Went to My First Lobby Day!
More "out of my comfort zone" stuff…
This past Tuesday, I attended Lobby Day at the Legislative Office Building. It was my first time, and I had no idea what to expect. I'm not a terribly political person. Although, I do admit to participating in more protests lately, than I ever have before. But that's a topic for another day and another venue. But actually sitting down and talking through policy with legislators? That was certainly a stretch for me.
The day started off pretty comfortably, with coffee, a light breakfast, and time to chat with other real estate agents. Okay, this part is easy; I can do this. Just people talking about their work, their clients and the communities we're all a part of.
After breaking into groups, we met with staff from State Senator Patricia Fahy's office. She popped in for a few minutes in between committee meetings, which I appreciated. Afterward, we met with Assemblymember Gabriella Romero's staff, and she also took a moment to say hello to us out in the hallway. I was surprised at how busy it all was, with people moving quickly, conversations happening everywhere.
I think I expected it to feel intimidating, but it really didn't. The conversations were actually pretty grounded and practical.
Here are some of the things we talked about:
- First-time homebuyer savings accounts (supported):
The idea is to help people save for a home by allowing them to put money into a dedicated account, kind of like a 529 plan, but for buying a house. Having a child looking at colleges right now, and having established a 529 account for her in kindergarten, I can absolutely appreciate a program like this that would help people get that first foot in the door! - Telemarketing rules (supported):
This one is about allowing real estate agents to reach out more directly to potential clients. Right now, this ban on telemarketing is aligned with State emergencies. But many State emergencies don't affect communication channels, which is why this ban was put into effect in the first place. So, if I have buyers looking in a particular neighborhood, and I believe there may be some folks who might be interested in selling, I can't call them and start that conversation. And listen, I dislike telemarketers as much as the next person, but these are people living and working in our own neighborhoods, and this wide-sweeping ban limits our ability to connect with those neighbors. It's a bit of a balancing act: giving professionals the ability to connect, while still protecting consumers. - Albany transfer tax proposal (opposed):
This one hit closer to home. The proposal would raise the transfer tax locally, which means higher closing costs. And when costs go up, it doesn't just affect one side; it impacts buyers, sellers, and the overall market. It would add an additional tax of $2650 that buyers have to come up with, in addition to all the other closing costs they're facing. It can absolutely break deals and prevent someone, already stretched to their financial limit, from getting into their new home. - Affordability overall:
This was really the thread running through everything. How do we make it easier, not harder, for people to buy a home, stay in their home, or make a move when they need to?
I found myself listening not just as a real estate agent, but as someone who lives here, has raised my daughter here, and sees what "home" really means to people. I know what it's meant to me, and I want to be sure I'm doing what I can, to help others have what I've been able to.
After the meetings, we all met back up for lunch, and honestly, that might have been my favorite part. Just hearing the chatter among other real estate agents and realizing how much I'd learned in just a few hours.
I went into the day with no idea what to expect. I left with a better understanding of how this process works and how decisions get made. I wouldn't say I walked away suddenly "political." But I do think I walked away paying a little more attention.
And I'm glad I went.
