When choosing a REALTOR®, it’s fair to expect your agent have intimate knowledge of the area in which you are buying or selling property. It’s a bonus when they are also aware of the current local government decisions affecting zoning, development, city planning and more. Baldwin REALTORS®, the local association for REALTORS® in Baldwin County, AL, works to actively stay involved in municipal and county decisions for the sake of their members, the industry, and the clients they serve daily.
Local government involvement from the association means this group of REALTORS® stays apart of important conversations as a voice for the real estate industry and private property rights. These efforts are made for your benefit through three main avenues.
1. Local Government Meeting Reports
Baldwin REALTORS® has a designated staff member who attends (either in-person or virtually) every local council and commission meeting. Notes from these meetings are converted into monthly meeting summaries and distributed to BR members in an effort to keep them knowledgeable on all things Baldwin County. These reports are then archived on BaldwinREALTORS.com so that they can be referenced at any time by REALTORS® and passed on to their clients. Local decisions on development, improvements and zoning may affect you and/or your business, and Baldwin REALTORS® cares about that.
2. Government & Political Affairs Committee
Baldwin REALTORS® has more than 15 committees that generate member involvement in decisions impacting association growth, education, networking, community investment, and more. One of those committees is the Government & Political Affairs Committee, in which REALTORS® act as the eyes and ears of federal, state, and local legislation affecting real estate within the Baldwin County community.
During election seasons, the committee vets local candidates and makes recommendations to the Board on who they believe best represents the interests of the real estate industry, homeowners, and private property rights.
This group of REALTORS® also works closely with BR staff to secure grants through the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) that can be used fill in gaps to better the lives of Baldwin County residents. In the past 5 years, they have procured several grants including a Smart Growth Grant to assist the city of Fairhope in receiving an updated, enriched look. The money allowed residents to attend workshops and participate in conversations with leaders to have a voice in the future of Fairhope. Additionally, our REALTORS® received a $3,000 Placemaking Grant, which aided the city of Lillian. The grant funded the conversion of unused space of Lillian Park into a lively public gathering place for residents to enjoy.
3. REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RPAC)
As the local branch to the National Association of REALTORS®, Baldwin REALTORS®’ members assist in the funding of the REALTOR® Political Action Committee, or RPAC, through voluntary member contributions. These voluntary contributions made by REALTORS® are used to help elect candidates who understand and support their business interests and the interests of their buyers and sellers. Separate from REALTOR® dues, this money is given freely by REALTORS® in recognition of the importance of the political process.
In 2020, these contributions helped REALTORS® remain essential workers during COVID lockdowns and continue to serve their clients. On a local level, the Baldwin REALTORS® RPAC Committee exists to spread awareness as to why members should care about national, state, and local legislation that affect their daily business and the buyers and sellers they represent.
A REAL Advocate in Baldwin County
Baldwin REALTORS® supports private property rights that benefit our neighbors and friends. With a record of involvement and success, BR works to make Baldwin County a better place. They also provide all the tools and opportunities for your local REALTOR® to be a wealth of knowledge on all things Baldwin County. Begin your search for a REALTOR® that champions community and civic involvement by clicking here.
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