Michigan RealEstateRama

WASHINGTON, D.C. - May 28, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- Across Michigan, REALTORS® are actively participating in placemaking initiatives designed to improve their neighborhoods and communities and provide the groundwork for continually improving Michigan's housing market. REALTORS® have been creating and selling place for decades; and therefore are natural leaders in placemaking. But what are the best strategies for putting placemaking to work in your community?

LANSING, MI - May 21, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- Gov. Rick Snyder today issued Executive Order 2013-8, which transfers the Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority (MLB) from the Michigan Strategic Fund to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). Both Entities are currently housed in Michigan Strategic Fund.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - May 16, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today issued a new consumer tips sheet for first time renters and homeowners.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - May 16, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today granted a license to Santanna Energy Services, as an alternative electric supplier (AES).

LANSING, MI - May 10, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- Scott Woosley, executive director of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), recently announced nine statewide projects will receive state Housing and Community Development Fund grants

LANSING - May 9, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- Attorney General Bill Schuette today sent a letter to Joseph A. Smith, Jr. head of the Office of Mortgage Settlement Oversight to alert him to concerns that certain terms of the National Mortgage Settlement are not being met by the banks that signed on

WASHINGTON, D.C. - May 7, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) will hold their annual Midyear meetings on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. on May 13-18. These meetings provide an opportunity for each state association to meet with their legislators on the federal level to discuss issues important to the real estate industry in Michigan and across the country

WASHINGTON, D.C. - May 3, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- Calling all green thumbs - the Michigan Historical Center is holding a fun family spring event in Lansing on Saturday, May 11, to highlight Extreme Gardening. Come learn the many different ways to grow flowers and plants, and take home your own mini-garden. Museum admission is free that day as part of the event sponsorship by Christians Greenhouse and Garden Center of Williamston and Haslett. The museum is located at 702 W. Kalamazoo St. in Lansing

WASHINGTON, D.C. - May 2, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- According to the MLS reports compiled by the Michigan Association of REALTORS®, 95% of reporting units reported an increase in average selling price from Mar 2013 to Mar 2012; with 17 locals reporting an increase at/near 20+%. Statewide the average selling price increased by 20.71%. With inventory still being an issue however, 10,114 single family homes were sold in Michigan in March 2013, a decrease of 2.39% over March 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. - April 30, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- Governor Rick Snyder today proclaimed May 2013 as Building Safety Month in Michigan. This year's theme "Code Officials Keep You Safe" highlights four weekly themes: Fire Safety and Awareness; Disaster Safety and Mitigation; Backyard and Pool Safety; and Energy and Green Building. The month-long observance aims to increase public understanding of the importance of building safety and the resources available for protecting lives and property

WASHINGTON, D.C. - April 26, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- Miron Construction Company, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA), the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council, and the Partnering Contractors signed a formal partnership today to protect workers during the construction of Northern Michigan University (NMU) Jamrich Hall Project. The partnership goal is enhanced safety and health protection and zero injuries for workers on this major facility project.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - April 18, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- The MARST administers two scholarship funds, the Russel A. Pointer and the Barney Harkins Scholarship and Educational Fund. Applicants are automatically considered for financial assistance from both funds.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - April 17, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- With the passage of the Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) Enhancement legislation last year, lenders were able to retain the PRE on a foreclosed property, but they must still pay the 18 non-homestead mills in local school operating property taxes. There has been some concern from lenders and local governments regarding the arduous process of filing to retain the PRE on foreclosed properties and instituting the new specific tax. Many forego the cumbersome process

LANSING, MI - April 17, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- Gov. Rick Snyder today signed a bill that updates existing law to reflect changes in the way the Mortgage Industry Advisory Board is composed.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - April 15, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- “Abandoned homes and structures hurt communities and drive down property values. Many of these buildings are uninhabitable and won’t be purchased by prospective buyers. Allowing states to use money for demolition, that’s already been allocated to them, makes sense for communities and the American taxpayer,” said Congressman Turner