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June 8, 2017

Anyone who is able and willing to assume the responsibilities of owning a home should have the opportunity to pursue that dream in an affordable and responsible way. As we celebrate National Homeownership Month this June, we are pleased so many are attending the Sustainable Homeownership Conference, and we encourage you to visit HomeOwnershipMatters.realtor.

By The Numbers

10.2%

The percentage decrease home prices nationwide would fall in the short run as a result of the comprehensive tax reform option according to a study by the National Association of REALTORS^®. Findings are based on a comprehensive tax reform option that would lower and consolidate marginal tax rates to three rates with a top rate of 33 percent, double the standard deduction, eliminate all itemized deductions other than charitable contributions and mortgage interest, eliminate the Alternative Minimum Tax, and cap the tax rate on pass-through business income at 25 percent.

The number, or 81 percent, of state-level jurisdictions that impose a sales tax on at least some services, most commonly telecommunications, entertainment admissions or utilities. Learn more about sales tax on professional services in the latest Hot Topic Alert.

9,000

The number of REALTORS^® who attended the 2017 REALTORS^® Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo in Washington, DC. Tune into the latest Voice for Real Estate to see how REALTORS^® lobbied their members of Congress to protect tax incentives for real estate; learn the decisions NAR’s Board of Directors made to help real estate going forward; and how home sales slowed but days-on-market picked up to its fastest level ever.

WATCH

The REALTOR^® Party At Work

Highlighted here are a few of the many REALTOR^® Party success stories across the nation. These and others are cataloged in the Success Stories section of the REALTOR^® Action Center.

Texas REALTORS^® Bring Clarity to Voting Process

Ballots in Texas were mired in a confusing, unregulated free-for-all where proposition names were concerned. There was no systematic order, and sometimes duplicate proposition names appeared on a single ballot. But with help from the Texas REALTORS^® and an Issues Mobilization Grant, the enactment of a new Election Transparency law made all clear.

Cheyenne Board of REALTORS^® Uses Member & Consumer Advocacy Outreach to Encourage Voting in Special

When a special election for a Penny Tax was called in Laramie County, the Cheyenne Board of REALTORS^® rallied voters using REALTOR^® Party Mobile Alerts and the Consumer Advocacy Outreach Program. By approving seven of the nine ballot propositions, citizens created a funding mechanism for two new fire stations, an event center and multiple infrastructure and safety upgrades.

Beverly Hills/Greater Los Angeles REALTORS^® Join Forces with Labor to Defeat Draconian Zoning Measure

To prevent an extreme proposition that would curtail development in Los Angeles, the REALTORS^® of Beverly Hills/Greater Los Angeles used the power of the REALTOR^® Party's Land Use Initiative and Issues Mobilization Grant programs. These resources and an unlikely partnership helped defeat the measure and secure housing opportunities across the city.

Resources & Opportunities

On Common Ground, Summer 2017: Sustainability Issue Now Available

The 2017 REALTORS^® Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo represents an important opportunity for REALTORS^® to meet with their U.S. Senators and Representatives and communicate the issues critical to their businesses, communities and the consumers they represent. To help prepare members for their upcoming meetings in May, check out the Government Affairs Materials.

2017 REALTOR ^® Party Resource Guide

Check out the 2017 REALTOR^® Party Association Resource Guide on the REALTOR^® Action Center website to learn more about community outreach, campaign services, RPAC and political fundraising and grassroots grant, program, education opportunities and much more. Also, review what programs and resources qualify for the new Vote, Act and Invest Core Standards’ requirements.

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Join the REALTOR^® Party Online

Are you posting, liking, tweeting or pinning? So is the REALTOR^® Party. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube to get the latest news, information and resources.

With resort and second-home sales gaining momentum, real estate professionals should equip themselves with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in these flourishing markets. Sharpen your skills in buying, selling and managing second-homes with the Resort & Second-Home Property Specialist certification.

Send us examples of how your association put NAR’s REALTOR^® Party resources to work to implement a successful advocacy or community outreach program. Email your stories to: realtorparty@realtors.org

See more than 100 stories documenting how REALTOR^® associations around the country put REALTOR Party Resources to work at the REALTOR^® Party Success Stories page. This newsletter replaces the NAR Weekly Report for this week and the second week of every month. The REALTOR^® Party News will publish next on July 13, 2017. If you missed a previous edition check out the REALTOR^® Party News Archive.

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