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Tuesday, November 10th, 2009Dear C.A.R. Member:
The past few weeks have been very favorable for home buyers, our profession, and the real estate industry. President Obama on Friday signed a bill extending and expanding the federal tax credit for home buyers through April 30, 2010, and on Oct. 30 signed a resolution extending the current limits for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA loans through the end of next year.
These successes were a teaching moment for us all on the impact we can make in Washington when we unite behind a common cause. We called for action, and you delivered. California REALTORS® placed nearly 25,000 calls or e-mails to their congressional representatives, urging them to extend and expand the home buyer tax credit. Passage of legislation critical to our profession also underscored the importance of being politically involved, at the local, state, and national levels. It’s why I’ve been personally involved in our Association’s advocacy efforts for many years, and why I back up my commitment with an annual contribution to the REALTOR® Action Fund.
During challenging economic times, every level of government is on the hunt for additional revenues. Their sights often turn to our industry and the real estate transaction as an as-yet-untapped revenue stream. That’s why our involvement and political contributions are even more critical in the current fiscal atmosphere. If you aren’t now an active participant in the political process, I hope you’ll join me and give serious consideration to writing a check, making a call, or stepping up your involvement in some way. Your actions help ensure that your best interests are front and center in Sacramento and Washington.
On the transactional front, C.A.R. members have an opportunity next week to upgrade their existing WINForms® to the new zipForm® 6. The upgrade grants you access to new features and functionality not currently available with WINForms Online® or WINForms® Desktop. zipForm® 6 is available in both an online and desktop version. zipForm® 6 is compatible with Windows Vista and runs on either a PC or Mac. For free introductory webinar training, check out http://www.car.org/winforms/zipForm6/; more information will be available in the coming weeks on this exciting development.
November also marks the final weeks of my term as your president. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve this year. I had the opportunity to meet many of you as I traveled the state. The common thread among the brokers and agents I met, whether from larger offices or smaller independents, was their commitment to professionalism, to the industry, and to their clients. Your 2010 Leadership Team–2010 President Steve Goddard, President-elect Beth Peerce, and Treasurer Don Faught–assumes office at the conclusion of the NAR meetings in San Diego later this month. I wish them well, and leave you in good hands.
Sincerely,
James Liptak
2009 President
CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
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