GMAR

The Greater Metropolitan Association (GMAR) is proud to announce the recipients of our two highest honors.  Jaye Sanders has been named the 2026 REALTOR® of the Year, and Marybeth Jamieson has been recognized as the 2026 REALTOR® Active in Politics.  Formal recognition of the awards will take place at the GMAR Annual General Membership Meeting in November.

Each year, GMAR members are invited to nominate REALTORS® whom they believe should be recognized for their contributions to the industry.

Content By Russell Riggs

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released an updated version of its lead hazard pamphlet, titled “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home."

The Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act requires sellers and landlords to provide buyers and tenants with:

Southfield, MI – November 6, 2025 – The Greater Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® (GMAR) is proud to announce Melissa Degen as the 2025 REALTOR® of the Year. This prestigious honor recognizes a REALTOR® member who demonstrates outstanding commitment to the profession, the association, and their community.

Southfield, MI – November 6, 2025 – The Greater Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® (GMAR) is proud to announce Todd Waller as the 2025 recipient of the REALTOR® Active in Politics Award. This prestigious award recognizes REALTOR® members who demonstrate exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing political initiatives that support the real estate industry and private property rights.

Southfield, MI – November 6, 2025 – The Greater Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® (GMAR) is thrilled to announce Sarah Maiga as the recipient of the 2025 Greater Neighbor Award. This prestigious award recognizes REALTORS® who have made extraordinary contributions to their communities through volunteer work, embodying the spirit of service and leadership.

Southfield, MI November 6, 2025 – The Greater Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® (GMAR) is pleased to announce Peter Chirco of Chirco Title Agency as the 2025 Strategic Partner of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes a Strategic Partner who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to supporting GMAR members and fostering collaboration within the real estate industry.

Do you see potential for public space improvements in your local community? You can play an integral part in bringing positive change to where you live, work and play with a GMAR Placemaking Grant.

What is Placemaking?

Placemaking is a dynamic approach to the planning, design, and management of public spaces. It capitalizes on a local community's assets, creativity, and potential, turning underutilized areas into vibrant spaces that promote health, happiness, and well-being.

The Greater Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® (GMAR) announces the recipients of two of its highest honors: Melissa Degen, 2025 REALTOR® of the Year, and Todd Waller, 2025 REALTOR® Active in Politics. Formal recognition of the awards will take place at the GMAR Annual General Membership Meeting in November.

Each year, GMAR members are invited to nominate REALTORS® whom they believe should be recognized for their contributions to the industry.

The Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors® proudly supports furthering education and those pursuing degrees and specialized training and announces its 2025 Higher Education Scholarship awards. Graduating high school senior children of five GMAR REALTOR® members have been awarded $1,000 scholarships to begin their programs this fall at Michigan schools: college, university, trade school, or other institution of higher learning.

All REALTORS® are aware that federal law requires certain lead-based paint disclosures be made in connection with the sale of a home built prior to 1978.  What some REALTORS® may not know is that under these federal regulations, real estate agents have an obligation to explain these requirements AND to make certain that the seller complies with these requirements.  Courts have held real estate agents liable for technical violations of these requirements such as providing a copy of a completed, but unsigned, disclosure form. Obviousl