Why is investing in the REALTOR® Action Fund (RAF) so important?
“Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn’t mean politics will not take an interest in you!” – Pericles, Athens – circa 440 BC
Here are two questions for you;
1) Do you know how many bills are introduced in Sacramento per two year cycle?
2) Do you know how many of those pertain to the real estate industry? You might be shocked by this answer, but there are about 5,000 bills introduced in a 2 year cycle and roughly 1/3 of those pertain to the real estate industry. And just think… this is just Sacramento!
Luckily members of SBAOR have a great advantage! N.A.R., C.A.R. and our local Government Relations Committee keep tabs on and fight against the daily assaults to your industry so you can keep doing business day to day with less worry. Some of these assaults are against private property rights, banks trying to take over your business, point of sale requirements, rent control, zoning laws, exorbitant property transfer fees, and onerous building regulations. These are just some of the many issues that have to be dealt with.
Of course, all this muscle doesn’t come cheap, but it is cheaper than being put out of business. The REALTOR® Action Fund is money raised which is spread out between national, state, and local political funds used to support candidates for office and either support or oppose legislation surrounding property and property rights. There are three levels at which you can contribute, but “The True Cost of Doing Business” ($148) helps fight for property rights and your right to business and everyone should make a contribution to help those that do this work.
We can be proud of all that REALTORS® have done politically for over 100 years to keep the dream of home ownership alive in this country. Everyone should do their part to make sure it continues. The best thing you can do is respond to Red Alerts, take action when needed, and contribute to the REALTOR® Action Fund.