District of Columbia Association of REALTORS®

The 2016 DCAR Nominating Committee nominated the following Slate of Officers and Directors for the 2017 Board of Directors. Voting will occur at the DCAR 2016 Annual Meeting, Board Installation and Holiday Party on Thursday, December 1, 2016. Find details below.

Board of Directors Positions

Non-Elected Officers

President: 

Colin Johnson, Keller Williams Capital Properties

Immediate Past President:  Angela Jones, Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.

Treasurer: Frank Pietranton*, Pier Associates Real Estate *2nd year of a two-year term

Officers to be Elected

President-Elect:

Chris Suranna, Real Living At Home

Secretary: Dianah Shaw, POWER Consulting & Real Estate Elected Directors

Elected Directors (2-Year Term) Chuck Burger, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Kymber Menkiti, Keller Williams Capital Properties Marjorie Rosner, Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.

DCAR 2016 Holiday Party, Annual Meeting and Installation Date: 12/1/2016 | Time: 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm | Location: The Loft - 600F 600 F Street, NW Washington, DC

Community Non-Partisan Panel DiscussionImpact USA: The 2016 Election

Wednesday, October 12, 7-9 pm Friendship Chamberlain Charter School 1345 Potomac Ave., SE. (At Potomac METRO) ADMISSION FREE

Sponsored by Ward 6 Dems & Eastern Market Metro Community Association

Join the Ward 6 Dems for Impact USA: The 2016 Election !  A lively community conversation with both Republican and Democratic expert panelists to examine the impact of changing demographics and public sentiment are reshaping our electorate, culture, and electoral politics. 

MODERATOR Dionne Johnson Calhoun - CEO: Calhoun Communications | Formerly with CM David Grasso, McDuffie, and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton | Former Correspondent with Examiner.com 

PANELISTS Chuck Rocha - President: Solidarity Strategies | Sr. Advisor: Bernie Sanders Campaign | Senior Staff: Gephardt 04 and Edwards 08 | TV/Radio : Fox News, MSNBC, CNN, XM/Sirius & Fox 5 Host: Rocha Revolution podcast; Ward 6 Resident 

Amy Meli Vice President, Aristotle International     Former Staff, Sen Richard Burr (R-NC)

Denise Rolark-Barnes - Publisher : The Washington Informer; Guest Reporter, National/Local radio and talk stations | Exec.Prod. & Host : Let's Talk and Washington Informer News | Chair of Board: National Newspaper Publishers Association

John Feehery - President: Quinn, Gillespie Communications | Columnist, The Hill; | Ward 6 Resident | Political Contributor, CNN.

Charles M. Brain - President : Capitol Hill Strategies | Author, Social Security at the Crossroads: Public Opinion and Public Policy. | Former White House Legislative Liaison: President Bill Clinton | Former Deputy Chief of Staff: House Ways and Means Committee 

“The Ward 6 Democrats are delighted we can present this panel discussion to explore with all Ward 6 residents  how this important election will shape the future of our nation and our city" said Chuck Burger, President of the Ward 6 Dems.

Sign up at www.ward6dems.com | Facebook @ Ward 6 Dems.

General Event Information & Contacts Gene Fisher: 202-281-8725 / [email protected] Chuck Burger: 202-258-5316 / [email protected]

The DC Council is considering legislation that could impact vacant & blighted properties, construction, and renovations in DC.

The DC government and in particular, the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), is focused on finding potentially positive ways to address 'blighted' and 'nuisance' properties along with faulty construction projects.

For perspective, here is what the community is talking about.

DCAR is reviewing the current proposals as well as working on some of our own. We understand the District's concerns; however, the rights of real property owners should not be infringed upon if they are actively maintaining their properties.

Here are some examples of what is on the table.

Vacant and Blighted Properties

Expanding investigations of buildings with low or non-active water meters; limiting the maximum duration of vacant property tax exemptions for construction; and allowing tax rebates for those who purchase vacant properties. DCRA must be contacted to change a designation.

Rental Housing Accommodation Nuisance Abatement

Allowing the filing of actions to terminate, instruct or prevent any rental housing accommodation that has operated in a pattern of neglect for a period of 30 consecutive days.

In the construction realm, our primary concern is protecting the REALTOR® community and homeowners against liability from faulty construction.

Faulty Construction

Increasing penalties for construction and zoning code violations; expanding identification and background checks for beneficial owners of an LLC; denying of permits in cases of criminal records, penalties or violations; and requiring builders to post bonds for construction projects into a homeowner protection fund.

Affordable Housing Rehab

Creating a mechanism to transform certain vacant, blighted, condemned, and empty properties into affordable housing; allowing a recordation and tax exemption for affordable housing projects that include non-residential community use.

Overall, REALTORS® will continue working with the Council and DCRA to maintain a strong balance of protecting property rights and homeowners while encouraging the positive development of vibrant communities in the District.

We're getting ready to greet Ward 2 Councilmember (and Chair of the Metro Board of Directors) Jack Evans to the DCAR office. It's been nearly 3 years since we last sat with Councilmember Evans, and we're eager to hear what insights he'll bring to the table.

Register today - http://dcrealtors.org/events/event.htm?departid=2000&in=2c3%3A154dde3efc2%3A-7a64

Event Details:

Date: 6/16/2016 | Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM | Location: 500 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 12th Floor Conference Room

Next week (Friday, April 29) we will host the battle for DC. Vincent Orange is defending his At-Large seat against two hopefuls in David Garber and Robert White. We are expecting a debate of epic proportions on the virtual top of the District of Columbia. That's right, we'll be on the top floor of the NAR building. It's bound to be a spectacle.

Save your spot in the front row for all the action!

Register at - http://bit.ly/DCAR-AtLarge-Debate

Sometimes the only way to get a job done is how you have to get down and get your hands dirty. That is why we want you to join us for Rebuilding Together in DC! You don't have to be a skilled laborer. You just need the right attitude.

Many hands will come together for one purpose on Saturday, April 30 to build a stronger DC neighborhood. GCAAR (your local Association) sponsors one house per year, alternating between Montgomery County and Washington, DC. This year, we want our friendly neighborhood REALTORS® to show up in force to help out for DC.

We are in need of skilled laborers, licensed plumbers, and licensed electricians who are willing to donate their services.   

We also need volunteers with trucks to help with picking up or dropping off supplies and hauling debris.

Most importantly, we just want you to show up or donate tools. Even if you do not have a special skill, you can still help!

Will you help us build it "DC Strong?" - REGISTER TODAY!

If you are a skilled laborer, or able to volunteer with a truck for help with picking up or dropping off supplies and hauling debris, please contact Joanne Joseph at [email protected] or 301.590.8775.

The upcoming REALTOR® Party Convention (A.K.A. Midyear) is bringing a lot of excitement to the DC area as real estate professionals from far and wide will attend NAR'sLegislative Meetings & Trade Expo in May.

Congratulations to GCAAR members Brittany Barsky Allison, Jessica Evans and DC REALTOR® Harrison Beacher for being voted into the 2016 class of 30 under 30!

Nearly 400 applicants threw their hat in the ring this year, and the field was further narrowed to 50 finalists thanks to a panel of judges. Now, REALTOR® Magazine is proud to announce the 30 Under 30 class of 2016.

They represent all corners of the profession, from solo salespeople and buyer reps, to team leaders and broker-owners. Many members of this year’s class of 30 Under 30 tell stories of working tirelessly as staunch advocates for their clients. Their idealist nature has propelled them far in their young lives, while embracing the future with open arms. We are excited to see where they’ll go from here.  

From March 18 to 25, members of the public cast a total of 42,674 votes in the Web Choice Award contest – nearly 9,000 more votes than last year, making it the largest voter turnout in 30 Under 30 history. With 2,473 votes, REALTOR® Magazine is please to announce that Kyle Kovats with Keller Williams Suburban Realty in Roseland, N.J., is this year’s winner. Read more about Kovats and how he rallied his voters in a REALTOR® Magazine online exclusive article next week.

Readers will learn more about all 30 young professionals when they read their profiles in the May/June issue of REALTOR® Magazine.

We know you have a ton of questions for DCRA Director Melinda Bolling. Click here to send us your regulatory questions today!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Why is Tax Day on April 18th this year instead of the 15th? The answer has to do with Abraham Lincoln and Emancipation Day.

Emancipation Day is a holiday in the District of Columbia to mark the anniversary of the signing of the Compensated Emancipation Act.  On April 16, 1862 President Lincoln signed the Bill, which freed more than 3000 slaves in the District of Columbia; eight months before the Emancipation Proclamation liberated slaves in the South.

Since the holiday falls on Saturday, April 16th this year, the federal government will be closed on Friday, April 15th.  Thus, pushing back your Federal tax deadline to Monday, April 18th.  Conveniently, the change gives you time on Friday, April 15 to march on Capitol Hill.

For those still working on their taxes, here are some helpful links:

The ultimate real estate tax deductions checklist

What homebuyers and homeowners need to do to whip their taxes into shape.

Five things your accountant wishes you knew about owning a home.

DC residents are often left with the short end of the citizenship stick when you are forced to pay taxes and expected to accept taxation without representation. However, this year there is a unique opportunity for DC REALTORS® and residents to show solidarity and make Congress hear their voices. 

On April 15th, DC residents will gather at Freedom Plaza (1455 Pennsylvania Avenue) to protest "Taxation Without Representation" and march to Capitol Hill - Federal tax forms in hand - to demonstrate. We are unified and determined to be treated as full and equal American citizens.

Will you answer the call and gather with your neighbors in making this protest meaningful and successful?  Visit DCTaxDayProtest.org to endorse, sign on, or learn more. We hope you will join us.

Please mark your calendars for an important opportunity to speak about TOPA directly with the folks at the DC Department of Housing and Community Development. 

DHCD invites you to register for their Forum. It's free and open to any REALTORS®. They are hosting this event with PNC Bank and Freddie Mac.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Click here to fill out your property tax appeal.

As a property owner, you are given the opportunity to dispute the assessment of your real property through a formal appeal process. The process involves three levels of appeal, beginning with the First Level Administrative Review. Subsequent steps include appealing before the Real Property Tax Appeals Commission and DC Superior Court. You must, however, start at the First Level before proceeding to the next levels of appeal. 

The criteria for filing an appeal are based on the following categories:

Property Damage or Condition

Disputed Property Record

Equalization

Valuation - Real Property or Possessory Interest

Classification: Tax Class 1 - Residential, Tax Class 2 - Commercial, Tax Class 3 -Vacant Commercial or Residential, or Tax Class 4 - Blight

Homestead Deduction - Domicile

Senior Citizen Tax Relief

Disability Tax Relief

While the Real Property Tax Administration strives to assess property at 100% of estimated market value, it’s still important to make sure they’ve fairly assessed your (and your clients’) property. As your State Association, we want to make sure your property is accurately represented in the market and provide access the tools you need.

March 21, 2016

Perspective - Balancing DC's Budget is far from simple, but Budget Director Matthew Brown illustrated how it could be most easily understood at our recent Speaker Series. 

Slicing The Pies

DC Budget Director Matthew Brown

Of course, we are talking about pie charts, specifically the DC Budget chart that adds up to over $11 billion. How does one jurisdiction handle a number like that? DC's Budget Director Matthew Brown gave the facts to our members at our March Speaker Series. 

In short, trying to digest a massive Budget for 2017 at face value is nearly impossible. Instead, as Mr. Brown pointed out, it's better to look at the Budget as a single dollar, which is then allocated to various public functions, agencies and initiatives.

(View Mayor Bowser’s Budget Engagement Forum Presentation)

So what happens between now and the passing of the Budget? The number crunchers put down their pencils, which starts the process of ratifying the FY 2017 Budget. Beginning in April, the Council will conduct hearings and have their own round of amendments. The final Budget usually passes in June and goes into effect October 2016.

In the meantime,  DCAR is keeping a close eye on Recordation and Transfer taxes, the Real Estate Guaranty Fund, affordable housing and infrastructure investments.

We would like to extend our thanks to Matthew Brown for taking time out of his busy schedule to talk shop with our members.

Previously on What’s Happening @ DCAR...

That time of year has come around again to vote for REALTOR® Magazine’s 30 Under 30 Readers’ Choice awards. This year DC is represented by two outstanding young business people who aspire to be considered for the 2016 class. DC’s two honorees include (in alphabetical order) Harrison Beacher and Charles Dudley. Check out their profiles below and vote today! You may vote once per day. Voting ends Noon, Friday, March 25, 2016. 

First is Harrison Beacher (Vote #TeamBeacher)

Next is Charles Dudley (Vote #TeamDudley)