October 2025 – REALTOR® Party Newsletter
In This Issue
- What a Shutdown Means for Real Estate
- NFIP by the Numbers: The Economic Ripple Effect of a Lapse
- Capitol Pulse: Advocacy Work Continues
What a Shutdown Means for Real Estate
When the federal government closes for business, there’s a ripple effect in the real estate economy. From the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to rental assistance to federal permitting to FHA condo approvals, many of the processes buyers and sellers depend on come to a halt. As always, NAR Advocacy is prepared for the situation! Shannon and Patrick break down what this shutdown means for REALTORS® and give an insider’s perspective into the history of government shutdowns.
Listen to the most recent episode here.
The Advocacy Team also put together an explainer of what a government shutdown is and what to expect in the coming days or weeks. Read the full explainer here and make sure to follow NAR REALTOR® Party on your preferred social media platform to get the latest news from us as it happens.
The longer the shutdown continues, the greater the impact on housing
NAR executive vice president and chief advocacy officer Shannon McGahn recently penned an op-ed for HousingWire highlighting the impacts a shutdown will have the longer it goes on, saying that “Each day that passes during the shutdown, potential real-life impacts will be felt in America’s housing market.”
Read the full piece here or at the link below.
NFIP by the Numbers: The Economic Ripple Effect of a Lapse
Because Congress failed to meet the Sept. 30 deadline to pass a spending measure that included an extension of National Flood Insurance Program authority, homeowners in high-flood-risk areas and those looking to purchase homes may be forced to proceed to closing without flood insurance. This creates significant uncertainty in the event of a flood, including whether coverage will be available and if sufficient FEMA funds will be accessible to pay claims.
To communicate the urgency of keeping NFIP running, NAR issued a targeted Call for Action ahead of the shutdown, asking Federal Political Coordinators to reach out to their members of Congress and highlight the importance of NFIP to homeowners.
Read the full story here; and to learn more about NFIP visit our Flood Insurance hub for FAQs and NAR’s advocacy efforts to support NFIP.
Capitol Pulse
NAR’s Advocacy Team Holds Bipartisan Meetings on Housing Affordability, Government Shutdown
Over the last few weeks, Shannon McGahn, executive vice president and chief advocacy officer for the National Association of REALTORS®, and senior members of the NAR advocacy team participated in several meetings with senior lawmakers, administration officials and housing industry leaders to discuss the urgent challenges facing housing affordability, supply and economic opportunity across America.
Legislation Clarifying IC Status for Real Estate Pros Advances in Congress
In a major step toward aligning federal labor law with longstanding tax policy, the House Committee on Education and Workforce has advanced the Direct Seller and Real Estate Agent Harmonization Act, introduced by Reps. Kevin Kiley (R–Calif.) and Henry Cuellar (D–Texas). The bill aims to provide long-sought clarity by codifying that real estate professionals and direct sellers are to be treated as independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act, a status they have long held under the federal tax code.
Housing Is a Bipartisan Issue
The Bipartisan Real Estate Caucus hit a milestone, with over 100 members (up from 50 total last year). This growth reflects the strength of NAR’s message and our powerful relationships on Capitol Hill.
Go Beyond Compliance. Champion Change.
A visit to NAR’s Fairhaven gives you the tools and best practices to go beyond fair housing compliance, to advance housing opportunities for all and to be a champion for change. Gain a deeper appreciation for the individual perspectives and needs of every client. Get started today!
RPAC Update
RPAC is making strong progress toward our 2025 goals, with 78% of our overall fundraising goal achieved so far. RPAC participation is also strong, with over 450,000 members participating so far.
The President’s Circle program has met and exceeded its participation goal for 2025, raising over $2.5 million for federal candidates with over 1,400 investors.
Just Launched: The Pro-Property Platform
Last month, we launched the Pro-Property Platform — a new way for REALTORS® and their communities to support federal candidates who champion homeownership, private property rights, and the real estate profession.Visit ProPropertyPlatform.com to learn more.
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The REALTOR® Party At Work
Advocacy Everywhere helps expand REALTOR® influence on public policy and boosts engagement in Calls for Action at all levels. In 2025 so far:
REALTOR® Party News
Power Up Your 2026 Advocacy: Community Outreach Grants and Resources to Lead Change
Get the latest on NAR’s Community Outreach resources to fuel your advocacy. Learn what’s new, what’s funded, and how to plan impactful community development initiatives using grants and resources like the Land Use Initiative, Transforming Neighborhoods, and more. Plus, hear expert tips to make every dollar count. Register here. Questions? Contact Hannah Dannenfelser
Secure Grant Funding for a REALTOR Party Conference
NAR offers grants to state and local REALTOR® associations to host their own REALTOR® Party Conference, empowering them to educate members and further the REALTOR® Party’s mission. Questions? More info. Questions? Contact Christine Windle
REALTOR® Party Success Stories
- Glendale Association of REALTORS® Layers Multiple REALTOR® Party Resources to Oppose Threat of Additional Transfer Tax – Read more here
- In rural Oregon, Klamath County Association of REALTORS® Conducts Wildfire Mitigation Symposium – Read more here
- Oregon REALTORS® Rally Public Support for Legislation Lowering Barriers to Condominium Construction – Read more here
Link Library
FlyIn.realtor: Advocacy talking points and priorities
RealtorParty.realtor: REALTOR® Party grants and resources
NAR.realtor/AdvocacyMission: How NAR is making housing more affordable, available, and accessible
NAR.realtor/AdvocacyWins: One-stop shop for advocacy successes
Washington Report: Policy updates
APOA: Where the Fight to Protect Property Rights Goes in 2025
Facts.realtor: Settlement information and resources
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