HOPKINTON – U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) held a virtual conversation with various New Hampshire Boards of Realtors to discuss the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Realtors and the real estate market. The group discussed the importance of access to quality broadband when it comes to buying and selling homes during the pandemic; the need for additional unemployment benefits to assist Realtors, homeowners, and tenants struggling during this health crisis; the need for additional eviction prevention funds; and how to reduce racial disparities in access to quality, affordable housing.

“Housing plays a critical role in our economic stability and growth, and it is an issue that is deeply intertwined with other concerns facing our nation, such as racial injustice and access to reliable broadband,” said Kuster. “While having a safe, affordable place to live is an essential human right, access to reliable broadband within that home is key to succeeding in our 21st century economy, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis. In addition, home ownership is the pinnacle of the American dream, and we have much more work to do to ensure all Americans, regardless of their skin color, can attain this dream. It was great to hear from leaders and advocates within the real estate community about these pressing issues today, and I look forward to our continued work together to invest in housing in New Hampshire during and after this pandemic.”

“As the National Association of Realtors’ Federal Political Coordinator in NH to Congresswoman Kuster, I would like to thank her for participating in our Realtor Zoom forum held this afternoon,” said David Orgaz, Federal Political Coordinator for the Contoocook Valley Board of Realtors. “Realtors are working hard to uphold the spirit of the Fair Housing Act, support broadband expansion into our rural communities, advocate for affordable housing, and much more. Home sales are brisk right now, but the long term impact COVID will have on homeownership, the rental and commercial sectors, and many other facets of real estate are yet to be experienced. The continued support we receive from Congresswoman Kuster is extraordinary and much appreciated. “

During the discussion, Kuster heard from:

David Orgaz, Federal Political Coordinator for the Contoocook Valley Board of Realtors

Bob Barnard, President of the Monadnock Board of Realtors

Dean Deschenes, President, Contoocook Valley Board of Realtors

Bill Kennedy, Greater Claremont Region Board of Realtors

Kristian Hoysradt, National Association of Realtors

Joe Harris, National Association of Realtors

Earlier this summer, Kuster voted in favor of H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act, which includes $100 billion in broadband investments in unserved and underserved communities. She also supported the CARES Act, legislation that provided robust funding to address issues related to affordable housing. New Hampshire will soon receive $39.5 million more in CARES funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support affordable housing for those impacted by the pandemic. In addition, Kuster’s Opportunity and Justice for All Agenda, which she released in June, includes numerous housing-related bills.