Yesterday, March 25, 2009 was bus-in day for Iowa Realtors.  It was a long day but worth the trip.  I went representing Sioux City and we had 18 that attended.  We boarded a bus at 7:15 and got on the road about 7:30.  We stopped and picked up 4 more in Webster City.  Arrived in Des Moines about noon and dropped off at the convention center for lunch and speakers.

The key speaker was John Tuccillo the former Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors.  He is considered one of the foremost real estate economists in the nation.  It was a good speech with a reality check but backed up with optimism.  We also were briefed on the issues by Jennifer Kingland and she answered a few questions before we headed out to the Hill.

The Issues:

Private Cause of Action:

The IAR supports amending H712 and S178 file - There are several groups that are exempt from being sued as written, such as, lawyers, insurance companies, doctors and many others.  Real estate licenses are not currently exempt and the IAR is working on an amendment to include real estate licenses to be exempt.  Talking with Representative Chris Rants said why not just get rid of this legislation altogether.

Lead Base Paint:

The IAR opposes S213 and H448 file - this requires testing and abatement of lead hazards in residential dwellings constructed prior to 1978.  There is an estimate that there are 1,000,000 residential dwellings built before 1978 that would fall into this required inspection and abatement before selling.  This will create a significant burden on Iowan homeowners.  There was a mutual agreement that this is a health issue and a concern but feel this is not the answer to solve this problem.

Local Option Taxes and Impact Fees:

The IAR opposes Senate Study Bill 1308 - this allows new taxes and fees from entertainment tax, cigarette tax and income tax.  Not all of the tax revenue will go toward property tax relief.  The IAR feels this will not solve the problems with escalating property taxes.

Other issues - Property Assessment Appeals Board, Homestead Property Tax Credit and Real Estate Transfer Taxes.

To get more information, click here.  Check out Hill Notes.

Another good website for Realtors and homeowners is Iowa Property Owners Alliance. This will keep you informed on issues affecting your Iowa property ownership rights, and gives you a voice to contact your local and state policymakers.  Become a member and let your clients know about this site. 

For the Iowa Property Owners Alliance website, click here. 

For those that did not attend you missed a great day.  I plan on going next year and I encourage others to do the same.  For those in other states that do a function like this go!  If your state Realtor association does not do this maybe it's time to get organized and plan a visit to your Capital.

Thanks for reading.