WASHINGTON, May 17, 2012 – Realtors® from Florida and across the U.S. – some 13,800 strong – gathered at the Washington Monument in the nation’s capital today to highlight the importance of housing and homeownership to the nation’s economic recovery.
The “Rally to Protect the American Dream” is taking place during the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) Midyear Legislative Meetings and Trade Expo, which continue through May 19. Throughout the week, Realtors from Florida and other states are meeting with legislators, public policymakers and industry leaders to address concerns and issues that affect homeowners, aspiring homeowners and real estate investors everywhere.
Realtors from Florida proudly show their support for homeownership in Washington, D.C., at the "Rally to Protect the American Dream." Photo courtesy of Brian Copeland, a Realtor® from Nashville, Tenn.
One pressing issue for homeowners is the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is currently set to expire May 31. Millions of American taxpayers rely on the NFIP for flood protection, and Realtors are urging Congress to reauthorize the program long term. NAR estimates that if the current extension is allowed to expire, some 1,300 home sales will be at risk every day that the program is not in place. While flood emergencies happen nationwide, the problem can be particularly acute in Florida.
“We need to keep housing and real estate first on the nation’s public policy agenda, because these issues affect all Americans,” said NAR President Moe Veissi, broker-owner of Veissi & Associates Inc. in Miami and 2002 president of Florida Realtors. “Realtors are committed to working with members of Congress, regulators and industry leaders to ensure public policies and industry practices that promote responsible, sustainable homeownership and encourage real estate investment. We want to make sure that our country’s leaders, now and into the future, understand the vital role that real estate plays in both the long- and short-term health of this nation.”
