Hello Missouri REALTORS®,
The 2023 National Association of REALTORS® Legislative Meetings recently concluded in Washington, D.C. It was an exciting and productive week!
Before we review some highlights, I want to recognize our National Directors and members who serve on committees for NAR, as well as all Missouri REALTORS® who participated in this conference. Thank you for taking time away from your business to give back!
We were pleased to hear from U.S. Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt at our annual Missouri Lunch. As always, we would like to thank these individuals for their continued dedication to the real estate industry.
Missouri REALTORS® enjoyed a night at the 2023 REALTOR® Block Party at Washington Nationals Park, discussing hot topics with members from around the country and elected officials — including Senator Eric Schmitt and Representatives Eric Burlison, Emanual Cleaver, and Jason Smith!
On Monday afternoon, 16 Missouri REALTORS® were inducted into the RPAC Hall of Fame, which recognizes dedicated members who have made a significant commitment to the REALTOR® Party by investing at least $25,000 over the years. See everyone who was inducted this year over on our Facebook page, with a special congratulations to Missouri REALTOR® Bob Borgman, who reached the $125,000 level! Also, I’m thrilled to share Missouri received the President’s Cup and Triple Crown awards once again.
The week culminated with Thursday’s Board of Directors meeting. National Directors approved a policy that NAR encourage federal efforts and collaboration within the real estate industry to support programs that will expand the workforce in the construction industry to relieve labor and housing shortages. Additional action items included:
- Fair Housing and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Election Rules
- Financial Wellness
- Conventional Finance
- Legal Action
- Federal Financing and Housing
- Business Issues
- Federal Taxation
For in-depth information regarding each of these items, visit the 2023 Board of Directors’ Special Report.
Last but not least, I wanted to share an update on an issue that demonstrates the power of REALTOR® advocacy. While we were in D.C., and following significant urging from the National Association of REALTORS®, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) rescinded its proposed loan level pricing adjustment (LLPA) upfront fee on borrowers with debt-to-income ratios greater than 40 percent that was slated to go into effect August 1st. This is a huge win for our industry! You can read more here.
I hope you can attend the NAR NXT Conference November 14-16, 2023, in Anaheim, CA. Registration opens Wednesday, May 17. See the event site to learn more about this event.
Sincerely,
Breanna Vanstrom
CEO, Missouri REALTORS®