Realtors visit Washington DC

White House at Dusk

 

 

John Eissinger Joins Realtors® in Washington, D.C. to Advocate Housing Policy Issues   

 

Port Townsend May 19, 2014 – Housing and private property issues were top of mind for more than 8,500 Realtors® who convened in Washington, D.C., this week during the 2014 Realtor® Party Convention & Trade Expo. John Eissinger of the Jefferson County Association of REALTORS® was among fellow Realtors® from across the country who attended the meetings and visited lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

A number of critical residential and commercial real estate issues took center stage at this year’s meetings. Sessions focused on pressing topics like protecting real estate-related tax policies, reforming the secondary mortgage market and the accessibility of mortgage credit and loan programs.

“As the leading advocate for homeownership and real estate issues, Realtors® want to make sure these critical issues are recognized by our country’s leaders and remain top of mind for them,” said Eissinger. “Homeownership and commercial investment play a critical role in the long- and short-term health of this nation.”

While he was in Washington, Eissinger met with Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray’s office on Capitol Hill to influence public policy decisions that will directly affect consumers’ ability to buy, sell and own real estate. Eissinger also urged Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray’s office to reinstate the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act, which expired at the end of 2013. The expired tax provision provided relief to individuals following a loan modification, short sale or foreclosure.

“With proposed legislation being debated in Congress this term that could have a significant impact on consumers and the real estate market, it was important for Realtors® to meet with lawmakers,” said Eissinger. “Through the strength of the Realtor® Party, we clearly conveyed our position on key issues that affect home buyers, sellers and real estate investors right here in Jefferson County.”

Throughout the week Realtors® participated in sessions with a number of government officials and industry experts who addressed many of today’s critical housing, mortgage finance and real estate investment issues. During one session, Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan announced a blueprint for greater consumer access to credit through a new FHA housing counseling program. Donovan said the agency is taking additional steps to expand access to mortgage credit for underserved borrowers.

Realtors® also heard from political strategists David Plouffe and Steve Schmidt who previewed the upcoming midterm elections and provided insights into the issues currently being debated in Congress and their impact on Realtors® and the real estate industry. News anchor and political commentator Chris Matthews discussed the divided Congress and the Obama administration’s second-term agenda. Steve Berkowitz, CEO of Move Inc. (operator of realtor.com®), shared his vision for how the company will continue to provide consumers with the best content, tools and professional expertise they need to find a home through the site and by working with a Realtor®. National Association of Realtors® Chief Economist Lawrence Yun shared his latest outlook for the economy and residential and commercial markets, and expects positive market improvements throughout 2014.

Eissinger also had the chance to explore the latest industry innovations and stay up to date on how new products are transforming the real estate business, as more than 100 exhibitors showcased the newest real estate products and services for the industry during the Trade Expo.

The Jefferson County Association of REALTORS® is a membership organization of over 100 REALTORS® and Affiliate members here in Jefferson County.  REALTORS® are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. REALTORS® subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate.  All real estate licensees are not the same. Only real estate licensees who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® are properly called REALTORS®.

Jefferson County Association of REALTORS® –  Making a Difference in Our Community!

Washington DC - May 2014
Washington DC – May 2014
© 2024 John Eissinger, GRI