Letter From Leadership 3/20/23

Hello Broker Family,

Tuesday, March 14th, was a big day in AIME’s mission to further entrench itself not only within our channel but also within our industry at large. We proudly report that AIME had two incredibly productive meetings with leadership from two established entities in our space – NAHREP and MBA.?

Housing policy is an all-encompassing topic in Washington, DC. There are many entities with varied interests, all fighting for their slice. Regardless of resources, it is a far easier fight to engage in when you have allies. Furthermore, progress is drastically more achievable when you find situations where you are rowing with the tide rather than against it. Despite what cable news may lead you to believe, progress in DC is made with partnership and compromise, not grandstanding.?

With these sentiments in mind, AIME’s legislative strategy has been one of collaboration and bridge-building. Plainly spoken, this is a drastic change from AIME’s approach in its earliest years.?

On Tuesday morning, we met with Jason Riveiro. Jason is the Executive Direction and Chief Operating Officer of The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP). NAHREP was hosting its annual Homeownership & Wealth Building Conference in Washington, DC. The event was packed with top-notch content and attendees and featured Skylar Welch, one of our own community leaders.?

Our conversation with Jason was introductory in nature. We learned a great deal about the focus of their Association and started exploring partnership opportunities and the potential for dual-membership structures. NAHREP represents a fantastic opportunity for our members to network within their communities and advance sustainable Hispanic homeownership. We’re excited about the potential for partnership between our community and theirs.?

Later that afternoon, we met with leadership from MBA.?

When Katie became CEO of AIME in 2020, to say that the bridge was burned between AIME and MBA would incorrectly make the assumption that there was a bridge to begin with. Repairing this relationship was one of the top items on our legislative agenda for a few reasons.?

First, it is a heck of a lot easier to make progress legislatively when you are on neutral terms with the most powerful institution in housing.?

Second, Brokers will be on the same side as Banks and Lenders on 80% of the issues that come up in DC. On another 15% of those issues, one side will care, and the other simply will not. On the remaining 5%, we can act like adults and respectfully disagree. We will not let that 5% hamper our ability to move the other 95% forward.?

Tuesday’s meeting further cemented our new relationship, which is not only neutral but actively positive. Specific topics of discussion included collaboration on cleaning up trigger leads and partnering to support a new bill that will be introduced this session of Congress that would create a new mortgage product — more on that in future letters.?

AIME and its members are in a better position this week than they were the week prior. If you feel that this type of support and representation is valuable to you, consider showing your appreciation with a paid membership. We recognize the current state of the market, but memberships start at $199/year . Our impact is limited only by our resources and your paid membership funds our ability to represent you in D.C.

Brokers Are Better, Together.

Brendan McKay Katie Sweeney

President of Advocacy CEO