| Legislation applies property regulations: Bill aims to prevent accidents involving off-road vehicles |
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House Bill 5777, introduced by Representative Mike Lahti (D-Hancock) aims to prevent accidents involving off-road vehicles like snow mobiles and motorbikes. However, the bill would impose appearance regulations on barriers utilizing rope, chain, and wire to block an entry or exit to a property. ... more
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| January Homes Sales, Average Price Edge Upward |
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The Michigan Association of REALTORS® has received the majority of housing statistics for January. With 80% of Michigan’s local associations reporting, the average sales price of a home in Michigan rose over 20% from January 2009, further signaling a trend in stabilized prices across central, western, and upper Michigan. ... more
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| Business community opposes Governor’s budget proposal; Frustrated by lack of reforms |
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Last week, the Governor unveiled her proposed 2010-2011 budget. Unfortunately, this plan addresses two-thirds of the deficit through tax increases and stimulus money, while only touching upon state government’s much needed cost-saving reforms. Unfortunately, this proposal is a $400 million tax increase over the next 2 years followed by promises of cuts down the road. ... more
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| Senate Republicans push 2010 as “Year of the Reform” |
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Recently, the Senate Republican caucus unveiled their top 10 legislative reforms that they say, can aide in eliminating the 2011 budget deficit. Currently, early figures of the 2011 deficit are around $1.7-2 billion. Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop (R-Rochester) unveiled 10 cost-saving legislative initiatives for state and local government entities. The goal of the initiatives is to provide efficient government services, while making it cost-effective for Michigan citizens. ... more
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| Finalize Plans for Pro Standards Workshops |
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The Pro-Standards Workshops are quickly approaching, and the attendee lists are now posted. Be sure to check the list and assure that your members are registered. If a member is not on the list, send the link to the Pro-Standards web site with a friendly reminder to register. Below are the workshops being held, and visit the Pro-Standards Workshops Web site for more information! ... more
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| Expand your Network in the New Year at MAR’s 2010 Achieve Conference |
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In addition to knowledge sessions, and continuing education credits, MARÍs 2010 Achieve Conference offers a variety of networking events to expand your network in the new year. Connect with the best in the industry, including board of directors, leaders and executives from across the State of Michigan. Enjoy one of the following networking events, by attending the conference being held January 21-22 at the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit. ... more
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| End of year Wrap Up: Michigan Budget Situation |
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As in previous years, Lansing continues to be challenged by the state budget situation. The MAR, along with the business community, has scored a big victory in the process as a budget for the current fiscal year is now in place without a tax increase being concurrently enacted to fund it. Even though the Fiscal Year 2010 budget has been signed into law, there continues to be a push for targeted business taxation increases. The game of politics continues to be played to try and force a tax increase vote. Discussions are ongoing about what can be done in this area, but so far there is not sufficient support to increase any form of taxes by our elected leaders. ... more
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| Thank you for participating in the MAR Call to Action: Oppose HB 4915 |
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Earlier last week, the Michigan Association of REALTORS® launched an association-wide Call to Action. The Call to Action urged members to contact their legislator regarding House Bill 4915, introduced by Representative Robert Jones (D-Kalamazoo) which seeks to expand the Michigan Consumer Protection Act (MCPA) to include licensed professionals. Michigan REALTORS® are currently exempt from the MCPA. 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. ... more
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| Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC) |
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As many of you already know, the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC) came out of an agreement between New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The HVCC provides a code of conduct for appraisals used in Fannie and Freddie loans and sets up an Independent Valuation Protection Institute to monitor the appraisal business. The institute will accept complaints from consumers and appraisers regarding the conduct of appraiser professionals. The largest concern stemming form the proposed HVCC dealt with Appraisal Management companies. ... more
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| President Signs Homebuyer Tax Credit Extension |
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Last week, the Homebuyer Tax Credit extension and expansion passed the U.S. House and Senate and was signed by the President. The newly enacted legislation is an important step toward boosting the housing market and economic recovery. ... more
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