If you are a Realtor, you must stand up or get stepped on - by your organization NAR. They are considering a dues increase of $40 to fund political campaigns and lobbying - for their anti-business, liberal causes. NAR does not represent you if you are a free enterpriser.
A few recent events.
In 2009, they negotiated a backroom, late-hour deal on Cap and Trade that would have required energy inspections on all home sales in this country. They convinced the Dems to change the bill to apply only to new homes and exempt resales. Then they threw their full support behind passage of the bill. That one little thing is all they objected to. This bill is a killer for the US economy, jobs, and the people who will be purchasing homes. Talk about lack of perspective.
Since new homes are going to be pretty energy efficient, it isn't a big stretch to see that the exemption for resales will soon disappear. In fact, if the Senate ever passes the bill (let's hope it never comes to that) or it goes to Conference Committee, look for that provision to disappear - or for the EPA to enact it anyway. They apparently have the power.
NAR also commended the President for his desire to create the Consumer Financial Protection Agency - more bureaucracy, more regulation, more red tape.
In that same year, they were all over the $8,000 tax credit (along with NAHB) and advocated its extension. They got it, but Realtors reported mixed results, and the market fell flat after the expiration of it, because as we all knew, the demand had simply been pulled from future months. It took until June 2010 for the market to equalize.
When Obamacare was being debated, they chose not to oppose it. Fortunately they did not come out in favor of it, but they decided to work behind the scenes to try to remove provisions they weren't happy with. Don't know how successful they think they were, but the end result was not something favorable to Realtors or the homebuying public. How could they not be vocally opposed to this legislation?
Last year, NAHB attacked the EPA for removing the opt-out provision from thje lead paint rule. NAR was silent. Seems to me that homes built before 1978 are mostly sold by Realtors rather than builders - although many remodelers are NAHB members. Why isn't NAR taking a stance on something that will help Realtors and homeowners work with older homes before they are sold?
Last year, NAR also supported passage of the anti-free enterprise Net Neutrality bill. Fortunately it is on its way to being repealed in the House - but not a done deal yet.
So, now NAR wants an additional $40 in dues from each member so that they can continue this policy of non-advocacy and non-representation.
Don't accept it. Fight it, and demand that they represent Realtors and small businesses on the money they already have and get.
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Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales Representatives.
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