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SEBAR Legal News Update featuring News that's Relevant to YOUR Business!
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New NAR Study Underscores Commitment to Racial Equity
Source: National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)
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Fair Housing ACT Plan
Each day is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to Fair Housing. In an effort to build upon NAR’s Fair Housing ACT Plan (ACT = Accountability, Culture Change, and Training), we encourage members to complete these available training opportunities:
Completing these three programs will empower Realtors® to confront their own biases and demonstrate a commitment to offering equal professional services to all. Through action and education, we can work together to end discrimination in housing.
Additionally, visit our Fair Housing Resources web page for a compilation of videos, articles and online education opportunities. Fair Housing Makes US Stronger.
Source: Michigan REALTORS® (MR)
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March 2, 2021 Gatherings and Face Mask Order
The Governor and the Department of Health and Human Services (“MDHHS”) held a press conference on Tuesday, March 2nd signaling forthcoming changes to Covid-19 Restrictions.
The revised order (effective March 5th) can be found HERE
Source: Michigan REALTORS® (MR)
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New Rules for PPP Loans Open Funding Up to Smaller Businesses
The smallest of businesses are getting more attention under the Paycheck Protection Program, the Biden administration announced recently. New rules aim to extend the forgivable loan program to more minority-owned, smaller businesses, and sole proprietors. The PPP was implemented during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to help businesses struggling financially.
Source: National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)
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Legal Lines - Question(s) of the Month
QUESTION: I am a Realtor® representing a buyer with whom I am related. I have spoken to other agents and they told me that I have to disclose this relationship to the seller. Are they correct?
ANSWER: There is no legal requirement agents must disclose that they are related to the buyer whom they represent. When the Occupational Code refers to someone buying property “indirectly,” it is referring to the situation where, for example, the licensee is a partner in a partnership that is buying the home. A licensee whose relative is buying a home is not buying the home indirectly. However, under the Code of Ethics, a Realtor® acting as a buyer’s agent is required to disclose if the buyer is a member of their “immediate family.” “Immediate family” includes spouse, siblings, parents, grandparents and children.
QUESTION: I am the listing agent. Do I have to disclose that the seller is my brother?
ANSWER: No. Neither the Occupational Code (nor the Code of Ethics) requires a listing agent to disclose the fact that he or she is related to the seller.
Source: Michigan REALTORS® (MR)
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2021 VIRTUAL LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS
MAY 3-14, 2021
The meaning of home has permanently changed. Now, more than ever, Americans are counting on their homes for countless activities, but most of all as a respite, a safe space to be with, and to protect, themselves and their families.
Join us at the virtual 2021 REALTORS® Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo, May 3-14 to learn how we can continue this important work together. Admission is complimentary for NAR Members but REALTORS® must register to attend and receive access to the virtual event platform.
What to Expect at This Year's Virtual Event
The 2021 REALTORS® Legislative Meetings’ virtual platform will place user experience top-of-mind with intuitive interfaces, useful tools, seamless content dissemination and the ability to forge valuable connections with other participants and sponsors. The virtual experience will include:
· Access to open governance meetings, forums and sessions
· Invitation to the virtual expo
· Networking opportunities with fellow attendees and exhibitors
· Extended viewing options via the on-demand Session Video Library for 30 days post-event
Source: National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)
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Michigan Realtors® Introduce
First-Time Homebuyers Savings Account Legislation
Legislation to create the Michigan First-Time Homebuyers Savings Account was introduced mid-February. The bipartisan bills - HB 4289, HB 4290, SB 145, and SB 146 - would create an innovative savings vehicle to bolster homeownership and affordability in Michigan. Under the legislation, FHSAs could be opened either jointly or individually in the name of a first-time homebuyer beneficiary. This savings account would provide up to 20 years of investment deductibility from an account holder’s state income tax, while allowing the interest on the designated account to grow tax-free. The annual deductible threshold is set at $5,000 for a single tax return and $10,000 for a joint filing. The account has a contribution cap of $50,000. House Tax Policy Chairman, Representative Matt Hall (R- Emmett Township), a co-sponsor of the House bills, is highly supportive of the legislation and is eyeing a mid-March date for the first hearing.
Michigan Realtors® would like to thank our bipartisan sponsors and cosponsors: Rep. John Damoose (R- Harbor Springs), Rep. Mari Manoogian (D- Birmingham), Sen. Ken Horn (R- Frankenmuth), Sen. Jim Runestead (R- White Lake), Sen. Paul Wojno (D- Warren), Sen. Michael MacDonald (R- Sterling Heights), Sen. Curtis VanderWall (R- Ludington), Sen. Adam Hollier (D- Detroit), and Rep. Mark Tisdel (R- Rochester Hills).
Source: Michigan REALTORS® (MR)
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Thank you to our 2021 SEBAR Affiliate Partners ...
Diamond Partners
Michigan Title Insurance Agency, Inc.
Rick Smith, Adam Drobet, Julie Wery
Pillar to Post
Steven Peterson
Ruby Partners
First American Title Company
Frank Lucarelli, Angie McNeely
First Merchants Bank
Nicole Dandron, Nicholas Dunford, Aaron Mason, Howard Roberts, Susan Roppel
Simple Mortgage
Dawn McCarty
Gold Partners
Accuspect Home Inspection Company
Dale Raines
Capital Mortgage Funding
Peter Zuk, Becky Alley
First National Home Mortgage
Mary Katsiroubas
Hondros College
Kevin Pasch
InsideOut Inspections Plus
Lori Pavlika, Nikki Mayes
Silver Partners
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
Mark Light
America's Preferred Home Warranty
Tyler James
Downriver Profile
Robbin Moyer
Farm Bureau Insurance® - Robert J. Roll Agency
Robert Roll
Greenstone Farm Credit Services
Brian Young
Hassett Title Company
Chris Cosby, Jennifer Fountain, Dan Hassett, Doug Hassett, William Hassett
Land Home Financial Services
Bob Schivelbein, Edward Tilk
Lawyers Title of Monroe
Goran Cepo, Ann Hammack, Kendan Myers
Mortgage 1
Walter Tyslicki, Gary Swinney
Nations Lending
Tom Ciotti
Seagate Inspections Inc.
Jim Johnson
State Bank
John Ansara
TLC Community Credit Union
Sean Armstrong, Kristina Frank, Alycia Nichols
Today Magazines
Gina Guarisco
Trenton Trib
Beth Imes
Turn Key Title Agency LLC
Samuel Cummings
Union Home Mortgage
Kristian Bezeau, Jacob Boes, David Gano, Shannon Henegar Tom Ziegler
University Lending
Dan Voran, Michael Van Dusen, Donna Ferguson
We are grateful for your continued support of SEBAR!
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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 County Office
125 Cole Road
Monroe, MI 48162
734-242-6866
Downriver Office
Horizon Business Center West
20600 Eureka Road, Suite 510
Taylor, MI 48180
734-287-8060
Both Offices are Open Monday - Friday / 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
by appointment only at this time
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