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New Inspection Regulations are Coming
August 30, 2024
On August 6th, the Governor signed the Affordable Homes Act into law. This law includes a provision that requires the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to create regulations mandating a right to conduct an inspection. The Act itself does not mandate this right. The new inspection regulations are… -
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Notes from the Legal Hotline: August 2024
August 2, 2024
Q: The Listing Broker is asking for a copy of my Buyer Agreement with my client, am I required to share it? A: No. Buyer agreements contain private information and business practices, similar to listing agreements. They are not meant to be enforced by other members in the field. The existence of a buyer agreement does not change the terms of compensation offered in the listing agreement or the purchase… -
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End of 2023-24 Session
August 2, 2024
The two-year legislative session came to a close with a flurry of late-night activity. Here are some highlights: Housing Bond Bill (Affordable Homes Act, H.4977) This bill, which is updated every five years, aims to increase housing funding and improve policies. It allows over $5 billion in bonds, nearly three… -
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2024 Snapshot of Race and Home Buying in America
July 8, 2024
The 2024 Snapshot of Race and Home Buying in America delves into homeownership trends within each racial group and explores obstacles encountered in the pursuit of homeownership. Leveraging NAR’s 2023 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers data, the report also explores the demographics of home buyers, motivations for purchasing, types of properties acquired and financial profiles – specifically focusing on racial distinctions. -
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Notes From the Legal Hotline: July 2024
July 1, 2024
Q: How and when will MAR be updating forms to comply with the practice changes proposed in the National Association of REALTORS® Settlement? -
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Notes From the Legal Hotline: June 2024
May 31, 2024
Q: Can a landlord refuse emergency or temporary housing assistance payments? Can a landlord deny those tenants because the housing program requires a vacant unit for inspection, and this costs the landlord money? -
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Notes From the Legal Hotline: May 2024
May 1, 2024
Q: I have heard that the NAR settlement received preliminary approval and the opt-in period has begun. What does it mean to be covered by the settlement and do I need to do anything as a member of MAR? -
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Notes From the Legal Hotline: April 2024
April 11, 2024
Q: What do REALTORS® need to know about Fair Housing? A: Everything! REALTORS® play a pivotal role in ensuring fair housing compliance throughout a transaction. When working with buyers, not only should REALTORS® ensure that equal access to available properties is provided, but also that prospective buyers are not directed towards or away from certain neighborhoods based on demographics. Do not make assumptions about where a prospective buyer might like… -
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White House Announcement on Housing
March 13, 2024
This is an NAR contributing article written by Erin Stackley On Thursday, February 29, the White House announced its “New Actions to Boost Housing Supply and Lower Housing Costs,” aimed at creating more affordable homes and increasing transparency in rental housing. -
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Notes From the Legal Hotline: March 2024
February 29, 2024
Q: What disclosures are required in Massachusetts? A: Massachusetts real estate transactions are generally ruled by the principle of caveat emptor, or buyer beware. Massachusetts home sellers are only required to inform prospective purchases of whether the property is serviced by a septic system (Title 5) and, for properties built prior to 1978, sellers must provide a Property Transfer Lead Paint Notification & Certification. Further, any information provided by a…
