Letter from the Chapter President

Dear WSCAR members: I wish to start off with a big thank you for the pleasure of serving as your 2018 President of WSCAR. It is truly an honor and I have fully enjoyed the first half of the year. In January WSCAR members attended the legislative tour in Olympia, and as always it was busy with well over 300 participants. These Legislative Days have successfully pushed back recent efforts to increase B&O tax and introduce a capital gains and luxury tax on real estate deals. Thanks to WSCAR these wins alone have kept more of your commission checks in your pocket and increased your ability to close future deals.  Attending MIPIM, the world real estate conference in Cannes, France, this past March was a great opportunity. WSCAR was involved with the United States Pavilion and introduced our great state to many cities and companies in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. It was impressive to see how other countries run their real estate and the large appetite for US opportunities. Mid-year Washington Realtor meetings in SeaTac were busy, with updates from former Attorney General Rob McKenna. Lots of discussion on key political elections that will affect Realtors and how we support those who believe in our business of real estate. The national Capital Hill Day in Washington DC was next, and I'm proud to say that over 8,000 Realtors attended the event. Flood and terrorism insurance was discussed, along with how the new tax laws were being interpreted and implemented. Events continue throughout the second half of the year, with the Washington Realtors annual meetings in Spokane, and our fundraiser on September 19 in Bellevue (see below). Come and support the legislative effort and how WSCAR plays an important role in fights that directly reflect in how you conduct business as a Realtor. Sincerely, Chad Gleason, CCIM Executive Managing Director SVN