By Scott Louser, 2012 Vice President and Liaison to Government Affairs, National Association of REALTORS®
Over the past few months, have you heard the phrase, “REALTORS® are the heart of the deal?” When you hear it what does it mean to you?
This phrase that was first introduced by Moe Veissi when he became president of NAR, has rippled throughout the REALTOR® profession since then. For Moe, and for me, it communicates the very essence of what makes REALTORS® “tick” so to speak – understanding that buying and selling real estate isn’t merely a business; REALTORS® are at the very center of making people’s life dreams a reality.
Notice I say at the “very center.” Because as REALTORS®, that’s where we like to be most of the time, right? Not only are we central to what is likely the most important purchase a person will make in their lifetime, we’re an integral part of our community as well. In addition to our professional day job as REALTORS®, many of us are leaders in local community organizations, business groups, and in our schools, for example. In fact, I’d say REALTORS® are some of the most giving members of society out there. We do this not only because we’re good business people, we do it because we care deeply about our communities.
So for purposes of this blog post, I’d like to offer up a twist on the phrase, “REALTORS® are the heart of the deal,” by adding, “with a giving soul.”
Some of the most giving souls are REALTOR® Magazine’s Good Neighbor Award winners. For over 10 years, REALTOR® Magazine has honored over 100 REALTORS® who have made outstanding volunteer contributions to a community or cause. The most recent winners are, among other things, helping war-injured veterans during their rehabilitation, cycling thousands of miles to raise money for multiple sclerosis, and providing food and medical care to the homeless.
Now, other REALTORS® providing exemplary volunteer service can participate in the Volunteering Works program, which provides linkages between them and past Good Neighbor winners, who serve as mentors.
The five winning Volunteering Works applicants will receive a year of mentoring from a member of the Good Neighbor Society and a $1,000 grant to help improve and grow their community program.
Are you a REALTOR® at the heart of the deal — and a giving soul? Apply to the Volunteering Works program. The deadline for applications is Feb. 24, and I encourage you to submit your application. Thanks for all your valuable contributions – in your work as a REALTOR® and in your community. Good luck!
Like many REALTORS®, Scott’s also active in his community. He recently organized the debut of the award-winning documentary “Man in the Glass…the Dale Brown Story” in Minot, N.D., to provide help and hope to flood victims there. Proceeds from the event went to the United Way and have already helped 125 people.
We REALTORS® work hard to help people realize their dreams of home ownership. However, that’s not all we necessarily do. Many of us go the extra mile by volunteering our time and skills to help improve our own communities or communities across the globe, making an extraordinary impact on people’s lives. I cherish the time I spend helping out in my community of Orange County and I’ve been active with the March of Dimes. I wouldn’t trade it for a second.
Knowing how important it is to be involved in our communities, REALTOR® Magazine’s Good Neighbor Awards recognize Realtors® who make a difference and earlier this week they named this year’s 10 finalists. The finalists serve the needs of those who are less fortunate in a variety of ways.
Plus, I’m happy to say that two of the finalists are from my home state of California. The work they are doing in their communities is just tremendous. Marta Karpiel, a REALTOR® from Carmel, Calif. raises money to help remove hundreds of landmines in Cambodia. Wayne J. Shaffer, a REALTOR® from Santa Cruz, cofounded a local soup kitchen, as well as a home that provides shelter and care to women experiencing a crisis pregnancy.
The other eight finalists are also outstanding. Their contributions run the gamut — from raising $1 million to fight multiple sclerosis, creating miles of bike and pedestrian trails, founding a youth outreach program to keep teens safe from drugs and alcohol, and donating hundreds of thousands of dollars to help hospitals and wounded veterans. They also touch people’s lives on a global stage by helping build homes and a school in Guatemala, and bringing clean water to families in Kenya. For more details on all the finalists go to REALTOR.org.
In October five winners will be selected and highlighted in the November/December issue of REALTOR® Magazine, and announced at our Annual Conference. I hope you’ll join me in Anaheim for the big announcement.
Despite a troubling economy and an uncertain housing market, these REALTORS® continue to volunteer their time and put others before themselves. This year’s finalists are incredible examples of how Realtors® value service and a commitment to bettering communities, whether it is in their own backyard or across the world.
I’m continually amazed and proud of our REALTOR® family.
Gary Thomas, 2011 NAR First Vice President
