REALTOR® leaders from King and Snohomish Counties press issues on Capitol Hill

Meeting with every congressional representative from Washington State today, REALTORS® asked for action to assist housing in several key national areas. Renewal of the National Flood Insurance program, amendments to the Fair Housing Act, and further progress on FHA condominium rules were at the top of the list.

In a visit to Representative Suzan DelBene’s office, Federal Political Coordinator Michael Orbino, a broker with Avenue Properties, recounted the many advances, but also the many challenges in Fair Housing on the fiftieth anniversary of the Act’s adoption. He urged further progress and the addition of sexual orientation and gender identity as classes protected from discrimination under the Act.

Bob Wold, President of the Snohomish County-Camano Association of REALTORS®, encouraged action on net neutrality rules, which will ensure an even playing field for real estate brokerages in the display of online listings. In a later meeting with Senator Patty Murray, REALTORS® learned that the Senate was likely to take favorable action on net neutrality this week.

Senator Murray welcomed a group of 25 REALTORS® from throughout the state for a brief discussion before departing for a floor vote. In addition to requests for further adjustments to tax policy affecting homeownership, the discussion also addressed the recent employee tax adopted by the Seattle City Council. Although not a federal issue, REALTORS® encouraged a continuing discussion by congressional representatives with local elected leaders on the negative impact such tax policies have on regional employment and economic development.