How does passion and persistence create meaningful change? When it transforms your impact into bold action, putting you in the right rooms to engage in the governance and policies that shape communities, safeguard homeownership, and preserve the future of the industry. Erica Turner, sales representative with EXIT Realty Central in Ozone Park, NY, is one such real estate policy powerhouse, whose journey from corrections officer and District Attorney’s office to industry leader gives her a keen edge and a new outlet for advocacy.
Erica’s Advocacy at a Glance:
- 2025 Director at the Long Island Board of REALTORS® (LIBOR) serving on several committees
- Chair of LIBOR’s REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RPAC)
- New York State Association of REALTORS® (NYSAR) Board of Directors
- REALTOR® contact to the office of State Senator, Leroy Comrie as part of NYSAR’s State Political Coordinator (SPC) program
“I invest in RPAC to be part of the solution and to have a seat at the table where decisions are made.”
Q: How did your real estate journey begin?
A: I joined EXIT Realty Central in April 2004. At the time, I was fully employed by the New York City Department of Corrections. Instead of spending my three-week vacation relaxing, I invested it in myself—taking real estate classes, passing the state exam, and interviewing with brokers. A well-spent vacation, and it marked the start of a career that would evolve far beyond buying and selling homes.
Q: What sparked your interest in housing policy?
A: My interest in government housing policy sparked in 2018 when I joined LIBORS’ South Queens chapter and became a member of the Board of Directors. Homeownership became top of mind. Exposure to mortgage companies and first-time homebuyer programs opened my eyes to the power of policy in shaping opportunities for families.
Q: Why advocacy right now?
A: Rental prices are very high. Housing policies and advocacy are even more important now than ever. I make it a point to ask tenants if they’ve considered buying a home, often discovering that misconceptions about down payments hold people back. With programs available for first-time buyers, education is key to turning renters into owners—and owners into wealth builders.
Q: Tell us about your leadership roles.
A: I served on the Long Island Board of REALTORS®’ South Queens Chapter from 2018–2022, then joined LIBOR’s Board of Directors and committees, including Grievance (2022–23), Professional Standards (2024–25), and now chair the REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RPAC). RPAC raises funds to support candidates aligned with REALTOR® priorities. I also serve on NYSAR’s NYC Issues and Co-Op Issues Working Groups and recently became a State Political Coordinator for State Senator Leroy Comrie.
Q: What advice do you have for agents who want to get involved?
A: Start with committees. LIBOR is a great place to begin. You’ll hear something that sparks your interest, and that curiosity will lead you deeper. All it takes is one thing that lights the fire.
Q: What’s ahead for advocacy in your market?
A: Federally, REALTORS® are fighting for full restoration of the SALT deduction to ease the burden on New Yorkers. At every level, I champion fair housing laws and programs for first-time buyers—critical steps toward building intergenerational wealth.
Q: What’s your mantra when it comes to advocacy?
A: Knowledge is everything. Whether you’re speaking to a buyer, seller, or stranger, you must know your facts. Educate against misinformation and leave people with something to think about. It’s good for business and opens doors to more communication.
Q: What continues to fuel your passion?
A: Real estate participation has increased and that’s important to our shared agenda. I see agents from different cultures and backgrounds participating in advocacy. It’s exciting to see and makes us a more powerful political force.
Watch for part two of our REALTORS® Taking Action series, and for more real estate news and insights check out the latest Solution edition of The EXIT Achiever Magazine.
