Why Now?

 You’ve been flirting with running for C.A.R. President for years, so why now? What convinced you the timing was right? David W

Two reasons: In the past, I needed to be selfish; and, secondly, these are the most challenging times the industry has encountered in my lifetime. 

Selfish? Let me explain. I generally say “Yes” to every request that gets me more deeply involved in SRAR, C.A.R. or N.A.R. activities. But while my two daughters were growing up I had to say “No” even to things I wanted to do. The girls were more important than giving up the added time necessary to correctly fulfill a key leadership commitment. 

Kinsley, who is now 27, graduated from Pepperdine three years ago. Kate is in her junior year at UCSB. Both were highly ranked and deeply involved in state and national tennis competitions and local volunteering. I simply didn’t want to miss any it! Now that they are grown, I can fully commit my energy and focus on REALTOR® issues.

And who wouldn’t want to get more involved at time when so much is going on and there is so much at stake? The industry is in a very tenuous and vulnerable place right now, a place unlike anything I’ve seen in the 35 years I’ve been selling real estate. Yet with such turmoil comes great opportunity. What we decide in the coming months and years represents a once-in-a-lifetime chance to shape the future of our industry. 

The Internet came along and people talked about the disintermediation of the Realtor, which I never felt would happen. People today talk like the recession is the end of the world, as we know it. Nonsense. Change with the times. Move on to the next opportunity. It’s what we all have been doing every year.

Yes, we have challenges way beyond what REALTORS® have ever seen before. Yet with each challenge comes an exciting nugget of opportunity. With a great team and committed leadership we can accomplish so much.  

Why run now? If not now, when?