Las Vegas REALTORS® Bet on Smart Growth, Win Big in Sahara/Decatur
The working families and millennials of Las Vegas’ Sahara/Decatur neighborhood were not privy to the development opportunities, glitz and glam of The Strip. The Greater Las Vegas Association of REALTORS® (GLVAR) created a three-part plan—using Smart Growth training and Action Grants to bring community and government partners together to brainstorm smart growth solutions; holding a Better Block event; and creating a marketing pack for potential developers—to elevate the livability and economic promise of the neighborhood.
With a Fair Housing Grant, the Greater Syracuse Association of REALTORS® Strengthens its Efforts to Banish Racial Bias
In light of all that’s been learned about racial bias in the past year, the Greater Syracuse Association has been working hard to raise awareness of how the issue is at play in the real estate industry. Using a Fair Housing Grant from the REALTOR® Party, it presented Bill Dedman, the lead investigator on the Newsday “Testing the Divide” exposé, as a guest speaker at a seminar for members.
Correcting the Record
American real estate is the envy of the world. It’s a shining example of the potential of our free market system and a defining feature of our collective embrace of the “unalienable Rights” set forth by Thomas Jefferson some 250 years ago. Considering the fight being waged against our members in some corners of the country, though, you wouldn’t always know that’s the case.
First-Time Homebuyers Savings Legislation Passes in Michigan, with a Boost from Michigan REALTORS® and the REALTOR® Party
It took some patience – and a change of governor – but Michigan REALTORS® is finally seeing its advocacy efforts pay off with the recent passage of legislation to assist first-time homebuyers, who can now prepare for the purchase with two new long-term savings features: tax-free savings accounts and income tax deductions on down payment savings.
Alabama REALTORS® Champion First-Time Homebuyer Savings Accounts — Again
Having spearheaded the effort to create a First-Time Homebuyer Savings Account program in Alabama back in 2018, Alabama REALTORS® revisited the legislation as the end of a five-year sunset clause approached. A Call for Action reminded lawmakers how important the tax-free savings accounts are for aspiring homebuyers, and the law was not only renewed, but extended and strengthened with fraud protections and transparency measures.
Greater Piedmont REALTORS® (VA) Use Rural Outreach Grant for Onsite Septic Field Trip
Last summer, in addition to the CE course it normally offers on well and septic system regulations in its rural Virginia region, the Greater Piedmont REALTORS® hosted a field trip: with support from a Rural Outreach Grant from the REALTOR® Party, they put participants on a bus and took them to see three different kinds of septic systems, up-close and personal.
Bronx-Manhattan North Association of REALTORS® Uses Placemaking to Spur Pride and Positive Engagement
What started as two people talking about how to spend $2,200 to improve the atmosphere of a bleak urban space, resulted in a vibrant public arts project that is now valued at $50,000, attracted a visit from a Supreme Court Justice, and, most importantly, has spurred pride and positive engagement in its neighborhood.
April Highlights Fair Housing and Tax Day
April is Fair Housing Month. REALTORS® understand that fair housing protects the real estate industry and our businesses. In short, fair housing makes us stronger. It’s also 4 days until Tax Day. We encourage you to review What REALTORS® Need to Know About the New Tax Law and other resources available to you.
Rural Outreach Grant Toolkit
The following activities help to position REALTORS® as leaders on a wide range of rural issues such broadband, well and septic, open space preservation, environmental standards, and planning and zoning. Use these ideas for inspiration. This is not a complete list of activities that qualify for grant support. If you have an idea but are not sure if it is eligible for a grant, email ruraloutreachgrants@nar.realtor. Level 1 Expert Speaker: Bring in a speaker to discuss a challenge impacting your community. Conduct Training: Provide education opportunities for members to learn about an issue, such as well and septic regulations, impacting...