Category Archives: Success Stories

Wyoming REALTORS® Derails Tax on Services Threat with Timely Advocacy

Posted on by

The Wyoming Association of REALTORS®  (WAR) is careful to use Calls For Action (CFA) sparingly, sending a few out each year to keep members in practice, but “never so many that they feel like we’re asking for help every time they turn around,” says Government Affairs Director Laurie Urbigkit. “Our members know that if they get a CFA from me,” she says, “it means the world is coming to an end!”  

Early in 2017, just such an extreme situation developed in the Wyoming statehouse, and when Urbigkit put out the call, the REALTORS® responded accordingly. The end of the world, in this case, was the threat of a tax on all services that had suddenly appeared on the agenda of the House Revenue Committee, without debate or public testimony. The bill bore the benign title, ‘HB 243 School Finance-Capital Construction Funding,’ but would have imposed a comprehensive sales tax on services provided by all professionals, from barbers to babysitters.  For the real estate industry, it would not only have added to an agent’s commission, but to the appraisal, title insurance, closing fee, loan fees, inspections, repairs, surveys and legal fees.  WAR was keenly aware that, in addition to burdening the operation of real estate brokerages as small businesses, these added costs would effectively block many first-time home buyers from the market.

The association had actually been keeping an eye out for such threats to the industry. In recent years, as Wyoming’s mineral-based economy has been driven down by low oil and gas prices, explains Urbigkit, the state’s general revenue has been substantially reduced, putting pressure on the Revenue Committee to find sources elsewhere. In fact, this bill had died in committee just last September for lack of a motion, “because no one would touch it,” she says. But the committee had experienced a turnover in seven-out-of-nine seats since November’s election, and the chairman decided to revisit the proposal.

Urbigkit leapt to action, alerting all WAR members who are constituents of Revenue Committee members that it was time to make their voices heard. “The REALTOR® Party Hub email communications system is great,” she says. “I can target our members by committee, or by district, and engage them very easily in our advocacy efforts.”  Just as Urbigkit is careful not to ‘cry wolf’ with too many Calls for Action to her members, she also guards the Wyoming legislators from undue bombardment. In order to protect the value of their messages, her members are only asked to contact representatives of their own districts. “Our legislators know that when the REALTORS® are concerned, they’re getting messages from their own constituents, and that carries much more weight than flooding their in-boxes indiscriminately.”       

In response to the urgent CFA regarding the tax on services, a concentrated blast of emails to the House Revenue Committee ensued, complementing WAR’s in-person lobbying efforts. The bill was defeated in a 0-9 vote. “We’re very fortunate to have tools like this at our disposal!” says Urbigkit, adding, “The technology is so precise and effective, and our members are right there with it.”

To learn more about how Wyoming REALTORS® are protecting the real estate industry and keeping homeownership accessible for first-time buyers, contact Laurie Urbigkit, Government Affairs Director of the Wyoming Association of REALTORS®, at 307-851-1191.

Arizona REALTORS® Reach More Members through Broker Involvement Program

Posted on by

With a goal of 100% participation in the REALTOR® Party’s Broker Involvement Program (BIP), the Arizona Association of REALTORS® (Arizona REALTORS®) is not messing around.  The numbers are ambitious, but with energetic volunteer leadership, a dedicated staff member, and the support of a new grant program from the National Association of REALTORS®, Arizona REALTORS® is approaching that goal, one broker-member at a time.

The Broker Involvement Program is a turnkey operation allowing broker-owners and managers to take a leadership role in rallying their agents to advocate for REALTOR® Party issues.  Brokers enrolled in the program can automatically send their agents company-branded calls for action from NAR and state associations, communications whose directness and brand-familiarity increase participation rates.  Ashley Slechta, the association’s REALTOR® Party Director, says the BIP is an increasingly important facet of the culture of advocacy that the association has been building in recent years.  She credits Liz Harris, her volunteer counterpart who represents Arizona REALTORS® on NAR’s Broker Involvement Council, with the steady growth of the state BIP: “We rely heavily on Liz’s direction,” says Slechta, “her drive and determination and leadership have enabled us to succeed.”

Initially, the association focused on attracting the state’s very largest brokerages to the program.   Last summer, it took its efforts to the next level with one of the REALTOR® Party’s new Broker Involvement Grants, created to promote activities that recruit, retain and educate brokers and their agents in the BIP.  The $5,000 grant funded “Like A Boss,” an engaging interactive event targeting brokers from around Arizona with more than 30 REALTORS®.  Held at a Phoenix hotel in early September, the 90-minute program fell conveniently within a two-day span of association activities and featured two dynamic speakers: Arizona Department of Real Estate Commissioner Judy Lowe and 2012 Arizona REALTORS® President Holly Mabery.

Participants ate, drank, won gift cards and networked at the reception that opened the event.  Then they settled in to learn about becoming involved in NAR’s advocacy efforts at the grassroots level by providing legislative and regulatory information to their agents.  “The key to the program was educating brokers about what the state and national associations are doing on our behalf, so that we can run our businesses,” says Harris, adding, “it came as a shock to a number of the participants who hadn't been focused on how these issues had been playing out beyond the local level.  They were excited to take the information back to their offices.”  She notes that there is an important correlation between the goals of the Broker Involvement Program and the goals of RPAC and the various local REALTOR® PACs.  “Separating out the initiatives and calls for action provides real clarification of what the PAC funds are doing to help the industry and property owners.”  

One-hundred percent of those who attended the “Like A Boss” event joined the BIP.  In fact, ten broker-members who were unable to come, joined as well, thanks to Harris’ thorough follow-up.  “Liz was amazing,” says Slechta.  “She tracked the responses and took the initiative to call her fellow brokers who’d declined the event invitation to say, ‘Hey, let us do this for you!’  She made it easy for them to send in their company logos, and start sending their agents branded advocacy messages from NAR and our state association.”

To date, about 20,000 REALTORS® are in the BIP by virtue of their brokers’ involvement, which is nearly half of the association’s membership.  Looking ahead, Slechta says the recruitment events will continue, with the next level of focus being offices with ten or more agents.  In the meantime, advocacy in Arizona is going strong:  early in January, on the second day of the new legislative session, more than 65 state senators and representatives and their staff met with almost 400 REALTORS® at the annual “Arizona REALTORS® at the Capitol” event.  When legislators need information or assistance with a property rights issue, they’ll know where to turn!

To learn more about how Arizona REALTORS® is mobilizing members by engaging brokers, contact the association’s REALTOR® Party Director, Ashley Slechta, at 602-248-7787; or Liz Harris, the association’s representative to NAR’s Broker Involvement Council.

Oklahoma City REALTORS® Improve Public Schools & Prevent Urban Flight

Posted on by

Public schools in Oklahoma were struggling.  Nationally, the state ranked 49th in per capita spending for education, and in Oklahoma City, the public school district received a grade of “F” from the state.  As any Oklahoma City REALTOR® could tell you, the resulting flight from the public schools was already having a detrimental impact on local communities, and would eventually threaten the economic viability of the city itself.  But things are looking up:  in the November election, citizens voted in favor of a $180 million bond to pay for school building maintenance, technology, and transportation.  Aided by an Issues Mobilization Grant from the REALTOR® Party, the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® (OKCMAR) led the coalition that supported passage of the bond.

Gary Jones, OKCMAR’s Government Affairs Director, explains that cuts to the school budget were a result of Oklahoma's economic downturn caused by the decline in oil prices.  “Our school year begins August 1, and our schools were struggling without functioning air conditioning, let alone a dependable fleet of buses or any new technology in the classrooms,” he says.  “The need was huge, but so was the challenge of tacking a bond measure on to a presidential election ballot, when voters tend to dismiss such expenditures with a ‘no’ at the polls.”

Raising awareness among the voting public was going to be key.  Although the proposed school bond would not affect property taxes or millage, and initial polling was encouraging, the coalition formed by the Chamber of Commerce to improve the state of the school system didn’t have much time to get the word out.  Maintain OKC Schools, as the group is called, planned an energetic campaign to approve the bond, and OKCMAR took the lead by tapping in to the REALTOR® Party’s Issues Mobilization Grant program.

The grant process, says Jones, was not only user-friendly, but helpful:  “The level of detail required by the application caused the coalition to re-think its campaign strategy as it determined the best way forward,” he says.  NAR’s Campaign Services team provided valuable feedback on the proposal created by the local firm retained by OKCMAR to design the campaign.  “We were very grateful for the funding and for that expertise!” says Jones. 

The grant from the REALTOR® Party was used for a highly targeted direct mail program, focusing on voters who had supported school bonds in the past, and reminding them about the current measure on the ballot.  “We got lucky in that the measure was placed on a separate ballot, which happened to be printed on yellow paper,” notes Jones, explaining that the ‘YES the Yellow Ballot’ slogan with an image of a school bus made for powerful campaign branding.  OKCMAR engaged its members in a compelling get-out-the-vote campaign, and many brokers posted bright yellow signs outside their offices.

The bond measure was issued as three separate ballot initiatives: school building maintenance, technological enhancements and transportation equipment.  Although all three passed, the votes were close enough to show Maintain OKC Schools that its efforts were essential to the victory.  “We're now working to create change on the School Board,” says Jones.  “With the bond resolution in place, we’re optimistic that the right leadership can bring about the transformation we need for Oklahoma City’s schools.”

To learn more about how Oklahoma City REALTORS® are helping to improve their region’s school system with the help of the REALTOR® Party, contact Gary Jones, OKCMAR’s Government Affairs Director, at 405-641-1921.

FPCs Represent REALTOR® Interests at Local, State and National Level

Posted on by

The South Dakota Association of REALTORS® (SDAR) recently held its 50th Annual Legislative Chili Feast, a celebration attended every year by about 90% of South Dakota’s state and national legislators, as well as the Lieutenant Governor. Longtime REALTOR® Tom Murphy was there, too, serving chili and oyster stew to the honored guests. “It’s a great opportunity for us to say ‘thanks’ and keep connected to our representatives,” says the past President of SDAR. 

He should know: Murphy is also a veteran Federal Political Coordinator (FPC), one of the dedicated 535 REALTORS® assigned by their state association to work with a member of Congress, providing information and analysis on issues that are important to the industry and to property owners.  “An important part of NAR’s strong lobbying efforts is the role of our FPCs as individual activists. FPCs are chosen because of the organic existing relationships they have with their legislators. Like Murphy, many of our FPCs know their legislator personally, sometimes as their REALTOR or as in Murphy’s case, from childhood. While REALTORS® are naturally real estate experts, FPCs are also active parts of the member of Congress’ constituent base and deeply rooted in the communities in which they live. This gives them a unique point of view and opportunity to become a trusted advisor, if they don’t already have that preexisting relationship,” said Victoria Givens, who oversees the FPC Program as NAR’s REALTOR® Mobilization Programs manager.

Murphy has worked with Democrats and Republicans; he’s testified before Congress; and in the past year, he’s been working closely with his current ‘assignment,’ Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota, “cleaning up” a list of federal regulations that could be addressed by the new Congress. The list was submitted to the senator by the National Association of REALTORS®, but here’s the twist: NAR had not initiated the process; the senator had asked Tom Murphy, a childhood friend, how he could help improve the landscape for REALTORS® and property owners at the senate level.   

Karl Eckhart, a Senior Political Representative at NAR, says that while having a close personal tie to the senator is clearly beneficial for NAR’s goals, he sees Murphy as a natural advocate for REALTOR® issues, regardless of the connection. “Tom has been president of his state association, served on committees at the national level, and is a great believer in RPAC.  He’s someone who gives a lot back to NAR and the REALTOR® Party.”  Eckhart also notes that other FPCs who don’t have existing relationships with their members of Congress have succeeded in strengthening bonds by virtue of their unique attributes as REALTORS®. “In terms of constituent services, who better than a REALTOR® to find the best locations for a town hall meeting in any given town?” he asks, by way of example. “Being a helpful resource is a first step toward becoming a trusted ally.”

Daniel Blair, one of NAR’s Senior Legislative Representatives, notes that there’s a certain efficiency when a member of Congress can reach out directly to his or her FPC for information, rather than going through staff.  “In this case, through our FPC, we’ve provided the senator with a comprehensive list of regulations affecting REALTORS®, the implementation of which gives us  some cause for concern. They range from website compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and clean air emissions to banking issues and the protection of the sage grouse.  Tom and Senator Rounds have been working on this list for months now. We’re seeing real legislative effort as a result of the FPC program.”

Murphy is the first to admit that his close relationship with the senator is an unusual advantage.  “We played kickball together on the same piece of asphalt back in Catholic grade school. When Mike became governor, then went on to become senator, that sense of connectedness remained and gives us a real comfort level. We can trust each other.” That said, Murphy has served as an FPC for about 20 years now, and hasn’t played kickball with any of his previous legislators. “For both Mike and me, it’s a nice situation we’ve got right now,” he concedes, “but I’ve found that it’s perfectly possible—and a whole lot more usual—to build a productive working relationship with a member of Congress from scratch.”

As a seasoned veteran of Capitol Hill, Murphy is happy to share key tips with new FPCs who are looking to forge this kind of bond.  First and foremost, he says, take the time to get to know the legislator’s staff in DC. “These are bright kids living four-deep in two-bedroom apartments because they can’t afford otherwise, but the reality is, you have to deal with them, and if they don’t like you, you’ll never get access.”  Next, pay attention to what Murphy calls ‘the grocery list.’ “NAR does a great job of regulating its calls to action and prioritizing what it wants us to talk about on The Hill. But there's still no way a senator is going to sign on to everything, so having a strategy and knowing your issues is essential.” Murphy adds that it’s easy for him to approach a legislator when he frames his position as protecting the rights of those who own real estate, and widening the opportunity to enjoy it. “When I tell them that an issue affects ALL property owners, they’re smart enough to see that I'm talking about their constituents. That makes them pay attention.”

Murphy reports that the last thing he does when he’s leaving a meeting on the Hill is ask, “Is there anything I can do for you?”  He might be asked if the REALTORS® can get behind a certain piece of legislation. “I can’t necessarily go promising the support of NAR,” says Murphy, “but I might feel comfortable committing my state association, and that counts for something.” 

Giving back to one’s industry as a volunteer lobbyist runs in Murphy’s family: his wife, a physician, serves in a similar role for the American Medical Association. They’ve found that, no matter the issue, building a successful relationship with a legislator requires the same approach.  Murphy reiterates, “You’ve got to get to know the staff. You’ve got to understand the priorities on your organization’s ‘grocery list.’ Remember to offer your help. And if you present an issue as it affects a broad range of constituents, it’s going to be pretty hard for your representative to say ‘no.’”

To learn more about how Federal Political Coordinators help to get important REALTOR® issues in front of their legislators or to be part of the FPC’s contact team, contact Victoria Givens at vgivens@realtors.org or 202-383-1021.

Texas REALTORS® Take Advocacy to Another Level Using Social Media

Posted on by

Headquartered across the street from the Texas Capitol and just around the corner from the Governor's Mansion, the Texas Association of REALTORS® has never been shy about political advocacy. In recent years, it has also eagerly harnessed the power of social media to communicate with its 114,000 members. Combining its political prowess and social media savvy, in mid-December TAR upped its advocacy game by offering a preview of the state's upcoming legislative session on Facebook Live.   

The half-hour preview and Q&A event was hosted by TAR's Director of Legislative Affairs Daniel Gonzalez, whose depth of knowledge and engaging demeanor make him a natural spokesperson. Opening with a brief overview of his department's work at TAR, he reminded members that the association's legislative agenda is not driven by staff, but by REALTOR® volunteers from across the state who serve on TAR's Public Policy Committee. Assuring viewers that TAR will read every single word of the six-to-seven thousand bills filed during the course of the session, he noted that it would be tracking roughly one third of them, including many that aren't about real estate or private property rights, but which have a big-picture, long-term bearing on the industry.

In addition to letting viewers know what their legislators will be tackling in the session that began in January, Gonzalez took the opportunity to direct their attention to the latest issue of Texas REALTOR® magazine, and to hiddenpropertytax.com, an educational site that TAR has launched to clarify a complex legislative issue now in play in Texas.  He also urged members to participate in the annual REALTOR® Day at the Texas Capitol this spring. With ten minutes to go, he fielded questions from the live audience on topics ranging from title insurance rates to homeowner associations.  

Brandon Alderete, TAR's Director of Political Affairs, points out that the association is right at home with webcast technology. "We've been delivering CE course content to our 77 local associations via online video for several years now," he notes. "The live feed is the exciting innovation here, allowing us to interact directly with so many members who are already right there, following us on Facebook." Nearly 1,500 viewers tuned in to the live and recorded sessions over the first 24 hours, and the post was also shared by dozens of individual Texas REALTORS® and local associations. TAR had promoted the event with organic and paid social media, through email newsletters and via text message through the REALTOR® Party Mobile Alert system just before the webcast began, generating more than 500 click-throughs.

"Whatever we can do to enhance communication with members, we'll pursue it," says Gonzalez.  "Facebook Live is a fairly new phenomenon, but we thought it would be worth a shot," he adds, noting that based on the enthusiastic feedback, his department will continue to share legislative issues with the membership via live webcasts.  "Our members really responded, and seem to want more. That's the way we like 'em: engaged and asking questions!"

To see firsthand how the Texas Association of REALTORS® is keeping its members connected to legislative issues affecting their industry and their communities, see https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10155514734234298&id=89617004297. To learn more, contact Brandon C. Alderete, Director of Political Affairs, at 512-370-2124.

Medina County Ohio REALTORS® Improve, Invest in Community with REALTOR® Party Grants

Posted on by

With nearly 800 members keeping their ears to the ground, the Medina County Board of REALTORS® (MCBOR) never has to wonder what the needs of the community might be. In 2016, it met three such needs with funding assistance from the REALTOR® Party’s Housing Opportunity Grants and a Placemaking Grant. Ranging from housing for disabled veterans, to vegetable gardens for low-income citizens, to improving a bike path for the public, these projects demonstrate the deep level of investment these MCBOR REALTOR® professionals have in their community. 

Sherry Stell, MCBOR's Association Executive, explains that her organization has strong Housing Opportunity and Legislative Committees, but that its community service issues emerge organically, without any systematic approach. "If the need is there, members will call it to our attention, and we'll try to find out if it is possible to obtain a grant within the REALTOR® Party program," said Stell. For example, a MCBOR committee member who serves as a trustee of one of Medina County's townships recognized an opportunity for the REALTORS® to contribute to public fitness when a former golf course in his township was being converted to a public park and required funding to transform golf cart paths to mountain bike paths.  The Placemaking Grant program does not fund repair work on existing paths, but this fall, MCBOR succeeded in securing a $1,300 grant for a park map and information display case branded with the Medina County Board of REALTOR®S name and REALTOR® logo, along with a "Saddle Buddy" mountain bike repair and cleaning station.

Another significant community service project for MCBOR came about when one of its members handled the sale of a property to an organization that planned to convert the home to housing for disabled veterans requiring round-the-clock care. "That's how we found out about Newbridge Veterans Place," says Stell. "Our membership is more than happy to support our veterans.  Newbridge Veterans Place became the beneficiary of our Annual Charity Bowl-a-Thon, which attracted more than 140 participants and raised more than $3,000." Along with a $5,000 NAR Housing Opportunity Grant and three REALTOR® Care Days, MCBOR volunteers donated their time and skill to help the organization get the property up and running. "So much was needed in this seven-bedroom home to get it ready to house low income/homeless and disabled veterans," notes Stell. "Our members helped with painting, hanging blinds and setting up the kitchen, in addition to purchasing and moving furniture into the home." 

Yet another project arose because of MCBOR's longstanding support of Medina Creative Housing, an organization that promotes the development and management of permanent affordable housing for people with disabilities. In the past, the REALTORS® have received a REALTOR® Party Housing Opportunity Grant to support the programmatic goals of the charity's Life Skills Lodge as a comprehensive occupational therapy environment. "This year," reports Stell, "they wanted help installing raised garden beds, to help residents to grow their own produce and sell the excess at the farmers’ market for income. Our community is so fortunate to have this amazing organization, and this project, in particular, helps the broader population by providing fresh locally grown vegetables. It's a real win-win." On a hot day this summer, a team of MCBOR members got together and met at the site to build the garden beds, with materials paid for by a Placemaking Grant. As always, Stell put the word out among her affiliate members, who not only pitched in to help, but provided coffee, donuts and pizza. "Our members are very supportive of each other in these efforts," she adds, "whether it's with hard labor or coffee service.  Knowing that the REALTOR® Party is behind them with all its resources, makes all of us feel like we really can make a difference when these needs arise."    

To learn more about how the REALTORS® of Medina County, Ohio are making an impact on their community with the help of the REALTOR® Party, contact Sherry Stell, Association Executive of the Medina County Board of REALTORS®, at 330-722-1000.

Central Oregon Restores Balance to City Council with IE Program

Posted on by

The city of Bend, Central Oregon's principal metropolis, was already growing at a rapid rate when Men's Journal singled it out in 20

15 as one of the "Ten Best Places to Live Now." The latest projection is that Bend will gain approximately 30,000 residents in the next twenty years, a statistic supported by the current reality of about five people arriving to live in Bend every day.  Yet, responsible growth in Bend has been deterred by one of the more restrictive land use systems in the country, and by a City Council that was largely anti-growth and out of touch with issues affecting its citizens. The recent election presented an opportunity for much-needed change, and the Central Oregon Association of REALTORS® (COAR) threw all its weight behind a REALTOR® Champion who would bring balance and sound judgment to the governing body. 

Tyler Neese, COAR's Government Affairs Director, explains why the association backed candidate Justin Livingston with funds from its own PAC as well as a substantial Independent Expenditure grant from the REALTOR® Party. "With this type of growth taking place—and a further boom in population on the horizon—it’s critical for us to have leadership in the community that understands key issues like land use, transportation and affordable housing.  Justin is passionate about making Bend an affordable place to live and raise a family. He's had successful careers in real estate, manufacturing and construction. He has served on several municipal committees, focused on matters from street maintenance to affordable housing. His depth of understanding and his connection to the community are just what Bend needs."

Oregon is one of the few states that allows independent expenditure campaigns to be coordinated with the candidate, which, Neese points out, enabled COAR to make the most efficient use of the support it received from the REALTOR® Party. "We were able to provide resources and support where Justin's campaign needed it most," says Neese, listing radio ads, Facebook and pre-roll video as the big budget items funded by the grant. 

The National Association of REALTORS® identified target sites for the online advertising.  It also advised COAR on strategic timing for some of the campaign's communications, which Neese notes is especially important in a state like Oregon, where voting is all conducted by mail. "You want to get your message in front of your target universe at the critical moment, but about one-third of voters send in their ballots on the first day, another third sometime mid-cycle, and the last third drop them off at the last minute. NAR's strategists had the sophistication it takes to understand these complexities of voter behavior, and helped us plan accordingly."  

When the ballots were counted, Justin Livingston had handily won a four-year term on the Bend City Council, receiving 76% of the vote.  COAR had also backed another candidate for the City Council with funds from its RPAC and a more modest Independent Expenditure campaign, as well as RPAC support for the re-election of one incumbent. Both candidates also won their races.  "We're optimistic," says Neese. "It was critical to restore balance to City Council. We're proud to have helped that happen, with the support of the REALTOR® Party. We look forward to smart growth, fiscal responsibility, and sound solutions to the challenges our growing city faces.  It's a tall order, but the right people will be at the table to make it happen."

To learn more about how REALTORS® in Central Oregon are strengthening the city of Bend and helping to achieve balance on its City Council, contact Tyler Neese, Government Affairs Director, at 541-382-6027.

Huntsville REALTORS® Build Partnerships and Promote Diversity in Northern Alabama

Posted on by

Recognizing that minority representation in its leadership didn’t accurately reflect the diversity of its membership, its community and the real estate industry at large, the Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS® (HAAR) has embarked on a determined initiative to encourage the engagement of minorities in its leadership structure. Under the direction of 2016 HAAR President Kathy Mann, the first African American woman to serve in the position, the association is using a Diversity Grant from the REALTOR® Party to help revive the local chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), the historic organization founded by African-American industry professionals in 1947. In partnership, the REALTORS® and the REALTISTS®, as NAREB members are known, are moving toward a stronger future in northern Alabama.

Mann explains the impetus behind HAAR’s support of NAREB: When she became president of HAAR, one of her goals was increasing its minority membership involvement and leadership. A work group was formed to help find solutions to getting more minority members engaged with the association and how to help address issues in the community such as improving minority homeownership and affordable housing. “Four years ago, I learned about NAREB and attended a national meeting. I loved what it stood for, and what it was accomplishing as a national organization focused on economic opportunity for all,” she says. The work group decided that revitalizing the local NAREB chapter that already existed would be the perfect solution. HAAR member April Parker was elected as the new president of the Huntsville Association of Real Estate Brokers (HAREB,) which now numbers fourteen members.

HAAR Chief Executive Josh McFall says that at the board level, the association is constantly looking to get new people involved. “NAREB is a great channel to expand our leadership with professionals of diverse perspective and experience,” he says. “We’re proud to be able to support our local chapter with outreach and training that will help its members succeed and, hopefully, join our efforts.” In July 2016, Parker, Mann and McFall worked together to apply for a Diversity Grant from the REALTOR® Party to support leadership training and community outreach for the local REALTIST® board, activities that coincide with the NAR Core Standards requirements.

When the grant was received, Mann and Parker hit the ground running. They’ll soon be launching a membership drive among contractors and other professionals associated with the real estate industry, to increase participation in HAREB. In early November, HAAR supported a regional NAREB leadership event in Birmingham, which was attended by eleven of the fourteen current HAREB members, and where Parker shared information with her fellow leaders about partnering with local REALTOR® Associations. She has planned training sessions throughout 2017 that will cover leadership principles and practices, business etiquette and professionalism, how to set up a business, and tax and finance issues. All the training will be hosted at the HAAR offices. The HAAR Board of Directors has also granted one HAREB member ex-officio non-voting status on its board, giving the new leader valuable insight into the governance of the REALTOR® Association.  Says Parker, “We’re bringing together a group of passionate people.  As we reach out to real estate professionals in our community, they’re excited about these opportunities, and the inclusion. Several of our HAREB members are already serving on HAAR committees!”

For local consumers, Parker has developed a two-part series on homeownership and credit-worthiness that was so well received at a local church, that HAREB has been invited to present it at a local college, and to high school seniors and their parents at a local school. “That’s our goal,” she says, “reaching the community that our members will serve. Thanks to all we’re able to do with this grant from the REALTOR® Party, they’ll be prepared, and so will we.  I'm so grateful to Josh, Kathy and HAAR for recognizing the importance of NAREB being part of the REALTOR® Association.”

To learn more about how the REALTORS® of Huntsville, Alabama are strengthening their community by supporting diversity in their industry, contact HAAR President Kathy Mann at kathydmann@gmail.com, HAREB President April Parker at aprilparker@usa.com, or HAAR Chief Executive Officer Josh McFall at 256-536-3334 or josh@hbrmls.com.

Virginia REALTORS® Join in Partnership to Address Rural Housing Opportunities

Posted on by

Early this year, when a string of deadly tornados struck Virginia, the REALTORS® set out in force, providing relief in affected areas. That’s when leaders at the Virginia Association of REALTORS® (VAR) were first struck by the isolation and vulnerability of many rural regions across the Commonwealth.  “The lack of connectivity made it an extraordinary challenge getting resources to those who needed them,” recalls Claire Forcier-Rowe, now President of VAR. “We were just short of door-knocking.” So, when the non-profit organization Housing Virginia approached VAR to partner in a Rural Housing Initiative grant it had received from the USDA, the association agreed wholeheartedly.

Tornados aside, identifying and addressing the needs of rural housing is critical, as it pertains to at-risk populations, and as a basic component of community sustainability throughout the Virginia countryside. As the state attempts to bring prosperity to its rural zones, any economic development projects will rely on viable housing for a prospective workforce.

VAR was one of the organizations that founded Housing Virginia, a statewide clearinghouse of housing resources and information, and the two entities have worked closely together for more than a decade on numerous projects. For this one, triggered by the USDA grant, VAR identified five local associations that operate in rural localities and helped them to apply for Housing Opportunity Grants from the REALTOR® Party. The Greater Piedmont Association of REALTORS®, Southside Virginia Association of REALTORS®, Chesapeake Bay & Rivers Association of REALTORS®, Southwest Virginia Association of REALTORS® and the Martinsville, Henry & Patrick Counties Association of REALTORS® were each awarded grants of $1,000, and together with VAR and Housing Virginia, conducted a series of Rural Housing Forums across the state to address housing challenges particular to rural areas.

For three of these associations, it was the first time reaching out to request resources from the REALTOR® Party, and that success, in itself, was a powerful boost for their confidence in leveraging future REALTOR® resources. Over the course of the summer, that esteem only grew as their respective forums gained momentum and resulted in a body of valuable findings that was presented to the Governor’s Housing Conference in November, together with a set of preliminary recommendations.

Each of the forums was hosted by the local REALTOR® Association at a no-cost venue, and attracted between 30 to 65 citizen stakeholders, government officials and housing lenders. At each location, Virginia Housing Executive Director Bob Adams presented a program using statistical information based on VAR’s housing data for the particular region, and group discussions were conducted around a series of pre-determined questions. Participants tackled a number of difficult issues that contribute to increasing housing-vulnerability for rural residents. 

In general, the forums uncovered that the overall quality of rural housing stock is in decline, and the availability of affordable housing is extremely limited. The diminishing inventory forces rural population egress, leaving behind a disproportionate aging population, which in turn causes a drain on public social services. At the same time, the severe lack of affordable rental housing in most rural areas feeds a vicious cycle: there simply isn’t the population present to create a demand for developers to build the units.

At this high-level information-gathering stage, the local associations agree, results aren’t going to happen tomorrow, but acquainting policy-makers with the valuable data collected at the forums is an important first step towards addressing the real needs of many Virginia communities. So is increasing public awareness, and just prior to the Governor’s Housing Conference, The Roanoke Times published an op-ed about the findings written by Kit Hale, a VAR past president and the chair of Housing Virginia. “We are thrilled that NAR is supportive of this undertaking to call attention to small communities, whose housing challenges are often overshadowed by those of denser areas,” Forcier-Rowe says. “At a policy-level, and at a humanitarian level, it’s been great to see people come to the table and face these challenges,” she adds. “By working to understand the present needs of our rural neighbors, we are honoring the legacy of rural Virginia, and conserving the integrity of rural communities for future generations.”

To learn more about how Virginia REALTORS® are working to focus attention on the challenges of housing affordability and availability in their state’s rural areas, contact Jenny Wortham, the Virginia Association of REALTORS®’ Director of Community Outreach, at (804) 262-3755.

South Padre Island REALTORS® Uses Land Use Initiative to Overturn Short-Term Rental Registration Ordinance

Posted on by

Located off the southernmost tip of Texas, South Padre Island is such a popular resort area that when a new Short-Term Rental Registration Ordinance was adopted by its City Council last year, it affected the vast majority of the island's residential properties. Thanks to the REALTOR® Party’s Land Use Initiative, the South Padre Island Board of REALTORS® (SPIBOR) was able to overturn several provisions of the ordinance it found overly restrictive. In doing so, not only did the 120-member board succeed in protecting the rights of property owners, but it gained new respect from the city, which now looks to the REALTORS® as the voice of real estate in the community.

Lindsey Martinez, SPIBOR's Association Executive, admits that as a relatively new board, she and her team were caught off-guard by the new ordinance; fortunately, their field rep from the Texas Association of REALTORS® (TAR) had their backs. “He was super-involved,” says Martinez, “and he clued us in to how detrimental these short-term rental ordinances could be.”  For her part, she quickly got up to speed by reading the standards established by the national and state associations, and with the guidance of the field rep and Government Affairs staff at TAR, applied to the REALTOR® Party for a Land Use Initiative review. 

SPIBOR submitted the approved ordinance to Robinson & Cole, the law firm retained by the National Association of REALTORS® to advise state and local associations on land use legislation.  Martinez was amazed by the speed and thoroughness of the response.  “We received the review back much sooner than expected, and it was perfectly clear and easy to follow,” she says. “Not only that, but they caught a number of issues that we hadn’t noticed.  For a small board like ours, with limited resources, the Land Use Initiative provided invaluable expertise."

Armed with the legal review, SPIBOR met informally with members of the City Council, who were also impressed by the value of the Robinson & Cole comments. The situation wasn’t adversarial at all, notes Martinez, but more about opening lines of communication. “While we would have preferred to have had the entire ordinance repealed,” she says, “it wasn’t feasible at that point, so we focused on issues of safety and fees. They were very receptive.” In fact, reviewing the objections together, she recalls, the Council Members said about one after another, ‘Hey that wasn’t our intent!’

All eight members of SPIBOR's board of directors joined Martinez at the City Council meeting on October 19, when the amendment proposing its requested changes to the ordinance was on the agenda.  Another REALTOR®, one of several who are property managers, spoke during the public comments. The amendment was easily approved, and the City Attorney commended the REALTORS® for their public-spirited assistance in what he called “clean-up and clarification” of the ordinance.

SPIBOR’s success in amending the Short-Term Rental Registration Ordinance benefits all the property owners of South Padre Island, including the many who live elsewhere and may not be paying attention to local politics and policies. The victory has also boosted the small association’s confidence in its own powers of political advocacy. In upholding NAR’s Core Standards, SPIBOR was already working hard to be the island’s voice for real estate by posting market statistics on social media and drafting articles for the local newspaper. But thanks to its involvement in revising the problematic ordinance, the city now regards the REALTORS® as valuable partners. “The day after the October City Council meeting, the City Manager, who is new in the position, invited us to meet with her; moving forward, she’ll be looking to us as a resource,” says Martinez, noting that Council Members also expressed the hope that SPIBOR would continue to be involved in city business.

“We have such great leaders at TAR, and we could not have done this without their hard work and guidance—or without the resources of the REALTOR® Party,” she says. 

To learn more about how the South Padre Island Board of REALTORS® used REALTOR® Party resources to protect the rights of rental property owners in its small resort community, contact Association Executive Lindsey Martinez at lindsey@spirealtors.com or 956-772-1940.