Housing Policy Statement

The Bay East Association of REALTORS® Housing Policy Statement presents the Bay East position on issues that impact real estate transactions, home ownership and private property rights. It is the foundation for Bay East taking positions on local government ordinances and regulations. It was developed by the Bay East Local Government Relations Committee and is revised and approved by the Bay East Board of Directors on a regular basis. It is scheduled to be reviewed and updated during 2021. For more information about the Housing Policy Statement, please contact David Stark, Public Affairs Director at 925.730.4068 or davids@bayeast.org

The Bay East Association of REALTORS® believes homeownership is the foundation of our democratic system of government and deserves a preferred place in our system of values. It contributes to community responsibility, civic, economic, business, and employment stability, family security, and well-being. We also believe that every individual should have the opportunity to live in safe and decent housing. These objectives can best be served by a healthy housing market in an economic environment that fosters an ample supply of housing choices and accessible financing provided by both public and private lending sources.

With these goals in mind, the Bay East Association of REALTORS® advocates the following positions on housing and community issues.

The Bay East Association of REALTORS® Housing Policy Statement presents the Bay East position on issues that impact real estate transactions, home ownership and private property rights. It is the foundation for Bay East taking positions on local government ordinances and regulations. It was developed by the Bay East Local Government Relations Committee and is revised and approved by the Bay East Board of Directors on a regular basis. It is scheduled to be reviewed and updated during 2021. For more information about the Housing Policy Statement, please contact David Stark, Public Affairs Director at 925.730.4068 or davids@bayeast.org

The Bay East Association of REALTORS® believes homeownership is the foundation of our democratic system of government and deserves a preferred place in our system of values. It contributes to community responsibility, civic, economic, business, and employment stability, family security, and well-being. We also believe that every individual should have the opportunity to live in safe and decent housing. These objectives can best be served by a healthy housing market in an economic environment that fosters an ample supply of housing choices and accessible financing provided by both public and private lending sources.

With these goals in mind, the Bay East Association of REALTORS® advocates the following positions on housing and community issues.

  • Affordable Housing and Homelessness

    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 policies that encourage the voluntary conservation and reclamation of water, the 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.

  • 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 (e.g. clustered housing, zero lot limits, 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 dedications, development moratoriums and down-zonings.

  • Public Safety

    We support polices that ensure reliable public safety services including police and fire protection and natural disaster relief.

  • Rental Housing Policies

    We oppose excessive regulation of rental properties including any form of rent control, just-cause eviction and tenant relocation programs that restrict private property rights and ultimately increase the cost of rental housing.

  • Residential Real Estate Transactions

    We oppose excessive regulation of residential real estate transactions 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 employment, education, service, entertainment and recreation throughout the region.

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Affordable Housing and Homelessness Education Environmental and Water Policies Fair Housing Land Use Policies Public Safety Rental Housing Policies Residential Real Estate Transactions Transportation

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