Real Advocacy: GCAAR Participates in Business Advisory Panel

Montgomery County

GCAAR Participates in County Executive's Economic Roundtable

County Executive Marc Elrich acknowledged the importance of the real estate industry by inviting GCAAR to the 20th Annual Montgomery County Business Advisory Panel. The group includes senior government staffers, as well as County business leaders who help the County government shape future economic policies.

Among this year’s topics were the impact of federal government shutdown and the County’s shifting demographics. Overall, the economic outlook of Montgomery County and the State of Maryland is optimistic. Rumors of interest rate hikes on the horizon and a possible end to the current economic upswing, however, mean that local economic growth will need to be continuously fostered.

GCAAR is proud to help our local elected officials uphold the health of our local economy.

GCAAR Voices Concerns on Behalf of Property Managers

GCAAR recently weighed in on a bill moving through the Maryland state legislature that put stringent requirements on Montgomery County property managers. See the bill here .

GCAAR’s letter balanced the need to protect renters with ensuring that the sanctity of contract law. The full letter, which can be read here , outlines the likely decline in housing opportunity and the the increase in litigation the bill would trigger.

The bill now moves on to the Maryland House Environment and Transportation Committee, which is chaired by Montgomery County Delegate Kumar Barve. Delegate Barve was among those in the Montgomery County House Delegation who voted against the bill. GCAAR will continue to work to halt the bill from moving further.

District of Columbia

REALTORS® Testify to Protect the Real Estate Guaranty Fund

The DC Council recently conducted its annual oversight hearing on the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. REALTORS® used the hearing as an opportunity to let the Council know the importance of the Real Estate Guaranty and Education Fund.

The Guaranty Fund is a vital tool for consumers who have been wronged in a real estate transaction. Unfortunately, the Guaranty Fund has been raided in years past, putting in jeopardy a valuable consumer protection tool.

This year, REALTORS® want to ensure the Fu nd is a priority for the District Government. The DC Association of REALTORS® - represented by DCAR President Dianah Shaw and Public Policy Chair Deirdre Brown, see in the photo prepping their testimony - testified in front of the DC Council and is sending the same message to the Executive Office of the Mayor. By providing a voice for consumers, REALTORS® are making safety in real estate transactions a priority.