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Political Stars Share Insights
HAR Board Chairman Wayne Stroman welcomes the volunteers attending the Governmental Affairs Political Advocacy Briefing.
Political insiders and aspirants alike who attended the Houston Association of REALTORS®‘ (HAR) annual political advocacy briefing were enlightened on the important and effective role REALTORS® play when they are involved in their Association’s political process.
The afternoon program...
Relationships Play Key Role With Members of Congress
Did you know that for each of the 100 U. S. Senators and 435 U. S. Representatives there is a REALTOR® in your Congressional district who plays a vital role in communicating REALTOR® issues to your member of Congress? Through the National Association of REALTORS® grassroots communications network, there are 535 Federal Political Coordinators who are appointed to serve in this important...
REALTORS® Oppose Funding Payroll Tax Cut On the Backs Of Homeowners
On Saturday, December 17, the U.S. Senate approved a two-month extension of a payroll tax cut that is due to expire at the end of December. But did you know that as part of the Senate’s proposed plan, the cost will fall on people who buy a house or refinance their mortgage starting in 2012?
The proposal is found in H.R. 3630, the “Middle Class Tax Relief Act of 2011.” Under Title...
2011 NAR Legislative and Regulatory Year in Review
During 2011, the REALTOR® Legislative and Regulatory Agenda has focused on ensuring the continued flow of capital into the real estate market, preserving residential and commercial property ownership, and protecting the business interests of its members. NAR recently released a status update for each of these areas of legislation.
Ensuring the Flow of Capital into the Real Estate Market
Restructuring...
Congress Extends Flood Insurance Until Nov. 18 – Action Needed
On October 4, Congress extended National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) authority as part of a broader government funding measure, the Continuing Appropriations Act (H.R. 2608). This latest extension will run through November 18, 2011.
The House and Senate are currently working on legislation that would extend the program for five years and make needed reforms to the program. The House passed its...
Two Important Calls For Action That Affect YOUR Profession – Have You Visited the Realtor Action Center?
It’s an easy address to remember – www.realtoractioncenter.com – and its contents provide you with a wealth of information so that you can increase your involvement in the political process.
The National Association of REALTORS® has issued two very important Calls For Action, and with a couple of clicks of your mouse at www.realtoractioncenter.com, you can make a difference.
Call...
NAR Launches Consumer Call for Action on Proposed 20% Down Payment Requirement
This week, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) launched its first consumer Call for Action to six million current or future home owners asking them to support the association’s opposition to the proposed “Qualified Residential Mortgage” regulation that would require a 20% down payment on a purchase of a home.
Consumers (your clients) can visit HomeOwnerActionCenter.com to...
The 3.8% Investment Income Tax Is Not a Real Estate Transfer Tax
Shortly after the federal government enacted sweeping healthcare reform in 2010, there was considerable concern over a last-minute addition to the legislation: a 3.8 percent tax on investment income of upper-income households to help shore up Medicare. The tax takes effect in 2013.
Among the concerns expressed by consumers and real estate professionals, both then and today, is that the tax...
Call for Action: Tell Congress to Reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program
Right now Congress is debating whether to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It expires on September 30. This is the tenth time in three years this program has been set to expire. It’s time we stop the band-aid approach to flood insurance and give the program a long-term extension. For this reason the National Association of REALTORS® is urging Congress to reauthorize...
NAR Issues Call for Action on Expiring Loan Limits
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) is a strong supporter of the single- and multi-family programs administered by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). The FHA single-family mortgage program has played an important and vital role in the mortgage marketplace. The FHA program has a public purpose obligation to provide mortgage insurance to American families who choose FHA to meet their...
