This week, the MAR will testify in opposition to a proposal to mandate fire sprinkler systems in all new homes through the state construction code. The proposal calls for the installation of these costly systems in all new residential homes and townhouses.
During these hard economic times, citizens are having more difficulties than ever with the home buying and selling market. Add costly government mandates on top of the current market trend, and the odds are stacked against a successful sale of a residential home.
There are already mandates in place for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in new builds. A 2008 study from the National Fire Prevention Association shows that chances of surviving a reported home fire when working smoke alarms are present is 99.45%. Clearly, every fire death is a tragedy. However, the solution to reducing these deaths isn’t mandating expensive sprinkler systems; it is to make sure every home has working smoke alarms.
While our association fully supports voluntary installation of sprinklers at the election of the homeowner, we oppose the proposed code section given its mandatory nature. The average quote a Michigan homebuilder received from a sprinkler contractor for installing a sprinkler system for homes on municipal water was $6,566; for homes with well water, the average was $11,976. In addition, these systems require minimum monthly maintenance, inspections, and in Michigan’s colder climate, some systems must be drained and refilled every year. Add the long term costs to maintain and inspect the sprinkler systems, and those figures skyrocket.
The MAR fully supports looking into alternative policies that would be more effective in creating safe homes in Michigan. The MAR has been working alongside the Michigan Association of Home Builders and Habitat for Humanity in opposition of the mandate. We certainly look forward to continue working with all parties involved in this issue on future concepts. As always, we will keep you informed on any news relating to this issue as it progresses.
On top of hearing from nationally renowned speakers, and walking away with innovative money-making strategies, take advantage of yet another educational value from the MAR 2009 Convention & Expo; continuing education opportunities at a low cost! The MAR Convention offers the most continuing education credits in one place, at one time, make meeting your education requirements fun this year in Traverse City.
Sessions that have been approved for continuing education include:
F.A.C.T - Foreclosure Avoidance Comprehensive Training,
Will Weaver CE 3.0
Systems Keep You Sane,
Chandra Hall CE 2.0
Parliamentary Precision,
Tom Kotzian CE 2.0
New Financing Realities for a New Market,
Chandra Hall CE 2.0
Legal Update,
Gail Anderson &
Greg McClelland CE 2.0
Check out the rest of the
Schedule of Events, and other sessions to help you and your business at the
MAR Convention Web site.
After gaining your credits, stretch your convention dollar by networking at the abundance of special events at Convention. Learn the latest trends and make new connections in the Expo at the
Welcome Reception, or build referrals and contacts at the
REALTOR® Royale. Check out the entire list of networking events at the
MAR Convention Web site.
Be sure to save this year on improving your business; learn, expand, and improve at this year’s MAR Convention & Expo!
With the statewide mortgage foreclosure crisis sending continued shockwaves throughout the lives of Michigan citizens and the real estate industry at large, the Michigan Association of REALTORS® ("MAR") recently launched a series of foreclosure prevention education sessions, Town Hall meetings, and a new video series designed to help homeowners understand the foreclosure process as a possible threat to their most important investment - their homes.
In addition, a video program focused on REALTOR® education debuts on mirealtors.com. This video series features MAR legal counsel Greg McClelland and focuses specific attention on the issues most frequently faced by homeowners and REALTORS® once a foreclosure situation develops. View the videos on
Mirealtors.com.
In addition to providing the video series to members, MAR will be sponsoring a series of foreclosure education seminars around the state, providing members and homeowners with general information on the foreclosure process and where they can find additional sources of assistance. Foreclosure expert Will Weaver will present the REALTOR® session and an abbreviated version of his education program to the Town Hall participants. Register today to attend a session in your area:
View Educational Sessions & Town Hall Meetings Schedule
Do you have confusion about how to use the term REALTOR® on your web site, mail or advertisements? Read the story below for a straight to the point explanation on the proper usage of the REALTOR® word and trademark.
Confused About Using the Term REALTOR®?
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: I am a REALTOR® who has listed a 5-acre parcel that has recently been sold at a foreclosure sale. It is my understanding that the redemption period for this property is one year. Am I correct?
ANSWER: MAYBE. For certain residential properties that are larger than 3 acres, the redemption period is one year. There are a number of different redemption periods depending on the type of property and the percentage of the debt paid – REALTORS® are advised to look for the date stated in the sheriff’s deed.
The economy is hurting. Home sales in many markets remain sluggish. Uncertainty abounds. In this kind of environment, it's easy to get discouraged.
But there’s no reason you have to stay that way, says Jon Gordon, author of
The No Complaining Rule: Positive Ways to Deal With Negativity at Work (Wiley, 2008). Here’s Gordon’s advice on how to come out ahead in this tough market.
1. Tell yourself a positive story. Life is a story. The story we tell ourselves and the role we play in that story determines the quality and direction of our life. The best real estate professionals are able to overcome adversity by telling themselves a more positive story than the rest. Instead of a drama or a horror movie, they define their life as an inspirational tale. Instead of being the victim, they see themselves as a fighter and overcomer. You may not be able to control market conditions, but you can influence the outcome of your story.
2. Model yourself after success. Are there real estate practitioners succeeding today? Of course there are. Seek out those people in your market and ask to meet with them. Learn from their advice and model their attitudes and actions. If they can succeed, so can you.
3. Focus on the important stuff. Tune out the negative voices and start making positive choices. What are you doing on a daily basis to grow yourself, your team, and your business? Don’t focus on the negative things other salespeople and the media are saying. Instead, focus on marketing your business, taking care of clients, and building loyal relationships. Every morning ask yourself this question: "What are the three most important things I need to do today that will help me create the success I desire?" Then take action on those items.
4. Replace "have to" with "get to." This simple word swap can change your mind-set and your approach to work and life. It turns a complaining voice to an appreciative voice, and acknowledges that life is a gift—not an obligation. So often we grudgingly say things like "I have to go to this meeting," "I have to meet with this client," or "I have to sell houses in this market." In reality, it’s not about what we have to do. It’s about what we get to do. Research shows that when we practice gratitude, we get a measurable boost in happiness that energizes us and enhances our health. It’s also physiologically impossible to be stressed and thankful at the same time.
5. Refuse to participate in the recession. Professionals who’ve thrived during past recessions continued to go about business as usual regardless of market conditions. They worked hard and focused on taking actions to grow their business. As others are paralyzed by fear, take the opportunity to charge forward.
6. Boost your marketing and advertising. It may seem counterintuitive to spend more money on advertising and marketing right now. But with so many of your competitors cutting back in these areas, this is a great opportunity to build your brand and gain market share. People are still buying and selling, and they will buy from those whom they trust and see in the marketplace.
7. Create a positive vision. Instead of being disappointed about where you are, make the decision to be optimistic about where you are going. Create a positive vision for your future and the future of your team. Vision helps you see the road ahead and it gives you something meaningful and valuable to strive towards.
8. Invite others on your bus. Invite colleagues and customers to board your bus for a positive ride. Send them an e-bus ticket at www.TheEnergyBus.com. Share your vision with team members and ask them to join you in making this vision a reality. Be a positive influence.
9. No more complaining. Abide by the "no complaining" rule. When you realize you’re about to complain, replace your thoughts and words with positive actions. Let your complaints help you identify what you don’t want so that you can focus on what you do want. The key is to turn complaints into solutions.
Source: REALTOR® Magazine Online
Group Associates, Inc, MAR's group administrator for Blue Cross Blue Shield Michigan insurance programs, provides expert advice and one-on-one consulting to give qualified members the best possible value on insurance.
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Priscilla Adkins