We are pleased to report that email delivery to Yahoo and AOL addresses has now been restored. However, we have been notified by the Paragon development team that Comcast email addresses are currently experiencing delays and, in some cases, bounce backs. They have reached out to Comcast and are monitoring.

Housing & Public Policy Statement – Justin

Shaping Housing Policies for the Future

The Bay East Association of REALTORS® Housing and Public Policy Statement outlines our stance on critical issues affecting real estate transactions, homeownership, and private property rights. This policy forms the basis for Bay East’s advocacy on local government ordinances and regulations. Developed by the Bay East Local Government Relations committees, the statement is regularly reviewed, revised, and approved by the Bay East Board of Directors to ensure it reflects current and future needs.

The Importance of Homeownership

At Bay East, we believe that homeownership is the cornerstone of our democratic society, holding a vital place in our value system. Homeownership promotes community engagement, economic stability, business growth, employment opportunities, and family well-being. We also strongly advocate for safe and decent housing for every individual, supporting a housing market that offers diverse choices and accessible financing through both public and private lending institutions.

Our Non-Partisan Advocacy for Housing

Guided by these principles, the Bay East Association of REALTORS® champions non-partisan policies that support a robust housing market and strengthen communities. We believe that a thriving real estate market and accessible homeownership opportunities are essential to fostering civic responsibility and economic vitality.

Affordable Housing

We recognize that the cost and availability of housing is intrinsically related to the supply and accessibility of financing. We therefore support:

  • Local, State, and Federal programs which assist those who wish to attain housing, at all economic levels;
  • Public support to attract private investment in housing affordable to low and moderate income households;
  • Government-sponsored or insured programs which assist first-time homebuyers;
  • Policies which promote a balance between open space and housing;
  • Zoning which encourages the development of housing near employment and transportation centers.
  • Policies which allow the free market to determine rates and prices of housing;
  • Electoral approval of new or increased taxes related to residential real estate

Education

We support policies that ensure quality public education throughout the region.

Environmental and Water Policies

Bay East supports environmental protection and preservation policies that encourage voluntary home-hardening and energy efficiency improvements, conservation and reclamation of water, recycling of materials and other voluntary options to extend the life of our landfills and to protect the quality of our air.

Fair Housing

Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity shall be provided to everyone who wishes to purchase or rent shelter, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, family status or national origin. Furthermore, we subscribe to the Fair Housing Declaration between the National Association of REALTORS® and the Department of Housing and Urban Development to promote the practice of Fair Housing in the rental and sale of real property.

Homeownership

Bay East recognizes homeownership is the most safe, secure and stable form of shelter and supports policies and programs that are a path to homeownership.

 

Land Use Policies

We support local planning and zoning policies that accommodate the development of adequate and affordable housing for individuals at all income levels including:

  • Laws that zone adequate land for all types of housing;
  • Policies that do not attempt to limit growth or restrict residential development;
  • Zoning policies that encourage maximum site utilization, promote a balance of open space and housing, and reduce the per-unit cost of housing including: clustered housing, zero lot-line limits, and flexible set-backs;
  • Policies that streamline the permit and approval process;
  • Policies that encourage innovations in development and construction techniques and materials;
  • Policies that promote the use of land for mixed-use development of affordable housing in conjunction with market value housing close to transit hubs; shopping; schools; and other community amenities.

We oppose unreasonable entitlement fees, land dedications, development moratoriums and down-zonings.

Municipal Finance and Resources

We support municipal funding mechanisms that spread the burden of paying for services among all residents and businesses. We support the responsible use of municipal financial and staff resources.

Public Safety

We support polices that ensure reliable public safety strategies and services including police and fire protection and natural disaster relief that reflect the unique needs of each community within the Bay East service area.

Rental Housing Policies

We recognize and support the crucial role smaller, low-volume, “Mom and Pop” owners and managers of rental properties with four or fewer units play in providing safe, secure and affordable rental housing opportunities. We support regional and municipal policies which enable these property owners and managers to sustainably function as housing providers.

Residential Real Estate Transactions

We support the ability of homeowners and homebuyers to conduct real estate transactions as efficiently as possible and oppose intrusive regulations including excessive home or utility inspection and repairs triggered by the sale of a home. We oppose any transaction-related taxes including real property transfer taxes

Transportation

We support a robust transportation infrastructure that provides safe and efficient options for Bay Area residents to access housing, employment, education, service, entertainment, and recreation throughout the region.