Michigan Association of REALTORS®

The Governor, along with leadership from the House and Senate, reached an agreement on a replacement for the Single Business Tax (SBT). The deal includes a tax base of gross receipts and business income with many credits for locating businesses in Michigan, while providing extensive personal property tax relief. This comes as a result of weeks of workgroup negotiations between both the Legislative and Executive branches.

The MAR worked closely with key members of the negotiations team on both sides of the aisle to address previous concerns that a replacement tax containing a tax on net worth would have resulted in significant tax increases to many of our members. While not ready to declare all out victory, we are confident that the current deal takes care of many of our previous objections and places our members in a better position than prior replacement plans.

Although the SBT deal is a positive step for Michigan, there is still much work to be done in filling the 2008 budget shortfall. Talks of additional revenues, which may come in the form of an income tax, luxury tax, or service tax, are being seriously considered. Although the MAR has been assured that real estate services are off the table when it comes to a service tax, we must continue to remain vigilant. In the event a tax on services plan is proposed to aid in balancing the 2008 budget, the MAR is prepared with a plan of action in fighting against any tax on the REALTOR® community, including mobilizing the “Call to Action” software. MAR staff continues to meet with legislative officials to reiterate how a tax on our industry would negatively impact the entire state. As always, we will keep you informed as things move forward.

GLAR Celebrates 100 Years!

Members of the Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS® (GLAR) pose with Lansing Mayor
Virg Bernero during GLAR’s 100th Anniversary Celebration ceremony.

MAR congratulates the Greater Lansing Area Association of REALTORS® on celebrating 100 years and the opening of their new offices at 4039 Legacy Parkway in Lansing. GLAR serves 1,800 members throughout the Lansing area and has undergone several name changes. GLAR has had many of its members actively involved with MAR including ten who have served as president.

GLAR is currently holding a Centennial Celebration with an upcoming golf outing on June 21 and a Grand Ball on the 23rd. The association will also give away exterior makeovers for three low and moderate income homeowners in the Lansing area. For more information on GLAR and its Centennial Celebration, click here.

The National Association of REALTORS® has released the results of the most comprehensive study to date of legal issues and trends in the real estate industry. The historical data in the 2007 NAR Legal Scan is based on research of court documents, states, regulations and jury verdict reports, involving 655 court cases and 112 statutes and regulations. The study contains an appendix listing each case, statute and regulation with full legal citation by issue and jurisdiction.

Reap the Rewards of Exhibiting at the Convention & Expo

Know someone who should be an exhibitor at MAR’s 2007 Convention & Expo taking place September 26 – 28 at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mt. Pleasant? If so, send them to the MAR Web site for more information on how to sign up for a premium booth spot or call MAR at 800.454.7842.

MAR’s annual convention and expo is the premier real estate educational and trade show event in the State of Michigan. MAR offers a full slate of continuing education classes, networking opportunities and motivational seminars for its members in an upscale environment.

Members can signup for the 2007 event at the MAR Web site and receive a pass to the entire three day conference and all its events for only $179 or if you are a first time attendee receive the special rate of $119. Visit MAR’s Web site soon to register because these special rates end September 8.

Dearborn and Central Michigan Welcome New AEs

MAR is pleased to welcome Ryan Tucholski and Cathy Case as local Association Executives.

A native of Toledo Ohio, Ryan received his undergraduate degree from the University of Toledo from the College of Arts and Sciences in 2003 Magna Cum Laude with concentrations in English Language and Literature with a Minor in Computer Sciences. While attending the University of Toledo full time, he served as the Director of Student Services for the Toledo Museum of Art, later as a Senior Grant Writer and eventually the Executive Director of Development for the Arts Council Lake Erie West. In 2004 he joined the Toledo Board of REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service (NORIS) as the director where he played a key role in the creation of local fair and affordable housing designations. In late 2006, Ryan accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Dearborn Board of REALTORS®. Ryan is e-Pro Certified, an ASAE member, and serves on committees for the National Association of REALTORS®. In his free time, he can be found at any Toledo Symphony event or perfecting his fluency of classical piano. Ryan is currently preparing for his RCE examination and his first fall semester of Law School at the University of Toledo.

Cathy comes to the Central Michigan Association of REALTORS® from Saint Cloud, Florida where she was the Chief Executive Officer for the Osceola County Association of REALTORS® for seven years. Cathy has also held various positions with the Florida Association of REALTORS® for eight years, including in their education, legal and communications departments.