Government Affairs News

MAR represents Maryland REALTORS® by making your voice heard in Congress and at the State Legislature. Our primary concern is protecting your professional and business interests. Our Legislative and Public Policy Committees develop a straightforward political agenda to:

Support and develop legislation that helps our industry, and
Oppose legislation that hurts the free transfer of real estate.

The Legislative Committee typically reviews over 120 pieces of legislation and regulations each year.

CLARIFICATION! The REALITY of the American Clean Energy and Security Act

07/01/2009

The House of Representatives recently passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act. The legislation was heavily amended and does not mandate energy audits or appliance upgrades for existing homes or buildings.
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Title Insurance Industry Commission

06/26/2009

MAR Government Affairs Staff is closely monitoring the deliberations of a group that will recommend changes in laws related to the title insurance industry. The Maryland Commission to Study the Title Insurance Industry was established in 2008 and is co-chaired by Sen. Delores Kelley and Del. David Rudolph. Among the topics under review are issues that will concern Maryland REALTORS such as affiliated business arrangements, settlement service providers and the cost of title insurance. For further information contact Mark Feinroth, MAR's Director of Regulatory Affairs at mark.feinroth@mdrealtor.org.

2009 Real Estate Laws

05/20/2009

Governor Martin O’Malley held his final bill signing of 2009 on Tuesday May 19^th. Among the hundreds of bills signed by the Governor, are some that will affect real estate licensees and homeowners. Click on the link below for a brief overview.
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First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit - Frequently Asked Questions

05/20/2009

Click on the link below to read information about the First-Time Homebuyer tax credit, including: how the credit works; who is eligible to take the credit; whether the credit must be repaid; and examples of how the credit applies to specific situations.

The federal first-time hombuyer tax credit expires December 1, 2009, unless Congress chooses to extend it. Your State, local and National Association of REALTORS^®are working to extend the credit into 2010.
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Foreclosure Prevention Brochure

03/12/2009

The National Association of REALTORS® offers a brochure to help you assist consumers facing foreclosure. It includes information on the role a REALTOR® can play in assisting a homeowner struggling to avoid the loss of their homes as well as when and how to contact lenders when payments are missed. The brochure is available in digital form by clicking the link below.

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