Putting REALTORS® First!

Twitter. Social networking. Statewide MLS. Price and sales plunge. Foreclosures. Financial, legal and legislative onslaughts – If the pace of change is overwhelming now, hang on because it’s sure to get even crazier.

Unusual times require an exceptional veteran at the helm of the California Association of REALTORS®. Now is the time for a proven executive who understands REALTORS®’ needs, who will always put REALTORS® first.

I learned the business at the knee of my father, Joe Carnahan, a past president of C.A.R. Yet, despite a total transformation of the industry since I started in 1976, the values Dad taught me and a generation of his peers remain the bedrock of today’s real estate industry – trust, honesty, integrity, and service.

Our strength as REALTORS® comes from the bonds between us, not the technologies that speed transactions.

I understand the challenges we face and the benefits we enjoy in this incredible business.

Since launching my own career over three decades ago, I have served in virtually every capacity on multiple boards and committees at our local, state and national professional associations.

C.A.R. singled me out to receive its Distinguished REALTOR® Award and selected me to be the youngest REALTOR® ever to be named a C.A.R. Director for Life. Twice I was elected to serve as President of the Southland Regional Association of REALTORS®, one of the best managed and most respected large professional associations in the nation.

I’m also recognized in the halls of the Los Angeles City Council, Sacramento, and D.C. as an effective conciliator, innovator and negotiator capable of reconciling often clashing goals and objectives. More than ever, REALTORS® need to leverage their influence in government to preserve property rights and our ability to successfully serve our clients.

Toward that end, I was retained over the last 20 years on more than 600 legal disputes and testified as an expert witness over 100 times. I’ve worked hard to protect the legal, ethical and moral standards of REALTORS® while striving to educate anyone who would sully our reputation.

After serving on more than 275 professional committees and boards and numerous community groups, I believe that I have the knowledge, skills and experience needed to lead C.A.R. More importantly, I am dedicated to fostering the success of my peers.

Truth is, I like getting involved, I like making new friends, I enjoy making contacts that help people advance themselves and their careers. I’ve learned that I can make a difference.

With your support and participation, we will guide real estate into a brilliant new world where every REALTOR® is equipped with the most effective tools and an inspired support system.

I am ready to serve as your 2011 C.A.R. President-Elect and 2012 President.

Experience Matters!

Sincerely.

Tom Carnahan GRI, CRS, CDRA