Legislators and Realtors meet to discuss affordable housing
Homeownership will be in the spotlight next year in Boise as Legislator’s and Realtors came together for the Greater Idaho Falls Association of Realtors annual luncheon to discuss economic and political issues impacting affordable home ownership.
A group of lenders who spoke at today’s event said high prices caused in part due to a gap in demographic trends, the wealth gap is keeping young households out of the market.
“Being able to speak with the different Legislators and Government organizations is to help them understand that this is a concern,” said Michael Johnston Idaho Real Estate Commissioner.
“If somebody can’t buy a home and they can’t move into a community they’re not apart of the community. If they’re renting all the time they sometimes they don’t have that sense and feel that they’re apart of the community.”
The chapter President Bett Magleby said one big-ticket issue was transfer taxes. “We’re trying to keep a transfer tax from being implemented here in the state of Idaho,” said Magleby. “When real estate is transactive, we’re one of only a few states that do not want that here.”
Magleby also says the association is planning to unveil a pre-tax savings plan for first time home buyers.
