Welcome to the

SEBAR Legal News Update featuring News that's Relevant to YOUR Business!




If you have any questions, comments, or ideas, please email

Shannon@SEBrealtors.com

Michigan REALTORS® Documents


New Michigan REALTORS® documents have been added under the

SEM Paragon MLS Documents.


Folder: Michigan REALTORS® M1 Documents. 


NEW

J-1 Exclusive Buyer Agency Contract - Traditional Agency

JJ-1 Exclusive Buyer Agency Contract - Designated Agency

A-1 Purchase Agreement

B1 Exclusive Listing Contract - Traditional Agency

BB1 Exclusive Listing Contract - Designated Agency

HH Exemption from Seller Disclosure Act

SF-A Seller Financing Addendum to Buy and Sell Agreement


If you have any questions, do not hesitate to give either Lisa or Shannon a call at the SEBAR office.

Source: Michigan REALTORS® (MR)

Source: Southeastern MLS

For more videos and transcripts.

2023 Within The Law Materials

Source: Michigan REALTORS® (MR)

Burnett Questions Answered

In the case of Burnett v. NAR et al, on October 31, 2023, the jury found NAR and the co-defendants liable. The plaintiffs claimed real estate commission rates are too high, buyer brokers are being paid too much, and that NAR rules and corporate defendants’ practices lead to set pricing.  

 

The reality is that NAR rules prioritize consumers, support market-driven pricing and promote business competition. We stand by the fact that NAR’s guidance for local MLS broker marketplaces ensures consumers get comprehensive, equitable, transparent and reliable home information and that brokerages of any size, service or pricing model get a fair shot at competing. 

The Safety Series: 

What You Should Never Post on Social Media

Many real estate professionals strive to be authentic on social media, but where is the line in the sand? What you say about your clients, your listings and yourself could reveal valuable information to bad actors who may be looking online for an easy target. Host Tracey Hawkins speaks with two social media superstars in the real estate profession about the online boundaries they set to protect themselves and their clients' privacy. One of them says she knows of a sale contract that was canceled over a social media post.

Source: Michigan REALTORS® (MR)

Window to the Law:

The FTC Is Sniffing Out Fake Testimonials Online

Know how to comply with the agency’s updated guidelines about using endorsements and testimonials appropriately in your digital marketing.

Source: Maame Nyamekye NAR Associate Counsel (NAR)

Save for Homeownership!

Lower Your Michigan Income Tax Liability!

Be a proud ambassador of the new Michigan First-Time Homebuyer Savings Account (FHSA) program. Share this video with clients, family, and friends!

 

Spread the word that the FHSA is a Michigan Income Tax savings vehicle! Michigan Income Tax Form 5792 will help your clients claim a tax deduction for funds contributed to an FHSA.

 

Make sure to review the educational infographic below. Share this graphic with your clients, real estate network, and on social media. All of the Michigan FHSA program resources are located at firsthomemichigan.com.

Click "HERE" to Download

Source: National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)

Legal Question of The Week


QUESTION: My buyer-client agreed to a $10,000 appraisal guarantee. The home appraised for $15,000 less than the purchase price. Does the seller have to reduce the price by $5,000 in order to make up the difference?

 

ANSWER: NO (unless your purchase contract explicitly says so). Typically when the appraisal shortfall exceeds the guaranteed amount, the buyer has the option of terminating the contract. The buyer cannot require the seller to reduce the purchase price


Fore more legal Q&A, visit law.mirealtors.com. Link

Source: McClelland & Anderson

Fair Housing Center of Metropolitan Detroit's Down Payment Assistance Program

Down-Payment Assistance Available for Homebuyers and Homeowners

 When a Home is Appraised Below the Loan Amount


The Fair Housing Center of Metropolitan Detroit is pleased to announce that it has received “Opportunity Fund” funds to be used for down payment assistance. The down payment assistance funds are available under the following conditions: 


  • The funds will be used for down payment assistance of up to $10,000 for new homebuyers and homeowners whose applications are denied based on the appraised value of a home being below the loan amount.


  • Although a preference will be given to new homebuyers or homeowners seeking to purchase or refinance a home for $100,000 or less, down payment assistance is available for purchases above $100,000.


  • As a condition of the down payment assistance, the homebuyers and homeowners will be required to provide copies of their purchase agreement, appraisal(s), and the requested loan amount. The homebuyers or homeowners participating in this program will be required to execute any necessary release for the disclosure of such records and information.
More Information Click "HERE"

Source: Steve Tomkowiak, Executive Director Fair Housing Center of Metropolitan Detroit

A Year In Review: 2023 Legal Q&A

As we wrap up 2023, your Michigan Realtors® Legal Team has found themselves, once again, reflecting on another year of legal education. And what better way to reflect on legal lessons learned than to revisit the top Legal Hotline Questions of 2023?

Click here as we review this year’s most popular legal questions and answers.

Source: Rebecca Berke, ESQ., Director of Legal Education (MR)

NAR's Board of Directors approved a change to the Code of Ethics training requirement, extending it from every two years to every three years. This extends the current cycle deadline from March 1, 2022, to Dec. 31, 2024.


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®. 



Training may be completed through NAR’s online courses or through another method, such as online or classroom courses via local/state associations. Read the consequences for failing to complete Code of Ethics training.

MICHIGAN REAL ESTATE LICENSEES NOW HAVE INDIVIDUAL EXPIRATION DATES, BASED ON THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE OF THE LICENSE.


The month and date of your license expiration is your new deadline each year to complete your 2 hours of legal credit.


IDENTIFYING REAL ESTATE LICENSE EXPIRATION DATE AND CONTINUING EDUCATION DEADLINES


To remain compliant and meet the continuing education requirements for renewal, licensees need at least 18 total credit hours every three years. Within these 18 hours, two hours of legal credit must be taken in each year you are licensed. The additional 12 credits to reach a total of 18 prior to renewal may be credits of any type (legal or elective) and may be taken at any time during the three-year period.


To find your license expiration date(s), click here!


Click Here to Register for SEBAR CE Approved Educational Classes!
Source: Michigan REALTORS® (MR)
LEGAL RESOURCE
Visit MIRealtors.com website
Source: Michigan REALTORS® (MR)

Thank You to our 2024 SEBAR Affiliate Partners ...



Diamond Partners

ATA National Title Group

Amber, Majtyka & P.J. Ruokis

Michigan Title Insurance Agency, Inc.

Rick "Smitty" Smith, Adam Drobet, Michelle Vajcner, Julie Wery

Pillar to Post

Steven Peterson


 Ruby Partners

Downriver Profile

Robbin Moyer

First American Title Company

Linda Gutierrez, Rachel Lloyd, Frank Lucarelli, Angie McNeely

Ruoff Mortgage

C​o​r​r​i​n​a​ Dye-Hale, Ed Tilk


Gold Partners

First Merchants Bank

David Evanoff, Howard Roberts, Susan Roppel

The Mortgage Link

Julie Sammons


 Silver Partners

America's Preferred Home Warranty

Tyler James

Delmar Mortgage

Ramzi Faraj

GreenStone Farm Credit Services

Brian Young

Hassett Title

Dan Hassett, Doug Hassett, William Hassett

InsideOut Inspection Plus

Wayne Pavlika, Tim Keifer, & Kendrick Taylor

Lawyers Title

Ann Hammack & Kendan Myers

Union Home Mortgage

Jacob Boes & Shannon Henegar

 

We are so grateful for your continued support of SEBAR!


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Southeastern Border Association of REALTORS®
Shannon Harner, RCE, AHWD, C2EX, e-PRO, Chief Executive Officer
Lisa Horvath, e-PRO, MLS Director
Kyra James, Membership Director

Monroe 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

Monroe Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Downriver Office Hours: Monday through Thursday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm