Alabama REALTORS® Work to Protect Alabama Homeowners

Alabama REALTORS® Work to Protect Alabama Homeowners

Montgomery, Ala. - May 22, 2015 – Alabama REALTORS® joined more than 8,500 Realtors® from across the nation in Washington, D.C. to urge action on various real estate issues during the 2015 REALTOR® Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo. Over 75 members from Alabama converged with fellow Realtors® from every corner of the country to attend the meetings and visit lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

Realtor® attendees, members of the National Association of Realtors®, focused on several major issues pertaining to both residential and commercial real estate during the legislative meetings. Of top importance was opening access to safe and affordable credit for qualified buyers and protecting real estate-related tax policies, both of which are vital to the growth of homeownership and therefore the national economy.

“It is crucial that our lawmakers understand the serious issues that face the real estate industry. Realtors® lead the way in advocating for home and property owners in their communities, and we showed this week we can do the same here in our nation’s capital with our elected officials,” said Julie Minto, Alabama REALTORS® President. “Investing in policies good for homeowners and property owners not only strengthens our communities and helps families build stable futures but also drives a strong economy.”

Federal Political Coordinators (FPCs) from each district in Alabama led a meeting with their Congressman or Senator on Capitol Hill to influence public policy decisions that will directly affect consumers’ ability to buy, sell and own real estate. During their meetings, FPCs and AAR members urged their delegate to preserve current real estate-related tax policies and extend the recently expired Mortgage Forgiveness Tax Relief Act, which stops distressed homeowners from receiving excessive income tax bills on forgiven home loan debt. Other pressing matters included patent reform, the creation of nationwide data security standards, and the passage of the Mortgage Choice Act to end discrimination against affiliated lenders. Alabama’s FPCs and their teams were able to meet with all nine members of Alabama’s delegation to advocate for Realtor® issues.

“Congress is set to take up legislation on several issues in which consumers and Realtors® have a real stake, so it is very important our elected officials know the impact they have on our communities and nation as a whole,” said Shawn Reeves, Alabama REALTORS® Government and Political Affairs Chair. “Through the strength of the Realtor® Party, we have made known where we stand on key issues that affect home buyers, sellers and investors right here in Montgomery.”

Following the Hill Visits, Alabama REALTORS® hosted a Legislative Reception at the Capitol where all AAR members were able to further visit with Alabama’s Congressmen, Senators and staff.

Similar meetings took place last month on the local level here in Montgomery for the 34th Annual REALTOR® Day. Over 300 Realtors® from across Alabama converged at the state capitol in order to take an active role in advancing the real estate industry and public policy. Realtors® were given the opportunity to meet with their local legislators to discuss real estate issues and thank them for their service.

The Alabama Association of REALTORS® (AAR) is the largest statewide organization of real estate professionals with more than 12,000 members from 29 local boards and 1,200 real estate companies. The Association serves as the voice of the real estate industry in Alabama, and as the official advocate of Alabama's multifaceted real estate industry before state, local and federal government.