What does a Realtor do?

Ask anyone you know what Realtors do and you will usually hear, "They help people buy and sell homes." This simplistic answer summarizes the effect of Realtor actions for many, but Realtors are involved in all aspects of your community.

Much of our work is behind the scenes. Not only do we research property and how it can be used, but we are often influential in the decisions that will protect the property's value and ensure its "highest and best use" or maximum benefit to its owner.

The Coeur d'Alene Association of Realtors (CAR) has many committees and members involved in the preservation and protection of property rights. That is why at County Planning meetings, City Council meetings, Zoning meetings, Environmental Health meetings, water rights meetings and most public hearings you will find Realtors in the audience. Usually, we are not hard to spot. We are the ones that speak out on behalf of our citizens to make sure the actions of government or others do not impede the owner's right to enjoyment of their real estate.

Realtors are involved with anything that affects real estate across the nation. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) is very active with government policy making and with our 1.2 million members you can bet we are a voice that is heard in Washington, D.C. Did you know that Johnny Isaakson, the Senator from Georgia who successfully introduced legislation for the recent homebuyer tax credits, is also a Realtor?

Realtors as a whole are committed to their communities large and small across this great nation and in Canada. We are stewards of our communities in more than just property and property rights, we are champions of our community causes as well.

Our Community Outreach committee organized two fundraisers in the past month. One, the golf tournament, was projected to raise $2,000 for the "Locker Program" to provide clothing and school supplies for local students. Due to the generosity of our members and sponsors, a total of $6,000 was raised.

Last week a three-hour fundraiser raised $2,500 from members and sponsors for a local cancer victim to help with medical bills.

We are also a self-policing association with two committees dedicated to compliance with the Realtor Code of Ethics and laws. One committee reviews complaints, which may come from members or the public at large, to determine the validity of the complaint. Another conducts hearings and metes out sanctions to offenders.

Yes, we do facilitate the transfer of property from one party to another. We accept the challenge of finding the perfect property for buyers and of finding the perfect buyer for a seller. We also work hard to build a better community through a variety of committees and personal efforts in our community.

What does a Realtor do? A lot more than sell real estate.

For a safe trip home, call a Realtor. Call your Realtor or visit www.cdarealtors.com to search properties on the Multiple Listing Service or to find a Realtor member who will represent your best interests.

Kim Cooper is a real estate broker and the spokesman for the Coeur d'Alene Association of Realtors. Kim and the association invite your feedback and input for this column. You may contact them by writing to the Coeur d'Alene Association of Realtors, 409 W. Neider, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815 or by calling (208) 667-0664 with your questions or commentary.