A unique time in history
Politics and business have never been so connected in the history of the real estate industry. From the bold home buyer credits and interest rate management to the subtleties of intentionally ignoring the non conforming load segments of the housing market, it’s all one big interlocking picture.
How does politics affect your business? Do you understand how strongly the two are tied together. If not, it’s time to consider the obvious or risk letting it affect your bank account in a big way.
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Consumerism, Geo-mapping columnist
Marketing columnist
I would hope–sincerely–that people would take principle over their own pocketbook. When I was in the biz, it was presumed that I would support the confiscatory and socialist measures that the NAR supported (tax credits being one) because they benefited me. I didn’t want the nose in the barn.
Self interest is no excuse for supporting bad politics.
Greg:
I completely agree that the climate of business and politics have dramatically changed. As governmental affairs chair for our local board, I have been amazed at the changes that Realtors are making in their involvement locally, on the State and national level. gone are the days of complacency and the taboo that our elected officials are taking care of business. Politicians are actually having to dig in and work. They are being held accountable to those that are closely scrutinizing not only their knowledge of the “business” of government, but of the business men and women that fuel the government machine.
Realtors are digging in as well, protecting not only their industry, but the people that support this industry. The “full-service” Realtor is indeed providing service and consultation to many who will hopefully remember the work done on their behalf and those that are in the trenches with lenders and mortgage companies as well as the local politicians who can make or break communities.
We are bringing the issues to the table, and we are working together, as it IS the real estate industry that largely supports this country. We have no choice but to be involved, period. As heated as it is and as it gets at times, neither Realtors or politicians have an easy job. However, it is a job of commitment and dedication.
It is my belief every Realtor should be educated and communicating regularly to their constituents.
Thanks for the thought provoking post.
Debbie Kirkland, Tallahassee
Many years ago I was worried about stepping on toes if I talked about politics, I was worried it would offend those that did not agree. I have really changed my position, obviously for those that read me every day, and found a niche as a writer and real estate finance professional with a strong political sense. Most of my borrowers are conservative and choose to use me because they agree with my politically. It has become my brand, and frankly I’m more comfortable in the transparency of being myself in my career.
Our PAC s have been effective- especially when it came to keeping banks out of RE. Recently the first home buyer tax credit- and the new “Move Up” credit work for us- even if they aren’t in the best interest of the country in the long run.
That said, every housing recession I’ve seen is tied most closely to economics. Fed policy, which is supposed to be above politics, is directly responsible for the monetary policy- interest rates- within the US economy… They are supposed to be the wise arbiter-it was said for years the job of the Federal Reserve was to ” take the punch bowl away before the party gets out of hand.” …this time the party lasted too long and it got a little too screwed up.
I’m more worried about game changing technology- i.e. Google. They have a much better chance of disrupting what we do in 2010.
Greg
I really could not agree more with you. I used to keep my politics out of my business, but I have opened up about it here in the last year. I have seen more and more people that I thought were on the other side of the street from me, would agree with me. I did a weekly radio show, and I told everyone that would listen my views. Some would disagree with me, but they all respected that I put it out there and still continued to do business with me. There are those that would not, but really did I want to put up with those people anyway.
D
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I support a lot of what RPAC has supported, but not all. Still not a fan of the tax credit, but for selfish reasons like not wanting my daughters to have to be encumbered with overwhelming federal debt in their generations…
Can you do a vlog on your view of RPAC? If you have, I’m sorry I missed it.
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Greg, you know how I feel about this, I put myself out there quite often on political issues. I can’t separate who I am as a Realtor. ( my occupation) Balance in all things I post, I am a Realtor who sees the necessity of standing up for issues facing our Nation.