Listen to the news and you will hear all about declining home prices, foreclosure, short sales and bankruptcy. The blame game is rampant. Mortgage Brokers, sub-prime lenders, and Real Estate Agents are on the tips of everyone’s tongues. Just this morning I sat in line at the bank and listened to a gentleman let the Customer Service agent know that we are all in this mess because of the Real Estate Agents driving prices so high then pulling the rug out from under this market so they can sell the homes again. He didn’t know I was a Realtor and I didn’t tell him! But, there is another side to Real Estate that does not get talked about very much. What about the stories of community building and support of local charities by Realtors?

I would like to find a way to change the focus to the positive actions of the Real Estate world. I feel fortunate to live and work in a small community that embraces its Real Estate agents as an important part of the community and a great source of grants and scholarships for programs in our community that benefit the poor, homeless, seniors and children. It is time something like this hit the news! The Petaluma Chapter of Realtors has contributed over $500,000 to the community of Petaluma since 1977. For the last three years I have had the privilege of giving service to my community on the Board of Directors for the Chapter. Most recently we organized the 16th Annual golf tournament. What an event! We were very worried about finding sponsors, prizes and golfers in this depressed economy. I am proud to say the committee members pulled it off and signed up 25 hole sponsors and 5 corporate sponsors. More than the last two years! The generous participation of local vendors made the day a success. They realize the importance of community, especially in hard times.

I believe that Real Estate agents sell the community, not just the properties. We are community centric. My mantra is that I can build a solid business through dedicating my energy to my family, business and building the community I sell.


Posted By: Rebecca Celli