Mike’s Real Estate Show

Here in the greatest state of California we lead the nation in Realtor and Consumer  services. My particular Association of Realtors has NOT owned their MLS for over 30 years! We get by on member dues and providing membership with outstanding programs locally and through the state and NAR. Our Association has flourished and is constantly held up as an example of life without the “MLS”. Those wishing NOT to become Realtors are just focused on the tip of their nose; the next deal. You need to step back and see the larger picture and understand the lay of the land and the dangers inherent in anti-trust legislation, brokerage fee limitations and independent contractor status. Quick buck licensees will join because their broker makes them or the will seek a company which doesn’t “bother them” with those pesky Realtor fees!
  Very short-sighted indeed. Those who see this as a career come to appreciate the constant fighting on different fronts that our local/state/national associations’ conduct on OUR behalf. In California alone the legislator develops 100+ “point of sale” legislative bills yearly. And every year CAR knocks them down one by one!  They always have the Realtor or you non-paying licensees, as the person required to fulfill the legislations promise. If we did not have our lobbying forces at work, (I always pay the bigger political action fees) our transactions would be laced with a myriad amount of NEW disclosures, inspections, fees to the seller, and “deal stoppers” than we have today.

   In our area we had one town which decided it would be a great idea to require all sales to have a complete audit of construction, energy and zoning compliance at the time of sale! They thought it would be a great idea to have the property brought UP TO CODE, with NEW ENERGY devices such as dual pane windows, wall insulation, and proper zoning compliance. This in a town where historic Victorians dot the landscape!!  We as a local association rallied the troops and got it totally off the table. The cost to the consumer would have been harmful and many sellers today have vey little equity to spare at all and the lender’s selling their bank owned properties ignore most  local mandates creating havoc in our every day business.

  Then there’s the biggie which is the “anti-trust” issue which NAR is spending much money keeping at bay. This is all because of a very HOT market. Many perceived we had it very easy and I would say we did but congress ignores the “overall” picture and concentrates on just the fees.  You can thank all the new “business models” of real estate companies who wanted to give the public total access to our MLS. If the consumer wishes to get licensed, pay dues and take the state mandated education course then they can join. It would be like me going to the state BAR and saying I wanted to practice law!  The battle is totally engaged on and ongoing with NAR leading the way. It’s not over by a long shot. Your support is critical at this juncture.  And how about all of you as employees? No more “Independant Contractor” status. How many of you would even have a JOB if your broker had to supply you with mandated employee benefits? Remember the bankruptcy of a company which did this?
  I could go on and on!! When I was a younger man I would pan Realtor’s and NAR. I was short-sighted, young, immature, but have come to know many in leadership at all levels of Realtordom and find those folks the silent servants of all Realtors. If my dues were $1,000 a year I would gladly pay them. I KNOW the true cost of doing business. Are Realtors any more ethical or professional than a licensee? Some are some are not. Becoming a “pro”,is a state of mind and an ability to “work” the market, any market, and provide our clients with superior fiduciary representation.
  Take this under consideration! It is in YOUR best interest, long-term, to support our Realtor endeavors.