The Source

 
the source
 

Welcome to The Source!

The Source immerses readers through captivating video content, expert insights, and scenarios. Elevate your industry expertise by checking back each month for engaging multimedia and invaluable professional advice.

The Source is your inside scoop on legal, governmental, and ethical developments in the real estate industry.
 

2024 – 2025 Legislative Agenda

The Northern Virginia Association of Realtors® (NVAR) ensures that the interests of Northern Virginia Realtors® are known to lawmakers at every level of government — from City Hall and the General Assembly to the U.S. Capitol. Our elected officials are making decisions every day that have a significant impact on property rights, quality of life, and the bottom line for Realtors®, their clients, and consumers. These leaders recognize the magnitude of Realtor® impacts on the Northern Virginia economy and beyond, and they listen to the Realtor® voice when it speaks.

This is the power of the REALTOR® Party.

Each year, NVAR compiles legislative and regulatory policy goals and proposals. Some of these proposals seek specific changes in local and state law, while others remain aspirational position statements. Each represents an important step forward for the industry and consumers. This 2024–2025 NVAR Legislative Agenda is the result of months of meetings and feedback taken directly from NVAR’s 13,000 members. It has been vetted and approved by the NVAR Public Policy Committee and the NVAR Board of Directors.

Read the Full Legislative Agenda.

 

More from Government Affairs:

election results

What the 2024 Election Results Mean for the Real Estate Industry: Key Policy Considerations
As the U.S. braces for changes in governance after the presidential election, the real estate industry is focused on policy shifts that could affect its future. While campaign promises make headlines, the real impact often comes through legislative actions. Key areas to watch include the Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA), State and Local Tax (SALT) deductions, association healthcare, and local housing priorities, especially in Northern Virginia's Alexandria and Arlington areas.

convo with smith

A Conversation with Kathy Smith — Vice Chair, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
Hear from NVAR's Josh Veverka, Vice President of Government Affairs, as he interviews Supervisor Kathy Smith, from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, about the future of data centers in the region. They explore the economic benefits data centers bring to Fairfax County, including job creation and increased infrastructure demands, while also discussing the impact on the local real estate market. Supervisor Smith shares how the county plans to manage growth and balance development with community needs.



New from Professional Services:

fair housing training

Fair Housing Training Requirement
Realtors® must complete Fair Housing/Anti-Bias Training upon joining and every three years thereafter, aligning with the Code of Ethics training timeline. This is in addition to the Code of Ethics training. The training must be at least two hours long and meet the learning objectives set by the National Association of REALTORS®. The requirement begins January 1, 2025, with a deadline of December 31, 2027, for completion.

safety tips

Safety Tips for Open Houses — with Anthony Athanason
Hear from Anthony Athanason, Vice Chair of the NVAR Products and Services Advisory Group, as he shares seven practical safety tips for Realtors® when hosting open houses. From preparing your property to staying alert and setting clear boundaries with visitors, these tips are designed to help real estate professionals protect themselves while providing a safe and welcoming environment for clients.



New from Legal Services:

home vs title

What is the Difference Between Home Insurance and Mortgage Insurance?
Hear from members of the NVAR Real Estate Finance & Settlements Forum as they explain the difference between Homeowner Insurance and Mortgage Insurance.

title vs settlement

What is the Difference between a Title Agent and a Settlement Agent?
The distinction between a Title Agent and a Settlement Agent can be unclear to clients. Hear from members of the NVAR Real Estate Finance & Settlements Forum as they explain what it means for your clients.

title insurance

How Long Should I Keep a Title Insurance Policy?
Watch members of the NVAR Real Estate Finance & Settlements Forum explain how long to keep a Title Insurance Policy and how to discuss it with your clients.



legal hotline nov

November: Legal Hotline Questions of the Month

The NVAR Legal Hotline has received many questions regarding voiding and releasing sales contracts this fall. Refresh your skills with this guide! 


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