East Cobb Realtor Lobbies in D.C.

From a press release from the East Cobb-based RE/MAX Greater Atlanta-Cobb:

Bruce Ailion, an Associate Broker with RE/MAX Greater Atlanta-Cobb and a Board or Directors member with the Cobb Association of Realtors, met with Senators Johnny Isakson, Saxby Chambliss and Congressman Phil Gingrey on Capitol Hill Thursday to discuss the housing issues critical to the Marietta community.

“One of the most important aspects of the Realtors Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo is that Realtors actively engage with their representatives on Capitol Hill,” said Mr. Ailion. 

“Realtors from around the country met with their U.S. Senators and Representatives last week to communicate the key legislative issues critical to Realtors and the communities and the consumers they represent. Realtors all across the country were advocating public policies that promote sustainable homeownership and help move the real estate market forward toward a full recovery.”

As Congress pursues comprehensive tax reform, Mr. Ailion urged lawmakers to continue to support current tax laws for homeownership and real estate investment.

“Homeownership has had long-standing support in this country because of its many benefits to individuals and families, communities and to the nation’s economy,” said Ailion. “Owning a home is an investment in your future and for many people; homeownership has historically been the pathway to the middle class, results in developing roots in the community and provides numerous social benefits. Realtors remain committed to preserving housing-related provisions that help facilitate homeownership, build wealth for families and provide stability to communities.”

Ailion urged specific support for maintaining the current deduction for home mortgage interest. “The mortgage interest deduction helps many families become home owners, which is the foundation for a healthy middle class, and it is vital to the health and stability of housing markets,” said Ailion. 

He agreed with congressional leaders that in this day of fiscal concern, every tax provision is on the table and only those that provide a positive cost benefit analysis will survive. Housing policies that promote home ownership meet this standard.

“Altering the deductibility of mortgage interest, state and local taxes, or any others related to homeownership could have devastating impact of property values and marginalize current and future home buyers, as well the overall economy.”