Michigan Association of REALTORS

Legislative News

Governmental Affairs

Property Taxes and appealing your assessment: Guidelines for REALTORS® to pass along to their buyers

It's that time of year again - homeowners have started to receive their 2010 property tax assessments in the mail. Over the last few years, homeowners have been frustrated by their assessed value increasing, while their property value has decreased because of the economic downturn. This is due to current law that allows a homeÍs taxable value to increase each year by either the rate of inflation or 5%, whichever is lower. However, this tax year is particularly interesting because Michigan has a negative inflation rate. So, almost every homeowner should see a property tax decrease of at least .3%.

Download the Property Taxes Guide for REALTORS

Governor Proposes Service Tax to Balance State Budget
On February 11th, the Governor unveiled her proposed 2010-2011 budget. Unfortunately, this plan addresses two-thirds of the deficit through tax increases and stimulus money, while only touching upon state government’s much needed cost-saving reforms. Once again, we have a short term solution to a long term problem that puts off necessary spending reforms for future policy makers to address.

Center for Michigan, coalition release details of statewide election debates
(News from Crains Detroit Business) The Center for Michigan and a broad coalition that includes business, education, labor and health care organizations have announced details of a series of statewide election debates.

Senate Republicans push 2010 as “Year of the Reform”
Recently, the Senate Republican caucus unveiled their top 10 legislative reforms that they say, can aide in eliminating the 2011 budget deficit. Currently, early figures of the 2011 deficit are around $1.7-2 billion. Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop (R-Rochester) unveiled 10 cost-saving legislative initiatives for state and local government entities. The goal of the initiatives is to provide efficient government services, while making it cost-effective for Michigan citizens.

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2009 Local Association RPAC Awards
Every year, the Michigan Association of REALTORS® recognizes members and affiliates who contribute to RPAC through a special recognition luncheon. This year, the luncheon was held during the Achieve conference in Detroit, where members from around the state gather to celebrate the RPAC accomplishments that their local associations achieved in 2009. Jim Fase, 2009 RPAC Trustee Chair, and Mary Rockwell, 2010 RPAC Vice-Chair, congratulated the award recipients.

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