MAAR monitors real estate issues in cities throughout Hennepin, Carver, Scott, Sibley and McLeod Counties. With municipalities ranging in size and complexity, from massive Minneapolis to rural Winthrop, our local advocacy efforts are continuous and diverse. MAAR has several core issues that are always on our radar, but we examine any local proposal that could potentially impact homeownership and the real estate industry.
MAAR Policy Positions
In conjunction with the Saint Paul Area Association of REALTORS®, MAAR has developed and adopted standing positions on the following important real estate issues.
Time-of-Sale Inspection Ordinances
14 cities in the Twin Cities metro area have enacted ordinances requiring inspection of residential properties whenever those properties are offered for sale. Although similar in concept, each ordinance differs in specific detail. MAAR typically opposes any mandated inspection requirements because of cost burdens and ineffective results. We encourage all buyers to get independent inspections of any property they may purchase and to negotiate terms of any repairs with the sellers as deemed appropriate by both parties.
MAAR Time-of-Sale Position | City-by-City Housing Inspection Ordinances
Real Estate Signs: Off- and On-Site
Virtually every city does some regulation of real estate signs, from allowable size to where off-site signs may be placed. City ordinances vary widely in what signs are permitted and in enforcement efforts. In nearly every city, it is illegal to place signs in the public right-of-way. Some cities prohibit all off-site signs, while others allow some directional arrows on weekends, during open-house events, or at other defined times and locations. Since each city is different, be sure you are up to date on current regulations in all cities where you are conducting business.
MAAR Real Estate Sign Position | City Ordinances
Vacant Property Registration Ordinances
The last few years have seen a rise in the enactment of Vacant Property Registration ordinances as cities struggle with widespread foreclosure and property abandonment. Vacant properties may be security and economic hazards to surrounding neighborhoods, but oftentimes efforts to monitor those properties leads to burdensome, ineffective requirements that can cost potential buyers a great deal of money. This can result in properties remaining vacant for longer than necessary, which continues to put neighbors and communities at risk. MAAR is developing a position statement on this issue and we plan to have a final policy for publication in early 2012.
Rental Regulation Ordinances
Leased properties have always been an important segment of the real estate market. Due to the conditions of the US economy in recent years, rental rates have boomed, and more homeowners are seeking to rent their properties rather than sell in the current market. Rental regulations take many forms, including registration of properties, landlord licensing, property inspections, rental density caps, and more. MAAR is increasingly focused on rental issues as more of our members enter into all facets of that industry. We are developing position statements on the various subsets of rental regulations, which will be published in early 2012.
Infill Housing
Regional Growth
Regional Transportation
Regional Housing Opportunity
REALTOR® Elected Officials
We encourage all our members to become involved in their communities and participate in their local governments. We have a number of Association Members who have won elected or appointed office throughout the metro area! We commend their dedication to their communities and appreciate the unique perspectives they bring to these public roles.
State Representative Jerry Hertaus
Brooklyn Park Councilmember Bob Mata
Edina City Councilmember Josh Sprague
Independence City Councilmember Brad Fisher
Jordan City Councilmember Joe Thill
Maple Grove Councilmember LeAnn Sargent
Minneapolis's Housing Appeals Board and the Board of Equalization Sandy Loescher
Long Lake Planning Commissioner Jeff Stephenson
Want someone to come to your office meeting to discuss local and regional government affairs as concerns the residential real estate market? Contact Donnie Brown at donnieb@mplsrealtor.com.
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