AAPI 2The celebration of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the unique histories, cultures, languages, and traditions of the many ethnic communities who contribute to our nation’s collective experience. It is also a time to reflect on how we can continue to create an inclusive society that celebrates diversity and respects every individual’s worth and dignity.

Pause for Paws Drive 2023 2NCJAR is proud to announce our 2023 NCJAR President, Jerry Tuscano’s, initiative to support the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter with our Pause for Paws drive.  Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter has been providing care for homeless animals, working tirelessly to find a permanent, loving home for every cat and dog they serve.  Please consider a donation by choosing from the many ways to help below. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these animals!  

Fair Housing Whos Being Left Out of the ConversationListen to an episode of NAR’s podcast featuring Realtors who identify with underrepresented minorities. 

Featuring Tim Hur: Hur is the first openly LGBTQ president of the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA), the largest AAPI trade association in the U.S. A national speaker, Hur was NAR’s 2018 chair of the Diversity Committee and served on the association’s task force that year to promote and commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act. He was appointed by NAR presidents in 2013, 2014, and 2015 to be their liaison for South Korea.

Fair Housing: Who's Being Left Out of the Conversation? (nar.realtor)

AAPI Month The War on Asian Ownership2

Recent proposals in some US states to limit Asian citizens' ability to own land have sparked discussions and criticisms of their discriminatory nature. The Texas proposal, in particular, seeks to prohibit citizens of countries such as China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia from owning any land. The legislation would also seemingly extend to legal immigrants living in the United States.

In Virginia, Gov. Glenn Youngkin is expected to sign legislation to ban citizens of countries the State Department has designated as “foreign adversaries” from owning agricultural land. Companies with deep ties to those countries would also be affected. Those countries currently include China, Russia, North Korea and Iran. There are similar proposals in Montana, Wyoming and North Dakota. Foreign owners control a fraction of US farmland, according to the Congressional Research Service.

5 Steps to License RenewalIt's time to renew your license for the 2023-2025 cycle, but before you do, there are a few important requirements you must meet.

To be eligible for renewal, you need to complete 12 Continuing Education (CE) credits. Plus, don't forget to complete your Online Qualifying Questionnaire. Failing to fulfill these requirements will make you ineligible for license renewal by June 30th, 2023, which could seriously impact your business. To avoid this, be sure to PAY your renewal fees directly to your broker and update your email address when answering the Qualifying Questionnaire. Rest assured, once completed, the Real Estate Commission will send a confirmation email.

DCA Adopts RulesThe New Jersey Department of Community Affairs officially adopted rules for N.J.A.C 5:28A, Lead-Based Paint Inspections in Rental Dwellings. These rules will assist in implementing the law that took effect in July of 2022 requiring inspections for certain rental properties in New Jersey.

The DCA responded to NJ Realtors comments and community stakeholders and the new rules took effect on May 1, 2023.

Read the Rules

New NAR Fair HousingThe National Association of REALTORS® now requires new members to complete two hours of fair housing training, while existing members must complete two hours every three years as a condition of membership. The new requirement was approved in May. Members can choose from various courses, including At Home With Diversity and Bias Override, both designed to help real estate professionals overcome stereotypical thinking and avoid fair housing problems. To be eligible, courses must be provided by state or local associations and their partners, or approved by state licensing authorities.

YPN Logan MohtashamiJoin us on Tuesday, May 23rd from 6pm-9pm at 3rd Space Co Work, Newark, for an exclusive networking event featuring HousingWire’s Logan Mohtashami, who will provide invaluable insights about today’s local housing landscape.

With how fast the market is shifting, it is critical to know how to make sense of wild housing data for 2023. As the market dipped, twisted, and turned throughout 2022, it surprised experts and analysts alike. Now that we’re well into the new year, the housing market continues to buck predictions and expectations, thanks to a mix of higher mortgage rates, inflation, still-high home prices, and lower-than-typical amounts of inventory in most local markets. And, the recent banking crisis has only added to the unusual pressure on the housing market.

Seema AgnaniSeema Agnani is a remarkable community leader who has made a significant impact in the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. She has dedicated her career to advocating for marginalized communities and ensuring that their voices are heard.

As the Executive Director of National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development (National CAPACD), Seema has fought tirelessly for affordable housing, economic justice, and civil rights for AAPIs. Under her leadership, National CAPACD has become a leading national voice for AAPI communities, advocating for policies that protect the interests of low-income families and immigrants.

Prior to joining National CAPACD, Seema worked at the Asian American Justice Center, where she led campaigns to fight hate crimes and secure workplace protections for AAPI workers. She has also worked with organizations such as the National Council of La Raza and the National Partnership for Women and Families.

REALTORS Day in TrentonNew Jersey's top elected officials have been invited to speak before New Jersey Realtors® on the issues of importance to the real estate industry. This is your opportunity to meet with and hear from your elected officials who make the policies having a direct impact on homeownership, private property rights and the real estate industry.

Shuttle Service Opens: 8:45 AM, 10 Hamilton Ave, Trenton, NJ 08611

Breakfast: 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM

State House Visit: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Important Message: Event open to REALTORS® Only. Parking and shuttle bus service will be provided at NJ REALTORS® Headquarters, 10 Hamilton Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08611, starting at 8:45 AM.