Let's talk really local politics: are you involved in your local Association of REALTORS? Do you know who are the leaders of your local Association of REALTORS? Do you know how they got there? Do you get to vote for each individual, or did some appointed committee decide who will serve as your officers?
I truly hope this is a volatile topic. If you, an intelligent member of a local Association of REALTORS, do not know or get involved with who is making decisions for you on a local, state or national Association level, then you do deserve your electeds. So many of our local Associations are really not that large in number, when you consider there are less than 2 million members of the National Association of REALTORS. So, if you are one of 4,000 members you should have not only the opportunity to be part of the decision-making process, you have an obligation to yourself to be part of that decision making process.
Making sure your opinions and ideas are heard doesn't mean you need to run for a seat on the local Board of Directors (although that's not a bad idea); however, it does mean that you need to know WHO are the decision makers and WHAT decisions they have made. It means that when you agree with their decisions, you need to make sure those people know you like the decisions and appreciate the personal time they dedicate to advance your best interests in the real estate business. But you also need to be able to know who will listen to you when you need to rationally disagree with decisions made by your local Board of Directors. WHEN are the votes taken on critical local Association issues? Is the Agenda published for all members to see in advance of the meeting? WHERE are the meetings held? Should you attend the meetings to contribute your opinion before the vote is taken? Definitely! Do not be dissuaded by statements such as 'We have enough votes already' or 'It's a done deal' if the votes have not actually been counted on a voice vote.
And do you know whether any of your local Association members or Directors vote on your business at the State or National Association of REALTORS? Do you know the issues that are presented at those levels? If you don't know, you should find out because many state issues percolate up to the National Association of REALTORS; issues that come before the Professional Standards Committee, your MLS Committee, possibly your Legislative Committee. And all of it, really, affects not only you and your business model, it also affects your clients, possibly your relationship with your clients, and the ability of people to own their very own piece of this rock we call Earth.
So, find out what decisions have been made locally, who is making those decisions, how they got into a position to make the decisions, how you can see the decision making process in action, and how your voice can help not only you, but also your clients and your fellow members. Please tell me about your successes!
Open and Airy with Views
• 1,337 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm single story - 
MLS® $649,000 - Great Community
Playa Vista, Los Angeles - Great corner 2 bedroom home is the largest floorplan in the Crescent Walk building and looks onto Crescent Park. This property is in a quiet area of the Playa Vista master community and has two side by side parking spaces in the community garage. For the serious cook, there is a large center island kitchen that has been seriously upgraded with limestone floors, granite counters and a stainless steel refrigerator with in-door ice and water dispenser. Large living room, hall and bedrooms have comfy wood floors. Great master suite has 2 closets (one is a walk-in), plus a remodeled bath with designer stone tiles and large 2-shower head shower. Homeowner Association duies include high speed internet connection, water, gas, use of the Association pool, spa and clubhouse facilities (just across the street). Inside the Cresent Walk building is a residents-only well-equipped exercise room, elevator, gated garage area for residents, covered guest parking, and a lovely outdoor patio courtyard area with fireplaces. This is a great community close to the water and within short commuting distance of West Los Angeles, Century City and downtown LA.
Property information
I have been lucky enough to meet many of our local, state and federal electeds over the last . . . well, let's say more than 25 years. Some of the people we elected should have been cloned or elected to another office because their attitude, their ethics and their value to the system was more than most voters know. And then some of the people we elected were only looking for the power and glory of elected office - you know the ones: they make promises they can't (or don't intend) to keep, have no consistent values or ideas we can depend on, will not talk to you or respect your attempt to discuss issues, and will appear only at fundraisers.
It's sad to say, but I believe we deserve those we have elected. Why? Because too many voters are too lazy to really - and I mean REALLY - understand the issues and the candidates. Why do so many voters only vote the party line? Because they feel safe? Safe? How can you vote for or against someone you know nothing about and feel safe? Whether it's 'your' party or not? Is the problem our political process? Well, I think it could be part of the problem.
So here's part of my solution: Decide what you like about what your elected has done for you and call your elected to tell them. You will definitely have to call more than the first time when you get just the receptionist or someone who wants to take a message. Call again; always leave your name and your contact information. Always call to thank them on the way they vote when you like it. And always call them to tell them why you don't like they way they vote on something you disagree with. No ranting, no nastiness. Just continue to call. You'll see. You'll find out what kind of representation you have at the local, state and national level. And don't forget to thank them for returning your call.