the customer pays the bank and the bank then returns the investment to the Treasury at maturity

Benefits:

ECO-Link provides reduced rate financing for Ohio homeowners who complete weatherization or energy- efficient improvements in their homes
Decreased energy use
Increase the comfort inside your home
Take advantage of federal tax credits and rebates as well as incentives offered by many local utility companies

Download the Application

Merger News

CABOR — Fri, 03 May 2013 12:55:48 +0000

On April 25th AABOR and CABOR’s Boards of Directors approved a merger agreement. This advances the Boards toward merger. Directors also approved proposed Bylaws for the new association. These steps are necessary prior to presenting the merger to members for their vote in July.

The Bylaws were created by a Merger Governance Committee comprised of AABOR and CABOR leadership. They compared AABOR & CABOR’s current Bylaws. We took the best of both organizational documents and created new, collaborative Bylaws framed around NAR’s recommended template.

As we move into the next phase of this exciting journey, the Merger PR Committee will get members all the information they need to make an educated decision. In addition to a website, there will be a town hall meeting, a broker/owner meeting, sales meetings, and articles starting in a few weeks. In July, members cast their vote!

Save the Date: Northeast Ohio Real Estate Convention

CABOR — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:00:02 +0000

Mark your calendar for October 16, 2013! The CABOR Membership Committee has been hard at work planning the second annual Northeast Ohio Real Estate Convention. This one-day, all-day event will be held at La Centre Conference Facility in Westlake.

"The new location is the perfect venue for a top-notch real estate event," said Tony Crea, CABOR Treasurer and Vice-Chair of the Membership Committee. The event will feature two keynote speakers and a collection of timely programs.

"There will be plenty of C.E. available, but our priority now is on finding dynamic speakers who will have a wide appeal to all real estate professionals in Northeast Ohio," said Membership Committee Chair, Denise Scolaro.

Speaker announcements will be coming soon as will a call for sponsors and exhibitors.

CABOR Building to Close Early April 18

CABOR — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:52:02 +0000

The CABOR building will close an hour early at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18. All employees will be attending a function pertaining to the AABOR/CABOR Merger. Regular business hours will resume on Friday, April 19. Regular business hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have questions, please call (216) 901-0130 or email info@cabor.com.

CABOR Shares DIY Projects, Part II

CABOR — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:22:10 +0000

In a recent column, we talked about easy do-it-yourself projects you can easily pull off for under $300. Here are two more that are simple and economical.

Project # 1: Add garage storage.

The setup: Shopping for garage storage solutions is definitely a kid-in-the-candy-store experience. There are so many cool shelves, hooks, and hangers available that you’ll need to prioritize your needs. Take stock of long-handled landscape tools, bikes, paint supplies, ladders, and odd ducks, such as that kayak. Measure your available space so you will have a rough idea of where everything goes.

Specs and cost: Set your under-$300 budget, grab a cart, and get shopping. Many storage systems are made to be hung on drywall, but hooks and heavy items should be fastened directly to studs. Use a stud finder ($20) to locate solid framing.

If your garage is unfinished, add strips of wood horizontally across studs so you will have something to fasten your storage goodies to. An 8-foot-long 2-by-4 is about $2.50.

Tools: Cordless drill/driver; hammer; level; measuring tape; screws and nails.

Time: This is a simple project, but not a fast one. Figure 6-10 hours to get everything where you want it, plus shopping. But, oh the fun in putting everything in its place!

Project #2: Edging your garden.

The setup: Edging is a great way to define your planting beds, corral garden mulch and to separate your lawn from your garden or patio.

Specs and cost: Wood and metal edging looks like tiny fencing; they are 4 - 6 inches high. Some include spikes that hold the edging in position; other types must be partially buried. Cost is $1-$5 per foot.

Plastic edging can be molded and colored to mimic brick, wood, and stone. About $20 for 10 feet.

Concrete edging blocks are smooth, or textured to resemble stone. $15 - $25 for 10 feet.

Real stone edging is installed flush with the surrounding grade in a shallow trench on a bed of sand, so digging is required. Stone is sold by the ton and prices vary by region. You will need about one-third of a ton of flagstone to make an 8-inch-wide edging 50 feet long, costing $150-$200.

Tools: Shovel; wheelbarrow; tin snips (for cutting plastic edging); work gloves.

Time: Pre-made edging will take 2-3 hours for 50 feet; stone will take 6-10 hours.

This article is being presented by the Cleveland Area Board of REALTORS® (CABOR). And remember, when you are ready to buy or sell a home, contact a REALTOR® professional.

Are You a Real Estate Leader?

CABOR — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:04:04 +0000

Have you been considering a leadership role in your real estate organization? CABOR’s Nominating Committee is working to identify CABOR members to serve on the board of directors. The real estate industry is changing rapidly and we are looking for members to help us strengthen CABOR. If you think you might be interested, please complete the candidate profile:

Candidate Profile Form

If you have questions, call Therese Covell at CABOR (216/525-4840). She will be happy to help you.

New Package Discount: Online C.E.

CABOR — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 16:45:05 +0000

Members of the Cleveland Area Board of Realtors® can save 10% off the 30-hour real estate C.E. with video courses package at Hondros College. This package features their three new video courses as part of the 30 hours. Be entertained while you learn! Just use the code April2013 at check-out to receive the discount. Offer expires 4/30/13.

CABOR’s Annual Golf Outing And Clambake Is Coming!!

CABOR — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:54:00 +0000

Save the Date: September 16, 2013 -- Hawthorne Valley County Club

Lunch, Golf, Clambake and More!!!

More details to come in the coming weeks.

If you want to sponsor a hole or tee – please contact either Dave Iammarino at 440-829-4150 or Nate Golem at 216-906-1332.

REALTOR® Code of Ethics Protecting Consumers for 100 Years

CABOR — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:00:37 +0000

Working with a REALTOR^® gives buyers, sellers and investors many advantages they need to succeed in today’s real estate market. One of those advantages is the assurance that REALTORS® subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics which provides their clients with the highest degree of professionalism, ethics and service. And this year marks the 100th anniversary of the REALTOR^® Code of Ethics.

“Not all real estate licensees are REALTORS^®,” said Joanne Zettl, Chairwoman of the Cleveland Area Board of REALTORS^® (CABOR). “Only those who are a member of NAR can use the term “REALTOR^®” and subscribe to the Code of Ethics as a condition of NAR membership. REALTORS^® are the most trusted resource for real estate information and have access to advanced educational opportunities and training in real estate specialties, bringing value to buyers, sellers and investors.”

The Code is a comprehensive document spelling out professional responsibilities owed to clients, other REALTORS^® and the general public. All REALTORS^® must take comprehensive training on NAR’s Code of Ethics at least once every four years to retain their membership. Adopted in 1913, NAR was only the second trade or business group in the U.S. to adopt mandatory ethical standards for its members.

“Real estate is a business based on trust, and working ethically is a way to build trustworthy relationships,” said Zettl. “Buying and selling a home is a major, life-altering decision, and buyers and sellers need to be able to depend on their REALTOR^® to guide them through the process with their best interests in mind. The Code helps provide an added layer of security to help REALTORS^® do just that.”

Consisting of 17 articles organized into duties to clients and customers, the public and REALTORS®, the Code outlines numerous professional responsibilities. For instance, REALTORS^®must be honest with all parties in the real estate transaction, including their client, other REALTORS^® or real estate agents and their clients. REALTORS^® should also be forthcoming with all parties by disclosing all pertinent facts regarding the property and the transaction. If something seems questionable about a property, the REALTOR^® is obligated to investigate and make recommendations that buyers consult their own expert and inspectors. In addition, REALTORS^® must be truthful in advertising and communications with the public. When distributing newsletters, creating websites or placing advertisements, REALTORS^® must represent only their work and not take credit for the work of another real estate professional.

Consumers can read more about the Code of Ethics and can find a summary of the Code that explains how it benefits them at www.REALTOR.org/code-of-ethics.

Remember, when you are ready to buy or sell your home, the Cleveland Area Board of REALTORS^® is here to assist.