The benefits of joining a DCAR committee are huge!  

You might be wondering who drives DCAR's policy focus and how all this wonky political talk gets translated. Great question! The answer is DCAR's member-driven Public Policy and Communications Committees.

Whether it’s through crafting public policy positions or planning the next great DCAR communications initiative, you can start your path to becoming a DCAR leader. Getting involved with your state Association can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your real estate career. There are two committees that you may choose to join. Depending on your interests, you may influence DCAR through the following:

Public Policy

Shapes a strong and influential policy advocacy presence in DC. Tracks all legislation as it passes through the legislative process. Defends the District's housing market and REALTOR® community.

Communications

Defines the role of DCAR in the lives of REALTORS®. Craft's DCAR's message to raise awareness of the issues for our members. Informs the public and REALTORS® about DCAR's political advocacy.

Are you ready to take the necessary step to become a leader of DCAR? 

Take a moment to fill out our committee application. 

You may access the application at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DCAR2016Committees 

Register for the DC location course today!

Click here so you don't get left in the dust!

By now, you've likely heard all about GCAAR's newly revised Sales Contract and  other respective forms   relevant for DC properties.  The Forms  Task Force, special appointed by a Presidential Advisory Group of your local Association GCAAR, has worked for nearly a year on the extensive review and revision of the new forms ahead  of their October scheduled release.

GCAAR Sales Contract

Inclusions/Exclusions

Washington, DC Jurisdictional Addendum

Addendum of Clauses A & B (newly separated)

Considering how your business lives and dies by sales,  DCAR, your State Association, wanted to let you know about a class in DC that will cover these new and revised forms in full. You can click on the link above or here to register.

We are still accepting nominations for the 2015 REALTOR® of the Year Award.

Click Here to Help Us Find The Next REALTOR® of the Year!

For sixty years, select REALTORS® have received the honor of being considered the very best in the business. The prestigious REALTOR® of the Year award is given to those who exhibit excellence both in sales and community outreach. Could you be next on that list? Do you want to nominate an individual who has been an inspiration for your career?

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Heads up to all DC REALTORS® and licensees: the deadline to renew your real estate license is August 31st.

You can take care of all that by clicking this link and visiting the Real Estate Commission Website. ———————————————————

DC In Focus is a rundown of neighborhood-centric news and events. While DCAR holds no official capacity with these events (unless otherwise stated), it is important for our members to take a proactive role within DC’s many vibrant communities. Follow us for more District real estate updates on our official Twitter and Facebook pages.

The news:  A new study explains how much of an effect bad credit has on home insurance costs. Speaking of costs, the DC Public Service Commission rejected the $6.4 Billion Pepco-Exelon merger. But here's a merger that could happen: Baltimore, meet the District of Columbia. And the expansion of art space in the District could be good for the economy. Last on the list, do your clients know the 10 Commandments of home buying? There's a workshop coming up that could open their eyes to how the process works.

Until next time, enjoy the show.

Image from DCCapitolHillPix.com.

The District’s Fiscal Year 2016 Budget recently passed with the Council accelerating the Tax Revision Commission’s recommendations to lower taxes in September 2015. 

Okay, that’s not the most exciting news in the world, but this could be a big deal for DC residents. What’s the big deal? If a DC taxpayer earn less than $500K, their DC taxes will more than likely decline next year. 

Here’s a breakdown of the tax brackets* for the nerds:

* $25-50K = 33% DC tax reduction

* $50K-100K = 16% DC tax reduction

* $100K-200K = 10% DC tax reduction

* $200K-$350K = 5% DC tax reduction

* $350-500K = 2% DC tax reduction

*Numbers are approximations. See a licensed tax professional for exact tax calculations.

Residents earning over $500K will see a slight increase in their taxes paid.

What does that mean for REALTORS®?

More money in residents’ pockets, more money in the economy, and more funds available for housing!