Happy New Year! We hope everyone had a safe and wonderful holiday season.
Last year ended with the president signing the tax reform bill into law. While NAR remains concerned about the overall structure of the final bill, the advocacy of NAR members, as well as consumers, helped NAR to gain some important improvements throughout the legislative process. The final legislation will benefit many homeowners, homebuyers, real estate investors and NAR members as a result. We encourage you to learn more about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and how it will impact real estate professionals.
We have a big year ahead of us. As state and local legislative sessions begin, the REALTOR® Party is ready to increase our influence in an uncertain legislative, regulatory and political environment. This year, we’ll be working to get more of our members to understand the connection between getting involved in advocacy and sustaining their business. Through our Consumer Advocacy Outreach Program, we’ll also be tapping into the power of the consumer in advocacy efforts like we did with the tax reform call for action.
By working with our partners and like-missioned organizations, we’ll be able to amplify the REALTOR® voice at the federal, state and local levels of government. As we continue to work toward increasing homeownership rates, preserving the tax incentives on real estate and getting more states to sign first-time homebuyer savings accounts into law, the new realtorparty.realtor website is a great resources that will help in our continued success.
Earlier this week, we announced that NAR will join with our partners and allies for a yearlong commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act. As stewards of the right to own, use and transfer private property, fair housing protects our livelihood and businesses and depends on a free, open market that embraces equal opportunity. Fair Housing Makes US Stronger. Our commemoration will focus on:
- Acknowledging NAR’s past role in the fight for fair housing;
- Understanding how we are constantly improving our commitment to fair housing; and
- Embracing our role at the forefront of advancing fair housing.
We ask you to visit fairhousing.realtor for resources and information, leading up to our celebration during the May REALTOR® Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo.