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Confusion Surrounding LARA License Renewal Communication
 
Last week you may have received two communications from the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). These communications were intended to notify salespersons and associate brokers of the upcoming renewal period and to familiarize recipients with various online processes within the new MiPlus system. Unfortunately, Michigan Realtors® was not made aware of this communication until after it was sent out.
 
Based on the volume of calls and emails, the communications have generated a significant amount of concern from brokers and salespersons alike. One of the main concerns is that salespersons are reading it to say their respective brokerage is in some way behind or not sufficiently engaged in the renewal process. If you received one of these communications, it is important to note that the renewal process is just now beginning, all active brokers have until 10/31/2021 to renew their licenses. We are currently engaged with LARA regarding this communication and will work to prevent this kind of confusion going forward.
 
If you have questions or concerns about the renewal process, email BPLHelp@michigan.gov or visit www.Michigan.gov/miplus for more information. 


Michigan Professional Licensing User System MiPLUS

Everybody will be required to generate an account with MiPLUS in order to renew their licenses this year.
 To avoid a huge surge in September/October,
LARA is recommending that all members register NOW!

The MiPlus website may be accessed online at www.michigan.gov/miplus - scroll down the page to select Real Estate; select MiPlus Login at the top of the page; click Register for an Account in the upper right corner. If you need assistance, call 517.241.9288. 

Source: Michigan REALTORS® (MR)
August 3rd CDC Eviction Moratorium
 
On Tuesday, August 3rd, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued a new order temporarily halting evictions for non-payment of rent in counties experiencing “substantial or high levels of transmission” of COVID-19. It is intended to target specific areas of the country where cases are rapidly increasing and is set to expire on October 2, 2021.
 
The CDC uses two metrics to measure a county’s “level of transmission”. This first metric is based on the number of new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people over the last 7 days. The second metric is the COVID-19 positivity rate over the last 7 days.
 
The eviction moratorium only applies to counties with “substantial” or “high” levels of transmission. As of August 3, 2021, the following Michigan counties are designated as an area with a “substantial or high level of transmission”:
 
  • Allegan;
  • Alpena;
  • Barry;
  • Branch,
  • Calhoun;
  • Cass;
  • Charlevoix;
  • Clinton;
  • Delta;
  • Dickinson;
  • Grand Traverse;
  • Huron;
  • Ionia;
  • Iosco;
  • Ingham;
  • Iron;
  • Jackson;
  • Kalamazoo;
  • Kalkaska;
  • Livingston;
  • Macomb;
  • Mason;
  • Montmorency;
  • Muskegon;
  • Oakland;
  • Ontonagon;
  • Saginaw;
  • Shiawassee;
  • St. Joseph;
  • Tuscola;
  • Van Buren
 
Note that these designations will change weekly. Check with your local health department or use this tool to determine if you are located in an area designated with a “substantial or high level of transmission”. 
 
In July, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the CDC lacked authority to implement a nationwide eviction moratorium. This newest order likely sets up another challenge in the highest courts. 
 
Source: Michigan REALTORS® (MR)
Computer Menu
COVID-19 FAQS FOR HOUSING PROVIDERS

Housing providers have special considerations when it comes to their residents. How they can protect them? What precautions should they take? How they can insure the building is protected and sustainable. This FAQ answers those questions.
Source: National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)
Rental Assistance Available for Landlords and Tenants under CERA Program
 
Landlords who are facing difficulty in collecting rent are encouraged to apply for COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA).

The program is now live, and applications are available online through MSHDA. Click here to access the application.
 
Who is eligible? Both landlords and tenants can apply for rental assistance funds. The funds can be applied to renter households that have incomes less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) who meet the following conditions:
 
  1. Individual(s) in the household has qualified for unemployment benefits or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or has experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the coronavirus outbreak; and
 
  1. Individual(s) in the household can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability evidenced by a past due utility or rent notice.
 
Learn more about the program here.

Source: Michigan REALTORS® (MR)
Good Neighbor Nomination
Deadline Approaching
 
Nominations are due on August 11th for the 2021 Michigan Realtors® Good Neighbor Award. The Michigan Realtors® Good Neighbor Award recognizes those Realtors® who make extraordinary commitments to improving the quality of life in their communities. The winner will be recognized during the 2021 Michigan Realtors® Convention and will receive a $2,500 grant toward the 501(C)(3) that they are affiliated with for the purpose of this award. Learn more
Source: Michigan REALTORS® (MR)
Legal Lines - Question(s) of the Month
 
QUESTION: Can I agree with my church that I will donate $500 to the church for every member of my church who lists and sells their home with me?
 
ANSWER: NO. While you can agree to make a donation for every property you list and sell, you cannot pay a fee to an organization for referring its members to you. The fact that the organization is a religious or charitable organization does not change the analysis.

DID YOU KNOW? Your Michigan Realtors® membership gives you direct, no-fee access to an attorney who is experienced in real estate law and its related issues. Get the counsel and guidance you need to practice your profession wisely. Call 800.522.2820.

For more legal resources, visit law.mirealtors.com

Source: Michigan REALTORS® (MR)
NAR - Window to the Law
Window to the Law is a monthly video series that provides valuable risk management tips and information to help real estate professionals navigate legal issues facing the real estate industry. These short videos address some of the fundamental legal issues real estate professionals face today. Access the entire library of Window to the Law videos, and watch for new episodes released at the beginning of each month.

Source: National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)
2021 MR CONVENTION

Event Details
The Convention
September 28-30, 2021
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, Acme MI

REGISTRATION RATES:
Full Registration - Michigan REALTORS® Member:
On or before 9/7 - $230.00. After 9/8 thru 9/22 - $255.00. Onsite - $280.00

Full Registration - Non-Member:
On or before 9/7 - $280.00. After 9/8 thru 9/22 - $305.00. Onsite - $330.00

First Time Attendee Member:
On or before 9/7 - $175.00. After 9/8 thru 9/22 - $200.00. Onsite - $225.00


REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! CLICK HERE
Rooms at the Grand Traverse Resort are filling quickly!

Source: Michigan REALTORS® (MR)
National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)
Code of Ethics Training Requirement

Current Cycle: Jan 1, 2019 through Dec 31, 2021

NAR's Board of Directors recently approved a change to the Code of Ethics training requirement, extending it from every two years to every three ears. This extends the current cycle deadline from Dec. 31, 2020, to Dec. 31, 2021.

REALTORS® are required to complete ethics training of not less than 2 hours, 30 minutes of instructional time. The training must meet specific learning objectives and criteria established by the National Association of REALTORS®.

Failure to complete the required periodic ethics training shall be considered a violation of a membership duty which will result in suspension of membership for not less than thirty (30) days. On March 1, 2022, the membership of a member who is still suspended as of that date will be automatically terminated.

As a friendly REMINDER,
The deadline is December 31, 2021 to fulfill this requirement.

The course is available on NAR’s website (www.nar.realtor) for no charge. Go to their website and look for Code of Ethics training.

If you have questions on whether you have fulfilled the Code of Ethics requirement, please feel free to email DBirkner@SEBrealtors.com

Thank you to our 2021 SEBAR Affiliate Partners ...

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Simple Mortgage
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Southeastern Border Association of REALTORS®
Shannon Harner, RCE, AHWD, e-PRO, CEO/Association Executive
Donna Birkner, e-PRO, Downriver Office Manager
Lisa Horvath, e-PRO, MLS Specialist
Jessica Lapp, e-PRO, Membership & Administrative Manager

Monroe Office
125 Cole Road
Monroe, MI 48162
734-242-6866

Downriver Office
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20600 Eureka Road, Suite 510
Taylor, MI 48180
734-287-8060

Regular business hours for both SEBAR Offices are Monday through Friday (except holidays), from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.