Despite being the odd-year "short session," and one focused largely on the budget, Realtors® were very successful with their legislative agenda in 2011. Eight of the nine bills the Realtors® introduced were passed by the legislature and signed into law by the Governor (see New Laws Summary).

The only proposal that failed to pass would have provided that no recordation tax be paid on ANY refinancing, whether with the same lender or not; and would have based recordation taxes on the sales price. Currently, one does not pay a recordation tax if refinancing with the same lender, but must pay it if using a different lender. With loans being sold and resold, it is often difficult to determine which entity owns the loan, and many clerks of court charge the fee on most refinancings unless one can clearly demonstrate that it is the same lender.

Local governments and state budget officials argued that this proposal would cause them to lose too much revenue, and the bill failed to move forward.

NVAR and VAR will seek to have this issue addressed if the legislature establishes a foreclosure task force to look at the numerous foreclosure-related bills that were introduced but not acted on.

In addition to these Realtor® bills, NVAR and VAR identified 150 bills that could impact our industry, and took positions to either support, amend or oppose those bills.

What Redistricting Means to Us

Virginia's redistricting occurs every 10 years to adjust for population changes. The outlying Northern Virginia areas will gain several new seats in the Virginia House of Delegates (two in Loudoun and one in Prince William) and one new Senate seat (Loudoun). Many NVAR members live in those districts and will be looking at new candidates this fall.

Slight boundary changes will have occurred in most other districts. Once the Department of Justice has reviewed the proposed changes and the legislature finalizes the plans, NVAR will provide links to election sites so our members may determine where their residence falls and who their candidates are.

Because of redistricting, primaries won't be held until August. NV/RPAC Trustees will be reviewing the voting records of incumbents and interviewing candidates in open seats.

Who is elected and the committee assignments they receive in January will be of great importance to us. With each election, we have new people to educate on Realtor® issues and new opportunities to develop working relationships. Realtor® involvement in NVAR's government affairs programs and support of NV/RPAC is critical to the Realtors’® continued success.

If you have questions or issues you'd like our committees to review, you may email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Lisa May, Government Affairs Manager at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Mary Beth Coya, Senior Vice President
Public and Government Affairs NVAR State and Local Lobbyist