Special offer

Please NAR, stop lobbying Congress, and start working on our image...

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Residential

I recently paid my annual dues to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR).  The dues increased this year from $404 to $444.  I am sure this was difficult for many struggling real estate agents, especially during the holidays.  For some, important decisicions will have to be made...

That being said, it doesn't bother me that the dues went up.  Costs occasionally will do that.  It was the reason for the increase that concerns me...

According to Inman News (100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders: 2011), the increase would go to "boost spending on political activities, despite polls showing majority opposition from members."

Political activities.  Huh.  Sounds like lobbying.  Actually, additional lobbying, despite being against the wishes of the majority of it's members.

I don't get it.

I am a REALTOR®.  My job is to sell homes.  I help people move from point A to point B...

That's it.  Lobbying Congress isn't my business...

Selling homes is.

And after the recent embarassment of NAR's "overstatement" of home sales...

As a REALTOR®, I am disappointed. 

So please NAR, stop lobbying Congress, and start working on our image...

Ken

Comments (6)

Dale Terry
Yadkinville, NC

Ken, the NAR exists to be a political organization, if fact they admit to be just a big lobbying entity.  The problem is that it isn't very good at it.

Dec 22, 2011 11:42 PM
Ken Tracy
Coldwell Banker Residential - Naperville, IL
Helping clients buy and sell since 2005

Hey there Home Realty!  Thanks!  It is just another political monster...

I would have preferred to have the money going towards some cool ad campaign.  Something fun...

Anyway, thanks for stopping in!

Ken

Dec 24, 2011 03:46 AM
Leslie Ebersole
Swanepoel T3 Group - Saint Charles, IL
I help brokers build businesses they love.

To my ActiveRain friend,
I wish you all things bright and beautiful
at this holiday time and throughout the year. 

Dec 24, 2011 05:31 AM
Joseph D. Federico
MVP Realty - Naples, FL
Southwest Florida Homes with Joe Federico

Ken-Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!

Dec 24, 2011 11:04 PM
Wallace S. Gibson, CPM
Gibson Management Group, Ltd. - Charlottesville, VA
LandlordWhisperer

NAR gave $10,000 to a FAILED 1-term local LIBERAL congressman in our district - I worked doubly hard to DEFEAT him last November...and my candidate WON!  NAR has lost IT'S and OUR way

 

Dec 30, 2011 10:48 PM
Ken Tracy
Coldwell Banker Residential - Naperville, IL
Helping clients buy and sell since 2005

Hi Wallace, Joe, and Leslie.  Thanks for stopping in and have a safe and happy New Years!!!

Ken

Dec 31, 2011 02:03 AM