Monday, November 14, 2011

Florida’s 2012 NAR President outlines agenda

Posted for www.miamiforrussian.com

Florida’s 2012 NAR President outlines agenda

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Nov. 14, 2011 – The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) will not waiver in its commitment to ensure access to homeownership, affordable housing and commercial investment, says Maurice “Moe” Veissi, 2012 NAR president and, almost 10 years ago, 2002 president of Florida Realtors. Veissi shared his perspective and insights into some key issues facing the real estate industry next year during the 2011 Realtors® Conference & Expo today.

“It’s a difficult time in many ways for real estate; some would go as far to say that homeownership itself is under attack,” said Veissi, broker-owner of Veissi & Associates Inc., in Miami. “With that said, challenging times often present opportunities, and I believe NAR and our Realtor members are ready and able to meet and overcome the obstacles ahead.”

As Realtors gathered in Anaheim, Congress debated whether to reinstate higher conforming loan limits, and change NAR has been promoting.

“We’re working on behalf of homebuyers and sellers across the country who have been affected by the reduced loan limits,” said Veissi. “Some have tried to portray higher loan limits as benefiting the wealthy, but the fact is that most affected markets are not high-cost areas. More than 100 counties throughout the Midwest and more than 200 counties in the South have seen loan limits decline by more than $64,000.”

As the Nov. 23 deadline for Congress’ Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, or “Super Committee,” approaches, Realtors also stand ready to defend and support the mortgage interest deduction as an important tax benefit of homeownership and an incentive for home sales.

“This is another issue that affects hard-working, middle-class Americans,” said Veissi. “Sixty-five percent of families who claim the MID earn less than $100,000 per year.”

Veissi is confident that Realtors will engage and meet the challenges facing the real estate industry during his year as NAR president.

“I believe Realtors are at the heart of the deal – so much so that I’ve made it my theme for the year,” said Veissi. “Homebuyers, sellers and real estate investors rely on Realtors as a primary source for real estate information and guidance. And in today’s climate, Realtors can also be relied upon to fight for, and defend, consumers’ rights and opportunities to buy, sell and own real estate.”

© 2011 Florida Realtors®

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