After meeting their state representatives early this month, Silicon Valley REALTORS® traveled to Washington, D.C. and met with regulators, lawmakers and industry leaders to address critical real estate issues affecting individuals, communities, and the nation. They joined more than 9,000 REALTORS® and guests from across the nation at the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo taking place there May 13-18.
"REALTORS® are leading advocates for homeownership and private property rights, and want to ensure that their point of view on important housing and investment issues is heard at all levels of government," said NAR president Gary Thomas.
REALTORS® met with legislators on Capitol Hill to urge action toward preserving the mission and purpose of the Federal Housing Administration's single-family mortgage program, encouraging the return of private capital to mortgage markets, restructuring government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to guarantee affordable mortgage financing is available to creditworthy consumers in all types of markets, and maintaining current tax policies for homeownership and real estate investment. The REALTORS® also participated in sessions with a number of government officials and industry experts, including representatives from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Fannie Mae, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Federal Reserve Board and Freddie Mac.
"The National Association of REALTORS® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo was an enormous gathering of REALTORS® from every state in the country. Like last week in Sacramento, REALTORS® from around the country come to Washington each year to remind our country's elected officials that home ownership has value for all families," said SILVAR president Carolyn Miller.
In addition to economic benefits, REALTORS® advocate the many social benefits derived from home ownership. "Owning a home brings family pride, a better family life and community involvement. Homeownership expands your borrowing and buying power. We're here to personally explain to our representatives and senators that home ownership needs to be protected because it is a major pillar our economy," said Miller.
Silicon Valley REALTORS® met with Anna Eshoo, U.S. Representative for California's 18th congressional district, which includes parts of San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties; Jackie Speier, U.S. Representative for California's 14th congressional district , which consists of portions of San Mateo County and San Francisco; and Mike Honda, U.S. Representative for California's 17th congressional district, which includes western San Jose and Silicon Valley.
Members of the local trade association accompanying Miller in Washington, included president-elect Dave Tonna, NAR Director John Tripp, past president Suzanne Yost, board director Dave Barca, Jeff Barnett, Carole Feldstein and Barbara Williams.
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.