BREAKING NEWS – President Obama signs the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Bill that permanently prohibits banks from entering real estate brokerage and management.  More information can be found at www.Realtor.org.
 

Good Neighbor Award – Applications are now being accepted for the 2009 Good Neighbor Award – Deadline is May 1.  Click here for the application and more information about the award program that recognizes REALTORS® who have made an extraordinary commitment to improving the quality of the life in their communities through volunteer work.
 

Massachusetts Real Estate Educator of the Year Award – Nominate a REALTOR® who does an outstanding job promoting professionalism in the real estate industry through their personal involvement in professional development activities.  The Deadline is May 1.  Click here for more details and nomination forms.
 

‘Opportunity Knocks’ – MAR is again partnering with MassHousing and additional organizations to sponsor “Opportunity Knocks: Homebuyer Fairs and Open Houses” the weekends of May 2-3 and May 9-10 at 10 mall locations across the state.  More information will be coming, but click here to learn more.
 

Fannie Mae not cutting Commissions – Fannie Mae recently sent an announcement to its servicers that as of 3/1 that the commission established by the listing agent should remain intact unless it exceeds 6 percent.  Click here to learn more.
 

‘Right Tools Right Now’ – NAR launches Right Tools Right Now to provide members with publications, resources and services for free, at cost, or at significantly reduced pricing.  Go to www.Realtor.org/righttools
 

$8,000 First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit – Find out the latest information on the first-time homebuyer tax credit and other programs that have been created through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  Go to www.marealtor.com and look under “Hot Topics”