Interested in submitting an article for a future issue?
Email: editors@hrra.com
WELCOME
THANK
EDITOR: DR DAWN KENNEDY (dkennedy@hrra com)
SALES: Misty Pritchett (advertising@ hrra com)
HRRA reserves the
to edit or refuse all submissions for publication HRRA reserves the
Happy St. Patrick’s Day, either early or belated, depending on when you read this CEO brief As a Celt, both by birth and marriage, I do celebrate St Patrick’s Day I make corned beef and cabbage, boiled new potatoes, and Irish soda bread I have been told I have the luck of the Irish, but when I look back at different events in my life that others may have considered lucky, I realize that maybe I was in the right place at the right time. However, most of the luck in those moments was preceded by years of hard work or study. I am a firm believer in making one’s own luck.
So, how do you make your own luck in real estate? Consistent and constant self-education. Real estate coaches and coaching programs are great but are only one component of education. Leverage the association's educational offerings often If you don’t have a designation, you should get one Coupled with hard work and implementation, it should result (if a decade of trend research serves true) in a nice increase in income.
Luck often results from the karmic phenomenon called boomerang: basically, what you give out comes back to you. My son, a REALTOR® in Oklahoma, made a point many years ago to help some of his much older counterparts deal with all the new real estate technology that seemed to explode in the early 2000s. He did not expect anything in return; he felt he was learning from the systems and techniques those non-tech-savvy REALTORS® had used for 40 years or more. His big lucky break came when two of the REALTORS® he gave hours of support to each left him their substantial book of business Was he lucky? Maybe, but I would argue he put in years of effort into his
relationships with these two REALTORS®. I often tell new members to leverage the association to expand their relationships When I look at the wall in our large classroom, filled with canvases of members who give anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 annually to RPAC, I know they are a) extremely successful and b) involved in HRRA. Success rubs off; the association networking events are an opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the best in the business.
Luck begins with achievable goals. Setting small goals that one can believe are achievable is the secret to creating luck. When I first went back to school, I did so because I wanted to be eligible to lead my department (I knew my supervisor was considering moving). I could see myself getting a bachelor’s degree After graduating and taking a year off school, the idea of a master’s degree did not seem so far off I graduated summa cum laude, so I had proven to myself I could be a successful student. Once I achieved that goal, I knew I could manage the PhD program. Was it hard? You bet! But I knew it was achievable.
I wish each and every HRRA member the luckiest year ever!
Happy Selling!
"Luck begins with achievable goals." Dr Dawn Kennedy
Disclose! Disclose! Disclose! This was a title of a very popular 3-hour CE class in Oklahoma City, but where does a REALTOR®’s responsibilities end when it comes to pertinent facts? Where is the line? The NAR Case Interpretations are required policy and may be used in determining a violation. Each month the NAR case interpretation will be related on an actual complaint received by the HRRA Professional Standards staff.
(Revised Case #9-10 May, 1988 Transferred to Article 2 November, 1994.)
Shortly after REALTOR® A, the listing broker, closed the sale of a home to Buyer B, a complaint was received by the Association charging REALTOR® A with an alleged violation of Article 2 in that he had failed to disclose a substantial fact concerning the property. The charge indicated that the house was not connected to the city sanitary sewage system, but rather, had a septic tank.
In a statement to the Association’s Grievance Committee, Buyer B stated that the subject was not discussed during his various conversations with REALTOR® A about the house However, he pointed out that his own independent inquiries had revealed that the street on which the house was located was “sewered” and he naturally assumed the house was connected. He had since determined that every other house on the street for several blocks in both directions was connected. He stated that REALTOR® A, in not having disclosed this exceptional situation, had failed to disclose a pertinent fact.
REALTOR® A’s defense in a hearing before a Hearing Panel of the Professional Standards Committee was:
1 that he did not know this particular house was not connected with the sewer;
2. that in advertising the house, he had not represented it as being connected;
3. that at no time, as Buyer B conceded, had he orally stated that the house was connected; 4. that it was common knowledge that most, if not all, of the houses in the area were connected to the sewer; and
5. that the seller, in response to REALTOR® A’s questions at the time the listing was entered into, had stated that the house was connected to the sewer.
The panel determined that the absence of a sewer connection in an area where other houses were connected was a substantial and pertinent fact in the transaction; but that the fact that the house was not connected to the sewer was not possible to determine in the course of a visual inspection and, further, that REALTOR® A had made appropriate inquiries of the seller and was entitled to rely on the representations of the seller The panel concluded that REALTOR® A was not in violation of Article 2.
How do you spell “luck”? How do you spell “luck”?
S-U-C-C-E-S-S S-U-C-C-E-S-S
The month of March signals change. Winter succumbs to spring, and a renewed sense of wonder, growth, and yes, luck begins to blossom. But what does it mean to be lucky? Some say that luck comes by chance, and out of nowhere comes good fortune, good news, good times, and good vibes.
In the real estate industry, luck is not a chance thing but a success thing. It comes from hard work, knowing your community, setting goals, and fostering relationships. You might be asking yourself, where does advocacy fit into this walk through the clover? Well, advocacy in real estate is like a shamrock to the Irish. Advocacy has its base in the real estate industry and is successful when it is focused on legislation, private property rights, and community involvement.
The first part of the Advocacy Shamrock, Legislation, is the foundation for keeping the industry strong and moving forward to ensure that everyone can realize the American dream of homeownership. Each year, the Government Affairs Committee reviews and updates the HRRA Legislative Agenda, focusing on getting real estate issues favorable to the industry into official policy or law. There is an agenda at the state and federal levels as well. We will keep you informed of the wins we were able to accomplish as well as the disasters we were able to avert to protect you, your clients, and the industry. For example, the Government Affairs Committee launched into action when Norfolk Public Works threatened to force homeowners to be responsible for stormwater management. The Committee faced down unelected bureaucrats and worked with city officials to protect homeowners from an intrusive and unsound practice that would have threatened homeowners and your ability to attract buyers to Norfolk. That is just one example of their tireless efforts to advocate on your behalf.
The second part of the Advocacy Shamrock, Private Property Rights, is a foundational issue to ensure that homeowners can pursue life, liberty, and happiness without a threat to their property. As you know, the purchase of a home is the surest way to build
generational wealth for Americans. We protect homeowners' constitutional right to utilize their property in a way that supports their individual goals and dreams within the four corners of their property. What does that mean to you and your clients? It means the ability to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU). It also means the ability to offer your property for short-term rental (STR). It means you can sell your property to whomever you choose without fear of government interference.
The third part of the Advocacy Shamrock is community involvement. Success in real estate comes from knowing the community where you live, work, and play. The best classroom for this knowledge is the community itself. As a real estate professional, the more you are involved in civic matters, the better you can serve your clients and help protect your chosen industry. How? Join your neighborhood Civic League or participate in the PTA at your child’s school. You can get appointed to boards that your local government supports, like the planning board, zoning board, or even parks and recreation. Just get involved and get to know your community.
The next time you look at a shamrock, consider that luck is spelled SUCCESS, and it’s not by chance, but by you.
•
•
• •
• ADVOCATING ON YOUR BEHALF TO SHAPE THE POLICY
Advocacy for federal, state, and local policies and policymakers that support REALTORS®, associations, the industry, and consumers, with a proven track record of significant policy wins.
Millions of dollars saved for consumers through efforts including work to improve access to FHA loans, secure first-time home buyer tax credits, and eliminate additional mortgage fees
Tens of millions of dollars allocated each year to support state and local associations in advocacy campaigns
RPAC – which raised $495 million at all three levels of the association in 2023 – promotes the election of bipartisan candidates across the country, with disbursement decisions led locally
Access to top economists and experts, and their work – such as the Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers report, Housing Affordability Index, and Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends report.
•
•
Access to apps and other tools, including Realtors Property Resource® (RPR), a comprehensive data platform exclusively available to REALTORS®.
•
NAR educational offerings help satisfy your continuing education needs. The National Association of REALTORS® works tirelessly to serve members, protect the rights of property owners, and advance the real estate profession. In 2024, National Association of REALTORS® annual dues are $201/member.*
RPR integrates property data and provides a onestop solution for in-depth property analysis, valuation, market insights, and customizable reporting capabilities – including through AIenabled tools.
•
Largest real estate library in the world and customized reference and research services.
•
•
•
• •
NAR maintains a Code of Ethics for effective and ethical real estate business practices
Nationwide consumer ad campaign and “FirstTime Buyer” docuseries highlight REALTOR® value and expertise
Graphics and social media assets
REALTOR® brand adds to members’ credibility, trust, and authority with consumers
•
Ample savings and special offers Members using products and services through Second Century Ventures and REACH represent annual savings of $100/member on average.
Nationwide partnerships providing exclusive offers and discounts for members to save on solutions (financial services, marketing, technology resources, etc) as well as exclusive access to insurance options
Significant resources for state and local associations for programs supporting your success, such as commercial, global, and Young Professionals Network offerings.
• EMPOWERING YOU TO DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS AND ADVANCE YOUR CAREER
Free website with realtor and realestate domain for small businesses
Range of risk management tools, timely guidance, and resources from NAR Legal Affairs.
• OFFERING VALUABLE SAVINGS AND DEALS
10+ specialized designations and certifications, 100+ micro courses, and an award-winning podcast through Center for REALTOR® Development (CRD).
CRD keeps agents updated on trends, best practices, and new regulations.
Conferences, events, and other virtual and in-person learning opportunities throughout the year offer opportunities for connection, relationship-building, and conversation about the future of our profession
Ever wonder how some people who seem to “have it all” got so lucky? There is no doubt that every path to success involves some good fortune, but I believe that luck is created when you work hard, seek opportunities to gain experience, and grow. As a professional in the mortgage industry, you must be prepared for market volatility, and making your own luck can be necessary to achieve success. In fact, many skilled individuals left the mortgage business to start a new career, so consider yourself lucky if you’ve survived recent challenges
Brian Tracy, a motivational speaker, once said, “I’ve found that luck is quite predictable. If you want more luck, take more chances, be more active, show up more often ” I’ve found that one of the best ways to create your own luck is to get comfortable with being uncomfortable Putting yourself in a vulnerable position can be scary, but you’ll often be surprised at what you’re capable of when you seek out opportunities that require talent you didn’t know you had. For example, if you don’t like public speaking, join a networking group or volunteer to teach a training class in your area of expertise. You’ll be nervous at your first event, but eventually it will get easier and become a new, valuable skill.
Getting out in the community to raise awareness of the products and services you offer is a fantastic way to show that you value relationships and enjoy
helping others. Building a network of people around you who you respect and admire can also help you gain diversity of thought with different perspectives. I recommend reaching out to business partners to ask if you can host a Lunch & Learn event or if there are sponsorships for events available. The more connections you make, the greater your chances of a new referral or repeat business
It's also important to visualize your success with positivity and open mindedness You’re often your own worst critic, so it’s important to keep your focus and not get consumed with what isn’t working. As a Mortgage Loan Officer, it can be challenging to stay optimistic when your volume is low, or you do not have many loans in your pipeline for the following month. When challenges arise, lean on the positive feedback and moments that remind you why you do what you do. Think of the many lives you’ve positively impacted by getting someone into their first home or helping them keep their home by paying off debts through refinancing.
No matter where you are in your personal or professional journey, making your own luck should be a foundational mindset so that you’re prepared for anything Believe in yourself and good things will come your way
March. The month we celebrate the promise of spring, along with shamrocks, leprechauns and luck. But in real estate, success often comes from smart strategy, and a big part of that strategy this spring? A sparkling clean home. As REALTORS®, you know first impressions are everything A meticulously cleaned home doesn't just whisper "welcome," it shouts "move-in ready" and "well-maintained," attracting buyers like bees to honey It allows them to envision their future, not your past, within those walls. Spring cleaning isn't just about tidying; it's about staging a property for success.
Think of it this way: you wouldn't show up to an important meeting in your pajamas, would you? The same goes for a house. It needs to be dressed for success, and that means more than just a quick sweep. So, what constitutes a winning spring clean? Let’s dive into some actionable strategies.
Declutter and Depersonalize: Create a Blank Canvas: This is the first step to unlocking a home's potential You already know to advise your clients to pack away personal photos, collections, and excess furniture Suggest they start with the "oneroom-at-a-time" approach to avoid feeling overwhelmed. A clutter-free space feels larger and more inviting, allowing buyers to visualize their own belongings. Think minimalist chic, not "storage unit chic."
Deep Clean: Get Down to the Nitty-Gritty: We're not talking about a surface dusting. Spring cleaning is about tackling the grime. Advise your clients to use a baking soda paste and an old toothbrush to conquer stubborn grout stains. Focus on hightraffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms – these can make or break a deal. A gleaming oven (inside especially) and sparkling faucets can significantly impact a buyer's perception. Remember, a sparkling clean kitchen can often justify a higher asking price.
Freshen Up: Breathe New Life into the Space: Open those windows and let the fresh air circulate! Airing out the house eliminates stale odors and creates a welcoming atmosphere Suggest subtle, natural scents like lemon or lavender. Avoid heavy perfumes, which can be overpowering. Clean windows not only improve the view but also let in more natural light, making the home feel brighter and more spacious.
Focus on Curb Appeal: Make a Stellar First Impression: The exterior is the first thing buyers see. Advise your clients to trim bushes back from the house by at least three feet to improve natural light and airflow. Rake up leaves, power wash the siding and consider a fresh coat of paint on the front door A well-maintained yard and a clean exterior can significantly boost curb appeal and set the stage for a positive showing
Don't Forget the Details: The Little Things Matter: Sometimes, it's the small touches that make the biggest difference. Clean light fixtures, replace burnt-out bulbs (and matching lightbulb colors –not bright white in one and cool white in another), and polish hardware. These details show that the home has been cared for, instilling confidence in buyers
REALTOR®’s Toolkit Tip: Create a simple spring cleaning checklist for your clients. This will help them stay organized and motivated. Consider offering a "pre-listing cleaning consultation" where you walk through the home with your clients and identify areas that need attention.
Remember, a clean home isn't just about aesthetics; it also demonstrates that the property has been well-maintained, which is a huge selling point We understand that these tasks can be timeconsuming, and sometimes, professional help is the most efficient solution. Many of our valued affiliate members specialize in these services, from deep cleaning to power washing and junk removal, and can be a tremendous asset to both you and your clients. Be sure to check out our member directory for a list of qualified professionals who are ready to assist. By partnering with your clients on their spring-cleaning efforts, whether directly or through trusted affiliate members, you can help them maximize their chances of a successful sale. This spring, help them create their own "luck" by preparing their property to shine
In the world of real estate, negotiations often involve more than just the property price Inspection contingencies, closing costs, and warranties can play significant roles in securing the deal One such underutilized tool is the home warranty, a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of certain home systems and appliances. Whether you're on the buy or sell side, incorporating a home warranty into your real estate negotiations can provide tangible benefits and create peace of mind for both parties. Here’s how home warranties can be leveraged effectively in real estate transactions.
A home warranty is a service agreement that covers the repair or replacement of key home systems and appliances such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, kitchen appliances, and more Home warranties differ from homeowner’s insurance in that they specifically cover mechanical breakdowns rather than damage caused by natural disasters or accidents.
For homebuyers, purchasing a property can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. One of the concerns is the potential for unexpected repair costs, especially if the home is older or the appliances are nearing the end of their “useful life.” This is where a home warranty becomes a valuable tool in negotiations.
1 Increased Confidence in Older Homes: Buyers are often nervous about purchasing older homes due to the higher likelihood of systems or appliances failing soon after purchase A home warranty can alleviate these concerns by offering protection against the cost of repairing or replacing covered items. During negotiations, buyers can request the seller to provide a home warranty as
Kim Nelson
Account Executive, 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
part of the deal. By doing so, they gain reassurance that they won’t face expensive repairs immediately after closing on the home
2. Budget Protection: For first-time homebuyers or those working with a tight budget, unexpected expenses can be a major setback. Negotiating a home warranty into the deal offers protection for the first one to three years of ownership, ensuring that costly repairs to major systems won’t come out of their pocket. It provides a buffer for buyers who might be stretching financially to close the deal.
3. Stronger Negotiation Position: If a home inspection reveals issues with certain systems or appliances that are still in good and safe working order but may require repair at some point in the future, buyers can use this information to request a home warranty as part of the contract Instead of asking the seller to reduce the sales or make repairs, requesting a home warranty can be a more attractive alternative, as it’s usually more economical for the seller and provides future protection for the buyer.
From the seller’s perspective, offering a home warranty can be a strategic move to help the property sell faster and for a better price. Here's how it can benefit sellers:
1. A Competitive Edge in the Market: In a competitive real estate market, anything that differentiates a property from others can be beneficial Offering a home warranty makes a listing more attractive to buyers, especially those on the fence It provides buyers with peace of mind, knowing they won’t be immediately responsible for costly repairs. This can make the home stand out and may lead to a quicker sale.
Name: The Junkluggers of Southside Hampton Roads
Territory: Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk
Year Established: 2024
HRRA Affiliate Member since: 2024
w: www.junkluggers.com/southside-hampton-roads
e: neal wellons@junkluggers com p: 757 600 984
Household or commercial item removal and general junk hauling.
Why we got into this business: We believed in this business and wanted to declutter people’s lives, including giving back to the community through donations, recycling and rehoming items that can still be used.
Why we joined HRRA: Because we believe that we can develop a relationship with REALTORS® to help them with their removal needs for properties they are marketing
Why we love doing what we do: We love being able to play a small role in the world by keeping items out of landfills and helping enhance lives.
Our favorite satisfied customer story: One time, we were able to help a father and daughter clean out a hoarder situation they were left in when the mother passed away, so they were able to get back to normal living.
Our favorite HRRA event and why: Because we only started with HRRA a few months ago, we have not been to too many events except for the affiliates’ meetings and the recent REALTORS® Have a Heart event at the Ronald McDonald House, where volunteered our labor and truck to help them get rid of items We are also looking forward to the upcoming COE event, which should be a good time
Most memorable HRRA moment: Networking with the other affiliates and making good contacts
Best piece of advice to REALTORS®: We offer removal the same day or next day to get your houses sold as quickly as possible!
The one thing we want REALTORS® to know about our industry is: We are here to help you when you need us, in the “greenest” way possible to minimize filling up our landfills.
By: Eliana Block | Reprinted with permission from the National Assocation of REALTORS®
An in-depth look at some of the benefits the National Association of REALTORS® adds to members’ businesses.
You've set goals for 2025: Do you have the support you need to achieve them? You might be surprised to see what resources are available to you as a member of the National Association of REALTORS® everything from rich property data to professional websites to amazing education programs that will give you an edge in your chosen niche.
So how can NAR membership empower you to reach your specific goals?
Collaboration at all levels is essential to our overall success.” At the national level, members have a voice in federal policies and legislation by supporting NAR’s advocacy team, which monitors legislation and agency rules, provides expert guidance to federal agencies, speaks out in congressional testimonies and engages with members of Congress.
“At any given moment, our advocacy team is monitoring hundreds of issues, policy proposals, rules and bills that directly impact the real estate economy from Congress to the courts to the administration,” says McGahn. During the last Congress alone, we helped defeat 11 tax measures that would have devastated the real estate sector ”
Here are four benefits that support your business: Advocacy Research Education Community power, whether that’s city hall, the statehouse or Congress
“There is no such thing as a federal issue versus a state or local issue,” says NAR Chief Advocacy Officer Shannon McGahn. “If it impacts one of us, it impacts all of us.
In 2024, NAR’s lobbying team and federal political coordinators, who are volunteers assigned to Congressional members, held more than 5,000 meetings with congressional staff and members an average of nearly 14 meetings a day In addition, the advocacy team sent 20 letters and held numerous meetings with the White House and federal agencies regarding proposed regulations and administrative actions.
This past January, staff and volunteers converged in Washington, D.C., for NAR’s inaugural Advocacy Week, where attendees learned about 2025 priorities like tax reform relating to the expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and prepared for meetings on Capitol Hill.
One critical advocacy tool is the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC), which supports political candidates both Republicans and Democrats who champion real estate priorities. Electing candidates who not only advocate for REALTOR® priorities such as homeownership and affordable housing but defend against detrimental real estate proposals benefits every NAR member
For some candidates, the REALTOR® connection is personal
“Having a chance to take the profession that I love and be able to give a little bit back to it because it's given me so much, that’s the exciting part. But it’s [also] extremely
humbling,” says Florida State Rep Danny Nix Jr , a commercial agent and past president of the REALTORS® of Punta Gorda-Port Charlotte-North Port-DeSoto With support from RPAC, he was elected in November to serve his first term in Florida’s House of Representatives.
“Florida Realtors® has been really big in helping me achieve my goals, and anytime you say that a state association has done something, NAR is a part of that as well,” Nix says.
The strategy doesn’t stop at elections. NAR offers grants to local and state associations to help their communities thrive. Last year, NAR awarded 614 Community Outreach Grants and advocacy assistance applications and 85 Issues Mobilization Grants, totaling more than $4 million and $14.6 million respectively.
The results are real Just ask the Greater Boston Real Estate Board, which leveraged an NAR Issues Mobilization Grant to launch an education campaign and combat a counterproductive rent control measure
The campaign helped convince Medford city council to reconsider and focus instead on affordable housing tools already at its disposal.
“Beyond the resources available from NAR, it’s the...REALTORS® on the ground and in the neighborhoods who are the secret sauce of successful advocacy,” Baumer says.
Being a member of the National Association of REALTORS® means having access to the preeminent real estate research in the country.
“Members are better positioned [than nonmembers] to explain market conditions and trends to clients and potential clients,” says NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun “The local market or neighborhood specific area conditions will naturally differ somewhat from the national trends, and, therefore, agents who are REALTORS® can reinforce their value by showing the divergent local statistical patterns with what people read and hear in the media.”
NAR’s research team publishes statistical releases, like
the monthly existing-home sales and pending home sales, as well as research reports, including the annual Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers
“The survey team gathers market intelligence on nearly every factor involving home transactions, from obstacles that home buyers have overcome to succeed in the purchase to what home sellers do with the proceeds from the sale of a home,” Yun says. “We gather data on housing affordability, the prevalence of multiple offers, changes in inventory, the presence of foreign buyers and rent trends in the apartment sector. Those are just some of the data points we analyze to help our members comprehend the latest trends and provide value to their clients.”
Topline data is available at no charge to members at nar.realtor/research-research-and-statistics. Members have access to discounted rates on complete reports
Mark Donnelly, ABR, CRS, an associate broker at Howard Hanna Coach REALTORS®, in West Islip, New York and former chair of NAR’s research committee, recently spoke about the importance of having access to reliable data
“I think it's every agent's goal to be the trusted real estate advisor for the people in their lives,” Donnelly said. “The sources we go to are the ones we trust the most, and those are the ones that are going to make us feel confident in relaying that information that is helpful to us and therefore helpful to the people that we serve. It's a very, very loud world that we live in. I used to say that an informed agent is a successful agent, and I've added to that, and it's an informed, accurate and positive agent is a successful agent.”
While data can be dense and easy to misinterpret, NAR’s world-class research team makes metrics relatable and helpful to the masses Staff leaders like Yun and Deputy Chief Economist Jessica Lautz answer countless requests from the media, making themselves available to share the facts of the market while reinforcing the value of agents who are REALTORS®
In addition, NAR members have access to a suite of consolidated data and business tools through NAR’s Realtors® Property Resource at no additional cost. RPR® is a residential and commercial property database that integrates with most MLS data and provides relevant property information, including school reports, Census demographics and tax details.
In addition, NAR members have access to a suite of consolidated data and business tools through NAR’s Realtors® Property Resource at no additional cost. RPR® is a residential and commercial property database that integrates with most MLS data and provides relevant property information, including school reports, Census demographics and tax details
The resource is user-friendly and accessible, available on desktop, iOS and Android phones, and has become a tremendous tool in the industry
The numbers speak for themselves: In just the first 11 months of 2024, more than half a million users generated about 3.3 million reports and clocked in nearly 18 million sessions on the platform.
Knowledge is not only power but confidence. Agents who confidently articulate their knowledge about the business, provide better service, Robert Morris, a certified real estate trainer said on a podcast episode of “Drive With NAR.”
“I think it's a great time to be in the business and to actually talk about our value proposition and prove our w
ANAR members have discounted access to select certification and designation courses to further their growth and pursuits in specialization.
Charlene Roberge, CCIM, SRS, broker-owner of Lagonda Creek Real Estate in Springfield, Ohio, has an impressive 17 designations.
“I first started getting designations right after I got my real estate license because I really didn't have anybody that was helping teach me,” Roberge said on NAR's podcast “So, I took the [Graduate, REALTOR® Institute] designation first, which is an amazing designation that teaches you pretty much everything you need to do for
selling real estate. But I didn't feel that was enough, so I kept going on."
Designations like the Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR®), Certified International Property Specialist, (CIPS) or Seller Representative Specialist (SRS®) enable members to differentiate themselves as experts in specific markets
“The designations have made it possible for me to be extra educated ” Roberge said “When I go out and meet with a client, I can tell them that I have multiple designations and that they keep me on top of what's going on in the community, what's going on with the law, what's going on nationally And I think clients like that They want to know that you're dedicated and that you're professional and you're working towards your career every day.”
In light of industry practice changes, NAR provided the ABR® course a $295 value at no cost to members from late February through the end of 2024. Nearly 162,000 members participated in the course.
Morris recommended the ABR® and SRS® designations for any agent looking to better refine their chops in 2025.
“Right now, the premier designation for buyers representation is the ABR®,” Morris said in the podcast episode “[Buyer’s agents] need that particular course It's been updated It's got the new information in it based on the changes that we've had in the industry On the seller's side, that's the SRS That gives them the specialized training to how they service the seller in a transaction ”
In addition, members have access to on-demand training programs on topics like fair housing and ethics and leadership, as well as the opportunity to hear from dozens of industry experts in person at any of NAR’s conferences.
It may seem like an oxymoron to say NAR, an organization with more than a million members, creates a close-knit community But that’s exactly what members are saying
Jairo Rodriguez, ABR, CIPS, an agent with Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty in Montclair, N J , recalls joining the North Central Jersey Association of REALTORS® in 2015
“It's a little bit intimidating when you come into a new industry and you're learning everything,” he says. “You don’t know how the boards operate, you don't know anything about committees. But I had someone that kind of saw something in me that maybe I didn't see myself.”
Rodriguez remembers how Dana Williams, NCJAR’s 2017 president, encouraged him to get involved.
“I kind of borrowed Dana's confidence in me,” Rodriguez says. He joined the Young Professionals Network in 2016, became the advisory board’s chair at the local level in 2018, the state chair in 2020 and the national chair in 2023.
He fondly calls YPN members his “tribe ”
“I consider many of them my family,” Rodriguez says “What I love is that collaboration Everyone's willing to share and help each other out no matter what company you're with, no matter where you're from in the country ”
For Rodriguez, that camaraderie and mission-oriented mindset felt reminiscent of his time as an airborne operation specialist in the U.S. Air Force. He’s particularly proud of the impact he had as the 2023 national chair on inspiring others to strive for leadership roles.
“When we had our YPN Advance [an annual gathering of local YPN chairs from around the country], I had so many people come up to me and say that they were inspired because I'm Hispanic,” Rodriguez says. “These people were also Hispanic, and they were like, ‘Dude, I've always wanted to see if I can get involved, but I never thought I even had a shot.’ Now, two years later, many of [them] are either serving on the local boards, they're in their leadership academy or things like that ”
This atmosphere of inspiration and connection is not unique to YPN; it’s prominent in many NAR programs
Stacy Horst, an agent with Keller Williams Realty
Atlantic Partners in Fernandina Beach, Fla., found another community through NAR even when she wasn’t looking for it. Horst didn’t expect to find camaraderie when she put her name in the running for NAR’s Good Neighbor Awards, which honors members who make an extraordinary impact through community service
“Most people who are in roles such as these are not necessarily those people who are going to stand up and toot their own horn,” Horst says “I nominated myself because of the grant that would be awarded and benefit our charity.”
In 2015, Horst founded a in memory of her daughter, Erin, who died by suicide. The organization, Erin’s Hope for Friends, is dedicated to teens and young adults with autism spectrum disorder. In the last decade, the nonprofit has mushroomed with volunteers and community programs.
NAR named Horst a winner in 2024 and presented her with a $10,000 grant, which she plans to use to add a program for adults 25 and older.
But a check isn’t the only prize Horst took home She also gained a network of like-minded professionals in the Good Neighbor Society, which meets each year during NAR NXT, The REALTOR® Experience the association’s annual conference “There was not a dry eye in that room One person put it very succinctly that it's amazing the amount of good that can come out of pain,” she says
Beyond the dose of inspiration and network of new friends, Horst says the award has elevated her status professionally.
“People knowing that I won this award and why, I think that it shows them a different side of me than just the salesperson who’s trying to help them buy or sell a house,” she says. “There has to be a huge trust factor when you're working with somebody to help them spend the most amount of money they’re probably ever going to spend in their lifetime. I think it gives [me] credibility because it's something that's very genuine.”
Discover the full range of NAR membership benefits designed to support your career and business success
Log into the Info Hub to sign up!
Contract Pitfalls
March 11, April 1, May 6
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, $35
Real Estate Pitfalls
March 11, April 1, May 6 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM, $35
Broker Real Estate Appraisal
March 17
9:00 AM–1:00 PM, $300
1031 Exchanges
March 20
9:00 AM–11:00 AM, $10
8 Hour Required Topics
March 27, April 17, May 20
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, $65
Broker Real Estate Law
May 20
9:00 AM–1:00 PM, $300
Military Relocation Professional Certification Course
April 24
9:00 AM–5:00 PM, $99 (until April 2), $125 (April 3-23), $150 at the door
SRS | 2 Day Course with Adorna Carroll
July 23-24
9:00 AM–5:00 PM, $259
The deadline for dues payments has passed, but you can still log into the Info Hub, HRRA's member portal, to pay with ease. Please note that late fees are now in effect.
If you are logging in for the first time, click here and tap "Create One." Make sure to use the email address already connected to your HRRA membership when setting up your account. If you have any questions, contact (757) 473-9700 or email info@hrra.com.
Alexandra Hornung - Own Real Estate LLC
Amanda Giger - Seaside Realty
Angelica Beltran - Howard Hanna Real Estate Services
Chad Bodkin - Exit Realty Central
Charityn Marsh - LPT Realty, LLC
Charlette Boone - Judy Boone Realty
Derrell Clark - Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate
Jennifer Walker - LPT Realty, LLC
Jessica Brodie - Howard Hanna Great Bridge
Jonathan Diggs - Long & Foster Kempsville
Joseph Gregory - RE/MAX Prime
Kenneth Pfister - Long & Foster Oceanfront/Coast
Kirstin Grimes - Own Real Estate LLC
Margaret Andrews - eXp Realty LLC
Mateusz Marek - LPT Realty LLC
Melissa Cherry - Redfin Corporation
Michael Nishnick - Real Broker, LLC
Michael Schaefer - The Real Estate Group
Shannon Lancaster - BHHS RW Towne Property
Management
Stephanie Griffin - Exit Realty Central
Sunny Simpkins-Stillman - AtCoastal LLC
Thomas Dibuono - Howard Hanna Real Estate Services
ToShara Braxton - Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate
There is no cost to attend. Register today and share this invitation with your colleagues.
