Among the objections I hear from non-members of the association is that TAVMA is too expensive, that it does "the same things" as other trade groups they belong to, or that it doesn't do anything the prospect can't do for itself. Now the sales training seminars would tell me to a) acknowledge the objection; b) restate the objection, and c) overcome the objection. So I follow the formula because it's the formula. But deep down what I want to say is this: Every real estate settlement service provider in the United States - particularly those operating in multiple states - needs to support TAVMA. Because, in many cases, TAVMA is all they've got.

At its core, TAVMA exists to promote and protect the real estate settlement services industry and to provide useful information about the industry to media, federal and state governments, users and vendors of settlement services like title agency, appraisal, and flood reporting companies. We also do it through my favorite channels: speaking at industry conferences and the annualTAVMA conference and exposition.

Did you know that prior to the mortgage meltdown I've routinely spoken on your industry's behalf at over a dozen conferences per year? Or that TAVMA representatives have been quoted in all the major industry trade publications including the Wall Street Journal? Or even that TAVMA has invested over a half-million dollars to influence the legislative process? How else could TAVMA do this were it not for the support of our member companies?

If your company is not a member of TAVMA or if you are a member but are unsure whether you'll renew your company's membership in 2009, I‘ll ask you to do me this favor. Go to the website, www.tavma.org, and review our articles, letters to legislators, position papers, newsletters, and other materials. If you conclude that TAVMA is NOT the settlement services industry's best hope for balanced and fair recognition amongst media, government, user groups, and vendors, then don't join the association; you won't see the value. However, if you do see the need for an industry advocate I'll respectfully ask you to become a TAVMA member in 2009.

You'll find more information about membership under the Join Us tab on the website. Moreover, I would encourage you to contact any of our Board of Directors for a reference or to gain their insights into the organization.

I hope you will decide to become a TAVMA member. We need all the support we can get... especially now when the market is so unfavorable and our legislators' urge to regulate is on the rise.
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