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.

UGENE, OR - April 17, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- IDX, Inc. is pleased to welcome the real estate expertise of Tim Bruinsma of KSC Properties to the growing network of realty professionals dedicated to serving the needs of their clients. Luxury home seekers can now experience an unprecedented level of accessibility to thousands of Southwestern Michigan MLS (SWMRIC) listings, on Bruinsma’s convenient and easy-to-use IDX-enabled KSC Properties’ website. As the raw listings data of SWMRIC properties is now extracted and seamlessly integrated into the search functions Bruinsma hosts, IDX Broker has forever changed the way Byron Center, Michigan area home seekers access the SWMRIC database and find the perfect property online.

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

Bel Air, MD - April 15, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- Daniel & Michelle King were referred to us by past clients and professional partners. They were relocating to Michigan for work and using the assistance of Relo Direct. The ladies at Relo Direct that organized their move were fantastic. Gabby, Liz, and Virginia coordinated with Compass Home Group to list the home, keep it priced appropriately, and sell it quickly

DETROIT - April 8, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Labor announced $5 million to fund programs that will assist approximately 2,600 veterans in job training with civilian careers. The grants will range from $100,000 to $300,000. The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program is the only federal program that works exclusively on the employment of homeless veterans. Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) issued the following statement

EUGENE, OR - April 5, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- IDX, Inc. is pleased to announce Gordon Libby has become the latest real estate professional to join the growing network of agents and brokers that have adopted a customizable IDX solution. As a Dearborn Heights, Michigan broker, Libby has the ability to display and synchronize thousands of RealComp MLS (RealComp) listings on his website. Potential buyers can now experience an unprecedented level of freedom and search customization by utilizing the immensely helpful tools Libby has integrated onto his website.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - April 3, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- With the implementation of the Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) Enhancement legislation that passed last year, homeowners are now able to file for the PRE on or before June 1st, or on or before November 1st.