In a positive step for veterans, US Congresswoman Cathy McMorris-Rodgers has agreed to be a key signatory letter to the US Veterans Affairs Office. (VA)
The move comes after a delegation from Spokane REALTORS® met with the congresswoman in Washington DC, as part of the annual Legislative Hill Day sponsored by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
Federal political coordinator for Spokane Tom Hormel explained how veterans can no longer use the services of a REALTOR® buyer’s agent, because of antiquated rules with the Veteran’s Affairs Home Loan program. “We have veterans who are not able to access the same services as anyone else,” said Hormel, adding “the rules are such, veterans cannot even pay for a REALTOR® buyers agent our of their own pocket. We believe that’s unfair.”
McMorris-Rodgers agreed, and offered to sign a letter being sent from NAR to the VA.
Director, Government Advocacy and Operations for NAR Ryan Rusbuldt says the VA has the power to make the fixes needed internally. Adding that a strong, bi-partisan letter from Congress may be the best and fastest way for change. “Given the way politics are right now in D.C., a letter would be a far more effective way to make these changes, rather than trying to push through legislation.”
This is McMorris-Rodgers last year in congress. She has announced she will be stepping down at the end of our term.
READ MORE on how NAR is working on this issue here: