Block Real Estate Services Represents at Capitol Hill at NAR

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) rallies its members to participate in policy reform with the REALTOR Party Convention and Trade Expo. This is an opportunity for Realtor professionals to meet with members of Congress to discuss issues critical to their businesses, clients and communities. I was one of 40 representing from the Kansas City area.

Why It's Important to Be Involved With Industry Issues 
We see immense value in having a seat at the table for discussions like this. Here are a few benefits in getting involved in discussions around government issues that affect your industry:

• Help shape the policies that guide your business practices 
• Gain valuable allies within your industry and within the government 
• Learn the intricacies of your industry 
• Represent your company 
• Bring knowledge back to your firm and market 
• Earn a reputation as an expert and leader in your industry 

Making It Count

To make the most out of my visit with members of Congress it was important to plan in advance, including studying current issues and market data. The issues I discussed in our meetings included:

• Potential Tax Reform (1031 exchanges carried Interest tax treatment, depreciation guidelines)
• GSE Reforms and their impact on apartment lending
• EB-5 Foreign Investment Program
• Dodd Frank and its impact on lending for commercial real estate
• Tax Incentives for energy efficient buildings

Advocating for these issues and others are important not only for our company, but for the CRE industry as a whole.

Contributor: 

Aaron Mesmer 
Acquisitions and Investment Sales
Block Real Estate Services 

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