RPAC (REALTOR Political Action Committee) is a voluntary political action committee whose membership consists of REALTORS® interested in actively and effectively protecting the real estate industry and the dream of homeownership by participating in government affairs at the local, state and federal levels.
So, what does RPAC do?
Since 1969, the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) has promoted the election of pro-REALTOR® candidates across the United States. The purpose of RPAC is clear: REALTORS® raise and spend money to elect candidates who understand and support their interests. The money to accomplish this comes from voluntary contributions made by REALTORS®. These are not members’ dues; this is money given freely by REALTORS® in recognition of how important campaign fundraising is to the political process. RPAC doesn’t buy votes. RPAC enables REALTORS® to support candidates that support the issues that are important to their profession and livelihood.
“If real estate is your profession, then politics is your business.”
The REALTOR® Party needs your support, both in responding to calls-to-action and investing in RPAC. We know politics and legislation can be a difficult topic, but if we don’t get involved, who will champion homeownership? Now more than ever, it is critical for REALTORS® to come together and speak with one voice about the stability a sound and dynamic real estate market brings to our communities. From city hall to the state house to the US Capitol, our elected officials are making decisions that have a huge impact on the bottom line of you and your customers. Through your support, the REALTOR® Party represents your interests.
Why should I invest?
When REALTORS® join together, they have a very powerful voice that is heard loud and clear. The REALTORS® Political Action Committee exists solely to further issues important to REALTORS®. It’s the only political action committee in the country that is organized by REALTORS® to promote and protect the dream of home-ownership in America. RPAC works every day on behalf of REALTORS® so that you can practice real estate with the assurance that someone is fighting for you and the real estate industry. | Invest in RPAC Now
Why should I invest?
When REALTORS® join together, they have a very powerful voice that is heard loud and clear. The REALTORS® Political Action Committee exists solely to further issues important to REALTORS®. It’s the only political action committee in the country that is organized by REALTORS® to promote and protect the dream of home-ownership in America. RPAC works every day on behalf of REALTORS® so that you can practice real estate with the assurance that someone is fighting for you and the real estate industry. | Invest in RPAC Now
How can I make an impact?
- Stay informed. Read your emails from REALTOR® associations at all levels.
- Play a part. Join NEAR’s REALTOR Party Committee — Become an active member, be in-the-know on what’s happening in the legislature, and help be a voice for advocacy.
- Give some face time. Join us at the annual REALTOR® Day on Beacon Hill! Meet up with hundreds of REALTORS® from across the Commonwealth to discuss issues impacting our industry and livelihood. Then, meet face-to-face with our state legislators to discuss the important issues of the day with fellow NEAR members.
- Show up. Attend local legislative events, whether at NEAR or our local chambers where members and our legislators can interact. Your involvement on the local level is key to our success in promoting REALTOR® issues.
What has RPAC done for you lately?
Did you know that you are already benefiting from the work of The RPAC and the REALTOR Party? With the help of RPAC contributions, we have:
- Successfully lobbied to eliminate a proposed sales tax on real estate commissions. No double taxing of your income!
- Kept the mortgage interest deduction alive and well; real estate would be a much less attractive investment to buyers without the mortgage interest deduction.
- Stopped the proliferation of real estate transfer taxes. This is an ongoing fight at the local, state, and national level.
- Successfully stopped proposed mandatory energy scoring of homes in Massachusetts at the time of transfer.
- Passed the National Flood Insurance delay 5-year re-authorization bill, to bring certainty to real estate transactions in more than 21,000 communities nationwide where flood insurance is required for a mortgage.=
- Promoted the full Senate package that extended the Mortgage Cancellation Relief for an additional year.
- Limited the impact of the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) in ’12 and ’13 and renews the 15-year cost recovery for leasehold improvements through 2013.
- Supported legislation that issues new guidelines that streamlined the short sale process nationwide
In Massachusetts:
- Successfully advocated to have real estate agents excluded from the new MA FLMA requirements.
- Passed amended language that allows REALTORS® to continue to work with lenders and sellers in short sales without the fear of violating the law.
- Worked tirelessly to ensure that House of Representatives and Senate 2014 budget maintained the MA Capital Gains Exclusion on Home Sales.
- Successfully fought the repeal of the 2014 MA Lead Paint Tax Credit, that would have put children at a much greater risk for lead poisoning; particularly those children of low and moderate-income families who own or reside in older homes.
- Successfully fought the repeal of the MA 2014 Title V Tax Credit, which would have added significant financial strain on low- and moderate-income homeowners in Berkshire County
- Advocated for amended language in legislation to allow REALTORS® to continue to offer Broker Price Opinions BPOs without having to acquire an additional license.
- Successfully advocated to the committee to delete harmful 40B provisions from the $1.4 billion Housing Bond Bill.