WOODBRIDGE, VA. May 18, 2018 – More than 9,000 Realtors® gathered in Washington, D.C. this week, during the 2018 REALTOR® Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo, to advocate for crucial real estate issues on behalf of current and future home and property owners across the country.
REALTOR® Association of Prince William (PWAR) joined fellow Realtors® from throughout the U.S. to attend meetings and informational sessions, as well as meet with regulatory agency staff and lawmakers on Capitol Hill to discuss and advocate real estate issues affecting the real estate industry, and their businesses, communities and clients. Members focused on several significant issues affecting the industry during the legislative-focused meetings, including fair housing, flood insurance and internet neutrality.
“Realtors® are the leading advocates for homeownership and commercial real estate, which is why it is so critical that we connect with lawmakers and ensure they understand the issues facing the real estate industry and their constituents – of which many are home and property owners,” said April Thomas, PWAR CEO. “Supporting home and property owners through smart legislation and regulatory initiatives is essential to advancing our nation’s economy, as well as our communities, so Realtors® are continuing the fight to keep Congress’s attention on the issues that impact real estate most.”
While in Washington, PWAR met with U.S. Senator Tim Kaine on Capitol Hill to discuss and advocate for public policy decisions affecting Americans’ ability to own, buy, rent and sell residential and commercial real estate.
During the meetings, PWAR and other attendees also heard from industry experts and leaders, including Acting Director of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection Mick Mulvaney, who spoke about the latest initiatives out of the CFPB, plans for improved efficiency of agency operations, as well as his perspectives on issues shaping the real estate industry.
In addition, attendees heard from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Dr. Ben Carson, who discussed the nation’s commitment to fair housing during the conference’s General Session; U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Missouri), who shared a personal story with attendees about the importance of safe and affordable housing for all Americans; realtor.com® Chief Economist Danielle Hale, who provided an overview of current conditions in the residential and commercial markets; Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator William “Brock” Long, who addressed a broad range of disaster and emergency management topics, such as National Flood Insurance Program reauthorization and federal disaster relief; and NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, who shared residential and commercial real estate market updates and forecasts for the remainder of 2018.
REALTOR® Association of Prince William (PWAR) is the largest professional trade association in the Prince William County, representing approximately 2,000 REALTORS® and industry Affiliates engaged in the residential and commercial real estate business. PWAR serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners and represents the interests of property owners in Prince William County and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Note: The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.