Legislation has been introduced that would place REALTORS® in the direct path of frivolous lawsuits.
House Bill 4915, introduced by Representative Robert Jones (D-Kalamazoo) seeks to expand the Michigan Consumer Protection Act (MCPA) to include licensed professionals. Michigan REALTORS® are currently exempt from the MCPA. This exemption has been upheld in the courts on various levels, and the MAR Legal Action Committee has fought to reinforce this position throughout the years.
The MAR, along with many other business groups and associations have joined forces in strong opposition to this bill, as it imposes layers of needless regulations and costs to businesses already regulated by state and federal laws. The MAR is preparing to send out an
association-wide “Call to Action” this week with additional information and bullet points for members to contact their lawmakers and urge them to oppose this legislation. Watch your inbox for further updates on this issue.
Before you leave for the holidays, don’t forget to reserve your spot at the top REALTOR® leadership event of the year, Achieve & Achieve After Dark 2010. Being held at the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, this two day conference was created specifically for current and upcoming association leaders and provides an excellent speaker lineup and networking events, capped by the Achieve After Dark, an exuberant networking event.
Also be sure to promote the event to your association’s upcoming leaders. Pass out the postcards that MAR mailed to each Association Executive, and update your Facebook & Twitters to alert your members of this beneficial event.
Don’t miss your chance to attend Achieve & Achieve After Dark,
Register Today!
MAR has teamed up once again with Bruce Aydt, ABR, ABRM, CRB to host three half-day workshops designed to assist REALTORS® who serve on professional standards and grievance committees to gain new insights and knowledge of Professional Standards through mock hearings and classroom instruction. Two of the three workshops have been confirmed. Mark your calendars, and register today!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Rock Financial Showplace
46100 Grand River Ave
Novi, MI 48374
Phone: 248-348-5600
Directions:
http://www.rockfinancialshowplace.com/directions.php
12:30 – 1:00 p.m. Registration
1:00 – 4:30 p.m. Workshop
Friday, February 5, 2010 – AM Session
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Black River Room
3800 Soaring Eagle Blvd.
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
Directions:
http://www.soaringeaglecasino.com/directions.htm
Registration – 10:00-10:30 a.m.
Workshop – 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Register Online Today!
As the New Year approaches, we will see some changes with a couple of our local boards/associations. After 34 years the Ionia County Board of REALTORS® will be dissolving as of December 31, 2009. Their members are currently looking to join surrounding locals who will offer them the best benefits to fit their needs. We at the MAR would like to wish executive officer Val Schmitz all the best with her future endeavors and thank her for all her hard work and dedication.
Another change, currently taking place, is the merger of the Alpena Alcona Presque Isle Association of REALTORS® with the Water Wonderland Board of REALTORS. “The AAPI BOR membership is looking forward to our merger with the WWL BOR and the opportunities the merger will provide to both agents and our clients”, states Linda Taylor, AAPI 2009 President.
WWBR President, Constance Blotske adds, "The merger of the AAPI Board and the Water Wonderland Board of REALTORS® will make us stronger and more united. Thus, it will enable us to provide greater service to our clients and customers and the membership will become even more professional in conducting their business.”
MAR is happy to offer public policy networking sessions in the Alpena area to ensure ongoing success of RPAC and grassroots support from the area.
On November 30, 2009, the Treasury Department released guidelines and forms for its new Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program (HAFA), part of the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP).
HAFA provides incentives in connection with a short sale or a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure (DIL) used to avoid foreclosure on a loan eligible for modification under the HAMP program. HAFA applies only to loans not owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, which will issue their own versions of HAFA in coming weeks.
Learn more about HAFA Government Forms and Guidelines NAR HAFA Program FAQ
Short Sales: The Basics
Throughout the United States there is a growing concern about the high costs of long term care and the impact those costs have on financial security, retirement planning and quality of family life.
In response to this concern, MAR members, and their eligible relatives, can now receive a premium discount on Great American Life long term care insurance products through the MAR Edge member benefit program.
For more information on the long term care insurance discounts please contact Great American LifeÍs long term care help line at 800.557.5721.
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