My First Day on the Hill: Santa Clarita Realtor on Legislative Day in Sacramento, CA

(June 4, 2008) My first day on Capitol Hill! I have to be honest, I loved it! One person can make a difference and I happen to be part of the 2000+ Realtors that spent a day visiting with California Legislators to discuss the Hot Topics that affect property rights and the real estate industry - today.

Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDMQGfYQI68

First thing Wednesday Morning, I took the 'commuter' flight from Burbank Airport. I shared the flight with a Fourth Grade Class Trip, SRAR teammates and Cameron Smyth--Santa Clarita's own Assemblyman!

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Upon arrival the convention center was filled. The registration and preparation... We got an overview of the government process and a chance to see how the California Association of Realtors is working on behalf of Realtors all over the state on education, benefits and technology to bring the public a quality service.





Hot Issues shared on JUNE 4, 2008
<1> AB2678 Point-of-Sale Energy Audits - Oppose. CAR supports being compliant with Environmental Audit Requirements for both residential and commercial property, but to tie this requirement to occur at point-of-sale is not as efficient as other proposals. (see note at the bottom of the entry - Yay Us!)

<2> AB1055 Forgiveness of "Phantom" Income - Support if Amended. Currently, this is for 2 years, we are requested to make the timeframe match the Federal which is 3 years.

<3> AB1448 Licensing Fines - Support
Increase fines for unlicensed Real Estate Practitioners to give some teeth to discourage illegal dealings.

There are over 5000 bills introduced this year, CAR works hard in Sacramento to keep an eye out for items that will affect property ownership rights and the Real Estate Industry. Please contact your local board of Realtors and support the Action Fund or CLICK HERE --> http://www.car.org/index.php?id=MzM0Mjk=



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Then it was off to lunch! We went to Masons on 15th Street. This was a perfect restaurant for the occasion. Modern, flavorful - and that was just the entrance and bar area! A great modern restaurant, gracious service and surprisingly ample portions and awesome ice tea! ... Between you and me... I have to admit, when I saw the loft-style ceiling reminiscent of SOHO upitiness and the well-put together server uniform (black clothes wrapped in a functional yet oddly appealing long olive apron) I was thinking to myself if after the meal I could somehow grab a burger on the way back to our meeting without being noticed and if I did, would I get mustard on my jacket. :-) ... but GOOD NEWS!... I not only did not need any additional munchies, I was set until the reception... I had the salmon, the season fries and did I mention the ice tea! Check them both out online....
Masons Restaurant: http://www.theparkdowntown.com/page.php?url=masonsabout The tea: Tropic Star Tropical blend: http://www.peerlesscoffee.com/ **
A quick huddle of the team and then it was off to the hill!


Okay - I walked past the Arnold Schwarzenegger office of and couldn't resist a "Where's Waldo"-shot. .... take your time, do you see me now? :-)


Once we navigated the hallways and found each of our destinations, the gracious staff and legislators met with Realtors to listen and discuss the Realtor Hot Issues! We saw Senator Runners office Staff, Assemblyman Mike Feuer, and Santa Clarita's own Assemblyman Cameron Smyth!
After a productive afternoon 'on the Hill' it was a time for.... The Realtor Reception! CAR hosted Realtors from all over the state. I met Realtors from Simi Valley, San Diego, and Bakersfield! In addition legislators and staff also attended.

The flight home was relaxing. We did good work and what an experience! Surprising to me was how natural the whole day went. Even the commuter flight round trip seemed easier than commuting to downtown LA. Knowing that we are part of a process is enlightening. I am a Realtor. I am 170,000 members strong in the State of California. My clients and fellow Realtors share in that strength, that quality of product and service to the community. I hope to be blessed to attend again. It is a significant event as a yearly reminder to all of government that Realtors communicate with each property owner and will protect property rights and ensure the quality of service for the Real Estate industry.

REALTOR RESULTS
(June 14, 2008) per the CAR Red Alert! "After thousands of REALTORS® called their legislators in opposition to the bill and thousands more lobbied against the bill in person last week at Legislative Day, the bill's author amended AB 2678 to remove the point-of-sale requirement. The bill was further amended at C.A.R.'s request, to ensure that energy audits or improvements are not required as a condition of sale. With these changes, C.A.R. SUPPORTS AB 2678. This is a BIG WIN for REALTORS® and their clients." Okay... WOOHOOO!!!!

Thank you for your continued support. Enjoy and Have a great day!
-Leah Pollack Your Real Estate Investing Resource
http://www.eliteprosre.com/
http://www.leahpollack.com/