By J. Lennox Scott, Chairman & CEO, John L. Scott Real Estate
Candidate for 2006 NAR Treasurer
Being a REALTOR is magical. It touches on so many areas of life from family and friends to communities, education, finances, politics, employment, and of course, home ownership. Home ownership is truly the foundation of everything. It contributes to a region’s well being. It enhances civic, economic, business, and employment stability. It brings families together as advocates for good schools. It fosters new friendships. And as REALTORS, we are the force that helps make all of this happen.
As REALTORS we get our dues dollars worth more – and more. Our membership in this elite organization brings us value in out business practices and our purpose in life. The National Association of REALTORS is the collective force influencing and shaping the real estate industry. It seeks to be the leading advocate for home ownership and vital quality-of-life issues, and the acknowledged leader in developing standards for ethical real estate business practices.
REALTORS also have a powerful voice about issues that are important to Americans, such as housing opportunities, economic vitality, and better communities. Through our extensive governmental affairs efforts, the REALTORS legislative and political priorities include such far-ranging concerns as protecting the mortgage interest deduction for income taxes, to promoting smart growth, and stewardship of the environment. REALTORS also provide political effectiveness that works to protect your business AND your bottom line.
But perhaps most importantly, being a REALTOR enables you to live your life with purpose and passion, providing a platform from which you can contribute to your customer’s and your community’s well-being, as well as achieve personal and financial success.
As you pay your 2004 REALTOR dues, do so knowing that the value you gain from being a REALTOR member is significant. I would also ask that you consider making a financial commitment to RPAC, which stands for REALTOR Political Action Committee. No part of your dues payment goes to RPAC, which is why your financial support is so vital.
RPAC provides critical, non-partisan financial support to help elect pro-REALTOR candidates running for public office. We need these candidates’ voices to protect our business practices and the real estate industry. With only a “fair share” donation of $25.00 - $35.00 you can do your part to ensure that the political interests of REALTORS continue to be well-represented at the legislative level. For top agents and management who are interested in making a larger donation, there are other opportunities starting at the $100 level. You also have the option to become an NAR Political Action Committee Major Donator, which starts at the $1000 level. For more information, please contact your local REALTOR Association or go to www.realtor.org/rpac.
With your help the REALTOR agenda can continue to be America’s agenda.