As the Chair of the Government Affairs Committee for the Arizona Association of Mortgage Professionals, I traveled to Washington DC to meet with legislators and administrators regarding the issues of the day affecting mortgages and real estate. This year, there were many topics discussed, including:

* Trigger leads – ending the practice of solicitors calling you after your credit is pulled
* Requesting a GAO study be conducted on whether there is a stigma in the real estate market against VA loans
* Gold Star Spouses – allowing spouses of fallen veterans to continue receiving VA benefits if they remarry
* Removal of mortgage broker compensation in the 3% points and fees cap so we can be even more competitive and offer more products to consumers, such as single premium mortgage insurance.
* Suggesting a five-year pilot program for the payment of flood insurance
* Mortgage programs for public employees such as first responders and teachers

With increasing interest rates and real estate values, it is imperative we continue to keep our legislators informed of the issues confronting home buyers and find pathways to make homeownership easier.