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Eviction Moratorium Extension Update
August 10, 2021
On August 3rd, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) extended the federal eviction moratorium until October 3rd. The extension included one significant change -- the moratorium now applies... -
Be Wary of Wire Fraud
August 6, 2021
Wire fraud has been a disruptor in real estate transactions for several years, and with an increasing number of transactions occurring largely in cyberspace, REALTORS® should be taking steps to protect their offices and clients from becoming victims of wire fraud. The Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® continues to hear new reports of wire fraud. REALTORS® should counsel their clients of the risks of wire fraud and… -
Notes from the Legal Hotline: August 2021
August 2, 2021
Q: How should a REALTOR® handle a seller who wants to meet the prospective buyers before accepting an offer? A: As a real estate professional, it is the job of the REALTOR® to educate their clients on the home selling process and assist the seller in achieving the most favorable… -
Why & How to Unplug from Social Media this Summer
July 9, 2021
I realize the irony of a social media consultant and coaching talking about unplugging from social media, but disconnecting is something that I’m very passionate about. (And if I can do it – you can and should to!) While I love social media, I’m a real advocate for using it… -
MAR Advocates to Protect Homebuyers from Discrimination
July 8, 2021
On July 1st, the Land Court announced approval of Standing Order 2-21, a new rule that makes it easier to remove discriminatory restrictive covenants from real estate deeds starting October 1st. MAR advocated in support of the standing order, providing comments to the Court explaining REALTORS® commitment to removing discrimination from the homebuying process and… -
Notes from the Legal Hotline: July 2021
July 1, 2021
Q. I have an Exclusive Right to Sell but another Broker just listed the property in the MLS. What do I do? A: An Exclusive Right to Sell Listing Agreement is a bilateral contract between the seller of the property and the listing broker. One party may not unilaterally change… -
Federal Eviction Moratorium Extension
June 25, 2021
On June 24, the CDC announced it is extending the eviction moratorium through July 31, from its previous expiration date of June 30. The CDC order states that it intends this to be the final extension of the eviction moratorium. On the same day, the White House released a fact sheet on… -
Emergency Rental Assistance Payments to Tenants
June 24, 2021
Beginning June 28, 2021, Massachusetts will begin permitting emergency rental assistance payments directly to tenants. This change is required by federal law, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA). Massachusetts has installed several safeguards beyond federal requirements to protect landlords and assure proper use of these funds. Most notably,… -
New Law Changes Eviction Process
June 16, 2021
On June 16, 2021, the Governor signed a COVID-19 policy extension bill into law. The new law continues and, over time, scales back some key provisions related to the eviction process that was first put in place on December 31, 2020... -
How to Create Valuable Content for Your Audience
June 15, 2021
When it comes to social media, knowing what to post can be hard! And nothing is more frustrating than putting in the work of posting consistently only to get crickets back. If your posts aren’t getting the engagement you hoped for, you can guarantee your content isn’t valuable to your…