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As the dust settles from another intense election cycle, the questions linger: what happens next? Where do we go from here? For those of us in the housing industry, the answer is clear. Now, more than ever, we must come together to address the ongoing challenges in housing and work toward real solutions. The incoming Trump administration has set forth a focus on revitalizing the housing sector, and it’s a call that requires all hands on deck—not only at the federal level but also in our states, cities, and neighborhoods. For meaningful progress to happen, we need to mobilize, organize, and participate.

This is not a time to sit back and wait for national organizations or associations to carry the weight on our behalf. Instead, it’s a time for personal involvement—engagement with local and national policymakers and a commitment to sharing the real-world experiences that only we, as professionals in the housing industry, can provide.

The Importance of Working Together at Every Level

With the new administration promising to address the housing crisis head-on, there is hope that real, transformative change could be on the horizon. However, to shape policy effectively, lawmakers need insights from those who understand the nuances of housing on the ground. As a real estate professional, I’ve seen firsthand how national policy decisions trickle down to impact local communities. But often, the real issues—unique challenges specific to each city and state—are overlooked. This is why it’s essential to bridge the gap between Washington, D.C., and our local markets.

Congress has the potential to enact laws that will encourage more affordable housing development, reduce regulatory burdens on construction, and make homeownership more attainable. But the members of Congress, the Senate, and local government need input from real estate professionals to ensure these policies actually work in practice. They need to hear what’s happening in the communities they represent—what obstacles exist, what solutions could work, and how their policies affect real people.

Engaging with Your Representatives: Local and National

It’s tempting to think of housing as an issue that should be tackled “from the top down” through federal programs and regulations. However, the most effective solutions often arise from collaboration between local and national leaders. For those of us in the housing industry, it’s essential to participate actively in conversations with local representatives, city councils, mayors, and other officials who shape housing policy. These individuals are closest to the day-to-day issues affecting our communities. They hold the power to enact zoning changes, approve building permits, and set policies that can either foster growth or hinder development.

During my time as president of the National Association of Mortgage Brokers, I quickly realized how much elected officials value insights from industry professionals. It was eye-opening to see how receptive they were to hearing from those of us working in the housing sector every day. Our representatives understood that real-world perspectives from brokers, agents, and lenders add a depth to policy decisions that statistics alone can’t capture. They recognized that while data and reports offer valuable information, it’s the expertise of those on the front lines that reveals the true complexities and nuances of the housing market. These experiences reinforced my belief in the power of direct involvement and communication with policymakers. The conversations I had with officials made it clear: they want our help, they value our insights, and they need our engagement to develop policies that truly benefit our communities.

One key takeaway I’ve learned over the years is that policymakers need our real-world perspectives to make informed decisions that genuinely address the needs of their constituents. Too often, officials are surrounded by advisors who may represent a single point of view. Without input from diverse voices in the industry, our city councils and local officials risk becoming echo chambers where limited perspectives overshadow comprehensive, innovative solutions.

That’s where we come in. As real estate professionals, it’s crucial to introduce ourselves to local leaders. Let them know who you are, what you do, and that you care about improving housing for everyone in your community. This goes beyond simply attending meetings or sending the occasional email; it means engaging actively, offering your expertise, and becoming a resource that officials can rely on to make well-informed, balanced decisions.

Personal Involvement: More Than Just Association Membership

Professional associations undeniably play a vital role in advocating for the housing industry. They provide a unified voice, draw from collective knowledge, and have established relationships with policymakers that allow them to represent our interests on a larger scale. However, while these associations are a powerful force for change, our work cannot end there. We cannot simply rely on our associations to carry the full weight of advocacy. As members of these organizations, we can ask them to represent us, but we must recognize that meaningful progress also requires our own personal involvement.

Personal involvement adds depth and strength to our collective voice. Members of Congress, state legislators, and local officials are often more receptive to feedback from constituents—people who live and work in their districts—than from organizations alone. While studies, reports, and expert testimony are helpful, these officials need to know what’s actually happening in their own states, cities, and neighborhoods. They need insights that can only come from those on the front lines of the housing market. When you reach out to your representatives, you bring a human face to the issues. You transform abstract problems into concrete concerns and offer practical solutions grounded in firsthand experience.

Consider the difference it makes when a real estate agent speaks directly to a city council about the impact of zoning laws on housing affordability, or when a mortgage broker shares their experience with lending regulations in a meeting with a congressperson. These insights come from real-world challenges faced by clients and businesses, from individuals who know the intricacies of the housing market because they navigate them daily. When policymakers hear from professionals who deal directly with buyers, sellers, developers, and lenders, they gain a clearer understanding of how their decisions play out in reality. It’s this clarity that can drive better, more effective policy.

Now, imagine the impact if every real estate professional took the time to speak up. If agents, brokers, and lenders across the country shared their insights on affordable housing shortages, regulatory barriers, and market trends, we could create a powerful chorus of voices advocating for a housing market that serves everyone. This collective engagement doesn’t just increase the chances that our perspectives will be heard—it also ensures that the policies being crafted reflect a broad spectrum of experiences and needs.

Moreover, personal involvement helps protect our industry from policy decisions that may be well-intentioned but misguided. Sometimes, policymakers pass regulations or incentives without fully understanding the market dynamics they seek to influence. By actively participating in the conversation, we can highlight unintended consequences, offer alternatives, and steer legislation in ways that promote a healthy, sustainable housing market. The more we share our insights, the more likely it is that our unique ideas and experiences will shape effective policy that truly addresses the needs of our communities.

Involvement is more than a responsibility; it’s an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to create a future where housing is accessible, affordable, and equitable. It’s a chance to ensure that the housing industry remains strong, resilient, and adaptive to the challenges ahead. And most importantly, it’s a way to protect the interests of the clients we serve and to build communities that thrive.

The bottom line is this: We have the knowledge and experience that policymakers need to make informed decisions. But for those insights to make an impact, they must be communicated directly. Yes, associations are essential, but our personal voices are equally powerful. We are the ones who witness the day-to-day realities of the housing market; we understand the impact of every zoning change, tax adjustment, and lending regulation. By sharing our experiences and insights directly with policymakers, we become essential partners in shaping the future of housing in our communities and across the nation.

So let’s not stand by and let others carry the weight of this responsibility alone. Let’s step up, speak out, and ensure that our voices are heard. When we all engage, we make it possible for real, lasting change to take place—change that will benefit not only our industry but also the lives of millions of people who rely on it.

Making an Impact in the Housing Industry: A Collective Effort

I’ll be the first to admit that getting involved in housing policy can feel intimidating. The issues are complex, the stakes are high, and the political landscape can seem overwhelming. But like any significant endeavor, it starts with a single, simple step. Maybe it’s attending a local city council meeting to understand the issues shaping your community. Perhaps it’s joining a housing task force to contribute your insights and expertise, or reaching out to your state representative’s office to discuss the challenges and opportunities in your local market. Each small action is part of a larger, cumulative effort that can drive real change.

As real estate professionals, our ultimate goal should be to make housing accessible, affordable, and equitable for everyone. Achieving this goal requires more than just conducting our daily business; it demands advocacy, education, and a commitment to shaping policies that will benefit our communities as a whole. With the new administration’s focus on addressing the housing crisis, we have an unprecedented opportunity to help shape policies that reflect what the housing industry truly needs to thrive.

The responsibility falls on us to ask ourselves a few key questions: Are we willing to take the time to be involved, to lend our voices and our expertise, to advocate for policies that reflect the realities of the housing market? Are we ready to step out of our comfort zones to join a broader, national conversation on housing reform?

Saying “yes” to these questions means embracing our role as change-makers. It means recognizing that our unique experiences, as professionals who understand the housing market firsthand, provide a perspective that lawmakers need to hear. It means acknowledging that while real estate is a business, it is also a vital component of community building. And communities depend on us to advocate for solutions that ensure everyone has a fair shot at homeownership, stable rentals, and affordable housing.

Consider the ripple effect of one voice, one idea, one person committed to making a difference. When you take that first step, however small it may seem, you inspire others to do the same. When you attend a meeting, you show that housing issues matter. When you reach out to representatives, you bring to life the experiences and concerns of your clients and colleagues. When you join a task force, you become part of a movement working toward sustainable solutions.

The power of collective action cannot be overstated. If we, as a community of real estate professionals, each take just one step, we can create momentum that drives meaningful change. We can push for legislation that simplifies zoning, advocates for fair lending practices, addresses affordability, and promotes the kind of development that strengthens neighborhoods rather than displacing residents.

Our involvement signals to policymakers that these issues are not abstract; they’re real, they’re pressing, and they affect the lives of millions of Americans. And when we bring our knowledge and expertise to the table, we help guide the conversation, ensuring that housing policies are grounded in the realities of the market rather than in theories or assumptions.

It’s time to recognize the influence we hold and to use it for the greater good. We need to step beyond our individual transactions and daily responsibilities, looking instead at the broader picture of how housing shapes lives and communities. The policies we help create today will determine the landscape of tomorrow’s housing market—one that we all have a stake in, both as professionals and as citizens.

So, let’s not be passive observers. Let’s rise to the occasion, contribute our voices, and work toward a housing market that reflects our shared values and aspirations. The journey to a better, more equitable housing industry begins with each of us choosing to take that first step. Are you ready? I hope the answer is a resounding “yes.” Together, we can make a profound difference.

A Call to Action: Stand Up and Be Heard

The path forward is clear: we must engage, advocate, and collaborate to shape the future of housing. The challenges before us are great, but so is our potential for impact. As real estate professionals, we possess the unique insights and practical experiences that policymakers need to craft effective, meaningful housing solutions. This moment requires each of us to step up—to move beyond our individual roles and see ourselves as advocates for a stronger, more equitable housing industry.

Our work cannot be left solely to associations or distant policy experts; it requires our voices, our stories, and our dedication. Every meeting attended, every conversation with a representative, and every small step taken contributes to a movement that, collectively, can create lasting change. We owe it not only to our clients and communities but also to the millions of Americans who dream of stable, affordable housing.

The housing industry’s future, with its challenges and its opportunities, is in our hands. Let’s use our knowledge, our passion, and our commitment to make a real difference. Together, by taking that first step and encouraging others to do the same, we can create a housing landscape that serves everyone—one that is accessible, affordable, and fair. So let’s move forward with purpose, knowing that the efforts we make today will shape the communities of tomorrow.

John G. Stevens is publisher of Weekly Real Estate News

Photo: Bauhaus1000 / Getty Images