PAR officer candidates discuss future real estate challenges

The real estate market faces challenges and those running for office in PAR face a rapidly changing industry. PAR officers will be elected by the Board of Directors on Wednesday, September 18 during the Fall Business Meetings held at the Hilton Harrisburg.

PARJustListed asked candidates: What do you see as the greatest challenge facing Realtors® in the coming year?

Ron Croushore, Candidate for president-elect

“Realtors® today face the challenge of either protecting their role as the key element in real estate transactions, or watching other entities assume that role. Currently banks, Trulia, Zillow, Homes.com, and others, are trying. NAR – over one million members strong – is our guarantee of protection. Our role as Realtors® into the future will be defined by our success in influencing legislation, and in providing key strengthening services to our Realtor® members. If elected 2014 President-Elect of PAR (over 27,000 members), I intend to fight for our continuation in our current role as the strongest and most-valuable real estate service-providers available to consumers.”

Todd Polinchock, Candidate for first vice president

“I think the greatest challenge facing Realtors® in the coming year will be to keep the “agent” at the center of the transaction. According to NAR statistics, over 90 percent of home buyers find homes on the Internet and 87 percent ultimately use a Realtor® to facilitate the transaction. But as technology evolves, there are companies out there trying to capture prospective buyers BEFORE they seek the counsel of a real estate practitioner. It is imperative that we work through technology, awareness campaigns and through educating our Realtors® and real estate boards to ensure that the public realizes the value that a Realtor® brings to the table and to what is usually the biggest financial investment in a person’s life.”

Kathy McQuilkin, Candidate for treasurer

“2014 will bring additional challenges in the legislative and regulatory arenas. With continuing improvement in real estate markets and increased production, we will need to guard against additional transfer taxes, point of sale inspection/charges, etc. As we have seen already in 2013, state and local governments can consider taxes/fees on real estate sales and rentals as sustenance for recession-depleted coffers. Regulatory changes in the mortgage industry, GSE reform/elimination and mortgage interest deduction changes/elimination all loom large on the federal government side and could very dramatically impact how we transact business. Diligent call to action responses and your RPAC investment will be more important than ever as we guard our industry and help protect private property rights.”

District Vice Presidents for 2014 & 2015

Bill McFalls, Candidate for District 2

“I personally see the greatest challenge facing Realtors® in the coming year coming from the Sellers and Buyers whom we represent, in providing more in-depth analysis and recommendations on what they should in a transaction. My concern is that our members are not as skilled in this as they should be. Thus, a look at changing how and what we educate our members about performing a real estate transaction will be key to our being an integral part of the transaction in the future. Also, as a body, we need to be more vigilant with organizations like Zillow and Trulia, who in my opinion, will be our competitors some day in the not too distant future when they open their own real estate brokerages.”

Nick Vandekar, Candidate for District 2

“I see the greatest challenge facing Realtors® in the coming year is the increasing amount of data and information that our clients can find online about properties. It is overwhelming. You go to show a home and the client knows the mortgage, the recording date, how much they paid for the property etc. As a Realtor® we need to help them know what to pay attention to and what to discard, to be the advisor/consultant who can help through the overwhelming tangle of information on the internet today which will only increase as we move forward. We need to show our value as both listing and buyers agents and make sure we educate our clients so they understand the process of buying and selling a home in Pennsylvania as opposed to where ever they may be coming from and what they believe is the process as it is often incorrect.”

Helen Miernicki, Candidate for District 4

“As Realtors® we are faced with challenges every moment. Our day can change with a phone call. Was that a buyer, seller, lender, another Realtor, or a personal call? Based on the call a troubling day and be changed by the phone call. “What a great day! I received a listing appointment. I received the clear to close.” We all experienced the other types of phone calls. I feel that so many outside factors affect our profession. That is why I am proud to be a Realtor. I am proactive on Real Estate issues. I see and believe in the value of RPAC. I do feel that it is important to attend your local Realtor® Board meetings/events, PAR Business meetings, Triple Play, NAR Mid-Year, and the NAR Convention. I am aware that we have to have to balance our home, work and take care of family/ourselves. If a Realtor® cannot attend an event, on-line access for information is available. As Realtors® we need to keep ourselves educated and informed. Knowledge adds strength and value. This keeps us in the game. There is so much free information that is available.”

Susan Reese-Hartzell, Candidate for District 6

“I believe that the greatest challenge facing Realtors® in the coming year is dealing with the competition we are all experiencing from the Internet. Most consumers are using the Internet to gain access to information regarding real estate. Unfortunately much of that information is not correct. I feel that we need to educate consumers and let them know that Realtor.org and their local Realtor® can give them the correct information that they are seeking. All of us have a responsibility to continue educating ourselves in the use of the Internet and social media to keep up with the consumer demands. However, it is our expertise that will bring clarity to a transaction. This will bring the consumer back to us. We need to be able to adapt to the future needs of the consumer and create a new way of doing business and closing real estate transactions, with the use of the Internet to ensure the confidence of the consumer and the sustainability of the profession.”

Robina “Bebe” English, Candidate for District 8

“Realtors® have always had a multitude of issues to overcome when selling real estate, but in 2014, I believe that the emphasis needs to be to keep the Realtor® as The Voice for Real Estate. This needs to occur from the national, state and local level. By securing this position, we will be the first line of defense on the critical issues facing our industry. This consistent and sound position will enable us to send the messages necessary to preserve our industry. Some examples are to restructure the secondary mortgage market, to ensure the continued availability of safe, reliable mortgages such as 30-and 15-year fixed-rate loans that should result in a wide range of safe, reliable mortgage products with sound and sensible underwriting standards.”

2013 PAR Spring Business Meetings: What are your biggest motivators for seeking this leadership position?