MESSAGE VIDEO FROM THE

SEBAR TASK FORCE

Source: Southeastern Border Association of REALTORS® Task Force

Source: Michigan REALTORS^® (MR)

NAR Settlement Briefing

Settlement Resources

NAR President Kevin Sears and Chief Legal Officer Katie Johnson discuss the settlement agreement and what it means for both the association and its members.

Source: National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)

Avoiding the Unauthorized Practice of Law

Source: National Association of REALTORSR® (NAR)

Drive with NAR

The REALTOR® to REALTOR®

The REALTOR® to REALTOR® Series: What Does NAR’s Settlement Mean for Your Business?

Listen in on a roundtable discussion with four real estate pros who discuss what’s next for buyers, sellers and NAR members.

Source: National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)

What Members Say About the Settlement

In honest and forward-looking conversations, real estate pros talk through the potential challenges and opportunities presented by NAR’s proposed settlement agreement. Share three new episodes of the “Drive With NAR” podcast so your members can hear their peers discuss the facts about the settlement and offer sound advice for:

• Operating with buyers and sellers under new practice changes

• Showing buyers the value you provide them

• Refocusing on an important benefit of being a REALTOR®: advocacy

Source: National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)

Fair Housing Education and Resources for Realtors®

April is Fair Housing Month, but 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:

• Realtors® Commitment to Excellence (C2EX)
• Bias Override: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing;
• Fair Haven: A Fair Housing Simulation;
• “At Home with Diversity” Certification.

Completing these four 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 statewide education opportunities.

Source: National Association of REALTORSR® (NAR)

Kevin Sears, NAR President

Update From the Road at REALTORS® Legislative Meetings

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.

Source: National Association of REALTORS^® (NAR)

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.

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

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!

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

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!