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"Check out photos just posted, that were submitted by MAR members from 2010 NAR Midyear Meetings! Become a Fan Today!
 MAR's E-News Publication has been re-designed for optimized readability and better organization of the information MAR members need! New features include the " Event Buzz" where you can find the latest information on MAR Events. Also, the MAR on the Web section now features the latest status updates and tweets from MAR's Facebook and Twitter sites. If you're looking for past E-news publications, visit the MAR News Archives today! MAR News Archives
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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.
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Congress is considering changes to the tax code in order to pay for a number of tax provisions expiring in 2010.Two of these provisions would impact real estate. The first would require all owners of rental properties to file IRS 1099 forms for all contractors they do business with if they pay that contractor $600 or more in any given year. This onerous provision would apply to even the smallest landlord. In addition, Congress is considering taxing "carried interest" at ordinary income rates instead of capital gains. Carried interest rules govern how general partners in real estate investments pay taxes when the investment is sold. These new tax burdens will further delay the real estate market recovery. These proposals are ill-advised, inopportune and potentially destructive. Please tell Congress to oppose them today. http://takeaction.realtoractioncenter.com/campaign/carriedinterest09
Overall Michigan housing sales edged up by almost 10 percent over last April, and statewide average sale prices also showed remarkable improvement. According to the Michigan Association of REALTORS® latest report, the average home sale price in 2010 was $101,282, a 14 percent increase over 2009’s average sale price of $88,171. Compared with the nationwide 7 percent increase in sales and 4 percent increase in average sale prices, Michigan joins other states in an encouraging trend of upward momentum. Thanks in part to the First Time Homebuyer’s Tax Credit, year to date numbers also continue to reflect this steadily positive trend. Statewide, 35,248 home sales have been reported so far, an increase of over 7 percent by this time last year. Year to date average sale prices jumped from $86,890 to $97,457, a noteworthy 12.16 percent, well above the nationwide percentage. Several markets reported boosts to both overall home sales and average prices. Mason-Oceana-Manistee reported a 116 percent increase in home sales. Markets served by the Southwestern, North Oakland, Grand Rapids, and Western Wayne Oakland County Associations of REALTORS® also showed strong home sale numbers. The Antrim Charlevoix Kalkaska Association reported the highest percentage increase to average sale price at 74.77 percent, up $80,000 from April 2009, followed by Mason-Oceana-Manistee at 43.3 percent. Monthly housing statistics for MAR are reported by participating Michigan REALTOR® local boards and associations. For more information on housing statistics, as well as specific market statistics, visit this link: April Housing Stats
Join MAR and your peers, September 29 – October 1 at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort as we gather to see the latest the industry has to offer. Stay effective through the relationships you build at the networking events, increase your knowledge from national speakers and enjoy the fun atmosphere only found at the MAR Convention & Expo. Visit the newly launched 2010 Convention & Expo Web site, to find all your Convention needs. Included on the site is Special Event information, Fees & Registration, Sponsor & Exhibitor resources, Hotel & Area information and more. Online registration will open this Thursday, May 27, 2010. If you have yet to attend a Convention, visit the “ Why Attend” page for information on how the Convention can affect your career, and to read testimonials from past attendees. Let MAR deal you a winning hand for your business this fall, start planning your trip to Convention now! Visit the 2010 Convention & Expo Web site
With the help of McClelland & Anderson, we are taking the most recently asked questions from our legal hotline and putting them in E-news. We will be featuring a different question each issue.
QUESTION: I am a broker looking to recruit agents to my company. I plan on leaving flyers at a continuing education class. Is this permissible?
ANSWER: NO. Rule 603 (R339.22603) prohibits business-related solicitations during continuing education or pre-licensure courses.
Make a difference at MAR by participating with MAR's annual Director elections. Important deadlines are coming up soon, so be sure to mark your calendars appropriately. As an essential part of the MAR team, the Board of Directors implement the visionary strategies that make the association tick, while building the foundation for constant improvements. These professional, engaged member volunteers ensure that MAR is the first place people think of for highly credible industry-related services and advocacy. Individuals wishing to seek candidacy must file with MAR by Friday, July 16, 2010. MAR Directors are elected just like U.S. Congressional representatives, along district lines. Candidates must run in the district where they live. Questions should be directed to Brian Westrin at 517-334-5558, or email him at bwestrin@mirealtors.com. Other important deadlines are as follows:September 1, 2010; MAR Director Online voting begins September 30, 2010; MAR Director Online Voting closes Click here for additional information regarding deadlines, criteria and eligible districts up for election. |