Blogs

Capitol Update: May 12 - Priority Bills Head To Governor

By Missouri REALTOR Party posted 3 days ago
Missouri REALTORS ® priority legislation crossed the legislative finish line last week and is headed to Gov. Mike Kehoe ’s desk , with legislative adjournment coming this Friday, May 16, at 6:00 p.m. SECTION 8 : House Bill 595 , prohibiting local governments from forcing property owners to accept Section 8 housing vouchers, cleared the House on a 103-37 vote , then passed the Senate and advanced to the governor 23-10. Before the vote, House and Senate conferees removed Senate-inserted language exempting part of the Kansas City area from the ban. HB595, sponsored by Rep. Chris Brown , D-Kansas City, was amended ...

President’s Blog | 2025 Spring Business Conference Highlights

By Bobbi Howe posted 7 days ago
Dear Missouri REALTORS ® , As your 2025 President, I’m proud to share some exciting highlights from our recent Spring Business Conference, held in Columbia. The event welcomed over 400 REALTORS ® from across the state, bringing us together to connect, collaborate, and grow as we embrace this season of opportunity. Held from April 29 to May 1, this year’s conference offered a dynamic mix of governance meetings, educational sessions, and networking events. We kicked things off with an Open House at Missouri REALTORS ® Headquarters on Monday evening— a great way to welcome attendees and showcase our beautiful space. ...

Capitol Update: May 5, 2025 - Focus on State Budget

By Missouri REALTOR Party posted 11 days ago
The Missouri Legislature faces a constitutional deadline this Friday, May 9, to approve the state budget, so a lot of attention during the coming week will be on House and Senate negotiations on spending. STATE BUDGET: The Senate last Tuesday approved its version of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget after about five hours of floor debate. Senators propose to spend about $49.5 billion in the budget year starting July 1. That is about $1.6 billion more than the House approved, and it is about $575 billion less than the budget proposed in January by Gov. Mike Kehoe. The differences between the House and Senate versions of the 13 bills ...

Leadership Spotlight: Tyra Buchanan

By Missouri REALTORS posted 23 days ago
Missouri REALTORS ® are more than just real estate professionals. They are community leaders, educators, volunteers, and philanthropists who make a meaningful impact in their local areas and beyond. Our Leadership Spotlight series celebrates these dedicated members and highlights their contributions to both the real estate industry and their communities. This month, we shine the spotlight on Tyra Buchanan from St. Louis REALTORS ® . As a passionate and purpose-driven real estate professional, Tyra embodies the integrity and commitment that drive success in both personal and professional realms. With nearly a decade in the industry, Tyra has distinguished ...

Fun in the Sun: How to Maximize the Summer Home Buying Season

By Missouri REALTORS posted 23 days ago
Summer brings longer days, vibrant landscapes, and a real estate market that heats up right along with the temperature. For Missouri homebuyers, this sunny season offers many advantages that can make your home search more productive and enjoyable. The Summer Market Advantage The Missouri real estate market blossoms during summer. According to NAR , the busiest home selling months are May, June, July and August. Additionally, selling activity in Midwest and Northeast gets much busier in the peak season than in any other region in the United States. This seasonal surge means more options for buyers as sellers take advantage of peak curb appeal and ...

Capitol Update: April 21, 2025 - Broker Agreement Bill Moves Ahead

By Missouri REALTOR Party posted 25 days ago
As the 2025 Missouri legislative session enters its closing weeks, the Senate Appropriations Committee spent lots of time last week working on the House-approved state budget, meaning less time for floor action as the full Senate doesn’t meet when the chamber’s budget-writers meet downstairs. But there was progress in committees on key REALTORS ® legislation: BROKER AGREEMENTS : The Senate Committee on Emerging Issues and Professional Registration, chaired by  Sen. Just i n Brown , R-Rolla, conducted a hearing  on House Bill 596  by  Rep. Chris Brown , R-Kansas City. HB596 protects consumers by requiring ...

Capitol Update: April 14, 2025 - Five Weeks Left In Session

By Missouri REALTOR Party posted 04-14-2025
With f ive weeks left in the legislative session, several Missouri REALTORS ® priority bills are in favorable position : CAPITAL GAINS : House Bill 594 to repeal the state capital gains tax, sponsored by Rep. Chad Perkins , R-Bowling Green, has passed the Senate and awaits House consideration. Both chambers have now approved the basic matter of repealing the capital gains tax, and now the question is whether the House will accept amendments added by the Senate, or ask the Senate for a conference committee to discuss the changes. Your Missouri REALTORS ® lobbying team is pressing to move ...

Capitol Update: March 31, 2025 - Bills Gaining Momentum

By Missouri REALTOR Party posted 03-31-2025
With the Missouri Legislature back from its spring break, key Missouri REALTORS ® -supported bills kept advancing last week. Here is your update: SECTION 8 : Rep. Chris Brown’s House Bill 595 is on the Senate’s calendar for House Bills For Third Reading . The legislation by Rep. Brown, R-Kansas City, bars cities and counties from mandating landlords and property owners accept Section 8 rental vouchers . With its position on the Senate calendar, if the Senate takes up HB595 , makes no changes and passes it, it would go directly to Gov. Mike Kehoe’s desk . Your REALTORS ® lobbying ...

Spring into Value: 4 Ways Homeownership Builds Equity

By Missouri REALTORS posted 03-28-2025
Springtime often means a fresh start, new beginnings, and excitement for what's to come (hello, Summer!). With the fresh air and warmer weather comes one of the most popular times for homebuying. Homeownership can have many benefits, including building wealth through appreciation, creating forced savings through mortgage payments, and increasing your home's value through strategic improvements. Equity is the difference between what your home is worth and what you owe on your mortgage. For Missouri homeowners, this represents a tangible financial asset that grows over time, creating a foundation for long-term financial stability. Just as spring breathes ...

Leadership Spotlight: Marissa Lightsey

By Missouri REALTORS posted 03-27-2025
Missouri REALTORS ® are more than just real estate professionals. They are community leaders, educators, volunteers, and philanthropists who make a meaningful impact in their local areas and beyond. Our Leadership Spotlight series celebrates these dedicated members and highlights their contributions to both the real estate industry and their communities. This month, we shine the spotlight on Marissa Lightsey from the Heart of Missouri Board of REALTORS ® . As a dynamic real estate professional, Marissa embodies the passion and commitment that drive success in both personal and professional realms. Marissa is the Real Estate Broker Owner of Century 21 Peak, ...

Land Use Initiative Grant Helps Douglas County Table Potentially Harmful Ordinances

By Missouri REALTORS posted 03-26-2025
In early 2025, Douglas County, Missouri proposed an ordinance ( # 2025-01) that would have granted the County Commission sweeping authority over private driveway access to county roads. The ordinance contained several concerning provisions: Required County Commission authorization for any new private driveway connection to existing county roads Granted the Commission "sole discretion" to approve, disapprove, or modify plans with no parameters to guide their decisions Allowed the Commission to impose unspecified requirements like culverts or drainage controls Empowered ...

REALTORS® Provide $10,000 in Relief After Widespread Flooding

By Missouri REALTORS posted 03-18-2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 18, 2025 In collaboration with the National Association of REALTORS ® Relief Foundation, Missouri REALTORS ® and six local boards and associations — Franklin County Board of REALTORS ® , Mineral Area Board of REALTORS ® , Pulaski County Board of REALTORS ® , Southern Gateway Association of REALTORS ® , St. Charles REALTORS ® , and St. Louis REALTORS ® — are proud to have provided nearly $10,000 in relief to seven families impacted by flash flooding across South Central and Eastern Missouri in November 2024. “As REALTORS ® , we know the importance of having a safe and secure place to live and are honored to provide ...

Capitol Update: March 10, 2025 - Strategic Progress Continues

By Missouri REALTOR Party posted 03-10-2025
As the Legislature prepares to start its Spring Break later this week, key Missouri REALTORS ® bills are in good position for positive action when lawmakers come back to work starting Monday, March 24. Also, March 1 was this session’s deadline for filing new bills. So from now through session adjournment at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 16 , , the legislative process involves actions on the bills now filed, including amendments. Your lobbying team will be watching closely and weighing in with lawmakers about REALTORS®' support or opposition as various measures are considered. SECTION 8: A Senate General Laws Committee hearing was conducted ...

Now Accepting 2026 O2 Leadership Applications!

By Breanna Vanstrom posted 03-03-2025
Missouri REALTORS ® , As we progress through 2025, it's time to begin planning our 2026 governance structure, known as Outreach & Output (O2). This framework has been designed to align our governance work with our mission while creating diverse opportunities for members to participate in shaping our association's future direction. To get involved, I encourage you to : Apply for a role within a leadership or mission committee Apply for a statewide professional standards committee Join an output group Apply to serve on an NAR Committee The deadline to apply for all 2026 leadership positions is May 15, 2025. Participating ...

Capitol Update: March 3, 2025

By Missouri REALTOR Party posted 03-03-2025
MISSOURI REALTORS ® SENATE HEARINGS THIS WEEK: Quick update from the Missouri Senate, where key 2025 bills we favor are advancing through the legislative process and are in good position . The Senate Local Government and Senate General Laws committees will be venues for hearings this week for several measures of interest to Missouri REALTORS ® : Senate General Laws Chairman Curtis Trent , R-Springfield, has set a hearing on Senate Bill 507 by Sen. Nick Schroer , R-St. Charles County, prohibiting local governments from mandating landlords must accept Section 8 vouchers. ...

How To Spring Clean Your Way to Higher Home Value

By Missouri REALTORS posted 02-26-2025
In today's competitive real estate market, homeowners are increasingly focused on maximizing their property values. With the spring selling season approaching and home buyers becoming more discerning, strategic spring cleaning can be your secret weapon for boosting your home's market appeal. Recent trends show that well-maintained homes not only sell faster but can command premium prices in any market condition. Interior Improvements: Creating Value From the Inside Out Flooring Your home flooring is one of the first elements potential buyers notice. Start your spring cleaning with these value-enhancing steps. Schedule professional carpet cleaning ...

Leadership Spotlight: Kim Prenger

By Missouri REALTORS posted 02-26-2025
Missouri REALTORS ®  are more than just real estate professionals. They are community leaders, educators, volunteers, and philanthropists who make a meaningful impact in their local areas and beyond. Our Leadership Spotlight series aims to celebrate these dedicated members and highlight their incredible contributions to both the real estate industry and their communities. This month, Missouri REALTORS ®  is proud to shine the Leadership Spotlight on Kim Prenger from the Jefferson City Area Board of REALTORS ® ( JCABOR). As a passionate real estate professional and volunteer in the REALTOR ® ...

Capitol Update: February 24, 2025

By Missouri REALTOR Party posted 02-24-2025
MISSOURI REALTORS ® OPPOSE LEGISLATION REVERSING 2016 BAN ON TAXING SERVICES : A Senate proposal to repeal 2016’s REALTORS ® -spearheaded constitutional consumer protections is heading to the full Senate after being endorsed for passage in committee last week . The Senate Economic Development and Workforce Committee voted do-pass on Senate Joint Resolution 31 , sponsored by Sen. Ben Brown , R-Washington. Missouri REALTORS ® provided testimony opposing the measure on several grounds : REALTORS ® proposed and voters statewide approved 2016’s Amendment 4 ...

Capitol Update: February 17, 2025

By Missouri REALTOR Party posted 02-17-2025
KEY REALTOR ® BILLS ADVANCE: Ste p by step, there was progress this week on key bills of interest to Missouri REALTORS ® : The House gave final approval to House Bill 594 sponsored by Rep. Chad Perkins , R-Bowling Green , allowing deduction of capital gains from income subject to Missouri state taxation . That mo v ed this REALTORS ® priority bill to the Senate – good progress for this stage of the session. Another REALTOR ® p riority, House Bill 595 by Rep. Chris Brown , R-Kansas City, prohibiting local governments from mandating that ...

Capitol Update: February 10, 2025

By Missouri REALTOR Party posted 02-10-2025
MEASURES CUTTING INCOME TAX, RAISING SALES TAXES: The House Special Committee on Tax Reform began hearings on wide-ranging legislation that is intended to lead eventually to elimination of the state income tax, while making up billions in lost revenue through increased sales taxes. The sales taxes would include taxing services Missourians use every day, from haircuts to car repairs to REALTOR ® services. Enacting such a sales tax on services would require first repealing and replacing a constitutional protection against the taxes that was promoted to successful passage in 2016 by Missouri REALTORS ® . Repealing and replacing the current ...