By Brent Wayne As one of the most effective tax shields of any deduction, the mortgage insurance tax write-off is essential to the protection of the middle class, especially in a volatile economy of uncertainty. Despite their considerable differences on other issues, the legislative and executive branches seemed to come together to protect the mortgage insurance write off for the …
Utah REALTORS® Take Their Issues to the Hill
By Chris Nichols Approximately 60 REALTORS® from the state of Utah spent last Wednesday afternoon discussing issues vital to the housing market with their Congressional Delegation. The afternoon started with a state caucus meeting with Jamie Gregory, one of NAR’s chief lobbyists, walking us through the major talking points of the day. Then it was off to Capitol Hill …
REALTOR® Survival: Worth It or Not?
By Brian Copeland In late 2010, Rock The Vote commissioned a hefty research project on political issues as they relate to young adults. Some of the findings surprised especially the political parties. For example, 36 percent say that it doesn’t matter to them which party is in control of Congress. A whopping 83 percent say that their generation has the …
Take-Aways from the NAR Issues Conference
By Chris Nichols I just got back from the 2011 NAR Issues Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico and wanted to share with the YPN Lounge some of the highlights of this wonderful event. This is, by far, one of my most favorite meetings of the year. It was exciting to see a good number of YPN members in attendance. …
Midyear: How to Prep for a Visit to The Hill
By Michelle Flaherty Philbrook This is my fourth year taking an active role in one of the most exciting aspects of the NAR Midyear meetings – personally meeting with our congressional delegation on Capitol Hill to discuss issues important to the real estate industry and homeownership. Each year, a group of 20 or so REALTORS(R) from the Maine Association come along, …
Tricks and Treats for the Real Estate Market
By Heather Soldonia More scary than mummies, black cats, or cobwebs is the looming question: Has the real estate market bottomed out? We REALTORS® have been asking Congress “Trick or Treat? … Please come up with some creative ways to revive the real estate market. Pretty please?” When Forbes reported the 10 worst real estate markets of 2009, eight were …