President's Perspective

It's time to sign up for a committee - What's in it for me?

Chris Reese
President

Do you remember that elated feeling you had when you first got your real estate license? You were so thrilled to pass the test. You could hardly wait to get started. You paid your dues, bought your lock box key pad, took the orientation class, and were ready to make that first sale. It wasn't long though, that you began to realize that all those required classes didn't prepare you at all for the "real world" of this competitive business.

That's exactly why it's so important to get involved with our Board! You will absolutely further your career, not only from the networking opportunities, but also from the wealth of knowledge you will gain from participating. Networking with your fellow REALTORS® helps you to see another's perspective, which opens you up to new ideas, and helps you to stay motivated. Being creative and pro-active are vital characteristics of our success.

By joining a committee we gain additional knowledge of an area that we're interested in. Our participation in the mechanics of that subject will help us to understand it better. There's a committee that covers almost every facet of our profession. Look at what you would like to know more about right now. There are a total of 28 committees. I'll address a few below, but you can find the entire list and descriptions as an insert in this magazine as well as at ColumbusRealtors.com.

Affordable Housing - Learn about the financing programs available including selling HUD owned homes. Plan and participate in the "Super Sunday" event. Help facilitate roundtable discussion programs on affordable housing issues.

Builder/REALTOR® Alliance - Learn from and network with builders. Participate in informative round-table discussions on the construction process and writing a new-build contract. Join in a bus tour of new spec homes and areas, and much more.

Communication - Focuses on projects to enhance the REALTOR® image such as the Spotlight on Community Service award and REALTOR® Care Day. Plans programs on safety, feng shui, motivation and real estate as an investment.

CORPAC Fundraising and CORPAC Governing Board - Raises funds for CORPAC and evaluates candidates and issues needing those funds for the good of the real estate industry.

Education - Plans all class curriculum, including classes for designations such as ABR, CRS, e-Pro and develops our member library.

Equal Opportunity - Develops opportunities for multi-cultural buyers, sellers and agents, implements the Multicultural Grant Program and develops monthly mentoring sessions in which seasoned REALTORS® share their knowledge with newly licensed agents.

Governmental Affairs - Works to ensure that the legislative and legal environment is contributing to the housing industry. Members become more active and aware of the political process and local, state & national issues facing our industry.

Grievance & Professional Standards - Reviews ethics complaints and arbitration requests to determine if a hearing is necessary and mandatory. Professional Standards conducts the hearings to enforce the REALTOR® Code of Ethics and arbitrates commission disputes. (You need to serve on the Grievance committee for at least 3 years in order to be on the Professional Standards Committee).

Standard Forms - Develops and updates all of our residential forms. What a great way to learn and understand our purchase contracts and all of our forms!

Tech Users - Addresses the technology needs of REALTORS®. This one is great for learning the tools needed to make our life easier.

MLS - Implements all MLS issues. Members of this committee are elected by the broker members. The committee is made up of small, medium and large brokerage representatives and a formula of representatives is determined from brokerage size, sales and listings. If you are interested, send in your resume and let it be known!

I could go on and on about the importance of every committee, but I feel I must also restate the importance of networking. I am reminded of how significant the area association meetings are, both for new REALTORS® and experienced ones. When I first attended an area association meeting, I felt like I belonged in this industry. We were all there to learn and get to know each other. Just as riding on tour gives you the chance to meet a new REALTOR®, joining a committee allows you to meet and make new friends. How much easier it is to co-op with someone you know!

In closing, it's Thanksgiving season and time to look at our many blessings. I truly believe that we are blessed to be in a business where we can make such a difference in people's lives. I also believe that we are blessed to have a Board that provides us with so many great learning and networking opportunities. It's up to us...Happy Selling.