Ed Lawler, Director of the NAR Broker Involvement Program, asks “Can REALTORS® Influence Legislation?” Yes!

NAR has professional lobbyists who interact with Congressional leaders, but the voice of our 1.2 million members is the most critical aspect of influencing positive legislative outcomes. So how do we attract greater REALTOR® participation?

Through the Broker Involvement Program, NAR discovered that when brokerowners alert their agents to key issues, agents listen, respond, and take action. We know from the brokers that are already in the Program that the Calls for Action (CFA) response rates are significantly higher when agents receive a message from their broker asking them to participate.

Legislative Advocacy
Calls for Action are generated by NAR, and with broker approval, are sent to their agents under the broker’s name to forward the CFA to their Representative. With more REALTOR® support,
we can significantly increase our response rates to Calls for Action, thus influencing legislation that affects our business. Our 2009 response rate goal is 15%.

Below are the response rates for Massachusetts and NAR’s national average.

2007 CFA response rate:
Massachusetts ...................4.7%
NAR ...................................5.2%

2008 CFA response rate:
Massachusetts .................. 8.0%
NAR ...................................9.2%

Four Point Housing
Stimulus Plan
Massachusetts ................. 10.7%
NAR ................................. 11.9%

We still have important legislative issues that will need to be debated and influenced—will your voice be heard?

RPAC Fundraising
Since 1969 RPAC has been promoting the election of pro-REALTOR® candidates across the United States. During the last federal election cycle alone, RPAC contributed over $12 million to pro-REALTOR® candidates for Congress, making us the number one trade association political action committee in the nation. We give our money to those in Congress who both understand and
support REALTOR® issues. We look to build the future by putting RPAC dollars in places that will help advance the interests of real estate professionals.

RPAC is the only political group in the country organized for REALTORS®, run by REALTORS®, and existing solely to further issues important to REALTORS®. Think of your RPAC contribution
as an investment—the best investment you’ll ever make in your business and yourself. RPAC is your best insurance against poorly designed small business and commercial real estate
legislation. If you’re not giving your fair share to RPAC, you’re not doing all you can to better your profession, your business, and yourself.

Strengthening the REALTOR® Voice
Together with RPAC, the Broker Involvement Program provides us with the tools to bring to Congress’ attention issues of concern to the REALTOR® community. When you get involved, we can influence legislation. For more information on the Broker Involvement Program, visit www.REALTORactioncenter.com/REALTORs/brokers.