5 minute read
REALTORS® Taking Action
from The Solution Edition
by EXITAchiever
In real estate, making an impact is more than just helping clients, it means engaging in the policies and processes that shape communities, safeguard homeownership, and preserve the future of the industry. This path starts with a single decision: to get involved. For two of EXIT Realty’s own remarkable female leaders, Erica Turner, Sales Representative with EXIT Realty Central in Ozone Park, NY and Kinga Korpacz, Franchisee of EXIT Realty Redefined in Rolling Meadows, IL, this decision has led to deep-rooted leadership in advocacy and a relentless drive for resolution.
The journey into real estate began, for both, with a desire to make meaningful changes. After more than two decades with the New York City Department of Corrections and over four with the District Attorney’s office, Erica brought her passion for law, order, and civic engagement into real estate, finding a new outlet for advocacy through the REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RPAC).
“I invest in RPAC to be a part of the solution and to have a seat at the table where decisions are made,” said Erica, a 2025 Director at the Long Island Board of REALTORS® (LIBOR), where she serves on several committees and is Chair of its RPAC Committee. She’s also on the Board of Directors for the New York State Association of REALTORS® (NYSAR). For Kinga, who now holds numerous roles, including President of the Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®, Vice Chair of the Illinois REALTORS® Strategic Planning Committee, and is a member of multiple advocacy-focused groups at the national level, her real estate path was born out of necessity and vision.
“I was raising two young children, navigating a difficult personal chapter, and needed flexibility,” she said. Originally from Poland, she had already witnessed the transformative power of homeownership and was drawn to the values of empowerment, collaboration, and innovation found in the EXIT model.
The shift from agent to advocate was a natural one for both women, driven by their desire to do more than navigate policy. They wanted to shape it.
“I joined my local Government Affairs Committee simply out of curiosity,” shared Kinga. “Then I was asked to be a Federal Political Coordinator (FPC) to Congressman, Raja Krishnamoorthi. I didn’t know what it would involve at first, but that one ‘yes’ changed everything.”
Erica, was also asked to be a part of NYSAR’s State Political Coordinator (SPC) program and now serves as a REALTOR® contact to the office of State Senator, Leroy Comrie. As an RPAC leader, she views advocacy as a powerful way to elevate professionalism and protect the core values of the real estate industry, saying, “I believe in supporting lawmakers who are like-minded and whose views align with our industry’s agenda. RPAC gives us a collective platform to be heard at the federal, state, and local levels.”
There’s definitely been a shift. Years ago, it was a smaller circle of committed advocates. Now, more agents are recognizing how directly these decisions affect their clients and their businesses.
—KINGA KORPACZ, FRANCHISEE
From zoning laws and rent control to tax reform and first-time buyer incentives, real estate professionals are confronting a wave of legislative challenges that impact both their businesses and their clients’ futures.
“There’s no better time to be involved,” Kinga said. “Housing policy affects everything. Our economy, education, infrastructure, and quality of life.”
“We’re not just selling homes. We’re fighting for the American Dream, for fair housing, and for the right of every person to own a piece of their future…” Erica agreed. “Let your voice be heard. Your investment in RPAC is an investment in your profession, your community, and your future.”
For professionals looking to get involved, both say the path is simple: show up, speak up, and stay committed. Erica suggests getting involved with your board’s different committees as a great start.
“You’ll hear something that might interest you or connect back to something you have been worried about. All it takes is that one thing that lights the fire for you. Once you get that spark, your curiosity will make you dig a little deeper to get a better understanding.”
“You don’t have to know everything,” Kinga shared, echoing Erica’s committee recommendation. “Start by attending a Government Affairs Committee meeting. Get familiar with local issues. Contribute to RPAC, sign up for REALTOR® Party alerts, and make it a habit to attend town hall meetings in your community.”
“Most REALTORS® are homeowners themselves, and we understand firsthand that real estate is often the single largest investment our clients will ever make. That’s why protecting that investment through sound policy is essential…If we’re trusted to guide people through their biggest investment, why shouldn’t we also help shape the policies that protect it?”
While both are optimistic about the future, they look ahead realistically at the work still yet to be done, seeing the movement growing stronger.
“REALTORS® have begun to see that being politically active isn’t optional if we want to protect our profession and serve our clients effectively,” Kinga explained.”The increased push from associations for advocacy education has also helped bring more professionals into the fold.”
Erica is thankful for those who came before her, paving the way for all that REALTORS® are achieving today. She’s hopeful saying, “Let us keep up the good fight—for tomorrow, and the future generation’s leaders.”
