Maryland Association of Realtors Homepage

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.

Annapolis Update

02/04/2010

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

Video Link

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.

GRI 100 in Annapolis

02/03/2010

Sign up today for GRI Series 100 in Annapolis. Course starts February 23, 2010. Click here to register and to check out our 2010 Course offerings.

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.

The FHA Announces Changes to Ensure its Long-Term Financial Soundness

01/20/2010

Summary of changes: 1) HUD will allow the financing of the upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP), which will be raised from 1.75 to 2.25% ; 2) There will be a FICO floor - scores below 580 will require a 10% down payment; scores over 580 will keep the minimum downpayment at 3.5%. These changes were announced in a Mortgagee Letter dated January 21. The increased upfront fee will be effective in the spring; the changes in FICO scores are effective immediately. 3) FHA will seek legislation to increase the annual premium .55%. Click 'Read More' for NAR's Issue Brief and further explanation...

MAR INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

12/17/2009

In the event of inclement weather, MAR's policy states that if Anne Arundel County Schools are closed, all committee meetings are cancelled. If Anne Arundel County Schools are set for "delayed opening," all committee meetings scheduled before 12:00 noon are cancelled. This does not necessarily mean that MAR's offices will be closed and/or have a delayed opening. A recorded message will also be put on MAR's phone system.