STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  — As the Staten Island Board of Realtors (SIBOR) monitors housing indicators at home and across the nation, it seems clear to some public policy experts that housing and the economic recovery will play a large part in deciding the outcome of the 2012 presidential election.

During a symposium held earlier this year, former Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele, leading Democratic strategist Celinda Lake, and National Economic Council Director Gene Sperling provided their unique insights into issues affecting the long-term direction of the country.

On Staten Island, some of the most recent housing statistics for 2012 suggest a bit of optimism.

“Looking forward, the number of properties going under contract is up 26 percent for the three months and 29 percent for 2012, which should result in increased sales further into the year,” said Sandy Krueger, CEO of SIBOR, commenting on March, April and May indicators.

NATIONAL MEETING

During the Realtors® 2012 Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo, held in May, National Association Of REALTORS (NAR) President Moe Veissi, broker-owner of Veissi & Associates Inc., in Miami, said:

“As the leading advocate for homeownership, the National Association of Realtors® is working closely with policymakers to ensure that mortgages are more readily available for qualified buyers and real estate investors. We believe efforts that help creditworthy homebuyers obtain mortgage financing and allow more people to stay in their homes or avoid foreclosure through streamlined short sales are important for a housing and economic recovery.”

HOUSING INITIATIVES

Gene Sperling presented several of the current administration’s successful housing initiatives and accomplishments toward moving the housing market forward, included a recent proposal to help underwater borrowers refinance their mortgages. “This isn’t a partisan issue,” said Sperling. “The housing market is climbing back. We must not take our foot off the pedal to accelerate the housing recovery. We need to stay at it!”

NUMEROUS CHALLENGES

Panelists offered their perspectives on the current state of the industry and identified numerous challenges impacting the availability and accessibility of mortgage financing. In discussing the results of a recent voter survey, Celinda Lake said, “Voters see homeownership as fundamental to the American Dream. People are upset about the American Dream disappearing, so the economic numbers will be most predictive of the election outcome.

‘ACCOUNTABILITY IS KEY’

Former RNC Chair Michael Steele encouraged Realtors® to continue engaging policymakers face to face and said public voice is needed to clear the legislative clutter in Washington. “Accountability is key,” said Steele. “Voice your concerns to your lawmakers by localizing the issues. Get off talking points and personalize your story. By making it personal you allow the accountability dots to connect.”

About The Staten Island Board of REALTORS® (SIBOR)

The Staten Island Board of REALTORS® (SIBOR) is the largest not-for-profit trade association in Staten Island, N.Y.

SIBOR exists to enhance the ability and opportunity of its members to conduct their business successfully and ethically; and to promote the preservation of the public’s right to own, transfer and use real property.

Comprised of over 1,600 members, SIBOR serves real estate agents, brokers and affiliated professionals throughout the borough and surrounding areas.

SIBOR is the provider of the Staten Island Multiple Listing Service Inc. (SIMLS), which works as a clearinghouse through which more than 250 local real estate firms exchange information on properties they have listed for sale. Together, its members participate in over 3,000 real estate transactions every year.

All SIBOR members belong to the New York State Association of REALTORS® (NYSAR) and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).

SIBOR may be reached at 718-928-3220 and viewed online at http://siborrealtors.com. SIBOR may also be visited on Facebook at “Staten Island Living,” on Twitter via @SIBOR, and on YouTube at the Staten Island Board of Realtors and RelevantPR channels.