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 200 pieces of legislation and regulations each year.

NAR Urges Greater FHA Seller Concessions

In response to the Federal Housing Administration's (FHA) proposed rule to reduce FHA seller concessions from 6% to 3%, NAR submitted a letter requesting FHA to approve a higher percentage. To see NAR's letter click below.

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Deposit Refunds-- Rescission of Condo or HOA Contract

Kathie Connelly, The Maryland Real Estate Commission Executive Director, announced that brokers may immediately return earnest money deposits when a contract is terminated due to a buyer's right to inspect home owners association or condominium documents.

Tax Credit EXTENDED by Congress

(June 30, 2010) Congress has passed an extension of the Homebuyer Tax Credit closing deadline, the Homebuyer Assistance and Improvement Act (H.R. 5623). The extension applies only to transactions that have ratified contracts in place as of April 30, 2010 that have not yet closed. The legislation is designed to create a seamless extension. The new closing deadline for eligible transactions is September 30, 2010.

Flood Insurance Program RENEWED

(June 30, 2010) The Senate has passed the National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act of 2010 (H.R. 5569), an extension of the National Flood Insurance Program, until September 30, 2010. This will allow transactions to move forward. The bill is retroactive and covers the lapse period from June 1, 2010 to the date of enactment of the extension.

2010 State Elections - RPAC Candidate Questionnaire

06/24/2010

Welcome to the 2010 Maryland State Elections - RPAC Questionnaire. This electronic questionnaire is in a user-friendly format and the following links will take you to additional instructions for printing, reviewing, completing etc. We applaud your enthusiastic, civic endeavor and appreciate your interest in REALTOR/homeowner issues alike. All the best for your 2010 campaign! DEADLINE for completion and submission online is July 12th, 2010.
For PDF Version -- reviewable, printable only, click Link to Article below online Questionnaire. Thank you.

Click Here for Candidate Questionnaire to complete online

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Septic Grants for Homeowners: Coming Changes

05/28/2010

During the 2010 Legislative Session in Maryland, MAR worked hard to pass legislation that will continue 100% cost-differential grants for homeowners with failing septic systems in Maryland’s critical areas through 2012. Those grants cover the cost difference between a conventional system and a system that utilizes nitrogen reduction technology. A law passed in 2009 requires these homeowners to install the nitrogen reduction technology.

Lead Paint Renovation Rule Revised

05/28/2010

On May 6^th, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a final rule revising the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program (RRP) that took effect on April 22^nd. The most significant change in the revised rule is the elimination of the owner opt-out. Beginning July 6, 2010,...

Revised Short Sale Addendum Now Available

The revised form includes a new Paragraph 5, which addresses the situation where the parties receive a Notice of Disapproval of the Contract from the lender. Go to the Statewide Forms page to retrieve the document.

Continuing Education and Teams Legislation Just Passed by General Assembly

04/16/2010

Two legislative proposals offered by the Maryland Real Estate Commission were approved by the Maryland General Assembly and await Governor O’Malley’s signature to become law. HB 83, regarding continuing education and HB 406, regarding real estate teams and groups.

MAR 2010 Bill Tracker

04/15/2010

MAR Legislative Committee meets every Monday during Session unless otherwise noted. Click Read More to review MAR's Legislative Committee Bill Positions...

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