Some 9,000 REALTORS® and state and local association executives are convening in Washington, D.C., this week to promote key policy issues that affect the real estate industry and their markets. At the REALTORS® Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo, which runs from May 14-19, members will meet with lawmakers and Trump administration officials to advance policies on a host of concerns, including housing inventory and affordability, the National Flood Insurance Program, and net neutrality protections to ensure that the internet offers equal access to businesses and consumers.
As part of the National Association of REALTORS®’ year-long commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the federal Fair Housing Act, several gatherings will focus on the importance of equal opportunity in housing and highlight REALTORS®’ role in furthering the cause.
“Our day-to-day business is influenced by the decisions made by our policymakers, and what happens on Capitol Hill matters tremendously to the real estate industry, our livelihood, and the existing and future property owners we serve,” says NAR President Elizabeth Mendenhall. “That’s why so many REALTORS® are here in Washington this week, focusing Congress’s attention on the issues that bear significant weight on our industry.”
NAR is urging Congress to add sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes to the Fair Housing Act—protections already adopted in the REALTORS® Code of Ethics, which details NAR members’ commitments to provide equal professional service regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and national origin. “REALTORS® are proud to lead the way toward greater equality in housing opportunities, and we urge Congress to adopt fair housing protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity,” added Mendenhall.
REALTOR® Magazine will provide a daily roundup of the issues that matter most to your business success during the meetings. Check back here or bookmark
realtorm.ag/midyear18 to stay up-to-date.
—Wendy Cole, REALTOR® Magazine
