WASHINGTON — During the National Association of Realtors’ annual Realtors Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo in Washington May 11-16, the Michigan Realtors, an advocacy group for real estate professionals, held several legislative meetings with senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn) and other representatives from across the state. 

The Michigan Realtors— represented by president-elect Sam Baydoun and chief executive officer Laura Green— voiced their concerns that repealing the Like-Kind Exchange, which offers a tax relief on real estate gains and investments, provision would be counterproductive and result in the loss of jobs and economic growth with A gain in revenue. 

Another area of big concern to Realtors nationwide is providing a safe and affordable path to home ownership for American families. 

Baydoun argued during the meeting with Stabenow that our government must preserve FHA-insured loans, which currently constitute 83 percent of the real estate market. 

“The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) was a critical factor that helped move the nation out of the great recession,” he said. “FHA helped stabilize housing prices in thousands of communities by providing access to home financing when few others would.” 

Baydoun added that he is proud of the Michigan Realtors who made the trip to Washington to voice their opinions on issues that matter to the industry.