Fellow REALTOR®,
It’s hard to believe the year is half over. It’s been a busy six months on the legislative front with more than 130 housing bills introduced in the legislature this year alone, and C.A.R. is tracking every one of them.
Just yesterday, the state legislature adjourned for its summer recess, and two C.A.R.-opposed bills for which we issued Red Alerts remain pending in the Assembly. Thanks to the thousands of REALTORS® who have called, emailed or met with their legislators, the bills have failed to garner the support necessary to pass, and therefore, their authors have not brought either up for a vote, even though they are eligible.
SB 231 (Hertzberg) allows local governments to circumvent the State Constitution and Proposition 218 and directly tax property owners for costs related to stormwater infrastructure projects without the legally required two-thirds voter approval. C.A.R opposes SB 231 because it uses legal “word games” to allow local governments to impose new taxes without required voter input.
AB 71 (Chiu) eliminates the mortgage interest deduction for second homes to fund an increase in low-income housing tax credits. While C.A.R. supports increasing the support for affordable housing, the association is opposed to doing so at the expense of the mortgage interest deduction for second homes.
The legislature reconvenes on Aug. 22 and could vote on either bill at any time before they adjourn for the year on Sept. 15. C.A.R. will issue additional Red Alerts as needed.
One of the unique benefits of being a REALTOR® is that we are always out in our communities, and many of us are improving the quality of life in our communities through volunteer work. C.A.R.’s YPN has designated August as a Month of Giving, a way for local Associations and YPN Networks to rally members throughout the state and participate in a charitable event during August. Join us in making a difference in our communities for a day or throughout the month. Rally with your local Association and create your own charitable event such as organizing a blood drive, donation drive, beach or street cleanup; feeding the homeless; volunteering at food banks; or collecting back to school supplies to show how much REALTORS® care. You choose the cause and dates, and C.A.R. and YPN will provide the marketing! Want to give back and find a Month of Giving event in your area? Get more details here or contact your local Association and/or YPN to see if they’re participating.
With the year half over, EXPO 2017 will be here before you know it! I hope you all will be joining me in San Diego, Oct. 10-12, as industry professionals convene under one roof for three days of learning and networking. Many special events will be taking place throughout the conference including Tech Tuesday with an all new format. Get hands-on learning in morning breakout sessions and enjoy lunch with keynote speaker Jonathan Perelman, Head of Digital Ventures at ICM Partners & Former VP of BuzzFeed Motion Pictures, as he discusses how to grow your business with shareable content. Spend the afternoon learning from other keynote speakers and top industry professionals with an exclusive networking reception immediately following. The entire day, including lunch and the networking reception, are included in the Tech Tuesday pass!
On Wednesday, Tom Ferry, CEO of Tom Ferry International and New York Times Bestselling Author, will take the luncheon stage with a custom presentation on how to change your mindset to change your life. C.A.R. Chief Economist Leslie Appleton-Young will close out Thursday’s lunch with her can’t-miss 2018 Housing Market Forecast.
Over the three days, learn how to implement new technology, social media and storytelling, digital marketing, lead generation, and more into your business strategy. Hear from top producers, participate in user-generated sessions, and connect with thousands of real estate professionals. Meet with over 200 exhibitors with solutions for your business, attend networking events, and have fun exploring sunny San Diego! Visit the EXPO website for more information and to register.
Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Geoff McIntosh
2017 President
CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®