REALTORS ® DAY in Trenton a Success

BY JAILYN FRAZIER, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COORDINATOR

In May, New Jersey Realtors® hosted our annual advocacy event, Realtors® Day in Trenton at the Historic Masonic Temple in downtown Trenton, just a short walk from the New Jersey State House. Nearly 200 Realtors® attended, many of whom were first-time attendees, and had the opportunity to hear from elected officials, learn about key industry issues, and take a tour of the newly renovated New Jersey State House. Realtors® Day in Trenton provides attendees with a unique opportunity to meet and hear from state legislators who make policies with a direct impact on homeownership, private property rights, and the real estate industry.

“Trenton Day was an incredibly informative event that provided value for real estate professionals to connect with each other from all over the state,” said Realtor® and member of New Jersey Realtors® Young Professionals Network Kyla Niewinski. “It offered a unique opportunity to stay updated on the current issues and challenges faced by our industry while also exploring the fascinating tour of the state house, adding an extra touch of excitement to the experience! Thank you NJ Realtors® for giving us this opportunity to grow and connect.”

The morning began with networking, photo opportunities, and breakfast. New Jersey Realtors® Chief Executive Officer Jarrod Grasso kicked off the event by welcoming attendees and going through the agenda for the day which included a panel discussion with New Jersey Realtors® Government Affairs Department, remarks from Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, and a tour of the New Jersey State House. A welcome video from Gov. Phil Murphy, who has attended the event in previous years, was played which thanked the Realtors® for attending and recognized the members of the New Jersey Realtors® 2023 Leadership Team.

Grasso introduced and moderated the panel discussion with the New Jersey Realtors® Government Affairs Department, which included Vice President of Government Affairs

Doug Tomson, Director of Government Affairs Catherine Best, and Director of RPAC & Regulatory Affairs Bruce Shapiro. They discussed current local issues, the Realtors® Political Action Committee, the NJ State budget, New Jersey Coalition of Real Estate, New Jersey Realtors® Issues Mobilization Fund, crucial issues impacting the real estate industry, and the team’s proudest achievements while working with New Jersey Realtors®.

Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin delivered his remarks discussing his take on the state budget proceedings, his senior property tax plan, and the state of the housing market. As Speaker, Assemblyman Coughlin determines which bills are considered in the Assembly and which are not, making him one of the top officials in the State House.

“It was my first time attending Realtors® Day in Trenton as a new real estate agent. It was great to learn that first time homebuyer affordability is something that NJ is working towards, as inventory is challenged,” said Century 21 Realtor® Justin Green. “Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin spoke on other legislative priorities that affect us all: predatory service agreements and property taxes. It was a great day!”

Following the Speaker’s remarks and the conclusion of the panel discussion, many attendees made their way to the State House to meet other legislators and for a behindthe-scenes tour of the newly renovated capitol complex. The tour included the Senate and Assembly chambers, committee rooms, the famous rotunda, and even the governor’s newly renovated wing, which has been closed to the public since late 2016 and reopened a few months ago.

Attendees who visited the State House had a chance to meet and speak with Sen. Troy Singleton after the Senate voting session. Sen. Singleton is the chairman of the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee, where nearly all bills affecting housing are assigned to and considered before they can reach the Senate floor. The impromptu meeting with Sen. Singleton capped off a successful day in Trenton for New Jersey Realtors® who learned about the legislative process, our association, and just a few of the many issues New Jersey Realtors® works on.

“I always look forward to getting together with long-time Realtor® friends at Trenton Day. A lot of great information shared,” said Realtor® Ken Freeman. “See you all next year.”

New Jersey Legislative Bills

Prohibits ownership of agricultural land in State by foreign governments and persons.

New Jersey Realtors® Position: MONITOR

NJ Realtors® will monitor this bill as it relates to property ownership rights and domestic ownership of foreign land is a growing topic.

Bill History: 01/26/2023—Introduced and referred to Assembly Agriculture and Food Security Committee.

Requires expanded use of affordable housing voucher program funding for homeownership expense assistance.

New Jersey Realtors® Position: STRONG SUPPORT

NJ Realtors® will strongly support this bill as it pertains to affordable housing. NJ Realtors® worked with North Central Jersey Association of Realtors® Young Professionals Network on this program last year and has spoken to the federal delegation about this bill.

Bill History: 02/28/2023—Introduced and referred to Assembly Housing Committee. 03/20/2023—Reported.

Requires landlord to provide various kitchen appliances in certain dwelling units offered for rent.

New Jersey Realtors® Position: MONITOR

NJ Realtors® will monitor this bill as it addresses landlord/tenant relationships. This bill requires landlords to provide various kitchen appliances (a stove (gas or electric) and a refrigerator).

Bill History: 05/08/2023—Introduced and referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee.