Nowhere in the REALTOR world is there a more exhausting and time consuming exercise (no, not even an MLS conversion) than this annual drive to ensure that the American real estate professional is represented in the most important venues in the land. +
Why is this? Why does this critical yet simple exercise have to be so painful year after year? Some recent research efforts quickly identified at least some of the problems.
A personal survey taken on site at two REALTOR association offices established that many real estate professionals have little or no idea about what is at stake in the political battles fought on their behalf. It appears as though fault for this problem lies somewhere between the fact that active REALTORS are focused upon production-based activities and inactive REALTORS are sufficiently detached from the day to day realities of the industry to either know or care about the political side of the REALTOR world.
The research reviewed efforts made to inform REALTORS relative to the leading issues of the day. While the print and online real estate media carried a number of articles that reached out on an emotional basis there was very little information regarding the actual battle or the consequences of a loss. In almost no cases was the threat expressed in terms of local loss or consequences. It was all too easy to believe that these were someone else’s problems.
Taken as a whole it appeared as though the intent of these materials was to create a mild stir among the troops while not upsetting any of them. The smiley face was an important element in both the informational and fundraising activities. The seriousness of the overall TREPAC movement was often hidden in the entertainment value of the actual event. The message seemed to be that there really isn’t much of a threat and the focus should be on having a good time with the incidental benefit of raising funds.
The research disclosed that for many the annual contribution had evolved into a rite of passage and that even within the ranks of those who contributed at the highest levels there was a low level of knowledge and awareness of the actual threat especially as it would play out at the local level.
Most startling was that the average industry participant felt that the sum of one dollar per month was an acceptable level of commitment.
This level of response is in no way acceptable. TREPAC and political giving isn’t a cultural activity or “dues paying.” Those involved in this industry hold title to a resource worth over two trillion dollars. It is an activity that touches literally millions of American families every year. It is an economic asset of unlimited potential. It represents the cornerstone of democracy and the single most important point of reference for every American family. To the critical point it is an economic and cultural treasure that is under a focused and sustained attack by some of the richest and most fanatic forces on the local and national political scene today.
There are some basic issues here everyone needs to understand. Political power and influence is neither a pep squad nor a street gang activity, it is an insurance policy. It must be compared to the cost of insuring a home, a car or even one’s life. Even a participant premium of $35 per month pales in comparison with the value of that which is being protected. In the most serious of perspectives it is the cost of protecting a life style and a national dream.
In advanced recognition and assistance to the hundreds of volunteers and staff that will be involved in the upcoming fundraising efforts a few observations are in order.
• These are serious times and they call for serious action. The legislative and regulatory threats that face this industry are real, relevant and potentially dire. Only an equally serious financial commitment on the part of those who benefit from this industry will protect this asset.
• The continuing success of the real estate sector makes it an even bigger target for dozens of would be service and aggregation players. More than six million transactions creates a giant target.
• Zero growth and affordability forces continue to build their grass roots support and spell big trouble for anyone perceived as their opponent.
• Political contributions should be made on the basis of their real function, not ticket prices for fun events but rather dollars to pay the annual insurance policy that protects both the industry and the American dream.
This effort is everyone’s business. Find out how you can help. Start by making your contribution early, continue by influencing those around you and speak out on the importance of these efforts at every opportunity. This is about family and who we are.
