On April 20, 2009, a federal judge in Alabama concluded that a broker’s “administrative brokerage commission” fee of $149 per transaction violated Section 8(b) of RESPA. A brief review of the law demonstrates that the Alabama decision changes nothing in Michigan. For a full analysis of the law from MAR’s general counsel,
click here.
MAR has finalized the speaker lineup for the 2009 Convention & Expo, being held October 7-9, at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa in Acme, MI. Knowledge sessions are posted on the Convention
Web site, and range from Social Media to Financing, Identity Protection to Tech Tools, and more!
In a tough economy, it’s important to provide our members with tools to succeed. This year’s Convention education lineup provides a variety of sessions, fit to Michigan and fit to today’s market. For only $199, members receive full access to Convention events, including CE approved sessions, networking events and entertainment.
Check out the full schedule of events today, and reveal to your members the opportunities to gather new knowledge on current industry issues.
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) is looking to spread the word to those who are not familiar with their organization, and to thank those of you who are, for your past business referrals.
MSHDA’s Homeownership Division staff work with REALTORS®, lenders, counseling agencies and various community partners to promote successful homeownership across the state. Their staff have partnered with many of your offices to provide Continuing Education classes, and participate with you at homebuyer fairs and foreclosure prevention events.
MSHDA is very excited about some new programs and enhancements to established programs that may help members sell more homes. MAR hopes you will pass the newsletter on, and MSDHA welcomes your questions, comments and suggestions.
July Newsletter Topics include:
• MSHDA Lowers Mortgage Interest Rates
• Mortgage Credit Certificate Program Coming Soon!
• Neighborhood Stabilization Programs
• Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA) Income Limit Increase
• MSHDA Office Closings
• Michigan Healthy Home Project
• Governor Granholm Films New PSA
Download July Issue
On June 22-24, over 47 association executives and staff from across Michigan and Ohio gathered for a conference specifically designed for real estate association professionals. Leading experts in association and MLS management addressed the group on timely topics including board/staff relationship management, customer service, listing syndication, keeping your association running smoothly and NAR’s GetActive communications tool.
Feature presentations by Chief Executive Officers Bill Martin, Michigan Association of REALTORS®, and Don Freels, Ohio Association of REALTORS®, offer key information critical to optimizing the three-way agreement, once again were a highlight of the conference. In addition, an RPAC auction generated over $1,200 for Ohio and Michigan.
This event is generously sponsored by industry partners CRIS Regional MLS, Instanet Solutions, Point 2, Rapattoni Corporation, GE Security, the Michigan and Ohio Association of REALTORS®, McClelland & Anderson, PC, the Flint Area and Monroe County Association of REALTORS®, Real Comp, Sentrilock, Three Wide, Adviso, Fidelity, First American Corelogic, MiRealSource, and Realtor.com.
There is a small registration fee for this annual conference; which in reality is among the most cost effective methods of obtaining education and information offered to a local association executive. “During this difficult economic period, it is of particular importance for association executives and staff to keep their skills fresh and invigorated,” comments CEO Bill Martin, “our members count on our expertise more than ever to provide guidance and direction for the association.”
The conference is designed by a committee of Ohio and Michigan Association Executives and staff. Please visit the
MRAEC Web site for copies of speaker presentations, sponsor information and attendee roster.
MAR would like to congratulate their own Vice President of Public Policy & Legal Affairs, Rob Campau on receiving his Certified Association Executive (CAE) Credential from the American Society of Association Executives. After preparing through the Michigan Society of Association Executives (MSAE) course, Campau successfully completed the CAE examination administered nationwide on May 1, 2009. He will be honored during ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership’s 2009 Annual Meeting & Exposition, August 15-18 in Toronto, Canada.
“The CAE is a mark of professional distinction, and reflects an individual’s thorough understanding of what it takes to manage an association in today’s environment,” said Bill Martin, RCE, Chief Executive Officer, Michigan Association of REALTORS. “Like the CAE program, many of our REALTOR® members recognize the value of a real estate designation. I applaud those who invest in enhancing their knowledge base within their industry.”
Please join MAR in congratulating Campau on this prestigious credential.
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.