Quick Hits on the NAR Proposed Settlement; Aspire North REALTORS Launches a Webpage with Information & Best Practices for Real Estate Scams & Frauds; Almira Township Considering Zoning Amendment to Second Dwelling on Parcel Allowances
We’ve got to open this week with the subject everyone in the real estate industry is talking about: the National Association of REALTORS proposed settlement. I have compiled a list of resource links to help educate you, your clients, and your family & friends on the proposed settlement. Secondly, we recently launched a new resources page on the Aspire North website! Check out the Aspire North Information & Best Practices for Real Estate Scams & Frauds webpage, created In response to the prevalence of real estate scams and frauds that continue to pop up in our region. And lastly, the Almira Township Planning Commission is moving forward with a Zoning Amendment to second dwellings on parcels.
1. Quick Hits on the NAR Proposed Settlement
We can’t not talk about the elephant in the room that is NAR’s proposed settlement announced this past Friday, March 15th. There is a lot of misinformation out there through mainstream media sources, so we would like to take a moment to share with you links to creditable information on NAR’s proposed settlement:
- First and foremost, if you haven’t already be sure to check out nar.realtor/the-facts. This is where the National Association of REALTORS is providing their most up-to-date information regarding the proposed settlement. Information includes press releases, a fact sheet, continually updated FAQs, and if you are a glutton for punishment the full 108-page Settlement Agreement.
- Michigan REALTORS NAR Resources webpage. Highlights some of the most important articles released by NAR as well as information on a Template Seller Concession Addendum Form. This Seller Concession Addendum you and your buyers may find helpful during future negotiations of a purchase agreement; whenever the seller agrees to pay some or all of the buyer settlement/commission costs.
- A well-written breakdown of NAR’s Proposed Settlement from 2024 NAR President Kevin Sears. NAR member login is required
- Want to hear some reporting from a third party or need an unbiased, and accurate, article you can share with your friends or clients? Here are some third-party sources for well-put-together coverage of the NAR Proposed Settlement:
- Article written for Agents - Agent Decoded: The future is uncertain - but don’t panic!
- Article written by an Agent - Real Estate Pro Says Don't Believe NAR Settlement Myths
- Article that Well Explains It to the Public - What the Big Realtors Settlement Means for Home Buyers and Sellers
If you have any questions, we (Aspire North REALTORS) are here for you. Reach out to us and we will get back to you with the latest available information. Until then, let’s take a deep breath, educate ourselves, and continue to provide great service to your clients and our community.
2. Aspire North REALTORS Launches a Webpage with Information & Best Practices for Real Estate Scams & Frauds
This past Monday, March 18th we at Aspire North REALTORS launched a new webpage under the Resources tab of the Aspire North REALTORS website. This webpage was put together to provide you and your clients with information and best practices for Real Estate Scams and Frauds that have been prevalent in our region. Reports have come out this year stating that 1 in 20 consumers became victims of fraud in 2023. This webpage includes contact information for local sheriff departments, register of deeds offices, and the local FBI Office to report suspected property fraud attempts. It also includes information on best practices for handling Seller Impersonation Fraud/Vacant Land/Deed Scams and Wire Fraud attempts. This webpage will be continually updated with any other prevalent types of fraud or scams brought to our attention. Reach out to us with any questions or any additional information that may enhance the quality of this webpage for you and your clients.
3. Almira Township Considering Zoning Amendment to Second Dwelling on Parcel Allowances
The Almira Township Planning Commission at their March 5th Planning Commission Meeting continued their consideration of a Zoning Ordinance Amendment to Section 4.09 Second Dwelling on a Parcel (page 25 of the Almira Township Zoning Ordinance). This Zoning Ordinance Amendment was originally introduced at the January 9th Almira Township Planning Commission Meeting. Almira Township Planning Commission minutes do not provide a full draft version of the Zoning Ordinance Amendment proposed to Section 4.09 Second Dwelling on a Parcel. I would recommend reaching out to the Almira Township Planning Commission Chair Ryan Ratajczak, ryan.ratajczak94@gmail.com, for this information or attending the next scheduled Almira Township Planning Commission Meeting on April 2nd, 2024.
