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Realtors back Bernanke, Obama on housing relief views
Real estate plays vital role in nation's economic health, NAR says

by Jeb Bing

Moe Veissi, president of the National Association of Realtors, praised Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke this week for his acknowledgement that the lack of available and affordable mortgage financing, low home values and high foreclosure inventories are inhibiting a meaningful housing market recovery.

"We fully support Chairman Bernanke's comments," Veissi said in testimony before the House Budget Committee.

"His remarks, coupled with President Obama's new housing proposal announced earlier this week, shows that the administration and Federal Reserve recognize the vital role that real estate plays in both the short- and long-term health of the nation," Veissi said.

"As the leading advocate for housing and homeownership issues, NAR has long said that restoring the health of the housing market is the only way to achieve an economic recovery," he continued.

"While we are beginning to see early signs of stabilization in the housing market, we continue to call on Congress and the Obama administration to come together and make housing a priority issue. We believe more can be done to address the lack of available and affordable mortgage financing to creditworthy borrowers and stem the rising inventory of foreclosed homes, which is depressing home values in communities across the country.

"Housing and homeownership issues affect all Americans, and stabilizing the housing market is critical to the nation's economy making a meaningful recovery."