Connect Magazine May/June 2017 | Page 5

A LE T T ER FROM T HE PR E S I D E NT Greetings fellow Members! Summer is on its way and the first quarter is history! I hope everyone had a great Winter/Spring season to get your year off to a solid start. According to Florida Realtors®, Lee County real estate showed an increase in average sale size of over 7%, decrease in time on market of over 11%, all while increasing the choices consumers have (inventory) by over 8%. Money remains available and reasonably priced, allowing buyers the opportunity to continue to take advantage of value pricing (when compared to other tropical areas like ours) at unprecedented low rates on mortgages! We continue our involvement supporting local charitable organizations that bring needed help to the citizens in the communities in which we work. Valerie’s House is our Association’s chosen organization this year and I encourage you to learn more about the tremendous role they play in supporting children and families that have lost a loved one, and otherwise would have no alternative to get assistance during their time of grieving and dealing with their situation. Several events are planned throughout the year to raise money for this great cause. Please watch for news about the events, mark your calendars, and come out to support our efforts to give back to the citizens that we serve in our area. A huge THANK YOU to the Events Committee and the YPN Committee for their dedication to providing us with enjoyable opportunities to benefit those in need! Our Association had a fantastic presence at Reach Back, this year’s Great American Realtor® Days in Tallahassee and we can never forget Leap Forward the importance of strong representation when it comes to the legislative issues that affect our clients’ property rights, property values, and In closing, let me express my sincere thanks and extreme our careers! An investment in RPAC (Realtor® Political Action appreciation to all of those who volunteer countless hours to Committee) is an investment in the future of your career. Many of f urther the Mission of our Association! Without the tremendous us, recognizing the importance of the support we need to give, dedication of our Committee Chairs, Vice Chairs and Committee are Major Investors. Please consider committing to a minimum and Task-Force Members, we would never be able to accomplish contribution of $99/year, or join those of us that are Major the outstanding support and benefits that the Royal Palm Coast Investors. Knowledge is potential power and Major Investors Realtor® Association provides you - its Members, as well as are kept on the cutting edge of issues and in contact with the others in the Community. The personal sacrifice and leadership legislators that affect their consumers and their businesses. For provided by your Association and MLS Officers, Directors and more information on contribution levels and benefits, you can Staff is second to none and we thank them for their service and contact RPAC Chair Blaine Elmer or Chris Lopez, our Government contribution! Together, we continue to “Reach Back and Leap Forward!” Affairs Director at the Association. William E. Steinke, P.A., CNE 2017 President RPCRA.ORG | MAY/JUN 2017 5