CAMBRIDGE, Md. (August 17, 2026) — Representatives of the Coastal Association of REALTORS® recently met with U.S. Rep. Andy Harris to discuss federal policy priorities affecting local property owners, real estate professionals and housing markets across Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore.

Representing the association were Treasurer Cameron Drew, REALTOR® Political Action Committee Chair Austin Whitehead, and Past President Brigit Taylor. The group discussed several legislative and regulatory issues intended to strengthen the housing market and help REALTORS® better serve buyers, sellers and property owners.

“Our meeting with Congressman Harris provided an excellent opportunity to discuss the issues affecting our Lower Shore,” Drew said. “During our hour-long conversation, we discussed raising the capital gains exclusion limits on home sales—an idea to which the congressman was very receptive—as well as local concerns, particularly those involving rural septic systems. Congressman Harris indicated that his leadership role on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies positions him to assist with rural housing matters.”

Current federal priorities of the National Association of REALTORS® include:

• Supporting the More Homes on the Market Act (H.R. 1340/S. 3332), which would increase the capital gains exclusion limits on the sale of a principal residence. The limits have not been updated since 1997, potentially discouraging long-term homeowners from selling and further restricting available housing inventory.
• Securing full funding for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development programs, including the Fair Housing Initiatives Program, the Fair Housing Assistance Program and housing counseling services.
• Reauthorizing the National Flood Insurance Program to help ensure continued access to reliable and affordable flood insurance for property owners and communities.

The Coastal Association of REALTORS® thanks Drew, Whitehead, Taylor and Bunting for representing the association and demonstrating its members’ continued commitment to advocacy, private property rights and a strong real estate industry.

About the Coastal Association of REALTORS®

The Coastal Association of REALTORS® proudly represents more than 1,000 real estate professionals throughout Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties. These members are engaged, informed, and active in their communities. They support the American dream of homeownership, as well as the purchase and use of all types of real property.

They are local. They are accurate. They are trusted. They are REALTORS® and Affiliate members.

For more information about Coastal Association of REALTORS®, visit www.coastalrealtors.org.

The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies real estate professionals who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics.