Local Realtor Seeks to Safeguard Consumer Rights

If you were taking a survey of charitable professions, it's likely that a real estate broker wouldn't rank highly on that list.

However, Liz English, the newly-installed president of the Long Island Board of Realtors for 2011, is working hard to change that image.

A resident of West Islip since 1972, English has been married for 44 years to her husband, Ron. Previously a teacher, English has been working with Netter Real Estate in West Islip for the past 25 years.

"A quarter-century...wow, doesn't that sound long," she said. "I've been an associate over there since 1990, when I got my broker's license, and I've been on the executive board since 2006."

Since early on in her real estate career, English has been a proponent of honesty and fairness in a profession that makes that trait difficult at times.

"I like to joke that I'm a committed realtor, and that I probably should be committed as a result of it," she said.

After successfully working in the real estate trenches for many years, English started feeling the need to give back.

"I reached a stage in my life where I was helping consumers buy and sell real estate for 20 years, and I wanted to do a little more," she said. "So I started volunteering at the Long Island Board of Realtors, helping the realtors to become more professional, more cognizant of legislative issues, and more aware of what we do and doing it the right way."

The Long Island Board of Realtors, a division of the National Association of Realtors, is a not-for-profit trade association that serves real estate professionals.

"We are the only homeowner consumer advocacy group in the country," English said. "We work to help everyday people realize the American Dream."

As the Long Island Board of Realtors' new president, English has her sights set on accomplishing quite a bit in the upcoming year.

"My biggest goal is for full disclosure Co-op sales," she said. "Co-ops are owned by the corporation, and when they're sold, it's more shares transferred than real property. So, maybe that's the reason they've been able to escape the Fair Housing laws that exist in our country.

"So, if I show up at an interview with the Co-op board qualified financially, but if I'm dressed in a striped shirt and plaid skirt and they don't like my style of dress, even though I'm qualified, I can be denied. They don't need to tell me why."

In November of 2009, signed into law a Full Disclosure bill for Suffolk County, requiring Co-op boards to inform applicants of the outcome of their interview within 45 days, and they must list any reasons if they are denied. This is what English hopes to eventually achieve for all of Long Island and Queens.

"There are very few Co-ops in Suffolk County...there are loads more in Nassau and the city," she said. "It's just what's right....what's right for realtors is usually what's right for consumers."

A similar bill to Levy's is currently making the rounds in Nassau County.

"We're told it's going to pass," English said. "But it's been almost a year, and nothing's happening yet."

English also stressed the importance of trust in a seller-realtor relationship, which is why she advocates proper training and savvy for those in her profession.

It's a tough situation out there," she said. "We know that sellers need every last dime...but if you want to sell, it's not supposed to be a career, selling your house. Trust your realtor, because they're out for your best interests. After all, if they don't give you good advice, then they're not getting any business from your referrals."