by Michele Gillis, Staff Writer
If you want to get something done, you have to do something about it. That's why Realtors and builders were a big presence in Tallahassee last month.
For builders, it was the Florida Home Builders Association Spring Legislative Conference.
For Realtors, it was The Great American Realtor Days.
For both, it was a chance for the back-home folks to hear from their lobbyists and sit down with key legislators to make their cases for legislation that would improve their service to the state's homebuyers and sellers.
"We were welcomed and thanked for our efforts and the bills that we were representing," said Wanda Franklin of Heth Realty. "It is important to attend because you cannot make a difference if you do not speak out."
"I could not have been more proud of our association when more than 100 of our members came to Tallahassee and, with one voice, advocated for and advanced our goals for the 2013 session of the Florida Legislature," said FHBA President Suzanne Graham of Port Charlotte. "The big story was 'The builders are back!' "
Each group spent two days — Realtors one week, builders the next — "working the halls" of the Capitol complex to sell their messages. They start with informational sessions with the lobbyists so everyone is on the same page, then head out for meetings. The social aspect isn't ignored: the Realtors have an evening "block party" in the Capital courtyard and a luncheon the following day, the builder a reception at the nearby Governor's Club.
"Our members always enjoy the Great American Realtor Days trip. For those who have not been before, it is quite enlightening," said Melanie Green, NEFAR's communications director. "They see first-hand their state government in action as well as their Realtor associations.
"Seeing what goes on in government and the role played by Realtor associations helps underscore to all attendees, but especially first-timers, the importance of legislative calls to action, the Realtors Political Action Committee and member involvement in these arenas.
"Getting to meet and talk directly with our legislative delegation members provides an opportunity to speak in one voice and convey issues of importance."
Both gatherings include people from all over the state so, for instance, the Northeast Florida of 70 or so from NEFAR can look like an army when members from around Florida are added.
"The social aspects and camaraderie enjoyed at the block party is also a highlight," said Green. "This year, the addition of the Rally for Homeownership was an instant success, complete with excellent patriotic singers, special T-shirts and signs touting homeownership and a home giveaway to a military veteran. The Rally sparked much patriotism and pride."
Realtor Holly McMurry of The Legends of Real Estate said she really enjoyed the rally.
"I was most impressed with the Rally for Homeownership event as the participation from the entire state was in the thousands," said McMurry. "It was awesome to see the sea of blue shirts with the 'R.' Florida Realtors in conjunction with Chase Mortgage and the Wounded Warrior Project handed the keys to a house to one of our country's finest and his family. It just does not get better than this."
First the Realtors had a fun night of networking at the Taste of Florida street party and then headed out in the morning to meet with legislators and lobby before attending the rally event at the courtyard.
"It is an excellent time to network as well as meet some of the legislators who come out to be a part of it also," said Andrew Bell of Watson Realty, president of the Jacksonville Women's Council of Realtors.
When they arrived, there was a friend waiting to make sure they accomplished their missions: Rep. Daniel Davis is also executive director of the Northeast Florida Builders Association, and it was a day to see old friends.
"It was fun," said Davis. "The time spent with them is very special. Any time members of associations can come to Tallahassee and understand issues that affect them and spend time networking with other people within their industry is a great opportunity."
Their opinions matter, he said.
"Every legislator took their thoughts and opinions into consideration while making decisions for the industry," said Davis. "I understand what makes our economic engine current and anytime industry leaders come to give their input and expertise is very important and useful."
NEFAR President Carol Zingone of Prudential Network Realty said the event was fun, hard work and a good networking opportunity.
"It's always fun on the bus with the NEFAR group, but it's a challenge to find your legislators and navigate between the House building and the Senate building," she said. "We always meet new people and see old friends."
Bell said the event is a great opportunity to network with other professionals around the state and in their own organization.
"The fun takes place on the bus ride over, the block party and the bus ride home," said Bell. "Once Wednesday morning arrives, it is time to work. We are running back and forth between the Senate and House buildings meeting with our legislators."
Each group was educated with talking points for their profession.
For Realtors, the top talking points were the state tax on commercial leases, funding for down payment assistance through The Sadowski Fund and property insurance.
Builders came with funding requests for projects such as unlicensed activity, building code education and a study on cost-effective septic tank systems, in addition to the down payment assistance and wage theft and sick leave bills.
Zingone said she felt NEFAR'S concerns were heard very well during the event and encourage more Realtors to step out and come next year.
"It is important to attend this event to educate yourself about the political process and get to know your legislators, as well as share your concerns about issues that affect real estate," said Zingone.
Bell felt the event went well and that their talking points were heard.
"Our representatives were very attentive to what we had to say," said Bell. "They really depend on us to share this info with them and our reasons why we do and don't support different bills.
"I don't feel any of our representatives blew us off at all and were thankful that we came. It is important to participate because we are the voice for homeowners and all citizens of Florida when it comes to private property rights, including commercial.
"Realtors understand the importance of the state attracting businesses to increase home sales and we are supportive of making it easier to do business in Florida."
McMurry said the key points of the talking points that the Realtors were presenting to the legislators were concise and direct.
"We accomplished the goal of meetings and talking about our issues, but the outcome in both the House and Senate are still uncertain," said McMurry. "I just wish the homeowners of the great state of Florida knew how much the Realtors do to protect them and help make a better place for them to work and play."