Charity funds are great for that sort of thing. Many local boards have 'em. But sometimes the payouts feel a bit like the old dichotomy between giving people fish and enabling them to fish on their own. Don't get me wrong, I think giving is good; it's just that enablement feels better somehow.

So it was with pleasure when I happened across news of how the Pacific West Association of Realtors (PWR) did just that. Early this year PWR turned a charity fund, along with donations from corporate sponsors and C.A.R.'s Housing Affordability fund, into a community support program that helps low income first-time home buyers get into their first home. With median home prices in Orange County, California well-surpassing the conforming loan limit, it's almost a given that a first-timer would already be in jumbo loan territory even for a smallish condo. And, given the higher lending standards today, first-time buyers is a demographic that definitely could use some help. But not only that, it's also a program that ends up being a bridge that enables the Realtor to keep the deal together and their client in the game.

As for PR? Well, there is that.  But it's refreshing to see that PR didn't seem to be the main driving force when this program was thought up.  But, come to think of it, it does carry a tint of that warm fuzzy feeling for Realtors giving back to the community, doesn't it?  And, it also carries a lesson, which is this:  have you read your local board's e-newsletter lately?  ;-)