In previous years, California REALTORS® faced significant challenges in advocating for housing reform, often struggling to make their voices heard at the federal level. The expectation was that local issues would remain largely unaddressed without strong representation in Congress.
However, on March 23, 2026, a decisive moment occurred when California REALTORS® visited Capitol Hill to advocate for essential housing reforms. This advocacy trip focused on critical issues such as the capital gains tax and the More Homes on the Market Act, aiming to streamline regulations and incentivize local development.
The immediate effects of this advocacy were evident as the California Association of REALTORS® emphasized the importance of addressing housing affordability, which they described as a national issue transcending partisan lines. During the meetings, they engaged with members of the California Congressional Delegation, including prominent figures like Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff.
Mark Peterson, President-Elect of the California Association of REALTORS®, and Tamara Suminski, the current President, highlighted the significance of their presence in Washington. Suminski stated, “It blows my mind that we can make a difference, that we get to speak our members’ voice, tell the stories from the street, what our members are dealing with, what the homeowners that we serve are dealing with, face-to-face with the members who make the legislation that impact us on a daily basis.”
This annual advocacy trip is crucial for ensuring that California REALTORS® maintain a strong voice at the federal level. The group underscored the necessity of bipartisan cooperation in addressing housing issues, which have become increasingly urgent as many buyers, sellers, and renters face significant challenges in the current market.
Expert voices, such as Evan Liddiard, the NAR director of tax policy, have reinforced the need for these discussions, emphasizing that the realities facing the housing market require immediate attention and action.
As the advocacy trip concluded, the California REALTORS® left with a renewed sense of purpose and determination to continue pushing for reforms that would benefit all stakeholders in the housing market. The ongoing dialogue with federal representatives is expected to pave the way for future legislative changes that could alleviate some of the pressures currently faced by the real estate community.
In summary, the recent advocacy efforts by California REALTORS® mark a significant shift in their approach to addressing housing reform, highlighting the importance of direct engagement with lawmakers to effect change.
