Members made great strides in 2004

It’s hard to believe this is my last column as MAR president. But it is. As I write this, I look back and marvel at MAR’s accomplishments. The power and pride that MAR members possess are something to behold. Put a group of REALTORS® in the same room, give them a challenge and then get out of their way — because they’ll move heaven and earth to succeed.

Here are just a few of the many, many projects, events and milestones that MAR members made happen with their efforts:

In July, MAR held its first Land Use Academy. Converging on the Barothy Lodge in Walhalla, land use experts from around the country shared strategies and insights on how to approach local officials and create win/win situations for land use. This was one of the proudest moments of my tenure as president. Never before have I seen so many members, so excited about such an issue in all my years as a REALTOR®. The policies discussed at the Academy will help organizations create better land use strategies without infringing upon private property rights.

Because of the efforts of our members, MAR fought off an almost certain tax increase on real estate transaction taxes and, a fight that we will continue to wage, a sales tax on services. MAR implemented legislation to streamline the Department of Economic Growth’s responsiveness and, once again, prompted the state department to issue real estate licenses when it claimed internal funding problems forced its stoppage.

MAR created legislation that jump started business start-ups and fought off punitive conversion fees where future farms might be developed. MAR’s efforts also led to legislation that fosters better communication among local governments on planning and zoning. Our efforts have even moved the homestead affidavit-filing deadline to May instead of December. And because of our active members, there are now no revisions, in any county or township tax, in the shift of the property tax bill from winter to summer over the next three years.

MAR volunteers fought off an estimated $100 million of tax increases on commercial properties and bills that would not have allowed any property to be sold in Michigan without a governmentally run lead-based paint inspection and remediation.

MAR members, and their outgoing support, helped elect our very own Pat Vredevoogd, from Grand Rapids, to NAR leadership during the longest campaign in NAR history. Vredevoogd is set to become president of NAR in 2007. She is the perfect example of REALTORS who become active at the local, state and national levels. It’s leaders like these who make our REALTORS® strong. And I know we all wish Pat the best of luck in the future.

Our REALTOR® Political Action Committee contributions topped more than $550,000 in 2003, with several local associations and boards topping the 100 percent mark. The goal was $500,000. I’m proud to say that MAR is well on its way to reaching its goal of $600,000 for 2004.

MAR members showed that they truly care about their neighbors by contributing more than $23,000 to Habitat for Humanity: REALTORS® Connecting Families to their Future. More than 80 percent of members participated and helped place refurbished computers into Habitat homes.

Membership also takes care of its own. In April, when the building that housed Coldwell Banker Mt. Pleasant Realty and Associates burned down, MAR members rallied and sent relief packages to keep their comrades in business. MAR has done the same to those fellow REALTORS® affected by California’s wildfires and Florida’s hurricanes.

Our association has vast resources, none more apparent than the strength of its membership. With events like Achieve, MAR’s leadership conference, and the Broker Summit, along with its annual convention, members have more opportunities for new education, leadership training and networking than ever before. These meetings have become the focal point for members to further their education in order to keep on the cutting edge of real estate, to network with other REALTORS® and to acknowledge the dedicated services of outstanding leaders at the local level.

The Michigan Commercial Alliance of REALTORS® was born this spring. The overwhelming success of MiCAR has already provided commercial REALTORS® a wealth of comprehensive services and networking opportunities. Thank you to all those members who volunteered so much of their time. On the heels of MiCAR’s success, MAR’s board of directors have set the course for representation of a new appraiser group, extending the same powers of MiCAR to the many appraisers that belong to MAR. I know that this group will be taken care of.

MAR’s mission continues to be one of clear direction: Ever forward. The framework is in place, from our efforts during the past year, to build new goals and dreams for REALTORS® everywhere. It takes commitment, activity and motivation, but I know we can do it.

We accomplish must with confidence and faith in each other, and, as always, in the belief of our Code of Ethics. Our association is strong, and the momentum from this past year, and the great years before it, will guide us in the future.

Thank you for such a great 2004. It was an honor to serve you.