California NAR Directors Issues Briefing
San Diego, CA
Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel
Douglas Pavilion A, Ground Level
Thursday, November 12, 2009
9:30 AM– 11:00 AM

Presiding:
Don Faught, C.A.R. Federal Issues Chair

Staff:
Matt Roberts, Federal Government Affairs Manager

I. Welcome: James Liptak, C.A.R. President

II. Issues to Come Before the BOD

A. Code of Ethics Amendment (Text of Amendment A)
This amendment was reviewed by the Directors at the 2009 Midyear meeting in D.C. and the BOD voted to recommend approval of the amendment by the Delegate Body.  The amendment now comes before the Delegate Body for consideration.

In summary the amendment will add another specified real estate discipline to those already listed in the Article; “land brokerage.”

B. NAR Constitution (Text of Amendment B-D, Text of Amendment E, Text of Amendment F)
The Leadership Team approved amendments to the campaign and election process, as proposed by the Nominating Committee.  The intent of the proposed amendments is to further clarify the process that was approved by the BOD in November 2008. 

NAR will be holding a Campaign & Elections Guideline Forum at the Conference to explain the changes and answer questions.  It will be on Friday, November 13th, from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm in the Manchester Grand Hyatt, Manchester Ballroom A.

A proposed amendment to Exhibit E, Article V, would add the Past President twice removed to the composition of the Executive Committee.

An amendment to Exhibit F, Article VI, Powers and Duties of Leadership, is intended to clarify the responsibility of the treasurer and the comptroller in accordance with current practices.

C. RPIC Strategic Plan
A workgroup of RPIC and key political leaders was appointed in February 2009.  That group has created a plan that covers six key areas and provides a number of steps to help increase and enhance member participation in NAR’s legislative efforts.  Upon passage, a number of smaller committee and informal work groups will begin implementing the plan.

III. NAR Policy Issues: Don Faught

A. GSE Restructuring PAG
(Conventional Finance and Lending Committee, and Other Policy Committees)
The future of the GSEs may be the single most important issue in real estate going into 2010.  Now that Fannie and Freddie have regained their market share and dominate the mortgage market again, what is to become of these two giants will be of great importance.  NAR has created a Presidential Advisory Group that is expected to submit recommendations to leadership at this meeting. 

B. FHA Anti-Flipping Rule
(Federal Housing Policy Committee)
At C.A.R.’s October business meetings, C.A.R. took the following position. “That C.A.R., in conjunction with NAR, ‘SUPPORT’ the elimination of the FHA 90-day anti-flipping rule, and that C.A.R. write and publish a letter to the FHA Commissioner in opposition to the FHA 90-day anti-flipping rule.”  NAR has placed the issue on the Federal Housing Policy Committee Agenda for discussion.  C.A.R. directors on this committee are encouraged to advocate for C.A.R.’s position and ask for NAR’s assistance in overturning the FHA 90-day anti-flipping rule.

C. VA Loan Requirements
(Federal Housing Policy Committee)
At C.A.R’s October business meetings, C.A.R. took the following position.  “That C.A.R., in conjunction with NAR, seek to eliminate the mandatory VA pest certification and mandatory seller fees.”  While this issue is not on the agenda for the Federal Housing Policy Committee, a loan specialist from the Department of Veteran Affairs will be at the committee meeting.  C.A.R. directors on this committee are encouraged to raise this issue for discussion with the guest speaker and fellow REALTORS® from other states. 

B. Heath Care
(Business Issues Committee, and Federal Taxation Committee)
NAR Continues to work on providing health care for its members through legislative efforts.  The House and Senate both have multiple proposals, and none would appear to have final language prior to this agenda’s posting.  NAR will give an update in these committees on where this issue is. 

C. Climate Control Legislation
(Land Use, Property Rights and Environment Committee)
The House has passed a climate control bill that will impact real estate across the country.  Thanks to the grass roots efforts of our members, this legislation no longer contains mandatory labeling for existing properties.  In addition, there are no retrofit requirements contrary to internet rumors.  The Senate has introduced their version of the bill which will be discussed in the Land Use Committee.  The Senate is not likely to pass this bill prior to the end of the year due to other priorities and time running out.

D. Consumer Finance Protection Agency
(Business Issues Committee, and Conventional Finance and Lending Committee)
Chairman Barney Frank (D-MA) has introduced a bill creating a new agency that would be in charge of regulation and oversight of consumer protection for financial products.  Thanks to amendments supported by REALTORS®, this legislation will not give oversight of real estate brokers and/or agents to the new CFPA, instead that authority would stay with the states.

E. Housing Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation
(Equal Opportunity Cultural Diversity Committee)
The Wisconsin REALTORS® Association requests that NAR adopt policy supporting equal opportunity in housing based on sexual orientation, as well as to change the NAR Code of Ethics to incorporate an ethical obligation to provide equal services on the basis of sexual orientation. The request regarding the Code of Ethics is being considered by the Professional Standards Committee. The Equal Opportunity Cultural Diversity Committee will consider the policy request.

F. Statement of International Public Policy
(International Operations Committee)
The IOC will be considering two motions in conjunction with a revised Statement of International Public Policy.

First, the committee may propose that NAR support raising the priority of housing and urban programs within the Administration’s U.S. foreign assistance program.

Second, the committee may recommend that NAR support the allocation of approved U.S. foreign assistance for efforts designed to help develop private real property markets around the world.

IV. New Business

V. Adjournment