Legislative Forecast
The “short” 35-day legislative session begins on Monday, February 3, 2020 and will be fast and furious. The legislature used to only meet in odd-numbered year in “long” sessions. The “short” even-numbered year sessions were added a decade ago and pitched as being necessary for “housekeeping” and budget reconciliation purposes. In practice, they’ve turned out to be vehicles to advance major policy changes. Below is a sampling of what is coming.  
Governor Proposes Double Tax on Real Property

Oregonians resoundingly passed Measure 79 in 2012, amending the Oregon Constitution to prevent taxes on the sale of real property.  Oregonians already pay significant taxes on their homes in the form of property taxes and did not feel it was fair to be taxed again upon the sale or transfer of their property.  However, Governor Brown is proposing to undue this constitutional ban on double-taxation with  HJR 203 . This Joint Resolution would refer to voters a constitutional amendment to allow for real estate transfer taxes. OAR will be working vigorously to oppose the Resolution.  

Homelessness Emergency
 
Speaker of the House Tina Kotek will be introducing a bill that would declare a “homelessness state of emergency.” The bill would allow local governments to bypass zoning restrictions when siting shelters.  She also wants the state to devote $40 Million in General Fund resources to create and operate shelters, and another $80M in bonding including $50 million of general obligation bonds that would go toward construction of affordable housing and $20 million of lottery bonds would go toward saving existing affordable housing.   Read more about the proposal in the Oregonian

Legislature Tries to Nix Opportunity Zone Benefits 
Opportunity Zones (“OZs”) are designated, economically-distressed communities where private investments, under certain conditions, may be eligible for deferral and/or exclusion of capital gain taxes. OZ’s were created to stimulate economic development and job creation by encouraging long-term (10 year) investments in low-income neighborhoods. 
 
Opportunity Zones are under attack in the Oregon Legislature. The House Revenue Committee has  proposed HB 4010 bill  to “disconnect” the Oregon tax code form the federal tax code with respect to Opportunity Zones. If the bill passes, Oregon investors would no longer receive capital gains deferrals or exclusions on their Oregon income tax for investments in Opportunity Zones (however they would still receive the federal tax benefits). 
 
There will be a  public hearing  on the Opportunity Zone Bill at 5:30pm on Thursday February 6 th  at the State Capitol in Salem. We are collecting stories from members about why Opportunity Zones are a valuable economic development tool and should be supported, not undermined, by the Oregon legislature. If you have a story to tell about Opportunity Zones and why the legislature should maintain tax benefits for this important program,   reach out to us  so we can coordinate written or in person testimony. 

In addition, there is now an Opportunity Zone Coalition, read more here.
Will Oregon Finally Allow Rural ADUs?
For the past several years there has been a severe inequity in property rights between urban and rural homeowners.  A few years back, the legislature passed a law requiring cities to update their codes to allow for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on land zoned for single-family residential homes inside the Urban Growth Boundary.  However, the requirement did not extend to rural residential zones.  In fact, except in a few cases, ADUs  are not even allowed  in rural residential zones.  OAR has been working with other partners to allow Counties—at their discretion—to allow for ADUs in rural residential zones, with certain limitations.  We are currently working on amendments to legislation that would allow for Rural ADUs.  We will keep you posted as more details emerge.  
Oregon Housing Economic Summit - Recap
Thank you to everyone who made it to our first-annual Oregon Housing Economic Summit, presented by the Oregon Home Builders Association, the Oregon Bankers Association and the Oregon Association of Realtors® in Salem! The event drew over 400 participants representing the homebuilding, banking and real estate industries, as well as legislators and state and local officials.

Save the date for the second annual Oregon Housing Economic Summit Thursday, January 14, 2021. More details to come later this year.
NAR Develops Fair Housing Action Plan
NAR developed and approved a new Fair Housing Action Plan that focuses on greater accountability and training for agents.

The Fair Housing Act is more than do’s and don’ts, rights and penalties. Fair Housing protects your business as real estate professionals who depend on a free, open market with equal opportunity. In this video, get the tips and tools you need now to understand and comply with this important law.
New Fair Housing Video
NAR has provided an update to the Fair Housing Act, producing a short video that breaks down what you need to know.

Realtors® Partner with Census Bureau
NAR is partnering with the Census Bureau for the 2020 Census. The Bureau seeking to enlist the support of various national organizations, NAR is asking the 1.4 million Realtors® nationwide to help drive Census participation in their respective communities.

Corporate Activity Tax
Some REALTORS® and brokerages have recently received a letter from the Oregon Department of Revenue reminding them that Oregon’s new Corporate Activity Tax went into effect January 1, 2020. 

Are the New Rental Regulations Impacting You?
OAR is collecting stories to help us evaluate the impact of  SB 608  (Oregon’s new rent control and tenant protection law) and to consider what, if any, changes are needed in future legislative sessions.

  • How have Oregon’s new rental regulations affected you or your clients?
  • Are the new regulations affecting the buy/sell decisions of your landlord or investor clients?
  • Are there issues with the 90-day notice timelines?
  • Are you seeing positive benefits from the new law?


*All submissions will be confidential and your name will not be used without your express permission.
Legal Hotline Q&A
Question: What Steps Must Be Taken When a Broker Changes Firms in the Middle of a Transaction?

Answer: ORS 696.026(15) gives the Oregon Real Estate Agency authority to establish the procedures under which a real estate broker or principal broker who becomes affiliated with a different registered business name is allowed to continue to engage in professional real estate activity on transactions that began while the real estate broker or principal broker was associated with the original registered business name. 

The agency has established these rules in  Oregon Administrative Rule 863-014-0063 . Those rules state that a real estate broker may continue to engage on a transaction with the following limitations:

  • Transaction must involve a fully executed contract or an active offer, counter offer or letter of intent.
  • Must have client’s documented approval
  • Must have written agreement between old principle broker and new principle broker. 

The written agreement must identify which principle broker is responsible for supervision and record retention; identify the transaction(s) covered by the agreement and the effective date of the agreement; address agency relationships; specify how compensation will be handled; and be signed by the old principal broker, the new principal broker, and the transferring broker.

Legal Hotline Subscription
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The cost for a one year Legal Hotline subscription is $125 per individual subscription. The Legal Hotline is open Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (except on holidays and during NAR and OAR conventions).

7 Important Repairs to Make Before Selling a House
Thinking about or getting ready to put a house on the market?

Here are 7 Important Repairs to Make Before Selling a House.

Check out the steps and to help improve a home before putting it on the market.

Member Feature: Jason Reese
Jason Reese is the Principal Broker for the All Rogue Realty Group at Keller Williams in Medford. Six years ago Jason left his career in law enforcement and joined the real estate industry.

"I wanted to work in a positive industry that allowed me to use my entrepreneurial skills to control my own financial future. Plus, I've always been interested in houses, unique and unusual places are my favorite," say Jason.

Jason says he's made education a priority, He's focused on business, marketing, team building and personal development classes. He says you can never have too much education!

Jason has served on his local MLS board for two years, and is currently an advisor for the Rogue Valley Association board. In addition, Jason will be participating in the 2020 OAR Leadership Academy beginning next week in Salem.

Outside of real estate, Jason has an entertainment company that focuses on live events. In addition, he enjoys outdoor activities with his wife and two daughters.
     
On his bucket list? He loves to travel and hopes to visit Egypt, Italy, and Japan.
"Run your real estate business as a 'business.' Don't just practice real estate. Day to day, our job isn't actually selling real estate it's selling ourselves and being sure that when those in our sphere of influence think about real estate, that 'I'm' the person they contact first. Bring value to your clients on a consistent basis, and your business will grow over time."

Jason Reese
Principal Broker
All Rogue Realty Group - Keller Williams
Spring Governance
This year's Spring Governance will be held April 8-9 at the Salem Convention Center in Salem, Oregon. The agenda is full of exciting, beneficial events that you won't want to miss including: 

  • Key Committee Meetings
  • OAR Finance Forum
  • Principal Broker Forum 
  • OAR's REALTOR® of the Year Award Luncheon
  • Bi-annual Board of Directors Meeting
A Message from 2020 OAR President
Lori Palermo is your 2020 OAR President. Lori is the co-owner of Palermo Real Estate in Springfield, Oregon is a second generation Realtor® and has been in the business for many years. From the very beginning she knew it was important to get involved and has been an active participant in her local board as well as at the state level. Learn More about Lori Palermo.
2021 OAR President-Elect Applications
Are you interested in becoming the next OAR President? Applications are now being accepted for the 2021 OAR President-Elect position, which positions you for the 2022 OAR President position. The deadline for the submission is March 1, 2020.

NAR Leadership Academy - Accepting Applications for 2021
The Leadership Academy for the National Association of REALTORS® is now accepting applications for the 2021 year. The deadline to submit your application is March 3, 2020.

NAR Leadership Academy participants will have the opportunity to develop, enhance, and hone their leadership skills and competencies. The program will allow future leaders to experience multiple facets of leadership and define their leadership style along the way. Leadership Academy participants will also learn the history, structure, and inner-workings of NAR leadership.
Driving it HOME Golf Tournament - July 16, 2020
It's not too early to reserve your team for the 11th Annual OAR HOME Foundation's Driving it HOME Golf Tournament. Registration is now open for the Thursday, July 16, 2020 tournament.

This is a great way to network with other industry professionals while enjoying a fun afternoon of golf, food and drinks - all while benefitting a great cause.

GRI CLASSES & WEBINARS
3 CE Hours | Bend
February 10 GRI Contracts
6 CE Hours | Albany
3 CE Hours | Bend
February 11 GRI Finance
6 CE hrs. Gresham
Drafting an Effective Independent Contractor Agreement Webinar

This webinar will focus on principles and key considerations for drafting a detailed, effective independent contractor agreement. It will also cover relevant legal statutes and regulations, and will include a discussion of cases in which state and federal courts have analyzed the independent contractor relationship.

February 13, 2020
9:30 - 10:30AM
1 Hour of CE
$10 Per Person
1031 Dessert

This webinar is all about success stories for using 1031's. No rules, just dessert:

  • Helping the next generation
  • Relocating assets from a different market
  • Obtaining cash flow
  • Increasing cash flow
  • Facilitating a life style change

March 10, 2020
9:30 - 10:30AM
1 Hour of CE
$10 Per Person
Oregon Principal Broker Academy
This comprehensive program is like no other. It is designed to provide professional development for any Principal Broker, whether new, seasoned or aspiring. If you are looking to raise the bar on your professional development, please join us and register for one of the following sessions:

Next upcoming session: 
  • Thursday, May 21, 2020 to Friday, May 22, 2020
  • Thursday, June 25, 2020 to Friday, June 26, 2020
Professional Standards, Mediation & Ombudsman Training
Mark your calendars and sign up for the Professional Standards & Dispute Resolution Training (PSDR) on March 24-26 in Bend, OR.

Who should attend?

  • Professional Standards Committee Members
  • Grievance Committee Members
  • Local Board of Directors
  • Members aspiring to serve

Attend one course for $20 each or all three for $50! Located at the Central Oregon Association of REALTORS® office, 2112 NE 4th St. Bend, OR 97701
Register For 2020 TechXspo
Are you ready to exceed the expectations of today’s tech-savvy consumer? Real estate professionals will leave with the tech tools necessary to provide exceptional service, communicate more effectively, and conduct business while on the go.

Date: October 5, 2020
Sessions: 9AM-4:30PM
Cost: $89/Per Person*
CE Hours: 7.5
Location: Oregon State Bar
16037 SW Upper Boones Ferry Rd, Tigard, OR 97224
*No Refunds
Member Discounts
Office Depot offers the OAR Member Discount Program on office supplies, furniture, and printing needs for your business. Register for an online ordering account and/or download the printable Store Purchasing Card for use at Office Depot retail locations.
Every Wednesday OAR members are invited to the Columbia Employee Store. Simply show your business card and begin shopping!
Oregon Association of REALTORS ®
2110 Mission Street SE, #230 Salem, OR 97302
503.362.3645 | www.oregonrealtors.org