Last week, a bill that funded the federal government through Dec. 11 was signed into law; the bill includes a full-year extension of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and surface transportation funding. Under the agreement, NFIP authority is extended through Sept. 30, 2021.
Burbank Association of REALTORS® Defeats Threat of Extreme Rent Control, with Help From the REALTOR® Party
Although the state of California recently passed rent control legislation covering all municipalities that don’t have their own, the City of Burbank was facing a proposal that would impose severe additional measures on landlords – and cost upwards of $6 million annually. An Issues Mobilization Grant helped the local REALTORS® convince voters to object.
Expanding Opportunity in Real Estate
NAR Spire kicks off this month and runs through October. This mentorship program, devised and developed by NAR members and staff over recent years, offers mentees the opportunity to work directly with and receive valuable one-on-one guidance from a current REALTOR®. By allowing mentees to see the industry from multiple angles and perspectives, NAR hopes new and aspiring professionals will be able to find the career path that suits them best.
West Hawaii Association of REALTORS® Alerts Property Owners About a Deadline on Open Construction Permits that Could Lead to Prohibitive Unexpected Costs
With help from a timely Consumer Advocacy Outreach Grant from the REALTOR® Party, REALTORS® on the island of Hawaii got the word out to homeowners about the urgent need to check on any open work permits attached to their properties before a critical deadline. The public service strengthened their reputation in the community, and their relationships with elected officials and the Chamber of Commerce.
Missouri REALTORS® Form Coalition to Fight Sales Tax on Services
Missouri REALTORS® are no stranger to the threat of sales tax on services. With the help of a REALTOR® Party Issues Mobilization Grant and coalition support, the 20,000-member association is ambitiously attempting to amend the state constitution to ban a sales tax on services. By appealing to the general public, first to get the referendum on the ballot, and then for votes in its favor, Missouri REALTORS® are finding strength in numbers.
Conejo Simi Moorpark Association of REALTORS® Advocates for Wildfire Safety Measures, Demonstrating Voter Priorities Through Polling
Twice in the past four years, Thousand Oaks, California has experienced devastating wildfires. To mitigate the risk of future damage and loss, the local REALTOR® Association used polling and a Consumer Advocacy Grant from the REALTOR® Party to help convince officials that maintenance of the open space surrounding the city should be a priority.
Expanding Homeownership
June is Homeownership Month, and NAR is sharing how REALTORS® help the millions of Americans who aspire to join the nation’s 83 million property owners.
Texas REALTORS® Helps Defeat HOA Section 8 Ban
Texas REALTORS® led the way in convincing the state legislature to prohibit Home Owners Associations from barring rentals to Section 8 tenants. The new law is an assertion of the rights of owners to rent to voucher recipients – and anyone else they choose to. It also highlights the importance of the voucher program in providing decent, safe, affordable housing to the state’s most vulnerable households.