PSAR is proud to announce the availability of a new video that is part of the #OurRealtor campaign. REALTORS® and associations are encouraged to share the 2:26 video with clients and post the video on their social media and websites. The video has not been branded.

Viewers can also watch the video here on YouTube, , and also on Facebook.  Anyone is also free to download a copy and share it so consumers can hear from others who have had great experiences working with their REALTOR®. PSAR will be releasing a new video each month to share. The videos will each be a testimonial from a client who understood the value of their REALTOR®.

At the recent PSAR Installation Dinner, PSAR 2020 President Robert Cromer stated that one of his goals for next year is to encourage more REALTORS® to highlight their experience, expertise and resources. “We need to make sure the general public understands what we bring to the table during one of the largest financial decisions of their life,” Cromer said.

“No one can replace the knowledge, skill set, local marketing, price familiarity, negotiating skill and relationship building of a local REALTOR®. We want everyone to share the #OurRealtor campaign and the new video. With PSAR you have a bright future and a place for belonging. We are stronger together!”
The video has been posted on the PSAR Facebook page. The Facebook posting includes these words: “An algorithm or computer system can’t replace the knowledge, marketing ability, price familiarity, negotiating skill and counsel of a local REALTOR®. It’s not about how much you might save, it is about what you will NET, and the security and knowledge REALTORS® bring to the transaction. #OurRealtor. #WeArePSAR.”

The video opens with a question “Can you trust an agent you’ve never met,” and ends with a door-knocking sound and the words “That’s Who We R.” The “That’s Who We R” initiative, launched earlier this year by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), turns into the classic “R” logo to help the public further distinguish its member REALTORS® from generic real estate agents.
The video from NAR features testimonials from real satisfied clients who received outstanding service from their REALTOR®.

The people in the video tell their story about the passion and dedication of their REALTOR®, plus they express their distrust over iBuying, a phenomenon referring to the buying and selling of real estate online without the assistance of an experienced REALTOR®. The video is a terrific tool for all REALTORS® and associations to use in demonstrating the benefits and value of using a REALTOR®.

The statements in the video include:

• “I think if I used a service like that, I would get a lot of emails, I would get a lot of requests for data. I would be asked to review a lot of things that I don’t have a lot of knowledge about. I look for professionals in the field who are experts, and we found it.”
• “Some of them may charge me less, but I don’t know how honest they are. I will just stick with my realtor. He’s honest. I believe in him.”
• “He really cared about us having a good experience. We valued his time and his expertise. But I could tell that he really valued our time as well.
• “He was a source of information.”
• “It’s not easy to go online and just look for someone who you just might be emailing or texting or just calling on the phone. It always very important to have someone that you can meet with, that you can talk to.
• “I believe that the real value that my realtor has is that she is looking out for me. She’s representing me. If I went on my own, I wouldn’t know what to do. I might sign something that I didn’t look at the fine print. So, she does that for me.
• “Our realtor bent over backwards, went above and gave us options. Where else would you get that?”
• “It’s well worth whatever money you’re paying to them because after explaining what we wanted and what our needs were, we weren’t taken to places that they wanted to sell. We were taken to places that we wanted to see. I think that’s really important. You can get that only with someone who knows you and takes the time to get to know you.

According to NAR, “That’s Who We R” reinforces the concept that partnering with a REALTOR® delivers the peace of mind that can only come from working with a real person who is committed to his or her clients’ futures and neighborhoods. It clearly seeks to highlight the value of REALTORS® in an age of technological disruption and companies that employ mobile applications, programs and teams of human experts to accomplish some of the traditional agent tasks.

NAR also said that the “That’s Who We R” campaign was designed not only to educate consumers about the benefits of working with a member of NAR but also to highlight all the ways REALTORS® go above and beyond to help and improve the lives of their clients, neighbors and communities. The campaign is designed to serve as a rallying cry for REALTORS® and inspire pride in the work they do every day to benefit their clients.

 

It is my honor to serve you as PSAR’s CEO. I am very much looking forward to the future with PSAR. As we look ahead to the year 2020, the future of our Association is strong and solid.

I must admit it, our industry is in a state of change. Different business models are introduced every day. Billions of Wall Street dollars are invading the industry as technology companies disrupt and attempt to shake-up the traditional business model of buying and selling with the assistance of an experienced REALTOR®. Critics compare our industry to that of a dinosaur.

For example, the phenomenon of iBuying is a recent pressing concern. However, as you know, real estate is strongly based on relationships. The truth is that most home buyers and sellers need some advice about how much to offer, whether to include an inspection, how to arrange financing and a host of other issues involved in the real estate transaction process. Residential buyers and sellers are making the largest investment decisions of their lifetimes. And, without REALTORS®, consumers wouldn’t have the MLS marketplace or the market transparency that exists today. There will always be a need for people with outstanding character, work ethic and professionalism. At PSAR, you will always be highly valued and considered assets to our industry.

2019 was a very successful year for PSAR on several fronts. Early in the year, we opened a new PSAR Central Service Center located in San Diego’s Clairemont Mesa region. The new PSAR Service Center at 4340 Genesee Ave., Suite 203, San Diego, provides MLS training, educational classes and a full-service retail store that offers signage, SentriLock and Supra lock boxes and much more.

Also this year, we re-launched our new weekly property marketing pitch meeting, called “City Pitch,” at our PSAR Central San Diego Service Center. The event for brokers and sales agents begins at 9 a.m. every Tuesday morning. The focus is on properties in the following zip codes: 92102, 92104, 92105, 92108, 92111, 92115, 92116, 92123, 92124, and 92120. All San Diego-area REALTORS® are invited to attend to pitch their properties, network and put deals together.

Also this year, we created a new Local Area Disclosures (LAD) publication covering San Diego County. A joint effort with the North San Diego County Association of REALTORS ® (NSDCAR), this new LAD publication is helping REALTOR® members give consumers a deeper understanding of the properties in San Diego County communities where they are purchasing. It contains vital information relating to all local communities in the San Diego region. The new LAD is the latest member benefit and is demonstrating a dedication and commitment to address the local needs of our PSAR REALTOR® members.

Low mortgage interest rates will support California’s housing market next year but economic uncertainty and affordability issues will mute sales growth, according to a recently released 2020 housing market forecast from the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.).

In 2020, the state’s housing market will see a small uptick in existing single-family home sales of 0.8 percent next year to reach 393,500 units, up from the projected 2019 sales figure of 390,200. The 2019 figure is 3.1 percent lower compared to the pace of 402,800 homes sold in 2018.

In addition, the statewide median home price is forecast to increase 2.5 percent to $607,900 in 2020, following a projected 4.1 percent increase from last year to $593,200 in 2019.

“With interest rates expected to remain near three-year lows, buyers will have more purchasing power than in years past, but they may be reluctant to get off the sidelines because of economic and market uncertainties,” said C.A.R. President Jared Martin. “Additionally, an affordability crunch will cut into demand in some regions. These factors together will subdue sales growth next year.”

“California’s housing market will be challenged by changing migration patterns as buyers search for more affordable housing markets, particularly first-time buyers, who are the hardest hit, moving out of state,” said C.A.R. Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Leslie Appleton-Young. “With California’s job and population growth rates tapering, the state’s affordability crisis is having a negative impact on the state economically as we lose the workers we need most such as service, construction workers, and teachers.”

A 2019 C.A.R. study revealed that 30 percent of sellers who planned on repurchasing said that they will buy their next home a state other than California, which is the highest percentage level since 2005. Older generations were more likely to buy outside of California as well as 37 percent of baby boomers and silent generation.  But only 30 percent of millennial sellers planned to do the same. 

Additional recent 2020 housing market forecasts, according to news reports, include the following:

-- Home prices in San Diego will continue to rise in most neighborhoods but at a far slower rate than previously years, according to John Burns Real Estate Consulting in La Jolla. By year’s end, housing price will have dropped by 1 percent countywide, the firm said.

-- Redfin said the next recession, whenever it happens, is unlikely to have a large negative impact on the real estate market. However, Redfin said San Diego County has the fourth highest risk in the nation for a residential downturn in the event of a recession. San Diego has a 68.2 percent risk of a housing downturn if, or when, a recession happens. The three other metropolitan areas with higher risks include Riverside (72.8 percent probability of a housing downturn), followed by Phoenix (69.8 percent) and Miami (69.5 percent). Rochester, N.Y., Buffalo, NY, and Hartford, Conn. have the lowest risk of a housing downturn. Redfin measured a wide range of factors, including average home loan-to-value ratios, home price volatility, home price-to-income ratio, and the share of homeowners older than 65.

-- Economic expansion, already the longest on record, is expected to continue in 2020. The U.S. gross domestic product will grow by 1.6 percent in 2020, after a projected gain of 2.2 percent in 2019, according to C.A.R.

-- The state’s unemployment rate will tick up to 4.5 percent in 2020 from 2019’s 4.3 percent projected figure. A tight labor market will continue to make it hard to find skilled workers.

-- The average for 30-year, fixed mortgage interest rates will dip to 3.7 percent in 2020, down from 3.9 percent in 2019 and 4.5 percent in 2018 and will remain low by historical standards, said C.A.R.

-- The UCLA Anderson Forecast is predicting an economic slowdown nationwide in the second half of 2020, though not to recession levels. The report said the national economy will slow to 0.4 percent growth in the second half of 2020 due to trade tensions lowering corporate investments, but it should rebound to about 2.1 percent growth in 2021. San Diego and California will fare better than the rest of the nation because of job creation and diversity in the local economy.

-- CalMatters, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture, recently reported that California is home to roughly a quarter of the nation’s immigrants, 11 million, which is more than the entire population of Georgia. Half of the state’s immigrants were born in Latin America and four out of 10 are from Asia. The leading countries of origin: Mexico (4.1 million), China (969,000), the Philippines (857,000), Vietnam (524,000) and India (507,000). Among recent immigrants, Asia has surpassed Latin America. The future California will be a minority-majority state with a rising population of multi-racial people who are two races or more.

CRMLS announced that Matrix Subscribers will gain access to data from Terminus Sistema Global, Mexico's leading MLS.  Starting on October 2nd, 2019, CRMLS Matrix users may access data from Mexico's Leading MLS via a reciprocal link in the Matrix Links page. Licensed agents in San Diego, with their Broker's permission may now join PSAR and gain access to Matrix regardless of what association they belong to.  Existing PSAR members may either change from Paragon to Matrix for no additional cost, or PSAR Paragon MLS subscribers can add Matrix as a second MLS for only $6 per month . The tool is new, but the number of listings is growing each day.

Here is how PSAR's CRMLS Matrix users can gain access to Mexican listings. Use the "Links" menu option in Matrix.

NOW Real estate professionals on both sides of the border will have more access to listing data than ever, along with a greater capacity to share their listing information with their peers.

This "Links" menu item will provide access to a page that looks like this.

You are in!  The Terminus interface is powered by the familiar MLS system called Matrix.  

According the press release, CRMLS CEO Art Carter stated "Some people worry that a data sharing agreement means that someone will come 'over the hill' and start selling your listings," said Carter. "Remember, only professionals licensed to sell real estate in California can do so. This agreement is about viewing data, growing connections, and making referrals. It does not suddenly give Mexico agents California real estate licenses or vice versa."

Click here to read the full CRMLS press release for additional details. Check with your Broker and attorney to ensure you are following all applicable laws.

Back in March of 2019 Terminus Sistema Global and the State Board of Real Estate for Baja California (CEPIBC) announce their partnership for the deployment of the MLS for their members. By partnering with Terminus Sistema Global, CEPIBC has been able to introduce the concept of an MLS to their 10 regional associations which include AMPI Mexicali,  API Mexicali,  AMPI Tijuana,  API Tijuana, ASAI Tijuana, AMPI Rosarito, API Rosarito, AMPI Ensenada, API Ensenada and AMPI San Felipe.

 

San Diego County’s housing market in August 2019 saw a 2.2 percent decrease in sales in a month-to-month comparison with July 2019, but a 2.3 percent increase in sales in a year-over-year comparison with August 2018, according to a recent report from California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.).

Meanwhile, the median price of $650,000 for an existing, single-family home in San Diego County in August 2019 was the same amount for both July 2019 and July 2018. The median price a year ago in August 2018 was slightly higher at $660,000.

On a statewide basis in August mortgage interest rates at near-three-year lows contributed to a small year-over-year sales increase while the median home price reached a new high.

Closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California totaled a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 406,100 units in August, according to information collected from more than 90 local REALTOR® associations and MLSs statewide. The statewide annualized sales figure represents what would be the total number of homes sold during 2019 if sales maintained the August pace throughout the year. It is adjusted to account for seasonal factors that typically influence home sales.

Statewide home sales in August of 406,100 were down 1.3 percent from the 411,630 level in July 2019 and up 1.6 percent from the 399,600 home sales in August 2018. While cumulative sales through the first eight months of the year were down from last year, the pace of decline has improved significantly at -4.1 percent since the -12.5 percent recorded in January.

After a pullback in July, the statewide median price rose in August compared to the previous month and year. The median price in August was $617,410, up 1.5 percent from July and up 3.6 percent from $595,920 in August 2018, marking the fifth straight month that the median price remained above $600,000. The annual sales gain was the highest in the last 10 months.“Housing demand has exhibited signs of improvement in recent months as lower rates continued to reduce the cost of borrowing for home buyers,” said C.A.R. President Jared Martin. “However, buyers remain cautious, and many are reluctant to jump in because of the economic and market uncertainty that continue to linger, and that is keeping growth subdued despite significantly lower rates.” 

 “Low interest rates, which helped to reduce monthly mortgage payments, have provided much-needed support to improve housing affordability and elevate home sales over the past few months,” said C.A.R. Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Leslie Appleton-Young. “While lower rates have no doubt boosted buyers’ purchasing power, they have also been a contributing factor to higher home prices this year.”

Other key points from the August 2019 resale housing report included:

-- At the regional level, non-seasonally adjusted sales fell on both a monthly and an annual basis from a year ago in all major regions.

-- At the regional level, median home prices in Southern California, the Central Valley and Central Coast regions continued to inch up, while prices in the Bay Area declined slightly from a year ago. In Southern California, median home prices grew in every county except Orange County and San Diego, while six of nine Bay Area counties experienced year-over-year price growth.

-- After 15 straight months of year-over-year increases, active listing fell 8.9 percent from year ago, marking the first back-to-back decline since March 2018 and the largest since December 2017.

-- The Unsold Inventory Index (UII), which is a ratio of inventory over sales, was 3.2 months in August, unchanged from July and down from 3.3 months in August 2018. The index measures the number of months it would take to sell the supply of homes on the market at the current sales rate. 

-- Statewide, the median number of days it took to sell a California single-family home increased to 23 days in August 2019, compared with 21 days in July 2019 and August 2018 and 18 days in July 2018.

-- In San Diego County, it took over two weeks to sell an existing single-family home in August 2019. The median number of days a home remained unsold on the market stood at 17 days in August 2019, compared with 15 days in July 2019, 13 days in June 2019, 14 days in May 2019, 17 days in April 2019, 19 days in March 2019, 22 days in February 2019 and 18 days in August 2018.

-- The statewide sales-price-to-list-price ratio was 98.7 percent in August 2019, compared to 99.0 percent in August 2018. It was 99.0 percent in July 2019 and 99.6 percent in July 2018. Sales-to-list-price ratio is an indicator that reflects the negotiation power of home buyers and home sellers under current market conditions. The ratio is calculated by dividing the final sales price of a property by its last list price and is expressed as a percentage. A sales-to-list ratio with 100 percent or above suggests that the property sold for more than the list price, and a ratio below 100 percent indicates that the price sold below the asking price.

-- The 30-year, fixed-mortgage interest rate averaged 3.62 percent in August, down from 4.55 percent in August 2018, according to Freddie Mac. The five-year, adjustable mortgage interest rate was an average of 3.36 percent, compared to 3.47 percent in August 2018.

In other recent real estate and economic news, according to news reports:

-- According to real estate tracker Core Logic, San Diego County’s median home price in August was down annually for the first time in seven years, albeit a small reduction. The median price of $584,000 was down 0.1 percent from the same time last year at $584,500. The last time prices were down year-over-year was March 2012.

-- The latest S&P Case-Shiller report shows home price increases continued to slow across much of the nation. The price index reported a 3.2 percent annual gain in July, but the index remained the same from June. The index's 20-city composite posted a 2.0 percent year-over-year gain, which matched San Diego's level.

The 10-city composite's annual increase came in at 1.6 percent in July, down from 1.9 percent the previous month.

-- According to Redfin, people who purchased homes in 2012 have earned a total of $203 billion in home equity nationally. San Diego, despite being outpaced by numerous metros, has seen an exponential growth in home value and equity, as well. San Diego County has experienced a total of $6.14 billion in home equity value since 2012, said Redfin. The median home equity growth here amounted to a 277 percent increase, or $283,000, during the seven-year period. The median home value percent growth since 2012 was 60 percent, and the actual median home value dollar growth in San Diego during the period was $232,000.

-- In rental housing news, San Diego's apartment rents, which had been on an upward trajectory for many years, actually dipped somewhat in September, according to a report from Zumper. The rent for a one-bedroom unit in San Diego experienced a 2.2 percent year-over-year decline in September to about $1,800 a month. The region's rent for a two-bedroom unit declined about 4 percent year-over-year to $2,400 a month in September. Zumper said San Diego is the 9th most expensive city in the U.S. for apartment rentals. Meanwhile, CoStar reports the monthly average rent in the third quarter was $1,860 countywide, and rents are rising most rapidly in the East County.

-- According to the Bloomberg Economic Index, U.S. economic data is beating economists’ expectations, offering a rebuttal to recession fears fueled by the trade war and a manufacturing slump. Bloomberg’s index recently reached an 11-month high based on several indicators, including existing home sales and jobless claims.

-- CNBC reports that more than two-thirds of chief financial officers in North America expect President Trump will be reelected in 2020. About 65 percent of the CFOs surveyed said the economy will not experience a recession in 2020. And a majority of them said current interest rate levels are “appropriate.”

CRIME PREVENTION FOR REALTORS® - Learn the strategies and
techniques that will help keep you safe.

Tuesday | September 17
South PSAR | 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Crime Prevention Specialist Angela Gaines has two decades of working in law Enforcement, first with the Lemon Grove Sheriff station , and for the last 13 years with the Chula Vista Police Department. Training will be fun and interactive.

Free Workshop Will Cover

Parking lot & vehicle safety tips
Safety strategies
Tricks to remain aware 
Learn to trust your gut Instinct
Personal security devices

Here’s news about another recent PSAR success: Once again, PSAR leadership has made a significant contribution that will result in additional housing availability and improved affordability for the San Diego real estate market.

Over the past two years, PSAR has been working closely with the City of San Diego on rules and regulations relating to what’s called “Companion Units.” While other governmental agencies call them “granny flats” or “accessory dwelling units” (ADUs), the City of San Diego calls them companion units.

Companion units, typically smaller than standard homes, are second units built on the same lot as an existing single-family home. Often, these secondary units are constructed in backyards or above garages of single-family residences. They can be used by family members or rented to seniors, students or others and can provide a source of income for homeowners. PSAR is in support of property owners expanding the use of their property as a way to address the region’s housing supply and affordability crisis.

PSAR’s participation with the City of San Diego recently culminated with the city's publication of the “Companion Unit Handbook,” a 38-page booklet that serves as a helpful guide to homeowners seeking to construct a companion unit on their property.  The handbook can be accessed here, CLICK HERE.

The handbook includes information on zoning, including setbacks and parking, companion unit design and construction, permitting requirements, funding options and additional resources. The handbook answers many popular questions relating to companion units, including: what is a companion unit and where is it allowed; what are the best sources for design of a companion unit; how does one make sure they’re well prepared; ideas and inspiration for the design of a companion unit; the construction and budgeting process; costs, timing and financial sources; impact on your property taxes; what is needed for permitting and occupancy.  

“It hasn’t been easy to make progress over the past two years, but it’s been very rewarding,” said Rafael Perez, PSAR REALTOR® member who has been leading the PSAR efforts with the City of San Diego.

“From the beginning, we brought a REALTORS® perspective to the table,” Perez said. “At first, some of the people at the city had not considered how companion units could change how homebuyers view their future purchase or how existing homeowners could increase their equity. So, we were able to help shape the regulations to benefit the city and homeowners and buyers.”

PSAR’s name appears on the cover of the city’s “Companion Unit Handbook” as a contributor to the publication, along with the San Diego Housing Federation and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). PSAR’s name also is appearing in a press release announcing the availability of the handbook that is being distributed by San Diego City Council member Scott Sherman.

“Personally speaking, I have been very grateful to receive input from PSAR,” said Sherman. “PSAR members have direct experience at helping their clients with companion units. So, it made sense to follow their advice in the writing of the handbook as we continue to seek workable, common sense solutions to fixing the housing crisis.”

Sherman agreed the handbook will serve as a helpful guide to help homeowners better navigate the process of construction a companion unit on their property.

“The design and construction of a companion unit is a step-by-step process. And, success often depends on preparation and a solid understanding of the process,” said Sherman. “For anyone who is considering building or adding a companion unit on a property, this handbook will be very helpful.”

Sherman added, “In a region where average rent is nearly $1,800 a month and the median price of a home is over $500,000, renters are actively seeking alternative options for affordable rent. In addition, homeowners are seeking alternative options in order to offset the cost of a home mortgage. Companion units can provide an immediate solution to the region’s housing supply crisis.”

Perez said, “Unfortunately, limited housing supply paired with limited construction of affordable for-sale housing units has put a severe strain on lower and middle class families. The ‘missing-middle’ forces families seeking the American Dream to make tough decisions to live on tight budgets or move out of the region. Making it easier to build companion units will help create options for more affordable homeownership as well as increase the supply of affordable housing units in our region.”

Granny flats, or companion units, represent perhaps the easiest and quickest way to provide additional affordable housing options to local residents. When it comes to housing that will help all of San Diego, PSAR is in favor of making the rules more streamlined and cutting through the thick red tape of processing the construction of new smaller rental units.

Current state regulations allow granny flats up to 1,200 square feet in size. They can be attached to, or built separate from, full-sized homes on the same parcel, and include kitchens, bathrooms, living areas and private entrances. They cannot be sold as individual homes, but they can be rented out by homeowners or used to provide additional living space for family members, friends, students, the elderly, the disabled, or in-home health care providers. Properties must meet all zoning requirements, such as setbacks that meet fire safety and building codes.

PSAR previously assisted the County of San Diego and the cities of Chula Vista and La Mesa with the creation and formation of ADU regulations.

PSAR members worked closely with the City of Chula Vista to reduce ADU fees and streamline their regulations. In the East County, following input from PSAR, La Mesa’s set of regulations for granny flats will, in some cases, enable the city to provide more options than do state requirements.

Meanwhile, at a County Board of Supervisors meeting held earlier this year, the Supervisors were considering a modification to their ADU code to require owner occupancy for an additional building on a lot, which PSAR recommended against. Fortunately, the Supervisors decided to remove the owner-occupancy requirement following PSAR testimony from Tracy Morgan Hollingworth, PSAR’s Government Affairs Director.

“I don’t know of any other local real estate organization that has given their support to these local jurisdictions like PSAR has,” said Robert Calloway, 2019 PSAR President. ”I’m very proud that these government bodies have turned to PSAR for assistance and agreed with our recommendations.”

The new SentriKeyTM Real Estate app is now available, and we think you're going to love it!

The app is an updated version of the SentriSmart® mobile app and it features a new look, clearer prompts, and an action-based layout so you can perform key tasks in just seconds. You can download it now at Google Play or the App Store, or just go to the new icon on your phone to get started if your device is set for automatic updates.   Now, with just a few clicks in the app, you can easily: Open the key compartment Remove the shackle Find, sort and review access reports Grant secure temporary access And much more! Android users will be delighted that the app features enhanced Bluetooth® technology to improve Android connectivity. Check out our webinar video that provides a quick overview of the new app and its enhanced features. You can also review our iOS User Guide or Android User Guide for more information. SentriLock just made your job easier with the SentriKey Real Estate app. And we think you’re going to love it!

Legislative advocacy remains a top priority at PSAR. Association leaders are active in empowering REALTORS® to make a difference by advocating with legislators and government officials in support of private property rights, economic prosperity, property investment and homeownership.

When REALTORS® and affiliates speak in solidarity with one voice and work together with elected officials, then powerful alliances and strong communities can be formed resulting in a vibrant business environment and success in a free enterprise system.

Recently, several PSAR members went to Washington, D.C. to join thousands of other real estate professionals for the National Association of REALTORS® Mid-Year Legislative Meetings and Trade Expo. In his opening address, NAR President John Smaby told attendees that thousands of REALTORS® showing up at the nation’s capital sends a powerful message to politicians. “We mean business,” Smaby said. “Our business is not Republican. It’s not Democrat. My friends, we are the REALTOR® Party,” referring to NAR’s lobbying arm. Attendees cheered and applauded.

NAR is the single largest real estate trade group in the U.S., with nearly 1.3 million members, and widely considered one of the most effective advocacy organizations in the country. It is the second largest organization in terms of lobbying spending, behind the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. During the recent 2018 midterm elections, NAR poured $14.4 million into supporting 10 candidates, including six Republicans and four Democrats.

Among PSAR members who made the trip: Robert Calloway, 2019 President; Robert Cromer, 2019 president-elect; Bob Olivieri past president and Federal Political Coordinator and Nikki Coppa, past president; and, Richard D’Ascoli, CEO. Nikki also serves as a NAR Director appointed by PSAR, as well as 2019 Vice Chair of the NAR Risk Management Issues Committee.

Activities on the trip included meeting with San Diego members of Congress, including Duncan D. Hunter (R-50th,) Juan Vargas (D-51st), Susan Davis (D-53rd), Scott Peters (D-52nd) and Mike Levin (D-49th), as well as listening to President Trump, who became the first sitting U.S. President to speak live at the NAR event since George W. Bush in 2005.

“The congressmen were very open and receptive to the issues we brought to them,” said Robert Calloway. “They were knowledgeable about the things we were talking about. It was good to have a dialogue with them.”

Robert and Nikki also heard Mr. Trump’s speech. “The President is a real estate guy who understands our business,” said Robert. “He knows about over-burdensome regulations that can hinder land development and the bureaucracy that prohibits us from moving forward with addressing the housing shortage.”

“It was incredible to see the change and preparation necessary to have a live event featuring the President of the United States,” said Nikki. “One thing that really stuck with me was his comment about how special REALTORS® are.” Nikki said she was impressed with the President’s comments about the trustworthiness of REALTORS®.

According to a White House transcript of the speech, Mr. Trump said, “In what business do you have where you’re selling your home, and you leave the key under the mat so the broker can take anybody they want, even though you’re going to be away for three weeks, right? How many people trust people? You would only trust a great realtor to do that, right?”

During the roughly one-hour speech, Mr. Trump announced the end of steel and aluminum tariffs imposed on Mexico and Canada and discussed a wide range of issues including tax reform, regulation cuts, opportunity zones and unemployment.

Mr. Trump also said, “I’m honored to be here with the hardworking men and women who help millions of families live the American dream. You have some tremendously talented people in this room. I know this business well. I love this business. It’s in your blood. And, you have people who can do a job that very few people can do.

“When a young family needs to grow, when a new job sparks a new adventure in a brand, new beautiful city, when parents want to find the right neighborhood and schools for their children, Americans put our trust in you, our great REALTORS®. And that’s true.

“Home is where our hearts are. And all of you, as Americans, you find a home for the ones that you love the most. So, today, I want to thank all of you. This is a time of extraordinary opportunity for our country, And, as I said, I think our country is doing better now than we’ve ever done before, as an economy. And I think it’s going to get even better.”

NAR's invitation to speak, did not mean the real estate trade group would be endorsing Trump’s re-election. NAR said it does not endorse presidential candidates or donate to presidential campaigns through its Realtors Political Action Committee (RPAC). NAR said it has had a longstanding practice of inviting sitting presidents to speak at its annual conferences and 10 have taken the trade group up on its offer.

Bob Olivieri said he was pleased that Congress extended the Federal Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) until Sept. 30 while he was there in Washington, D.C. While NFIP isn’t a household name, it’s often the only flood insurance available in a given market. That’s important, because if a property is in a 100-year floodplain, lenders will typically require flood insurance as part of the mortgage approval process. This isn’t just an issue for waterfront homes or homes in the direct path of hurricanes. Many homeowners in San Diego County who live near large storm drains or drainage channels are required to have flood insurance. More than 5 million homeowners in 22,000 communities nationwide rely on the NFIP to provide flood insurance.

“The one issue at the top of our list, the State and Local Tax Deduction (SALT), is supported by most of the U.S. representatives who we talked to,” said Bob. “The ideas being tossed around are doubling the present $10,000 deduction limit for married couples, raising it to $15,000, and doubling it for married couples or eliminating it all together, which is not probable. Also, we would like to see the SALT limit and deductible mortgage interest cap indexed to inflation. This has a lot of support and puts those limits in line with other limits in the tax code.”

Also, during the PSAR trip to Washington, D.C., the House passed by a vote of 236-173 the Equality Act, which would broaden the definition of protected classes to include sex, sexual orientation and gender identity to characteristics protected by the 1964 Civil Rights Act. NAR was a strong advocate for this bill which strengthens fair housing.