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With FHFA Release of 2021 Loan Limits, NAR Urges Improved Access to Safe, Affordable Financing
November 24, 2020
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… -
5 Questions on the House FY2021 Budget, H.5150
November 11, 2020
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… -
FAQ for Landlords about Accepting State Funded Rental Assistance
November 4, 2020
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... -
Updated Guidance on Gatherings & Face Coverings
November 3, 2020
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... -
REALTORS® Defeat Anti-Growth Proposal in Ipswich, MA
October 28, 2020
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… -
Eviction Moratorium Info
October 18, 2020
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... -
REALTOR® Advocate – November/December
September 21, 2020
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… -
5 Questions With Carl Carter, Jr.
September 14, 2020
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… -
Let’s Close at the Registry of Deeds – Wait What?
September 9, 2020
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… -
September is REALTOR® SAFETY Month!
September 9, 2020
After the spring and summer we’ve been through, when you hear the word “safety” the first things that probably jump to mind are COVID-19 safety procedures such as wearing face masks when meeting clients and in the office, not shaking hands with clients anymore, and holding virtual open houses. All…