House Bill 5777, introduced by Representative Mike Lahti (D-Hancock) aims to prevent accidents involving off-road vehicles like snow mobiles and motorbikes. However, the bill would impose appearance regulations on barriers utilizing rope, chain, and wire to block an entry or exit to a property.
The bill provides that "a person shall not use a rope, chain, wire, or similar device as a barrier across a point of entry to prevent access to land unless both of the following conditions are met:
· The rope, chain, wire, or similar device is enclosed in material that is the color hunter orange.
· The rope, chain, wire, or similar device is not more than 30 inches above the ground at any point.
A violation of the act carries with it a $250 civil fine. Additionally, as currently written, the bill would provide an evidentiary starting point for a negligence action against a property owner.
This is a bill with admirable intent but questionable effect on property owners. As currently written, farm land is completely exempt from the regulations. Since farm land provides the area most likely to be traversed by off road vehicles, this bill in its current form creates significant risk and burden for property owners while providing limited protections for the users of off-road vehicles. It would only impact residential and commercial property, even those properties located in urban areas where these vehicles are not authorized. Additionally, the bill is silent about the role of trespassing in the accident equation. The MAR Public Policy committee has voted to oppose this legislation as written, and the MAR staff has met with Rep. Lahti to talk about our industry’s concerns with the bill. We will continue to keep you posted should this legislation move forward.
Hit the Jackpot, next Friday March 19, at the On the MARk meeting being held at the MAR headquarters.
The program start time has been changed to 10:00 am. See the attendees list and OTM Agenda below.
Several Michigan locals, including the Traverse Area, North Oakland County, Southwestern, and Metropolitan Consolidated are working with members to encourage participation in the Nationwide Open House weekend. This grassroots initiative now includes over 25 states and 60 locals nationwide. The objective of the campaign is to increase consumer awareness of the benefits of buying a home, give sellers an opportunity to increase the exposure for their home for sale and our continued effort to spread the word about the expanded first-time homebuyer tax credit which ends April 30, 2010.
Resources to assist you in bringing the program to your area can be found at
Mirealtors.com. Please email
Joe Kras to get your local on the list of participants.
Although nearly 1,000 Michigan REALTORS® took advantage of the RTRN program at a member value of $116k, there are still reasons to advertise this limited time only program to your membership in 2010. To that end, here is information on what is new, where to obtain advertising materials for the program and examples of how associations are promoting the initiative.
Advertising and promotional materials for associations on the AE MemberTool kit web page
Few examples of how Associations are promoting the initiative:
- In their newsletters
- As part of the New Member Orientation session
- Placing a RTRN banner or dynamic widget on their website
- Distribution by email or hard copies of the one page Generic flyer with directions on how to download and access the eProducts
Right Tools. Right Now. FAQ's
GRAND RAPIDS -- (March 1, 2010) - The Grand Rapids Association of REALTORS® (GRAR) has announced the launch of a new Professional Expectations Program that is intended to further demonstrate to the buying and selling public that REALTORS® are committed to excellence and quality customer service and can provide valuable insight and expertise into the ever changing West Michigan real estate marketplace.
With its kickoff in late December 2009, The Professional Expectations Program includes the signing of an aspirational pledge that goes above and beyond even the well respected REALTOR® Code of Ethics in focusing upon expectations and standards in the areas of customer care and communication, technology, professional development, risk management, transaction management, and professional relationships.
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In a recent statewide survey of non profit organizations, technology is clearly impacting the way money is collected from members:
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81% of associations utilize Electronic Bank Transfers.
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71% accept credit card payments by phone or in person.
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54% accept online credit/debit cards.
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27% utilize automatic credit card billing.
You work hard to help people find peace of mind and security when they are searching for a new home. You are well respected and loyal to your buyers when helping them make one of the most important purchases of their lives.
We understand and respect that kind of loyalty. What's more, we think it's time that you enjoy that peace of mind and comfort as well. That's why Frankenmuth Insurance is offering special discounts to members of the Michigan Association of REALTORS®. Savings include a generous discount on auto and home policies. They can also be combined with other discounts available through your independent insurance agent.
To locate an independent insurance agent click on this link: http://www.fmins.com/ or call 800.682.6881 or visit the Hartland Insurance Group web site: www.hartlandinsurancegroup.com.