Membership value is often measured in the cost saving benefits you receive as Realtor® member, including hundreds of partner discounts on items ranging from office supplies to professional services, web design, marketing and even savings on certain vehicles! But one of the most valuable benefits Realtors® receive is ADVOCACY!
Every day, your state and national association work to provide a voice for you on issues key to your success and to protecting the dream of homeownership. Our dedicated teams monitor potential legislation and work with lawmakers to safeguard your business and to create legislation that keeps your business viable and sustainable!
Home affordability in Vermont is key to your success and important to Vermonters.
Relocation Expenses: The law may include closing costs for a primary residence
New Remote Workers: Remote workers may be eligible for remote worker expenses up to $5k per year
$1.2 million is allocated to assist workers and families relocating to Vermont under the New Worker Relocation Incentive Program.
More opportunities for Vermonters
More market share for you!
VAR worked with Vermont lawmakers on measures to expand broadband to un-served and under-served areas of Vermont
Better service for Vermonters
More business for you!
Energy labeling has the potential to impact a homeowner's ability to sell their home.
80 percent of Vermont homes are over 40 years old.
VAR was instrumental in the recent passage of an energy labeling and weatherization bill that increases funding for weatherization of existing homes and expands the pool of qualified applicants to include those of moderate, not just low income.
VAR is part of a work group to study energy labeling and benchmarking for residential and commercial properties. Your advocacy team is working to safeguard against unreasonable labeling and benchmarking that could have an impact on the housing market and you ability to sell homes.
DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE
VAR worked with lawmakers on the Tax Credit Affordable Housing; Down Payment Program to help Vermonters who may not otherwise be able to afford to purchase a home.
The program includes $425k in total first-year credit allocations for owner-occupied unit financing or down payment loans or grants, including construction and manufactured housing ($2.1 million over any given 5-year period.)
Rest assured, your interests are well represented in Vermont’s statehouse throughout the legislative session and beyond, with involvement in working groups, committees and task forces that continue to shape legislative decision-making.
Your voice is also heard on a national level on issues before the U.S. Congress. VAR’s Federal Political Coordinator team works with Vermont’s congressional delegation to make sure your interests are protected on a national level.
VAR works in partnership with the National Association of REALTORS on key homeownership issues, including:
FLOOD INSURANCEAdvocating for long-term reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that includes meaningful reforms for Vermonters.
FANNIE & FREDDIE REFORMAccess to credit is critical to your clients. VAR is advocating for affordable mortgage credit for middle income Vermonters.
