Submitted by Thurston County Realtors Association
Nearly 50 Realtor and affiliate members of the Thurston County Realtors Association (TCRA) joined about 500 Realtors from throughout the state of Washington on January 18, 2018 for Washington Realtors’ annual Legislative Day.
The Realtors met personally with their respective state legislators in the afternoon to discuss the Realtors’ legislative priorities for the 2018 Legislative Session.
The discussions with the state legislators who serve Thurston County centered around the residential and commercial real estate markets and how decisions made in Olympia impact home and property owners in their communities. Of chief concern for Thurston County Realtors is the county’s low housing inventory and the need for affordable housing choices to meet a growing demand.
The group also discussed regulations that directly affect both urban and rural housing supply, including the need for a remedy to the “Hirst decision”, a fix that the Legislature passed on the day of the Realtor visits. Realtors also brought attention to the impact of student loan debt on consumer purchase patterns and homebuying and they encouraged promotion of this year’s 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act that protects equal housing opportunities.
“In our profession, we are out serving people in our communities daily,” said Tonia DeBeaux of John L. Scott in Lacey, the current president of TCRA. “Realtors are one of the key groups that speak up for home and property owners and those who desire to be.”
Washington State Rep. Andrew Barkis, (District 2) expressed his appreciation for his meeting with the local group.
“It was great to see local Realtors engaged today here in Olympia,” said Rep. Barkis about the visit. “Realtors are at the forefront of working on Affordable Housing solutions!”
Thurston County Realtors have participated in the annual state Legislative Day for more than 25 years.
