I had the opportunity to meet with the new CEO of the National Association of Realtors®, Bob Goldberg, last week in their offices in Washington, D.C. NAR is the most politically powerful real estate organization in America and one of the most powerful in any field. Goldberg is a different kind of leader; he’s active on social media, and is attentive to the changes being brought about by technology. He shared his vision with me and Marisa Calderon to transform NAR into an organization with more focus on the consumer. It’s interesting to see even the most established organizations recognizing that the powerful changes being brought by demographics and technology have the capacity to turn any industry upside down. It was a pleasure meeting Bob, and I am anxious to see how his more humble brand of leadership will drive change inside a massive organization known for its legacies and traditions.
Realtors help families navigate the largest and most intimidating financial transaction of their lifetime. They serve as guides, counselors, cheerleaders, and protectors. Many of them remain friends of their clients for life. America is at its best when its citizens are stakeholders.
The usual solutions will not solve the current housing affordability crisis. Any solution that does not begin and end with a sustainable plan to radically increase housing supply is just noise. The barriers to increasing housing supply are complex and require the crucial cooperation of both public and private sectors, and more education.
It has been long understood that a nation of stakeholders makes for a strong union, and for that reason, closing the minority homeownership gap has been a goal and a topic of discussion for decades.