Annual Economic Summit Delivers Post-Election Analysis By Jan+Feb 2017 Steady Growth, Credit Expansion Policies Forecasted “There are movements towards responsibly opening the credit box,” said Moderator Ken Harney, nationally-syndicated columnist, The Nation’s Housing. Presenters from NVAR’s Nov. 10, 2016 Economic Summit, “Inflation, Interest Rates and Income,” pictured here (L to R) with NVAR leadership: 2017 Chairman Bob Adamson; Nationally Syndicated Columnist, The Nation’s Housing, Ken Harney; Mortgage Bankers Association Vice President of Research & Economics Lynn Fisher; George Mason University Center for Regional Analysis Director Terry Clower; 2015 NVAR Chair Mary Bayat; and NVAR CEO Ryan Conrad. (Not pictured: Stockton Williams, executive director of the Urban Land Institute Terwilliger Center for Housing) Summarizing the post-election state of the region’s economy, Dr. Terry Clower, director of George Mason University’s Center for Regional Analysis, said, “If globalization is to continue, we have the mechanisms to do so.” He explained that this region leads the nation in cybersecurity, with New York in the second spot and Silicon Valley in eighth place. Clower also cautioned, “We’re losing economic deals because of housing costs.” Dr. Lynn Fisher, vice president of research and economics with the Mortgage Bankers Association forecasted “modest economic growth over the next couple of years.” Regarding 2017 homes sales, “the story is one of steady growth,” she said. Member Take-Aways from Eco-Summit Survey “All presenters were terrific and complemented each other’s presentations. Their synergy made the whole event stand out – not just one particular aspect. I would love to see this twice a year.” “I learned a great deal from Fisher, Williams and Clower. The discussions of micro-units, suburban life and the DC Metro area were productive and informative. Thanks.” “Programs are always top notch information that is relevant and useful for my practice.” “This was my first summit, as I am a brand-new agent of six months. I enjoyed it and will return.”