We have all seen first-hand the positive impact the first-time homebuyer tax credit is having on the real estate market recovery. As the expiration date for this successful program looms, we ALL need to make sure that Congress hears from us about the positive impact this program has had and ask them to extend it, and expand it, so that we can continue to see our markets fully recover.
Please watch this video of your fellow REALTORS®, along with President Charles McMillan explaining how the credit is helping and urging both you and Congress to take action NOW.
To access the Call for Action, please click on the link below:
REALTOR® Call for Action
Several legislators in Washington D.C. have introduced bills reflecting their support for the first-time homebuyer tax credit and urging that it be expanded and extended.
MAR’s
Federal Political Coordinators (FPCs) have been meeting with Michigan members of Congress during their August break to communicate the need to have the current $8000 First Time Homebuyer tax credit extended through December 2010. The National Association of REALTORS® homes sales data has shown that the portion of first-time homebuyers in the market during 2009 has been about 50%. Historically, about 35-40% of purchases are first-time buyers. Furthermore, it is the hope that the tax credit, if extended, will be expanded to all homebuyers. The MAR acknowledges that there may be further announcements in the coming months as the current tax credit December 1
st expiration date approaches.
The current tax credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price of the home up to $8000 and does not have to be repaid. Those eligible for the tax credit must meet income requirements- single buyers with incomes up to $75,000, and for married couples, incomes up to $150,000. The credit can be applied to a single-family home, townhouse, co-op or condo. Click
here to read more about the 2009 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit.
Reserve your room today to receive the discounted rate of only $154/night (+city/state taxes). MAR’s group room rate ends today, September 15, 2009 and is filling up fast. Don’t miss your chance to stay on site for the 2009 MAR Convention & Expo.
If you have yet to register for the event, time is running out as well. The 2009 MAR Convention & Expo is being held October 7-9 at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, and is the largest real estate event in Michigan. Register today, and receive
- Full access to a variety of knowledge sessions. Topics include: Social Media, Identity Protection, Tech Tools and Smart Phones, Coaching Buyers & Sellers, Financing, Foreclosures, Current Market and More!
- Face to face training with nationally renowned speakers, at their only Michigan appearances!
- Networking events with the best of the best in the Michigan real estate industry.
- Over 30 options for Continuing Education credits. Fulfill your CE requirements in one place at one time!
- Full access to the Expo, with the latest in industry trends.
Register Today!
or
Reserve Your Room!
The nominations are in, and the countdown to the announcement of Michigan's REALTOR® of the Year, has begun! Visit the
REALTOR¨ of the Year Nominee Web site today, and view a list of all nominees.
The winner will be announced at the
Grand Assembly, during MAR's 2009 Convention & Expo.
Knowledge. Awareness. Empowerment. These are the core components of REALTOR
® Safety. They also comprise the theme of NAR’s latest efforts to raise awareness about safety for our members.
The sixth annual REALTOR
® Safety Week is happening now, September 13–19. This is the perfect time to start focusing on best practices for ensuring your personal safety as well as your clients’ safety, home and office safety, and more.
… and Make a Year-round Commitment to Staying Safe
Although observing REALTOR
® Safety Week is a great way to kick off awareness of these issues, we encourage you to continue to build your safety awareness throughout the year. NAR is dedicated to providing the information and materials that REALTORS
® need to learn how to stay safe. In addition to the REALTOR
® Safety Resources Kit sent to each State and Local Association, we’ve created the following resources:
· A completely revamped safety Web site at REALTOR.org/Safety
· New webinars on REALTOR
® Safety each quarter, presented by experts.
· Quarterly safety messages focusing on seasonal tips for on the job and at home, e-mailed and posted online.
· 100-packs of the REALTOR
® Safety Tips Wallet Card, safety publications and more, are available at cost as part of NAR’s Right Tools, Right Now initiative. Visit
www.REALTOR.org/Store to view and purchase these and other safety-related publications and products.
Remember: You can greatly reduce the risks you face as a REALTOR
® by simply
knowing the dangers you face every day, being
aware of your surroundings, and
empowering yourself with precautions and preparations so that you can avoid risky situations.
NAR wants to help you, your co-workers, and REALTORS
® everywhere be safe on the job. Let’s all work together to stay safe. For additional information, tips, office forms and more, visit
www.REALTOR.org/Safety.
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 broker and one of my salespersons wants to do some property management on the side. Is this allowed?
ANSWER: NO. Only brokers can enter into property management contracts. A broker can however, have one of its agents manage properties on behalf of the broker with all commissions being paid through the broker.
MAR Members Reach Emeritus Status
MAR would like to congratulate MAR Members for reaching REALTOR® Emeritus Status, from the National Association of REALTORS®. Any person who has held membership in the National Association as a REALTOR®, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®, or a combination of both, for a cumulative period
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MAR Member Becomes REALTOR® Magazine Good Neighbor Finalist
Michelle Phaup, MAR member of Clarkston, has been announced as one of the ten REALTORS® finalists for REALTOR® magazine's 2009 Good Neighbor Awards. Now in its 10th year, the Good Neighbor Awards program
Read More...
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.