Your May Message from C.A.R. President Steve Goddard

Steve Goddard - 2010 C.A.R. President

Dear C.A.R. Member,

Greetings from Washington, D.C.! This week, your Leadership Team and I are in our nation’s capital, meeting with California’s congressional delegates and representatives from leading housing industry groups, including Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, HUD, the Mortgage Bankers Association, and others. Tomorrow, we’re meeting with Senator Boxer’s Chief Economic Advisor, Marcus Stanley, and Housing Coordinator Jeff Moscovitz. On Thursday, we’ll meet with FHA Commissioner David Stevens, and on Friday with Grace Cooper, the acting director of the Veterans Administration, and Bill White, the VA’s loan service supervisor.

What happens in Washington has far-reaching implications for the housing market back home in California and its impact reverberates through all facets of the real estate industry, including our own. That’s why it’s more important than ever to become involved in the political process. Our goal in Washington is to make certain that our interests are represented, and that our voices are heard, before elected officials craft legislation impacting our industry.

This is a busy time of year in the legislative arena, on both the national front and in California. Following our federal lobbying trip, nearly 2,000 REALTORS® will converge in Sacramento on June 9 for the Association’s annual Legislative Day activities. Legislative Day is a great way to meet face-to-face with your state legislators to discuss the issues that affect our industry — and your livelihood — the most. Assembly Speaker John Pérez and Senator Dennis Hollingsworth are set to kick off the Morning Briefing, followed by opportunities to meet with your own elected officials in the afternoon.

If you’ve always wondered how Sacramento works, or what elected officials really do, this is your opportunity to find out firsthand. If you’ve never participated, I hope you’ll consider doing so this year – please add your voice with that of other REALTORS® and join us.

While you’re in Sacramento, you also can attend the California REALTOR® Showcase, featuring the Association’s “2010 Mid-year Update Luncheon: Looking Back to Look Forward,” presented by C.A.R. Executive Vice President Joel Singer. There also are free classes on the RPA and other educational opportunities available to you. Check out http://www.car.org/meetings/showcase/ for complete details. Prior to Showcase, you can help families achieve their dream of homeownership by participating in the 5th Annual Housing Affordability Fund Golf Classic Tournament on Monday, June 7, at the Morgan Creek Golf Club in Roseville. All proceeds benefit the fund; go to http://www.car.org/members/hafmainpage/annualhafgolfclassictournament/?redir=HPB for complete info.

I hope you’ve now heard or seen the Association’s “Your Piece of California. Your Peace of Mind.” 2010 Consumer Advertising Campaign on radio, online, or on cable TV. New this week, consumers will have an opportunity to share what living in California means to them by commenting via Facebook or Twitter on the yourpieceofcalifornia.com Web site.

If you want to try it out, it’s easy to post a comment. Go to YourPieceofCalifornia.com, click on the “Tell Us About Your Piece of California” arrow, then select “Write your message,” and tell why you love living in California. Then select a region, click “Post,” sign in to either your Facebook or Twitter account, and you’re on your way. Comments will post to the site with your Facebook or Twitter photo. This is our first foray into the social media space with the ad campaign – please encourage your clients to share their stories and become part of the mosaic.

And finally, just a reminder that open enrollment for comprehensive health insurance through C.A.R. ends May 15 for coverage effective June 1. Don’t miss this opportunity if you or your family need health insurance. Visit http://www.car.org/members/Insurance/ for complete information or to enroll.

I hope to see you next month in Sacramento.

Sincerely,

Steve Goddard
2010 President
CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®