Our
discussion wrapped up with all of us trying to predict the future and answer: What
key trends/policies/practices in the mobility industry that have emerged in
this economic crisis will permanently reshape it in the years to come? What do
you see disappearing as the economy improves?
- Telecommuting
increasing for employees.
- This will
likely have an impact on relocation volumes.
- Companies will
increasingly focus on managing by results not face time.
Government
relations: What key emerging legislative or regulatory issues will affect the
mobility industry?
- The
Homeowners Assistance Refinance Program (HARP): this program is designed to help
troubled borrowers restructure their loans, and lenders are interested in participating,
but the repurchase risk is too high.
- NAR is
mounting a “Homeownership matters” campaign.
- A
coalition of organizations has formed to retool the results of the Dodd‐Frank
bill to get it closer to the original intent of requiring good mortgage
underwriting standards but eliminate riskier kinds of loans without stopping
lending altogether. Worldwide ERC, the MBA, and NAR are all members of this
Coalition
- AMSA (American
Movers & Storage Association) is still dealing with the rogue movers issue,
seeking recognition of the “pro‐mover” program. Also seeking a highways bill,
and working with Worldwide ERC in monitoring the protection of the moving
expense deduction.
General comments included:
- Demand for
rental assistance at an all‐time high. RMCs need to manage transferee expectations
for how quickly rental properties can be found, and clients need to be prepared
to pay fees for services.
- Direct to
agent transactions are not always in the best interest of the transferee.
- Seeing an
increase in the number of requests for 2nd or e 3rd BMAs as well as predecision
BMAs and candidate tours (which some “candidates” abuse as an opportunity for a
free vacation even though they’re not seriously considering the move.)
- Talent
remains a challenge for appraisers.
What are you seeing in your markets
and/or in your relationships with mobility professionals and their “end
users”? How is all this impacting your
business with them? Share your stories here or at Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn!
