James and Keith host a special episode of the Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered Podcast at the NAR NXT Conference in Boston, Massachusetts. They had the pleasure of engaging in a fascinating conversation with Brian Greene, Vice President of Policy Advocacy for NAR. Here are the key insights from their discussion:
Focus Areas for 2025 Advocacy Efforts
- Brian emphasized the importance of continuing advocacy work post-elections by focusing on extending beneficial provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to support homeowners and the real estate industry.
- The advocacy team is working on bipartisan measures to boost housing supply, address affordability challenges, and promote legislation that benefits both businesses and supply-side initiatives.
Addressing Housing Affordability and Supply
- Brian highlighted the critical need for policies that incentivize putting more homes on the market, especially by encouraging existing homeowners to sell through measures like the More Homes on the Market Act.
- The discussion underscored the urgency of addressing the housing supply shortage and promoting initiatives like the Downtown and Main Streets Act to convert commercial properties to residential use and increase housing inventory.
Tackling Racial Homeownership Disparities
- The conversation delved into the widening racial homeownership gap in the country, emphasizing the need for reparative measures to reverse the trend and address historical discrimination.
- Initiatives like shared equity models, down payment assistance programs, and state-level policies aimed at redressing past discrimination were highlighted as crucial steps to promote homeownership equity and bridge racial disparities.
Appreciation for Advocacy Efforts
- Brian’s insights shed light on the extensive research, lobbying efforts, and advocacy work behind the scenes to address key housing challenges and promote sustainable homeownership.
- The importance of acknowledging and supporting the advocacy team’s dedication and contributions to shaping policy initiatives for the benefit of the real estate industry and homeowners was underscored.
We extend our gratitude to Brian Greene and the entire advocacy team for their tireless efforts in advancing policies that drive positive change and support a thriving real estate market.
Stay tuned for more insightful discussions on the Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered podcast. Thank you for tuning in!
