Taking effect July 1 2012 is a new Virginia law requiring buyers and agents working together in an agency relationship to define terms of their agreement in writing. The purpose of the law is to ensure that obligations of both parties are clear and mutually agreed upon, and that the agreement begins at the start of the relationship. The scope of the written agreement is negotiable, but it must include a list of services the agent will deliver, a schedule of fees associated with those services and a definite termination date. One of those buyers who wants agents to show them property without signing an agreement? Not in Virginia.

Want your nearby highway named after you? In Virginia, bigwigs and regular citizens alike as of July 1 2012 have the opportunity to purchase naming rights to state roads and bridges if they pony up a naming rights fee annually. Revenue goes to highway maintenance and operation.

Maryland

In Maryland, new environmental laws will affect homeowners, who will see their annual sewer tax double to $60. as of July 1 2012. The fee is added to water and sewer bills and will help pay for upgrades to Maryland's water treatment plants and Chesapeake Bay restoration prograns.

Another new Maryland law requires counties to adopt rules to limit new housing developments with septic systems.

Read the full story about new Virginia and Maryland laws taking effect July 1 2012