At the time of printing of this magazine, we are heading into a week when Congress is expected to vote to approve an extension to the tax credit closing deadline. This still requires there to have been a valid contract in place by April 30, but it would give another 90 days to close on the property.
Another legislative issue is not going as well: the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Once again, Congress has let the NFIP lapse, leaving an estimated 14,000 transactions per day across the country unable to close in the meantime. These stop-gap, temporary extensions that end up caught up in political wrangling must stop. Please read about the NFIP and contact your legislators to let them know that they need to pass a long-term authorization of flood insurance.
Even though we are just over half way through the year, it is already time for the HAR Board of Directors election. A record-breaking 49 people originally stepped up to the plate to help lead this fine organization. It does take commitment so all of these members should be applauded for being willing to make a difference in our world of real estate. Online voting does not begin until Monday, July 19.
Sometimes our members forget that we not only have residential members but also commercial members. In fact, we have more than 1,600 commercial members, and we are growing that number. One of the reasons is all of the great services we provide our commercial members.
I was personally so proud of the NextGen REALTOR® Group (NRG) last year when it was named runner-up for best Young Professional Network in the country by NAR. Now, they are launching another initiative to recognize HAR’s 20 Rising Stars Under 40 in Real Estate.
I want to thank you for going to www.har.com/flame and submitting your hours of volunteer work you have done in our community. Keep it up so we can promote all the good work that REALTORS® do in the community every day. I also want to tell you about a new feature on the HAR Flame page. You may now input your upcoming charitable events so that all of our members may see what opportunities there are.
Hope you’re having a great summer!
