Government Affairs and Policy Department

Our mission is to champion REALTORS® by positioning East Tennessee Realtors as a trusted voice in our community and a pioneer for real estate and community advocacy.

Public policy can impact our members and their businesses in meaningful ways. That's why East Tennessee REALTORS® is dedicated to building strong community partnerships in the East Tennessee area and advocating on behalf of its members by addressing legislative and regulatory issues affecting REALTORS® on the local, state, and national levels.

For more information about East Tennessee REALTORS® Governmental Affairs, our involvement in local politics and policy issues, and/or if you need help with a government-related issue, please contact Catrin Latham.

Market Pulse Newsletter

Want to regularly receive market statistics and updates regarding the East Tennessee housing market? Subscribe to Market Pulse, a monthly data-driven newsletter providing a rundown of local policy news and the latest housing market research and analysis, courtesy of East Tennessee REALTORS® Click here to subscribe.

Policy Advocacy

East Tennessee REALTORS® consistently advocates for the interests of its members and their communities throughout its 12-county jurisdiction. The Association encourages its members to become involved in civic life, to stay informed about policy issues impacting their community, and to support initiatives that promote and ensure vibrant and sustainable communities. As a member of East Tennessee Realtors, our governmental affairs team will keep you updated on pending legislative and regulatory issues and work with local government to position REALTORS® as a key stakeholder in current and future policy debate.

Community Development & Outreach

Education

The Government Affairs department is committed to providing educational opportunities for our members and their communities to learn about public policy and key policy issues affecting REALTORS®—such as affordable housing, infrastructure and transportation, inclusionary zoning (IZ), and others—as well as how to best engage with local government on policy issues impacting their community.

REALTOR® Action Center

Tennessee REALTORS®

The Tennessee REALTORS® identifies, analyzes and acts on local, state and national issues that affect the real estate industry and property owners. Now, more than ever, it is critical for REALTORS® to come together and speak with one voice about the stability a sound and dynamic real estate market brings to our communities.

From city hall to the state General Assembly to the United States Capitol, our elected officials are making decisions that have a huge impact on the bottom line of REALTORS® and their customers.

Click here to find out more about what Tennessee REALTORS is doing for you!

National Association of REALTORS®

Elected Officials Voting and Election Information

Elected Officials

Voting and Election Information

One of the most important acts REALTORS® can do to protect their business is to vote, and vote informed. Every vote counts, especially in local elections where races are often decided by less than 100 votes. With thousands of voting-age members, the Association membership is a powerful force in city and county races.

When REALTORS® vote in solidarity, candidates and elected officials take note and listen. Protecting your business should be part of your voting decisions and you owe it to yourself to take time to look at candidates endorsed by East Tennessee Realtors, Tennessee Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors.

The most fundamental element of grassroots political action is participating in the electoral process. In order to influence elections and maximize our political power as REALTORS®, we must all register to vote and support REALTOR®-friendly candidates on Election Day.

Register to vote and update your voter registration information by clicking here to visit the State of Tennessee's voter registration website. Or, contact your local election commission by clicking the appropriate link from the list below.

County Election Commissions

Anderson County
Blount County
Campbell County
Cumberland County
Fentress County
Knox County
Loudon County
Monroe County
Morgan County
Roane County
Scott County
Union County

Association Broker Advocacy & NAR Broker Involvement Program

The Broker Involvement Program provides broker-owners with a quick and effective tool to rally their agents on critical legislative issues affecting the real estate industry. Download a program brochure here.

What Does the Broker Involvement Program Offer?

Read the FAQ’s here, learn more about the program on the REALTOR® Action Center, and join online today.

Already a member? Update your brokerage information here.

Strengthening the REALTOR® Voice on Capitol Hill & Influencing Legislation Proven Results Easy-to-Manage Solution

Strengthening the REALTOR® Voice on Capitol Hill & Influencing Legislation

Broker Owners are involved with their company’s success, so it makes sense for them to be involved in the political process which can affect their bottom line. Congress responds to political pressure and their constituents – agents generate that pressure through their letters to their Senators and Representatives. With more REALTOR® support we can significantly increase our response rates to Calls for Action, thus influencing legislation that affects our business. The program is an opportunity to bring a strong and united REALTOR® voice to members of Congress. With over 10,000 broker owners and 380,000 agents in the program, the REALTOR® voice will be heard loud and clear.

The Broker Involvement Program is a quick and simple tool to rally more agents in bringing to Congress’ attention issues of concern to the REALTOR® community and the potential to better assist Realtor friendly campaigns through increased participation by our 1.1 million members. When brokers get involved, Realtors® influence legislation.

Proven Results

NAR has professional lobbyists and many REALTOR® volunteers that interact with Congressional leaders, but the voice of our 1.1 million members is the most critical aspect of influencing positive legislative outcomes. So how do we attract greater REALTOR® participation?

Through the Broker Involvement Program, NAR discovered that when Broker Owners alert their agents to key issues, agents listen, respond, and take action. We know from the Brokers that are already in the Program that the Calls for Action response rates are significantly higher when agents receive a message from their Broker asking them to participate. Nearly 42 percent of all responses on recent years’ Calls for Action were from agents in the Broker Involvement Program. On the whole, agents are four times more likely to take action on an issue when that request is coming from their broker!

Easy-to-Manage Solution

REALTOR Party

As a member of the REALTOR® Party, you vote for candidates at the local, state and national levels who support the REALTOR® Party and make the right decisions for your profession and your customers.

As America's largest professional trade association, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® actively protects the interests of its nearly 1 million members daily.

From its building located steps away from the United States Capitol, NAR advocates for federal policy initiatives that strengthen the ability of Americans to own, buy and sell real property.

Click here for a snapshot of key advocacy information from NAR.

REALTOR® Party

Current Issues

Key Advocacy Information

Government Affairs and Policy Department

Our mission is to champion REALTORS® by positioning East Tennessee Realtors as a trusted voice in our community and a pioneer for real estate and community advocacy.

Market Pulse Newsletter

United States Congress

Tennessee General Assembly

City & County Governments & Officials

Association Broker Advocacy & NAR Broker Involvement Program

What Does the Broker Involvement Program Offer?

REALTOR Party

Serving the real estate interests of our members and the public since 1912.