• Millennials Looking for Pooch Perfect Homes

    March 2, 2020

    - By Sabrina Lapointe

    The days of the dog-house in the back yard are long gone. Well, maybe they’re still here but decking out the dog-house isn’t the only thing homeowners are doing for their pets nowadays. Helping clients find the home of their dreams has changed. For many, that dream now includes features…
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  • Notes From the MAR Legal Hotline

    March 2, 2020

    - By The MAR Legal Team

    Q. A tenant is asking permission to have an emotional support animal and the building does not allow pets –can I say no? A. In many situations you may be required to make an exception to a “no pets” policy for a tenant who requires an assistance animal. Under Fair Housing…
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  • Putting Their Fur Babies First

    March 2, 2020

    - By Bridget McCrea

    More homebuyers are putting their beloved pets first in the home selection process. Here are six ways REALTORS® can help them get what they want while also keeping their furry and feathered friends happy. As the golden retriever cautiously worked her way over to the edge of the deck and…
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  • MassHousing’s Down Payment Assistance Empowers First-time Buyers

    February 26, 2020

    - By MassHousing

    Working with buyers who don’t have enough for a down payment? MassHousing’s down payment assistance is helping thousands of first-time buyers across Massachusetts. And now there are two options, depending on the borrower’s income and where they want to buy. No matter which option is right for your client, it pays to ask…
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  • Forms Updates

    February 14, 2020

    - By Massachusetts Association of Realtors®

    MAR works diligently to ensure that the forms we produce are accurate, effective, and legally compliant. Highlighted below are some recent changes to the forms library. Be sure to check them out to confirm you are using the latest versions. Exclusive Right to Sell-Broker’s Fee Paragraph 4 pertaining to the…
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  • ‘Hands-Free’ Driving Law Goes Live on February 23, 2020

    February 6, 2020

    - By Sabrina Lapointe

    There’s a new Massachusetts law that has the potential to impact many REALTORS® and your on-the-go lifestyle. Starting on February 23, 2020, the new “Hands-Free” Driving Law goes into effect. The law prohibits operators of motor vehicles and bicycles from using any electronic device, including a cell phone, unless the…
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  • Thank You for Fighting the Sales Tax on Homes

    February 5, 2020

    - By The MAR Legal Team

    Thank you to everyone who participated in our Call for Action (CFA) opposing transfer taxes in Massachusetts. The CFA was active from January 5 to January 29 and 3,504 members (14.03%) participated by contacting their legislators. Click here for a breakdown by local association. While this is a strong start, we always strive…
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  • Notes From the Legal Hotline: February 2020

    February 3, 2020

    - By The MAR Legal Team

    Q. What does the new guidance from HUD on assistance animals mean? A. The guidance issued by HUD on January 28, 2020, explains how housing providers should handle requests for reasonable animal-related accommodations to comply with the Fair Housing Act The full guidance can be found here: https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/PA/documents/HUDAsstAnimalNC1-28-2020.pdf. While this…
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  • The REALTOR® Advocate January/February

    February 3, 2020

    - By The MAR Legal Team

    Wow, what a start to the year! January was a whirlwind, with formal session resuming and moving at a rapid pace.  Read on to see all that happened, but first, check out our 2019 Year in Review video and report. If you ever have any questions or comments on our advocacy efforts or just…
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  • From the Editor ‘2020 Possibilities’

    January 28, 2020

    - By Eric Berman

    For the past several years, I have had the opportunity and privilege to interview and profile the incoming president for this annual leadership issue. Before writing the profile, I spend time learning about who they are and what their vision is for their upcoming time in office. And while I…
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