Publications

San Mateo, CA-The San Mateo County Association of REALTORS (SAMCAR) has announced that the association is participating in the REALTOR(R) Nationwide Open House event Saturday, April 10 and Sunday, April 11. The nationwide effort is to increase consumer awareness of the benefits of buying a home and give sellers an opportunity to increase the exposure for their home for sale. Most importantly, the open house event is a collective effort on behalf of SAMCAR and its participating members to continue to spread the word about the expanded first-time homebuyer and long-term homebuyer tax credits, which end April 30. Qualified buyers wishing to take advantage of the credits, which provide up to $8,000 for first-time homebuyers and up to $6,500 for existing homeowners, must enter into a contract by April 30 and close no later than June 30.

On the November 4th ballot, Redwood City citizens will be asked to approve or oppose Measure W. Measure W seeks to amend the City’s charter to require a 2/3rds supermajority approval for new development in certain designated areas. As written, it could also require existing private homeowners to solicit a citywide vote for simple room additions and renovations of their homes. Ultimately, it would allow a small minority veto power over future development supported by a majority of Redwood City residents.

The San Mateo County Association of REALTORS®, as the leading advocate for homeowners and the voice of real estate in San Mateo County, strongly opposes this measure. SAMCAR believes these burdensome requirements pose a tremendous infringement upon private property rights, the preservation of which is a core mission of our Association. Further, we believe there is a potentially negative impact upon the value of these homes, should this ballot measure pass.

In demonstrating our commitment to this principle, REALTORS® throughout the state have contributed significant financial resources to defeat this measure, totaling approximately $50,000. In the Bay Area, the following associations have contributed funds to this effort: SAMCAR; the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS®; the Santa Clara Association of REALTORS®; and the West Contra Costa Association of REALTORS®. In a tremendous show of statewide opposition to this ballot measure, contributions have also been received from REALTOR® associations outside of the Bay Area, including: the Sacramento Association of REALTORS®; the Inland Gateway Association of REALTORS®; and the San Diego Association of REALTORS®. A significant financial contribution was made also by the California Association of REALTORS® Issues Mobilization Political Action Committee.

SAMCAR believes Measure W will take responsible land use planning and development out of the hands of a responsible City Council and the majority of Redwood City citizens, and place that responsibility into the hands of a minority. It will infringe upon the private property rights of homeowners and could ultimately affect the value of their homes. We strongly encourage a “NO” vote on Measure W.

For more information about Measure W, please visit www.votenomeasurew.com.

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