ingly overnight, it changed the world of real estate investing. Top that off with technology and it’s not surpris- ing that some couldn’t keep up with how fast things were changing. The sooner we realize that change is good and inevitable, the better we can adapt to any industry. Change doesn’t come without its own set of challenges, which is why so much more advocacy has been required. With change, opportunities for exploitation or exclusion may creep into the process. We should con- sider as one of our personal chal- lenges to be that change we wish to see, to embody it in our daily work. Over the years as the industry has exploded, advocacy from the inside out is needed more than ever. Advocacy is how we bring aware- ness to problems. It gives a voice to the underserved and, when done properly, it levels the playing field. • BRINGS AWARENESS —with an ever-changing real estate
zations committed to moni- toring what is happening.
tion of Private Lenders (AAPL), so much so that I have earned a couple of their certifications. This organi - zation along with Think Realty has helped to write legislation through advocacy on behalf of private lend- ers and real estate investors. And, just to be clear, there isn’t an ideal advocate, nor is there an ideal time to initiate advocacy. ‘Now’ is almost always the best time to share an idea, to speak up, or to call a meeting, and there probably isn’t any- one better suited to do so than you. It is important when working within an industry that you become committed to the rules, written and unwritten. I hope that the more you learn about real estate investing, the more you want to change it for the better. It takes us all working together to make real estate invest- ing safe and lucrative for everyone. Happy wealth building!
• PROVIDES A VOICE —I often think about what would happen if there weren’t people who were willing to stand up and sound alarms. Whether it’s a whistleblower or more outwardly pointing out how certain practices are harmful or destructive, this is all neces- sary to have more of an impact on underserved populations. • LEVELS THE PLAYING FIELD —I am convinced that if it wasn’t for advocacy, some things would never change. This is mainly because when everyone is busy working in the industry, they can become blind to what is in front of them. When advocacy enters the picture, it brings issues to the forefront that must be dealt with. For years, organizations like Real Estate Investor Associations (REIAs) were the only place you could turn for advice, but many weren’t true places of advocacy. In recent years, I have been involved and impressed with the work of the American Associa-
Sonia Booker is known in the industry as “The Wealth Builder” and was recently featured in Oprah’s O Magazine for her trailblazing work
market it is easy to become complacent and miss some of the glaring problems. We must have people or organi-
in real estate. She’s a best-selling author, educator, media host, and sought-after public speaker, but first and foremost, Sonia is real estate investor.
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