MCAR: For Metro Detroit REALTORS®

MCAR serves REALTORS® throughout southeast Michigan with a range of services that includes real estate sales training, political representation, grievance support and more. If you're looking for a REALTOR® association that meets all of your professional needs, look no further.

Primary candidate endorsements a success

Thanks to the hard work of our local associations and REALTOR® members, endorsements were made in 70 of 110 House races, 31 of 38 Senate races, and 3 of 15 Congressional races for the Primary Election on August 3rd. After all the dust settled from the election, 86 percent of the endorsed candidates for the Michigan House of Representatives and 81 percent of the Michigan Senate candidates were successful. Many of the endorsements will carry though to the General Election.

However, there are seats where endorsements need to be made as the endorsed candidate was not successful in the primary or an endorsement was not made in the primary. Local associations such as MCAR are currently hosting candidate interviews to make these endorsement recommendations. Please watch your mailboxes in the end of October for the General Election Voter Cards.

Important tax policy legislation takes first step out of committee

Senate Bill 77, sponsored by Senator Jud Gilbert (R – Algonac) unanimously passed the Senate Finance Committee August 19. This legislation would provide for an additional “Principal Residence” filing date of October 1st.

As you know, Michigan homeowners can claim one principal residence in Michigan to qualify for an exemption from a portion of local school operating taxes. To claim this exemption, one must file the principal residence affidavit with their township or city by May 1st. Thereafter, a purchaser must take on the burden of 18 additional mills until the next principal residence exemption period begins anew. This legislation has become particularly important since “non principal resident” properties, specifically foreclosures, have flooded Michigan’s real estate market. If passed through the House and Senate, Senate Bill 77 will provide much needed tax relief to Michigan’s homebuyers by providing them with an additional filing date to make home loans more attainable.

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