The Real Deal
Housing program serves as blueprint
The National Association of Realtors recently unveiled a new housing opportunity program designed to promote and improve the availability and affordability of housing in response to the current housing needs crisis facing communities across the country.
"National Association of Realtors has an obligation to position itself as the catalyst in promoting ideas and solutions on housing availability," said National Association of Realtors President Martin Edwards Jr. "Housing affordability in the rental, sales and development areas remains a serious issue in communities throughout the nation.
"We have created a program that will serve as a blueprint for our Realtors to become leaders in identifying, developing, advocating and promoting business opportunities, programs, products and resources that expand housing availability and ensure an adequate supply of housing opportunities in both the rental and homeownership sectors of the market for all."
The program, which includes six components, is structured around the recommendations of a special presidential advisory group appointed by Edwards earlier this year. The group found that the lack of available and affordable housing is reflected in several ways, including access to employment, education, a good environment and safe neighborhoods.
Lack of affordable housing also impacts all segments of the real estate market, including first-time purchasers, low-income, minorities, seniors, people with disabilities, renters and single-family buyers, as well as rental property owners and developers. The new program will officially kick off at the association's annual Conference and Trade Expo in November in New Orleans.
Components of the plan include research and data gathering activities; training and business development resources; coalition-building activities at the national, state and local levels; legislative, regulatory and programmatic advocacy activities; advocate programs that help stimulate affordable housing, improve access to all types of housing and close the homeownership gap; and communication activities.
"The housing opportunity crisis is one that is well-established and fed by an area's economic, demographic and regulatory characteristics," said Edwards. "Most disheartening is the fact that this is an issue that will not go away on its own. Without reasonable housing opportunities, families are stressed to the breaking point, neighborhoods decline, jobs go unfilled and the quality of life suffers for all of us."
"As Realtors, we are in the unique position to be the best advocates and educators for, and promoters of, real solutions to today's critical housing needs," he added. "This effort not only requires input and cooperation from us, but also from state and local governments, businesses, charitable organizations, lenders and home builders, just to name a few.
"Realtors can be the catalyst for change by making a commitment to address these issues--a commitment that makes good business sense and ensures protection for each of our stakes in tomorrow."
Information provided in this column is presented by the Realtor members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors at www.silvar.org. Send questions on any topic to jnewton@jnpr.com.
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Los Gatos, California Since 1881
