Washington, D.C. – NCJAR’s leadership proudly took the REALTOR® voice to the nation’s capital as Lynn Mortimer, Chris Coccia, and Jairo Rodriguez joined fellow REALTORS® from across the country in a unified effort to advocate for homeownership and fair housing policies.
Representing more than 16,000 members across North Central New Jersey, the NCJAR delegation met with lawmakers and key decision-makers to highlight the critical role of homeownership in building strong communities and a resilient economy. Their mission: to ensure that housing remains accessible, affordable, and protected for all Americans.
A Voice for REALTORS® and the Communities They Serve
During their time on Capitol Hill, Mortimer, Coccia, and Rodriguez focused on pivotal issues including:
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Improving housing supply through responsible zoning and development incentives
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Protecting the mortgage interest deduction and 1031 like-kind exchanges
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Ensuring fair housing protections and anti-discrimination enforcement
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Opposing unwarranted regulations that limit real estate professionals’ ability to serve clients
“Being in D.C. gives us a powerful platform to share what’s really happening on the ground,” said Lynn Mortimer. “We’re not just advocating for REALTORS®—we’re standing up for families, future homeowners, and the communities we live and work in.”
The REALTOR® Difference
As part of the National Association of REALTORS®’ annual Legislative Meetings, the NCJAR leaders demonstrated how local voices can have national impact. Their presence was a reminder that real estate is not just about transactions—it's about shaping the policies that impact people’s lives.
“Advocacy is a core part of what we do,” added Jairo Rodriguez. “We’re here to make sure our elected officials understand the value of real estate professionals and the importance of supporting sustainable, inclusive homeownership.”
Continuing the Fight for Housing Opportunity
With the housing market facing mounting pressures—from interest rates to inventory shortages—NCJAR’s involvement on Capitol Hill underscores the association’s unwavering commitment to its mission: promoting ethical, informed, and proactive real estate practices that benefit all.
Chris Coccia emphasized, “We are proud to be the voice of real estate in North Central Jersey, and we’ll continue to push for solutions that move our industry—and our communities—forward.”
About NCJAR
The North Central Jersey Association of REALTORS® (NCJAR) is one of the largest REALTOR® associations in the country, committed to supporting its members and advocating for fair, sustainable housing for all.