Columbus REALTORS® members are part of one of the most powerful and influential grassroots lobbying efforts in the country, being the only advocacy group in America that fights exclusively for homeownership, real estate investment, and strong communities. The REALTOR® party is not engaged in policy driven by the right or left, rather its sole focus is on the issues that impact homeowners and real estate industry practitioners.
As such, advocacy matters because it protects the foundation of the real estate industry – property rights. Members spend countless hours walking clients through one of the largest transactions of their lives which can be, at times, a very emotional process. The Columbus REALTORS® Government Affairs staff is the first line of defense when it comes to interfacing with local public and elected officials, maintaining the position of being a trusted resource to central Ohio’s policy and decision makers.
The Government Affairs staff is intent on cultivating relationships throughout the community – making friends before they’re needed. Familiar and friendly faces go a long way, especially in the political arena. Having space in the room and a seat at the negotiation table is crucial for Columbus REALTORS® members when discussing policies that impact real estate and homeowners.
With Columbus REALTORS® working alongside these officials, there has been major success over the years in molding good public policy. These policies are often not heard of wherein the advocacy of Columbus REALTORS® made a huge difference or prevented policy to go too far. Policies such as protecting consumers from predatory real estate practices, to lessening the consumer impact of a rent control-lite policy, to leveraging community grant dollars to enhance the community that gives so much back to the real estate industry. It all matters.
The firsthand market knowledge Columbus REALTORS® bring to the table gives policymakers real-world insight they can’t get anywhere else. Advocacy ensures the real estate industry has a seat at the table — so decisions are made with REALTORS®, not for REALTORS®. When REALTORS® engage in advocacy, they’re not just supporting their profession — they’re safeguarding the dream of homeownership and the economic vitality of their communities.
For REALTORS®, public policy isn’t abstract — it directly affects transactions, commissions, inventory, affordability, and their clients’ ability to buy and sell. From local zoning decisions to state licensing laws and federal tax policy, the rules shaping real estate are constantly evolving. Strong advocacy ensures REALTORS® voices are represented, industry expertise informs lawmakers, and their clients’ interests are protected.
The second a license to practice real estate in Ohio is received, the government becomes involved in REALTORS® day-to-day business activities. The advocacy and proactive approach by Columbus REALTORS® to getting involved and leveraging their voice ensures government regulations do not hinder the lives of consumers nor the individual businesses of membership that continues to be the crux of government relations activity in central Ohio.
Vincent Coleman
Government Affairs Director
COLUMBUS REALTORS®
