The Wisconsin Realtors Association has announced the formation of a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization to represent homeowners and property owners in the state.
The mission of this Wisconsin Homeowners Alliance Inc. is “to advance and promote issues of concern to all Wisconsin property owners,” according to the trade group’s announcement.
On its Web site, the Realtor group has prepared short videos that provide information about the new nonprofit group.
Bill Malkasian, president of the Wisconsin Realtor group, said in a statement, “The main purpose of the Wisconsin Homeowners Alliance is to protect people’s property rights, home values and the real estate market – issue by issue – on a statewide and local basis.”
“The Alliance will work on behalf of property owners by means of education and advocacy,” according to the association announcement. “Through education, the organization will keep the state’s property owners informed of state and local regulatory issues that affect the ownership of property in Wisconsin. Advocacy efforts will focus on raising awareness of issues affecting Wisconsin property owners through general media communications and grassroots mobilization.”
Kitty Jedwabny, a Fox Valley Realtor and chairwoman for the Wisconsin Realtor group, said in a statement that the alliance will advocate for property owners’ interests through the media and through grassroots actions such as phone-calling campaigns and citizen rallies.
“The (association) is taking the lead in forming the Alliance because of its awareness of the need to expand advocacy efforts in Wisconsin on behalf of homeowners and property owners,” the association announced. The alliance will have a board of nine directors, composed of Realtors chosen by the current association board.
The alliance will provide educational products for Realtors to use with consumers, the association also announced. The first such product is “Wisconsin Home” magazine, which is expected to launch soon.
“The Alliance will keep state and local officials, and the public, aware of how various proposed policies could help – or hurt – housing and property ownership,” said Michael Theo, vice president for the trade group. Established in 1908, the Wisconsin Realtor Association has about 18,000 members.
***
Send tips or a Letter to the Editor to glenn@inman.com or call (510) 658-9252, ext. 137.
