POINT OF VIEW: Whatley Report

Your achievements

Where does the time go? How often do we say that during a typical day as we handle myriad calls, appointments, family needs, and more? We think to ourselves, “If only I had more time,” or we blame our unfinished activities on others or on our own inability to prioritize and focus on the tasks at hand.

In reflecting on the past year, I do wonder where the time went—maybe that’s a function of age! However, I can honestly say I don’t need to wish for more time. That’s because, as NAR members, you responded to every call for action. You were accountable—and I can’t thank you enough for being there and delivering when it was important.

Those of you who were asked to play important leadership roles not only did the job, you overperformed. Your work helped us develop sound policy on such issues as the tight insurance market and the new world of virtual office Web sites. On a separate front, you helped turn safety on the job into a national priority with your participation in the first REALTOR® Safety Week.

When you were asked to commit to make our collective voice heard on Capitol Hill, you responded. This year alone you sent 200,000 letters to Congress and regulators. Your letters helped us hold the line on two critical issues—preserving the divide between banking and commerce and fair reform of the real estate settlement services regulations.

When asked to participate in a unified “Voice for Real Estate” through the REALTORS® Political Action Committee, you came through. We expect to raise $4 million in 2003, an all-time high.

When local and state associations were challenged to undertake at least one housing opportunity initiative this year, you took the challenge. The variety and creativity of programs far exceeded my expectations. You are my REALTOR® Hometown Heroes!

Witnessing your involvement locally, we challenged ourselves to make an impact at the national level on affordable and workforce housing issues.

I’m proud to say our efforts have been a success. In equal partnership with five minority real estate associations, this year we sponsored the second HOPE Awards, which focus on increasing minority homeownership opportunities. And we recently hosted the first National Summit for Housing Opportunities (see page 22).

It’s been a privilege and an honor to serve as president of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and to participate firsthand in many of these local and national initiatives. We are not only the largest trade organization in the country but also an association of highly skilled professionals, truly committed to making a positive difference in the lives of our customers and clients.

Let us continue to stand side-by-side and build coalitions to influence decisions that allow our citizens to have viable housing options—decent, affordable places to call home. Working together, we can break down the barriers that hamper some Americans’ ability to own a home or live in decent rental housing. Let us literally raise the walls for the homeowners of tomorrow. After all, those future homeowners are our children and grandchildren!

—NAR President Cathy Whatley, CIPS, CRS®, GRI, LTG