Maine has 4200 REALTORS, and National Association of REALTORS President Moe Veissi told the 400 plus in attendance at the MAR state convention in Rockland Maine Tuesday there is strength, power in numbers.
At the Samoset Resort in Rockland Maine, the NAR Head spokesman reminded Maine REALTORS of the importance of letting Washington know what's on their minds.
There are over a million REALTORS in this country.
The NAR leader rallied the troops wearing the "R" and urged them to clog the halls of Washington DC's Capitol.
To speak up, get involved and call, email, reach out to connect with their state's congressional and senate members.
Local REALTORS on the local level across America need to remind Washington and their state elected leaders that out a lilttle history involving the real estate industry.
Of the last eight recessions, economic set backs or stalled periods in our economy, Veissi pointed out six came out of the downward spiral thanks to the real estate industry.
Why? Because of an increase of building and real estate sales. The other two had a different cure, but it was a little darker. It was due to war.
A healthy real estate industry is the mainstay of the economic heath of the nation. Every two homes, properties sold in this country translates in to a new job. Carpet for that home, labor needed for new shingling of the roof over head the property with the SOLD sign planted in the front lawn. The NAR leader reminded the room at the Samoset in Rockland Maine that a "healthy real estate industry equals a healthy economy." It's that simple.
Veissi did not hide behind a podium but roamed in front of it to be in the room, out in the audience. Without 
a script written by someone else, he got to the point, did not languish or linger or loose his audience with any long winded rhetoric.
And part of what he left us in Maine to ponder is to remember in this country ninety percent of the personal income tax is paid by the seventy five million home owners.
Home ownership is more important than ever and nothing has changed with the need to foster it. But not just for economic reasons or gains.
When you own a home, statistics show you are more involved in your state and local government, serving on local community boards of every type.
The home owners having more of a purpose in the zip code they now are more deeply part of as a local property tax payer.
That home ownership, has a social, societal element. Increases a bond, creates a connection and calls on the property owner to serve. To stop being the bump on the log or living life standing still without purpose. Don't diminish the social value and fact that kids get better jobs who stay longer in the home, that have a home. A place to call their own, to raise a family in, to work on and watch appreciate over the long haul. The family raised in a home is more charitable, more apt to step up with the secure feeling of being brought up with a roof overhead for holidays, family events, through out their childhood.It's time to remove the target the Federal government has plastered on the backs of investors according to the NAR President.
The benefits the investor accrues from real estate investment has to be protected. Rreserving decent tax advantages from mortgage deduction expenses and the merits of stepping up to spend money, own a second home are critical to the national economy history shows. Veissi reminded the room who had just eaten lunch, was on a break between continuing education real estate license renewal classes that we can not let the goose that laid the golden egg for the national economy be killed.Last day of the three day educational experience and getting ready for breakfast, one more class and heading up the road to Houlton Maine, at the beginning of Interstate 95 in Aroostook County. Enjoy the REALTOR gathering each year of professionals from around the state and look forward to the ride to wherever it is hosted in Vacationland. But I head home with new ideas, methods of doing real estate in my home town better, more efficient and effectively. Maine, big state and you better learn how to wave if you plan to spend time here.
I'm Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers, ME Broker
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