Public Policy

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Purpose and Objectives

The single, most outstanding characteristic that sets REALTORS^® apart from other real estate practitioners is the willingness to accept and abide by the Code of Ethics of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®. The Code of Ethics, which was first adopted on July 29, 1913, is a living document–responsive in its content to changes in the law and industry. The Code has been revised several times through the years to reflect current developments in professional real estate practice. The term REALTOR^® has come to represent competency, fairness, and high integrity. These qualities stem from voluntary adherence to an ideal of moral conduct in real estate business practices.

But even with the best of intention, planning and preparation, occasional disagreements arise between REALTORS^® and/or between REALTORS^® and their clients or customers. The Williamsburg Area Association of REALTORS® (WAAR) offers its members and their clients and customers a method to resolve complaints if they believe a REALTOR^® may have acted in an unethical manner. An ethics hearing may be held and REALTORS^® judged by their peers to determine if the code of ethics had been violated.

The Public Policy Team of the Williamsburg Area Association of REALTORS is dedicated to protecting YOU, your profession and business. We utilize several different committees and coalitions and full-time staff professionals to effectively and efficiently achieve this goal such as lobbying against legislative and regulatory proposals that can negatively impact our real estate industry. Our Public Policy Program also includes:

Monitoring municipalities: James City County, York County, New Kent County and the City of Williamsburg
An active Public Policy Committee
History of setting record RPAC fundraising goals
A Legislative Director/Consultant to monitor local, state and national issues
Political candidate screening
Call-to-action website for local, state and national issues

REALTOR® representation in government is critical to creating and maintaining the most positive environment for our industry. We encourage you to become a politically active and informed REALTOR®, and join us as we continue to protect your livelihood. When informed REALTORS® speak their minds, lawmakers listen.

Legislative Updates

Elected Officials

FEDERAL

STATE

LOCAL

FEDERAL

United States Senate

Honorable Tim Kaine
Honorable Mark Warner

United States House of Representatives

STATE

Commonwealth of Virginia

LOCAL

Frequently Asked Questions About RPAC

What is RPAC of Virginia?

How does RPAC of Virginia protect the real estate industry?

RPAC of Virginia helps protect the industry by funding those candidates for elective office who best represent the concerns of this industry. In this way, RPAC of Virginia impacts key issues in the General Assembly (like defeating transfer taxes and impact fees and protecting REALTOR® interests). Many other issues of importance to the membership of the Virginia Association of REALTORS® are also affected by RPAC of Virginia’s activities.

Who decides what issues will be funded and what candidates will be endorsed?

If all three levels of government are involved in RPAC of Virginia, where does my money go?

Isn’t giving RPAC money equivalent to buying a candidate’s vote?

No. At the federal level, there are strict PAC spending limits set for each election. At the state level, RPAC of Virginia bases the amount of money contributed on how costly the candidate’s race should be based on opposition and media markets. On average, RPAC of Virginia contributions to candidates are modest, ranging between $500 and $2,500. That’s hardly enough to “buy” a vote.

What are some of the factors considered before the RPAC of Virginia Trustees make a donation to a General Assembly candidate?

If the candidate is an incumbent, the Trustees look at how well the candidate has worked with the local REALTORS® he/she represents, how he/she voted on key issues and worked with VAR lobbyists, what committees he/she serves on, and what his/her chances are for re-election. If the candidate is not an incumbent, then the Trustees rely heavily on answers to candidate questionnaires and local association input from candidate interviews.

Is RPAC of Virginia affiliated with either major political party?

How can I support RPAC of Virginia when it funds candidates with whom I disagree?

Do RPAC of Virginia Trustees ever fund both candidates in a House of Delegates or Senate race?

While the Trustees have “dual”-funded many elections in the past, they now recognize that this often results in wasteful spending. The Trustees encourage Local Associations to interview all candidates for state offices and make a recommendation to RPAC of Virginia based on the interview process. While the Trustees can “dual”-fund a race, it takes the approval of three-quarters of the voting Trustees present at any meeting to do so.

What is the position of the RPAC of Virginia Trustees concerning funding of “REALTOR®” candidates?

While the RPAC of Virginia Trustees do want to promote REALTOR® candidates, it is important to note that just because the candidate is a REALTOR®, it does not mean he/she will receive a RPAC of Virginia endorsement. Like the National RPAC Trustees, the RPAC of Virginia Trustees are guided by a number of factors which hopefully will lead to a decision that is best for the overall good of the Association.

How can I get involved?

Major Investors include:

What are the giving levels of RPAC of Virginia investors?