Washington REALTORS® from around the state will be gathering in Olympia, WA at our state’s capital to join in Legislative Day 2019.
REALTORS® and the REALTORS® associations work with elected officials in promoting and protecting homeownership. On January 24, 2019, REALTORS® will defend the industry by gathering to talk with elected officials on seven main points in the Unlock the Door campaign (www.unlockthedoorwa.com). In summary, this campaign is tackling the lack of housing opportunities in Washington State. Washington REALTORS® are working with non- and for-profits to work with our elected officials on legislation regarding these seven main points:
- Reform Condominium Liability Laws
- Increase Urban and Suburban Housing Supply in Urban Growth Areas
- Aligning the Short Subdivision Process with Ecology’s SEPA Regulations
- Support the Housing Trust Fund for Homeownership
- Expanding the Multi-Family Tax Exemption Program
- State Funding Support for Housing, Homelessness, and Infrastructure
- Real estate Excise Tax and Lodging Tax – Local Funding Tools for Housing and Homelessness
The Unlock the Door campaign is looking to create housing in all price ranges for a wider range of buyers.
For example, condos used to be a great starting point for first-time home buyers to enter the market. Because of the onerous liability laws in Washington State, developers have shied away from new condo developments and/or conversions, or the new condos available are priced well-beyond a first-time homebuyers’ budget. Increasing the supply of affordable condos can provide buyers homeownership opportunities and meet the urban growth objectives of our Growth Management Act.
This legislative day is a venue for REALTORS® to get in front of elected officials and have our voice heard. For REALTORS® who have not attended this before, their registration is free but you need to hurry as registration ends January 15, 2019. Visit the Washington Realtors site to register.