Tonight, Governor Granholm will give her annual State of the State address. According to most political pundits around Lansing, expect to hear about the economy, and scaling down state government by consolidating department services. Job creation, education and training for Michigan citizens will likely be focused on as well during the yearly joint session of the House and Senate.
The state continues to face a massive budget crisis, rising unemployment, and a sluggish economy. The MAR has long been a strong supporter of government reforms before any tax increases in order to balance the state budget, and it is our hope that the needed cuts will be prioritized before any additional tax burdens on Michigan citizens. Whatever issues the Governor chooses to be top priorities in 2009, the MAR public policy staff will continue to work with legislators on both sides of the aisle in crafting legislation that will boost Michigan’s economy, along with keeping the real estate industry safe from burdensome regulation.
The MAR has been working with the Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop (R-Rochester) and the Speaker of the House Andy Dillon (D-Redford) on several ideas to help reduce the number of foreclosures, and help Michigan citizens stay in their homes, without additional costs to the REALTOR®. We will continue to work with leadership in the legislature on providing some sort of property tax relief to help stimulate the real estate market. As always, check out
http://www.mirealtors.com/ to keep informed about the latest information from under the Capitol Dome.
If you are a broker in Michigan, save the date and register today for the premier broker event of the year, MAR’s Broker Summit. Planned by brokers for brokers, those who attend can be confident they will discover real solutions for real challenges. The event is being held April 22-23 at The Inn at St. Johns in Plymouth, MI. Take advantage of MAR's exclusive
early registration rate of only $119, by registering before March 26.
The Summit is proud to have Jeremy Conaway begin a dynamic lineup of speakers. As a brokerage design consultant, Jeremy works with some of the largest real estate firms in the North American brokerage industry. His counsel and expertise is constantly sought by many of his brokerage clients that are now leading their marketplaces into the new real estate transaction. Jeremy believes that today’s real estate brokerage can and will remain at the center of the real estate interaction. He is committed to the success of the real estate brokerage services.
In today’s ever-changing world, it’s important to adapt in order to retain a competitive edge. Not only will the Summit offer top-notch speakers and knowledge sessions, but also a variety of networking events to help you make connections, and learn from your peers. By attending the event,you will discover real solutions for real challenges. Here you can connect with the best in our industry and implement real resolutions at your office immediately. There is no better time for education then now.
WASHINGTON – Jan. 20, 2009 – Today’s home buyers are asking for more green features as a means of lowering costs, becoming more environmentally friendly, and adopting a healthier lifestyle.
“Green features are becoming one of the top three priorities, after price and location,” says Joseph Himali, Washington’s Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors president.
Green features focus on energy efficiency, water efficiency, resource efficiency and indoor air quality and include such elements as Energy Star appliances, low-flow shower heads, carpets and paint with low volatile organic compounds, and building materials procured from local suppliers.
The average green buyer will shell out $12,400 – on average – for green features, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) green-building standards program manager Kevin Morrow expects the market share of green-certified homes to rise to 20 percent in 2010 from about 10 percent in 2009 and 2 percent in 2006.
Tax credits and other financial incentives, coupled with green certifications, makes it easier for buyers, builders, and real estate professionals to go green.
Source: REALTOR® Magazine Online - Washington Times, Lisa Rauschart (01/09/09)
With the help of McClelland & Anderson, we are taking the most commonly asked questions from our legal hotline and putting them in e-news. We will be featuring a different question each issue.
QUESTION: What is a “service provision agreement?”
ANSWER: A “service provision agreement” is the term that the State uses to cover both listing contracts and buyer agency contracts.
View legal update videos covering hot topics in the Mirealtors.com Legal Update Center.
The Michigan Association of REALTORS® is making Aflac's accident and cancer insurance policies available for association members. Aflac offers a distinct type of protection. Unlike traditional health insurance, we pay you (unless otherwise assigned) not the doctor or hospital. You control the cash benefits and spend them as you like to help with financial challenges an accident or illness could have to your standard of living.
Over 40 million people worldwide have chosen Aflac because of our commitment to providing customers with the confidence that comes from knowing they have assistance in being prepared for whatever life may bring.
These insurance policies are offered to members of Michigan Association of REALTORS®.
Click here to learn more about these policies for association members. If you have any questions contact your Aflac agent Kenneth Bordua at 616.935.3560.