Through all the mail pieces, television ads, canvassing, and punditry, we survived the mid-term elections! Every election year, our political activity kicks into high gear, and 2018 was no exception. Not only did we survive, but we broke records – 1.1 million REALTORS® registered to vote, and we were involved in 13 federal independent expenditure campaigns, 252 state and local independent expenditure campaigns, and 25 issue campaigns. Last night, we elected 35 REALTORS® to public office…and counting! Our results were impressive, and we hope you’ll check them out at www.realtorparty.realtor/vote2018. Clearly, REALTORS®’ votes counted.
As newly sworn-in elected officials take office, our work begins but the mission as REALTORS® remains the same: Advancing public policies and candidates that build strong communities, protect property interest, and promote a vibrant business environment. We have a lot to look forward to in the coming year. We’ll be celebrating the 50th anniversary of RPAC throughout 2019. We also have some major issues ahead to address, one of which is housing affordability.
Housing affordability is one of the most critical problems facing home buyers and the nation. And the lack of housing supply is only adding to the problem. Comprehensive solutions to address this issue must be locally based and include local community experts — REALTORS® and REALTOR® associations. That’s why NAR has developed resources that work uniquely in each community to address the specific issues related to housing affordability and supply. These resources also include valuable information and tools to start the dialogue in your community. Check them out.
McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc once said, “none of us is as good as all of us,” and the same goes for the REALTOR® Party. When we work collectively; when we speak with one voice; when we tell our story, we can change lives. We see it in our neighborhoods, on the faces of our clients, and in the success of our associations and businesses. If we work together — owning, creating, and telling our story — the best is yet to come.
Bob Goldberg, CEO John Smaby, 2019 NAR President