Newsom’s Wildfire Order Sparks Debate, Wexford County Cyber-Attack Halts Deals, and NAR Names New Senior VP

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Wildfire Order Sparks Debate

California Governor Gavin Newsom and Texas Senator Ted Cruz are at odds over a recent executive order aimed at protecting wildfire victims from predatory real estate offers. On Tuesday, Newsom announced an executive order prohibiting unsolicited, undervalued offers to purchase property in areas devastated by wildfires in Los Angeles. “This is a prosecutable crime,” Newsom stated in a post on X, emphasizing that the order aims to prevent land developers from exploiting those affected by the fires.

The executive order, which applies to areas in Los Angeles County, prohibits offers to buy real property in fire-impacted zip codes for less than its pre-fire market value. It also bars the purchase of these properties for three months after the fires.

However, Senator Cruz criticized the move, arguing that it would hinder wildfire victims from selling their damaged property. In a response on X, Cruz attributed California’s wildfire devastation to policies that he believes have underfunded fire mitigation efforts and left communities vulnerable. He suggested that Newsom’s executive order would only worsen the situation for victims.

Newsom countered Cruz’s claims, asserting that the executive order does not prevent property owners from selling but protects them from “scammers and bottom feeder land speculators.” He accused Cruz of supporting unethical practices by opposing the order.

The debate comes amid a devastating fire season in California, which has left many properties destroyed and triggered national attention, including remarks from former President Donald Trump, who blamed Newsom for the crisis. 

Source: Link

Wexford County Cyber-Attack Halts Deals

Michigan residents of Wexford County are growing increasingly frustrated as a cyber-attack that hit the county in November continues to disrupt real estate transactions. At a Board of Commissioners meeting Wednesday night, residents spoke out about the ongoing issue at the Register of Deeds office, where a cyber-attack has caused a complete halt to property deals for two months.

One resident shared their mounting financial strain, saying, “We’re paying taxes, heat, propane, and house payments on two properties that can’t sell, costing thousands each month.”

County Administrator Joe Porterfield provided an update, revealing that while data recovery efforts have uncovered old backups dating back to 1986, newer data is still inaccessible. He hopes a new database might allow the county to move forward, but there’s no timeline for when real estate transactions can resume.

Meanwhile, frustrated buyers and sellers are fearing the collapse of their deals. “I’m an anxiety mess every day,” one resident said.

The issue has drawn the attention of state lawmakers, but residents say they need action now.

Source: Link

NAR Names New Senior VP

And finally, The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has appointed Jarrod Grasso as its first-ever Senior Vice President of Industry Relations. In this newly created role, Grasso will focus on strengthening engagement between NAR and local, state, and MLS associations, aiming to boost collaboration and innovation within the real estate industry.

Grasso, with over two decades of leadership experience, previously served as CEO of New Jersey REALTORS®, where he advanced legislative efforts and promoted inclusivity in the profession. He has also been active at the national level, serving as a NAR Director and chairing the Association Executives Committee in 2015.

As Senior VP, Grasso will serve as a key liaison between NAR and industry leaders, ensuring REALTORS® at all levels have access to vital tools and resources to thrive in a rapidly evolving market.

NAR CEO Nykia Wright praised Grasso’s reputation, saying his leadership will help elevate NAR’s role in supporting REALTORS® nationwide. Grasso expressed excitement about this new opportunity, emphasizing the importance of building strong, collaborative relationships across the industry.

This announcement comes shortly after the appointment of Sherry Chris Independent Consultant and Special Advisor to CEO Nykia Wright

Source: Link

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