PROView - June 2008 - (Page 3)

2. Improve access to affordable insurance o Reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program o Address challenges in the homeowners’ insurance market Why it matters to you: The stability of real estate markets is threatened when insurance is unavailable or not affordable. In Florida have felt this issue more than most in recent years. A reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program would offer an important element of protection to homeowners in our state and help bring back stability to our housing market. 3. Enact small-business health care legislation o Secure co-sponsors for S.2795, the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Why it matters to you: Self-employed REALTORS® depend upon the individual insurance market for health insurance since group policies that spread risk among many are not available. With cost being the major barrier to coverage, one in four REALTORS® do not have health insurance. Armed with our speaking points our delegation of brokers and REALTORS® went to visit Senators Bill Nelson and Mel Martinez and House Representatives Gus Bilirakis and C.W. “Bill” Young. Our visits sent the clear message that we stand by our position and our needs as REALTORS® as well as the many homebuyers and sellers we represent. Do we have a voice against the many other strong interests? Well, as I visited our Senators it dawned on me that we in fact represented over 1,000,000 REALTORS® nationwide. Together we really do have a powerful voice. One night at my hotel room I paused for a minute to think about what I had seen and heard during my visit to those we have elected to represent us. I thought of how important it is to not only show up once but repeatedly make our opinion heard and to stay on top of the mind of those who make legislative decisions. Individually we may be limited in what we can do, however that very thought leads me to PINELLAS REALTOR® ORGANIZATION think about how important the REALTORS® Political Action Committee, RPAC, is to us. Together we have a voice. A strong voice. I can honestly say that I have never before felt so good about making my own personal contribution to RPAC – and I hope you will as well. Your voice is also heard within the REALTOR® community. As your Chairman, I am also a NAR Director, and have the opportunity to vote on issues impacting our business at the NAR Board of Directors meetings. • Participated in a vote to enable Florida to receive $250,000 from NAR to support Amendment 5 which will be on the ballot in November • Approved NAR rules regarding potential short sales which will be implemented into your MLS In closing, I would like to share a word about a person who hopefully will inspire you to hang in there until better days appear. I listened as Ebby Halliday, one of NAR’s most successful REALTORS® with over sixty years experience, spoke. Imagine the many ups and downs she’s seen over the years while you also consider her success. You will prevail as well – just hang in there. Our future is bright and I hope you will agree that our continued participation in meetings aimed at influencing the legislative process on all levels - local, state and national - is an essential part of what we can do together as a strong community of Pinellas County REALTORS®. June 2008 3

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of PROView - June 2008

PROView - June 2008 Contents Chairman’s Notes Sustainable Lifestyles Greening the Not-So-New House Green Renovation Checklist Green Building Tips Going Green PROActive You Have 30 Seconds to Prove Your Value Marketplace Analysis Home Sales Report PRO Biz Calendar of Events & Programs New Members and Affiliates

PROView - June 2008

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