| Join NAR in Observing REALTOR® Safety Week |
|
|
Knowledge. Awareness. Empowerment. These are the core components of REALTOR® Safety. They also comprise the theme of NAR’s latest efforts to raise awareness about safety for our members. The sixth annual REALTOR® Safety Week is happening now, September 13–19. This is the perfect time to start focusing on best practices for ensuring your personal safety as well as your clients’ safety, home and office safety, and more. ... more
|
| Online License Renewal Now Open |
|
|
MAR along with the Department of Energy Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG) encourages you to renew your license early. Even though the deadline for renewal is not until October 31, 2009, starting the process now will help avoid any potential delays that could result in a lapsed license. Online renewal is currently open. ... more
|
| MAR FPC’s Continue Talks to Extend First Time Homebuyer Credit |
|
|
Several House members in Washington D.C. have introduced bills reflecting their support for the first-time homebuyer tax credit and urging that it be expanded and extended. The National Association of REALTORS® is saluting their efforts, but has not endorsed any particular approach. ... more
|
| Take Advantage of Fun & Functional Networking Events at MAR's 2009 Convention & Expo |
|
|
The 2009 MAR Convention & Expo is offering more networking opportunities than ever. Being held October 7-9 at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, there is no better place to make connections, have fun, and increase your successful business solutions. In addition to your knowledge sessions, attend these events for fun & functional networking opportunities... ... more
|
| Revised Truth in Lending Act Disclosure Requirements Take Effect on July 30, 2009 |
|
|
Lenders will be subject to new disclosure requirements for mortgage loans under the Federal Reserve Board Truth in Lending Regulation (Reg Z). The new requirements apply to loan applications filed on or after July 30, 2009 (about two months earlier than originally planned). The new rules are complex and compliance will be a challenge for lenders. ... more
|
| Foreclosure Video Series Available on Mirealtors.com |
|
|
This 4 part series features MAR's Legal Counsel Greg McClelland as he covers what every REALTOR® must know about foreclosures, short sales and current legal issues. View all 4 videos only on Mirealtors.com. ... more
|
| Foreclosure Prevention Town Hall Forums Schedule |
|
|
View a complete schedule of upcoming Foreclosure Prevention & Response Seminars for REALTORS and Town Hall Forums open to the public. Forums are sponsored by MSHDA, NAR, MAR, Save The Dream and your local associations. ... more
|
| Foreclosure Prevention Laws Now in Effect |
|
|
Laws give additional time for homeowners facing foreclosure to work with lenders: Newly-enacted legislation to give homeowners who are on the brink of losing their home a 90-day period to work out a payment plan with their lending institution has gone into effect this week. Public Acts 29, 30, and 31 of 2009, allows consumers who are on the brink of foreclosure a 90-day period to work with their lenders on a loan modification plan. ... more
|
| $8000 First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit: Guidelines and downpayment assistance information |
|
|
Consumers across the country can now take advantage of a Federal Housing Administration program to allow qualified home buyers to apply the $8,000 tax credit when purchasing a home. FHA will now permit its lenders to provide a short-term bridge loan that will let qualified home buyers use the tax credit to either make a larger downpayment above the FHA required 3.5 percent, cover closing costs, or buy down their interest rate. ... more
|
| Michigan REALTORS® are not impacted by recent court opinion regarding transaction fee/RESPA |
|
|
On April 20, 2009, a federal judge in Alabama concluded that a broker’s “administrative brokerage commission” fee of $149 per transaction violated Section 8(b) of RESPA. A brief review of the law demonstrates that the Alabama decision changes nothing in Michigan. ... more
|
|
|