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February 12, 2008
• Remember to RSVP for February 19th's On the MARk Meeting, at salbert@mirealtors.com. • |
| Agency Responsibility Act Update The Agency Responsibility Act (ARA) has remained a top priority of the MAR. The legislation is a product of a MAR Public Policy Task Force assigned with the task to provide a framework for consumer protection to all individuals entering into an exclusive agency relationship. As a regulated industry, there is an expectation from consumers that laws have been established to protect them from brokers that would take advantage of them as consumers. The ARA model aims to clearly define those basic duties and services owed under an exclusive agency agreement and provide for a uniform state wide disclosure form when the consumer and broker choose to waive any of those services. Representative Tonya Schuitmaker (R-Lawton) and Representative Barb Farrah (D-Southgate) introduced the two-bill ARA package, and the bipartisan effort and is making headway. House Bills 4416 and 4417 are expected to pass out of the House this week and be sent off to the Senate. The MAR will continue to closely monitor the bills and meet with legislators to stress the importance of the bills to protect both homebuyers and the real estate community. MAR Provides Valuable Professional Training Despite last week’s snowy weather, over 450 members attended one of four regional Professional Standards Workshops that MAR held around the state, including the first teleconferenced session held in Traverse City. MAR once again brought in national speaker Bruce Aydt as the instructor. For the first time, the course was approved for LEGAL continuing education credits. MAR also videotaped the program and it is available for local training sessions by returning the video request order form to MAR. In total, MAR invests over $40k annually in offering professional standards assistance to our local associations. The Code of Ethics is the pillar of the REALTOR® trademark, and MAR is pleased to work with our locals to ensure REALTOR® members have the tools to enforce the code and standards of practice the public has come expect that sets REALTORS® apart from other licensees. The 2008 Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual is now available for download at the MAR Web site.
Broker Summit Blends Business with Relaxation The host location for this year’s Broker Summit, the Hyatt Regency Dearborn, offers a unique blend of sleek sophistication and welcoming hospitality. Taking place April 15 – 16, members will not only get the information they need from the nations leading real estate economist, but will also be able to relax at this elegant, four-diamond West Detroit hotel that combines all of the amenities of modern city living with a comfortable suburban setting. The Hyatt Regency Dearborn is across from Ford World Headquarters and the Henry Ford Museum, and just minutes from downtown. It offers extensive business facilities and spacious guestrooms with plush Grand Beds to onsite transportation services and delicious dining options – all coupled with legendary Hyatt service. To reserve rooms members should be instructed to call 313.593.1234 and say they are with MAR. To register yourself and members for the event visit the MAR Web site. Informational media kits will be available at the upcoming On the MARk meeting and will be mailed to locals that cannot attend. Just How Smart is That Smart Phone? These all-in-one mobile devices are giving practitioners everything they need to run their business and stay connected to customers while on-the-go. Need more information on the different Smart Phones and which one is right for you? NAR has provided a buyer’s guide for smart phones. Find out more.Reserving Group Space for the 2008 Convention & Expo Planning for our 2008 MAR Conference & Expo in Detroit has begun. As usual, hotel meeting rooms will be available to Local Boards/Associations and Affiliate Groups for briefings, receptions, and meetings. MAR Events Manager Jodie Cady will assign the space and you will then make all arrangements directly with the hotel. Detroit offers you and your members plenty of dinning and entertainment options including sporting events and the casinos. To plan your group’s trip, use these helpful Web sites. http://www.detroit.com/ Midyear Registration Opens Today Registration for NAR’s Midyear Legislative Meetings and Trade Expo opens today, February 12. Midyear will take place May 14 – 16 in Washington D.C. This event allows members to take an active role in advancing the industry, the public policy agenda and the association. MAR will be scheduling hill visits that allow Michigan members to interact with government officials on the federal level and have their voice heard regarding legislation that directly impacts the real estate industry. As Midyear gets closer, MAR will post a schedule of hill visits. Visit the NAR Web site to register and find out more about Midyear. Safely Share Your Wireless Access Sharing wireless access is more common today than it was 10 years ago, but there are fundamental practices that still must be observed. Those that wish to share their Internet connection should be familiar with the configuration of their local area network (LAN) and assess their setup. Learn more about sharing your wireless Internet.
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® |
