for the Busy Broker and Manager

RPAC
for the Busy Broker and Manager
If you’re not
at the table,
you’re probably
on the menu!
RPAC always has your business interests in mind.
www.RPACnow.com
Illinois Association of REALTORS® - “The Voice for Real Estate in Illinois”
522 S. Fifth Street, Springfield, IL 62701 www.illinoisrealtor.org
Use this simple formula to create a
“culture of giving to RPAC” in your office.
1
Give to RPAC
2
Talk about RPAC
3
Ask your agents to give to RPAC
Ideas for raising awareness and money
• Dues
Encourage your agents to make their annual investment in RPAC
when paying their membership dues.
• RPAC Closing Club
Set up an authorized deduction form that will enable an agent to
contribute at a set level every time they close a transaction
(see page 9).
• RPAC at your sales meeting
Invite an IAR Member Outreach Manager, Government Affairs
Director (GAD) or REALTOR® Major Investor to talk with your agents
and recognize those who already give to RPAC. Incorporate an
“RPAC Minute” into your sales meetings that highlights the
important legislative activity that is affecting the real estate business.
Looking for the latest updates? Visit www.IARActionCenter.org.
• Broker-to-agent challenge
Challenge your agents to be at 100% participation in RPAC then
recognize all who do. Another idea - use a “step-up” challenge to
encourage agents to give more than the $20 fair share; recognize all
who have given $100.
• Office-to-office challenge
Challenge another office to have 100% participation by a certain
date. The losing office has to provide lunch for the entire group or
the losing Managing Broker has to sing “God Bless America” at the
next sales meeting.
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Without the REALTOR® association’s efforts
(local, state and national)... You’d be inundated
in red tape and legal liability, and your
customers and clients would have a
steeper climb toward homeownership.
Here are some examples:
RPAC Promoted
1 Banks banned from real estate brokerage. Banks are permanently prohibited from entering
the real estate brokerage and management business as of March 11, 2009.
2 Short sales, foreclosures factor into tax appeals. Now, in the appeal process, a taxpayer can
factor in short sales or foreclosures - because of their impact on a home value - to ensure that
these transfers are included in reviewing and correcting assessments. (Except in Cook County)
3 RPAC supported efforts to ward off higher property taxes. A local REALTOR® was quoted
in the local newspaper on the successful RPAC/REALTOR®-supported campaign issue. "The
buyer may be able to afford the payment on the house but when you put in the taxes, it can
make or break a house sale."
4 RPAC helped pass a five-year extension of the National Flood Insurance Program,
ensuring access to affordable flood insurance for homeowners across the country and here
in Illinois.
RPAC Stopped
5 Homeownership is not a loophole! RPAC helps stop hits to the Mortgage Interest
Deduction for American homeowners. According to NAR research, more than 3/4 of
homeowners utilize the deduction over the period they own their home and eliminating
the MID would cause a 15% decline in the value of homes across the nation.
6 RPAC protects landlord rights. Many bills have been proposed – and STOPPED by
REALTORS® - that affect landlords in Illinois including legislation related to landlord licensing
and crime on rental property that would permit all non-home rule municipalities to license and
regulate landlords. Specifically, In the spring 2013 session of the Illinois General Assembly,
RPAC helped stop legislation that would have put landlords at risk of losing their property
due to the actions of their tenants (SB 1155 and HB 2437 "crime free housing" initiatives).
7 Tax increases on real estate transactions. A proposed graduated state transfer tax was
stopped that would have raised the state tax from $1 per 1,000 up to $10 per $1,000 for some
properties. Similarly, the expansion of the municipal transfer tax to non-home rule
municipalities was halted.
RPAC Minute = At your next office meeting, include an “RPAC Minute”
to help your agents better understand how our REALTOR® PAC works to
stop bad legislation and local ordinances before they get enacted – an
insurance policy for the real estate business.
4
RPAC Stopped (cont’d)
8 Attacks on the income tax credit. Efforts to eliminate the income tax credit for
property taxes paid were stopped.
9 Burdensome inspections. Local ordinances that hold up home sales for arbitrary
reasons from municipal inspectors.
10 Huge tax increase on goods and services. REALTORS® rallied in a big way to stop
a proposed State Gross Receipts Tax (GRT), which sought to impose the biggest tax
increase on goods and services in the history of Illinois.
11 New fees on real estate documents. Local governments are always looking for
ways to add costs to the real estate transaction. In this case we stopped county
government from increasing the cost of recording real estate related documents
with proceeds to be used for a county defined “affordable housing program.”
4 Things You Should Know about RPAC
1
RPAC dollars do NOT come from member dues. They are voluntary contributions
from members of the local, state and national REALTOR® associations.
2
RPAC is the most bipartisan PAC in the country. RPAC supported 55% Republican
candidates for public office and 50% Democratic candidates in the 2012 Illinois
General Assembly. In the 2012 Federal Election Cycle, RPAC supported 55%
Republican candidates, 46% Democrat.
3
RPAC always has your business interests in mind. RPAC supports pro-business,
pro-REALTOR® candidates for public office who understand and support real estate
issues. Who gets RPAC support is determined by REALTORS® like you. They are
vetted for their pro-business, low tax, pro-growth position on issues that affect the
business of real estate.
4
Only 28% of IAR members give to RPAC. Are you among the 72% who don’t?
www.RPACNow.com
What if I don’t like the
candidate RPAC is supporting?
Why Do We Have to Get
Involved in Political Campaigns?
Candidates who receive RPAC funding
are vetted and they are chosen because they
support the real estate business, protecting
homeowners and the rights of private property
owners. Why was the candidate chosen?
The answer is simple: RPAC always has your
business interests in mind.
If real estate is your profession, then politics is
your business. RPAC is working to protect you and
your buyer/seller clients. If we choose not to
participate in the political process, then your business
becomes an easy target for unnecessary
regulations, fees and liability.
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Join other brokers who are already on board
“I've seen the enormous impact RPAC has played locally
here in Rockford. We are getting involved in issues and
races that directly impact my market. Politically, I can't be
everywhere at once, and RPAC fills that role of defending
and promoting our real estate industry. Everyone knows
there is real strength in numbers. For minimum contribution
of $20, you can be a player.”
Frank Wehrstein
President, Dickerson & Nieman, Rockford
"In my marketplace, many of the towns, villages and cities have pre-sale
home inspections. If it wasn't for RPAC and our advocacy ‘Fighting for
Us’ we would not have the open dialogue with these municipalities to
help modify and restrict some of these ordinances that affect the home
sales here. RPAC is well worth the investment for our business of home
ownership."
Loretta Alonzo, CRB, GRI
Broker-Owner, Century 21 Affiliated, La Grange Park
“Think about our profession and how much time we spend nearly
seven-days-a-week chasing clients, keeping deals together and trying
to close them in an ever demanding market. It is a lot and very stressful
to say the least especially when a deal falls apart and no paycheck for
our hard work. Think about what our very same profession would be like
without RPAC: We would be at the total mercy of our politicians from
the local, state and national level. A yearly contribution to RPAC is our
best investment in our profession. Real estate transactions bring instant
high revenue for various entities: it’s a constant attack. As soon as RPAC
defeats a ‘bad bill’ two more will show up!”
Piero Orsi
President/CEO, RE/MAX Showcase, Gurnee | Long Grove | Waukegan
“During these times you almost have to be associated with a group such
as the Illinois Association of REALTORS® to pool your efforts to see that
your industry is protected.”
Daniel L. Goodwin
CEO, The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Oak Brook
“There is no greater way to show our clients that we ‘mean business’
than when we ‘defend our business.’ Supporting our advocacy is
necessary to ensure we can continue to do what we do, each and
every day, to protect property rights across the country. RPAC is not a
donation. It is an investment in our industry that every broker should
budget for and plan on. I am proud to be a Major Investor in the
REALTORS® Political Action Committee, and remain steadfast in my
commitment to the REALTOR® party.”
Nancy Suvarnamani, ABR, CDPE, CIPS, CRB
President, Century 21 S.G.R., Inc., Chicago
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“IAR’s promotion of passage of the Consumer Mortgage Choice Act
(H.R.1077) is an example of why we invest in RPAC. When we need
a strong industry presence, like we do in promoting this important
legislation, we know we can rely on RPAC to voice our concerns in the
right places at the right times.”
Nancy A. Nagy
CEO, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Koenig Rubloff Realty Group,
Northbrook
“I saw some of the impacts of the state legislation coming to my home
town. That’s when I decided I to defend my REALTORS® and defend
my community and RPAC is the best way to do that. And for our
Association, relevance means maintaining political vigilance and fighting
to make sure bad policy doesn’t become law, not just for the protection
of our members, but also the clients we serve – RPAC is the key.”
Michael D. Oldenettel, CRS, GRI
Broker Owner, RE/MAX Professionals, Springfield
"My husband, Terry Smith, and I are glad to contribute to RPAC
each and every year. The work that is done at the local, state, and
federal level to preserve the rights of homeowners is invaluable to our
profession."
Carla J. Brinkoetter, CRB, GRI
Broker-Owner, Brinkoetter & Associates, REALTORS®, Decatur
“It is of utmost importance that every REALTOR® be involved in the
legislative process to protect the rights of the consumer and the future
of our industry. I believe that RPAC provides a proven opportunity and
path to achieving this. Every REALTOR® should know and support the
important role that RPAC plays in protecting private property rights in
today's real estate environment.”
Douglas D. Carpenter, ABR
Managing Broker, Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell, Orland Hills
“My investment in RPAC is an investment in my future. RPAC ensures my
voice is heard and that my clients’ rights are protected. My investment
permits me to spend my time selling real estate and it has more than
been repaid - not only from referrals from other RPAC investors but also
from the direct success from our advocacy efforts.”
Jeffrey E. Gregory
Managing Broker, Realty Executives Success, Plainfield
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Here are ways you and your agents
can get involved:
1
Attend the annual IAR Capitol Conference lobby day to learn the
issues and meet with legislators.
2
Sign up for the Broker Involvement Program for Call for Action alerts
automatically sent to your agents.
3
Answer the next IAR or NAR Call for Action.
4
Vote on Election Day.
5
Give to RPAC at www.RPACNow.com.
BROKER INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM
The National Association of REALTORS®
wants broker owners and their managers
to bring decision-making authority, strong
leadership, and your agents' voices to
Congress. This dynamic program provides
you, the broker owner, with a quick and
effective tool to rally your agents on critical
legislative issues affecting our industry.
Nothing needs to be downloaded and
there is no cost to the broker. NAR gives
the broker-owner or managing broker
access to the Broker Portal. Proven results.
Recent examples of NAR
all-member Calls for Action:
1 Urge the Senate to extend
Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Tax Relief
2 Urge Congress to extend TRIA Terrorism Risk Insurance Act
3 Urge passage of the Homeowners
Flood Insurance Affordability Act
Your online participation report will show
you response rates on Broker Calls for
Action are significantly higher. The message
is from you, the broker, to your agents. Your
agents listen to you then take action!
Sign up here: www.realtoractioncenter.com/
realtors/brokers/enrollment.html
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4 Preserve, Protect and Defend the
Mortgage Interest Deduction Urging support for H.Res 25.
5 Tell Congress: 20% Down Payments
Put the American Dream Out of
Reach - Urging Congress to reject
20% down payments
Interested? Contact RPAC Fundraising Coordinators
Kim Buscher, [email protected], 217-529-2600
Carie Cycholl, [email protected], 217-529-2600
Join the RPAC Closing Club
Agent Commission Donation Program
RPAC always has your business interests
in mind.
The REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC)
supports pro-business, pro-REALTOR® candidates for public
office who understand and support real estate issues. Who
gets RPAC support is determined by REALTORS® like you.
RPAC is bipartisan and contributions are voluntary (they
do not come from membership dues).
What are some issues RPAC/REALTORS® are fighting for?
• Preserving the Mortgage Interest Deduction for
homeowners
• Protecting landlord rights from burdensome ordinances
and fees
• Stopping tax increases on the real estate transaction
With every transaction, you can give a little to make a big difference on
local, state and national issues that affect your business and your clients.
How You Can Sign Up…
When completing your Contract Information Sheet, check or fill
in your desired RPAC contribution or contact accounting to set
up a recurring donation.
[Company Name] promotes RPAC. Together we
can help elect pro-REALTOR® candidates for public
office to protect your business bottom line and
protect the rights of private property owners.
Donation Amount
$20 per closing
$50 per closing
$____ per closing
Please email accounting to set up a recurring donation.
Questions?
Contact RPAC Major Investor [Company Identified RPAC Champion]
We are the only advocate for
private property rights at the
State Capitol in Springfield
and in city halls across Illinois.
Contributions are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. The Illinois REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) collects
contributions from members of the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) for political activities. A portion of each contribution will be used for state political activities;
at least 30% will be used for federal campaign purposes. The federal portion will be charged against an individual's federal contribution limits under 2 USC 441a.
Contributions are VOLUNTARY and refusal to contribute does not affect membership rights. A member may contribute more or less than the suggested amount. A copy
of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is (or will be) available on the Board's official website www.elections.il.gov or for purchase from the State Board of
Elections, Springfield, Illinois.
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Making a difference for REALTORS®
and property owners
RVOICE was launched in 2006 to go beyond working with legislators and local officials and go right to the front door of the homeowner. RVOICE produces hard-hitting
direct mail pieces, brochures, ad campaigns, advocacy websites and other tools to
make sure elected officials get the message, while giving constituents a way to fight
for their property rights.
RVOICE Advocacy Tools
• Quickly find your political district, learn about local advocacy
issues and get involved in calls to action. Login with your
nine-digit NRDS number. http://ilskylights.com/
• Resources for REALTORS®: Download free brochures and research
studies to help you be an informative resource for your clients and
prospects. www.illinoisrealtor.org/advocacy/downloads
• On Common Ground in Illinois - A newsletter reaching out to
municipal officials to be a resource on REALTOR® issues and the
housing market.
• Be a local “watch-dog” and get involved in local government
budget development. Learn how with the REALTOR®
Community Activist Tool Kit.
The Illinois Association
of REALTORS® employs
Government Affairs Directors
(GADs) to assist local
REALTOR® associations in
monitoring local government
action for its impact on the
business of real estate and
homeowners. Share with your agents infographics covering four key battles
waged by the IAR GAD team and the RVOICE program to SAVE you and
your clients money, STOP red tape and fees on real estate transactions, and
PROTECT private property rights. www.illinoisrealtor.org/rvoice
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Think about it...
Assuming you have 25 agents in your office, you would need
to raise only a small amount of money for RPAC for the entire
year... to make a big investment in your future.
$500
See how easy it is to reach
100% office participation
if each agent gives $20
(RPAC fair share).
$2,500
Take it one step further
and encourage each agent
to invest $100.
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The more money your
office invests, the bigger
the impact on local issues. To find
out more, contact your
RPAC Fundraisers:
Kim Buscher and Carie Cycholl
[email protected], 217-391-4809
[email protected], 217-391-4837
We are here to help!
RPAC fundraising ideas, marketing materials, videos, pledge cards, raffles,
Closing Club assistance:
IAR RPAC Fundraising Managers
• Carie Cycholl
[email protected], 217-391-4837
• Kim Buscher
[email protected], 217-391-4809
What to schedule an IAR Member Outeach Manager, GAD or Major Investor for an
office meeting?
• Ann Londrigan - Director, IAR Member and Association Engagement
[email protected], 217-391-4804
• Mike Scobey - RVOICE and local Government Affairs Directors (GAD) program
[email protected], 773-405-1906
Interested in the National Association of REALTORS®
Broker Involvement Program?
• Visit www.realtoractioncenter.com/brokers
Illinois Association of REALTORS® - “The Voice for Real Estate in Illinois”
522 S. Fifth Street, Springfield, IL 62701 www.illinoisrealtor.org
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