Some real estate professionals feel that politics has nothing to do with real estate and that such posts here on Active Rain are out-of-bounds. Actually, political activity impacts real real estate so much that it's hard not to see it as a factor. First, we have mortgage deductions, we had the $6,500 and then the $8,000 tax credits and energy tax credits, we have the lead rennovation rules, the home inspection rules if Cap and Trade is enacted or rules promulgated to that effect without the legislation, we have RESPA, HUD, FHA, VA, Fannie, Freddie, the new mortgage and appraisal regulations, foreclosure regulations, and more - just for starters.
A new policy called "First Look" that just came out lets the government interfere with the price of homes and the availability of them. It lets the govenment buy foreclosed homes and flip them at below market rates - before they are evr offered to sale to the general public.
Under HUD's "Neighborhood Stabilization Program" (created in 2008), the new program lets local and state governments and certain non-profit agencies express an exclusive right to buy a property for one or two days and then up to 12 days to close on it before it is offered on the open market.
HUD chooses the neighborhoods and the properties that qualify under this program.
Politics is a huge factor in the real estate market - like it or not. Therefore we need to stay abreast of what is going on, voice our opinion, and vote for candidates that have free-enterprise and Constitutional values at heart.
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Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales Representatives.
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