Last week, the MAR testified alongside Habitat for Humanity of Michigan and many homebuilders across the state in opposition to a proposal to mandate fire sprinkler systems in all new homes through the state construction code. The proposal called 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 detectors 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.
The Bureau of Construction Codes Building Code Review Committee voted 10- 2 in favor of the proposed code change to delete the mandatory aspect of the installation of sprinkler systems in residential homes and townhouses. While our association fully supports
voluntary installation of sprinklers at the election of the homeowner, we opposed 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 Code Review Committee continues to evaluate other sections and proposed changes to the code and will then hold a public hearing on the entire code. Following the public hearing, the final decision will be made by the Director of the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth (DELEG).
As always, we will continue to keep you informed on this issue.
Lenders will be subject to new disclosure requirements for mortgage loans under the
Federal Reserve Board Truth in Lending Regulation (Reg Z). The new requirements apply to loan applications filed on or after July 30, 2009 (about two months earlier than originally planned).
The new rules are complex and compliance will be a challenge for lenders.
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Don't miss the chance to honor your members in 2009 by submitting your REALTOR® of the Year Award nominations. REALTOR® of the Year is the highest honor bestowed upon a Michigan REALTOR®. It stands for integrity, individual achievement and perhaps the greatest compliment: recognition from peers in the real estate industry.
Also remember to submit your REALTOR® Active in Politics nomination. This award recognizes a member that has gone above and beyond the norm in serving the REALTOR® profession in the political arena.
To start the nomination process for your association, you can find the necessary forms on the
MAR Web site. All entries are to be sent to
Julie Rowell, with "ROTY Nomination" or "RAP Nomination" in the subject line.* Please include a high quality photo with your nomination form.
*The deadline for submission is August 15, 2009.
Don't forget to take advantage of the early bird discounts for registration fees! Register today, and save!
Register Now!
MAR would like to congratulate the Cultural Diversity Committee of the North Oakland County Board of REALTORS® for receiving the 12
th annual Fair Housing Leadership award from the Fair Housing Center of Metropolitan Detroit. The award, since 1998 has recognized individuals and firms for their efforts, as members of the housing industry, to affirmatively further fair housing.
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Has your local association been honored, in the news, or received an award? Send your story to
ctrzos@mirealtors.com and be featured on Mirealtors.com.
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800. 342.8908 ext. 2810
http://www.groupassociates.com/