A snapshot of the bills YOUR Government Relations Team is focusing on in the 2025 General Assembly Session

Bill Name

Transfer Fees (HB 1653 / SB 785)

Virginia REALTORS^®’ Stance

Virginia REALTORS^® supported this bill

What Does This Bill Mean for REALTORS^®?

As you all know, when a REALTOR^® joins your brokerage for the first time—or joins a new brokerage—they are required to pay a transfer fee, charged by the Virginia Real Estate Board for the procedural paperwork. However, when branch offices were created as a consumer protection, the Real Estate Board failed to take this update into account.

As a result, when a REALTOR^® might be assigned to branch or different primary place of business within their same brokerage, they’re charged a second identical fee. This second fee is an unnecessary burden on brokerages and REALTORS^® and puts more regulatory structures in the way of your business. As many of us know, it is often brokers paying these fees, often hundreds or sometimes even thousands of dollars. Eliminating this duplicative fee will save brokers time and money better utilized on your business.

This legislative proposal came from brokers like you to the Virginia REALTORS^® Public Policy Committee, where it was vetted and approved by the VAR Board of Directors.

Getting it Across the Finish Line

The Virginia REALTORS^® Government Relations Team brought two bills, one in the House and one in the Senate, to eliminate the second, duplicative fee. The Virginia REALTORS testified in favor of both bills, both bills passed unanimously, and were signed into law by Governor Youngkin at the end of the March. This legislation will go into effect July 1, 2025. 

Want to learn more about Virginia REALTORS^®’ advocacy efforts on behalf of YOUR business? Visit our website for more information.