National News
It was a quiet April on the legislative front as NAR gears up for the annual REALTORS® Legislative Meetings and Trade Expo, May 14-18. This year’s conference, to be held in our nation’s capital, will focus on four primary issues: affordable/fair housing, taxes, net neutrality, and flood insurance.
State News
Ohio REALTORS® held its annual legislative conference earlier this month. The main priority was House Bill 211, “Home Inspector Licensure”, which has passed out of committee and is awaiting a vote on the House floor. Dayton REALTORS® in attendance were able to converse with their local representatives and senators and express their thoughts on the bill and other legislative priorities. A call to action was sent out and legislators were very receptive to the call. However, with the resignation of Speaker Rosenberger that same week, all legislative matters slowed down, leaving the bill in limbo. Ohio REALTORS® are hopeful to get a vote on the bill in May.
Ohio REALTORS® also held a local government forum and brought in Maurice Thompson, who serves as the Executive Director of 1851 Center for Constitutional Law. Mr. Thompson discussed their involvement in both the Bedford and Oakwood cases that challenged the constitutionality of pre-sale inspections. In 2017, Ohio’s Federal Southern District Court deemed pre-sale inspections conducted without a warrant were unconstitutional. Oakwood was permitted to continue conducting their inspections since they have modified their ordinance to include an administrative warrant process. Regardless, a motion was passed on to Ohio REALTORS® legislative steering committee to make the issue of pre-sale inspections a priority in the coming year.
Lastly, Dayton REALTORS® saw their motion of prioritizing First Time Home Buyers Savings Account in 2019 approved by Ohio REALTORS® legislative steering committee.
Local News
Locally, Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley recognized April as Fair Housing Month through a Proclamation given to Dayton REALTORS®.
Dayton REALTORS® Fundraising Committee continues to work on this year’s auction. This year’s event, themed “Diamonds and Denim”, will be held at Canopy Creek Farm on June 27. Tickets are $50 investment to DARPAC.
