The dynamite father and daughter real estate sales training team of Bill and Erica Nasby will be bringing their Performance Training to EXIT Realty offices all over North America and to Hawaii in July.

"Through Skype, a wonderful and free technical innovation, we are able to communicate extremely effectively," commented Bill.  "This system allows us to coach and train one-on-one in a personal setting, interacting with all of the participants – the experience is as if you are in the same room as the participants, we can read facial expressions and body language; it is multi-dimensional as opposed to the phone, where you stare at the wall!"

Sessions include:

  South Jordan, UT - July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29

  Halifax, NS - July 2, 9, 26, 23 and 30

  Sandy, UT - July 7, 14, 21 and 28

  West Jordan, UT - July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29

  Hololulu HI - July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30

  Montreal, QC - July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31

  Victorville, CA - July 4, 11, 18 and 25

For more information, please contact EXIT Realty Corp. International's training department. 

Winston Salem, NC (Grassroots Newswire) June 30, 2009 -- EXIT Realty has a new franchisee in Winston Salem.  "We are very excited to join the local business community and assist residents with their real estate needs," said Tony Green, owner of  EXIT Realty Elite. "At EXIT Realty we are committed to our customers' satisfaction."  EXIT Realty operates in the U.S. and Canada and offers its associates the opportunity to earn higher than industry average commission, pay lower agent fees, and in addition, a pension when they retire. "[EXIT Realty] offers each associate a residual bonus on sales made by agents they introduce to management," says Green.  "That translates to a win-win for customers as agents are motivated to sell houses quickly."
 
Tony received his real estate degree from Appalachian State University and has taken numerous education classes related to real estate investing, tax-free exchanges, structured sales, property management, creative financing, and more. Tony has been married to his wonderful wife, Kim, for almost 20 years.  They live in Clemmons, NC with their four daughters.  

For more information about EXIT Realty Elite, please call 336-287-4423. 

For more information on EXIT real estate franchise opportunites in North and South Carolina, please contact:

Michael Washburn, Regional Owner
EXIT of the Carolinas
866-460-3948
admin@exitrealtycarolinas.com

EXIT Realty sales representatives in southern California are in store for an informative and fun training session on Friday, July 9, 2009 when Jeff Lobb comes to San Bernadino, California.

Lobb is EXIT Realty Corp. International's Technology Specialist and has been a REALTOR^® for over 20 years.  He has more than 10 years experience in the internet and technology fields both with Fortune 500^® companies and startup ventures.  From a unique position of having been a real estate sales representative and EXIT Realty franchisee, Jeff travels across North America teaching EXIT Associates the skills they need to get ahead in the ever-changing world of real estate technology.

His Real Estate Training & Technology”, or RET2 course addresses key issues such as:

• maximizing EXIT e-Listings and EXIT Promo Shop
• online marketing strategies
• how to use video and e-mail campaigns
• search engine optimization
• social networking
• "Smart" phones
• Google^® applications
• online tools to get price reductions

Lobb prides himself on delivering hands-on, usable solutions for today’s real estate professional.  His diverse business and technology background gives Lobb the experience he refers to as “the perfect storm” - all experience and knowledge converging at precisely the right time for EXIT agents.

For more information contact EXIT Realty Corp. International's Training Department at training@exitrealty.com or 888.668.3948

With summer in high gear, education is typically the furthest thing from a real estate agent's mind, but the agents at EXIT Realty Music City in Nashville, TN, have thought of nothing else.

Several have teamed up to take courses from Commercial Basics to Power Point. Many have signed-up and paid to take the “Green” designation, a new course being offered by the National Association of REALTORS^® for the real estate associate interested in learning more about the environment.

Administrator, Taisha Mason, sat down with three savvy women in her office to see why real estate education is so important to them.

Cindy Beam, pictured left above, who has 69 continuing education credits over the number needed to renew her real estate license said, “Education always helps the associate in dealing with clients, and being able to answer their clients' questions intelligently with knowledge from your education. For example, the new ‘Green’ designation provides associates the need-to-know information on ‘Green’ appliances and features in new home builds so they can explain to their clients properly when they are asked.”

Linda Anderson, pictured right, who has the GRI, ABR and e-Pro designations also believes that real estate education is the most important aspect of the business.

“You must have the ability to inform your clients of updated news, rates and financial reports, plus help them with their mortgage needs,” she explained. “It also teaches you how to deal with many types of people and helps to keep your business thriving. I plan on investing in a lot more education this year.”

Currently GRI and ABR certified with plans to obtain her SRES designation as well, Cindy Holmes, pictured left, added, “The more education you receive, the better you understand how to negotiate the ins and outs of the business and the up-to-date changes that happen. The more you gain, the better you can work with other associates and the better you can represent your clients,” she said. “Also, the more education associates receive, the higher it will elevate our profession.”

The EXIT Recruiter Newspaper is a publication of EXIT Realty Corp. International.  For more information, please contact us.

In an announcement to EXIT Realty Associates this week, Founder & CEO Steve Morris launched the annual competition for "Nasby's Knuckles". 

Morris said, "In October 2005, on stage at our prestigious International Convention Gala at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Texas, I presented Mr. Bill “The Bald Eagle” Nasby with a special trophy for becoming literally the world’s best door knocker in real estate [pictured, left]. This award consisted of Bill’s knuckles cast in bronze.

"In recognition of Bill Nasby’s philosophy of creating your own reality and his ability to pass down his wisdom to others in order to initiate business as a result of deliberate intent, a positive mind-set and door knocking, "Nasby’s Knuckles” has been a formal trophy designation presented at each of EXIT Realty's Annual Conventions."

Last year's winner was David Watt of EXIT Realty Advantage in Fredericton, New Brunswick (pictured, right).

EXIT Associates can click here for entry information.  Entries will be accepted until August 21, 2009.

KHBS 40/29 TV News reports that Northwest Arkansas is seeing a housing boom.  In an interview with Larry Robison, Associate Broker with EXIT Pro Realty in Rogers, Angelica Duria reports:

In the past six weeks, the area has seen a rush of new home buyers. REALTORS® said some homes are selling in just days.

EXIT Pro Realty is currently working to close on 46 new home contracts in Bentonville, and the group believes that number is only going to get bigger.

Read the story and see the video here. 

For more information on EXIT real estate franchise opportunites in Arkansas, please contact:

Scott and Laura Roussel, Regional Owners
EXIT Realty Arkansas & Oklahoma
laura@exitarok.com 
800.509.3948

On June 18^th, 2009, Julie Boyd-Elrod, Regional Owner of EXIT Realty Texas NE hosted an incredible event featuring Tami Bonnell, President of the US Organization of EXIT Realty Corp. International.  Ms. Bonnell super charged the audience of EXIT Realty’s Brokers, Sales Associates and their guests on the topic of “Attracting What You Want in Any Market”.

Ms. Bonnell’s presentation was joined by EXIT’s Realty’s newest addition to its already unbelievable training team, Mr. Jeff Lobb, as their technology specialist. Mr. Lobb not only wowed the audience with his diverse business and technology background, but also with his hands-on, usable solutions for today’s real estate professional, including EXIT’s extensive technology toolbox accessible through the EXIT Resource Center.   Mr. Lobb has been a REALTOR^® for over 21 years and has more than 10 years experience in the internet and technology fields both with Fortune 500^® companies and startup ventures.

Jeani Thomas Richie, Broker of Record at EXIT Realty Canyon Lake was in attendance and reported on the event in her blog, “that’s really musing…”  She said:

Tami Bonnell gave a very inspirational and motivational presentation in the morning session to the broker/owners and was accompanied by Jeff Lobb, who is our Technology [Specialist]. One of the first things he asked the broker/owners was how many had heard of Active Rain and the second question was "How many of you are on it?"

I raised my hand for both and then proceeded to give a testimonial about my blog and the listing I got through it recently. His point was that the broker/owners need to know what the tools and forums are so that they can inform and train their agents on what is out there and how to use it to build business.

Read the rest here.

Mike Murdock, Broker/Owner of EXIT Realty Pro in Canton, TX said, “I was blown away by what I learned here today.  I pride myself on staying ahead of the curve with best business practices and technology to better serve my customers and clients but today I better understand how truly advanced EXIT Realty is on their training, tools and services”.

For more information on EXIT real estate franchise opportunites in Northeast Texas, please contact:

Julie Boyd-Elrod, Regional Owner
EXIT Realty Texas N.E.
julie@exitrealtytexasne.com 
214.227.6613

The Web Development Department at EXIT Realty Corp. International is pleased to present this month's techinar entitled, "Horn Tooting 101" to be held on Wednesday, June 24th at noon.

Do you know the "6 Rs of media outreach"?  Avoid the "hope and pray" method of public relations and learn how to toot your own horn effectively so the media and the public will look to you for your expertise in the real estate market.  This month's Techinar features Tom Connors, Sr. Director of Client Services at at company behind EXIT Shoptok.

Creating and managing effective press releases and social media posts is one of the best ways to secure top-of-mind positioning in your market. EXIT Realty Corp. International has invested in the success of our Associates by automating much of the press release process. EXIT Shoptok allows Franchisees to select from among pre-built press release templates, update them with local information, and immediately distribute the press release to the right contacts at their localized media outlets - all this at no cost to the Franchisee! 

The techinars are held on the 4th Wednesday of every month and feature experts who assist EXIT real estate agents in wading through, and succeeding in the world of real estate technology.  EXIT Associates can register for the event by logging into the EXIT Resource Center.

For more information on the real estate company that is re-inventing real estate across North America, please contact us.

In a recent press release, EXIT Realty Michigan's Regional Owner, Craig Witt, reported on another successful Broker/Owner Training week at EXIT Realty Corp. International's head office. 

EXIT Realty Corp. International wants to make sure its Franchisees get off on the right foot. New Broker/Owners and returning Franchisees spend a full week learning not only how to operate according to the EXIT business model, but fundamental skills of owning and operating a Real Estate Brokerage. And, it is all provided for free! Attendees are exposed to our innovative systems of training and technology, presented by our in-house experts in a comfortable, theatre-style venue.

The highlight of the week takes place on Thursday starting with a tour of our Corporate office, then proceeds to the personal residence of our CEO and Founder of EXIT Realty, Steve Morris, for a truly unbelieveable catered event. First class food, entertainment, dancing and even a magician performs live at their table to give our EXIT Associates a night they will never forget. 

Culture, support and teamwork along with an unbeatable business model is the foundation for the success of EXIT Realty. We continue to grow in today's real estate market are are excited to be welcoming new franchisees and agents to our great company in Michigan every day. The agents at EXIT Realty are highly trained, have the best and latest technology to market your property, and are commited to service their customers. 

"EXIT Realty Michigan-New Leadership, New Image, Same Great Company"

For more information about real estate franchise opportunites with EXIT Realty Michigan, please contact:

Craig Witt, Regional Owner
EXIT Realty Michigan 
877.669.3948
cwitt@miexit.com

Is it still reasonable to dream the dream of home ownership? Although the white picket fence comes in many forms nowadays, from condos to co-ops, from townhomes to bungalows, the dream is still a realistic one for American families this June, Homeownership Month.

"It's not just a platitude to say that this is the best time in years to buy real estate," says Tami Bonnell, President of the US Organization of EXIT Realty Corp. International. "The National Association of Homebuilders recently announced that housing affordability has jumped to its highest point in the past 18 years and the National Association of REALTORS^® reported that existing home sales rose in April."

Industry insiders know this is good news but it has left consumers with many questions. In order to address those questions, Ms Bonnell will be holding two free, half-hour webinars for the general public on Wednesday, June 24^th at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET. There will be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions during the sessions. Now anyone can ask an objective, experienced real estate executive for the real scoop - and get a straight answer. This is a must-attend event for anyone who is thinking of buying or selling real estate or wondering about where the market is going.

To participate, visit the homepage of www.exitrealty.com and click on either the 4:00 link or 7:00 link to register. You will need an internet connection and speakers to participate.

Barbara Korabel, the new Broker/Owner of EXIT To Green Realty in Saugerties, NY was recently awarded "2009 REALTOR^® of the Year" from the Ulster County Board of REALTORS^®. Here, Barbara remembers the journey that brought her to EXIT Realty and to this prestigious award.

After about 6 months in the business I called John Farrell, Regional Owner of EXIT Realty Upstate NY and it was then I knew I wanted to be a part of the team. That was two and a half years ago.

[Before coming to EXIT Realty] I needed to get my feet wet a little more so I continued to work for [a franchise location of a different local company] where I sat for two months waiting to be shown the ropes. I knew I was not going to get any help there and I needed to catch up with the agents who had a huge [sphere of influence] and twenty years in the business. I soon introduced myself to every business owner in the town where I have lived for over twenty-two years; but that didn’t teach me what to say when I got a listing appointment.

So, treading water, I went on my first listing appointment and I didn’t get it.  No one else did either because they were just not ready to sell and I didn’t know the signs. The moment came when I went to the top producer in the county and asked if she would teach me. Politely she refused and that started me thinking about educational classes.

I soon became an educational junkie racking up at least seven designations within two years and two more this year. I felt sorry for all the new agents in the same position so I decided to volunteer my services with the educational committee. The following year I was nominated to chair the committee and that’s when I proposed to allow $99.00 from each board member’s dues to be given to an educational budget. Of course members had to vote on it and I thought it was a lost cause.  I got up spoke about the advantages and savings of almost $3,000 per person and lo and behold it passed.

At the REALTOR^® of the Year award luncheon, I connected with Cindy Welch, Franchisee of EXIT Welsh Realty in Kerhonkson who convinced me to come and show support for EXIT Realty.  Good things happen when you join EXIT and I’ve found my home thanks to John Farrell who never gave up on me.

For more information on joining EXIT To Green Realty in Saugerties, NY, please contact:

Barbara Korabel, Broker/Owner
EXIT To Green Realty
bkorabel@earthlink.net 
845.255.0019

For more information on EXIT real estate franchise opportunities in Upstate New York, please contact: John Farrell, Regional Owner
EXIT Realty Upstate NY
john@exitnys.com 
607.760.5000

Anne Squires, Franchisee, and the Management Team at EXIT Realty on the Rock are going for the gold recently achieving #1 in listings and have attracted 80 real estate professionals. 

"Anne is underway with plans for a new office location coming this fall," said Joyce Paron, President of the Canadian Organization of EXIT Realty Corp. International.  “She is creating a first class office with an in-house training resource centre.”

For more information on joining the winning team at EXIT Realty on the Rock in Newfoundland and Labrador, please contact:

Anne Squires, Broker/Owner
EXIT Realty on the Rock
annesquires@exitrealtynl.com
709-576-6667

EXIT Realty Corp. International's annual convention is the event of the year for real estate agents across North America.  This year's host venue is the newest jewel in the Gaylord crown; the National Resort and Convention Center in Washington DC, and will be take place from September 29th to October 3rd. 

In a personal invitation to all EXIT Realty Associates yesterday, Steve Morris, Founder and CEO said, "This gala event will prove to be our absolute finest and best one to date, bar none.  It will be spectacular in every regard."

A wonderful mix of fun, motivation and education, speakers this year include:

Susan Harrison, EXIT Realty's Sr. VP Web Development said, "I'm in awe of Christina Luis and our entire convention team.  I don't know how they manage to out-do themselves every year, but they do - this year's event will be no exception!" 

You're going to love every moment of it," concluded Morris. 

EXIT Associates can register for convention by logging into the EXIT Resource Center.  For anyone else interested in attending this event, please contact us.  

EXIT Realty Texas N.E. invites you to attend a special event this Thursday. 
Please e-mail Jennifer Kuhn at jenn@exitrealtytexasne.com to confirm.  

For more information on EXIT Realty franchise opportunities in northeast Texas,
please contact:

Julie Boyd-Elrod, Regional Owner
EXIT Realty Texas N.E.
866-825-3492
julie@exitrealtytexasne.com

What does it take to be an exceptional real estate Administrator? What qualities and skills do you need to possess to go from good to exceptional? How can you become truly invaluable to your brokerage? Sharron Richardson, EXIT Realty Corp. International’s Franchise Support Manager, recently conducted an informal survey of EXIT Administrators and Franchisees to explore those special qualities.  “As you read the following, keep two perspectives in mind,” says Richardson.  “First, strive to foster these qualities within yourself. Second, add these to your must-have list when looking for backup administrative help.”

1.       Personal Accountability. Taking ownership of your responsibilities, activities, and results is paramount. Blaming outside forces, people, or circumstances for what is happening in your world is not the mark of a leader. Ask yourself, “What can I do to improve this situation?”.

2.       Organizational Skills. This may sound like a no-brainer but just because you possess organizational skills, doesn’t mean you use them. Chances are, a good part of your day is reactive. Regular interruptions are just part of the job, and you must be organized enough to get knocked off track, and get right back on. Perhaps you work in time blocks, assigning certain tasks to certain times. Maybe you create a “Do Not Disturb” period where, unless someone is on fire, you are not interrupted. Time management, prioritizing tasks, and delegation all fall under the umbrella of organizational skills.

3.       Sense of Humor. It is inappropriate for someone in your position to be the office clown, but a sense of humor will go a long way in creating a relaxed, positive atmosphere in your office. It’s a fact that humor is contagious, and unfortunately so is misery. In your position, you set the tone in the office.

4.       Team Player. As the office Administrator, diplomacy is critical. You must walk that fine line between being helpful and supportive, and yet not end up being the dumping ground for all the angst in the office until you lose your will to live. You must be there for the Associates, the Broker, the clients, the public, and your staff, all without playing favorites or speaking out of turn. Diplomacy, tact, integrity, and confidentiality all come into play as a team player. The easiest way to maintain this perspective is to always keep in mind what is best for the brokerage. That is where your loyalty should be.

5.       Knowledge. An exceptional real estate Administrator not only knows how to process a deal or reconcile the bank accounts, but is also aware of so much more: the office’s market share, goings on within the corporation, all the tools and resources available to help the associates build their business. Taking time to stay in touch with the bigger picture will increase your value exponentially.

6.       Patience. You’ve probably all seen the plaque which reads “I have one nerve left and you’re getting on it.” Many an Administrator has posted that on their door (along with “I can only help one person a day. Today is not your day. Tomorrow isn’t looking good either.”) But we also all know those people who manage themselves and their lives with grace, poise, and patience. Unflappable, they move through their day effectively and calmly, and you marvel at their sense of control. Sure, it might be medication, but more likely it is the ability to remove themselves from the fray and remain above it. They back up enough from the chaos to see things clearly, and make rational, professional decisions. Letting your Associates see how frazzled you are only minimizes your crediblity. Your Associates and the Broker look to you for strength and competence.

“The position of Administrator is not an easy one to fill,” concludes Richardson.  “An Administrator possesses a unique set of skills, knowledge, and abilities which all come together to create the glue which holds the real estate brokerage together. Sure, sometimes it’s Crazy Glue, but it’s never boring!”

This Saturday and Sunday EXIT Realty N.E. Houston will be hosting a 24-hour Open House and Networking Party that is open to all REALTORS^® and the public and will be streamed live on Ustream.tv. The 24-Hour Open House, which starts on Saturday at 5 pm and ends Sunday at 5 pm, will be a fun way to kick off the Northeast Houston Open House Tour event that starts on Sunday, where real estate brokerages from all over Northeast Houston will join forces to tell the public that "The Recession is Over, It is Time to Buy a Home!"

Some of the many events include food sponsored by Roma Pizza, a home, pool and golf course tour, agent and strategic partner interviews, a live band, a poker tournament, jacuzzi hour, Sunday brunch by Skeeters Mesquite Grill, and more.  Visit on line or in person - click here for details.

For more information, contact:

EXIT Realty N.E. Houston
281 548 3948
info@exitrealtyneh.com

Joanne and Bruce Caruth, Regional Owners of EXIT Realty of Missouri, are pleased to announce the addition of EXIT Right Realty, under the direction of Brian Karn, as an EXIT franchisee.

"Brian is a real estate expert and has been working in the Branson real estate market for over 17 years. He quickly recognized the value of the EXIT Realty Formula, and we are thrilled to have him join EXIT Realty," said the Caruths.

“I was introduced to EXIT by a good friend working within the company and the rest was history.  We decided to buy an EXIT Realty Franchise and here we are in Branson with the most exciting adventure to happen yet!", said Karn.

EXIT Realty provides sales associates with residual income over and above their own transactions and an enhanced retirement and beneficiary benefit; all of which have been unheard of in the real estate industry until now.

"We look forward to assisting both past and new customers with their real estate needs," said Karn.

For information on joining EXIT Right Realty as a real estate sales representative, please contact:

Brian Karn/Owner
EXIT Right Realty
exitrightrealty@yahoo.com 
417-336-3948

For information on real estate franchise opportunities in Kansas and Missouri, please contact:

Bruce Caruth, Regional Owner
EXIT Realty of Missouri
bcaruth@comcast.net 
520-975-8297

Boston's News Station, WBUR 90.9 reports:

The average price in Burlington, MA is up 2 percent over last year, but that’s after three years of falling values. EXIT Premier Real Estate Broker/Owner Mark Bettinson is encouraged by the spring market.

Click here to read and here to listen.

For more information on the real estate market in MA or for information on joining EXIT Realty as a real estate sales representative, please contact:

Mark Bettinson, Broker/Owner
EXIT Premier Real Estate
781-270-4770

In the latest issue of the EXIT Pulse Technology Newsletter, EXIT Realty Corp. International Web Development Project Manager, Jeff Cannegieter, cautions on the correct use of online images.

Images help to convey powerful impressions and facilitate emotional responses. The use of imagery in your online and offline real estate marketing efforts enhances their appeal across all personality types and creates a more impactful marketing piece.

Unfortunately, the ease of copying images online has fueled copyright infringement, and this should concern us all. There are a few things you can do to avoid this tendency and use images responsibly.

Be sure to use images which you have personally obtained from a free or paid royalty-free resource. That's right - many of the images that you see online may be free, or very low cost through the use of royalty-free images. Royalty-free simply means that the image does not have a royalty, not that the image itself is necessarily free. Some royalty-free image resources to consider include Stock Exchange, stockxpert, iStock, and fotolia. You’ll need to setup a free user account to gain access to millions of royalty-free images.

Whenever you need images for your blog or website, consider taking a minute to find a free or low-cost royalty-free image. Not only is it a simple step that could literally save you thousands of dollars in copyright infringement settlements, it is the responsible way to conduct your online marketing.

The executive, management and staff at EXIT Realty Corp. International are gearing up for Broker Training week next week at the corporate headquarters, located in Mississauga, Ontario Canada.

Both veteran and new EXIT Franchisees and Managers will be attending one of the most leading edge programs available in the real estate industry. This five-day experience is so compelling that is it is not unusual to meet other Franchisees on the course for their second, third or fourth time. Industry-leading professionals teach attendees the essential skills they need to help build a top producing real estate brokerage in any market.  Some of the topics include EXIT's Technology and You, Training and Recruiting and Manager's Toolbox. 

"This phenomenal program will inspire you, enhance your business acumen, and positively affect your approach to life," says Steve Morris, EXIT Realty Founder & CEO. 

EXIT Realty Corp. International US President, Tami Bonnell, recently addressed attendees at RISMedia's 4th Annual Power Broker Forum at NAR MidYear entitled "Maximizing Distressed Property Business".  RISMedia's Maria Patterson reported:

Discussing the risks involved in distressed property transactions, Tami Bonnell advised real estate professionals to adopt the role of information provider.

Read the story here.

Ms Bonnell is hosting a live, free Q&A webinar on the real estate market for the general public on June 24th.  Visit the homepage of http://www.exitrealty.com/ to register.

Is it still reasonable to dream the dream of home ownership? Although the white picket fence comes in many forms nowadays, from condos to co-ops, from townhomes to bungalows, the dream is still a realistic one for American families this June, Homeownership Month.

"It's not just a platitude to say that this is the best time in years to buy real estate," says Tami Bonnell, President of the US Organization of EXIT Realty Corp. International. "The National Association of Homebuilders recently announced that housing affordability has jumped to its highest point in the past 18 years and the National Association of REALTORS^® reported that existing home sales rose in April."

Industry insiders know this is good news but it has left consumers with many questions. In order to address those questions, Ms Bonnell will be holding two free, half-hour webinars for the general public on Wednesday, June 24^th at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET. There will be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions during the sessions. Now anyone can ask an objective, experienced real estate executive for the real scoop - and get a straight answer. This is a must-attend event for anyone who is thinking of buying or selling real estate or wondering about where the market is going.

To participate, visit the homepage of www.exitrealty.com and click on either the 4:00 link or 7:00 link to register. You will need an internet connection and speakers to participate.

Burlington, MA (Grassroots Newswire) - Jeanette Tighe of the Eastern Middlesex Association of REALTORS^® and EXIT Realty of New England in Burlington, Massachusetts joined approximately 8,000 REALTORS^® who gathered in Washington to inspire action on Capitol Hill that will help stabilize the real estate market and encourage economic recovery as part of the National Association of REALTORS® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo. The meetings took place May 11-16.  

During the week, Tighe participated in NAR’s “Real Estate Summit: Advancing the U.S. Economy,” an all-day program of sessions to address and meet head-on the challenges facing today’s residential and commercial real estate markets. REALTORS^® were joined by a number of policy leaders and industry experts, including U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary, Shaun Donovan; Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Director, Sheila Bair; former Federal Reserve Board Chairman, Alan Greenspan; and former U.S. Secretary of Labor, Robert Reich.

“As the leading advocate for housing issues and homeownership, REALTORS^® urge the federal government to make stabilizing the real estate market a priority,” Tighe said. “We will continue to press the Obama administration and Congress to keep taking meaningful action toward this goal.”

Tighe met with Congressman John Tierney for whom she is the NAR coordinator as well as all of the Massachusetts Senators and Congressmen to reiterate the importance of this issue and discuss other subjects, as well, including protecting the mortgage interest deduction, facilitating short sales, easing limitations on mortgage availability and encouraging mortgage reform, ensuring affordable insurance through small business health care plans, and initiating effective energy efficiency legislation.       

“Moving the real estate market forward is imperative,” said Tighe. “The goal of this year’s meetings is to develop a series of ‘next steps’ that will serve as a blueprint.  We believe in a multifaceted approach to stabilization that includes making mortgages more affordable and available, reducing foreclosures and incentivizing home buyers." To this last point, she added, "The $8,000 tax credit currently available to first-time buyers through November 30, 2009, will help thousands of consumers take advantage of opportunities in today’s housing market and realize the dream of homeownership."

The National Association of REALTORS^®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1.2 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.