Maryland Association of Realtors Homepage

New Guidance from HUD on Administrative Fees under RESPA

03/11/2010

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) has issued an informal letter (“Letter”) providing clarification on how real estate broker and real estate agent commission fees are to be disclosed under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (“RESPA”). The letter provides some guidance for brokers and firms with regard to disclosing and charging fees or commissions.

House of Delegates Passes Real Estate Commission Bills

03/10/2010

The Maryland House of Delegates passed legislation, HB 83 and HB 406, sought by the Maryland Real Estate Commission. The bills address continuing education and real estate teams.

House of Delegates Passes MAR Septic Legislation

03/10/2010

The House of Delegates passed legislation sought by the Maryland Association of REALTORS® and sponsored by Delegates Veronica Turner (Prince George's) and Pam Beidle (Anne Arundel) which will improve the Septic Law passed last April.

Annapolis Update

03/05/2010

Click on the following link for a review of MAR's Legislative Activities during the work week of March 1

Video Link

TransUnion SmartMove

03/01/2010

TransUnion SmartMove gives MAR independent landlords all the screening tools they need, with none of the hassle. Visit https://mar.mysmartmove.com/ to get started and create an account in minutes. Receive credit, criminal and a leasing recommendation. No approval process. No minimums.

Committee Volunteer Form Now Available!

02/26/2010

"MAR Volunteers We Want You!"
Building on the Strength of our Members
Committee Year: 2010 - 2011

EASY ON-LINE FORM – CLICK HERE

FDIC Provides Additional Information on its Loss Share Agreement With OneWest Bank

02/15/2010

In response to NAR's inquiry regarding the viral video circulating amongst the real estate community about the FDIC's loss sharing agreement with OneWest (successor to IndyMac Bank), the FDIC has totally refuted the charge that its agreement has disadvantaged short sales.

Maryland REALTOR® Rx Program

02/05/2010

This program is being provided to you and your family & friends to help lower your prescription drug costs. Simply create and print your FREE Prescription Drug Card below and receive savings of up to 75% (discounts average roughly 30%) at more than 54,000 national and regional pharmacies. This card can be used as your primary plan and/or it can be used on prescriptions not covered by your insurance plan.

Summary of Federal Short Sale Program and FAQs

02/04/2010

NAR has issued a new brochure to help members understand the new Home Affordable Foreclosure Avoidance Program (HAFA) that takes effect on or before April 5, 2010. The purpose of the program is to help homeowners, who are unable to retain their homes under the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP), to exit gracefully through a short sale or a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure instead of absolute foreclosure.

Maryland AG Doug Gansler Says No to Tax on Forgiveness

01/28/2010

Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler has released an Opinion about some local jurisdictions collecting transfer tax on forgiven debt in a short sale transaction. The opinion concludes that the forgiven portion is not consideration. Click below for more information.