Gary Thomas, a Realtor in Orange County, California, and the CEO and Founder of the company I work for — Altera Real Estate — has been named the 2011 First Vice President for the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® or NAR. This is a huge honor and commitment, as NAR is widely considered to be the Voice for Real Estate and is America’s largest trade association. NAR represents 1.1 million REALTORS® and is involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

In Real Estate for more than 30 years, Gary has dedicated much of his time in Washington, DC, speaking with Congressman from across our great country to make sure that Orange County homebuyers and sellers are protected. Gary’s current mission is to fight for affordable lending in Orange County and other high-cost areas. Congress seems apathetic to that fact that unless it acts by October 1, the high-cost limit for loans that meet FHA and secondary market guidelines will adjust down, resulting in a significant drop in housing prices in more than 600 counties in 42 states; including California. Gary Thomas of Altera Real Estate in Orange County, CA is determined not to let this happen.

Gary Thomas of Orange County’s Altera Real Estate wants to ensure that buyers in higher-priced markets (like Orange County) will be able to obtain conventional financing. Unless Congress supports an extension of the FHA and GSE loan limits and opposes any votes allowing the limits to drop back to their lower level, Gary is certain there will be a negative ripple effect on buyers throughout the country at all price points.

As a real estate agent with over 25 years experience myself, I have seen the Orange County real estate market rise and fall. I have also witnessed firsthand the benefits of having the owner of the company I work for, Altera Real Estate, have a strong voice in Congress. Gary Thomas understands Orange County real estate and listens to his agents, myself included, share their concerns, observations, etc…

For more information on Altera Real Estate, contact Cheryl Marquis today.