GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Advancing Homeownership Rights
The Contra Costa Association of REALTORS® is the East Bay Area’s voice of real estate. Through its Government Affairs Department, CCAR provides advocacy and legislative representation on behalf of local homeowners and the real estate industry. As a partner in a powerful state and national alliance of real estate professionals, the California Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®, CCAR and nearly 1,200 other local REALTOR® Associations around the country work together through local, state and federal channels to promote and protect homeownership, private property rights and the viability of the real estate industry.
Together, CCAR Government Affairs staff, leadership and member volunteers develop and organize a variety of local programs and services to fund, educate and build awareness among members and consumers about important real estate related legislation and other related issues.
REALTORS® Contribute Millions to Protect Private Property Rights
One of the most important services organized real estate provides to members and consumers is representation in the halls of government. The REALTOR® Action Fund (RAF), supported solely by REALTOR® contributions, raises money to advance the goals of political action committees (PACs) supporting real estate at the local, state and federal levels of government.
RESOURCES:
Avoid Fines, Heed City Sign Ordinances
Don’t get stuck with fines or unnecessary fees. Be aware of the signage restrictions in your area.
With the 2018 election season comes a race for space to post signage. Be sure to familiarize yourself with local laws pertaining to sign placement, which may differ in every city. Illegal sign placement could result in onerous legislation that severely restricts your signage privileges.
“As members of the CCAR team, we must police ourselves to avoid signage battles at the city and county levels,” warns CCAR Government Affairs Director Heather Schiffman. “Please do not assume that placement of signs by your fellow REALTORS® means that location is legal.”
REALTORS® Sponsor Ballot Initiative to Nix Prop 13 Moving Penalties
Proposition 13 is a property tax program that has locked up the residential real estate market by preventing new buyers and existing homeowners from purchasing housing. This year, the California Association of REALTORS® announced an initiative that, if passed, would do away with Prop 13 moving penalties and open up a sizable inventory of homes for sale, enabling seniors to relocate and young families to achieve the dream of home ownership.
HOUSING OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMS
CalHFA for Teachers and First-Time Buyers
Contra Costa County provides a variety of housing assistance programs for first-time home buyers and teachers through the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA). Local cities also offer housing affordability programs. View list of cities offering housing assistance programs.
Homebuyer Energy Audit Rebate Program
California REALTORS’® Energy Audit Program provides up to a $250 rebate on a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) home energy audit conducted by a certified HERS rater.
A home energy audit helps identify home improvements that will reduce monthly utility bills and improve energy efficiency. CAR’s Housing Affordability Fund is dedicating $250,000 towards this effort to help California homebuyers receive great rewards.
CCAR is proud to be a RESO Platinum Certified MLS, the highest level of certification available.