On September 4, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared a “temporary halt to residential evictions to prevent the further spread of COVID-19,” which applies to all residential housing. This moratorium ends on December 31, 2020. This may seem helpful to renters in the short-term. But, this notice does not relieve residents from their rent obligations, and landlords may charge late fees, penalties and interest on missed rental payments. Right now, housing markets are strong. But a lack of rental assistance jeopardizes the entire real estate market. The eviction crisis that will occur at the end of this...
LIBOR Goes to Bat for Fair Housing
When the Spokane City Council presented a Sustainability Action Plan calling for extreme limitations on natural gas implementation, the REALTORS® reacted in force with multiple REALTOR® Party resources. It was a powerful Call for Action that discouraged the plan, and they are now focused on helping the city find reasonable solutions for increased energy efficiency.
Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS® Supports New Zoning Ordinance Aimed at Correcting Racial Inequity and Increasing Inventory of Affordable Housing
When a racist rally occurred in Charlottesville, Virginia in August 2017, it prompted the City Council to focus on municipal policies through a lens of racial inequity. City leaders revisited the comprehensive land use plan with an eye toward improving affordable housing, an area that had always been intimately linked with race. The Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS® endorsed the major zoning reform and used grants from the REALTOR® Party to support its passage.
Job Growth Creates Housing Opportunity
It’s the kind of “problem” that most cities wouldn’t mind having: companies like Amazon, IKEA and Mars Candy opening or expanding facilities within city limits. Joliet, Illinois is experiencing impressive job growth, and is seeking to convert commuters and renters into local homeowners with a new down payment assistance program, the help of Three Rivers Association of REALTORS® and a Housing Opportunity Grant.
Columbus REALTORS® Joined Forces to Celebrate Fair Housing
Joining forces with colleagues from the local NAREB chapter and the National Association of Gay & Lesbian Real Estate Professionals, Columbus REALTORS® hosted a Cost of Poverty Experience and dramatized a mock trial to highlight issues addressed by the Fair Housing Act that are still at play in their communities.
NAR Continues Fight for Housing Providers
NAR’s most recent Existing Home Sales report showed nationwide housing inventory lower than its been since we began tracking this data nearly four decades ago – way back in 1982. In Denver, as in cities and towns across the country, we’ve heard reports of listings with more than 100 showings in one weekend and dozens of competitive offers rolling in soon after. Bidding wars and waived inspections and even sight-unseen offers have become more common than any of us would have ever imagined – especially if you asked this time last year.
Greater Baltimore Board of REALTORS® Takes to the Airwaves with Fair Housing Campaign
With help from a Fair Housing Grant, the Greater Baltimore Board of REALTORS® produced a compelling trio of thirty-second videos to promote fair housing on social media and over airwaves throughout the region.
REALTORS® Association of South Central Wisconsin Leverages Issues Mobilization and Advocacy Everywhere to Increase Development of Multi-Family Housing
When lawmakers in Madison, Wisconsin took a step towards a zoning change that would increase affordable housing, the REALTORS® generated a strong showing of public support with an Issues Mobilization campaign and a consumer Call For Action. The positive response counterbalanced vocal opposition from powerful homeowner associations and helped tip the City Council vote to a narrow win.
Housing Stabilization
Housing Stabilization – A Guide for Collaboration and Initiatives assists REALTOR® associations with creating a local Housing Stabilization Task Force to help homeowners, renters, and landlords manage the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ada County (ID) REALTORS® Bring Housing Opportunities to Life in Idaho
The 3,000-member Ada County Association of REALTORS® (ACAR) first used an NAR Ira Gribin Grant to develop a three-pronged housing assistance program it called Welcome Home Idaho -- providing down payment assistance for working families; zero-percent loans to help with fees and interest; and Employer Assisted Housing materials and training for the community’s REALTORS®, elected officials, and business leaders. Then, it moved on to use NAR Housing Opportunity Grants to put on a housing summit; a Fair Housing campaign; a housing trust fund for lower-income homebuyers; and more.