Advocacy

Do you know who is making decisions on how your city is governed? In many cases, decisions start at a local board or commission long before they are brought to the City Council or Mayor.

GMAR recently wrote a letter to the Milford Township Planning Commission concerning the updated sign ordinance that is being considered. GMAR is asking that the commission ensure that real estate signs are given appropriate definition and protection under the ordinance.

Over the past few months, GMAR members volunteered on our Candidate Endorsement Task Force to interview, discuss, and select candidates for crucial local-level elections. This task force worked tirelessly to screen and select candidates based on their views and actions around crucial housing issues and legislation. This bipartisan slate of candidates represents individuals that are committed to working with REALTORS® to create a vibrant and sustainable environment for your business.

Please consider supporting these candidates in the November 7th election.

If Congress is unable to agree on the provisions of a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the federal government by September 30, 2023, the result will be a partial shutdown of some government operations. This partial shutdown will include some federal housing, mortgage, and other programs of interest to the real estate industry. Essential services, such as the post office, will continue to run. A summary of the impact on selected agencies is provided below.

Today, the Greater Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® (GMAR) has announced its endorsement of candidate Lori Stone for Mayor of the City of Warren. As the current House Representative for the City of Warren, Rep. Stone has collaborated with REALTORS® to increase access to affordable housing and revitalize the local housing ecosystem.

GMAR has announced the awarding of $28,000 in local Placemaking Grants. These grants go directly to community organizations and local governments looking to revitalize and reimagine public spaces.   

On Wednesday, May 10, after significant urging from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) canceled the proposed loan level pricing adjustment (LLPA) upfront fee on borrowers with a debt-to-income ratio greater that 40 percent.  This increase was scheduled to go into effect on August 1^st.