Legislative Update

There has been no change to the status of the two Agency bills, Senate Bill (SB) 140 and SB 141, since the March 2009 edition of the “Commissioner’s Bulletin.” Both bills modify ORS chapter 696. At this writing, both bills have passed the Senate and have been assigned to House committees but no meetings have been scheduled.

These two bills are the result of collaboration with the Real Estate Board and the rule review work groups convened last year. The bills can be viewed here and here.

Two other bills of interest that modify ORS chapter 696 are SB 640 (sponsored by Senator Courtney) and HB 2910 (sponsored by Representative Schaufler). Both bills were at the request of the Oregon Association of Realtors®. SB 640 proposes new educational requirements for license applicants and new continuing education requirements for licensees and Agency certification of continuing education providers. HB 2910 proposes eliminating the sole practitioner broker license category from conducting professional real estate activity that is licensed by the Agency. These bills can be viewed at here and here.

Agency Proposed Budget

The Joint Ways and Means Committee passed both Agency 2009-2011 budget bills, HB 5045 and HB 5046.

HB 5045 passed the House April 20 and was referred to the Senate, where it received its first reading April 21 and will soon be assigned to a Senate committee.

HB 5046 was reprinted and is now HB 5046A. It received its third reading in the House April 22 and also was referred to the Senate. This bill changes the fee for a criminal background check to $47, to equal the charge by the Oregon State Police.

Important Notice: Licensing Forms Have Been Updated

All of the real estate licensing forms have been updated to reference the new rule numbers, and to implement other minor changes. Please toss copies of any “old” forms you may have in your office and use the new and improved versions located here

Do Real Estate Auctioneers Need To Be Licensed?

In today’s market, auctions of real property have become a popular method for real estate developers, investors and banks to sell property. As a licensee, you should be aware of the requirements to auction real estate in Oregon.

Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 696.010 states that the auctioning of real estate for another for compensation is considered professional real estate activity. Anyone advertising an auction, calling an auction, or assisting buyers or sellers through an auction in Oregon must be licensed as a real estate broker in Oregon per ORS 696.020. Exemptions to the licensing requirements can be found in ORS 696.030. If you have any questions, contact the Licensing Division at (503) 378-4170, selection 2.

Information Systems Manager Position Filled

Greg DeMaderios has been selected as the Agency’s Information Systems Manager. Greg has worked for the Real Estate Agency since 2004 as the Agency’s Information Systems Specialist. We are pleased to have Greg’s expertise.

In This Issue

• Legislative Update
• Agency Budget
• Licensing Forms
• Real Estate Auctioneers
• New I.S. Manager

Contact Us

1177 Center ST NE Salem, OR 97301 (503)378-4170

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