Traveling the state, advocating for Realtors® and their clients

Previous PAR presidents have told me how quickly their year as president has passed, but I didn’t realize how true that was – until now! In the first half of the year, I’ve traveled more than 11,000 miles, visiting with members in 20 local associations.

In addition, I’ve talked with reporters about our market conditions, PAR’s Welcome Home survey and our efforts to pass the First-Time Homebuyers Savings Account Program.

Speaking of which, PAR held its first Hill Day for the year in May, where more than 100 Realtors® met with their Pennsylvania lawmakers, urging them to support the First-Time Homebuyers Saving Account Program. We’re very excited about this legislation, which would create an innovative incentive program to encourage people to save for a first-time home. If you haven’t already contacted your representative and senator, visit PAFirstHome.org to ask for their support of House Bill 1981 and Senate Bill 1066.

We were pleased to see House Bill 863 passed last week. The passage is the result of dedicated PAR members and legislators working to see this legislation come to fruition.

In the last several months, PAR has worked to keep you updated on the changes at the state Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, as they changed to a new renewal system. We’re confident the system will ultimately provide a better process, however, there were certainly some bumps along the way. PAR will continue to work with the bureau to ensure smooth sailing in the future.

And NAR is asking for your help to protect the National Flood Insurance Program for our industry and our clients. They’ve issued a Call-for-Action to ask Realtors® to contact their Congressman to ask them to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program.

The National Flood Insurance Program is incredibly important to Pennsylvania. Our state is 12th in the U.S. in the number of NFIP policies issues and fifth in the nation in the number of flood claims filed. Flooding has affected 66 of the 67 counties in Pennsylvania. Without the National Flood Insurance Program, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to get a mortgage on homes within flood zones. The NFIP will lapse on July 31 without Congressional action.

I look forward to meeting with many of you over the next several months. I know my travels will take me to the four corners of the commonwealth.