REALTOR Party Resource Guide - 2019 VOTE
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VOTE
2019
REALTOR Party
®
Resource Guide
Resources, tools and funding information to help state and local
REALTOR® Associations create, implement and sustain successful
advocacy and community outreach programs.
The REALTOR® Party is a powerful alliance of REALTORS®
and REALTOR® Associations working to advance public policies
and candidates that build strong communities, protect property
interests, and promote a vibrant business environment.
2
A LETTER FOR YOU FROM NAR’S 2019 PRESIDENT & CEO
There’s nothing like a good story As you read the 2019 REALTOR® Party REALTOR® Party website (www.
– especially when it’s your own. Resource Guide, I encourage you realtorparty.realtor/success-
At the National Association of to leverage the expertise of NAR’s stories). You’ll quickly see how state
REALTORS®, our story is your story. Advocacy Group staff as well as and local associations are putting
When REALTORS® and REALTOR® other REALTOR® Associations as you REALTOR® Party resources to work
Associations at the local, state, and plan and execute your advocacy — one neighborhood and one local
national levels join forces and work outreach programs. Tap into the government at a time.
in accord, our accomplishments tools and resources outlined in this
are mighty. Together, we have an guide to build your own REALTOR® We look forward to hearing your
extraordinary story to tell, but we Party stories. REALTOR® Party stories, and watching
must speak up to ensure our voices you create them. Thank you for all
• U
se the campaign resources to you do.
are heard and our story is told. help elect a local REALTOR® Party
Over the last year, the REALTOR® Champion to public office or to
Party has seen exciting change and enact First-Time Home Buyer
opportunity. Combining NAR’s federal, Savings Account legislation.
state, and local advocacy operations • A
pply for a Placemaking Grant
into one group aligned our staff and turn an underused public
expertise and resources, and allows space into a vibrant one that pulls
us to better serve you—our members, people together.
and state and local associations.
• U
se a grant to host an RPAC 50th
Throughout 2019, we’d like you to anniversary-themed fundraising
join us in continuing to write one event.
of our association’s most dynamic
chapters—the story of the REALTOR® • Increase your association’s Call
Party. Your political and community for Action responses by tapping
outreach efforts at the state and into the Broker Involvement John Smaby, Bob Goldberg,
local level are powerful and inspiring. Program. 2019 President Chief Executive
They bring the REALTOR® Party The possibilities are endless, and National Officer
to life, and make us a force to be your potential is great. Own it! Association of National
reckoned with from the City Council REALTORS® Association of
and State House to the Nation’s If you need inspiration, take a look REALTORS®
Capital. We want to help you share at the 300-plus REALTOR® Party
these incredible stories. Success Stories posted at the
3
NAR’s Organizational Alignment Core Standards...................................................... 5
CONTENTS Advocacy Territorial Jurisdiction.................................................................................... 6
Regulatory Affairs Resources......................................................................................... 7
Advocacy Issues A to Z................................................................................................... 11
Index..................................................................................................................................15
Community Outreach.....................................................................................................21
RPAC Fundraising........................................................................................................... 24
Campaign Services........................................................................................................ 28
Member & Consumer Involvement.............................................................................. 30
Online Resources............................................................................................................ 33
Staff Directory................................................................................................................ 35
Coming in 2019: New REALTOR® Party Programs & Resources...............................40
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NAR’S ORGANIZATIONAL ALIGNMENT CORE STANDARDS
The REALTOR® Party offers programs, grants, and other tools and resources, as well as expertise, to help
associations meet the Vote, Act and Invest components of the Core Standards requirements. In the program
descriptions listed throughout this resource guide, there are indications of the programs that may qualify
for use in attaining Core Standards compliance. Programs marked with a V indicate they may qualify under
the Vote section; programs marked with an A indicate they may qualify under the Act section; and programs
marked with an I indicate they may qualify under the Invest section. Some programs may qualify for multiple
sections and are marked with a V, A and/or I.
Submission of a grant application, program participation, or resource utilization does not automatically meet
the Core Standards requirement as an activity must take place and be documented. NAR Advocacy staff is
available to assist you in learning how to use the REALTOR® Party resources to meet the Vote, Act, and/or Invest
components of the Core Standards.
Please contact the staff member listed, beginning on page 35, for information on a specific REALTOR® Party
program you may be interested in pursuing, or contact Susie Helm, Vice President of State and Local Services, at
shelm@realtors.org or 202-383-1117 for information.
5
ADVOCACY TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION
NAR’s Board of Directors approved Territorial Jurisdiction Policy The policy allows for an association
a process for the use of advocacy to request REALTOR® Party funds for
resources outside of a state or local The National Association of REALTORS® use outside of its territorial jurisdiction,
association’s territorial jurisdiction in adopted a policy that state and local and if the association in whose
November 2017. REALTOR® Associations may only use jurisdiction such activity will take place
REALTOR® Party advocacy resources objects, the funds may be provided
The use of resources were divided into for activity within their territorial subject to review and approval by
two categories: jurisdiction, as defined by NAR. Use the appropriate NAR committee(s)
outside the association’s territorial overseeing REALTOR® Party activities.
• S
ituations where a state or local jurisdiction is permitted with a written
association is making use of agreement among or policy applicable For the full policy, sample agreements
REALTOR® Party resources for to all affected local and state and bylaws, and territorial jurisdiction
advocacy activity. association(s) regarding such use of maps, visit www.realtorparty.realtor/
advocacy resources, or the association tools-resources/territorial-jurisdiction.
• A
ll other uses of a state or local
in whose jurisdiction such advocacy will html.
association’s advocacy funds.
occur or NAR approves.
Contact: Gerry Allen
Vice President,
RPAC and Campaign Services
gallen@realtors.org
202-383-1109
6REGULATORY AFFAIRS RESOURCES
The activities of the federal agencies Selection of Federal Agency Copyright Office (USCO)
and departments of the United States Relationships The Copyright Office is responsible for
government permeate the business administering a complex and dynamic
of real estate in a variety of ways. Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC) set of laws, which include registration,
Whether the activity is issuing formal the recordation of title and licenses,
The mission of the ASC is to ensure that
rules, pursuing an enforcement action, a number of statutory licensing
real estate appraisers, who perform
or engaging in industry supervision, provisions, and other aspects of the
appraisals in real estate transactions
the buying and selling of real estate is 1976 Copyright Act and the 1998 Digital
that could expose the United States
impacted by the actions of more than Millennium Copyright Act.
government to financial loss, are
25 federal and independent agencies
sufficiently trained and tested to
and departments. Contact: Melanie Wyne
assure competency and independent
NAR tracks the activity of these judgment according to uniform high Department of Agriculture (USDA)
agencies, focusing exclusively on issues professional standards and ethics.
USDA programs and activities impact
affecting REALTORS®, their businesses, Contact: Sehar Siddiqi the real estate industry in two main
and their clients. In addition to being
Bureau of Consumer Financial areas. The Rural Housing Service
experts on matters ranging from
Protection (BCFP) (RHS) provides affordable housing
banking regulation to environmental
opportunities to low- and moderate-
concerns, NAR staff also manage The BCFP, formerly known as the income rural homebuyers. In addition,
relationships with the agencies to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau the Forest Service provides policies on
ensure NAR member priorities are (CFPB), regulates the offering and wildfire management, land acquisition,
always carefully considered. provision of consumer financial recreational opportunities, and land
products or services under the federal management policies.
A list of agencies pertinent to
consumer financial laws and educates
REALTORS® can be found at http:// Contacts: Sehar Siddiqi and Megan
and empowers consumers to make
narfocus.com/billdatabase/ Booth (RHS) or Russell Riggs
better informed financial decisions.
clientfiles/172/21/3180.pdf (Forest Service)
REALTORS® interact with the BCFP with
respect to the Real Estate Settlement Department of Commerce (DOC)
Procedures Act (RESPA) and real
estate closings, as well as Know Before The DOC impacts REALTORS® through
You Owe (KYBO or TRID). its activities in economic development,
coastal zone management, and
Contact: Christie DeSanctis regulation of endangered fish species
and other marine animals. These
policies may have an impact on land
use and development in coastal areas.
Contact: Russell Riggs
For contact information, please see Staff Directory on pages 35-39. 7REGULATORY AFFAIRS RESOURCES
Department of Defense (DOD) Department of Health and Human Department of Housing & Urban
The DOD manages military bases Services (HHS) Development (HUD)
across the nation and around the The Department of Health and Human HUD is the agency in charge
world. Any change to a military Services oversees the implementation of increasing homeownership
installation’s use can impact its and enforcement of the nation’s laws opportunities, supporting community
surrounding community. REALTORS® governing health care, including the development, and increasing access
interact and provide input with the Affordable Care Act. In addition to to affordable rental housing and
Base Realignment and Closure substantial research conducted by HHS homeownership for low-income
(BRAC) Commission, during the base offices such as the National Institutes individuals. Programs under their
realignment process. They also work of Health (NIH), the agency’s Center for jurisdiction include the Federal
with the Office of Economic Adjustment Medicare and Medicaid administers Housing Administration’s (FHA)
(OEA) when communities are the Medicare program, which is the mortgage insurance program,
adversely impacted by base closures source of insurance coverage for 16 Community Development Block Grants
or realignments, base expansions, and percent of NAR’s members. (CDBG), and multifamily assisted
contract or program cancellations. Contacts: Christie DeSanctis and housing programs, including housing
DOD also houses the U.S. Army Austin Perez vouchers. HUD also is responsible for
Corps of Engineers (USACE), which implementing and enforcing the Fair
is responsible for administering the Department of Homeland Security Housing Act.
wetlands permitting and regulatory (DHS) Contacts: S
ehar Siddiqi, Megan Booth,
program under the Clean Water Act. DHS most directly impacts the real and Fred Underwood
Contact: Russell Riggs estate industry through the Federal
Emergency Management Agency Department of the Interior (DOI)
Department of Energy (DOE) (FEMA). FEMA is responsible for The activities of the DOI have
DOE’s Building Technologies Program coordinating the federal response their greatest impact on the real
partners with states, industry, to floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, estate industry through its ability
and manufacturers to improve and other natural or man-made to acquire property for wilderness,
the energy efficiency of new and disasters, as well as providing disaster wildlife protection, and recreational
existing buildings and homes; as assistance to States, communities and purposes, and it is the administration
well as public-private partnerships individuals. FEMA also administers of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
that enhance energy efficiency and the National Flood Insurance Program These activities have far-reaching
productivity in communities. (NFIP) and programs that provide implications for private property rights.
assistance for mitigating future Contact: Russell Riggs
Contact: Russell Riggs damages from natural hazards. The
NFIP also creates the Flood Insurance
Rate Maps (FIRMs). The accuracy and
timeliness of these maps is critical for
the transaction of properties located
in, or adjacent to, a floodplain.
Contact: Austin Perez
8REGULATORY AFFAIRS RESOURCES
Department of Justice (DOJ) Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Federal Communications Commission
The DOJ oversees investigation and The Department of Veterans Affairs (FCC)
prosecution of antitrust matters and (VA) is responsible for administering The FCC is the agency charged
laws that promote competition in the benefits programs for veterans, their with regulating the nation’s
U.S. economy. families, and survivors, including the communications infrastructure
Contact: Melanie Wyne VA home loan guaranty program. including telephone, mobile phone,
Contacts: Sehar Siddiqi and and internet networks. In addition
Department of Labor (DOL) Megan Booth to its oversight of communication
networks, the FCC is responsible for
DOL administers a variety of federal
Environmental Protection Agency rules governing solicitations via phone,
labor laws, including those that
(EPA) texts, and fax. The agency also plays
guarantee workers’ rights to safe
a major role in broadband services
and healthful working conditions, a EPA’s rules and regulations impact
oversight, including net neutrality.
minimum hourly wage and overtime the real estate industry in several
pay, unemployment insurance, and ways. The most direct impact is its Contact: Melanie Wyne
other income support. REALTORS® enforcement of the Residential Lead-
also interact with DOL with respect Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of Federal Housing Finance Agency
to independent contract status and 1992 as well as required disclosure (FHFA)
association health plans. of lead-based paint in sales and FHFA is the federal regulator charged
Contacts: Christie DeSanctis lease transactions involving pre-1978 with assuring safe and sound
residential properties. Other EPA issues operation of Fannie Mae, Freddie
Department of Treasury that may impact REALTORS® and the Mac, and the Federal Home Loan
real estate industry include wetlands, Banks. These entities provide crucial
The Department of Treasury has wide
air quality, brownfields development, support for the housing and mortgage
reaching implications for the real
and general land use concerns. markets.
estate community as it administers
regulations affecting U.S. economic Contact: Russell Riggs Contacts: Christie DeSanctis, Vijay
and financial systems. REALTORS® Yadlapati, and Ken Fears
are focused on a range of issues by
this agency ranging from tax code
interpretations and tax collection to
supervision and enforcement over
financial institutions, including anti-
money laundering requirements and
safety and soundness laws.
Contacts: Evan Liddiard and
Vijay Yadlapati
For contact information, please see Staff Directory on pages 35-39. 9REGULATORY AFFAIRS RESOURCES
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Patent Trademark Office (USPTO)
The FTC works to ensure that the USPTO is the federal agency for
nation’s markets are vigorous, granting U.S. patents and registering
efficient, and free of restrictions trademarks. The USPTO advises the
that harm consumers. FTC enforces president of the United States, the
federal consumer protection laws that secretary of commerce, and U.S.
prevent fraud, deception, and unfair government agencies on intellectual
business practices. The FTC’s rules and property (IP) policy, protection,
regulations primarily impact the real and enforcement; and promotes
estate industry in the areas of privacy, the stronger and more effective IP
data security, consumer protection, protection around the world.
and telemarketing. Contact: Melanie Wyne
Contact: Melanie Wyne
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) The SBA is an independent agency
The IRS is responsible for collecting that was established to “aid, counsel,
taxes and administering the Internal assist, and protect” small businesses.
Revenue Code, which contains the The SBA is primarily a guarantor of
great majority of the federal tax laws in loans made to small businesses. In
the U.S. Its duties also include assisting some circumstances, it also makes
the Treasury Department in setting loans to victims of natural disasters,
tax policy through regulations, which facilitates government procurement
are designed to provide guidance contracts for small businesses, and
to taxpayers in complying with the assists businesses with management,
tax laws. IRS is also responsible for technical and training issues.
providing assistance to taxpayers Contacts: Erin Stackley
and pursuing and resolving cases of
erroneous or fraudulent tax filings.
Contact: Evan Liddiard
10ADVOCACY ISSUES A TO Z
NAR’s Advocacy Group staff is working on a number of pressing public policy issues affecting the real estate industry
and REALTORS®. Highlighted below are a few federal, state, and local issues and the staff experts working on that
issue. Additional issues and information can be found in the Political Advocacy section of nar.realtor at www.nar.
realtor/political-advocacy and the REALTOR® Party website at www.realtorparty.realtor. Use the staff directory for
contact information at the end of the Resource Guide to contact staff.
Issue Staff Expert
Affiliated Business 3% Cap
NAR supports a fix to Dodd/Frank rules on Qualified Mortgages (QM) that Christie DeSanctis
disadvantage small lenders over big banks. Nia Duggins
Affordable Rental Housing
NAR supports legislative and regulatory proposals to remove disincentives that inhibit Megan Booth
owner participation in the development of new rental housing or the preservation of
existing safe and affordable rental housing.
Alternative Credit Scores
NAR supports legislative and regulatory proposals that support alternative credit Ken Fears
scoring models aimed at responsibly expanding mortgage credit for millions of Vijay Yadlapati
hardworking families.
Alternative Valuation Methods
NAR is in discussion with legislators, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders on the Sehar Siddiqi
increased use of data-based valuation methods and hybrid appraisal products. NAR
supports innovation in the valuation field, but only if safety and soundness concerns
are also addressed.
ADA Reform
While NAR strongly supports the requirements of the Americans with Disability Act Erin Stackley
(ADA), NAR also supports legislation to curb abusive “drive-by” lawsuits that demand Fred Underwood
high payments or threaten legal action related to minor, often easily correctable
infractions of the ADA.
ADA Website Compliance
NAR supports clear website accessibility standards under the ADA, and has requested Christie DeSanctis
guidance from the Department of Justice on this issue to curb demand letters for Sarah Young
alleged violations by businesses. Nia Duggins
Appraiser Qualifications
NAR supports state-level adoption of revised national minimum requirements for Sehar Siddiqi
trainee appraisers including more flexible education and work hour requirements.
11ADVOCACY ISSUES A TO Z
Appraiser Shortages
NAR supports state-level adoption of revised national minimum requirements for Sehar Siddiqi
trainee appraisers including more flexible education and work hour requirements.
Assistance Animals
NAR urges HUD to provide further guidance regarding assistance and companion Fred Underwood
animals. Reasonability standards should be considered. Megan Booth
Association Health Plans
NAR supports changes to underwriting and rating rules that address problems facing Christie DeSanctis
the self-employed and small employers. NAR also supports legislative and regulatory Austin Perez
changes to allow bona fide trade associations to offer association
health plans (AHPs) to their members.
BASEL Capital Standards
NAR supports legislation that would clarify the definition of High Volatility Acquisition, Erin Stackley
Development & Construction loans (HVCRE ADC), and provide exceptions to the Rule. Ken Fears
Broadband Access
NAR supports a national broadband plan to ensure all communities have Melanie Wyne
affordable access to a world-class communications infrastructure.
Capital Gains Exclusion
NAR believes the capital gains exclusion ($250K for singles/$500K for joint) for the sale Evan Liddiard
of a home should be indexed for inflation.
Commercial Real Estate Lending
NAR supports legislative and regulatory proposals to create a covered bond Erin Stackley
market in the U.S., and also to increase the lending cap for credit unions.
Competition
NAR asserts that the real estate market is vibrant, healthy and vigorously competitive. Melanie Wyne
Technology innovation in the real estate industry is robust and listing data is available
from multiple sources.
Copyright
NAR supports the ability of MLS organizations to protect their intellectual property Melanie Wyne
through the use of compilation copyrights.
Condominium Lending
NAR supports legislative and regulatory proposals to ease restrictions on the Megan Booth
purchase and sale of condominiums. Sehar Siddiqi
12ADVOCACY ISSUES A TO Z
Data Privacy
NAR recognizes the importance of protecting client data entrusted to them and Melanie Wyne
supports common sense data privacy and security safeguards that are effective but
do not unduly burden our members’ ability to efficiently run their businesses.
Deduction for Sole Proprietors and Owners of Pass-Through Businesses
NAR successfully lobbied Treasury and IRS to clarify that the 20% deduction included Evan Liddiard
in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 is effective in providing the maximum benefit
permissible under the law for real estate professionals. Also following NAR discussions,
IRS guidance provides a “safe harbor” of 250-hours of landlord-type activity per year
to ensure that net real estate rental income qualifies for the deduction.
Depreciation
NAR supports shortening the 27.5- and 39-year cost recovery periods for real Evan Liddiard
property.
Drones
NAR supports efforts to create new federal regulations to allow for the future Erin Stackley
commercial use of unmanned aerial vehicle technology by the real estate industry.
Energy Efficiency 179D Tax Deduction
NAR supports the renewal of this tax incentive, which allows commercial building Erin Stackley
owners who improve the building’s energy-efficiency to receive an immediate Evan Liddiard
deduction instead of having to depreciate.
Eminent Domain
Supports eminent domain authority only for a public use, as well as a broad Russell Riggs
interpretation of “just” compensation. NAR also supports states’ rights governing
eminent domain.
Eminent Domain for Taking Mortgages
NAR opposes the use of eminent domain to take underwater mortgages. Russell Riggs
Endangered Species Act (ESA) Reform
NAR supports reforms to the ESA that recognize economic impacts when designating Russell Riggs
endangered species and their habitats. Proposals must provide market-based
incentives to encourage species protection, and compensate private property owners
if their property’s economic value declines.
Fair Housing (Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity)
NAR supports legislation to add sexual orientation and gender identity as protected Fred Underwood
classes under the Fair Housing Act. NAR has also included these categories in the
Code of Ethics.
13ADVOCACY ISSUES A TO Z
FHA Condo Rule
NAR is urging the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to Sehar Siddiqi
publish the final Federal Housing Administration (FHA) condominium rule, which will Megan Booth
ease current FHA restrictions on condo lending.
FHA Lifetime Mortgage Insurance Premium
NAR urges FHA to remove the requirement that premiums be paid for the life of the Sehar Siddiqi
loan, and instead return to the practice where these could be cancelled after the Megan Booth
borrower has sufficient equity.
First Time Home Buyer Savings Accounts
NAR supports Home Buyer Savings Accounts established at the state level and Adriann Murawski
urges states to adopt such plans. NAR believes individuals or families saving for
homeownership should be able to put a percentage of income or maximum amount
of funds into an account that is tax free to be used within a specified amount of time
for the purchase of a home. Home Buyer Savings Accounts are typically used for first
time homeowners or returning home buyers.
Global Climate Change
NAR supports action that protects property rights while emphasizing environmental Russell Riggs
stewardship and voluntary local action, based on private sector, market-based Austin Perez
investments to encourage energy efficiency, adaptation and mitigation.
Guarantee Fees
NAR is concerned with the high G-fees charged by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Ken Fears
which have translated into huge profits for the entities, but high prices for consumers. Vijay Yadlapati
NAR supports reasonableness when setting G-fees to avoid over charging tax-paying Christie DeSanctis
homeowners and a specific reduction in light of recent tax legislation.
Homelessness
NAR supports Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers to ensure veterans Megan Booth
have access to housing, and continuum of care programs that focus on housing first Sehar Siddiqii
programs.
Housing Counseling
NAR supports housing counseling programs that incentivize housing education. Wendy Penn
Sehar Siddiqi
14ADVOCACY ISSUES A TO Z
Housing Finance Reform
NAR supports reforms to replace Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac with a non- Ken Fears
shareholder owned government authority(s), in a way that ensures the mission of VijayYadlapati
the GSEs continues to meet the needs of consumers and the taxpayer is protected. Christie DeSanctis
Such reforms must also encourage private capital's participation in the secondary
mortgage market, and ensure that there is mortgage capital in all markets at all times
and under all economic conditions, with the continued availability of the 30-year fixed
rate mortgage.
Immigration
NAR supports reauthorization of the EB-5 visa program that encourages significant Russell Riggs
investment into US businesses and real estate in return for a path to citizenship. Nia Duggins
Impact Fees
NAR opposes impact fees. Where impact fees exist, NAR urges their repeal. Impact fees Adriann Murawski
should be used solely for capital improvements related to a specific new development.
Independent Contractor Status
NAR strongly supports the continued right of brokers to choose whether to treat and Christie DeSanctis
classify agents as employees or independent contractors for federal tax purposes; Evan Liddiard
and supports actions at the state level to strengthen the rights of brokers to make Nia Duggins
these determinations and opposes efforts at the federal level to weaken those rights.
Infrastructure and Transportation
NAR supports action to develop a long-term, dedicated source of revenue to Russell Riggs
maintain and fund surface transportation projects; rebuild and modernize other Adriann Murawski
core infrastructure needs such as transit, ports and water management systems; and
streamline the permit process.
Internet Sales Tax Fairness
NAR supports legislation to level the sales tax playing field for all retailers - online and Erin Stackley
brick and mortar. Evan Liddiard
Lead Paint
NAR supports federal policies that reduce lead exposure risks in homes without costly Russell Riggs
and burdensome rules on property owners.
Marijuana Legalization
NAR does not have policy on the legalization of marijuana, but provides guidance Megan Booth
to property owners/agents about issues to be aware of if state allows marijuana.
Conflicts between federal and state law can create difficulties for all types of
properties.
15ADVOCACY ISSUES A TO Z
Marketing Service Agreements
NAR encourages the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to publish Christie DeSanctis
guidance that specifically rejects the contention that the marketing of settlement Nia Duggins
services is a mere referral, and ensures that real estate professionals can be paid for
such marketing.
Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing
NAR supports continued efforts to combat money laundering and the financing of Christie DeSanctis
terrorism through a risk-based analysis approach, focusing regulation on high-risk Nia Duggins
entities such as financial institutions rather than non-financial professions. . NAR
supports the current rules requiring reporting of cash over $10,000 and ensuring
real estate professionals understand their responsibilities to prevent criminal activity
from infiltrating the real estate market and without the imposition of burdensome or
duplicative requirements.
Mortgage Debt Cancellation Relief
NAR supports legislation to provide a permanent provision for the exclusion from Evan Liddiard
taxation of the phantom income generated when all or a portion of a mortgage on a
primary residence is forgiven.
Mortgage Disclosure Rule
NAR urges the CFPB to continue clarifying the rules allowing for lenders’ flexibility Christie DeSanctis
in being able to reissue a Closing Disclosure (CD) to determine if a closing cost Nia Duggins
was disclosed in good faith, regardless of when the CD is provided relative to
consummation.
Mortgage Interest Deduction
NAR supports indexing the $750,000 maximum loan amount eligible for deducting Evan Liddiard
mortgage interest for inflation.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
NAR urges Congress to complete work on a long-term reauthorization and reform Austin Perez
the NFIP, and urges FEMA to continue to update the flood maps. NAR also supports
legislative efforts to provide access to a private flood market.
Natural Disaster Policy
NAR support improving access to affordable property insurance for all natural Austin Perez
disasters, as well as strengthening pre-disaster mitigation, preparation and planning
to avoid post-disaster relief, response and recovery.
16ADVOCACY ISSUES A TO Z
Net Neutrality
NAR supports legislative and regulatory efforts to ensure that broadband providers Melanie Wyne
adhere to net neutral practices including, no blocking, no throttling of data and no
paid prioritization.
Opportunity Zones
NAR supports Qualified Opportunity Zones, which offer powerful capital gains tax Evan Liddiard
incentives to investors to redeploy assets into economically troubled areas throughout Erin Stackley
the country and to keep them invested for long periods. Newly-constructed and
revitalized commercial real estate is expected to be a primary focus for a great deal
of the new investment expected through this incentive program.
PACE Loans
NAR supports legislative and regulatory proposals that require Property Assessed Russell Riggs
Clean Energy (PACE) loan terms to be fully disclosed to borrowers.
Patent Reform
NAR supports common sense patent litigation reform in an effort to protect our Melanie Wyne
members from abusive patent trolls.
Possession and Evictions
NAR believes that the fundamental right of rental property owners to regain Adriann Murawski
possession of their property shall not be abridged. NAR opposes the erosion of these
property owner rights: 1. The right to owner occupy property. 2. The right to inspect
property with proper notice. 3. The right to terminate tenancy within the terms of the
lease. 4. The right to freely go out of the rental business and convert property to other
uses.
Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Loans
NAR supports legislative and regulatory proposals that require PACE loan terms to be Russell Riggs
fully disclosed to borrowers.
Real Estate Transfer Taxes
NAR opposes real estate transfer taxes. Where transfer taxes currently exist, NAR Adriann Murawski
urges their repeal and opposition to any increases. NAR urges the redirection of fees
to be used for one-time capital acquisitions that are related to housing or commercial
property improvements (e.g. infrastructure) and exemptions to transfer taxes for first-
time homebuyers and for homebuyers from low- and moderate-income households.
17ADVOCACY ISSUES A TO Z
Rent Control
NAR opposes current and future rent control and rent stabilization laws on both Adriann Murawski
residential and commercial properties. NAR encourages local and state REALTOR®
associations to oppose any legislative measure allowing for rent control or rent
stabilization efforts. Further, NAR opposes moratoria on zoning approvals for
apartments and mobile home parks.
Rural Housing Loans
NAR urges the Rural Housing Service to move forward with efforts to allow lenders to Sehar Siddiqi
directly endorse RHS loans, in order to increase the availability of guaranteed loans; Megan Booth
and eliminate issues if government shutdowns occur.
Sales Tax on Services
NAR opposes the application of state or local sales tax to rent, and to real estate Adriann Murawski
services and other professional services, including real estate broker commissions,
title searches, appraisals, home inspections, property management services, and any
other services related to the real estate transaction.
Short-term Worker Visas
NAR supports federal visa programs, such as the H2-B program, that allows foreign Russell Riggs
workers to work in the U.S. temporarily. NAR also supports reforms to these programs Nia Duggins
that addresses national security and employer and visa overstay concerns.
Sign Ordinances
REALTORS® have the right to advertise properties and use For Sale signs, and Adriann Murawski
NAR opposes efforts to restrict such.
Source of Income Discrimination
NAR is developing policy addressing increasing calls for amendments to the Fair Fred Underwood
Housing Act to prohibit discrimination based on Source of Income, which is often Megan Booth
defined to include the use of housing vouchers such as in the Section 8 programs.
State Licensing Boards
NAR is participating in a coalition that is closely monitoring an evolving discussion Christie DeSanctis
at the federal level on state license laws. There are two themes: (1) state license laws Nia Duggins
regulate too many occupations without a compelling reason for licensing, and (2)
concerns that state license boards, especially those that include members of the
profession regulated, can engage in anti-competitive and protectionist rulemaking.
18ADVOCACY ISSUES A TO Z
State and Local Tax Deduction
NAR supports legislative efforts to reinstate the full deductibility of state and local taxes. Evan Liddiard
At a minimum, NAR urges legislators to index the current $10,000 cap for state and
local tax deductions to inflation and to remove the marriage penalty by increasing the
deduction cap for joint returns to $20,000, twice the amount of that for singles.
Student Loan Debt
NAR supports federal policy proposals to allow student loan borrowers to refinance Vijay Yadlapati
into lower interest rates and to streamline income-based repayment programs. Ken Fears
Terrorism Insurance
NAR supports and urges Congress to continue to authorize the federal terrorism risk Erin Stackley
insurance program. Austin Perez
Tort Reform
NAR supports legislative proposals to establish caps limiting noneconomic and Christie DeSanctis
punitive damage awards and standards for the assignment of certain class action Nia Duggins
lawsuits to federal court.
VA Home Loan Guaranty
NAR continues to work with the Department of Veterans Affairs to allow veterans to be Megan Booth
on a level playing field with other buyers. Sehar Siddiqi
Waters of the US (WOTUS)
NAR supports legislation and regulation to clearly define what “waters” are under the Russell Riggs
jurisdiction of the federal government.
Wildfires
NAR encourages active forest management practices that return the ecological Russell Riggs
benefits of fire to our forested areas, bring balance to our nation's firefighting policies, Austin Perez
and protect homes and communities in the wildland/urban interface.
X and Z - RESPA (Regulation X) TILA (Regulation Z) Harmonization (Know Before
You Owe or TRID)
NAR supports a RESPA/TILA harmonization that adds transparency, simplifies Christie DeSanctis
disclosures, and reduces burdens to settlement service providers, including real estate
professionals. NAR continues to work with the CFBP to ensure outstanding concerns
with the rule are addressed.
19INDEX
Programs & Grants Tools & Resources Training & Education
Advocacy Everywhere A Advocacy Issues A to Z Best Practices for Choosing REALTOR®
Broker Involvement Program & Grant A Party Champions Course V
Better Block Guide for Associations
Candidate Issue & Campaign Training
Consumer Advocacy Outreach Program A Community Preference Survey
Candidate Training Academy V
Customized State Smart Growth Customized RPAC Marketing Materials I
Legislation Program A GAD Institute
Employer-Assisted Housing Guide
Diversity Initiative Grant A Leading with Diversity Workshop A
Fair Housing Resources
Federal Political Coordinator (FPC) REALTOR® Party New GAD & AE Orientation
Program Federal Issues Tracker
REALTOR® Party New Member Orientation
Housing Opportunity Grant A GADFly Newsletter
RPAC Fundraising Webinars
Land Use Initiative A Hot Topic Alerts
Smart Growth for the 21st Century Class A
Phone-a-Friend for RPAC I Land Use Memo Database & Growth
Management Fact Book Recognition
Phone-a-Friend for RPAC Fundraising
Grants I NAR Advocacy & REALTOR® Party Social Community Outreach Awards
Media Channels
Placemaking Program & Grant A
Corporate Ally Recognition Pins*
On Common Ground Magazine A
REALTOR Association Mobile Processor
®
FPC Meritorious Service Award
(RAMP) Placemaking Guide
President’s Circle
REALTOR Party Conference Grants for State Real Estate Service (RES) Newsletter
President’s Cup Awards
Associations* I REALTOR® PAC Management System* I
RPAC Hall of Fame
REALTOR® Party Corporate Ally Program I REALTOR® Party Mobile Alerts A
RPAC Major Investor Recognition Pins*
REALTOR® Party Plus V REALTOR® Party Tracker
RPAC Fundraising Grant* I Triple Crown Awards
REALTOR® Party News
RPAC Major Investor Event Fundraising REALTOR® Party Success Stories
Program I V
These resources may meet the Core Standards’
REALTOR® Party Website Vote requirement.
RPAC Online Fundraising Program I
Regulatory Affairs Resources A
These resources may meet the Core Standards’
RPAC Political Advocacy Fund Act requirement.
RPAC Fundraising Brochure I
Smart Growth Action Grant A I
These resources may meet the Core Standards’
RPAC Online Posting Guidelines
State & Local Growth Polling Program A Invest requirement.
Social Media Channels * These RPAC programs are subject to state
State & Local Independent Expenditure
State Issues Tracker election laws.
Program V
State & Local Issues Mobilization Program V State Legislative Monitor
Transforming Neighborhoods Program Territorial Jurisdiction Policy
Walkable Community Resources
Voter Registration Program for REALTORS® V
Washington Report
Workforce Housing Forum Guide
20COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Grants, trainings, technical assistance and resources help REALTOR®
Associations become leaders in your community in four key areas—
diversity, housing opportunity, land use, and smart growth.
DIVERSITY
DIVERSITY INITIATIVE GRANT A LEADING WITH DIVERSITY FAIR HOUSING RESOURCES
Increase diversity and inclusion WORKSHOP A What is the state of fair housing
within the association and its This three-hour session for state in your community? As your local
leadership; build and expand association leaders and staff helps government completes HUD’s Fair
relationships with multicultural real develop and articulate a business case Housing Assessments, be sure your
estate organizations; and address for inclusion and diversity, define what association is part of the planning
fair housing issues and fair housing diversity means in your community process. Help your communities look
planning in your communities with and move your association along its holistically at fair housing and develop
the Diversity Initiative Grant program. path to inclusion of diversity in your solutions that will be effective in the
Providing resources to state and leadership. Workshop participants marketplace. Check out the latest tools
local associations is a key strategy in weigh the benefits of working with and resources, including a poster for
NAR’s overall diversity program. Grant local chapters of multicultural real Fair Housing Month.
funding is available up to $5,000. estate organizations and develop Learn More:
Learn More: action plans that form the basis for www.realtorparty.realtor/fairhousing
www.realtorparty.realtor/diversity a Diversity Initiative Grant. NAR will
also work with State Association staff Contact: Fred Underwood
Contact: Hugh Morris to help prepare the State Association
to conduct this workshop for local
associations in their state.
Learn More:
www.realtorparty.realtor/training/
leading-with-diversity-workshop
Contact: Fred Underwood
21COMMUNITY OUTREACH
HOUSING OPPORTUNITY LAND USE SMART GROWTH
HOUSING OPPORTUNITY GRANT A LAND USE INITIATIVE A SMART GROWTH ACTION GRANT A
This grant program supports local This program provides a This grant supports REALTOR®
and state REALTOR® Associations’ comprehensive analysis of proposed engagement in land use or
activities that create and expand land use-related measures at the transportation-related issues with the
housing opportunities. Grants are state or local level to help associations goal of affecting public policies that
available at three funding levels for take action that best supports the real promote sustainable development,
activities such as homeownership fairs, estate industry within their community. raising the profile of REALTORS® as
education events, affordable housing community leaders and enhancing
Learn More:
needs studies, housing forums, and REALTOR® relationships with elected
www.realtorparty.realtor/landuse
more. Grant funding is available up to officials. Grant funding is available up
$10,000. Contact: Adriann Murawski to $15,000.
Learn More: LAND USE MEMO DATABASE & Learn More:
www.realtorparty.realtor/hopgrants GROWTH MANAGEMENT FACT BOOK www.realtorparty.realtor/sggrants
Contact: Wendy Penn Use the Memo Database and Growth Contact: Hugh Morris
Management Fact Book to research
WORKFORCE HOUSING FORUM various land use management SMART GROWTH FOR THE 21ST
GUIDE A proposals and their impact on the real CENTURY CLASS A
estate industry. This information can Offer and sponsor this four-hour
The Workforce Housing Forum Guide help craft your association’s response
provides technical and financial course that teaches REALTORS®
to proposed local ordinances in a way state-of-the-art community planning
assistance to help plan, organize, that best supports your members.
and conduct a forum to address your concepts, the value of smart growth
community’s workforce housing needs. Learn More: neighborhoods to homebuyers and
The guide includes tips and tools for www.realtorparty.realtor/landuse their communities and how REALTORS®
setting goals, identifying partners, can help make smart growth happen.
Contact: Adriann Murawski
selecting speakers, managing Learn More:
resources, handling logistics, and www.realtorparty.realtor/
examples of successful forums smartgrowthclass
conducted by other associations. Contact: Hugh Morris
Learn More:
www.realtorparty.realtor/
housingforumguide
Contact: Holly Moskerintz
22 For contact information, please see Staff Directory on pages 30-34.COMMUNITY OUTREACH
COMMUNITY PREFERENCE SURVEY WALKABLE COMMUNITY RESOURCES STATE & LOCAL GROWTH POLLING
Gain valuable information about Walkable communities are becoming PROGRAM A
consumers’ preferences toward the latest trend in real estate, and Survey your community’s residents
transportation, housing, and smart REALTORS® need to be aware of how on their attitudes toward growth and
growth from this biennial survey. the demand for walkable communities development. This information can
Learn More: impacts real estate and their business. help your association formulate land
www.realtorparty.realtor/cpsurvey Get more details, listen to a webinar, use policies. NAR will cover the cost of
and download the fact sheet to see the polling.
Contact: Hugh Morris how to make your community more Learn More:
walkable. Then use a Smart Growth www.realtorparty.realtor/sgpolling
PLACEMAKING PROGRAM & GRANT A Action Grant to plan and implement
Placemaking is the creation of vibrant, your initiative. Contact: Hugh Morris
public spaces for the community Learn More:
to gather. The Placemaking Guide, www.realtorparty.realtor/walkability ON COMMON GROUND MAGAZINE A
webinars and Spaces to Places blog Published twice a year, On Common
offer ideas for transforming vacant Contact: Holly Moskerintz
Ground contains articles on cutting-
lots, deserted plazas, underused edge land planning and development
alleys or overgrown green paces into CUSTOMIZED STATE SMART GROWTH
LEGISLATION PROGRAM A techniques. Order bulk copies of this
destinations. magazine to use as a leave-behind
Learn More: This customized resource can help when visiting local officials or provide
www.realtorparty.realtor/placemaking your state association set the stage for NAR with a mailing list and leave the
sustainable development practices by delivery to us.
Contact: Holly Moskerintz proactively altering the state’s land use
laws. Learn More:
www.oncommonground-digital.org/
Learn More: oncommonground
www.realtorparty.realtor/
statelegislation Contact: Catherine Messick
Contact: Adriann Murawski BETTER BLOCK GUIDE FOR
ASSOCIATIONS
Better Block projects are one way
REALTOR® Associations can revitalize a
downtown or commercial corridor. This
resource provides an overview of what
a Better Block is and information to
plan and organize a Better Block.
Learn More:
www.realtorparty.realtor/betterblock
Contact: Holly Moskerintz
23RPAC FUNDRAISING
The REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) is
your best investment in real estate. Take advantage of these
grants, promotional materials, and fundraising tools
to boost your investments and create a culture of RPAC
in your REALTOR® Association.
REALTOR® PARTY CORPORATE ALLY PHONE-A-FRIEND FOR RPAC I RPAC MAJOR INVESTOR EVENT
PROGRAM I The Phone-A-Friend for RPAC Phone FUNDRAISING PROGRAM I
The REALTOR® Party Corporate Ally Bank initiative leverages member- Collaborate with NAR’s fundraising staff
Program represents a revamped to-member outreach to ask for to recruit Major Investors through NAR-
partnership between NAR and RPAC investments. The program sponsored fundraising events eligible for
REALTOR® state and local associations, uses the PAC Management System’s reimbursement up to $65 per attendee
affiliates, societies and councils comprehensive phone bank module for approved events.
along with the corporate community to generate and manage targeted Learn More:
to protect and promote our mutual lists, process credit card investments, www.realtorparty.realtor/mievents
business interests and strengthen our and send automated thank you
industry. The program provides funding emails. NAR provides the structure Contact: Jackie Zaporowski
for federal, state, and local issue and support required to execute this
campaigns to support public policies program, including:
that are important to real estate. • Program, implementation and
Learn More: volunteer training sessions on how
www.realtorparty.realtor/corporateally to manage, setup, and run phone
Contact: Allyson Nelson bank events
• Consulting help and technical
assistance to answer questions that
go beyond training
Learn More:
www.realtorparty.realtor/phonebanks
Contact: Peter Kelly
For contact information, please see Staff Directory on pages 35-39. 24RPAC FUNDRAISING
REALTOR® PARTY CONFERENCE REALTOR® PAC MANAGEMENT REALTOR® ASSOCIATION MOBILE
GRANT I SYSTEM I PROCESSOR (RAMP)
NAR is offering grants to state Use NAR’s online REALTOR® PAC The REALTOR® Association Mobile
associations to host their own Management System to streamline Processor (RAMP) is a mobile-based
REALTOR® Party Conference in an processing, provide comprehensive fundraising application specifically
effort to educate members and accounting and compliance reporting designed for RPAC fundraising. RAMP
further the mission of the REALTOR® and increase your association’s RPAC is set up on a mobile phone or tablet,
Party. State associations may qualify investments. allowing staff to collect RPAC investments
to receive a minimum of $5,000 and Learn More: anytime and anywhere. The investment
up to $16,000 to aid in hosting an www.realtorparty.realtor/pacmgt information is stored directly in the
educational or fundraising conference. REALTOR® PAC Management System
Learn more: Contact: Peter Kelly for compliance and reporting purposes.
Learn More: RAMP processes all major credit cards
RPAC ONLINE FUNDRAISING
www.realtorparty.realtor/ and funds are deposited directly into
PROGRAM I
conferencegrant the REALTOR® Association’s RPAC bank
For state and local associations on account.
Contact: Vanessa Lopez the PAC Management System, NAR
Learn More:
offers end-to-end support to increase
RPAC FUNDRAISING GRANTS I www.realtorparty.realtor/ramp
RPAC investments and participation
Increase RPAC receipts and through online efforts. NAR provides Contact: Peter Kelly
participation by applying for grants strategy development, technical
of up to $15,000 annually (subject to support, and training to simplify the
state law). Use these grants to help creation of successful online solicitation
fund special RPAC fundraising events campaigns. Campaign materials
and activities, including phone banks. include association-specific branding,
This program is limited to states with message and investment form creation,
election laws that do not ban use of group segmentation, and more.
corporate political contributions for Learn More:
use in fundraising. www.realtorparty.realtor/rpaconline
Learn More: Contact: Peter Kelly
www.realtorparty.realtor/rpacgrants
Contact: Liz Best-Bradford
25RPAC FUNDRAISING
RPAC FUNDRAISING BROCHURES I CUSTOMIZED RPAC PROMOTIONAL CORPORATE ALLY RECOGNITION PIN
Order RPAC residential and/or MATERIALS I The Corporate Ally Recognition Pin
commercial brochures to educate your Order customized RPAC marketing recognizes corporate investors in
members on the value of RPAC and materials to be used for solicitation the Corporate Ally Program. The
increase investments. This program is and investor education using your recognition pin features green enamel
limited to states with election laws that state or local association logo, investor overlay lettering on a silver metal
do not ban use of corporate political clubs and state and local issues. NAR pin with glass stars to denote the
contributions in fundraising. can customize the brochures with your program’s seven recognition levels.
Learn More: logo and local issues, and pay for the Learn More:
www.realtorparty.realtor/rpac/ design, printing, and delivery to your www.realtorparty.realtor/corporateally
brochures office. This program is limited to states
with election laws that do not ban Contact: Allyson Nelson
Contact: Jackie Zaporowski use of corporate political contributions
RPAC MAJOR INVESTOR
in fundraising.
RECOGNITION PINS
Learn More:
RPAC Major Investor recognition
www.realtorparty.realtor/rpacmktg
pins are given to individual and
Contact: Jackie Zaporowski soft dollar Major Investors whose
RPAC contributions meet investment
RPAC FUNDRAISING WEBINARS thresholds designated by the RPAC
Participate in webinars designed to Trustees, namely Sterling, Crystal,
help state and local staff as well as Golden and Platinum Rs. The pin
REALTOR® volunteers acquire practical signifies the year of the Major Investor
RPAC fundraising skills without contribution. Hall of Fame and
leaving the office. The webinars are President’s Circle designations also are
often hosted by NAR staff and allow displayed on recognition pins.
opportunities to get all of your RPAC Learn More:
questions answered. www.realtorparty.realtor/rpacpins
Learn more: Contact: Jackie Zaporowski
www.realtorparty.realtor/rpac
Contact: Liz Demorest
26 For contact information, please see Staff Directory on pages 35-39.RPAC FUNDRAISING
PRESIDENT’S CUP AWARDS TRIPLE CROWN AWARDS RPAC ONLINE POSTING GUIDELINES
Comprised of RPAC and Advocacy Recognizes state and local associations The posting of RPAC information on
goals for state and local associations that meet their RPAC goals during the websites and social media is subject
that must be met by the end of fundraising year. Qualifying state and to both federal and state election
the fundraising year, this award local associations will be awarded the laws. These laws may require that
recognizes the hard work of state Triple Crown in May at the REALTORS® associations regulate access to certain
and local REALTOR® leaders and Legislative Meeting & Trade Expo. portions of their sites.
association staff to advance the Learn More: Learn More:
REALTOR® Party. www.realtorparty.realtor/triple-crown www.realtorparty.realtor/rpac/rpac-
Learn More: Contact: Jackie Zaporowski online-posting-guidelines.html
www.realtorparty.realtor/recognition/
presidents-cup.html PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE Contact: Liz Demorest
Contact: Jackie Zaporowski or Victoria The President’s Circle is an influential
Givens group of REALTORS® who contribute
directly to REALTOR®-friendly
RPAC HALL OF FAME candidates in response to requests
The Hall of Fame recognizes dedicated from NAR and the RPAC Trustees.
members whose RPAC investments The legal limit any political action
total an aggregate lifetime amount committee (PAC) can contribute
of at least $25,000. Members are to a federal candidate is $10,000
installed at the REALTORS® Legislative per election cycle. The President’s
Meeting & Trade Expo the following Circle program allows REALTORS® to
year in Washington, D.C. President’s contribute beyond RPAC dollars and
Circle contributions may be counted increase the strength of the REALTOR®
toward Hall of Fame status. Among voice on Capitol Hill.
the benefits of the RPAC Hall of Fame Learn More:
are name plaques on the RPAC www.realtorparty.realtor/recognition/
Hall of Fame wall located on NAR’s presidents-circle.html
Washington, D.C. building rooftop,
personal plaques commemorating Contact: Avery Walker
installation and recognition pins with
Hall of Fame designation.
Learn More:
www.realtorparty.realtor/rpachof
Contact: Jackie Zaporowski
27You can also read
