(May 16) Passage of SBHPs Can Be Won This Year
Senator Enzi tells REALTORS® completion of small business health plan legislation is still within reach this year.
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(May 12) NAR Will Continue to Press for Health Bill Passage
With only five votes needed to end debate and bring about a vote on S. 1955, small business health care legislation (SBHP), the National Association of Realtors® and its 1.2 million members resolved today to continue its grass-roots campaign to win Senate passage of the legislation to make health care coverage affordable to millions of small business employees and self-employed workers.
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(May 9) REALTORS® Bringing Homes, Help, and Hope to New Orleans and the Gulf Coast
Some 30,000 Realtors® will bring hands-on help to clean up damaged neighborhoods, build 54 new Habitat for Humanity homes, and bring $34 million in badly needed revenue and fresh hope for a brighter future to New Orleans and the Gulf Coast when they convene in the Crescent City, November 10-13.
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February 2006

(Feb.24) Pittsburgh Condo Deal Puts Banks Into Residential Real Estate

NAR President Tom Stevens raises concerns to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency regarding the erosion of the separation between commerce and banking.

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January 2006

(Jan. 30) NAR President Asks Comptroller to Stop Bank Real Estate Projects

A federal bank regulator has set in motion a process that will inevitably lead to national banks becoming actively involved in real estate development and brokerage--activities that will increase banks’ exposure to risk and threaten the safety and soundness of America’s banking system--the president of the National Association of Realtors® charged today.

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(Jan. 30) Regulatory Issues Debate

Examine both sides of the debate on hot issues like RESPA reform and natural disaster insurance, in a new booklet from NAR.

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(Jan. 10) NAR Questions OCC Expansion of Bank Powers

Expanded authority to engage in real estate development activities granted to two of the na tion's largest banking conglomerates by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency last month brings national banks uncomfortably close to being allowed to engage in commercial real estate brokerage and puts them in conflict with the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the National Association of REALTORS® said today.

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(Jan. 9-12) Government Affairs January Meetings

Check out the agendas, materials, and events for a look back at NAR's Government Affairs January Meetings.

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December 2005

Increasing REALTOR Political Influence

Approved and pending recommendations for political fundraising programs and activities from the Presidential Advisory Group to Enhance REALTOR Political Influence, including the proposed Fair Share Goal Increase.

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(Dec. 20) NAR Welcomes New Federal Guidelines on Specialty Mortgages
NAR will review to determine whether they could unduly restrict the availability of mortgages in high-cost areas.
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(Dec. 7) NAR Commends House Passage of Terrorism Risk Insurance Act
The bill would extend the federal backstop against losses resulting from terrorist attacks.
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(Dec. 5) NAR Launches Mortgage Interest Deduction Ad Campaign
Reducing mortgage interest would drive down home values, and have a devastating effect on the housing market and the nation's economy.
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(Dec. 1) Bank Fees Rise Faster than Pace of Interest Rates
A survey from Bankrate.com shows another reason why banks should stay out of real estate, says NAR President Thomas M. Stevens.
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November 2005
(Nov. 28) NAR Submits Comments to DOJ, FTC
The comments explain the inherently competitive structure and nature of the real estate industry.
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(Nov. 18) NAR Applauds Senate Passage of Terrorism Risk Insurance Act
The act would extend the federal backstop against losses resulting from terrorist attacks.
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(Nov. 3) NAR Welcomes Sen. Enzi's Small Business Health Care Bill
The bill allows small businesses and self-employed workers to band together through a trade or professional association to negotiate health insurance coverage for association members.
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October 2005
(Oct. 28) Change to Deduction Could Drop Home Prices
The typical homeowner could lose $20,000 to $30,000 in housing equity, with middle-income families hurt the most.
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(Oct. 20) Senate Passes Appropriations Bill Banning Banks in Real Estate
Provision stops the Federal Reserve Board and Treasury Department from allowing big banks to enter real estate.
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(Oct. 6) FDIC Publishes Proposed Rule to Preempt Certain State Laws
The rule would preempt some state laws for out-of-state branches of state banks.
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September 2005
(Sept. 30) Endangered Species Bill Passes House
The NAR-backed plan balances need to protect wildlife with property rights and economic development.
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(Sept. 29) GAO Study: Internet Fosters Competition
The real estate industry has no significant barriers to entry, with many small firms competing vigorously in most local markets.
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(Sept. 21) Dale Stinton Named NAR Executive VP and CEO
Currently NAR's CFO/CIO, Stinton will succeed current CEO Terry McDermott as of Nov. 1.
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(Sept. 15) NAR Backs Legislation to Help in Recovery
NAR presented to Congress a range of solutions to meet housing needs after Katrina.
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(Sept. 13) New Study: Competition Fierce in Real Estate
A study of 12 residential markets reveals competition among real estate brokerage firms is intense.
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August 2005
(Aug. 22) NAR Meets with FTC About Minimum Service Laws
President Mansell and FTC Chair Majoras also discuss banks in real estate and specialty mortgages.
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New Energy Bill Offers Real Estate Tax Credits
Law expands tax incentives for businesses and homeowners that invest in energy efficient technologies.
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July 2005

NAR Hails House Approval of Small Business Health Plan Bill

The National Association of Realtors® hails the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Small Business Health Fairness Act, H.R. 525, late yesterday.

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NAR Welcomes FDIC Decision to Delay Response to Preemption Request

The National Association of Realtors® welcomed yesterday’s decision by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) to postpone its response to a request from the Financial Services Roundtable asking the FDIC to preempt state laws and allow state banks to operate nationally under the laws of their home states.

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June 2005

NAR Applauds Introduction of Housing America's Workforce Act

The National Association of Realtors® applauds U.S. Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.), Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) and Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) for introducing the Housing America’s Workforce Act today.

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NAR-Backed Junk Fax Bill Heads to President

Legislation backed by the National Association of Realtors® that would alleviate problems created by do-not-fax rules for consumers and businesses alike was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives today and the Senate Friday.

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Banks in Real Estate Would Lead to More Risky Loans, NAR Testifies

If the nation’s largest banks become the nation’s largest real estate brokers, homebuyers will be much more likely to take out high risk interest-only loans, the National Association of Realtors® testified today at hearings called by U.S. Rep. Mike Oxley (R-Ohio), an advocate of allowing banks into real estate.

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Majority of the House Says Keep Banks Out of Real Estate

For the fourth year in a row, a majority of the U.S. House of Representatives has cosponsored legislation that would permanently prohibit big banking conglomerates from entering real estate brokerage or property management.

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May 2005

NAR Urges FDIC to Deny Preemption Petition

The National Association of Realtors® testified today before the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. against a petition asking the FDIC to preempt state laws to permit state banks to operate nationally under the laws of their home states.

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NAR Launches Ad Campaign to Support Small Business Health Plans

National Association of Realtors® is launching a $1.2 million advertising campaign this week to urge Congress to pass legislation that would give small business employees access to the same quality group health insurance plans currently available to union workers and employees of large corporations.

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Realtors^® Cheer President Bush on Small Business Health Plans

President George W. Bush received a roar of approval from thousands of Realtors® in town for the Realtors® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo when he pledged his support for small business health plans in a speech to the group this morning.

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Realtors^® Take Top Concerns to Capitol Hill

Thousands of Realtors® in town for the Realtors® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo are heading to Capitol Hill today to urge Congress to pass legislation that would give small business employees access to the same quality of group health insurance plans currently available to union workers and employees of large corporations.

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Senator Talent Tells Realtors^® Outlook is Good for Small Business Health Plans

U.S.Senator Jim Talent (R-Mo.) told Realtors® in town for the Realtors® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo that he is "rather optimistic" about the outlook for Sentate passage of small business health plan legislation this Congress. Read more >

Housing Affordability Rises in First Quarter
Housing affordability conditions have improved for two consecutive quarters, keeping housing within reach for people in most of the country.

Read more > Realtors Coming to Washington to Press Health-Care Ideas on Congress, and to Close Divide in the American Dream of Homeownership

More than 8,500 Realtors will be in town to take their legislative concerns to Congress.

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April 2005

Senator to REALTORS®: Outlook Good for SBHPs
Senator and health plan bill sponsor Jim Talent (R-Mo.) tells REALTORS® he is "rather optimistic" about bill passage.
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NAR Testifies on GSE Reform Bills
Al Mansell urges Congress to revise provisions in recent government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) reform bills.
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Voters Overwhelmingly Support SBHPs
Citing strong voter support for small business health plans (SBHPs), NAR President Mansell urged Senate to pass pending SBHP legislation.
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Committee Approves Junk Fax Prevention Bill
Proposed legislation will eliminate junk faxes without creating costly regulations for REALTORS®.
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Homeownership Tax Credit Bill Hailed by NAR
A new bill sponsored by Reps. Tom Reynolds (R-NY) and Benjamin Cardin (D-MD) may help up to 50,000 families achieve the dream of homeownership.
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Junk Fax Legislation Introduced in Senate
NAR hails efforts to curb unsolicited faxes but calls on Congress to overrule FCC's signed permission rule.
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NAR Celebrates Fair Housing Month in April
The commemoration of the U.S. Fair Housing Act will continue throughout the year.
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NAR's Guide to Understanding RESPA
HUD has stepped up its enforcement of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. Make sure you're in compliance.
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March 2005

Health Plan Legislation Gains Committee OK
NAR-backed H.R. 525, which would expand access to quality health care coverage, was approved by a House committee.
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NAR and NAHB Issue Joint Statement on GSE Reform
Associations seek to ensure financial soundness of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Federal Home Loan Banks.
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2005 Military Base Realignments and Closures
Learn about the impact on the real estate industry, and plan your association's response to this year's BRAC activity.
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February 2005

NAR Supports Bankruptcy Reform Bill
Bill calls for real estate assets to be better positioned when tenants or owners file for bankruptcy.
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NAR Commends Bill to Curb Abusive Lawsuits
Congress has passed the Class Action Fairness Act, which should reduce lawsuits that can increase real estate costs.
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Senators Hailed for Introducing Health Plan Bill
NAR applauds the Senate's consideration of the Small Business Health Fairness Act, which could benefit uninsured REALTORS®.
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How Bush's FY 2006 Budget May Impact REALTORS®
This report highlights the main non-tax budget proposals that could affect real estate.
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Join Us for a CAN-SPAM Webcast Seminar
Learn about complying with rules governing e-mail messages on Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. EST. Pre-register now.
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NAR's Public Policy Achievements in 2004
Read about the tremendous victories scored by NAR's legislative, grassroots, policy and regulatory divisions.
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Bush Backs Association Health Plans
NAR commends strong support given to legislation by President and Congress.
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NAR Endorses Veterans Affairs Nominee
NAR has endorsed President Bush's nomination of Jim Nicholson to be Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
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December 2004

NAR Breaks Political Fundraising Records
The REALTORS® Political Action Committee is once again the nation's largest PAC.
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November 2004

Bush Signs NAR-Backed Leasehold Provision Bill
Reduced tax recovery period will lead to increase in productivity and jobs.
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NAR President Addresses CAN SPAM Guidelines
NAR President Walt McDonald responds to the FTC's strict regulations on e-mail marketing.
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(5/27) NAR Submits Comments on American Dream Program (PDF: 364K)
(5/16) NAR Supports Real Estate Investment Conduit Bill
(5/11) Hinojosa and Manzullo Praise REALTORS®
(3/30) NAR Urges National Platform for Affordable Housing
(3/22) HUD Withdraws RESPA Proposal
(2/27) NAR Joins MBA, Home Builders to Oppose VA Change
(2/17) NAR Comments on Uniform Relocation Act
(2/5) HUD Announces Special Auction of Foreclosed Properties (82K PDF file)
(1/28) NAR Submits Testimony Regarding OCC Rule and Preemption (308K PDF file)
(1/23) Senate Approves Omnibus Appropriations Bill
(1/6) VA Implements Nationwide Appraisal Procedure (88K PDF file)
(12/17/03) Realtor® "Best Practices" Guidance on New Anti-Spam Law (118K PDF file)
(12/17/03) President Signs American Dream Downpayment Act