Blog
Fair Housing and You – An Overview of the Fair Housing Act
April 23, 2018
The Fair Housing Act helps form the foundation of the real estate industry — the right to own property — and the Code of Ethics for REALTORS®. As stewards of the right to own, use and transfer private property, fair housing protects the livelihood and business of REALTORS®. Join with DAAR as we learn more […]
Dedicated Funding Plan for Metro Receives Final Approval in Virginia
April 19, 2018
Virginia will provide $154 million a year to support the Metro transit system. On April 18th, the Virginia General Assembly approved funding for Metro through a combination of existing sources, without an increase in the grantors’ tax (“congestion relief fee”). Throughout the process of approving Metro funding, members of the Dulles Area Association of REALTORS® […]
You’re Invited: Learn Why the Loudoun 2040 Plan is Important to You, 4/3, 9:30AM
April 2, 2018
On Wednesday, April 3, 2019, members of the Government Affairs Committee will meet with Jeffrey Salmon, Loudoun County Planning Commissioner. The Committee invited Jeff in order to learn about the draft Loudoun 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The draft Plan includes policies and goals for the future development of Loudoun County. If enacted, it will guide where […]
2018 Flood Insurance Rates Expected to Rise
March 28, 2018
On April 1, 2018, National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) premium rates are set to rise an average of 8%. This increase is slightly more than last year but consistent with the annual 5-10% increases prior to the 2012 Biggert-Waters Act, which made significant reforms to the NFIP. Under 2014 Flood Insurance Affordability amendments, individual property […]
Passage of FY 2018 Spending Bill Critical Step for Affordable Housing Funding and Flood Reauthorization
March 28, 2018
The U.S. House and Senate voted Thursday to fund the federal government through September 30, 2018. The 2,232-page bill contains important provisions related to housing that REALTORS® have been fighting for, including alleviating the weakening of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) from the new tax law, extending the EB5 program, extending the National Flood […]
Submit Your Ideas for DAAR’s 2019 Legislative Positions
March 21, 2018
Are you concerned about an issue that impacts the real estate industry? Do you know of a legislative or regulatory way to help address the issue? Now is the time to let us know! DAAR is developing the 2019 Legislative Positions and we’d like to hear from you! The legislative positions address both local and […]
Dedicated Funding Plan for Metro Awaits Action by the Governor
March 16, 2018
The fate of providing dedicated funding for Metro is in the hands of Governor Northam. Members of the Virginia General Assembly agreed on a $154 million plan to fund Metro without imposing any new taxes. It is important to note that this plan has not yet been approved by Governor, who has three options: sign, […]
VA Legislative Session Comes to an End – Almost
March 16, 2018
Last week the Virginia General Assembly adjourned for the year. Almost all of the bills advanced by the Virginia REALTORS® this year passed both chambers and were approved by the Governor. Topics include defining Teams, document translations, earnest money deposits, broker education, post-licensing curriculum, civil violations for non-licensed activities, POA/COA summary information, and restrictions to […]
NAR Urges Permanent Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Exclusion
March 15, 2018
The exclusion for forgiven home mortgage debt following a foreclosure, short sale or loan modification should be made permanent to provide relief to troubled borrowers and minimize the damage to families, neighborhoods and communities. That’s according to recent testimony(link is external) from the National Association of Realtors® before the U.S. House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Tax […]
DAAR Weighs in on the Benefit of Additional Staff to Support Housing Programs
March 9, 2018
The FY 2019 Proposed Budget for Loudoun County includes funding for additional staff resources to address one of the most critical needs in Loudoun County – how to provide housing that is affordable. DAAR is pleased to see the inclusion of proposed funds for this purpose. County staff requested funding for five new staff positions […]