Advocacy

Now, more than ever, it is critical that Realtors® speak with one voice about the stability that the real estate market brings to our communities. Our elected officials make decisions that have an impact on the bottom line of Realtors® and their customers. Working together, we can ensure that the dream of home ownership is preserved, and that the real estate industry continues to support a strong and vibrant economy. Click below to find out more about the work we are doing on your behalf.

We're Working to Protect Your Business!

  • 2011: Defeated legislation that would have removed the mortgage interest and property tax deductions
  • 2011: Defeated legislation that would have taxed services, including Realtor® commissions, and would have significantly increased closing costs
  • 2012: Proposed legislation for a home improvement sales tax holiday
  • 2013: Defeated legislation that would have imposed a $10,000 cap on the mortgage interest deduction
  • 2013: Initiated a campaign to study education spending in Vermont and to explore potential remedies that would ensure quality education while reducing the property tax burden on Vermonters
  • 2011: Defeated mandate that would require a seller to conduct a home energy audit prior to time of sale
  • 2011: Defeated mandate that a seller label the energy of their home, and that the information be disclosed at time of sale
  • 2011: Defeated mandate that would require a seller whose home has a potable water supply to conduct a water test and disclose the results at time of sale
  • 2012: Defeated a mandate that a seller conduct an online energy assessment of their home, and that the results be submitted to the VT. Dept. of Public Service and disclosed to a potential buyer
  • 2012: Represented members and property owners on thePost-Irene Property Law Task Force
  • 2012: Supported legislation to create a more predictable and timely permitting process
  • 2013: Defeated legislation that would have regulated all development on shoreland properties in Vermont
  • 2013: Defeated legislation requiring a seller to convey Residential Building Energy Standards certification at time of sale
  • 2013: Defeated legislation that would change Act 250 criterion 9(f) to require all commercial development applications to include renewable electric generation
  • 2011: Proposed legislation that would require residents who own a home on a private road to share the maintenance costs of the road. This legislation, which was signed into law, remedies Fannie Mae’s refusal to purchase mortgages on properties with no maintenance agreement
  • 2012: Proposed legislation that would allow owner financing based on the Secure and Fair Enforcement Act. This legislation passed into law
  • 2013: Proposed Employer Assisted Housing legislation that would support incentives for Vermont employers who provide home ownership incentives to employees. This legislation gained momentum and will be reviewed in the 2014 legislative session
  • 2013: Proposed legislation that would require the licensing of home inspectors in Vermont. This legislation will be reviewed in the 2014 legislative session
  • 2013: Supported efforts to relax requirements on commercial and residential Realtors® in regard to the size, frequency and placement of temporary real estate signs
  • 2013: Supported legislation that provides incentives for neighborhood and downtown development within growth centers

votebtnhomejpgWe Are the Realtor® Party

It is critical for Realtors® to speak with one voice about the stability that the real estate market brings to our communities. From city hall to the state house to the U.S. Capitol, elected officials make decisions that have an impact on the bottom line of Realtors® and their customers. The Realtor® Action Center is where you learn how Voting, Acting and Investing in RPAC builds our political strength at every level of government. More

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