Ignoring it can hurt your business ...

Last week we clearly saw how participating in the political process can have a direct impact on Maine's homeowners. FHA increases supported by the REALTOR organziation and President Bush got the support needed in Congress to be a reality. Some of you responded. But not all. Which means we need to do a better job explaining. Because many market issues (stimulus or slow-downs) are decided by elected officials.

A reason sometimes given for not giving to RPAC (REALTORS Political Action Committee) or for not answering a legislative Call to Action is "I hate politics". Even it you hate it, you can't hate it. Because decisions made by Congress, legislators and regulators are going to impact whether or not people can buy homes, stay in their homes, or be faced with additional taxes or regulations that will price them out of home ownership. The same is true with commercial real estate and land.

Contributing to a PAC can help elect legislators and Congresspeople who "get" the importance of real estate to Maine's economy and Maine citizens; and answering a Call to Action can help move the economy or make an important change to the industry and small business people. Like health insurance.

If you care about your business, you can't hate politics. Political issues are there, and they can hurt you much more by ignoring them than by participating. If real estate is your profession, then politics is your business.

Give to RPAC. Answer Calls to Action.