I am outlining below the positions that I believe are important for the citizens of Maryland to keep in mind when considering candidates for elected office. The Public Policy Statements here were developed by the Southern Maryland Association of Realtors (SMAR), but are essentially the same as those you will find at the Maryland Association of Realtors (MAR). Both of these organizations work on legislative issues dealing with State-wide and County laws and regulations. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) also does the same thing, but concentrates mainly on Federal laws regarding property rights. I am members of all three organizations. The other thing that I do is serve as Chair of our Public Awareness Committee. The job of that Committee is to get the message out to those whom we serve ... the citizens of Maryland!
The members of the SMAR Legislative Committee developed a guiding philosophy on seven key issues that affect the communities where we work (primarily Charles County, Saint Marys County and Calvert County), but can also apply directly or indirectly to most other areas of Maryland. This guiding philosophy providees the foundation for the background rationale and position statements that were promulgated during an open process of Committee dialogue, debate, and finally, consensus of opinion. This information is to be viewed as dynamic and one intented to change, grow, and develop in sync with our mission as well as our community and business environments. The SMAR Public
Policy Even though these Public Policy Statements were written by and designed for Southern Maryland (Calvert, Charles and Saint Marys Counties), the general principals apply to all areas of Maryland in at least some ways. I will be making adjustments and additions for other local areas as I become aware of specific information. Realtors are dedicated, within the framework of a democratic free enterprise system to support and protect property rights and to place home ownership within reach of all who desire it. The widespread ownership of real property positively impacts neighborhoods, communities, and ... Maryland's economic stability. Realtors support growth policies which encourage new and diverse housing opportunities, economic development and the necessary education, transportation, and communications infrastructure, while protecting the quality of life that has made ... Maryland a desirable place to live. Realtors are committed to the proposition that all persons, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, familial status, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status have a right to own real property. The "dream of homeownership" should be an achievable goal that is affordable to all Realtors support Fair Housing law. We believe equal opportunity in housing can best be achieved not only thorugh observance of the law but through education, and mutual cooperation of the real estate industry and the public in a free and open housing market. Realtors believe that the costs of government should be paid from the appropriation of broad-based general tax revenues. Realtors support generation of braod-based general tax revenues to meet the cost of necesasry government services to provide for individual and community needs which cannot be provided by individuals or private organizations. Realtors oppose imposition of narrow-focused fees and taxes such as impact fees, excise taxes, real estate transaction taxes, department-generated user fees, and other "hidden taxes" that increase the cost of housing and reduce opportunities for home ownership. Background Since 2000, the Maryland Association of Realtors (MAR) has calculated a Housing Affordability Index (HAI) for first-time homebuyers. An index of 100 indicates that a first-time homebuyer has the income necessary to purchase a typical starter home with a 5% down payment. In January 2007, the HAI was 45.7, indicating that first-time homebuyers in Maryland earn less than half of the income necessary to affort a starter home. At is highest level in 2001 the HAI was 80.1 and even then, Maryland first-time homebuyers still lacked 20% of the income necessary to purchase their first home. Median household incomes in the region are not sufficient to afford the average priced home in Southern Maryland. As an example, the median household income in Charles County in 2007 is $62,199. The price range for a homebuyer at this income level with a 5% down payment is less than $200,000. In April 2007, there were just 19 homes listed on MRIS for sale in Charles County that were priced under $200,000. The average sale price for a home in Chalres County in April 2007 was $350,516. Many sectors of the workforce, such as new teachers and public safety officers find it extremely difficult to find decent, affordable housing in a market where home prices are out of their range and the supply of rental housing is minimal Realtors Position
Background Economic growth and development is critical to the long-term health and vibrancy of Southern Maryland (and the entire State of Maryland). A diversity of economic activity will create jobs and ensure the future growth of ... Maryland. The ... Boards of County Commissioners (or other governing bodies in each County) must consistently pursue policies which will attract the economic opportunities necessary to expand our tax base, provide housing choices and employment, and deliver necessary services. Realtors are committed to the proposition that economic growth can take place while simultaneously protecting property rights, the environment and the integrity of a county's comprehensive plan. Developers include public amenities as a matter of course in building new projects. Imposing impact fees unfairly shifts the burden of financing public facilities used by the public at-large, to one segment of the community. In addition, these fees are passed on to homebuyers, forcing them to pay twice for public facilities -- first through increased home prices, and then through taxes. Realtors Position
Background The State of Maryland imposes some of the highest closing costs in the nation. Maryland ranks 5th highest in the nation for total transfer tax burden. This burden is very similar to the Northeast and New England regions, where the states are traditionally viewed as "high tax." See Flick, F., The contribution of Real Estate to the Maryland Economy, August 2005. High closing costs discourage housing opportunities for first-time homebuyers and others from making their home in our community. As a result, Southern Maryland loses the opportunity to attract new business investment to respond to the increased demand for goods and services. Charles, Saint Marys and Calvert Counties need to attract and retain the talents of people who can expand their tax bases. Reducing closing costs will eliminate a major hurdle faced by homebuyers and will make Southern Maryland more competitive vis a vis surrounding jursdictions. New homeowners stimulate demand for new goods and services, thereby fueling economic expansion. Realtors Position
Background Economic vitality is critical to sustaining Southern Maryland. A healthy housing market builds strong communities, enhances the tax base, and creates new employment opportunities. The imposition of impact fees and development excise taxes discourages new businesses from locating in Southern Maryland, existing businesses from expanding here, and inflates the cost of housing. New development ultimately increases the region's tax base, which pays for additional public services required by the growth, therefore paying for itself. The requirment of additional initial outlays by developers is passed on to buyers. This limits housing affordability and increases the cost of housing. Impact fees and development excise taxes place the burden for funding public facilities on only one industry; however, the entire county benefits from these improvements. Good public policy allocates the financial responsibility for public facilities equitably. For example, approximately half of new students entering the public school systems live in existing homes, yet an excise tax affects only the buyer of a newly constructed home. Impact fees, excise, sales, and property taxes are imposed on building materials for home construction and lot development. The builder passes these costs on to the homebuyer. This further increases the cost of housing. Realtors Position
Background Expansion of our capacity to transport people represents an important investment in the future growth of our economic and the community-at-large in Southern Maryland. By investing in roads and public transportation, the quality of life is maintained and enhanced and economic potential is increased with the ability to move people efficiently to shopping, work and schools. The failure of transpoirtation systems to meet the ever-growing demands placed on it has reached a critical point. Failure to make improvements to the transportation system inhibits economic growth. Realtors Position
Background Probably no single factor other than cost discourages home purchases in a community more than the real or perceived poor quality of education and educational infrastructure. Striving for an excellent public education system throughout Southern Maryland public schools is critical to the continued economic growth and prosperity of the region. Realtors Position
As I mentioned above, this material is provided by the Southern Maryland Association of Realtors. Much of it, though, applies to all areas of Maryland. I encourage you to consider these Public Policy Statments when you consider the candidates that you will support. Ask them the tough questions! We will continue our work in partnership with the State, County and local governing bodies and are here to help you!
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