Why Advocacy?
Decisions made at every level of government impact you and your business. GMAR is working to ensure that our officials in Southeast Michigan understand Realtor® issues and support policies that promote homeownership and private property rights.
We advocate for issues, invest in initiatives, build relationships to protect and advance Realtors® ability to operate, property owners' ability to transfer property, and support communities to be desirable and viable places to live and do business.
Top Local Issues
Certificates of Occupancy
During the real estate crash of 2009, local governments rushed to implement new certificate of occupancy ordinances, requiring the buyers and sellers of real property to receive a municipally mandated inspection of the property. Also referred to as point-of-sale inspections, Certificates of Occupancy on existing real estate increase the cost of purchasing a home, ultimately jeopardizing homeownership. These programs are also too often abused and delay the home-purchasing process due to unnecessary bureaucracy.
GMAR is working with many local governments in Southeast Michigan to improve existing processes or eliminate programs, as they are duplicative.
Short-Term Rental Restrictions
In the past decade, the popularity of short-term rentals has grown at a rate that has far outpaced governmental regulation. This surge in growth is largely attributable to the new sharing economy and the popularity of online hosting platforms, such as Airbnb, VRBO, and others. Some state and local governments have started adopting regulations designed to “rein in” short-term rentals and address their perceived impacts on residential neighborhoods. This regulation has a significant impact on property owners’ right to rent out their properties on a short-term basis.
GMAR takes this issue seriously and has worked with countless local governments throughout Southeast Michigan to strike a careful balance respecting all parties involved and protecting private property rights.
Sign Ordinances
Signage is critical to the real estate industry. The display of “For Sale,” “For Rent,” and “Open House” signs is subject to the requirements of local government sign codes, which typically limit the size of signs, where they can be displayed, and the length of time that a temporary sign may be displayed. However, across the region, local government rules for displaying real estate signs are changing—and GMAR is working to protect you from undue burdens.
Top State Issues
At our state capital, Michigan Realtors® works on your behalf on issues like practice and professionalism, taxes, and housing. Visit Michigan Realtors to learn more about policy initiatives in which they are actively engaged.
Top National Issues
In our nation's capital, the National Association of Realtors® works on issues like fair housing, flood insurance, tax reform, and infrastructure.
Political Endorsements
GMAR’s Board of Directors established the Candidate Endorsement Task Force (CETF) to review, interview, and recommend political endorsements of candidates for local public office in GMAR’s jurisdiction. For elections to state or federal office, the GMAR Board of Directors can make endorsement recommendations to Michigan Realtors® or the National Association of Realtors®.
To be considered for an endorsement, candidates must support Realtor® positions on policy issues and complete the appropriate questionnaire, have adequate funds, and a strong organization to wage a successful campaign.