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September 2008
Index of all
messages
from the Association President
Association looks for ways to meet economic challenges
of year ahead
By David DeElena
My opportunity to serve as your 2008 president is drawing to a close. It’s always amazing to consider how quickly the time passes when you are busy.
I look back over the various topics we have shared and hope that you, the members, felt the information being provided was timely and beneficial. Often it is difficult to determine which issue needs the spotlight while ensuring that no critical item goes unmentioned.
The challenges faced by our Association continue to be reflective of the housing sector and the economic strain that we all feel. We as a group had numerous victories this year and look to see more positives as we move into 2009. From attempts to regulate sales commissions to the passing of the Housing Stimulus bill, your Association at the local, state and national levels has been actively protecting your business while seeking to improve the real estate climate.
The new incentives now available to prospective buyers will provide additional motivation for those unsure as to when or if they should buy a home. The Association’s activity in the legislative arena over the years has positioned us to be recognized in the metro area as a trusted source for real estate information.
The economy affects everyone
Our achievements aside, we must understand the economic impact of this slow market on our most important asset, our membership. Current NAR projections point to a drop in the number of REALTORS® nationally of up to 10 percent. Your Association plans and budgets based on current trends, attendance at the real estate schools and the limited amount of information we gather from the other metro REALTOR® associations. Just as you, in your own finances, look for ways to reduce expenses when things are tight, so must your Association.
The Board of Directors and a special task force reviewed the impact of reduced membership on the Association’s finances. The group found it necessary – following six years of membership dues remaining at the same price – to approve an increase. This minor dues increase will help provide necessary funding to ensure that the Association can continue to offer all the services you currently enjoy.
Facing other challenges
Our fellow associations are exploring other avenues of addressing these challenging times. Being considered are plans to increase the shared services among the various metro-area associations and the possibility of consolidations or mergers.
We as your elected leadership are com-mitted to discussing the value of the options being presented, looking at how the differing approaches may impact the members. As representatives of the third largest city in the state, we have a respected position in the community and a responsibility to ensure that our presence and culture is preserved.
Possibilities being explored include:
Increased shared services – The metro area REALTOR® associations work as a group in some areas of education, REALTOR® Rally, leadership development and government affairs. This option may include increasing this cooperation and addressing methods of reducing expenses while continuing to improve our value proposition to the members.
Merger of associations – This would include two or more associations joining together in an attempt to reduce overhead while maintaining services. In this scenario, typically one association would be absorbed by another.
Consolidation of associations – In this scenario, a new entity would be created with participation of the interested parties. The result would be a blending of two or more entities into one.
The issues that are creating a climate in which these topics can even be entertained are complex and convoluted. Members’ input is essential as these discussions continue.
The future is in your hands
Our Association has experience in this area; compelling reasons would need to be evident to persuade you, the members, of any change in the structure of the Association. A survey, which is being developed by the metro-area REALTOR® Associations, is being prepared and REALTORS® will be invited to participate when it rolls out in the next few months. Your input into the future direction of AAR will be more critical than at any other time in our 51-year history.
As autumn begins and we look to the new year, economic challenges will continue to be a factor for all of us. Your Association will be at the foundation of your business providing political involvement, continuing education, networking opportunities and other vital services to allow you to focus on activities that ensure your success. Remember, you are your Association’s greatest asset! |
