By Steve Kornspan, President/Broker, Home Spot Realty
“Knowing what not to do is as important as knowing what to do.” These are the eye- opening conversations and learning moments that happen when you connect face-to-face with peers. This February, at the Kansas Association of REALTORS® Capitol Conference, I had a conversation with a fellow broker about challenges we face in the business. This broker made the same dumb mistakes 20 years ago that I am making today.
As Real Estate agents and brokers, we’re busy. We ask ourselves, “Why should I attend that event?” The story above is one of many reasons and key motivations to get involved.
See the Big Picture
Attending events like Capitol Conference provides a big picture perspective of the real estate industry and trends across the state. We all face many of the same challenges. Some face challenges others aren’t aware of yet. It’s invaluable to learn how others deal with and find solutions to changing industry conditions. We’re so caught up in the day-to-day that we overlook the big picture.
Short-cut to Building Knowledge
Access to the knowledge and experience of KAR management is valuable to me. KAR knows more about the current trends than any broker or agent has the time to spend learning. I consider them my Wikipedia. If I need information on any subject I reach out to them. I haven’t stumped them yet on questions about technology, legislation, or real estate statutes, and they are always glad to help.
KAR Lobbies for Homeowners
Getting involved pays off in other areas besides real estate. I am active in Senior, Health and Children’s legislative efforts as well as legislative committees at KAR and KCRAR. The more interaction you have with legislators, the more you build relationships and gain their trust.
My experience on legislative committees shows me how important it is to support KAR Legislative efforts and RPAC contributions. Few groups are as organized and knowledgeable as KAR. Legislators do not have time to research every bill that comes up for a vote. They look to Kansans they trust, who are experts in their field to give them the facts.
Most of the time we are not fighting for specific REALTOR® issues. Most of our work is protecting and promoting home ownership and a homeowner’s rights. No other organization actually lobbies for homeowners!
Not Involved Today? Getting Started is Easy
If you haven’t gone to meetings for 10 years, how do you get started? It is really simple. Go to a meeting, volunteer for a committee, or take a class on something that interests you. You’ll quickly find that most of the people you meet are at the top of their field and happy to share.
A side benefit of attending KAR events is referrals and building relationships with people like appraisers that I can call with questions. The KAR Capitol and Legislative Conference helps Realtors® and Brokers learn how to run their real estate business better. These meetings generate eye-opening conversations and learning moments that happen when you connect face-to-face with your peers.
