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REALTOR® Party March Madness
March is a busy month for the REALTOR® Party. From advocating for crucial issues in Congress – government funding, independent contractor status, and housing affordability, to name a few – to supporting REALTOR® Party champions and pro-real estate policies in elections across the country, the team is working tirelessly on the issues that matter to you and your business.
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ICYMI: Advancing Advocacy
Hear directly from NAR Chief Advocacy Officer Shannon McGahn on how the REALTOR® Party advances public policies and candidates that build strong communities, increase access to homeownership, and protect private property rights.
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Following President Biden’s State of the Union address, NAR President Kevin Sears expressed appreciation for raising awareness of the affordable housing crisis. “NAR first sounded the alarm on this issue with original research showing a nationwide shortage of 5.5 million affordable housing units. We commend President Biden’s commitment to an all-of-government approach to solve this problem. NAR has proposed and advocated for many of these proposals, which together would make serious headway toward fixing this crisis,” said Sears.
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The NAR Policy team released a rundown on the potential impacts of a government shutdown when deadlines approached in early March. With another deadline looming on March 22, which includes the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), NAR continues to urge Congress to pass a long-term government funding solution and an NFIP reauthorization.
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During Women's History Month, we celebrate the 1974 passage of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), which banned lending discrimination based on sex and marital status. NAR's Colette Massengale, Senior Policy Representative, Fair Housing, penned an article for RISMedia examining the advancements made in the 50 years since the ECOA's passage and the work yet to be done.
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NAR sent a letter to the Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC) challenging the notion that current guidance on banks and fair housing is sufficient for appraisers. NAR followed up its letter from March 2023 with another request for clear guidance from HUD and continues to ask the ASC to improve efforts to make appraiser compensation more transparent.
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NAR wrote to the Department of Labor (DOL) last month about the agency's proposal to rescind the 2018 Association Health Plans (AHP) final regulations. The letter expressed NAR's disappointment with the latest DOL proposal and set the record straight that REALTOR® AHPs were just as comprehensive but more affordable than plans under the Affordable Care Act.
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On February 29, the White House announced its “New Actions to Boost Housing Supply and Lower Housing Costs” aimed at creating more affordable homes and increasing transparency in rental housing. NAR will closely monitor the actions the White House and federal agencies take following this announcement and will continue to advocate for increasing the supply of affordable housing and protecting the rights of housing providers.
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According to NAR’s 2024 Snapshot of Race and Home Buying in America, released in February, homeownership rates for Asian and Hispanic Americans reached all-time highs in 2022. The Black homeownership rate experienced a modest uptick to 44.1% but remains substantially lower than Asian, Hispanic, and White Americans.
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| As of February 29, RPAC fundraising reached 39% of its national goal with $19.4 million raised at all three levels of the association, and 36% of its federal disbursements allocation goal with $3.6 million raised at the national level. RPAC has 1,629 Major Investors and a 24% participation rate. |
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Unleashed Joy: A Day at Staten Island Dog Garden
The Staten Island Board of REALTORS® built a dog park and scent garden in collaboration with the Staten Island Animal Care Center for homeless dogs and their neighbors with support from a REALTOR® Party Placemaking grant. Built in memory of a local boy who passed away trying to save his pets from a house fire, the park was a collaborative project with the Staten Island Animal Care Center and now serves the local community.
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REALTOR® Party Conference Grants Available
State and Local REALTOR® associations can apply for a grant to host their own REALTOR® Party Conference to educate members and further the mission of the REALTOR® Party. Associations may qualify to receive funding to host an educational or fundraising conference.
Questions? Contact Christine Windle.
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Register for the Urban Roundtable’s UrbanPlan at RLM
Uplevel your understanding of the real estate development process to influence community planning by participating in the Urban Roundtable’s UrbanPlan on Wednesday, May 8, 1:45-3:45 pm ET, at the REALTORS® Legislative Meetings. You’ll explore how neighborhoods are built and your role in the process through a fictional city case study conducted by Urban Land Institute experts. Space is limited due to the highly interactive and team-oriented nature of UrbanPlan, so register today.
Questions? Contact Hugh Morris.
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Get the Latest on Modern Growth Management Techniques
NAR’s Growth Management Fact Book provides a comprehensive look at a variety of modern growth management techniques, such as urban growth boundaries, housing moratoria and cluster zoning, to help REALTOR® associations develop informed policy positions. Each section covers impacts on property values, development costs, housing affordability, incentive-based alternatives, and recommended talking points.
Questions? Contact Hugh Morris.
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Engage with the REALTOR® Party Online
Follow the REALTOR® Party on social (Facebook/Instagram/X) at @NARRealtorParty. Include #REALTORParty in your social posts so we can amplify your association's efforts.
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President’s Circle Round Two Launches
Round 2 of the 2024 President’s Circle Program, consisting of eight REALTOR® Party Champions, has launched. Members may also contribute to the national party congressional and senatorial committees, or NAR Federal Political Coordinators (FPCs) may contribute to their respective member of Congress. Remember: Investments must be made through the President’s Circle site to count toward your 2024 President’s Circle total.
Questions? Contact Jenn Nguyen.
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2024 Sustainability Summit: Registration Now Open
The 2024 Sustainability Summit is the premier event for real estate professionals who are eager to stay on the cutting edge of sustainable practices. Held June 4-5 in Minneapolis, attend to discover the latest market trends and learn about actionable solutions you can implement immediately. Register and save $50 with early bird pricing!
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You’re a REALTOR® – and So Much More
Don’t overlook your value as a person, colleague, community leader, friend, partner, mom or dad. You are the irreplaceable asset in your business, and NAR is committed to helping you protect yourself. So, invest in your safety and make it home each night. The real value in real estate is you.
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