Representing Realtor® and Consumer Interests to Underscore Professionalism

THE YEAR FLEW BY, and great strides were made as NVAR volunteers and staff worked to implement the NVAR Vision 2020 Strategic Plan.

In the government affairs arena, this meant tackling several objectives:

• Developing and participating in regional and national coalitions and partnerships on key issues facing the industry;
• Collaborating and partnering strategically to increase benefit to members;
• Promoting policy and legislation that protects property rights and the interests of Realtors® and their customers; and
• Creating opportunities for member interaction with local, state and federal officials.

The year started with a successful state legislative agenda. Notable accomplishments, which took effect Jan. 1, 2019, include:

• Legislation to define real estate teams and to establish professional operating procedures as well as provisions to help consumers
• A requirement that condo and property owner associations include a short summary of eight important items that could affect a decision to buy in a Common Interest Community
• Unanimous support for clarification on disbursing earnest money deposits, acceptance of rent with reservation, and legal title of foreclosures
• A stronger focus added to the licensing curriculum on requirements for broker supervision and, for all licensees, on real estate finance

Nearly 60 Realtors® traveled to Richmond on NVAR’s annual legislative trip in February. They were briefed by a dozen legislators, met with their own individual legislators and also with the Lieutenant Governor. The leadership from the Dulles and Prince William Realtor® associations joined with NVAR’s leadership team for a discussion with the Secretary of Transportation about Metro funding and a proposed 10-cent increase in the grantors’ tax. (Learn more about the upcoming 2019 legislative trip on the next page.)

Leadership from the three associations reached a joint position to support dedicated funding of $154 million each year for Metro and its needed reforms, making it clear that this obligation could not rest on the backs of homeowners. Through negotiations, the proposed grantors’ tax was reduced first to 7 cents, then 5 cents; ultimately, a bill was passed with no grantors’ tax increase.

In addition to fostering relationships with our neighboring Realtor® associations, NVAR was a co-sponsor of other forums to bring our members face to face with elected officials, including a Metro-region forum with the governors from Maryland and Virginia and D.C. Mayor Bowser; an Arlington County candidate debate; an Alexandria City Council forum; and an event to recap the U.S. Senate election.

By attending NVAR’s Legislative Reception, Politics & Pancakes Breakfast or one-on-one meetings with legislators, Realtors® and staff had more than 100 encounters with elected officials during the summer and fall.

NVAR and the Dulles Area Association of Realtors® (DAAR) co-hosted a Metro Silver Line residential and commercial tour, which sold out immediately. The tour provided members with invaluable information on development along the corridor and plans for the future.

NV/RPAC had a successful year with 201 attendees at the annual NV/RPAC Night at the Ballpark and the highest-ever amount raised at the convention’s online silent auction. A host of events provided supporters the opportunity to mingle, enjoy themselves and support the industry. As RPAC celebrates its 50th Anniversary in 2019, stay tuned for more fun and more information about how NV/RPAC helps protect your livelihood.

Locally, NVAR continues to lobby on measures important to you. NVAR staff members are in discussions with local officials to protect your ability to place off-site directional signs on property with the permission of the owner. As local governments review zoning plans, discuss proffers and set regulations for short-term rentals, NVAR will have a seat at the table to represent the Realtor® position.

NVAR’s government affairs department is always working for you. Next year will bring many changes with new elected officials at the local, state and federal levels of government. It is imperative that NVAR stay involved – and that you do, too.

Join us for association events and meet your elected representatives. Invest in RPAC to support those candidates who will protect your business interests. Contact NVAR’s government affairs department at govaffairs@nvar.com with issues that you may face.  The NVAR Public Policy Committee meets each month to consider matters affecting the real estate industry. We want to hear from you!