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The REALTOR® Party Political Survival Initiative: Let Us Hear From You

Important Information for NAR Members About Our Political Survival

In March 2011, NAR launched the REALTOR® Party Political Survival Initiative. The initiative is a bold and powerful proposal to make the Voice of Real Estate one of the most influential advocacy groups in America.

There are monumental issues we're facing — in Congress, in the regulatory agencies here in Washington that govern mortgage financing, in your statehouse that’s faced with critical budget crises and declining property tax revenues, and in our municipalities and counties. Each of these issues impact our ability to do business and serve clients. We must act as one to ensure the future of mortgage financing and to keep housing affordable in America. We must have the power to shape this pivotal moment for the American Dream of Home Ownership everywhere and at every level of government.

To fund such a nationwide effort, the REALTOR® Party Political Survival Initiative proposes a dedicated dues increase of $40. Because it is "dedicated" to this initiative, the dues increase would be used exclusively to fund political advocacy efforts. Nearly 70 percent of this money is earmarked for state and local issues. If it is approved, over 50 percent of the NAR budget would be devoted to political advocacy, which consistently ranks among members as the number-one benefit they receive from NAR.

The proposal will be voted on by the NAR Board of Directors at the Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo in May.

 Take a few minutes to get informed. View our new slideshow that provides critical details about the initiative and the value proposition it is designed to give back to you at the federal, state and local level.

 Visit our REALTOR® Party Political Survival Initiative page to get more details. We are posting documents, background information and other resources to help you understand the who, what, why and when of this proposal.

 Read the article from Politico that discusses the emerging clout of the REALTOR® Party and how "REALTORS® ... are going to want to be politically effective, and a large measure of their influence is that they are present everywhere."

 Watch this short video from NAR President Ron Phipps that asks you to get involved in the deliberation process about this initiative.

 

 Your Feedback Is Important and We Are Listening

We also want to hear from you. You are our voice, and these decisions will not be made without getting your input and giving you the opportunity to be heard. We need to know what questions and concerns you have so we can help you understand this effort. We also encourage you to post a comment below and to join the conversation on Twitter, on Facebook and on your favorite real estate blogs.

UPDATE: Due to the number of comments, we cannot display the full list of comments. Please download this PDF of the comments received as of April 10, 2010. This list has not been edited by NAR.

Please use the form below to post your comments about the REALTOR® Party Political Survival Initiative:  

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 Your Comments

While it is important to address this political issue and maintaining a strong lobbying position, it is time to do more with less. In every organization there is fat and there are inefficiencies. It is time for you to trim it and tighten your belt. We have had the worst 2 years possibly in our lives. Raising dues is unacceptable at this time and the NAR needs to do what we all have had to. More with less, or in your case, the same amount. Just not more with more.... Thank you for your time! 


Submitted by Hamish Williams
at: April 15, 2011
Unfortunately I believe we are beginning to look like the Unions that I have considered an obstacle to Democracy. Can members opt out?? Why not?? I do not always agree with your stance on all issues especially first time home buyer mortgages, etc. This will go far beyond upholding property rights.... 


Submitted by Mich. Realtor
at: April 15, 2011
We must acknowledge the NAR has lost thousands of members as Realtors have left the industry due to the recession to pursue other avenues of income; however noting the current economic climate hundres of thousands of other Realtors are struggling to make ends meat. This is not the time to increase dues. I believe the appropriate options include trimming the costs of/or eliminating certain programs, charging affiliates (or if you are all ready receiveing fees - increasing them ) for NAR endorsements pertaining to the services they offer NAR members and lastly - giving the members an option to contribute instead of mandating a new fee so that members who are thriving can help their own who are struggling in a discrete manner. It is imperative that we all remember - Giving begins at home - and the NAR is a 2nd home per se; to all it's members. 


Submitted by Joan Elflein
at: April 15, 2011
# 1. How and where can I find annual financial reports of NAR? # 2 What is the formula / procedure / requirements for moneys to be available to a local or state board - details please # 3 where can a member access minutes of meetings? Be they BOD or Exec Comm, etc. # 4 The general perception is that NAR dropped the ball on the SAFE Act and things went into affect that weren't caught until much much later. While we don't expect perfection, I would like to hear a response or discussion on exactly who did or failed to do what. # 5 Since this Initiative is all about Revenue. I would look at the new RPR. That machine is projected to crank our a few million a year. Having heard various explanations, it looks like the NAR initial investment will be paid back in about 5 years. What happens to that profit thereafter? # 6 doesn't matter if it's $ 40 or $ 4 - the membership is not yet embracing this action  


Submitted by paul ogden
at: April 15, 2011
I do oppose any dues increase period. The public awareness started at $15.00 for a 3 year period, now the cost is $ 35.00 and when will it stop. I am a multiple year Life Member of RPAC and have committed to be a life member this year. If you pass this I see no need to give to RPAC in the future. We give members of Congress and our state and local politicians to much money.  


Submitted by John Davis
at: April 15, 2011
REALLY!!! YOUR PEOPLE SAY NO AND YOU DO IT ANYWAY,SOUNDS SO FAMILIAR,YOU HAVE BECOME POLITICIANS, MAYBE WE NEED TO FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF THE MIDDLE EAST AND PUSH FOR REGIME CHANGE.  


Submitted by JB SMITH
at: April 15, 2011
As a 35yr REALTOR member and former life member of RPac I strongly disagree with this proposal. You've already given money money to mostly Republican candidates and look where we are. Why not find good politicians who can't be bribed and back them for a change.  


Submitted by G Pukl
at: April 14, 2011
I think you should try an option C, $20/year and take the rest from awareness money. 


Submitted by Linda Rausch
at: April 14, 2011
DO NOT RAISE OUR DUES!!! In these economic times, house values/prices are falling and fewer buyers can qualify for mortgages. This translates into less commission income for us realtors, and you want to assess us more? You folks up there in your ivory towers(supported by us) seem to not have a clue what it's like working down here in the trenches. I vote NO! 


Submitted by Charlotte
at: April 14, 2011
I sincerely believe in the importance of political advocacy and believe as members of MAR and NAR we should be supporting these efforts financially. I do not however support the idea of giving NAR $40 so they can redistribute it back to MAR. This creates bureaucratic overhead and increases administrative costs to monitor and distribute funds. Who is to say the NAR Board may decide to reduce the amount sent to state and local groups because of a NAR determined initiative that is more important? If my math is correct 2/3 of $40.00 is $26.66666666… So who will decide when this amount is rounded to the nearest cent whether we round up or down and if it is down where does the fraction of a cent go? Incidentally that fraction would need to be multiplied by our number of NAR members (1.2 million). So if I multiply 1.2 million times what is left I come up with a significant amount of money. My questions then are why does NAR collect and then redistribute these funds? What are the administratives costs for the distribution of funds? What happens to the fraction of percents when the distribution does not round evenly? 


Submitted by Brad Vander Vliet
at: April 14, 2011
This is unbelievable. I read this everyday and my unofficial tally is an overwhelming No from the membership. But everything I read from the Leadership implies that they are going to increase the dues and buy the politicians with our money anyway. I believe this is an exercise so that they can say they listened to the membership and then do what they want anyway. I am so disappointed and embarrassed to be a member of this organization. 


Submitted by Frank
at: April 14, 2011
You say you are listening but I don't think you are! The NAR Executive Committee voted in a special meeting to support this dues increase. THIS IS TOTALLY CONTRARY TO THE VOICE OF ITS MEMBERSHIP!!!!! Maybe you are all just politicians too. You really like having free access to other people's pocket book! 


Submitted by Stryder
at: April 14, 2011
I AM NOT IN FAVOR OF THE DUES INCREASE! The NAR leadership should be taking care of whatever issues need to be addressed. Government officials should not need to be bribed to make the right decisions. 


Submitted by John Birchmeier
at: April 14, 2011
Good morning! Thank you for your feedback to yesterdays Town Hall on the RPPSI! We are listening to your comments and thoughts on this program. Please be on the lookout for more details and information on the RPPSI in the days and weeks to come! Feel free to contact us @ 800-874-6500. 


Submitted by John Gall 2011 RPCC Chair
at: April 14, 2011
Is this thing still on? 


Submitted by Sam
at: April 14, 2011
I would like it if you had a third option, start out smaller, $20 per year, cut some of the advertising budget to make up the difference, see how it works and then maybe the following year $40. 


Submitted by Kristine Brice
at: April 13, 2011
The Montana Association of REALTORS® would like to thank the leadership team for the excellent Town Hall Meeting. We would like to go on record as officially supporting the goals and funding for the REALTOR® Party Political Survival Initiative. We thank each of you for the great work in leading our Association. Ronda Tompers,President Montana Association of REALTORS®. 


Submitted by Ronda Tompers
at: April 13, 2011
What about what the hoops we Realtors have to go through , that hud is getting away with and other bank forclosures and fannie mae are wrong and using escrow out of our area is wrong also. what are you doing about that  


Submitted by Cara Nicholas
at: April 12, 2011

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