Even with the victories achieved over the past several years, it is clear there will be more work ahead on a variety of fronts. NAR will likely be working to fine tune flood insurance reforms, including attempts to address undue cost burdens. Concerns still remain with appraisals. Mortgage and other Dodd-Frank regulations will have to be fine-tuned either by the regulators or by Congress. The costs imposed by the GSE fees on homebuyers should be curtailed as long as the agencies maintain their high levels of profitability and continue to return funds to the Treasury. The same is true for FHA insurance premiums that should be reduced when the FHA reserve fund is replenished.
2014 will be another busy year for NAR in Washington. NAR will continue to advocate effectively for both REALTORS® and the homeowners they serve. Although victories will be achieved, not every victory will be perfect.
Ken Trepeta is the director of Real Estate Services for the National Association of REALTORS®.
