The nearly 3,000-member local trade organization is affiliated with both the state and national association of Realtors. Realtor members and associates not only work to protect homeowner property rights but also promote professionalism within the real estate industry. Locally, the group consists of approximately 180 members who meet weekly over breakfast in Los Gatos.

Alston, who is a Realtor with Alain Pinel Realtors in Los Gatos, views himself and other Realtor members of the group as representatives for local property owners and ambassadors for the real estate industry.

"It's sort of like being in a role as a legislator who is representing the needs of the Los Gatos and Saratoga area and bringing back information to homeowners," said Alston, who decided to become a Realtor because he wanted to become more involved in the industry.

With an aspiration to eventually become the president of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors as well as to manage a real estate company, Alston's ultimate goal is to become more politically active so he can make a difference as an advocate for homeowners.

Three issues are on the top of Alston's agenda for the coming year: affordable housing, insurance reform and credit company liability. He also hopes to increase Realtor membership at the local level and to let people know the difference between Realtors and real estate agents.

"Realtors are members of the local, state and national association and must follow a strict code of ethics. A real estate agent is just someone who holds a real estate license," Alston said. "As Realtors we are tackling some major issues in the industry, such as affordable housing."

The Housing Affordability Foundation, established by the California Association of Realtors, will raise funds to help local associations help local communities, and Alston will be bringing the affordability issue to the forefront.

"There are a lot of people in our community—such as our teachers, firemen and policeman—who help us out on a daily basis but can't afford to live here," Alston said. "We are looking at ways to help those people buy homes in our community."

Another important issue for Alston is insurance reform. In addition to the problem of some homeowners having troubling obtaining insurance at any cost, Alston said a task force has been created to address the issue of making sure insurance policies will hold up after close of escrow. The task force will advocate for fully bound policies that can't be cancelled on a whim once escrow closes.

Another area of concern that affects the loan process when purchasing a home targets credit companies. "Some people are forced to get a higher interest rate because it takes too long to remove any erroneous information," Alston said. "We want to make credit companies liable for not removing erroneous information in a timely manner."

As part of one of the largest organizations in California that continually fights for homeowner rights, Alston is encouraged by the increased involvement of Realtors at the local level. He has seen greater participation in the local Realtor organization, with membership almost tripling in the last three years.

"We're a friendly bunch that meets every week for a tour meeting," Alston said. "It's a good place to get visibility for existing homes on the market and helps sell them quickly since they will be seen by a wide range of agents. It's also a good opportunity to get to know other Realtors outside your own company. It's a great outlet for meeting people, and the end result is that through cooperation and collaboration transactions go smoother."

This year, Realtors will again make a commitment to the community through a variety of projects and programs. Several major projects are on the docket. During the spring, RSSVP (Realtor Safety and Service Volunteer Program) focuses on seniors by providing hands-on assistance to wash windows, clean gutters, turn mattresses, change smoke detector batteries and perform home repairs and other health and safety tasks. In the fall, local Realtors hold a fundraising event called Home for the Holidays to benefit the Housing Industry Foundation. At the holidays, Operation Reindeer, a collaboration with the American Red Cross, provides toys and food for needy families and seniors.

In addition to all his duties as district chair, Alston still finds time to keep on top of the real estate market. He believes it's a good time to buy, before the market heats up this spring.

"It's a strong buyer's market—there are more sellers than buyers. Rates are so low that it's a perfect time," said Alston. "As a seller, be realistic and listen to your Realtor so you can position your house to be the best in your price range. Things will start heating up in March and April, so now is the time to talk to your Realtor to get your home sold."

Other local Realtors joining Alston in homeowner advocacy are District Chairman-elect John Tripp, Foundation Trust Mortgage of San Jose; Silicon Valley Association of Realtors President-elect Ron Gates of Alain Pinel Realtors in Los Gatos; and California Association of Realtors Region Nine Director Jeff Barnett, vice president of Alain Pinel Realtors in Los Gatos.