ShareAs a member, I want to affirm the National Association of REALTORS® is here to support and assist your professional growth every day. We’re deeply engaged in all facets of real estate, strengthening your business and the entire industry, to ensure your success and the opportunity for all Americans to enjoy the benefits of investing in real property.
This is true for all members, including those engaged in the commercial industry. I should know, because I am one too, having practiced commercial real estate for more than 35 years. And as NAR’s Treasurer, let me share how the 2019 budget investment comes back to you as a commercial practitioner.
Last month at the REALTORS® Conference & Expo in Washington, D.C., the Board of Directors passed a budget for 2019 with $35 million in new programming called S.M.A.R.T. Initiatives – Strategic Measures Advancing REALTORS® to Tomorrow.
Per member, almost half of the $150 in 2019 will go to advocacy programs, including REALTOR® Party initiatives such as targeted state and local real estate and homeownership advocacy, issues mobilization, campaign services, RPAC direct fundraising, consumer advocacy outreach, federal public issues advocacy, and federal independent expenditures.
NAR invests substantially in advocacy because we know the power of 1.3 million members lending their voice to an issue. It’s why REALTORS® were able to, against long odds, gain wins for commercial real estate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, such as preserving 1031 exchanges and capital gains treatment for carried interest in the final legislation.
Now REALTORS® are at it again, urging Congress to reform and extend the National Flood Insurance Program, which expires July 31. Millions of small businesses and home owners depend on the federal program to protect their property against flooding, the costliest and most common natural disaster in the United States.
While advocating for our members is a big part of NAR’s mission, we also make sure to support commercial members in another way: by supplying you with the best possible professional resources and benefits. As an example, a portion of your dues goes to RPR® Commercial (REALTORS® Property Resource), your one-stop-shop for comprehensive market data and analysis. RPR®’s dynamic reports help agents and business owners match the best location with the most suitable target audience using demographic, psychographic, and spending data information. In today’s market, instant access to powerful market data is a necessity and I use it with my clients every chance I get.
We have created a dedicated page at nar.realtor/smartbudget for all information related to this initiative.
Let me leave you with a final thought: At NAR, every member counts. Regardless of your scope of business, you have a role in our great organization, and I encourage you to get involved, if you are not already.
On behalf of the Leadership Team and our 1.3 million members – thank you for your support.