Local Realtors travel to Washington, D.C., for pro-housing advocacy work
Nearly 8,500 Realtors from across the country recently gathered in Washington, D.C., to urge action on important real estate issues during meetings with U.S. senators and congressional staff on Capitol Hill.
Among this group of Realtor advocates were more than 24 members of the Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors who met with local legislators and regulatory officials to protect and advance real estate-related policies and ensure that qualified buyers and investors in the Kansas City area have access to safe and affordable mortgage financing.
Attending the Realtor Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo each May offers Realtors an opportunity to meet face-to-face with decision makers and be heard on the issues that affect the industry and consumers’ ability to buy, sell and invest in real estate.
Meetings with local representatives focused on important residential and commercial real estate issues to homeowners and investors both locally and nationally, including the preservation of current real estate-related tax policies and the extension of the Mortgage Forgiveness Tax Relief Act, which expired at the end of 2014 and prevents distressed homeowners from facing excessive income tax bills on forgiven home loan debt.
Lawmakers were also asked to protect commercial real estate-related tax provisions such as retaining like-kind exchange provisions and making permanent the 15-year deprecation period for leasehold improvements. Discussions also included the need for a national protection act against patent trolls and passing the Mortgage Choice Act to avoid discrimination against affiliated lenders.
National Association of Realtors President Chris Polychron praised the efforts of the Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors in actively advancing the real estate industry and providing a safe and affordable path to homeownership.
“Homeownership and commercial investment help build strong communities and families. With the current policy debates underway in Washington, it’s a critical time for Realtors to take action and help shape the future of real estate,” said Polychron.
Whether in Washington, D.C., the state capitols or in Kansas City municipalities, Realtors are working year-round to promote pro-housing legislation. Homeownership and commercial investment help shape communities and strengthen the economy. Protection of the American Dream is a task best achieved through teamwork and Realtors are standing together to speak with a powerful united voice.
This story was originally published June 5, 2015 at 7:00 PM with the headline "Local Realtors travel to Washington, D.C., for pro-housing advocacy work."