Stop taxing families in foreclosure
(WASHINGTON) - NAR and other housing groups are asking Congress to give a break to homeowners in foreclosure, saying those owners should not be hit with additional taxes if part of the mortgage is forgiven.
Under current law, if a family goes into foreclosure or the lender forgives part of a loan, the IRS considers it income that can be taxed. The Mortgage Cancellation Relief Act, currently under consideration, would change that law.
"How can we add insult to injury? As if losing your home isn't painful enough, to turn around and tax a family on what the government calls income is distressing," said NAR President Pat Vredevoogd Combs.
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Zillow told to stop providing estimates in Arizona
(PHOENIX) - The Arizona Board of Appraisals has ordered Zillow.com to stop providing online home values to Arizona residents, contending that Zillow's "zestimates" amount to appraisals that the web site is not licensed to provide.
The Appraisal Board has sent two cease and desist orders to the Seattle-based technology company.
A spokeswoman for the company said, "We have responded to the letters from the Arizona Board of Appraisal and hope to engage in a productive dialogue with them."
The web site states that its estimated home values are not appraisals and should not be considered reliable.
Remodelers worry that owners won't test for lead dust
(WASHINGTON) - The Home Builders association has found that despite public awareness of the hazards of lead dust, most consumers would not pay for a test that would determine whether a home was lead-dust free after a remodeling project.
The EPA wants to require such tests after remodeling projects are finished in homes built prior to 1978. The Home Builders worry, however, that consumers may not feel the tests are necessary, especially on do-it-yourself projects.
Tests could cost as much as $200 per room, which the Builders say DIYers may not be inclined to spend.
"The EPA must encourage homeowners to work with trained professionals," to make sure cleanup after a project is satisfactory. |
ListedGreen is where homebuyers can find eco homes
(LAS VEGAS) - ListedGreen, a listing service for environmentally friendly homes and housing developments, has announced it will participate in the AltBuild Expo being held in Santa Monica, Calif., in May.
ListedGreen, which calls itself the "MLS for green, energy efficient, sustainable properties worldwide," says it will use its attendance to educate the public about buying "green" homes.
ListedGreen.com posts both existing homes and new construction on its Web site for $20 per month. It says it scrutinizes each listing to make sure the listing qualifies as a green property.
Reprinted with permission from Real Estate Intelligence Report, 2006 |
NAR PROPOSAL TO INCREASE THE DUES AND PR CAMPAIGN FUND ASSESMENT
The following “Notice of Proposed Assessment” will be upon by the Board of Directors at its meeting in Washington, D.C., on May 19, 2007. The purpose of the assessment is to continue the National Association's public awareness campaign.
he amount to be paid by a Member Board shall be the amount of the assessment as stated in the notice times the sum of the number of REALTOR® members of that Member Board.
Exhibit A
Notice of Proposed Assessment
The Board of Directors will vote on a proposal to assess all Member Boards the amount of thirty dollars ($30.00) for the year 2008, thirty-five dollars ($35.00) for the year 2009 and thirty-five dollars ($35.00) for the year 2010. The assessment for each year will be due on January 1st * of that year. The funds from the assessment are to be used to continue the national public awareness campaign.
The Board of Directors will also vote on a proposed member dues increase from $64.00 to $80.00 beginning in 2008. This is $16.00 increase and the first in many years.
* Dues collection deadlines will vary from Board to Board. The Elkhart County Board of REALTOR®’s 2008 annual dues deadline is October 1, 2007.
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