Greg Hrabcak, OAR District #6 Vice President
Real Living Business/The Commercial Partnership
77 Natiowide Blvd., Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614.888.3456 Ext. 408, E-mail: Greg.Hrabcak@RealLivingBusiness.com

With the Ohio real estate market beginning to spring to life–following a challenging economic climate since the onset of the Great Recession in mid-2000–the state’s real estate professionals converged upon the Capitol City for the betterment of the industry.

It makes me proud to be a part of a profession where so many of my peers are willing to work on creating a better climate for the industry, as well as current and future property owners.

This was never more evident than during the Ohio Association of REALTORS recent Spring Legislative Conference held March 26-28 in Columbus. More than 300 REALTORS from across the Buckeye State gathered across from the Ohio Statehouse to deliberate on the issues confronting our industry and the rights of property owners. These folks took time away from their daily business and families to work for the advancement of our profession

Lest you think it was all work…we, being REALTORS and all, were able to mix in some fun as well.

I’d like to share with you some of the highlights from the Conference:

• Ohio Governor John Kasich addressed the industry, noting that the state was on the rebound with improving employment and a growing sense that Ohio has regained its “mojo.” He credits a wide range of initiatives that have been implemented since his election in 2010 – including taxation to criminal justice to energy policies to education initiatives – as keys to the state’s improving fortunes. For more details, visit the OAR Daily Buzz at http://www.ohiorealtors.org/2012/03/29/were-getting-our-mojo-back/
• The Business Technology Forum and the Young Professionals Network teamed up to offer a session on “Video Marketing for the Redefined: Search to Service” and attendees earned two free hours of continuing education credit. Speaker Doug Devitre provided highlights of new technologies that real estate professionals can implement to attain a higher standard of service to clients and customers.
• The always popular Legal Issues Forum explored “What You Need to Know Before You Lease or Manage Property,” offering attendees 1.5 hours of free continuing education credit. OAR’s legal team of Peg Ritenour and Lorie Garland offered critical information in order to comply with the license law.
• We were honored to have Dr. Herb Asher, a top political analyst from The Ohio State University, serve as the program’s keynote speaker, offering an inside look at what is shaping the political landscape at both the federal and state level.
• A packed room heard from the top leadership of the Ohio Democratic and Republican Parties–each offering insights on what the prospects hold for the upcoming 2012. Special thanks to Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern and to Darren Bearson, executive director of the Ohio Republican Party, and Chris Maloney, communications director, for a lively and informative session.
• Special thanks to David Goodman, director of Ohio’s Department of Commerce, and Anne Petit, superintendent of the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing, for taking time from their busy schedules to offer insights on what will be taking place in these critical agencies.
• Ohio Senate President Tom Niehaus and Ohio Speaker of the House Bill Batchelder provided an overview of activity at the State House and insights on action likely to occur during the 129th General Assembly.
• A panel of experts offered an overview of the Mortgage Service Settlement Fund and what it will mean for Ohio. Amy Klaben, president and chief executive officer of Homeport, Matthew Lampke, mortgage foreclosure counsel for Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s office, and Edward Leonard, Franklin County Treasurer, provided an overview of prevention and assistance programs.
• Attendees were given an update on an initiative to reform Ohio’s Municipal Income Tax structure, intended to streamline reporting requirements and ease the burden on taxpayers. Tom Zaino, managing partner at McDonald Hopkins, and Chris Ferruso, legislative director for the National Federation of Independent Business, offered expert analysis of the state’s need to update this area of tax collection.
• Remember how I mentioned that attendees were able to find a little time to mix in pleasure with the business? REALTORS hosted a special legislative reception for members of the Ohio General Assembly at the Statehouse.
• On the legislative front, Directors approved six motions from the Enlarged Legislative Committee:

• Support recommended revisions to the Ohio Commercial Broker Lien Law from an OAR working group. The changes are necessary improvements to the 14-year-old law.
• Monitor HB 406 which would extend a tax credit to buyers of new homes.
• Monitor HB 407 which would offer developers an exemption from real property tax.
• Support HB 436 in concept. The initial concern over the Job Ready Sites program was that government was competing with private developers by taking on the role of speculative development in Ohio. Under this bill, this has been solved by allowing private developments to become part of the Site Ohio program.
• Monitor SB 172, designed to reduce financial burdens placed on small business owners who have little means of satisfying the judgments obtained on tenants who have violated their rental agreements. The bill, as drafted, gives the state unprecedented authority to become debt collectors for private entities.
• Support municipal income tax uniformity and join the coalition seeking its passage. Ohio is one of 10 states where municipalities assess and collect individual and business income–all states with the exception of Pennsylvania have eight or fewer cities assessing municipal income tax–compared to almost 600 in Ohio.

As you can see, it was a highly productive Spring Legislative Conference. I appreciate the opportunity you have given me to represent your interests at OAR.

By the way…mark your calendars for Oct. 2-4 and make plans to attend OAR’s 102nd Annual Convention at Easton Town Center in Columbus. You’ll be glad you did!