Congress is considering a proposal that would create a tax on all potential homeowners and consumers looking to purchase or refinance a mortgage.
 
By increasing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's credit risk guarantee fees (g-fees) to fund transportation programs, Congress would disturb the housing recovery.  Now is not the time to raise the cost to purchase or refinance a home.
 
NAR strongly believes that taxing homeowners to pay for transportation programs places an unnecessary long-term burden on consumers and this action will disproportionately impact low and moderate income borrowers, as well as first-time homebuyers.


"What should we do when Congress begins talking, as its Members did this week, about taxing housing to pay for transportation? We need a Call for Action!"

Read 2015 SAR President Jack Kestell's (pictured at left) excellent commentary on this issue online here.


Visit the Washington REALTORS® page with more information on this issue, online here.
 

Tell Congress to stop taxing homeowners to fund transportation projects:

   

Real estate professionals know they need to be extra cautious in the field, but many worry that putting strict safety measures in place will drive clients away.

To help them explain to customers why these protocols are necessary, The National Association of REALTORS® has developed a video aimed at consumers that covers what to expect when meeting an agent for the first time.

See the three-minute video online here:

   

A person may live "off the grid," without electricity, telephone, or internet access, but no one can live anywhere without access to a water supply.

Water access is emerging as a contentious topic in the United States.

Increased development led to increased water demands, which strain the existing infrastructure. In parts of  the country without large natural water supplies, climate conditions lend a special urgency to maintaining existing water supplies, and to finding new ones. Even areas that enjoy ample supplies now must look to future population needs with some trepidation.

Learn about the issues raised by today's water issues in a 4-minute REALTOR® Party "On the Go" audio podcast, online here:

   

SAR members Marianne Bornhoft and Tom Hormel (both pictured at left) are your roving reporters at the National Association of  REALTORS® 2015 Conference & Expo, next month, in San Diego.



Follow them on Conference Live to share their behind-the-scenes look at the largest real estate event of the year! 

   

Washington REALTORS'® Communications Manager, Steve Klaniecki, gives a brief overview of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPD) website: "Know Before You Owe" and other resources that you can provide for your clients.

See the two-minute video online here:

Resources for your Clients