The North Metro REALTORS® Association has taken official policy positions on a number of regional issues. Below you will find written policy statements on issues that affect the real estate industry.

To view a PDF for each of the following polices please see the links below.

Regional Housing Affordability
Members of the REALTOR® associations throughout the greater Twin Cities area represent a broad cross-section of our population and recognize the many challenges facing our communities and our region as we seek ways to improve housing affordability for all our residents.

Regional Growth
REALTORS®, as involved citizens with numerous stakes in viable regional development, play a major role in the creation of policy and development plans in their communities.

Regional Transportation
Transportation is a key element to building and sustaining communities. The North Metro REALTORS® Association has a history of involvement with policy and legislation that affect transportation and transit development in our region.

Northstar Corridor

Beginning in late 2009, the Northstar Commuter Rail Line will offer service from Big Lake to downtown Minneapolis for residents and businesses in one of the fastest growing transportation corridors in Minnesota. As part of the state’s first commuter rail line, Northstar trains will provide a fast, reliable, safe and affordable alternative to sitting in traffic congestion.

Northern Lights Express Rail

On Wednesday, April 15, 2009 North Metro REALTORS® Association Board of Directors voted in a favor of a public policy statement that supports the proposed development of the Northern Light Express Rail. The train would connect the port city of Duluth to the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. Board members stressed three important positives: (1) Dramatically improve commute times and relieve congestion to and from North Metro Areas; (2) Encourage regional growth and development; and (3) Create an important inter-regional link between the port city of Duluth and the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. With these transportation and other infrastructure projects the potential for future prosperity is bright.

Letter to U.S. Congressman Jim Oberstar, Transportation & Infrastructure, Chairman READ

NMRA's Public Policy Statement READ

Point-of-Sale Housing Inspections

North Metro REALTORS® Association has an interest in maintaining high quality housing stock and attracting new residents. We are committed to the best quality of living possible. However, the association does not believe that requiring code compliance at the point of sale will effectively assist a community in maintaining a healthy, high quality, and affordable housing market. Point-of-sale inspections affect only a small percentage of houses that are sold each year, typically only 3 to 5 percent. Most problem houses are not for sale at any given time. To increase its effectiveness, a municipality should direct its efforts at targeted problem properties, rather than only focus on point-of-sale inspections. REALTORS® are fundamentally opposed to point of sale inspections because such program interfere with individual property rights.

The NMRA Board voted on October 22, 2008 to take a position opposing Point-of-Sale code compliance ordinances (see official policy below).