Are you investing in your industry?

Day two of the leadership institute was an eye-opener. As an industry we are facing so much. As the NAR chief lobbyist Jerry G explained, when the budget is running a huge deficit the first inclination is to cut tax breaks. What is the most universal tax break in the US? The mortgage interest deduction. We need to ensure that good legislative action stays in place. Homeowners contribute to the social fabric of the US.

At the institute I was very inspired by the $1000 RPAC givers who stood up in the room, about 1/4. I was so proud of my association and humbled that I had not yet reached that mark in my own giving. Our NAR incoming President, Vicki Cox-Goulder, spoke of how while we call it giving and call ourselves donors the fact of the matter is that we are not donating, we are investing in the long term health of our personal businesses.

I urge all of you to help keep the recovery going by supporting those legislators that want to expand the homebuyers credit. The emcee of the event said, "This economic crisis started with housing and this crisis will end with housing." We have a responsibility beyond our own businesses to assist the United States of America out of this recession. Our responsibility reaches even further when we understand that the global economy hinges on the US housing market.

REALTORS, we will be the heroes of this story when history is written! Will you be a part of this effort? If you have not made your RPAC donation yet this year please do so now or at the September 9th RPAC auction.