Weekly GIAR Newsletter
Congress has failed to pass a proposal providing funding for most government operations. Therefore, spending authority for most of the government expired at midnight on September 30, 2025. Until legislation providing for funding is signed into law, many offices and programs of the federal government are now shut down. This means many—but not all—government programs, including some that impact federal housing and mortgage programs, have been suspended or slowed due to the lapse in government funding.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) requires each agency to have contingency plans in place. The information below is based on NAR staff review of agency contingency plans for the current shutdown and past experience with previous shutdowns and near-shutdowns.
NAR’s Shutdown Memo will be continuously updated as we receive new information regarding how relevant programs and agencies are expected to operate during the shutdown. This includes updates on:
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- Government-Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs)
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
- Rural Housing Programs
- Veterans Affairs (VA)
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
- Visa Programs
Access the full NAR Shutdown Memo here: What a Government Shutdown Means for REALTORS®
We encourage you to review this resource and stay informed as the situation develops.
Save the Date for these October Events!
More information and a link to register will be sent out soon! Be on the lookout!
Contact Adriene at the association office to sign up!
GAR Important Reminders!
- FALL GRI SUMMITT: Save the date for the Fall GRI Summit at Brasstown Valley Resort in the scenic Northeast Georgia mountains, October 26-31, where we'll offer all GRI Core Courses (Skill Building, Risk Management, and Systems & Tools) alongside advanced Mastery options for those ready to elevate their expertise. Registration is open! CLICK HERE to learn more.
- Apply for GAR Leadership Academy! Deadline to apply is October 15th!
Homeownership strategies for low-income buyers
Low-income individuals can access homeownership through targeted strategies such as leveraging government assistance programs, including grants and FHA loans that lower down payment requirements. Actions such as disciplined budgeting, building savings and improving credit scores collectively reduce barriers to entry, making it feasible for those with limited resources to purchase a home and begin building equity.
Full Story: MSN/The Daily Overview (9/28)
| Full Story: Inman News (free content) (9/30) |
Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine with permission of the National Association of REALTORS®. Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.
New Consumer Guide: How to Protect Against Real Estate Wire Fraud
NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide that explains why real estate transactions are targets for wire fraud, how scammers work, and ways buyers can protect themselves against fraud.
Also, note that updates have been made to the “Home Selling Tips for Privacy and Safety” to reflect the input of MLSs and NAR’s appraiser members. A link to the updated guide is below.
As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor. Please allow up to two weeks for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded.
For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides:
- NEW: How to Protect Against Real Estate Wire Fraud
- Home Selling Tips for Privacy and Safety
- Do You Need Private Mortgage Insurance?
- What Is the VA Home Loan Guaranty?
- 10 Tips for Packing Smartly for a Move
- State and Local Tax (SALT) Deductions
Thank you for your continued engagement with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients to ensure they have the information they need to find success in their homebuying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy.
Be on the lookout for the next consumer guide, which focuses on understanding condo ownership.
NAR members can continue to access the latest information and FAQs about the settlement on facts.realtor.
NAR will also continue to provide updates about the settlement process as it unfolds on competition.realtor.
Visit ThatsWhoWeR.realtor to view the new consumer campaign ads, and to leverage turnkey advertising and social assets to share. The campaign demonstrates the expertise of REALTORS® helping their clients navigate the risks, pitfalls, and complexities of buying or selling a home or property, reinforcing their expertise, commitment, and consumer-first approach.