According to the NAR, by 2020 the US will have the task of housing 53.7 million more Americans than in the year 2000. With this many consumers needing housing in the next 13 years, its a puzzle why so many of us are looking for buyers.
Why? Because the buying enviroment is just not attractive to the public. The NAR's SMART GROWTH initiative is something that as realtors we need to support and become involved in its success. The NAR recommends five guiding principles which we as realtors can support, vote for, advocate and educate others on their importance. Briefly the principles are:
1. Commit to housing opportunity & choice, urban, suburban & rural homes at ALL price levels for diverse population 2. Build better communites- good schools, low crime, quality public services, efficient transportation , recreation areas, open space, strong employment base, viable commercial sector 3.Protect the enviroment, encourage preservation of natural resources and properties of historic significance. 4.Respect our rights to own, use and transfer real property 5. Implement fiscal measures to ensure that the cost of new infrastructures are shared proportionately among those who are served.
Another issue that realtors could take a firm stand on is abusive lending practices. We as realtors know at some point when we are dealing with a buyer that would be better off not buying immediatley. Our more ethical task at this point should be to educate the buyer about postponing their purchase because it is not only in their best interest but in the interest of all of us. Again from the NAR's "EYE ON THE HILL" by Jerry Giovaniello, Chief Lobbyist and Sr. VP of Government Affairs , "this leads to declining prices and inevitably devastates the strength and stability of those communities and the families who live there."
Although many of us may find politics distasteful and not as much fun as selling real estate, to keep our industry profitable and strong, it is our responsibility to contribute to keeping it healthy. Support SMART GROWTH and educate your buyers on abusive lending even if you miss out on that one sale...it will be a WIN-WIN in the end.