Event Coverage
‘Homeownership For All' is Virtual Legislative Day Theme
2022 C.A.R. President Otto Catrina and new C.A.R. CEO John Sebree
Tuesday's California Association of REALTORS® Virtual Legislative Day began with greetings from 2022 C.A.R. President Otto Catrina and new C.A.R. CEO John Sebree, and other C.A.R. officials, all of whom emphasized this year's theme, "Homeownership For All," and that REALTORS® are "Stronger Together." Keynote speaker California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, who mentioned she, too, has a real estate license, enumerated the state's efforts to increase the housing stock through legislation and funding.
Sebree stressed the importance of REALTOR® advocacy, which he sees as a public service. He said REALTORS® protecting homeowners and private property rights increases the value of REALTORS® to the public.
"We will be successful as an organization when we excel at what we need most, that's advocacy," said Sebree. "The REALTOR® Party is an example of civility in an otherwise not so civil world of politics."
Sebree noted 1,000 homes sold creates 500 new jobs. "Our strength is our grassroots, our 216,000 members. We need to jolt our colleagues out of their complacency."
Sr. Vice President and Chief Lobbyist Sanjay Wagle briefed members on two hot issues which he asked REALTORS® to discuss at Zoom meetings that followed later with their respective legislators. Wagle emphasized, "We stop bad bills from becoming bad laws."
"Vote, act and invest," said Wagle. He urged REALTORS® to vote in every election, to respond to Red Alerts, and to contribute to the REALTOR® Action Fund.
Other sessions included a Fireside Chat Conversation with CEO Sebree and Wagle, Chief Economist Jordan Levine's discussion with USC demographer Dowell Myers about the housing shortage, a conversation about the housing market between Catrina and LA Times reporter Liam Dillon, an economic update presented by Deputy Chief Economist Oscar Wei, and much more.
A second Legislative Day will be held in person on Wednesday, April 27, in Sacramento. Details on this event will be announced soon.
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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.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.