It makes a difference to your business!  And in your home values & pocketbooks!

I just got back from the North Carolina Association of REALTORS(R) Legislative Days in Raleigh.   It's a hard time of year to be away from your business, especially in this slow market.   So you may wonder, "what's in it for me?"

A lot...  and not just for the agents, but for you homeowners too !

Our association and industry not only has a slow down to contend with, but many political opponents, who would like nothing more than to reach in and take money out of our pocketbooks.   Let me run down just a few of the issues at hand here in North Carolina...

#1 - Transfer Taxes - in spite of our awesome campaign last year to "Stop the Home Tax," the state law still remains on the books for counties to try and tax the sale of each structure or unit.  This affects each home, each commercial building, each condo and land.   Due to the hard work and diligence of our association staff and members, we have put a stop to this in each of the 20 counties that have put this on the ballot.    However, they can keep trying.  There is currently a bill making it's way thru the Senate to appeal that measure, and will face stiff opposition particularly in the House.  Take a moment and contact your representative and tell them that you will do well enough to break even on a sale, especially in this current market, let alone pay an unfair tax (you may well be moving out of that county! ) on that sale.

#2 - Forced Annexation Moratorium -On Thursday of last week, the House Finance Committee overwhelmingly approved legislation to block involuntary annexations. Proponents of the change state that a moratorium would allow lawmakers to consider changes to the state's forced annexation laws and help municipalities ensure that they can provide water and sewer hookups as well as fire and police coverage to new citizens. There have been over a thousand individuals testify before these committees against this practice and it's clear that citizen's don't like it. HB 32 (Suspend Involuntary Annexations) would take effect as soon as it becomes law and it would ban involuntary annexations until June 30, 2009. It now goes to a House judiciary committee for review and would still have to pass the full House and Senate before the session ends. 

#3 - We discussed talking points on Coastal Wetlands regulations and Mountain Slope development issues that will affect affordability and land sales negatively in both of these beautiful areas of our state. While the REALTOR(R) organization wants to work with local and state officials on developing a plan of action to protect our natural resources, we also want to protect property owner rights and promote fair and affordable housing.

#4 - And perhaps most important - NC BOD takes action to protect our consumers!

NC REALTORS® Make $10 Million Commitment !!!!
The NC Association of REALTORS® has made a $10 million commitment to continue its statewide efforts to protect private property rights and housing affordability.  The Association's 160-member board of directors on Tuesday approved a long-term plan to direct association dollars into a special advocacy fund designed to educate the public on keys issues.  "Several issues are on the front burner - coastal stormwater rules, steep slope ordinances, a proposed tax on services and the land transfer tax," said Tim Kent, NC REALTORS® Executive Vice President.  "Because of the visionary action taken by our leadership on Tuesday, REALTORS® will be able to educate the public about these issues and their negative impact on homeowners and private property rights in North Carolina." 

To view the press release, follow the link below:
http://www.ncrealtors.org/en/IMpressrelease061108.pdf

It should be clear that your association is working hard on our industry's behalf, and especially for the homeowner and homebuyers.  The financial benefits are clear and a lot of effort, time, and money, are being invested to protect your business and the equity in your home.

If you are a REALTOR(R), I encourage you to get involved and know what's going on.  You can make a difference.  And trust me, just knowing your local and state officals may be very helpful to you someday!

Consumers, if your REALTOR(R) stepped away from their business to protect your property rights, and your most valued investment - your home, take a moment and thank them for their efforts.  REALTORS(R) save consumers millions (if not billions) of dollars a year across this country with their legislative efforts on local, state and national levels.  And they gladly do it because they know they make a difference for all of us!