How are Realtors helping Connecticut’s economic recovery?
Over the past few months, the Connecticut Association of Realtors ( CT Realtors), hosted three gubernatorial candidate debates at the Shubert Theater attended by nearly 4,000 Realtors and their guests. We hosted one for the Republican primary in June, one for the Democratic primary in July and one between Ned Lamont and Bob Stefanowski in September.
Why? As Realtors, we are on the front lines with home buyers, sellers and business owners every day and work with Connecticut property owners across all income levels. We see firsthand the homeowners and business owners that are leaving the state. The reality is not that people are simply leaving to retire to a warmer climate, they are leaving because they can no longer afford to live and or do business here.
We see not only the headlinemaking big businesses that are moving to other states, but all the smaller businesses that are leaving as well. Businesses are leaving because of uncertainty in the economy and in our government. A stable economy will attract businesses, which brings jobs, which brings people with a need for housing. Housing — and the ability for residents to purchase and own or rent homes — is a key factor in our economic recovery.
Realtors are the leading advocates for private property and commercial real estate owners. We are actively engaged in creating a relationship with the governor and the legislature to leave politics at the door and make wise budget and policy decisions to foster a robust economy that will keep and attract businesses and bring job growth and stability to our state.
With more than 17,000 members, CT Realtors represents Connecticut’s largest trade association. We care about the future of our state and ask our future Governor and elected officials to come together to bring jobs and growth to Connecticut. As Realtors, it is our job to “sell Connecticut.” We are asking our state leaders to give us a Connecticut that we can sell.
Michael Barbaro, 2017- 2018 President of CT Realtors; Huntsman- Meade & Partners