Hello REALTORS®,
In the last two Watchdog Reports, I covered two elements of our government affairs program:
- How government affects your business
- What your association is doing about it.
I highlighted the importance of supply, or lack of it, and the impact of rising housing prices. I also provided some case studies on how your association is working to overcome the challenge to housing supply: over regulation, particularly because of the influence of NIMBYism.
This week I will cover how you can help. And yes, you can help.
Teamwork: a case study
In early 2022, your REALTORS® Association learned of a proposal to impose an $11,300 impact fee on new homes in eastern Anderson County. Your association organized a group of members to lead the association’s efforts to defeat the impact fee. Your quarterback was Realtor Carolann Newton.
But that was just part of the team. The Home Builders Association and Manufactured Housing Institute joined the team as well. Each brought skills and resources to the team that made the team stronger. And your SC REALTORS® Association provided important research and information that formed the basis of our argument that while an impact fee may be appropriate, $11,300 grossly inflated the actual impact that new housing has on local government services. We continue to use that research to help us evaluate new impact fee proposals, the most recent in the City of Clemson.
Is it sport or war?
Sometimes it’s a little of both. To win you need a team, and sometimes an army. That is why we have a little of both, and both include you.
Last week I wrote that all three levels of the Realtor organization—local, state, and national—are critical to our success. The crucial way we work together at the local, state, and national level is RPAC, our political action committee. RPAC is supported by contributions from you, Realtors, our army. RPAC is the way we support pro real estate candidates for office. Take it from me, we need more of them. Attend a government meeting with me sometime and I’ll show you what I mean.
And that’s another way you can help—join the grassroots government affairs team. We monitor three counties, 15 cities, seven school districts, and four utility special purpose districts. On any evening, there are more meetings than a single person (me) can attend. That is why we have a network of members who help monitor those meetings. Just this week, Realtors Don Cleveland and Bob Fedder attended meetings at Anderson County and Easley. And the week is still young. And last week, Realtor Deb Stehle spoke to Easley City Council about the importance of housing supply. She was supported by 25 Realtors who attended with her.
Support RPAC
The problem is clear—inventory, especially housing, is too low and government is part of the problem. Your association is working hard to represent your interests.
The most important way you can join the team is to support RPAC. It’s easy. Your association includes a voluntary contribution to RPAC on your annual dues invoice. Pay it, and you are an RPAC supporter. If you haven’t supported RPAC this year, I encourage you to do so by clicking here.
This week, you have a special opportunity to support RPAC and take home something you need (or want). Your association is hosting an online live auction for RPAC. Check the live auction by clicking here. Association leaders have donated nearly 50 silent auction items. Please give generously. It’s not about a bargain, it’s about raising money so your association can improve the marketplace for Realtors—with your help!
Michael Dey, Director of Government Affairs