Association News

• Charitable Donation application due September 15 Annually, COAR donates approximately $10,000 to nonprofits serving Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson and Harney Counties. Donation decisions are made one time a year in the Fall. In 2016, contributions were made to: Redmond Golfers for Scholars, LaPine Community Kitchen, Grandma's House, Family Kitchen, Oregon Adaptive Sports, DAWNS House, the Shepherds House and Soroptimist of Bend. For an application, click here.
• COAR’s Policy Pulse blog: a source for issues impacting the real estate industry Have you checked out COAR’s Policy Pulse? This government affairs blog offers a source for updates and commentary on issues impacting the real estate industry at the local, state and federal levels. Here we’ll discuss regulatory and legislative developments and keep you abreast of the information you need to know. We’ll also offer various perspectives, including guest spots where we’ll hear from different community leaders and experts on the issues. This week the blog features a recap and some thoughts on City Club of Central Oregon’s July forum, “Economic Development in a Housing Crisis: Real Solutions for Solving Our Middle Market Crunch.” To access the blog, login to the COAR website and click “Policy Pulse Blog” under the Government Affairs tab.
• Is that lot legal? New FAQ available on Deschutes County legal lot of record Is that lot your client is buying or selling legal? How Deschutes County Lot of Records are determined has changed. Even if there is an existing structure and taxes are being paid, your client may still need to determine if their property is a legal lot. COAR is working hard with the county to change the process and red tape involved in getting legal lot determinations, but there is still important information you need to know to protect yourself and your clients. Click here to download COAR's legal lot of record FAQ.
• City of Bend loosens sign code, provides more flexibility for open house signs Recently, City of Bend Code Enforcement staff shared revisions to the City's sign code, which now allow signs in the right of way seven-days-a-week. These changes are designed to allow REALTORS® more flexibility in open house signage. The City is also implementing a zero tolerance policy for non-conforming signs - $750 fine per sign for violations + confiscation of the sign. COAR has created a new sign code FAQ for the City of Bend - click here to download this resource.
• Bethlehem Inn Capitol Campaign In conjunction with the Central Oregon Builder's Association, COAR members are working to raise $760,000 toward the construction of a new Family Residence and Service Hub at the Bethlehem Inn. As members of the real estate community we believe in a Central Oregon where residents are afforded dignity and respect in their pursuit of a home. For more information on this campaign, please click here.
• Nonprofit Donation Application Available On an annual basis, COAR reviews applications for donations to local charities and distributes funds. The application for 2017 is now available and the deadline is September 15th. More information can be found in the Community Involvement section of our website and the application can be downloaded here.
• Legal Lot of Record Advisory Notice COAR's legal counsel has created an additional Legal Lot of Record Advisory Notice, so now both a seller's notice and buyer's disclosure are available to members under "Tools & Resources" in the Government Affairs Section the website. These forms have been submitted to Zipforms as well and will soon be accessible in the library.
• COAR Blood Drives June 8, 2017. Who will win the most pints donated this year? Bend or Redmond? Hint-Redmond has won for the past three years! COAR is hosting two blood drives:In Bend at COAR from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PMIn Redmond at the Senior Center from 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM. Register for a time here or contact kim@coar.com.
• COAR Goes to Washington Last week, members of COAR’s leadership and staff attended the 2017 NAR Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo in Washington, DC. This annual event brings REALTORS® from across the country together to learn about legislative and regulatory issues and policies impacting the real estate industry. The event included special issues forums, sessions, committee meetings, legislative activities and the industry trade show. On Wednesday, members of the Central Oregon delegation joined their colleagues from across the state in meetings with Congressman Greg Walden and Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley. In these meetings, REALTORS® discussed NAR’s federal legislative priorities and concerns, including tax reform, sustainable homeownership and the 
• La Pine City Council Votes Down Proposed Garage Ordinance When the City of La Pine proposed an ordinance requiring all single family dwellings and duplexes to have a minimum of a 1-car private, attached garage with exterior siding and paint colors the same or similar to the dwelling unit, La Pine REALTORS® were concerned about the impact of such an overly restrictive policy on the local market. COAR responded by testifying twice in opposition to the ordinance before the La Pine Planning Commission, as well as letters to both the Commission and the La Pine City Council. The latest letter came in advance of a Council vote on the policy and suggested a compromise that if a garage is built, it must meet the specifications and standards outlined in the ordinance. On May 10, the La Pine City Council voted not to pass the ordinance. This decision represents a win for REALTORS®, property owners and future property owners in La Pine! A special thanks to the La Pine REALTORS® who provided testimony, as well as their input and expertise on this issue. Learn more