Blog

IRS Improves Deduction Safe Harbor for Mixed-Use CRE

October 10, 2019

The Internal Revenue Service this week released final guidance regarding a safe harbor to help owners of real estate enterprises determine whether they qualify for the new 20% deduction for “qualified business income.” While the safe harbor is largely unchanged in most aspects, it does ease the requirements for owners of mixed-use real estate (commercial […]

Flood Insurance Available Through November 21st

September 30, 2019

On Friday, September 27, 2019, President Trump signed into law an extension of the National Flood Insurance Program’s funding authority. This temporary measure also funds other government operations and averts a government shutdown through November 21, 2019. National Association of Realtors® President John Smaby issued the following statement: “With this CR temporarily ending the threat […]

Watch the FHA Condo Rule Facebook Live: 9/26

September 20, 2019

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is expected to release new Federal Housing Authority (FHA) condominium financing policies on October 15, 2019. The new rules should benefit your real estate clients and customers by allowing more buyers to obtain low down-payment mortgages on affordable housing options. Join the NAR FHA Condo Rule Facebook […]

GSE Reform Proposal Unveiled

September 11, 2019

On September 5, 2019, the White House released a proposal to reform the nation’s housing finance system and privatize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The recommendations, if implemented, will impact operations of the Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSE) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). While the plan involves potential administrative, regulatory, and legislative […]

New FHA Condo Rule Expected to Yield Thousands of New Homeownership Opportunities

August 14, 2019

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is expected to release new Federal Housing Authority (FHA) condominium financing policies. The new rules should benefit your real estate clients and customers by allowing more buyers to obtain low down-payment mortgages on affordable housing options. Specifically, the rule will extend certifications from two years to three, […]

You’re Invited: Learn What Happens Inside the U.S. House of Representatives, 9/13, 9:30AM

August 6, 2019

Are you interested in understanding how federal laws impact your real estate business? Join us on Friday, September 13, 2019, for a discussion with our Northern Virginia Congressional delegation about issues such as health care reform, transportation infrastructure, and the National Flood Insurance Program. Bring your questions! The Town Hall is free but pre-registration is […]

USDA Makes Changes to its Single-Family Housing Loan Programs

July 18, 2019

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Service (RHS) loan programs enable people who live in rural areas and small towns to obtain safe, affordable housing. The following changes to the guaranteed and direct single-family loan programs will go into effect this summer: Revise the definition of very low-, low-, and moderate-income to allow for […]

Tips to Comply with the Do Not Call Registry

July 12, 2019

While telemarketing and cold calls can be an effective way to grow your business, REALTORS® should make sure that those calls don’t violate telemarketing laws. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act prohibits telemarketing calls to consumers who place their personal phone number on the national Do-Not-Call registry. The Virginia Telephone Privacy Protection Act also protects consumers […]

DAAR partners with NAR in Supporting AHP Efforts

June 20, 2019

The Dulles Area Association of REALTORS® supports the National Association of REALTORS® defense of the Department of Labor’s Association Health Plan rule. Earlier this year, a federal court ruled that provisions of the DOL’s rule were unlawful, a ruling that adversely impacts REALTORS® seeking more cost effective and comprehensive health insurance solutions through AHP options. […]

75 Years of VA Home Loans: New Changes to the Process for Appraisal Requests

June 12, 2019

This month marks the 75th anniversary of the GI Bill, which provides financial resources to veterans who aspire to become homeowners and serves as an avenue bringing military business your way. The milestone comes at a symbolic time, as June is National Homeownership Month. Since becoming law in 1944, the GI Bill’s Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loan […]