Public Policy Manual

                                                                       

Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS® 951 Shine Avenue

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 843.626.3638 • www.ccarsc.org

 

 

Table of Contents Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors ..............................................Page 3

Mission Statement ...........................................................................................................................Page 4

Legislative Committee Members ....................................................................................................Page 5

Introduction .....................................................................................................................................Page 6

Priority Issues ............................................................................................................................Pages 7-14

South Carolina Association of REALTORS® ................................................................................Page 15

National Association of REALTORS® ...........................................................................................Page 16

 

Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS® Board of Officers & Directors

Laura Crowther, CEO  

Melodye Lane-Laveglia, President Tom Parry, President-Elect

Norm Clay, Treasurer Don Thomas, Secretary

Directors Brie Bender Trippett Boineau, Affiliate Member Ernie Derrick, Past President Ron Jackson Susan Lucas

Charley Ray, NAR Director Rod Smith Chris Sansbury Don Smith Bennett Turner, Region 3 RVP

Government Affairs Director Nate Johnson

2015 Legislative Committee Ron Jackson, Chair • Marvin Heyd, Vice-Chair

Dave Alexander Connie Arturet Bob Benson Doug Billings *Rick Bruce Sandra Bundy *Sue Burgess Sig Buster Tony Chestnut *Norm Clay - RPAC Chair Jenn Deer Renny Diedrich *Will Dieter Nancy Fellenz *Kelly Graham Randy Harrison *Nigel Horonzy *Jimmy Jordan Mark Kelley John Krajc Melodye Lane-Laveglia

John Lindstrand Ole Madsen Tom Maeser Sabra McNeill Kristin Owens Tom Parry Carolyn Raines- Harbin Charley Ray Jeff Reid Susan Reidy Monica Riga *Henry Roberts *Richard Singleton Bennett Turner Terry White Bob White Daniel Wright *Candidate Screening Committee

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Vision: The Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS® is THE real estate resource for members and community.

Mission: The Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS® mission is providing resources that enhance member's ability to successfully conduct business while protecting private property rights.

CCAR CARES. CCAR DELIVERS.

Core Values of the Association

• Real estate consumers will be served by their REALTOR® through interactive technological systems that provide information relative to the sale, acquisition and transfer of real property.

• The opportunities for home and property ownership will be promoted, expanded and protected.

• The Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS® will expect and promote professionalism, honesty and adherence to the Code of Ethics and will always strive to enhance the image of REALTORS®.

• The Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS® will be the service center for REALTORS® and other individuals with significant interest in the real estate marketplace.

• The Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS® will encourage membership in the association and the active participation of all members.

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Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS® Legislative Committee

Legislative Committee Objective

The objective of the Legislative Committee is to advocate for legislative and economic initiatives that promote and protect the rights of property owners and endorse Georgetown and Horry County growth.

Legislative Committee Purpose

• Expand the sphere of influence REALTORS® have on local, regional and state public policy by involving them in the political and regulatory process.

• Identify and monitor key local initiatives and public-policy issues at the municipal and regional level that could have impact on the real estate community.

• Lobby for change at the local and regional level and participate in and support initiatives and public-policy issues that affect the real estate community, when necessary.

• Recommend policy positions on local and regional issues that affect REALTORS®, homeowners and communities.

The Legislative Committee Has Two Standing Subcommittees:

• Candidate Screening Committee - Any REALTOR® can take part in the candidate screening committee. CCAR screens candidates by asking questions of importance to REALTORS® and the REALTOR® agenda. The committee may also recommend REALTOR® Political Action Committee contributions for candidates at the group’s discretion. The Legislative Committee will determine the races for which they wish to interview candidates. All candidates will be offered equal opportunity to be interviewed. Each candidate is rated by CCAR as one of the following: recommended, qualified, no position or not interviewed. Rating information is distributed to the entire REALTOR® membership eligible to vote in the election. All candidate position ratings and RPAC contributions are subject to approval by the CCAR Board of Directors. Positions and funding for state candidates (statewide and General Assembly) must be also be approved by the SCAR RPAC Trustees. For more information, please see the CCAR Candidate Screening Guide.

• REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RPAC) - The REALTOR® Political Action Committee is the local fund-raising arm for RPAC. Under the RPAC cooperative agreement, all funds raised are shared with the South Carolina Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®. RPAC funding recommendations for local candidates are subject to local Board approval. CCAR is challenged each year to meet a fund-raising goals established by the South Carolina Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®.

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CCAR is dedicated to protecting the right of individuals to own real property. Political stability and the economic prosperity of the community are dependent upon this ability, and CCAR opposes undue actions that diminish or deny the full and free exercise of this right.

CCAR members believe:

• Homeownership serves as a cornerstone of the democratic system of government and that it deserves a preferred place in this country’s values system. Homeownership impacts community, civic, economic and business responsibilities and contributes to employment stability, family security and personal well-being.

• Every individual should have the opportunity to live in a safe and vibrant community.

• Agricultural needs, along with social and economic factors, must be considered when developing land-use policies that will determine the future growth of the city, state and nation. A balance must be achieved, however, between environmental conservation and economic stimulation.

• All persons in the community should have the right to equal-opportunity housing. They should be able to rent or purchase their shelter of choice regardless of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, or sexual orientation.

• Active involvement in political activity is a privilege and is the responsibility of every citizen. CCAR encourages participation in political, governmental and legislative affairs at the local, state and national level.

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Introduction     The Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS® (CCAR), has more than 3,000 members from Georgetown and Horry counties and represents the vast majority of professionals active in all phases of the local real estate industry. All REALTORS® have pledged allegiance to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice and are dedicated to protecting the free enterprise system and the right of individuals to own real property. To this end, CCAR members offer the benefits of their knowledge of real estate, their experience and their technical expertise to the public in general and the government in particular.

 

                                                                                                                                                 

Priority Issues EMINENT DOMAIN

The mission of CCAR works to enhance the ability of its members to achieve success in an ethical and professional manner and to provide vision, outreach, the advocacy of private property rights and a voice in the community. Therefore, it is concerned with legislation that limits growth and/or impacts the right to own private property. As a result, CCAR supports the concept that individuals should have the right and opportunity to obtain real property with assurance that no government intervention will prohibit that right without just cause or fair compensation. For that reason, CCAR’s position on eminent domain is aligned with that of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). A high level of scrutiny must exist when eminent domain is used for public purpose because it infringes upon the rights of private ownership and how the specified land is to be used. However, there are special circumstances in which the use of eminent domain is required, and in those situations, the government must provide sufficient proof that the project to be completed is for the betterment of the community at large. When this is the case, CCAR members believe owners should be fairly compensated for their property and reimbursed for any additional costs incurred from the condemnation action.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Federal, state and local policymakers have been considering over the past few years a range of legislative and regulatory options to improve real estate energy efficiency. The ultimate stated goal is to limit the U.S. atmospheric contribution of heat-trapping gases including carbon dioxide (CO2) which scientists believe could warm the earth and lead to more extreme weather. Local governments have also been looking for ways and incentives to help individual homeowners make energy efficient improvements to their homes so that they can ultimately reduce their utility costs.

Further, energy labeling every home and building in America will not improve energy efficiency but could stigmatize older properties, complicating closing table negotiations with misleading ratings and reducing property values during one of the worst economic slowdowns in real estate markets since the Great Depression. Local, state and the federal government should find ways to provide incentives for homeowners on a voluntary basis to take advantage of a cost-effective way for them to make energy efficiency improvements to their home. This will not only benefit the homeowners by being able to reduce their utility costs, but more importantly it will increase the number of resale homes that can be seen as energy efficient.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORM

In this period of economic uncertainty and revenue limitations caused by property-tax relief, local governments must tighten the budget while at the same time, develop more efficient processes. The critical services provided by local governments must be maintained. That is why CCAR and the South Carolina REALTORS® support efforts to reform and streamline local government. Maintaining the status quo may not be the answer. The 19th century system in place today made sense when it was established, but with today’s technological advances, a new system must be created that works in the 21st century. This means different facets of local government must be evaluated and some processes streamlined.

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Priority Issues        GROWTH/REDEVELOPMENT

The best prescription for a healthy real estate market is the promotion of a strong national, state and local economy. CCAR members understand that smart growth and redevelopment are essential. But in order for communities to prosper, attractive real estate packages must be created in areas in which individuals want to live, work and play. The counties of Georgetown and Horry must consistently pursue policies, which will attract the economic opportunities necessary to expand our tax base, provide housing choices and employment, and deliver necessary services.

Properly conducted land-use programs can benefit communities. But planning efforts should not infringe on the basic rights of an individual to acquire, possess, transfer and use land. CCAR supports policies that provide the basic building blocks of a strong economy, and it supports local-incentive grants that allow communities to be competitive with other marketplaces. But CCAR opposes impact fees and other “nuisance” taxes, which discourage development of new homes and businesses.

Zoning must adequately provide for the needs of business and industry as well as housing. Provisions must be made for existing as well as new businesses, and the permit process must be efficient and fair.

ANNEXATION

CCAR supports annexation and encourages it because it provides basic services for city residents and because it can increase the tax base. However, the Association also believes property taxes should never become a burden for home or business owners.

DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES

A healthy housing market Economic vitality is critical to sustaining the Horry and Georgetown county area. builds strong communities, enhances the tax base, and creates new employment opportunities. The imposition of development impact fees discourages new businesses from locating in the area, existing businesses from expanding here, and inflates the cost of new housing.

Development Impact fees place the burden for funding public facilities on a small segment of the housing community; however, the entire area benefits from these improvements. Good public policy allocates the financial responsibility for public facilities equitably among the broadest base possible.

Impact fee, sales, and property taxes are imposed on building materials for new home construction and lot development. The builder passes these costs on to the homebuyer and increases the cost of new housing.

CCAR is opposed to any expansion, increase, or levying of new or existing impact fees, and in areas where impact fees exist, CCAR will work for their repeal.

CCAR is committed to working with County officials to identify alternate means of financing additional public facilities such as tax credits for providing certain public improvements.

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Priority Issues TRANSPORTATION

Transportation is the mode to navigate either on roads and highways, bicycle and pedestrian routes, transit, commuter transit and waterways. Expansion of capacity to transport people represents an important investment in the future growth of our economy and the quality of life in our region. By investing in roads and public transportation, the quality of life is maintained and enhanced. The failure of transportation systems to meet the ever-growing demands placed on it has reach a critical point.

CCAR supports Federal funding for I-73, I-74; and the Southern Evacuation Lifeline (SELL). CCAR supports expansion and maintenance of the Georgetown Port including dredging and deepening.

TAXES

Property Tax Reform - South Carolina REALTORS® (SCR) is the leading advocate in the state on property tax reform and the need to address the inequities posed by Act 388, having been embroiled in these issues since 2007. CCAR supports any effort to reduce the tax burden on businesses and second homeowners in South Carolina.

REAL ESTATE TRANSFER TAX

A real estate transfer tax is a state or local tax assessed on real property when ownership of the property is exchanged between parties. Although the tax is generally calculated based upon the value of the property, it is assessed only on the sales transaction instead of on an annual basis like the general property tax. Real Estate transfer taxes may be assessed on either the buyer or the seller, but both are usually jointly and severally liable for the tax. As a source of general fund revenues, the realty transfer tax is unstable and burdensome, as it is unpredictable as a source of revenue is applied only to a narrow tax base.

CCAR opposes real estate transfer taxes for its negative impact on real property costs and the industry as a whole. Further, CCAR urges the repeal of any established realty transfer tax, because the tax is a major burden to buyers and sellers of real property, particularly at the time of closing.

CCAR opposes the adoption of a private real estate transfer fees by private groups/associations and encourages enactment of laws or regulations that would prohibit the use of deed restrictions to impose such fees.

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Priority Issues HOUSING NEEDS

One of the most basic needs for an individual or family is shelter. This means that the housing stock in area neighborhoods must be diverse and complement the community’s needs. CCAR members:

• Encourage consideration of programs that alleviate homelessness and encourage housing for low-income individuals and first-time home buyers—programs that can help instill the sense of pride and stability that comes with home ownership and increase the percentage of owner-occupied homes in area neighborhoods.

• Support and participate in the use of market-based incentives and public and private partnerships as vehicles for the promotion of housing affordability. When the government is involved, however it must consider its fiscal responsibility to taxpayers.

• Supports incentives to increase the supply of affordable single-family housing.

FREE USE OF PROPERTIES/RENT CONTROL

CCAR opposes the adoption of rent-control legislation. The association supports and will defend the right of area residents to own property free of unreasonable controls.

CCAR members believe rent-control and regulation compliance expenses increase the cost of housing for consumers. These expenses are a disservice that hastens the deterioration and loss of existing housing, discourages the construction of new housing and increases costs for local government due to enforcement expenses.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

CCAR members subscribe to a policy of fair housing and believe that equal opportunity can best be achieved through continued leadership and education, observance of the spirit, the letter of the law and through cooperation between the real estate industry and the public. CCAR members believe in an open housing market.

The Federal Fair Housing Law provides all people the right to freely choose where they will live without regard to race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin. The Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS® supports the policy of the National Association of REALTORS®, which is to provide equal professional services to all people.

PREDATORY LENDING

CCAR is not supportive of any action that would be detrimental to the housing market in this community and opposes any action that can be conceived as predatory lending. There is a proper role that lending institutions play to maintain a vibrant market place. Therefore, CCAR supports anti-predatory lending initiatives that protect the public and help maintain a viable and thriving marketplace.

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Priority Issues        GREEN POLICY STATEMENT

Communities throughout the nation are seeking ways to commit to policies and programs that reduce environmental impacts. REALTORS® recognize the importance of encouraging the industry to move toward environmentally friendly principles. As local communities seek solutions, REALTORS® oppose mandatory labeling and regulatory standards that require retrofitting. These mechanisms increase housing costs and affect affordability. An effective alternative is to implement voluntary programs that provide financial resources and incentives that educate and empower property owners, such as retrofitting financing and cost recovery mechanisms. Providing programs like these facilitate green investment and energy efficiency improvements.

In moving toward environmentally conscious practices that encourage principles of sustainability and energy conservation, REALTORS® support:

• A shift toward environmentally friendly solutions fostered by a voluntary, incentive based approach that allows for a positive impact to the environment and global community. Efforts to provide property owners with education, incentives and resources they need to improve their homes and save energy. Voluntary programs and standards that seek to mitigate environmental harm while providing market-based incentives for energy conservation activities and focusing on sustainability of real estate assets. The voluntary use of sustainable materials in the construction of new buildings as well as voluntary energy efficient improvements to existing buildings when it makes economic sense and reduces environmental harm. The offering of educational programs and certifications to the REALTOR® community to help facilitate the shift toward environmentally friendly solutions in the Coastal Carolina areas.

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ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

Support the concept of Conservation Sub-Divisions as a win-win for developers and the environment

Comprehensive energy plan to ensure energy independence in our future and optimize cost-effective use of renewable & alternative energy sources, including nuclear power, solar power and wind energy. Ensure efficient delivery of energy needs to commercial and residential customers while directing tax incentives at job creation through alternative energy sources.

Support environmentally-friendly drilling for natural gas of the coast of South Carolina at a distance that minimizes risk to the coastal environment, the coastal tourism industry and coastal real estate values. Support sensible, flexible, incentive-based guidelines of recycling programs within targeted industries.

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Priority Issues SIGN ORDINANCES

The right of homeownership confers with it the freedom to make full use of one’s property. The freedom of property owners to display signs on their own property without government interference is a matter of free speech guaranteed by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Imposing fees on “For Sale,” “Sold” and other types of real estate marketing signs authorized by owners on their own property is an intrusion on the right of property owners and an unnecessary tax.

Sign ordinances should strike a reasonable balance between the needs of buyers and sellers, who depend upon real estate signs to help market and sell homes, and the necessity to ensure that signs do not present a threat to the public safety.

Sign ordinances should be consistent and easily understood by all.

CCAR members:

• • • •

Support sensible regulation of size and placement of signs on private property. Support reasonable regulation of the number, duration, and placement of signs in the public rights of way. Oppose the imposition of fees on property owners for the placement of signs on their own private property. Oppose any requirement which mandates that only licensed sign installers, or their designees, may place signs on private property. Continue protecting the right of property owners and their agents to use signage in the process of selling or renting their properties.

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Priority Issues      HOMEOWNERSHIP ASSOCIATIONS

Homeowners associations (HOAs) exist to enhance neighborhoods and increase property values. Increasingly, though, HOAs are taking on functions local governments traditionally provide.

CCAR recognize that an important component for stable and dynamic neighborhoods is a fully functional and strong Home Owners Association or Condominium Association where one has been established. A neighborhood with a weak and/or underfunded association or one with lack of owners support and participation is vulnerable. Such a neighborhood is in danger of declining physically with resulting property value loss.

CCAR opposes any practice of HOAs or Condo Associations that unfairly impairs sellers or their agents in the free marketability of their property interests or creates unnecessary costs and delay.

TIME-OF-SALE HOUSING INSPECTION ORDINANCES

A primary concern of the Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS® is a healthy housing stock. This is especially true at a time when the majority of housing in our cities and inner-ring suburbs shows increasing signs of age.

However, the association does not believe that requiring code compliance at the point of sale will effectively assist a community in maintaining a healthy, affordable housing market. Time-of-sale (a.k.a. point-of-sale) inspections affect only the small percentage of houses that are sold each year (3 to 5 percent in most areas). Most problem houses are not for sale at any given time. To increase its effectiveness, a municipality should direct its efforts at the problem properties, rather than only focus on point-of-sale inspections.

This can be accomplished by general inspection sweeps of housing exteriors, responding to individual complaints about problem properties, and setting up a revolving loan fund to assist homeowners with city maintenance requirements resulting from these inspections. Homeowners would need to qualify for these loans and could repay them when the property is sold unless the homeowner continued to live in the property for a specified time before selling the property.

Home buyers are encouraged to have the property inspected by an independent housing evaluator. More and more buyers are doing so. Most sellers complete a disclosure statement and are required by law to disclose all material facts of which they are aware that could significantly or adversely affect the buyers use and enjoyment of the property. These buyer inspections and seller disclosures alleviate the need for cities to have their own inspection ordinances.

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Priority Issues EDUCATION

Probably no single factor other than cost discourages home purchases in a community more than the real or perceived poor quality of education and educational infrastructure. Striving for an excellent education system throughout the Horry and Georgetown county public schools is critical to the continued economic growth and prosperity of the region.

PUBLIC POLICY COORDINATION

Subject to the policy adopted herein, the Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS® officially pledges support of the legislative positions of the National Association of REALTORS® and the South Carolina REALTORS® in the absence of specific action by the CCAR Board of Directors.

2015 LOCAL LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

• Continue supporting the removal of Impact Fees in Georgetown County. • Support Horry County removing all charges for DEED Information online. • Continue protecting the right of property owners and their agents to use signage in the process of

selling or renting their properties. • Work together on a local level on NFIP and Flood mapping. • Support the referendum property tax millage for Murrells Inlet-Garden City Fire

District. • Work together with State House Legislators on HOA bill(s). • Support the development of 1-73. • Keep members informed on the Georgetown Penny tax and Horry County Ride

II and III penny tax projects. • Support the State Association 2015 legislative priorities.

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South Carolina REALTORS® 3780 Fernandina Road

Columbia, South Carolina 29210 Phone: 803.772.5206

fax: 803.798.6650

Even though our primary focus is limited to our local jurisdiction, CCAR works closely with the South Carolina REALTORS® (SCR) on state issues. SCR support helps keep our members informed and engaged at the state level. During the early stage of the state legislative sessions, REALTORS® from around South Carolina gather in Columbia to discuss a variety of topics. CCAR members take this opportunity to meet with legislative representatives to discuss our priorities. For updates and additional information, please visit the South Carolina REALTORS® web site, www.screaltors.org

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National Association of REALTORS® 800.874.6500

430 N. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60611-4087

and 500 New Jersey Ave. NW

Washington, D.C. 20001-2020

Just as CCAR works closely with the South Carolina REALTORS®, the Association has the same connection with the National Association of REALTORS® on federal issues. Support from NAR allows CCAR members to stay informed and engaged at the national level. Every May, the National Association of REALTORS® hosts an annual convention in Washington D.C. at which REALTORS® from around the nation to gather to share ideas and discuss a variety of issues. NAR members engage with CCAR representatives at the federal level, and meetings are scheduled with congressional leaders to discuss legislative agendas. For updates and additional information, visit the National Association of REALTORS® web site, www.realtor.org

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