Top 5 TREPAC Myths
- TREPAC only supports __________ political party.
- TREPAC and HAR Staff just pick whichever candidates they want to support.
- My vote and/or investment doesn’t make a difference – they don’t need me.
- Those decisions don’t impact my business. Nothing is going to change.
- TREPAC spends all the money raised on big events.
MYTH #1: TREPAC only supports __________ political party.
FACT: TREPAC is non-partisan which means that we are not affiliated directly with any political party. TREPAC’s mission is to identify candidates for elected office on the local, state and national levels who will work with REALTORS® to promote and protect the American Dream of property ownership. Candidates who receive support from TREPAC are not selected based on their political party or ideology, but solely on their support of real estate issues. Our legislative allies are members of the REALTOR® Party. The REALTOR® Party supports the issues that are important to you as a REALTOR®, regardless of political party affiliation. The best example of this in on the national level where in the last election cycle 57% of funds went to Republicans and 43% to Democrats, which closely tracks the current makeup of Congress.
MYTH #2: TREPAC and HAR Staff just pick whichever candidates they want to support.
FACT: All of the candidates supported by HAR TREPAC are selected by REALTOR® members volunteering on our Political Affairs Committees. The PAAG and PAALS groups interview candidates and make recommendations which are reviewed by the HAR Board of Directors. Want to be a part of the process below? Volunteer during our “Get Involved Campaign” in October.
MYTH #3: My vote and/or investment doesn’t make a difference – they don’t need me.
FACT: YOU can make a difference! Currently, TREPAC is the largest grassroots effort in the state. And it is through these efforts, funded by our REALTOR® members banding together, TREPAC is able to achieve its excellent results. Did you know that an HAR Recommended Candidate for Sugar Land City Council once won her election by one vote? That’s right, just one vote. Since she has been elected, Sugar Land City Council has been pro-growth and development building the new Smart Financial Entertainment Center and making Sugar Land a destination city.
MYTH #4: Those decisions don’t impact my business. Nothing is going to change.
FACT: Over the past few years, TREPAC’s legislative success have saved the average REALTOR® approximately $5,000 annually and the Texas homeowner even more. Just think about what would happen to your business if a 20% down payment was required for all homebuyers.What if an 8% tax was applied to each real estate transaction? Those would both impact who would be able to afford a home and ultimately your business.
MYTH #5: TREPAC spends all the money raised on big events.
FACT: Investments made to TREPAC go to candidates. No money from even a ticket to an event like the Casino Night goes toward the cost of the event. HAR TREPAC fundraising and investor appreciation events are all paid for by fabulous sponsors and HAR’s TREPAC Operating Budget.
