One of the key services that the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® (MAR) provides to its members is advocacy efforts in support of private property rights and homeownership.

Since its inception in 1924, MAR has fought to advance civic development and economic growth in the Commonwealth and witnessed significant real estate industry developments, including the implementation of single-family zoning, the introduction of fair housing legislation and more. During this 100-year history, the association has played a leading role in expanding zoning laws to improve and increase housing options and in securing relief from excessive taxation for local homebuyers and sellers.

In June, MAR members will attend a keynote address at the Massachusetts State House where hundreds of REALTORS® from across the Commonwealth will gather and meet with legislative leaders to discuss the most pressing issues the local real estate industry is witnessing today, such as advocating for increased housing access, affordability and fairness.

As we continue to face a crisis in housing availability and affordability throughout the state, MAR will work with state leaders to come up with solutions, such as offering savings accounts for first-time homebuyers, mandating all licensees understand how fair housing laws work and conduct business accordingly and amending burdensome and exclusionary zoning laws that ultimately decrease housing inventory in municipalities across the state.

Transfer taxes: Increase costs, decrease access and stifle diversity

Transfer taxes are a tax on housing transactions. In a strong housing market, the taxes are passed along to the buyers, negatively affecting first-time homebuyers, young families and minorities. In a down market, sellers lose equity in their properties. In either case, buyers and sellers may decide to delay housing transactions to avoid these costs. As a result, transfer taxes further reduce housing inventory. This would be a devasting impact to the already challenged housing inventory crisis.

The state already has the tools in place to increase affordability without implementing transfer taxes. Ample state funding resources are already available to subsidize development, including those from the Community Preservation Act that help communities preserve open space, create affordable housing and expand housing opportunities.

First-time homebuyers savings account: Provides a tax-free incentive to save

First-time homebuyers have been greatly impacted by the housing crisis. Many have competing costs for health care and student loan debts, combined with the highest housing prices seen in the Commonwealth. The prohibitive costs make homeownership out of reach, possibly preventing an entire generation of state residents from achieving the American Dream.

Pending legislation, H.2727/S.1787, seeks to establish a tax-free savings account for first-time homebuyers that will allow for deposits up to $5,000 annually, which can also be claimed as a tax-deduction for up to 15 years ($50,000 maximum deduction). This legislation could be significant in helping a younger generation to build the equity necessary to successfully enter and navigate the housing market.

Fair housing education: Ensure agents and brokers uphold fair housing law

The state of Massachusetts was a pioneer in anti-discrimination laws, establishing the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination in 1950 as these very laws were being developed at the federal level.

The bill, H.265/S.166, requires all real estate agent licensees to take mandatory fair housing training as part of their licensing process and encourages new licensees to take continuing education courses earlier in their first renewal cycle. We hope all licensees, whether part of our membership or not, will adhere to these standards for fairness and access as core values of our profession.

MAR has and will continue to work with members and industry partners to best serve the residents of Massachusetts. We must support and encourage state legislators to pursue proactive housing policies that will continue to make Massachusetts one of the best places to receive education, to live and to work.

Amy Wallick is president of the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®.