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Michigan Consumer Protection Act: Legislation has been introduced that would place REALTORS® in the direct path of frivolous lawsuits. House Bill 4217, introduced by Representative Robert Jones (D-Kalamazoo) seeks to clarify which businesses the Michigan Consumer Protection Act applies to. Currently under the Act, Michigan REALTORS® are exempt from the liability issues dealing with various business practices. 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 staff at the Michigan Association of REALTORS® (MAR), along with Greg McClelland, legal counsel for the MAR, have testified in committee opposing this bill. The MAR is also participating in a workgroup analyzing this legislation. The bill seems to have stalled in committee, however, the MAR continues to meet with Representative Jones in the hopes of finding a solution should this bill move forward in the Legislature. No More Clutter - a vacation that never ends? Have you ever reached your destination, unpacked your bags, grabbed your favorite book or magazine and headed for the pool? As you leave your room, life suddenly seems uncomplicated. You’ve brought along just what you’ve needed for your trip – so your closet is unencumbered by clothes that don’t fit, or the sweater from Aunt Margaret you can’t bear to give up. Every piece is part of an outfit – no digging through mountains of t-shirts or tracking down matching socks. Basically, you have what you need for the next few days, no more, perhaps a bit less, if you’re like most of us. Unfortunately, every vacation ends. As you unlock the front door back home, you wonder, is it possible to recreate this clutter free environment at home? Read on and maybe, just maybe, everyday will be a vacation day. Keeping Informed on REALTOR® Issues With every media outlet in Michigan reporting news with varying degrees of information, it is hard to keep up to date on issues affecting the real estate industry. The Advocacy page on the main MAR web site contains useful information on matters affecting the real estate profession. Whether it is specific legislation, or general economic proposals being circulated in Lansing, the Advocacy page is the place to go to stay informed. Our special “Under the Dome” section highlights current legislation and budget concerns affecting the real estate industry in Michigan. To view, please go to www.mirealtors.com/advocacy.html. Please provide this link to your members. Final Preparations Underway for MAR Broker Summit On-line registration for the Broker Summit closes on April 13th. Walk-ins are welcome. A final education session has been confirmed. This session, “Is everyone really leaving Michigan?” presented by Ken Darga, State of Michigan Demographer, will provide an unbiased look at the population movement in Michigan. Now, more than ever, our members need facts for their buyers and sellers about an issue that is getting a great deal of media attention, locally and nationally. Currently, over 150 members are registered for the summit, including a great group of our association executives: Elaine Adkins, Walt Baczkowski, Sharon Buckner, Judith Lindenau, Doris Nurenberg, Roberta Sexton, Dale Smith, Gary Walter, Elaine West and Patty Young.
MAR Calendar of Events
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720 North Washington Avenue • P.O. Box 40725 • Lansing,
Michigan 48901-7925 Copyright © 2005 Michigan Association of REALTORS® |
