GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS BRIEFING

A service provided to members of the Wilmington Regional Association of REALTORS® and the REALTORS® Commercial Alliance of Southeastern North Carolina

 

May 7, 2008

 

Check us out on the front page of the web at wrar.com and on the RCA website at www.rcasenc.com

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS: click on the following

  

MEETINGS AND EVENTS – HAVE YOU REGISTERED?

 

FORECLOSURE PREVENTION SEMINAR: (For Realtors, Lenders, Credit Counselors, etc.) Learn to identify predatory loan terms and practices. Learn to recognize loan services abuses. Know when to refer your client to an attorney. Learn about loan servicing programs that help avoid foreclosure. Learn about new NC laws providing protections and rights for homeowners. Don’t miss this free seminar on May 21st from 2:00-5:00pm at the New Hanover Public Library (201 Chestnut Street) in the New Hanover Room, 3rd Floor. To attend you must register by May 16; for the registration form click here.

 

FORECLOSURE PREVENTION SEMINAR: (For Consumers) Having problems paying your mortgage payments on time? Are your mortgage payments increasing? Do you need advice on steps to possibly save your home? Want to learn how to recognize fraud and rescue scams? Curious about free services offered by Legal Aid of NC? Let your consumers know about this free seminar on May 21st from 6:00-7:30pm at the New Hanover Public Library (201 Chestnut Street) in the New Hanover Room, 3rd Floor. There is no registration for this event and is open to the public.

 

LOCAL GOVERNMENT MEETING SCHEDULES: For the 2008 New Hanover County schedule of County Commission meetings, click here. For Pender County’s 2008 Schedule, click here. For Wilmington, click here. For Wrightsville Beach, click here. For Kure Beach, click here. Carolina Beach is contemplating meeting twice a month and changing the meeting time. The meeting notice information for CB will be updated and will be posted here.

 

2008 NCAR Legislative Day: Plan to join REALTORS from around North Carolina at the General Assembly on June 11. This year, our Legislators will be addressing tough issues that will impact your industry, issues such as smart growth, transportation, impact fees, additional taxation, etc. Transportation to Raleigh for the day will be provided, please look for upcoming registration information.

 

Return to table of contents

 

REALTOR® PARTICIPATION

 

Coastal Stormwater Rules: On March 20, 2008, the North Carolina Rules Review Commission (RRC) approved the amendments to the Coastal Stormwater Rule. Click here to view the rule approved by the RRC but still subject to review by the General Assembly. I was fortunate to be able to work closely with the Division of Water Quality, local stakeholders and members of the General Assembly in coordinating significant modifications to the Phase II stormwater rules that we were required by federal law to adopt. Click here for key points of the Phase II Legislation that is currently law for New Hanover and Brunswick Counties, and items from the proposed new rules.

 

BOARDS AND COMMITTEE VACANCIES: for vacancies in Pender County click here. For vacancies in New Hanover County, click here. For Wilmington Boards and Commissions information, click here.

 

Return to table of contents

  

CURRENT ISSUES

 

ELECTION 2008 RESULTS: According to the Wilmington Star News, “North Carolina voters turned out in modern-day record numbers for Tuesday’s primary, with 2.1 million of the state’s 5.8 million registered voters going to the polls or voting early.” Thank you to all members who were able to vote. Listed below are the results from the elections that featured candidates endorsed by WRAR. For complete election results on the 2008 primaries click here.

 

New Hanover County Commissioners (Republican Primary):

  Ted Davis Jr                  7,733

*Jason R Thompson       7,635

*Bill A Kopp Jr                  6,804

  Nancy H Pritchett           6,560

 

Pender County Commissioner (Democratic Primary):

  Franklin D Rivenbark      3,882

*Thomas J Roper             3,326

 

New Hanover Board of Education (Democratic Primary):

*Dorothy S DeShields      18,805

*Jan W Brewington          13,387

  Pat Chappell                   9,935

*Dale E Smith                   9,345

  Patricia A Gilligan            7,403

 

New Hanover Board of Education (Republican Primary):

  Elizabeth Redenbaugh    6,896

  Jeannette S Nichols         6,551

  David Martin                     5,626

  George Cox                     4,958

  Patrick C Giarelli              2,677

 

(* = Candidates endorsed)

 

CROSS-CITY TRAIL: Plans for the Cross-City Trail are progressing and a draft of the trails alignment has been released. To view the Cross-City Trail Alignment click here. For those who have not heard, the city of Wilmington plans to build a 10-mile "cross-city" trail that will lead walkers and bikers from South College Road to Halyburton Park to Wrightsville Beach. The 8-foot-wide path is one of the many projects the city is building with the $35.5 million park bonds money that New Hanover County voters approved in May, the projects should take six to eight months to finish and will connect our areas parks from South College Road through Halyburton to the Cameron Art Museum. To read more about the Cross-City Trail click here.

 

1099 TAX REPORTING & WITHHOLDING POLICY: In June 2008, The 1099 Tax Reporting & Withholding Policy will be up for review. The policy states: Payments for services to independent contractors, other individuals, or unincorporated businesses of $600 or more in a calendar year are reportable to the IRS on Form 1099. Any payments for legal and medical services to corporations are also reportable on IRS Form 1099. The University is required to withhold 28% tax from reportable supplier payments if a taxpayer identification number (“SSN” or “Employer Identification Number, EIN”) is not provided in advance of payment. To read more about this policy click here.

 

AFFORDABLE HOUSING REPORT BY WRAR GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS DIRECTOR: Carey Disney Ricks, WRAR and RCASENC Governmental Affairs Director and Chair of the Affordable Housing Coalition made a presentation to Wilmington City Council during their regularly scheduled Council meeting on April 22. To view this video, click here and select Presentations / Affordable Housing Coalition.

 

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE: The North Carolina Association of REALTORS has won a national Award of Excellence for our “Stop the Home Tax” campaign. This honor is received through the Associations Advance America (AAA) Awards program. The AAA Awards recognize associations and industry partners that improve the quality of life in America with innovative programs in education, skills training, standard setting, business and social innovation, knowledge creation, citizenship and community service. Congratulations to the many people involved in this important effort!

 

STEWARDSHIP DEVELOPMENT AWARDS: Are you involved with an exciting new development in the three-county area of Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender?  Do you have a development that is special in its efforts to capture and preserve the natural amenities of the site for the enjoyment and appreciation of the future occupants? Are you trying to market to the type of buyer or leaseholder that will appreciate the efforts you made in stewardship and emphasis of the natural resources on the property? Then a Stewardship Development recognition and use of our logo as a seal of approval may be of value to you. For more information about the program, or to download the application form and guidelines for meeting the criteria, visit our website at www.stewardshipdev.org or contact the planning departments of New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick Counties and the City of Wilmington.

 

HOMEBUYER TAX CREDITS: The House Ways and Means Committee approved a bill (H.R. 5720) that would make nearly all first-time homebuyers eligible for a tax credit of up to $7500 for the purchase of a home. The tax credit would be available for purchases between April 8, 2008 and April 1, 2009. Eligible purchasers could buy any property (existing home or newly constructed) so long as the house would be used as a principal residence. H.R. 5720 will likely be considered in the full House the week of April 21. On Thursday, the Senate approved a similar bill (H.R. 3221).  The Senate version calls for the tax credit to be available to all purchasers, not just first-time homebuyers.  Also, the Senate version states that purchasers would receive the benefit of the tax credit only if they purchased properties that had been foreclosed. A side by side comparison of the two bills is available on the REALTOR® Action Center:  http://www.realtoractioncenter.com/mortgage-protection-and-forecl.html. 

 

KURE BEACH RECIEVES APPROVAL FOR GRANT: The Town of Kure Beach received a letter from NC Governor Mike Easley, dated April 9, 2008, congratulating it on being approved for a $300,000 grant from NC DENR’s Division of Water Resources for its Ocean Front Park Project. The funds will aid in the acquisition of the ocean front property located on Atlantic Avenue, adjacent to the Kure Beach Fishing Pier. Governor Easley commended the town on its efforts to provide open space and public beach access to the community.

 

Return to table of contents

 

articleS OF INTEREST

Click on blue title for full article

 

NEW HANOVER COUNTY:

 

Men amass money in New Hanover commissioner’s race. Chris Mazzolini. Wilmington Star News May 1, 2008: Raising money to win a seat with the New Hanover County commissioners appears to be a man's game, because the only woman in the race isn't playing along.

 

Small town politicians asked for big time endorsements. Sam Scott. Wilmington Star News May 1, 2008: With less than 2,000 people in his constituency, the mayor of Navassa might not seem much in demand for his presidential endorsement.

 

GE Hitachi to get up to $25.7M for Castle Hayne expansion. Chris Mazzolini. Wilmington Star News May 1, 2008: The state will pay GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy as much as $25.7 million over a dozen years to expand its operations in Castle Hayne and create 900 new jobs during the next five years, according to a news release from Gov. Mike Easley, who spoke Wednesday at Cape Fear Community College.

 

Wilmington council still seems determined to nab Monkey Junction. Sam Scott. Wilmington Star News May 1, 2008: Wilmington is still eyeing pushing its city limits to Monkey Junction despite a proposed state moratorium on annexations, which has given hope to opponents of the move.

 

Median construction, other work may delay traffic on Eastwood Road. Patrick Gannon. Wilmington Star News May 2, 2008: If you head out toward Wrightsville Beach this weekend - or any other time in May - pack some patience and a few extra minutes.

 

Wilmington council looks at 14% tax increase. Sam Scott. Wilmington Star News May 5, 2008: City manager Sterling Cheatham has presented city council a proposed budget that calls for raising the tax rate to 34.25 cents per $100 of valuation, up from 30 cents currently.

 

Plans for New Hanover marina project withdrawn. Chris Mazzolini. Wilmington Star News May 6, 2008: On Monday, the New Hanover County commissioners got a chance to revisit a decades-old marina project that has pitted distant cousins against each other, in hopes of settling it once and for all.

 

Wilmington council looks at 14% tax increase. Sam Scott. Wilmington Star News May 6, 2008: City Manager Sterling Cheatham has presented city council with a proposed budget that calls for raising the tax rate to 34.25 cents per $100 of value, up from 30 cents currently. Cheatham will formally unveil the $128 million proposal at tonight’s city council meeting.

 

Pritchett likely out; New Hanover commissioners to go all male. Chris Mazzolini. Wilmington Star News May 7, 2008: Incumbents Ted Davis Jr. and Bill Kopp each secured one of the three Republican nominations for the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners, as did Wilmington Councilman Jason Thompson, according to unofficial results.

 

New Hanover Register of Deeds too close to call. Chris Mazzolini. Wilmington Star News May 7, 2008: Jennifer Hardison appears to have knocked out long-time New Hanover County Register of Deeds Rebecca Smith in the Democratic primary.

 

Newcomers fare well in New Hanover Board of Education primary. Angela Mack. Wilmington Star News May 7, 2008: Dorothy DeShields, Jan Brewington and Pat Chappell won the Democratic Party’s nomination for the New Hanover County Board of Education Tuesday, while Elizabeth Redenbaugh, Jeannette Nichols and David Martin won the Republican Party’s nomination.

 

Wilmington eases water restrictions. Sam Scott. Wilmington Star News May 7, 2008: The city of Wilmington has eased its water restrictions. The city is now at Stage 1, allowing for more irrigation times. It is the second relaxation of restrictions since council adopted them in October.

 

pender county:

 

More customers expected to tap into Pender water system. Tyra M. Vaughn. Wilmington Star News May 4, 2008: With more than 1,100 new customers expected to connect to Pender County's water system over the next few months, the county's water supply might be getting thinner.

 

Beach project to resume. Connie Pletl. Topsail Voice May 7, 2008: N. TOPSAIL BEACH – The board of aldermen reversed an earlier decision and voted to approve funding to obtain permits necessary for a beach nourishment project.

Incumbent Rivenbark keeps spot on Pender County Commissioner ballot. Tyra M. Vaughn. Wilmington Star News May 7, 2008: Burgaw | Incumbent F.D. Rivenbark will receive the Democratic Party’s nomination for the District 4 Pender County commissioner seat. It will be his fourth nomination. 

Rouse, Gonzales win Pender school board race. Tyra M. Vaughn. Wilmington Star News May 7, 2008: With all precincts reporting, Rouse and Gonzales were the winners of Tuesday’s election after edging out opponents Thurman Casey and Tim Weaver respectively for the two open seats.

brunswick county:

 

Brunswick Realtors put up $7,000 in candidate donations. Shannan Bowen. Wilmington Star News May 1, 2008: The Brunswick County Association of Realtors offered $7,000 to Brunswick County commissioner candidates and a candidate for register of deeds. But not everyone wanted to accept the donation, and some of those who did said the money wouldn't sway their views.

 

Brunswick commissioner candidates rate county government a 'C' at forum. Shannan Bowen. Wilmington Star News May 1, 2008: Supply | On a grade scale from A to F, most Brunswick County commissioner candidates gave the current county government a "C."

 

Two condo projects near Oak Island hit a wall. Shelby Sebens. Wilmington Star News May 2, 2008: Thanks to the slumping housing market and other circumstances, two condo projects near the entrance to Oak Island have become barren lands.

 

Brunswick County Commissioners to consider stormwater rules planned road project. Shannan Bowen. Wilmington Star News May 3, 2008:  Presentations on two hot-button issues relating to the county's roads and stormwater regulations will be made at Monday night's Brunswick County Board of Commissioners meeting.

 

2 nursing homes coming to Brunswick County. Vicky Eckenrode. Wilmington Star News May 3, 2008: Two nursing homes are moving into Brunswick County, which state regulators had pinpointed as needing more options for senior care.

 

Approved Boiling Spring Lakes budget includes no change in city tax rate. Shelby Sebens. Wilmington Star News May 6, 2008: Boiling Spring Lakes | The board of commissioners on Monday approved the introduction to the proposed budget for the upcoming year that includes no change in the city's tax rate.

 

Bond may pay for planned Wilmington Bypass. Shannan Bowen. Wilmington Star News May 6, 2008:  Bolivia | After a presentation by the N.C. Turnpike Authority on building sections of the Wilmington Bypass as toll roads, Brunswick County Commissioner Bill Sue had a message for the audience.

 

Gilbert loses in Brunswick School Board primary. Ana Ribeiro. Wilmington Star News May 7, 2008: Incumbent Republican Ray Gilbert lost to former school board member Olaf “Bud” Thorsen in Tuesday’s Brunswick County school board primary.

 

Incumbents rule Brunswick County Commissioner's primary. Shannan Bowen. Wilimington Star News May 7, 2008: Bolivia | Of the three Brunswick County commissioners up for re-election this year, May Moore and Tom Rabon faced opponents in Tuesday’s primary election.

 

NORTH CAROLINA:

 

Obama wins Carolina, Hillary takes Indiana. Wilmington Star News May 7, 2008: Barack Obama called his North Carolina primary win on Tuesday a victory against the “politics of division and the politics of distraction.”

 

Hughes winner in race for Wright's spot in District 18 race. Sam Scott & Patrick Gannon. Wilmington Star News May 7, 2008: Last month, the party leaders spoke for N.C. House District 18. On Tuesday, the people did. In both cases, Sandra Spaulding Hughes prevailed.

 

Hagan, Dole breeze to primary wins for U.S. Senate race. Wilmington Star News May 7, 2008: Raleigh | U.S. Senate candidate Kay Hagan easily humbled four Democratic primary opponents Tuesday but didn’t savor the victory. She immediately turned her attention to the more daunting challenge she faces in November.

 

From ages 18 to 106, local voters flock to polls for historic primary. Veronica Gonzalez. Wilmington Star News May 7, 2008: State election officials believe a modern-day record 2 million of the state’s 5.8 million registered voters cast a vote in the primary, between early voting and the steady stream of voters who went to the polls Tuesday.

 

Return to table of contents

 

NEWS FROM NAR

Click on blue title for full article

 

REALTORS® RETURN TO CAPITOL HILL

NAR MID-YEAR LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS TO FOCUS ON EFFORTS TO STABILIZE HOUSING MARKETS

On May 12, 2008, REALTORS® from across the nation will begin arriving in Washington, D.C. for the National Association of REALTORS® Mid-year Legislative Meetings and Trade Expo. Advancing NAR's legislative agenda on Capitol Hill has taken on increased urgency this year. Despite the national media obsession with portraying real estate as a single national market, NAR will set the record straight for Congress.

 

What's being done to shore up housing? Many new, good ideas are currently being debated in Congress. These include jump-start tax incentives for homeownership, FHA and Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae changes that rationalize housing finance and ongoing projects to assure authorization of existing programs and develop solutions for new problems those programs don't address. Of particular interest to REALTORS® is a new approach to health insurance for the self-employed. REALTORS® and Congress have a notable opportunity to work together to secure enactment of some important legislation.

Housing 2008: Is the homeownership glass half full or half empty? The answer depends on where you're looking. The motto "Location, Location, Location" still drives the market. Despite the bleak picture painted in the news, sales in nearly half of the nation's housing markets continue to perform well and home values in many of them continue to appreciate. Most mortgages are current, and the vast majority of homeowners have avoided foreclosure. Still, foreclosure rates continue to grow; they're up 60% nationally from a year ago. The challenges in the subprime mortgage market persist, even though many, if not most, of the "bad guy" lenders have been shut down.

REALTORS® - All Together
NAR'S 2008 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA: REALTORS® will be pressing Congress for completion of our legislative agenda.

Enact Housing Stimulus Legislation

 

Improve Access to Affordable Insurance

 

Enact Small Business Health Care Legislation


Whether or not you will be traveling to Washington, D.C. your voice is needed to promote our goals. Real estate ownership and investment have historically been the drivers of a vibrant economy. Congress and REALTORS® must work together to restore that essential role. Let your Member of Congress and United States Senators know that you support the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® 2008 LEGISLATIVE GOALS:

 

To download/ print all Talking Points click here.

 

NAR RESPONDS TO CUOMO, GSE APPRAISAL AGREEMENT

(Apr. 30) New York State Attorney General and GSEs look to combat appraisal fraud in the mortgage industry by entering into their recent agreement on appraisal issues. To read NAR's comment letters to Freddie and Fannie, plus a summary and FAQs on the issue click here.

 

2007 NAR POLICY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

NAR is pleased to report significant accomplishments regarding its leading federal policy priorities. The 110th Congress marked the return of Democrats in control of the House and Senate agenda. NAR worked closely with the new Congress, appearing before House and Senate committees on 17 occasions to communicate REALTOR® positions on major issues. On the regulatory front NAR worked closely with the Executive Branch submitting 14 policy comment letters providing REALTOR® guidance and recommendations regarding federal policy regulations affecting the real estate industry. The following is a summary of major federal policy accomplishments: Financial Services, Insurance, Housing, Tax Policy, and Commercial Real Estate

 

REALTOR® INSIDER: D.C. NEWS AND EVENTS

Talking Points for the 2008 Midyear Legislative Meetings Available on REALTOR.ORG

 

CONVENTIONAL RESIDENTIAL LENDING REPORT

President-Elect Charles McMillan Meets with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

 

FEDERAL TAX REPORT

Full House to Vote on Tax Credit Proposal

 

HOUSING REPORT

House Committee Passes Foreclosure Rescue Bill

VA Reform Moving Forward

 

Return to table of contents

 

As your WRAR® and RCASENC Governmental Affairs Department, we are providing you with this Governmental Affairs Briefing to utilize as a tool in your advocacy, understanding and contribution to legislative, regulatory, and quality of life issues. Hopefully you will find this information helpful, and please know that we are always available if you have questions or if you would like more information about an issue addressed in the Briefing. We are located at the Association office; you can reach Governmental Affairs Director Carey Disney Ricks at 910-762-1695 and by email carey@wrar.com or Governmental Affairs Assistant Tiffany Lawhorn at governmentalaffairs@wrar.com.

Untitled 1
WRAR logo
Governmental Affairs
Governmental Affairs
Luncheon
WRAR logo
AnnouncementsCommittee Meetings Continuing EducationDesignation Courses
Realtor Store
Technology and info Updates