2026 Letter of the Law

Seller Disclosure From The Buyer’s Perspective

Source: Michigan REALTORS® (MR)

Court to hear oral arguments in Sitzer-Burnett settlement appeal!

A panel of appellate judges Wednesday will hear arguments in support of and in opposition to the March 2024 Sitzer-Burnett settlement. Both the plaintiffs and defendants in that case, including NAR, will argue that the settlement should stand. Importantly, the settlement-required practice changes on broker compensation remain in place. Read the Full Story.

Source: National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)

News & Events

NAR Calls for Federal Incentives to Spur Investor Sales

In response to the White House proposal to ban further institutional investment in single-family homes, the National Association of REALTORS® calls for a collaborative, data-driven approach to bring more single-family homes to the market.

The National Association of REALTORS® is responding to yesterday’s call from the White House for a ban on further institutional investment in single-family homes. The association is encouraging an approach that would bring more homes to the market by incentivizing institutional owners to sell to owner-occupants. More....

Source: Stacey Moncrieff, executive editor of publications for the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)

Tips to Give and Get Referrals in a RESPA-Compliant Way

The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act is a complex federal law aimed at protecting consumers during the settlement process.

How many times have you seen this: Buyer clients are excited to tour a house, you encourage them to get a preapproval letter from a mortgage lender to show that they are serious, and the clients turn to you for a recommendation?

Your job is to help your clients navigate the homebuying and selling process. At the same time, in a profession built on relationships and problem solving, you don’t want to inadvertently run afoul of a federal law called the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA).

Click "HERE" to read more about "What Is RESPA?"

Source: National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)

Inside the Advocacy Strategic Plan:

What It Means for Your Business

It’s a new year and the Advocacy team is ready to go! In this episode, Shannon and Patrick outline the advocacy portion of NAR’s new Strategic Plan and discuss our policy goals for 2026, which include unleashing housing inventory, confronting NIMBYism and the growing equity gap, and protecting access to homeownership and REALTORS® representation. Building on our 2025 wins, Shannon shares what it will take—from a legislative and grassroots perspective—to increase housing supply and affordability and ensure homeownership is attainable for more Americans.

Source: National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)

2026 Real Estate Outlook

REALTOR® News highlights experts’ predictions from the latest episode of the “Real Estate Today” podcast to help you strategize for the year ahead.

Source: National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)

How To Evaluate HOA Fees Without Letting Them Scare You Assessing HOA fees: What to consider before buying

In most cases, HOA fees are paid monthly, but amounts can vary significantly. Modest communities or those with few amenities may charge a couple hundred dollars each month or less. Luxury high-rises or neighborhoods with extensive services, on the other hand, can cost Read More....

Source: Realtor.com

Educational Classes

Southeastern Border Association of REALTORS^®

Southeastern Michigan Multiple Listing Service

SEM Paragon MLS In-person classes.

Click Here

Pre-recorded Paragon MLS classes.

From the Mailbag

Each month, we are taking the most recently asked questions from From The Mailbag and putting them in E-News.

QUESTION: I am the listing agent. One week after a purchase agreement was signed, the buyer sent an email stating that he was backing out of the purchase contract. The buyer is demanding that the sellers authorize the release of the buyer’s EMD and claims that the sellers cannot sell their home to anyone else until the parties sign a mutual release. Is this true?

ANSWER: No. If the first buyer has terminated the purchase agreement, the sellers are free to sell their home to someone else. The sellers’ dispute with the first buyer over the mutual release and the EMD does not need to be resolved before the home is sold.

Form more legal Q&A, visit law.mirealtors.com

Source: Michigan REALTORS® (MR)

Thank You to our 2026 SEBAR Partner Sponsors ...

Diamond Partners

Michigan Title Insurance Agency, Inc.

Julie Wery

Pillar to Post

Steven Peterson

Ruoff Mortgage

Corrie Dye-Hale, Dawn Hoppes, Julie Sammons & Edward Tilk

Ruby Partners

ATA National Title Group

Amber Majtyka

Gold Partners

Executive Title Agency

Kelly Surdell

First American Title Company

Linda Gutierrez, Rachel Lloyd, Frank Lucarelli, Angie McNeely

Lawyers Title

Ann Hammack & Kendan Myers

Rocket Mortgage

Tito Sanchez

Silver Partners

Directions Credit Union

Christopher Miller

First Merchants Bank

Marc Michalak, Howard Roberts

Greenstone Farm Credit Services

Brian Young

Hassett Title

Dan Hassett & Doug Hassett

InsideOut Inspection Plus

Tim Keifer & Korey Pavlika

Next Door Photos

Nikita Tuthill

Superior Comfort Heating & Cooling

Scott Little

Union Home Mortgage

Jacob Boes & Shannon Henegar

We are so grateful for your continued support of SEBAR!

Southeastern Border Association of REALTORS^®

Shannon Harner, RCE, AHWD, C2EX, e-PRO, Chief Executive Officer

Lisa Horvath, e-PRO, C2EX, 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

2026 Letter of the Law

Court to hear oral arguments in Sitzer-Burnett settlement appeal!

﻿News & Events

Inside the Advocacy Strategic Plan:

From the Mailbag

News & Events