Michigan Association of REALTORS®

The REALTOR® community is abuzz with the 2% tax on services proposed by Governor Granholm to solve Michigan’s $800 million budget crisis. New legislation is expected this week that will include this 2% tax on services proposal. MAR will be mobilizing to fight against this plan, starting with a “Call to Action” campaign. Watch your email inbox for the letter campaign, which will allow association members to contact their legislators urging them to oppose the new tax. As soon as this legislation is introduced, the Call to Action will be sent out.

MAR, along with NAR have begun modeling what this proposal would mean for the average homebuyer, and the preliminary results are startling. If this plan takes effect, numerous homebuyers that would previously be able to purchase the median Michigan home (approx. $150,000), would no longer qualify for financing. This result puts a huge strain on an already slowed housing market and economy. The MAR public policy team continues to work with top legislative officials to discuss the drastic negative impact this proposal will have if enacted.

To keep up on the latest events regarding the sales tax on services or other legislative issues, check out the “Issues Under the Dome” section on MAR’s Advocacy webpage: www.mirealtors.com/advocacy.html.

The five half-day workshop series kicks off in Grand Blanc this morning, with sessions in Bay City, Kalamazoo, Lansing and Dearborn also scheduled this week. Walk-in registrations will be taken on a first come basis. There are no make up sessions for these workshops. Maps are available online.

Using a Consent Agenda

Collette Collier Trohan
Certified Professional Parlimentarian-Teacher
Speaker, NAR AEI 2007

One of the best-kept secrets of efficient boards is the consent agenda. Contrary to popular myth, Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised does not require that every single item be handled with the full pomp and circumstance of a motion, second, debate and vote. Some decisions are either routine, or are so widely supported that to make approval a separate action would bog the group down.

Enter the consent agenda. For over a decade, MAR has used a consent agenda to streamline board meetings and agendas. Here are two sample consent agendas from MAR BOD meetings:

II. Consent Agenda — ACTION

Minutes of December 7, 2006
Delegate Body meeting resolution

II. Consent Agenda — ACTION

Minutes of February 16, 2006
February Financial Report
Taxation Task Force Appointments

Learn more about the consent agenda in this full article by Ms. Trohan.

2008 Convention Planning

On January 29/30, the Convention Task Force held a meeting and site visit at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center. The hotel has undergone a complete renovation, including a dramatic refurbishing of the Ambassador Ballroom and Expo Hall. While the task force and staff have some reservations about the complexity of the layout of the meeting space, the accommodations and services are above reproach and all agree it’s time to once again hold the convention in southeast Michigan. The Detroit Convention and Visitors Bureau provided a informative bus tour of the Detroit metro area, highlighting for the task force new development in restaurants, retail and entertainment!

All participating on the tour were impressed with the revitalization and enthusiastic about the opportunities for convention attendees to enjoy a Detroit convention. Of particular interest is the Detroit Riverfront project. As of Dec. 31, the East Riverfront's RiverWalk is 78% complete; by Jan. 2008, the entire RiverWalk — stretching from Joe Louis Arena to Gabriel Richard Park just east of Belle Isle’s MacArthur Bridge — will be open.

Negotiations are therefore underway with the Marriott for 2008.

Consumer Wants to Participate in The Real Estate Transaction

Realtor.com president Allan Dalton speaks to Association Executives

In a brief luncheon presentation to Association Executives gathered in San Diego last week, Dalton emphasized the robust and, in many markets, the very, very positive real estate activity experienced over the last 8 – 10 years and commented therefore, in hindsight, consumer access to data via the internet is necessary and good. He has concerns however, not from competition from branded real estate web sites, but from entities not adding consumer value to the transaction. REALTORS® today must work with their boards and MLS providers to offer value added information on all web sites and to continue to remind buyers and sellers that information alone will not reduce the value of services provided by a REALTOR®. After all, he concluded, what percentage of consumers regret not owning more real estate?