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Education & Professional Development Artificial intelligence isn't coming for real estate — it's already here. At a recent continuing education session, instructor Kevin Hawkins walked GLAR members through the practical realities of AI in today's real estate workflow. Here are the 5 most important takeaways every agent should know. 1 [...]

If your experience with AI so far is turning your headshot into a cartoon action figure, you are not alone. But AI is doing far more than that in real estate right now — and on June 18, national speaker Kevin Hawkins joins us for AI Without the Hype, a [...]

The straightforward read on Mid-Michigan's May housing data is that prices are up and inventory is growing. The more important read is that the market got more competitive, not less, even as supply increased. The median sales price reached $259,000 in May, a 17.7% increase from May 2025. That rate [...]

When a seller asks about privacy, you have answers built right into your MLS. The Greater Lansing MLS includes a set of seller opt-out options in Flexmls that let your client control how, and whether, their listing appears on the internet. These tools exist for one reason: to help you [...]

Key takeaways for members advising clients on historically designated properties in Mid-Michigan.   1.  Local designation is what actually matters. State and national recognition carry prestige, but it's local historic district designation that triggers regulatory requirements — including review of exterior changes, certain permits, and demolitions. Know which designation applies [...]

If you read our earlier post on AI in real estate photos, you already know that transparency is the standard when AI touches your listing photos — clear labeling, original images alongside altered ones, and the new MLS watermark that went into effect April 27. That's the part most members [...]

.  Who do you know that exemplifies leadership, professionalism and the REALTOR® spirit through service to the industry and community? Now is the time to recognize them. The Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS® is now accepting nominations and applications for the 2026 REALTOR® awards: REALTOR® of the Year REALTOR® Active [...]

Meghan Webber CEO, Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS® If you're considering selling your home privately, without listing it on the Multiple Listing Service, there's something worth understanding before you do: limited exposure isn't just a financial risk. It's a fair housing concern. Fair housing law prohibits treating buyers differently based [...]

Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming part of how agents market listings, especially when it comes to digitally staging MLS photos. When used well, these tools can enhance your marketing and help buyers visualize a property’s potential. The agents who lead the market are the ones who combine smart tools [...]

Protecting Vacant Land Transactions from Seller Impersonation Scams Property fraud involving vacant land has increased significantly and is often carried out by sophisticated criminal networks. In these schemes, fraudsters impersonate legitimate owners using fake identification, forged documents, spoofed email addresses, and fraudulent notary arrangements in an effort to sell property [...]

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) remain central to regional housing discussions as communities seek practical solutions to affordability and low inventory. With rising construction costs and limited lot availability, municipalities are exploring ways to expand housing options while preserving neighborhood character. ADUs offer a strategic, incremental way to add supply without [...]

We have received several questions regarding how buyer broker compensation should be handled under the updated GLAR Listing Agreement. The following guidance is provided strictly from a compliance and form-usage standpoint. Removal of Broker-to-Broker Compensation Section The updated GLAR Listing Agreement no longer contains a section for broker-to-broker compensation. This [...]

This past year was about progress—strengthening our MLS, engaging in advocacy, and delivering education that supports our members and the communities we serve. These wins reflect the dedication of our REALTORS®, volunteers, and leadership working together toward a stronger future. MLS: Modern Tools, Stronger Listings Work Smarter, Not Harder New [...]

Eaton County has expanded its rules around Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), creating new opportunities for homeowners and renters alike. Previously capped at 720 square feet, ADUs in Eaton County can now be built up to 1,200 square feet. That change may sound small, but its impact on housing affordability and [...]

Every election cycle, REALTORS® have the opportunity to make a real impact — at the ballot box and in shaping the policies that define homeownership, property rights, and the future of our industry. The Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS® endorses candidates at both the local and state levels. Each endorsement [...]

MLS Upgrades are coming on Oct. 6, including: Enhanced Listing Process Non-List Sales Now Comp Listings Office Exclusive Listings Upgraded Security Measures Enhanced Listing Process The new, streamlined listing process launches Monday! Tested by admin staff across offices, this upgrade makes entering listings faster and easier—including from mobile devices. Irrelevant [...]

Policy to Profit: How Legislation Shapes Your Real Estate Success September 2025 Industry Update Speakers: Senator Sarah Anthony and Eaton County Commissioner Jeanne Pearl-Wright Top 10 Takeaways 🔹 Housing Affordability 1. Both Senator Sarah Anthony and Commissioner Jeanne Pearl-Wright stressed that housing affordability, aging stock (80% pre-1980), and lack of [...]

Election Day 2025 🗓️ November 4, 2025 ⏰ Polls open 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Election season will be here before we know it! Now is the perfect time to start preparing so you can cast your vote with confidence. From registering to vote to knowing what to expect on [...]

A committee of your peers carefully evaluates local candidates based on their positions on real estate and private property rights, ensuring our endorsements reflect the values that matter to our industry. Please see below for the endorsed candidates for the City of Lansing. ✅ Liam Richichi Running for: East Lansing [...]

Meet the candidates for the Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors! Four dedicated members are running for three open seats: Craig Benham Jeff Bone Joe Sambaer Wanda Williams To help you get to know them better, we asked: “How will your expertise help drive our mission forward—especially when [...]

Plan with Purpose August 2025 Industry Update Amanda Oboza and Julie Franklin Top 10 Takeaways 🔹 Top 5 Effective Communication Takeaways 1. Effective communication should be multi-channel. Your messaging, visuals, and tone should be consistent across all platforms and advertising—Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, newsletters—so clients recognize your brand everywhere they encounter [...]

Ingham County is proving that it’s serious about tackling the region’s housing crisis—by putting real dollars behind its words. For years, voters have supported millages aimed at addressing housing and homelessness, but until recently, much of that funding hadn’t been fully optimized. That’s now changing. The county has officially authorized [...]

The City of Grand Ledge is taking meaningful steps to foster inclusion and accessibility by finalizing plans for a universally designed, ADA-accessible playground at Jaycee Park. This development is more than just an upgrade, it’s a significant move toward creating a community where everyone, regardless of ability, can live, play, [...]

Reflecting on a Par-fect Day: 2025 Golf Outing Recap The 2025 RPAC Golf Outing was nothing short of a hole-in-one! Held on June 12 at the beautiful Centennial Acres Golf Course, this year’s event brought sunshine, smiles, friendly competition, and—most importantly—strong support for RPAC. With a total investment of $11,178.47, [...]

When it comes to marketing a home, data fields tell the basics but the public remarks section tells the story. It’s the place where you go beyond the square footage and bedroom count to create a vision buyers can connect with and where industry professionals, like appraisers and agents, gain [...]