In March, the Vermont Association of REALTORS launched “Dinner at Home,” a new advocacy initiative aimed at bringing Vermont lawmakers and VAR members together for conversations about issues important to REALTORS. The three-part legislative dinner series was held at the VAR office in Montpelier on March 19, March 26 and April 2.

“Our Dinner at Home series gave VAR members and Vermont lawmakers an opportunity to have conversations about issues that are important to REALTORS and to Vermont’s homeowners,” said Helen Hossley, VAR chief executive officer. “The event was a huge success for VAR members and for the lawmakers who attended.”

Each dinner centered around a specific topic, ranging from broadband deployment to Act 250 and home affordability.

“The conversations throughout the events were robust and fruitful,” said VAR Government Affairs Director Nancy Lynch. “Everyone was engaged, with legislators citing efforts to pass legislation that will help more people achieve their dream of homeownership.” Such efforts include a housing bill that doubles the amount of money appropriated for down payment assistance and other first-time home buyer financial incentives. Lawmakers are also extending the qualifications to 80-120 percent of median income.

REALTOR members shared their appreciation for the efforts of the legislature to fund and expand programs in the moderate-income range, as many of their clients do not currently qualify for these programs. REALTORS in attendance also shared some concerns about the challenges they face in today’s housing market.

“We discussed a broad spectrum of concerns, from which counties are buyer markets and which are seller markets, to the natural tension that exists between the requirements of ACT 250 and residential and commercial growth. We also discussed the lack of affordable homes, low inventory across the state, and  problems with the large amount of older homes that need extensive updates, including weatherization,” explained Lynch.

“Our goal is to build important relationships with Vermont’s decision-makers,” said Hossley. “This dinner series gives us the opportunity to be a resource to lawmakers and to help influence legislation that impacts our members.”

“The ripple effect is also important,” explained Lynch. “The legislators who attended have shared their insights from our conversations with other legislators. Michael Sirotkin, chair of the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs, recently told me he had heard positive news about our dinner series. He indicated that a “big” housing bill will be moving next session and he will look to REALTORS for support and participation in creating a bill that will work for all Vermonters.”

VAR is making plans to build on the success of the Dinner at Home series by working with local boards to co-host conversational lunches across the state during the summer and fall. The association plans to resume the series in January, 2020. VAR members will be invited to attend these special events.

A special thanks to the Vermont legislators who attended our Dinner at Home events:

Senator Jim McNeil, Rutland
Rep. Mark Higley, Orleans/Lamoille
Rep. Rob LaClair, Washington
Rep. Nelson Brownell, Bennington
Rep. Eileen Dickinson, Franklin
Rep. Patrick Seymour, Caledonia
Rep. Kenneth Goslant, Washington
Rep. John Gannon, Windham
Rep. Kelly Pajala, Windham/Bennington/Windsor
Rep. Laura Sibilia, Windham/Bennington
Rep. Robert Hooper, Chittenden
Rep. Lawrence Cupoli, Rutland
Rep. Robin Chesnut-Tangerman, Rutland/Bennington
Rep. Patrick Brennan, Chittenden
Rep. Patricia McCoy, Rutland
Rep. Mary Howard, Rutland
Rep. Michael Yantachka, Chittenden
Rep. Mollie Burke, Windham
Senator Alison Clarkson, Windsor
Senator Cheryl Hooker, Rutland