Ensuring Economic Vitality: The real estate industry has been the one bright spot in a dismal economy throughout the recession - the state cannot afford to ravage the one industry that has bolstered the economy during these difficult times.

• NO Real Estate Excise Tax Increase - Washington's REET is one of the highest in the nation. An increase in the REET would have a devastating effect on the housing market. REALTORS® oppose legislation that would increase the REET or expand its use.
• NO Sales Tax on Services - A sales tax on services would dramatically increase the cost of purchasing a home, thereby cutting thousands of potential homebuyers out of the housing market.
  
• No Additional Business Taxes - Increased business taxes would have a dramatically negative impact on business and further threatens our struggling economy.
  
• Priorities of Government Budget - REALTORS® support the Governor's effort to establish a baseline, priority-driven state budget based on "Priorities of Government" that uses current tax revenue projections to pay for services that matter most to Washington citizens.

Providing Housing Opportunities: REALTORS® support legislation that will increase housing opportunities for everyone who wants to own a home.

• No net loss of housing/employment capacity - When local governments reduce available housing and/or employment capacity, whether through downzoning or designation of critical areas, that loss of capacity must be replenished to ensure that local governments have the ability to accommodate growth.
• Condominium Construction Liability - A rise in lawsuits against developers of condominiums has threatened continued existence of a thriving condominium construction market. Legislation is needed to keep the condominium market healthy while protecting both owners and builders.

Building Better Communities: Infrastructure (roads, water, sewer) supports and sustains our quality of life by providing the framework for accommodating residential, commercial and industrial growth and facilitating economic development.

• Transportation Funding - REALTORS® support transportation solutions that reduce traffic congestion, improve freight mobility, accommodates growth and ensures economic vitality.
• Infrastructure Financing - REALTORS® support legislation that implements the recommendations of the Infrastructure Coalition to provide funding necessary to accommodate growth.
• Exempt Wells - REALTORS® support legislation that allows exempt wells to be used for development as long as existing rights are not impacted.
• Water for Growing Communities - REALTORS® support legislation that recognizes and implements the growing communities doctrine for municipal water supply.

Protecting Property Owners: REALTORS® support legislation that assists prospective property owners in making informed decisions.

• Seller's Disclosure - REALTORS® support amendments and housekeeping revisions to make the seller's property condition disclosure more understandable and complete.
• Eliminating Excessive Regulation - REALTORS® support legislation that eliminates unnecessary, burdensome, duplicative, and excessive regulation. We should allow "Out-Of-State" Licensees to perform "Commercial Real Estate Practice" without additional licensing requirements. We should also exempt Real Estate Brokers managing "common-interest owners associations" from being licensed as collection agencies.