Nobu Hata
By Nobu Hata
Working away in cramped cubes at the D.C. REALTOR® headquarters are the NAR Staff behind the REALTOR® Political Action Party. John, Chris, Bethany, Mica, Jay, Claire and crew, not gleamingwhitetoothed Politicians – or even REALTORS®, mind you; they’re regular, politically-charged folks working on our behalf on Capitol Hill, for our livelihood.
Brian Copeland, YPN/RPAC Liaison Mike Oppler and I had the opportunity to meet the people behind cause, and I can tell you that it was a humbling experience. There’s only a handful of these guys dealing what are direct affronts to the covenants of home ownership: Mortgage Interest Deduction, GSE reform, Flood Insurance issues, the list goes on and on.
Issues that aren’t red or blue.
Issues that our clients will grapple with, sooner or later.
Issues that – let’s face it – we neither have the time, nor wherewithal to deal with.
Make your next YPN event this March an RPAC Awareness Event. New Jersey is having a Dareoke event, Tennessee is fund-raising, Minneapolis will be taking part in their state’s Legislative Impact Day, Colorado and Texas will be rallying at “the Hill!”. What will your network do this March?
Web: realtoractioncenter.com / Facebook: www.facebook.com/realtoractioncenter / Twitter: @realtoraction
Nobu Hata is a sales associate for Edina Realty in Minneapolis, and a founding member of the Minneapolis YPN group, the YoPros. Visit his Web site at www.nobuhata.com.
Nobu Hata
By Nobu Hata
I’ve never had the stomach for the political end of things during my years in the real estate industry, and for those of you who know me well, my left-of-center views didn’t exactly mesh well with the political climate that has made up the bulk of my tenure. It was always my opinion that politics was best left for the folks who know how to play the game. My contributions consisted of pressing “Send” on the e-mail call to actions.
But the one realization I’ve made the last couple years has been with RPAC, our political action committee. These folks, based in the incredible NAR offices in D.C., have fought the good fight, not only for us, but our current and future buyers and sellers and the legislation that affects them; plus our industry initiatives locally and nationally regardless of politically party currently in power. Recently, our national PAC has kept the banks out of the buy/sell facet of our industry and kept the tax credit going, among other things I’m missing – shelving your personal opinions of both for a sec, you have to admit that those two issues alone was for the greater good of our industry.
Locally here in Minnesota, they’ve helped my clients by protecting the mortgage interest and property tax deductions, helped to ban private transfer fees, and defeated several attempts to increase recording fees and an attempt to increase the state deed tax, plus passed legislation to increase industry professionalism. That’s a ton of consumer protection in a very bipartisan town.
That’s where you come in. Wednesday is National RPAC night, where local groups get together and raise funds for the coming year. Why don’t you attend? Inform and educate yourself by asking your AE about what RPAC means to your business locally, ask your peers (YPNers Aaron Wheeler and Brian Copeland are major donors) what RPAC means to them first hand.
Nobu Hata is a sales associate for Edina Realty in Minneapolis, and a founding member of the Minneapolis YPN group, the YoPros. Visit his Web site at www.nobuhata.com.
Jeremy Williams
By Jeremy Williams
It’s raining around here, but not raindrops. The sounds of complaining and worry are always in earshot when working in a real estate market that has softened and seen some additional challenges as a direct result of government policy and tightening financial markets. Sometimes it is a drizzles and other times it is a down pour. The raindrops always seem to gather in the same places forming nimbus clouds of doubt and complacency. Getting caught in one of these storms can just flat out ruin your day and potentially your career.
My recommendation is to carry with you an umbrella, in case you end up around conversations that lead to a chance of rain. Keep your head up and focus on the key component of your business; lead generation. Don’t get sucked into the updraft created by an impending storm.
How do you avoid the rain? Know your market statistics and factors influencing your business. Be able to convey this information to your home buyer and home seller clients. Be willing to have the tough conversations with your clients if needed and always be upfront and honest. Get ready to adapt your business to meet the current market. Just as a ship will typically sail around a looming storm, learn how to stay clear of those who have chosen to focus on what might be a challenging situation as opposed to the solution to the situation.
Avoidance of the rain is best and typically your gut will provide an accurate forecast, but just in case, make sure you pack your umbrella before heading out today. Also know that the rain to shall also pass. Have a great week in the business.
Jeremy Williams of Keller Williams Realty NE in Kingwood, Texas specializes in the residential real estate market of Kingwood, Atascocita, and Humble, Texas. Visit his Web site at www.williams4yourhome.com.
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