Exercise the Right to Influence
Lobbying is a multi-million dollar industry in this country. Groups, sometimes responding to events occurring on Capitol Hill, other times attempting to influence the writing of new policy have poured millions into lobbying activities. Normally, there is nothing illegal about this and the activities are usually highly regulated. However, its always important to know just who the players are and how they are attempting to influence the legislative process.
The National Association of Realtors also lobbies on behalf of its 1.3 million residential and commerical real estate agents. According to their website, the NAR focuses on, “…working for REALTORS® to enact federal legislation intended to expand homeownership opportunities, protect consumers and provide greater access to health insurance.”
Just how active is the NAR on Capital Hill? The Opensecrets.org website states that the NAR spent over $16.7M on lobbying activities in 2006. Of that $520,000 was paid for contracting the services of professional lobbying firms: Quinn, Gillespie & Association ($480,000) and Walter Consulting ($40,000). From the period of 1998 - 2006, the NAR shelled out over $97.5M in lobbying activities. That puts them in 8th position in terms of which groups has spent the most during that time frame.
For more information on what the NAR is currently advocating, particularly as it relates to consumer in real estate transactions click here.
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