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Zillow Talk
May 1, 2019
The Algorithm: The lifeblood of Zillow’s business is its proprietary algorithm for valuing residential properties. Because they are based largely on public information such as assessments, prior sales, and square footage, these valuations may fail to reflect individual features of a home. When they are off, they can be upsetting… -
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Notes from the MAR Legal Hotline
May 1, 2019
Q: Can I put surveillance cameras on my property to make sure the tenants in my vacation rental are following the rules? A: No, while it is certainly understandable that you would want to make sure the provisions of the lease agreement are being followed, placing surveillance cameras in your… -
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From the Bench: Trio of Housing Discrimination Settlements
May 1, 2019
The office of Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey recently announced settlements in three housing discrimination cases requiring the defendants to pay a total of $40,000, undergo staff training, update fair housing policies, and clarify in property advertisements that Section 8 tenants are welcome. In each of the cases, individuals receiving… -
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Service Animals: Be Careful So You Don’t Get Bitten
May 1, 2019
You are showing an apartment to a prospective tenant who informs you that she has an emotional support animal, a large golden retriever. You know that the building doesn’t allow pets. What should you do? Over the last 10 years or so, there have been many more requests from applicants… -
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Five Ways REALTORS® can Work with Attorneys to Insure a Smooth Closing
May 1, 2019
Coordination between the parties in the real estate closing process is vital to the transaction moving toward a timely and efficient conclusion. The lenders and closing attorneys may control the process, but the REALTOR® is often the “glue” that holds the transaction together. So, what can the REALTOR® do to… -
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NAR Launches ‘That’s Who We R®’ Consumer Advertising Campaign
May 1, 2019
As a REALTOR®, you know the difference between you and someone who is just a real estate agent. However, the public might not know that as a member you subscribe to a Code of Ethics and that being a member is more than just about the transaction. To help bridge… -
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2019 Government Affairs First Quarter Update
April 25, 2019
The first quarter of 2019 provided an exciting start to the year. We kicked-off a new legislative session, unveiled our legislative priorities, and continued to advocate for our members on a broad array of issues. We’re looking forward to bringing our members’ voice to Beacon Hill and beyond on important… -
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Q&A: New Short-Term Rental Laws in Massachusetts
April 16, 2019
Massachusetts recently adopted a new law taxing and regulating the short-term rental market. The following information should help REALTORS® navigate the short-term rental market under these new laws and regulations. What does this new law require? The new law expands the state’s hotel and motel tax to include the short-term… -
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First Circuit Invalidates Foreclosure for Non-Compliance in Pre-Foreclosure Cure Notice
March 28, 2019
You may have heard the buzz about a recent case with major implications for home foreclosures. The case, Thompson v. JP Morgan Chase Bank, was decided on February 8, 2019, by the First Circuit Court of Appeals and requires banks to strictly comply with mortgage language when seeking a foreclosure… -
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The Legislative Cycle
March 1, 2019
2019 marks the start of a new two-year legislative session in Massachusetts, the 191st in our state’s history, and MAR is excited to advocate on your behalf. In this session, we’ll continue our support of innovative policies to increase housing production, support housing affordability, and help you do your jobs. …
