Realtors® work tirelessly to make sure the American Dream of owning a home is available to everyone who is willing and able to assume the responsibilities of homeownership. That commitment was evident today as hundreds of Realtors® volunteered their time and labor to frame homes that will later be used by Habitat for Humanity of Orange County for local individuals and families.
Metro area median existing-home prices in the third quarter generally were down from a year ago, while sales rose in every state from the third quarter of 2010.
Today the National Association of Realtors® and Move, Inc., the leader in online real estate and operator of Realtor.com, extended the lead of Realtor.com as the world’s largest online destination for real estate listings with the launch of the Realtor.com International web site.
For the past 12 years the Good Neighbor Awards program has recognized Realtors® who are devoted to strengthening communities through volunteer work and helping those in need. The five individuals named as this year's REALTOR® Magazine Good Neighbor Award winners are leading examples of how Realtors® value service and are committed to improving communities.
Pending home sales declined in September, although activity remains above a year ago.
Existing-home sales were down in September on the heels of a strong gain in August, but remain well above a year ago.
America needs strong housing policies that ensure a robust recovery and do not further weaken the nation’s housing market. That was one of several recommendations resulting from the bipartisan New Solutions for America’s Housing Crisis forum on October 4 and endorsed by the National Association of Realtors®.
Owning a home has had long-standing government support in the U.S. because homeownership benefits individuals and families, strengthens communities, and is integral to the nation’s economy, the National Association of Realtors® said in testimony today.
“Today, witnesses before the Senate Finance Committee were in complete agreement that now is not the time to make changes to the mortgage interest deduction. NAR is pleased that a range of witnesses testifying at the committee’s hearing on tax incentives for homeownership reinforced the message Realtors® have been delivering to Washington: do no harm."
National Association of Realtors® President Ron Phipps issued a statement urging Congress to institute a longer term extension of the National Flood Insurance Program.
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