REALTOR Party News – June 2018

Celebrating National Homeownership Month

Throughout June, we recognize the vital role REALTORS® play as stewards of the American Dream of homeownership. National Homeownership Month is an excellent opportunity to encourage people around the country to learn more about homeownership opportunities and financial management plans. READ MORE

$1.6 Trillion

The total reconstruction costs this year due to hurricane damage —a 6.6 percent increase over 2017forecasted in CoreLogic’s 2018 Storm Surge Report. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predcits this year’s hurricane season to be “near- or above-normal,” and CoreLogic projects that nearly 7 million homes are in danger zones. The threat comes as the National Flood Insurance Program — which provides flood insurance coverage to about 22,000 communities — is once again facing expiration. LEARN MORE

2.9%

The state capital gains tax rate of North Dakota as of May 2018 – the lowest maximum rate in the U.S. and its territories. Guam has the highest maximum rate at 20 percent. While most real estate professionals are familiar with federal capital gains taxes, state capital gains tax rates might also impact the bottom line. Capital gains taxes are paid at the time of sale of an asset (i.e., real estate). Download State Real Estate Capital Gains Rate Chart (log-in required) to learn what your state’s capital gains tax rate. LEARN MORE

6/5

The date of the What’s New in Residential Real Estate Brokerage Competition workshop sponsored jointly by the Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice. NAR general counsel Katie Johnson was among a distinguished group of panelists. NAR asserts that innovation, competitive forces, and consumer choice have never been stronger. READ MORE

Residential Real Estate Council Invests in RPAC at Record Levels in 2017

The Residential Real Estate Council (formerly the Council of Residential Specialists) was already a powerful fundraising body for RPAC, but in 2017, its investing was supercharged. Its Major Investors and President’s Circle membership went up too. READ MORE

Kaua`i REALTORS® Use Grant to Engage More Brokers in Advocacy

The 584-member Kaua’i Board of REALTORS® knew that the best way to involve members in advocacy and RPAC would be to show them what exactly it does for them. At the conclusion of an informative breakfast presentation supported by a Broker Involvement Program Grant, 15 brokerages gladly signed on. READ MORE

With Better Block Event, Longleaf Pine REALTORS® Demonstrate Just How Pedestrian-Friendly Haymount Can Be

Within Fayetteville, NC, the Haymount district is blessed with neat neighborhoods of cottage-style homes and proximity to downtown, but its commercial district is cursed by an environment that is distinctly unfriendly to pedestrians. Armed with a vision, a Smart Growth Action Grant, and a whole lot of duct tape, the local Longleaf Pine REALTORS® set out to change that. READ MORE

Join the National Homeownership Month Celebration

This year, we’re celebrating the ways homeowners (and homeowner advocates) make our communities happier, safer, and more connected by recognizing every #HomeownerHero. Join the celebration all month long! Help us champion homeowners on social media by following our Twitter and Facebook pages and celebrating a #HomeownerHero in your life by using the hashtag on social media. LEARN MORE

Advocacy A to Z

Wondering what the “active or hot issues” affecting real estate markets are? Learn in the Advocacy A to Z resource. Check out all the federal issues NAR is tracking or contact NAR staff for more information. LEARN MORE

On Common Ground Magazine: Summer 2018, Fair Housing & Social Equality

It is critical that our society provide opportunities for all people to achieve wellbeing and reach their potential. People of color and the poor are disproportionately affected by barriers to access to health care, healthy food, and a clean environment have provided barriers that have . In this issue of On Common Ground, we discuss the multiple components that we need to address to achieve social equity — providing the opportunities and pathways to success so that all Americans can prosper. READ MORE

Banking Law Could Help Real Estate

The sweeping banking reform bill signed into law last month is expected to lower borrowing costs to home buyers and create a framework for the use of alternative credit scoring criteria. Commercial loans could pick up, too, including to small home builders. This story and more are covered in the latest Voice for Real Estate news video from NAR.  WATCH

2018 REALTOR® Party Resource Guide

Check out the 2018 REALTOR® Party Association Resource Guide on the REALTORParty.realtor website to learn more about community outreach; campaign services; political fundraising; member and consumer mobilization resources; and much more. Also, review what programs and resources qualify for the new Vote, Act and Invest Core Standards’ requirements. DOWNLOAD

Join the REALTOR® Party Online

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