Advocacy @ Work    

Advocacy @ Work is an article aimed at updating members on what is happening in our region regarding Economic Development and/or Governmental Affairs.

 

General Assembly Update
This year's General Assembly session has now ended. Legislators will reconvene in a few weeks (though that schedule might change) for a session to consider bills the Governor amends or vetos. Most of the Virginia REALTOR® bills passed through both Chambers with unanimous votes and are waiting for the Governor's consideration.  

On March 10th, Virginia REALTORS® emailed all REALTOR® members a Call for Action regarding our Association Health Plan bills. This email was sent by Kemper Funkhouser, Virginia REALTOR®'s 2020 President. The Call for Action is asking you to act quickly, and respectfully request Governor Northam to sign Senate Bill 235 and House Bill 795 into law. These two key identical bills proposed by Virginia REALTORS® could allow Virginia REALTORS®, as a qualifying trade association, to seek affordable health insurance plans through providers in Virginia. These bills passed the General Assembly with overwhelmingly bi-partisan support.

Virginia REALTORS® needs your support by responding to the Call for Action. If you have not done so yet, please take time to respond either through the email that was sent or by simply clicking here.

Please remember - this is just the first step in a very complicated process to get an Association Health Plan in Virginia. If these bills are signed by the Governor and become law on July 1st, it does not mean we will have an Association Health Plan available on July 1st. These bills will allow Virginia REALTORS® to request that the State Corporation Commission seek a waiver to current federal law and, if approved, to then work with insurance providers in an effort to develop a menu of affordable health insurance plans. This is just one step toward our goal. Stay tuned for updates.

Thank you for taking the time to respond quickly to this important issue.

Vote Early By Absentee Ballot

Several localities, including Salem, Vinton, Rocky Mount and Boones Mill will be holding elections on Tuesday, May 5th. The Virginia Department of Elections is encouraging voters to use absentee ballots in the upcoming May elections to protect their health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The deadline to vote absentee by mail is April 28th.

State law requires voters to provide a reason for voting absentee, but the Department of Elections has extended that to every voter because of the pandemic. Voters can simply choose reason "2A - My disability or illness" on their absentee ballots. This designation does not require additional supplemental documentation.

To apply for an absentee ballot or to register to vote, visit elections.virginia.gov. If you live in a locality that is holding an election, please vote by absentee ballot.

Vote!

 

2020 Census

The 2020 Census is coming soon. The census will collect information about those living in every U.S. household - driving funding for countless essential federal programs.  

 

This year's Census can be completed over phone, through the mail and - for the first time ever - online.  

 

Your privacy is the Census Bureau's top concern, so you will not be asked for social security numbers; a donation; or anything on behalf of a political party. Learn more about the census - coming April 1, 2020 - at nar.realtor/census.  

Article provided by Joe Sutliff, RVAR Director of Economic & Governmental Affairs. 

Here's a way to make the most of the extra time you are spending at home over the next few weeks.

In 2018, the National Association of REALTORS® proudly launched Commitment to Excellence (C2EX), a program that empowers REALTORS® to demonstrate their professionalism and commitment to conducting business at the highest standards.

REALTORS® defined professionalism in this industry more than 100 years ago when they created the Code of Ethics. The award-winning C2EX program takes professionalism to the next level by enabling NAR members to assess their expertise in 10 (11 for brokers) elements of professionalism ranging from customer service to use of technology. 

 

This innovative engagement tool encourages participation in all levels of the REALTOR® organization. It's not a designation or a course. It's not a requirement, but a benefit available to all NAR members at no additional cost. 

 

To get started, log in to www.C2EX.realtor and take the self-assessment that measures your proficiency in each of the elements of professionalism, known as the C2EX Competencies. 

 

Be an advocate for the future of our industry. Be committed to excellence. Go to www.C2EX.realtor to get started with this award-winning program! This is a perfect time to get started.  

Lender Panel: A panel of five lenders will address the latest mortgage news on Thursday, May 14th 9:00-11:00AM at the RVAR office. Topics will include: low down payment loans, source of funds to close, appraisal issues and expected time frames for different loan types. Plus get your questions answered! The lender panelists will be: