Federal Issues

At the national level, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) is the most powerful voice in protecting private property rights and securing our industry. From issue briefs, talking points and letters to federal agencies, NAR has a wealth of resources to ensure the REALTOR® voice is heard by leaders in Washington.

NAR Washington Report

HOT TOPICS

Follow @NARGovtAffairs

Federal Political Coordinator program

Do you have a personal relationship with a member of Congress? If so, consider joining the NAR Federal Coordinator (FPC) program.

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State Issues

NC REALTORS® is the leading voice for the real estate in North Carolina. We are consistently engaged at the Legislative and Executive level on important policy issues affecting your business.

2018 NC REALTORS® Legislative Policy Statement (2018 edition)
2017 NC REALTORS® Legislative Priorities
Legislative Priorities Archive (Coming soon)
NC REALTORS® Serving in the General Assembly

Hot Topics

Featured Hot Topic: Drones and REALTORS®

Drones and REALTORS®

As technology has evolved, we are faced with new challenges as a result. One such piece of technology which has resulted in significant challenges are Unmanned Aerial Systems, or what are more commonly known as DRONES.

Drones present numerous opportunities for REALTORS® as a tool to present properties in new and innovative ways. But they are not without requirements. Below you will find more information about drone policy, the required federal registration process and the NEW state registration process.

Whether you are operating a drone for recreation or are interested in using it for commercial purposes, make sure you understand all of the rules and regulations.

This is a continually evolving issue so this page will be updated to reflect changes.

NAR Drone Information

The National Association of REALTORS® has developed a complete listing of information for REALTOR® regarding the laws and policies related to drones.

NAR recommends that its members comply with all federal, state and local laws governing the use of UAS technology. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is developing a regulatory framework that would integrate drones into the national airspace, while ensuring safety, privacy and national security. It is anticipated that the FAA will release a final rule in summer 2016 governing the operation and certification of small unmanned aircraft.

NAR participates in development of industry rule recommendations.

FAA Registration

As the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) works to develop a formal regulatory structure, they have implemented a registration process which is mandatory for all drone owners wishing to use their drone for either a commercial or recreational purpose.

For recreational use, the registration process is relatively simple. More information can be found here.

If you would like to use the drone for a commercial purpose, including taking pictures of properties for posting on an MLS, you will need to apply for a Section 333 Exemption. This is a much more involved process and requires a significant amount of documentation. The FAA has developed numerous resources to assist those interested in pursuing this type of certification. More information on this program can be found here.

In addition to the registration programs, the FAA, in partnership with trade groups has also developed a multi-faceted Know Before You Fly education program which has numerous videos and answers to all your drone questions. Visit www.knowbeforeyoufly.org for more information.

NC Registration

In addition to the federal registration program, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has also instituted a registration program for commercial and government drone operators.

Recreational operators are NOT required to register with NCDOT.

For more information about the NCDOT registration program, visit their website. There you will find permitting information, as well as state-specific rules and regulations. They also have a Knowledge Test to help you understand how to safely operate a drone.

What is being said?

What do I need to know about the FAA’s new drone rule? (NC REALTORS® Legal Q&A 8/30/16)
Window to the Law: FAA Issues Drone Rules (August 3, 2016)
Other real estate benefits of drone usage (REALTOR® Magazine, May 2016)
Drone usage in real estate poised to take off (March 28)
How Drones Are Transforming The Way You Shop for Real Estate (Fast Company, February 27)

Mortgage Interest and Property Tax Deduction
Private Road Maintenance Agreements
Development Policy
Insurance Reform
Private Process Servers
School Calendar
Sales Tax on Real Estate Services

Economic Development Funding
Workforce Housing Loan Program
Historic Preservation Tax Credit
Beach Nourishment
Section 1031 Like-Kind Exchange
Underground Storage Tanks

NC REALTORS Resources

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Archived Content

2015 Legislative Session

2015 Legislative Summary

2014 Legislative Session

2014 Legislative Summary

Local Government Affairs-Shared GAD image

Local Government Affairs and Shared GAD Program

As REALTORS® are an integral part of local communities across North Carolina, NC REALTORS® works with local associations to ensure we provide the tools necessary for success in local advocacy efforts.

NC REALTORS® Shared GAD Program

Local Associations: Do you want your association to improve relationships with community leaders? Need help checking the “Advocacy” boxes on Core Standards?

Then an NC REALTORS® Shared Government Affairs Director (GAD) may be just what you need!

By partnering with NC REALTORS® and potentially other local associations nearby, your association can provide valuable professional advocacy services to your members. The shared GAD will educate your associations’ members on policies of concern, serve as a watchdog for potential negative impacts on the industry, and mobilize members to speak with a clear, effective REALTOR® voice in the community.

Shared GADs facilitate interviewing political candidates for local office, so that elected officials understand the issues of importance to the REALTOR® industry. Shared GADs protect REALTOR® priorities at the local level, aide in local board RPAC fundraising efforts, assist local boards in applying for NAR grant funds and work with the NC REALTORS® Government Affairs team on state issues that impact the local area.

Make sure your elected officials understand what your association means to your community–join the Shared GAD Program today!

Want more info? Contact Nicole Arnold.

Issues Mobilization Fund

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Regulatory Affairs

In addition to our advocacy efforts in the legislative arena, NC REALTORS® also represents its members before regulatory boards across the state. From rulemaking to updates of practice, as licensed professionals, it is important that REALTORS® remain informed and engaged with the activities of regulatory affairs.

Current Rulemaking Activities of Importance to NC REALTORS®

Proposed Temporary Rule Amendments in 15A NCAC 2L Section .0400 »

The temporary rules will enable the Department to evaluate the risk posed by the release of petroleum from noncommercial USTs as either high risk or low risk based on factors commonly related to noncommercial tank contents and use, prior to requiring any remedial response.

Regulatory Agencies

Economic Development

North Carolina’s winning combination of location, workforce, existing industry strength, and business-friendly environment makes it a leading destination for domestic and international companies alike. The state boasts the fastest growing large economy in the U.S. and consistently ranks among the top five in internationally-recognized business environment rankings.

NC REALTORS® efforts in economic development are focused on providing information and engagement opportunities for our members. In 2016, NC REALTORS® leadership created the association’s Economic Development Committee, made up of individuals with knowledge and experience in the recruitment and retention of business.

The NC REALTORS® Global Network was launched in 2018 to provide opportunities for our members to connect with international business opportunities.

NC REALTORS® Economic Development & Real Estate Resource Guide

Unveiled during XCHANGE ’17 in Asheville, the NC REALTORS® Economic Development & Real Estate Resource Guide is designed to be a toolkit for use by local associations and REALTORS® to become more engaged in the economic development activities at the local and state level.

The guide is updated annually.

NC REALTORS® Economic Development & Real Estate Resource Guide [2019 Edition]

NC REALTORS® Global Network

Global Network Logo Designed to make the global real estate market more accessible, profitable, and ethical for NC REALTORS®, the Global Network offers resources, research, a network of experts, and networking opportunities for members practicing or interested in international real estate markets. It also serves as a resource for entities seeking local experts who know the market locally and globally.

Chair: Tony Harrington

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Follow on Twitter: @ncrglobalnet

Follow on Facebook: @NCRealtorsGlobalNetwork

Opportunity Zones

Want to learn more about the new opportunity zone program? Check out our new information page. This page will be constantly updated as new resources come online to help REALTORS® understand how these zones are set-up, as well as where they are throughout the state.

Learn more.

Economic Development Resources

Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina logo

Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina

North Carolina Department of Commerce

Visit NC Local Tourism Offices

North Carolina Chamber of Commerce

List of local chambers of commerce

North Carolina Economic Development Association logo

North Carolina Economic Development Association

North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center

List of regional offices and specialty centers

NC REALTORS® Economic Development & Real Estate Resource Guide [2019 Edition]

Calls for Action

While the NC REALTORS® Government Affairs team are some of the best in the business, the most effective tool in our advocacy efforts is the voices of each and every one of our members. Make sure your voice is heard on important issues for your business and your clients.

NAR Calls for Action

There are no NAR Calls for Action at this time.

NC REALTORS® Calls for Action

TAKE ACTION and tell Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey to REJECT the Rate Bureau’s current request.

In the last days of 2018, the North Carolina Rate Bureau, a non-government entity made up of insurance company representatives, presented a request to state Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey to increase homeowners’ insurance rates an average of 17.4 percent. This is the second rate increase request in just TWO YEARS, with rates being increased 4.8 percent statewide on average in 2017.

Any rate increase will negatively impact the decision-making of your clients and ultimately the state’s real estate industry. Just a couple of percent increase in insurance rates can mean hundreds and possibly thousands of dollars in additional costs that will have to be borne by the homeowner. While the average rate increase requested is only 17.4 percent, some communities across the state could see up to a 30 percent increase.

Tell Commissioner Causey to protect North Carolina’s real estate industry!

NC REALTORS® Vote

It is important that the REALTOR® voice is heard during each election! Your voice is important to ensure that candidates who support REALTOR® priorities like smart growth and responsible land use are elected.

Election Resources

Election Calendar

4/3/18: Voter registration deadline – Primary
4/19/18 – 5/5/18: One-Stop (Early) Voting Period
5/8/18: Election Day – May Primary
10/12/18: Voter registration deadline – November elections
10/18/18 – 11/3/18: One-Stop (Early) Voting Period – November elections
11/6/18: Election Day – General election

NC REALTORS® PAC Supported Candidates

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NC REALTOR® Party Outreach Tools

In politics, there are generally two parties who dominate the discussion. But as a REALTOR®, you are a member of the REALTOR® Party and through that, you have access to a large amount of tools to ensure the REALTOR® voice is heard at all levels of government.

NC REALTORS® State Political Coordinator Program

NC REALTORS® State Political Coordinators (SPCs) foster greater awareness and communication between REALTORS® and policymaking officials in the North Carolina General Assembly. An effective SPC is politically active in their community, already has an established relationship with one or more legislators, and is prepared to contact those legislators when REALTOR® input and involvement are necessary to address issues before the General Assembly.

Join Today

REALTOR® Party Mobile Alerts

Sign up TODAY! Text “NC REALTORS” to 30644
- Sign up {link: http://www.realtoractioncenter.com/realtor-party/realtor-mobile-action.html}
Current NC REALTORS® Sign-Up Number {link: http://www.realtoractioncenter.com/realtor-party/get-involved/rpma-contest/rpma-contest-totals.html}
REALTOR® Party Mobile Alerts Challenge {link: will provide updated info}

NAR Broker Involvement Program

Are you a broker owner or managing broker? Are you involved with NAR’s Broker Involvement Program? This dynamic program provides you, the broker-owner, with a quick and effective tool to rally your agents on critical legislative issues affecting our industry.

Learn more

NC Property Rights Fund

What is the North Carolina Property Rights Fund?

The North Carolina Property Rights Fund (NC PRF) supports a common sense, bipartisan legislative agenda dedicated to protecting consumer and property owner rights. Founded in 2015, the NC PRF is a federally registered 527 organization, which supports electoral candidates with independent expenditures on behalf of property owners throughout North Carolina. The Fund is overseen by a 13-member Board of Directors and supports candidates at both the state and local levels. Due to its structure, the Fund is capable of receiving corporate contributions to support its efforts.

The Property Rights Fund educates the public on political issues through independent expenditure communications. The Federal Elections Commission (FEC) defines that as activities which “expressly advocate the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate that is not made in cooperation, consultation, or concert with, or at the request or suggestion of, a candidate, a candidate’s authorized committee, or their agents, or a political party or its agents.”

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Benefits of the NC Property Rights Fund

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Advocate

14,000+ NC REALTORS® took action on state and federal Calls for Action in 2017.

REALTOR® Advocate

Government Affairs Contacts

Federal Issues

HOT TOPICS

Federal Political Coordinator program

State Issues

Hot Topics

Featured Hot Topic: Drones and REALTORS®

NC REALTORS Resources

Archived Content

Local Government Affairs and Shared GAD Program

NC REALTORS® Shared GAD Program

Issues Mobilization Fund

Regulatory Affairs

Regulatory Agencies

North Carolina Real Estate Commission

North Carolina Appraisal Board

North Carolina Home Inspectors Licensure Board

Economic Development

NC REALTORS® Economic Development & Real Estate Resource Guide

NC REALTORS® Global Network

Opportunity Zones

Economic Development Resources

Calls for Action

NC REALTORS® Vote

NC REALTORS® PAC Supported Candidates

NC REALTOR® Party Outreach Tools

NC REALTORS® State Political Coordinator Program

REALTOR® Party Mobile Alerts

NAR Broker Involvement Program

NC Property Rights Fund

Benefits of the NC Property Rights Fund