In This Issue: April is Fair Housing Month: Learn about available resources. NAR seeks clarity on home buyer access to mortgage credit and urges the VA to revise a policy that disadvantages VA buyers. DOL’s worker classification rule takes effect; NAR continues to protect REALTORS®' ability to be classified as independent contractors. NAR testifies before Congress on dire lack of housing inventory. Chicago voters defeat transfer tax proposal after advocacy blitz.
Indiana Association of REALTORS® Wins Legislation Requiring Mandatory Buyer Agency Agreements for All Real Estate Licensees
After two years of membership engagement and education, and policymaker outreach by the state’s REALTOR® association, Indiana now has legislation requiring buyer agency agreements to be mandatory for all real estate licensees, effective July 1st. The timing of the new state law gave Indiana REALTORS® a head start on preparing for NAR’s proposed seller commission same lawsuit settlement and ensures that all licensed real estate brokers across the state will operate by the standard for consumer protection and transparency.
Broker Involvement Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enroll in the Broker Involvement Program? Sign up online and NAR staff will contact you to complete the enrollment process. Questions about your registration? Contact John Winston at 202-383-1235. What does it cost to participate in the program? There is no cost to join or participate. What steps must a broker take to complete their enrollment? Within seven days of receiving the enrollment form, NAR staff will e-mail the broker to confirm participation by asking the broker to: Verify the numbers of agents in the office(s) so we can assure the Broker Call for Action is going to the...
Ideas for Using a Placemaking Grant
The following projects help create new outdoor public gathering places. Use these ideas for inspiration and visit the Spaces to Places blog for more projects and ideas. In addition, review the Placemaking Guide for REALTOR® Associations for practical tips on conducting a successful activity. If you have an idea but are not sure if it is eligible for a grant, contact Hannah Dannenfelser at 202-383-1132. Level 1 – Placemaking Grant Ideas (Temporary) Temporary & pop-up parks, pocket parks and parklets: Create a small green space composed of temporary greenery, plantings, and landscaping. Add in seating and artwork. Temporary & pop-up...
Southern Maryland REALTORS® Partner With Local College to Boost Financial Literacy
The 1,400-member Southern Maryland Association of Realtors® (SMAR) received a $5,000 NAR Housing Opportunity Program Grant to partner with the College of Southern Maryland to present Money Smart. This free event offered sound financial advice in tough economic times. Industry experts presented sessions covering topics related to real estate and mortgages; personal banking; and taxes, insurance, and financial planning.
Medina County (OH) REALTORS® Help Bring Dying Main Street of Seville Back to Life
The village of Seville, Ohio had been hard hit by the recent recession, and before that, by the imposition of a set of extremely limiting zoning codes that left its once-charming main street commercial district 33 percent unoccupied. It was anchored at each end by shuttered gas stations, constituting unsightly brownfields. A recently closed elementary school loomed vacant nearby, not just an empty property, but representing the absence of significant tax revenue from the village coffers. Within a year of receiving a $15,000 Smart Growth Action Grant from NAR through the 618-member Medina County Board of REALTORS® (MCBOR), Seville has...
Kickstarting Efforts to Make Macon Better was as Easy as ABC
A Diversity Initiative Grant helped the Middle Georgia Association of REALTORS® bring elected officials, community leaders, homeowners and potential homebuyers together to create partnerships to address the communities most basic needs and brainstorm affordable housing solutions to a county facing a nearly 23.5% poverty level.