What Sets a REALTOR® Apart (Hint: It’s Not Just Sales)

Attending the 2025 RPAC President’s Circle Conference last month in Orlando marked my third time at this incredible gathering, and somehow, each year tops the last. The content is never phoned in. It’s sharp, balanced, and built to give us the real story from both sides of the aisle. We’re hearing from the folks actually making the decisions—members of Congress, political advisors, and national journalists who are shaping what happens next.

One of the standout sessions this year featured former White House Chief of Staff and U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel alongside former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy. The conversation, moderated by my longtime friend and this year’s NAR President, Kevin Sears of Springfield, Massachusetts, was a masterclass in respectful disagreement with just the right amount of edge. It was hands-down the most interesting session of the week.

But it wasn’t just what was said on stage—it was who was in the seats. I was surrounded by hundreds of REALTORS® who are deeply invested in the future of our industry. These aren’t your “list it and leave it” types who toss a sign in the yard and wait. These are full-time professionals who get their hands dirty with policy, advocacy, and real leadership. They understand that real estate isn’t just about closing transactions—it’s about people, communities, and doing the right thing, even when there’s no applause.

I’ve looked up to many of them for most of my career. Sitting among them now? That hit me hard. It felt like arriving at a place I’d been working toward for years. I was in the right room, and I knew it.

And since this year’s conference happened in Orlando, well… you can guess what came next. As a literal card-carrying, hardcore Disney Adult, I couldn’t be that close to the magic without sneaking in a few extra days at Walt Disney World with Sharon. One evening during the conference, we joined fellow President’s Circle members from the Oklahoma City Metro Association of REALTORS® for dinner at a gorgeous new spot on Disney’s Boardwalk. Great food, great company, and a little OKCMAR pixie dust? Perfection.

So what does it take to be in the President’s Circle? Here’s the short version: REALTORS® must first contribute at the Major Investor level, and then invest additional funds throughout the year directly to federal incumbents who’ve proven they support housing access, private property rights, and fair real estate policy. It’s a serious commitment with a real-world impact. Some of these lawmakers are in tight races, and our support helps them stay in the fight—for our clients, for our communities, and for the future of homeownership.

In 2023, that long-standing commitment was recognized when I was inducted into the RPAC Hall of Fame. The ceremony was held last May in Washington, D.C., and while I’m not big on fanfare, I won’t pretend it didn’t mean something. It was a reminder that advocacy isn’t a side gig for me—it’s central to how I serve. This isn’t about titles or plaques. It’s about showing up again and again for the people who count on us. I’ve heard it said often in the circles I now have the privilege to be part of: if real estate is your profession, then politics ought to be your business. That’s stuck with me—and it’s one reason I keep showing up.

If you’ve ever wondered what separates top agents from those just along for the ride—this is a big part of it. The next time you’re interviewing an agent to represent you, ask them how they advocate for consumers beyond the contract. Are they in the rooms where the decisions are made? Are they working to protect your rights, not just their paycheck?