ADVOCACY

We're Making an Impact

Decisions made in Montpelier and in communities across Vermont have a direct impact on real estate, housing, property rights, economic opportunity, and the ability of Vermonters to find a place to call home.

That’s why REALTOR® advocacy matters.

The Vermont Association of REALTORS® (VAR) brings the collective voice of more than 2,100 REALTORS® to the issues shaping Vermont’s future. By working together, we ensure policymakers understand how their decisions impact the real estate market, property owners, communities, and the clients our members serve every day.

Our impact goes beyond the transaction. We advocate for policies that expand housing opportunities, protect private property rights, support a strong and vibrant real estate market, and strengthen Vermont’s communities and economy.

Through legislative advocacy, grassroots engagement, political involvement, and strong partnerships, VAR gives REALTORS® a powerful voice and turns that voice into meaningful impact for Vermont.

PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS

Advocacy: A Powerful Member Asset

Your membership puts advocacy to work for you. In 2026, VAR reviewed more than 1,000 bills introduced during the legislative session, identifying potential impacts on real estate and closely monitoring key legislation affecting your business, your clients, and property ownership. Beyond tracking legislation, we testify on critical bills and serve on committees, task forces, and workgroups throughout the year to help shape policy. By building strong relationships with lawmakers and key leaders, your advocacy team ensures the REALTOR® voice is heard where decisions are made.

900 +

Bills introduced in the
Vermont House in 2026

280 +

Bills introduced in the
Vermont Senate in 2026

VAR 2026

Legislative Wins

Week 1: January 13, 2026 – READ

Week 2: January 19, 2026 – READ

Week 3: January 26, 2026 – READ

Week 4: February 3, 2026 – READ

Week 5: February 10, 2026 – READ

Week 6: February 17, 2026 – READ

Week 7: February 23, 2026 – READ

Week 8: March 2, 2026 – READ

Week 9: March 9, 2026 – READ

Week 10: March 17, 2026 – READ

Week 11: March 24, 2026 – READ

Week 12: March 31, 2026 – READ

Week 13: April 8, 2026 – READ

Week 14: April 13, 2026 – READ

Week 15: April 21, 2026 – READ

Week 16: April 28, 2026 – READ

Week 17: May 12, 2026 – READ

Week 18: May 19, 2026 – READ

H.70

Supported adding current-use properties to the Conserved Land Inventory.

S.328

Supported housing initiatives to increase Vermont's housing stock and improve affordability.

H.772

Supported initial Landlord Tenant legislation, then opposed the final version of the bill
(bill failed to pass).

S.325

Supported repeal of Act 250 road rule and Tier 3 rule-making.

H.607

Opposed institutional investor legislation.

H.645

Opposed additional regulation of real estate agents to verify seller identity.

H.955

On second home tax classification and regional assessment districts.

Legislative Priorities

Throughout the 2026 Legislative session, VAR turned advocacy into action with legislative wins that protect REALTORS®, property owners, and Vermont communities.

RPAC

Investing in RPAC helps strengthen the REALTOR® voice and helping shape policies that protect your business, your clients, and the dream of homeownership.

VAR Advocacy Team

VAR’s advocacy team works at every level, from guiding state policy through the Government Affairs Committee to building relationships with Vermont’s Congressional Delegation through our Federal Political Coordinators.

National Impact

Your voice reaches far beyond Vermont. We work alongside NAR to advance federal policies that protect homeownership, private property rights, housing opportunity, and your business.