Posted by & filed under For Homebuyers & Renters, For Policymakers & Media, For REALTORS.

“So 8 may rise!”

In 2014, a rallying cry sparked a movement to bring stability to a part of DC reeling from the passing of its sitting Councilmember and former Mayor, Marion S. Barry, Jr. In the center of this movement was an upstart community organizer with a background in non-profit economic and housing development named LaRuby May. May knew what communities in Ward 8 needed, and those needs were jobs, public safety, services for seniors, and youth advocacy. To LaRuby, what was needed to improve the community was to provide opportunities for people from all walks of life to grow and serve the ward. As a Ward 8 resident for 13 years, LaRuby observed how the Ward could be improved through compassionate policy and a boots-on-the-ground work ethic. Read more »

Posted by & filed under For Homebuyers & Renters, For Policymakers & Media, For REALTORS.

The DC Council is considering legislation that could impact vacant & blighted properties, construction, and renovations in DC.

The DC government and in particular, the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), is focused on finding potentially positive ways to address ‘blighted’ and ‘nuisance’ properties along with faulty construction projects.

Read more »

Posted by & filed under For Homebuyers & Renters, For Policymakers & Media, For REALTORS.

It’s Been One Week – And what a week it turned out to be for NAR’s Legislative Meetings and Trade Expo. We are giving you a week-in-review treatment so you can stay informed. We are giving a quick rundown on what happened at the federal, state and local levels. We’ll keep it short this week because there’s quite a bit to digest. Read more »

Posted by & filed under For Homebuyers & Renters, For Policymakers & Media, For REALTORS.

 

As a DC REALTOR®, you know how damaging recordation and transfer taxes can be to a real estate deal. GCAAR, our Local Association, is fighting a drastic increase in the recordation tax proposed by the Montgomery County Council.

This Tuesday, May 10, GCAAR will load up a fleet of buses with members to march on the Council steps and say, “There has to be a better way!” You can join in as well because you know how this legislation could also creep its way into the District.

You may sign up for bus service or register to drive yourself (and colleagues) to the hearing. A complimentary lunch from the Bean Bag Deli will be served. Need driving or Metro directions? Read here.

Date: 5/10/2016 | Time: 1:30 PM | Location: Montgomery County Council Building, 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, MD

Posted by & filed under For Homebuyers & Renters, For Policymakers & Media, For REALTORS.

Here’s Your At-Large Debate Primer THIS Friday’s Debate: Do we have a REALTOR® Champion?

Date: 4/29/2016 | Time: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Location: 500 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 12th Floor

Vincent Orange is the incumbent with innovative plans to address affordable housing in DC.

Robert White, a community leader, sees 2016 as an opportunity to unite all the Wards in the District of Columbia.

David Garber has served as an ANC commissioner and is ready to share his vision for DC neighborhoods.

Grab a free lunch and decide with your fellow REALTORS® who among these candidates is best suited to represent the District and the Real Estate Community on Primary Day on June 14th! Read more »

Posted by & filed under For Homebuyers & Renters, For Policymakers & Media, For REALTORS.

We talked all about regulations at our latest Speaker Series

You won’t believe how much we packed the house for our latest Speaker Series. Our members were treated to a great discussion about DCRA’s overall approach to regulations, zoning, and permits among other topics. We covered many topics, but we’ll bullet-point some of the broader subjects to keep you informed.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to DCRA’s Melinda Bolling and Matt Orlins for taking time out of their busy schedules to join our discussion on DC’s regulations.

Posted by & filed under For REALTORS.

Celebrate REALTOR® Advocacy in DC!

The upcoming REALTOR® Party Convention (A.K.A. Midyear) is bringing a lot of excitement to the DC area as real estate professionals from around the country will attend NAR’s Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo in May. You also have an opportunity to apply for an NAR committee position.

REALTORS® from across the country will be in DC again this May, and there will be a whole lot of excitement. The race for the White House is in full effect with nail-biting primaries and a potential photo finish. Register now for NAR’s Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo.

You can also spend time advocating for DC. While you’re schmoozing with your colleagues and NAR higher-ups, let them know how DC struggles with its lack of voting representation in Congress.

Do You Want A Seat At NAR’s Table? – Here’s how you can apply to work on an NAR committee.

The 2017 committee appointment process is now open and accepting applications. The deadline for submitting committee applications and endorsements is May 23, 2016. You may apply here.

NAR members may enter committee applications and endorsements online. There’s a whole lengthy process to the ordeal, so it takes some time for NAR to choose volunteers. You can read more about it here.