This is a copy of a recent article I wrote for Realotr News, the September/October 2007 issue.

Simply put I am a great believer in giving back to your industry. Before becoming a real estate practitioner in the United States, I was an antiques dealer  in the United Kingdom. One of the most fulfilling ad rewarding aspects of my experience there was serving on several antique fair committees and also helping two different national associations with authentications for customs authorities. I suppose my father was an example in this to me when I was younger. So it seemed natural to me when I became a REALTOR® to become involved in the association.

My first year was really spent building my business and trying to get to know what the association did. It seemed to be a mystery to me and to many with whom I talked. So after that I decided to just dive in and apply to serve on different committees. It took a little while but I now go to the REALTOR®/Lawyer Committee that meets monthly, sit on the REALTOR® Education Advisory Panel, raising funds for RPAC and what I have found most interesting getting involved in Government Affairs. I have responded to calls to action issued by the national and state associations to lobby members of government in Harrisburg and Washington about decisions that could negatively impact real estate and ultimately affect real people. I have also had an opportunity to meet with different representatives in Harrisburg and lobby on behalf of our members and our customers as well.

So why do I participate, other than for the purpose of giving back? One main reason is that I actually use the association more as a result of having a better understanding of what it does.  I believe many members have no idea of the full resources the association and the Suburban REALTORS® Alliance can make available to them and the knowledge that is available to answer questions as well. Nor do I think most REALTORS® understand the constant attack upon our industry that is currently being waged locally (i.e. spot tax assessments), at state level (i.e. continued threats to raise the Real Estate Transfer Tax) and nationally (i.e. proposals to reduce or remove tax deductions for interest on mortgages). Without the staff of the association constantly being on the alert our jobs would be tougher if home ownership became more difficult for consumers, especially first time home buyers.

It has also given me a better understanding of my responsibilities as a REALTOR® to my clients as well. Every opportunity that I meet with other REALTORS® at Association programs and activities gives me the chance to learn and grow. I have received good ideas about blogging, websites and other ways of building my business as well. Instead of feeling like if I share I'm giving someone a competitive advantage, I feel there is a true sense of community among other active members in the association to help one another.

Many people believe that being a REALTOR®is an easy way to earn money because they lack the understanding of what we really do and when we do it. Frankly, those who do earn large incomes work hard to do it, and often those coming into the business have no idea where to start or what to do next. That is where being an active member of the association can help. Through education, seminars and networking opportunities the association allows us to learn from others and share our knowledge so that all REALTORS® are a credit to our industry and to the consumer.

So how can you get involved? Consider attending a meeting. Call the office and ask if they need any help. Spend some time on the association website and see what resources are there for you and your clients. Volunteer the next time you hear there is a need. And most importantly, don't worry about the time it takes away from business as what you gain will repay you several times over for the time and effort you give.