By Wendy Cole, Senior Editor

ORLANDO—Less than 48 hours after Barack Obama was elected President of the United States, NAR leaders expressed confidence that the ascent of the junior Illinois senator to the White House would bode well for REALTORS®.

At Thursday’s Member and Director Update at the Peabody Hotel, Chief Lobbyist Jerry Giovaniello noted that Obama has long been an advocate for property tax and fought predatory lending. Obama also supported the NAR-backed economic stimulus plan, which boosted loan limits in high-cost areas.

As much opening-day pep rally for the 2008 REALTORS® Conference & Expo as it was an informational forum, the high-toned gathering also offered a sneak preview of the association’s first-ever foray into the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day.

The Centennial Float features a colorful tree house theme, inspired by the shipwrecked Swiss Family Robinson. Members saw artistic renderings of the float and heard the specially-commissioned tune that will play on the floral-festooned float during the parade.

The presentation was a powerful reminder that homeownership is far more than a financial transaction: It’s also deeply emotional. Cue the music.