• Thompson v. JP Morgan Bank Case

    November 30, 2020

    - By The MAR Legal Team

    You may recall a writeup from March of last year about a case that was quite controversial for creating a new and amorphous standard in foreclosure procedures. Today, the state’s highest court issued a ruling on a key element of that case, essentially upholding the status quo for an already highly regulated area – the language required for…
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  • With FHFA Release of 2021 Loan Limits, NAR Urges Improved Access to Safe, Affordable Financing

    November 24, 2020

    - By National Association of REALTORS®

    National Association of REALTORS® President Charlie Oppler issued the following statement after the Federal Housing Finance Agency today unveiled 2021 loan limits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. GSE loan limits now sit at $548,250, while an announcement from the Federal Housing Administration is expected in the coming weeks. NAR’s…
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  • 5 Questions on the House FY2021 Budget, H.5150

    November 11, 2020

    - By The MAR Legal Team

    1. Why are you working on the budget now? Isn’t that due by June 30th?  Yes, it is! However, due to the pandemic, a lot of issues were delayed, including the FY2021. The state enacted a series of short-term budgets in the interim, with the latest set to expire at the end of this month. Lawmakers are…
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  • FAQ for Landlords about Accepting State Funded Rental Assistance

    November 4, 2020

    - By The MAR Legal Team

    The Department of Housing & Community Development posted a FAQ for landlords on accepting state-funded rental assistance that will hopefully answer a lot of questions that...
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  • Updated Guidance on Gatherings & Face Coverings

    November 3, 2020

    - By The MAR Legal Team

    On November 2, 2020, Governor Baker issued COVID-19 Order #54 which limits indoor gatherings to 10 people. Importantly, the Order expressly includes gatherings in private residences...
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  • REALTORS® Defeat Anti-Growth Proposal in Ipswich, MA

    October 28, 2020

    - By Catherine Rollins

    With public opposition from the North Shore Associations of REALTORS®, an anti-growth proposal that would have had a chilling effect on local housing inventory was soundly defeated, showing that the REALTOR® voice is truly important in informing local policy outcomes in Massachusetts. At a Special Town Meeting in Ipswich on…
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  • Eviction Moratorium Info

    October 18, 2020

    - By The MAR Legal Team

    On October 17, 2020, the Massachusetts eviction moratorium expired. To assist tenants facing challenges, Governor Baker announced a comprehensive Eviction Diversion Initiative in-line with our advocacy...
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  • REALTOR® Advocate – November/December

    September 21, 2020

    - By The MAR Legal Team

    If you ever have any questions or comments on MAR’s advocacy efforts or just want to chat about a recent or upcoming meeting with your legislator, contact MAR Staff Attorney Jonny Schreiber, jschreiber@marealtor.com (781) 839-5520. November Highlights: Leading the Discussion on Short-Term Rentals 11/1 & 11/4 – Leading the Discussion on Short-Term Rentals – MAR…
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  • 5 Questions With Carl Carter, Jr.

    September 14, 2020

    - By Carl Carter, Jr.

    Carl Carter, Jr., is a REALTOR® and the Founder of the Beverly Carter Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving agent safety. His mom, REALTOR® Beverly Carter, lost her life at the hands of a couple posing as clients in 2014. Since his mother’s passing, Carl has dedicated as much…
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  • Let’s Close at the Registry of Deeds – Wait What?

    September 9, 2020

    - By Michael Krone, Esq.

    Much in the world has changed in 2020 and closing a real estate transaction in Massachusetts is no exception. Gone are the closings where buyers, sellers, their attorneys, the closing attorney, and the brokers all convened at the Registry of Deeds to sign the papers that would transfer ownership of…
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