For advertising information, visit ncrealtors.org/advertise or contact Keri Epps-Rashad at (336) 217-1049.
INSIGHT (ISSN 24714127) (USPS 17170) is published four times a year in February, May, August and November by NC REALTORS®, 4511 Weybridge Lane, Greensboro, NC 27407. Periodicals Postage Prices paid at Greensboro, N.C. and additional mailing offices.
This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information regarding the subject matter covered. Articles which appear in Insight are an informational service to members and consumers. Their contents are the opinions of the authors alone and do not necessarily represent those of NC REALTORS®.
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4511 Weybridge Lane, Greensboro, NC 27407
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ncrealtors.org
As we step into May, I’m reminded of the many ways our profession continues to evolve, meeting challenges head-on, adapting to new market realities and making a lasting impact in our communities. Throughout my travels across the state, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with so many of you and hearing firsthand about the opportunities and challenges you face. No matter where I go, one thing remains clear: NC REALTORS® are dedicated to elevating our industry, advocating for our profession and communicating the value we bring to North Carolina.
This issue of Insight Magazine highlights some of the incredible ways our members are shaping the future. Whether it’s championing attainable housing, celebrating four generations of female REALTORS® or strengthening local advocacy efforts, these stories reflect the heart of what we do. We are making homeownership more accessible, fostering leadership across generations and ensuring our voices are heard where it matters most.
Member value remains at the core of our mission. Whether through professional development, legislative advocacy or industry resources, NC REALTORS® is committed to providing the tools and support you need to thrive. As we continue this journey together, I encourage you to stay engaged, share your insights and take full advantage of the opportunities available to you.
I’m honored to serve as your 2025 NC REALTORS® President and to work alongside such passionate and talented professionals. Let’s keep pushing forward, elevating our standards, advocating for our industry and strengthening our connections.
All the best, John McPherson 2025 President, NC REALTORS®
MAXIMIZE THE POWER OF YOUR NC REALTORS® MEMBERSHIP
Our mission is simple: to empower you, to thrive. Every year, your membership unlocks powerful resources designed to advance your business, protect your interests and maximize your success.
Your NC REALTORS® membership offers far more than professional recognition. It connects you to valuable savings, expert services and trusted support designed to strengthen your business and position you for longterm success. From advocacy efforts that protect your ability to do business to legal guidance, standardized forms, education, tech support and exclusive discounts, your membership delivers real, everyday value. NC REALTORS® is committed to helping you succeed— every step of the way
We understand that in today’s fast-paced market, real estate professionals need more than just information. They need real solutions. That’s why your NC REALTORS® membership includes practical, high-value tools that save you time, reduce expenses and protect your business.
Legal Hotline
Unlimited access to expert attorneys for contract, disclosure and risk-reduction questions—valued at over $225, based on just three 15-minute calls.
Standardized Forms
Access to 100+ forms through zipForms®—saving you over $1,000 in legal drafting fees.
Tech Helpline
On-demand IT support for your devices and software, offering hundreds in savings over hiring a professional.
Education & Events
Professional development and CE courses that enhance your expertise and grow your referral network.
Preferred Partner Discounts
Savings of up to $900 annually on essentials like insurance, office supplies and marketing tools.
Legislative Advocacy
Powerful representation at the state and national level— delivering real wins like the repeal of the Privilege License Tax, which saves members $50 annually and over $3 million industrywide.
Together, these benefits offer not only protection and support, but also real return on your membership investment.
These benefits aren’t just add-ons. They are part of a member experience built to deliver practical, everyday value. From saving you time and money to giving you peace of mind and a stronger voice in your industry, your membership equips you with what you need to succeed.
If you’ve ever wondered what your membership actually includes, you’re not alone. Many members only use a fraction of what’s available to them. That’s why we’re committed to helping you uncover the full scope of what’s included and how it can make a difference in your business.
In each issue of Insight, we’ll spotlight a specific benefit of your membership so you can make the most of it, one resource at a time.
Here’s a look at the value and potential savings you gain as a member.
By the Numbers
600+ REALTORS® registered
215 first-time attendees
100+ meetings held with legislators at the NC General Assembly
5 top decision-makers took the stage at State of Real Estate
1 powerful REALTOR® voice amplified across the state
What You Said
“This was my first time attending, and I was blown away by the impact we can have when we show up together.”
“Hearing directly from the Governor and legislative leaders gave me a new perspective on the issues we face.”
“State of Real Estate was the highlight—great content, great energy!”
ALL POLITICS IS LOCAL
A New Strategy For Local Advocacy
By Katharine Wendt Director of Political Operations
In the world of government affairs, there is an adage that holds true time and again: “All politics is local.”
This is especially true for the policy priorities of REALTORS®, as local government has the most direct impact on zoning, development and resource allocation, making it a critical driver for affordable and accessible housing solutions. Recognizing this, NC REALTORS® has redesigned how we support local advocacy.
“The program was designed with local association needs in mind,” says Katharine Wendt, NC REALTORS® Director of Political Operations. “Knowledge is the foundation of success, and this team is committed to providing local associations with the resources, tools and content they need to excel in government affairs at the local level.”
The Role of Local Associations
One of the core pillars of this new initiative is an understanding that local associations are the best drivers for advancing housing priorities.
“The ultimate goal is to support local association executives and government affairs committees in bridging the gap between policy change and action,” says Wendt. “We recognize that local associations are uniquely positioned to engage with local policymakers, educate members and the public and mobilize grassroots advocacy. The local advocacy team will be there with the tools they need to accomplish each of those initiatives with ease and help them stay ahead of proposed changes.”
Strengthening Advocacy Efforts
Pam Melton, NC REALTORS® VP of Advocacy, a key leader of this initiative, underscores the importance of this new endeavor. “I am incredibly excited to have a dedicated Local Advocacy team as part of NC REALTORS® Government Affairs staff — a key addition to strengthening advocacy efforts. As with any new program, we are prepared to adapt and evolve to best support the needs of local associations.”
Myra Zollinger
February 19, 2025
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Check with your MLS for a list of Cotality tools that are available with your membership.
Get to Know Your 2025 NC REALTORS® PAC Trustees
The mission of the NC REALTORS® Political Action Committee (NC REALTORS® PAC) is to raise and disburse funds to promote homeownership, protect private property rights and increase political awareness for the real estate industry. The NC REALTORS® PAC Trustees are dedicated volunteers from the association membership that recognize the importance of NC REALTORS® PAC and are fully invested in its mission. Collectively, trustees make funding decisions based on recommendations/ input from local associations, voting records for incumbents and a candidate’s support and/or knowledge of issues of concern to the real estate profession. Meet your NC REALTORS® PAC Trustees:
Contributions to RPAC are not deductible for federal or state income tax purposes. Contributions are voluntary and are used for political purposes. Suggested amounts are merely guidelines and you may contribute more or less than the suggested amounts. The National Association of REALTORS® and its state and local associations will not favor or disadvantage any member because of the amount contributed or a decision not to contribute. Your contribution is split between National RPAC and the State PAC in your state. NC RPAC supports the efforts of National RPAC and contributes a portion of its contributions to National RPAC. Contact your State Association or PAC for information about the percentages of your contribution provided to National RPAC and to the State PAC. The National RPAC portion is used to support federal candidates and is charged against your limits under 52 U.S.C. 30116. In-kind contributions/donations are not included for the purposes of the National RPAC State PAC split. NC law requires political committees to report the name, mailing address, job title or profession and name of employer or employee’s specific field for each individual whose contributions aggregate is in excess of $50 in an election cycle. North Carolina law prohibits contributions of cash in excess of $50 per day. Federal law prohibits contributions of cash in excess of $100 per year. Contributions can only be accepted from individuals; in the form of personal checks, credit/debit cards and cash less than $50 per day/$100 per year. Contributions from corporations or business entities cannot be accepted. This solicitation was paid for by NC RPAC.
Cirila Cothran Chair
Kim Dawson Region 4 Trustee
Dennis Bailey Region 7 Trustee
Tim Mock Region 10 Trustee
Michael Davenport Region 1 Trustee
Michelle Morris Region 3 Trust
Marcella Coley Region 6 Trustee
Jamie Cooper AE Advisor (Non-Voting)
Renee Cooney Region 9 Trustee
Adam Upchurch Treasurer
Jennifer Franklin-Rowe Region 4 Trustee
Carol Bradley Region 7 Trustee
Tim McBrayer Region 10 Trustee
Jonathan Moore Region 1 Trustee
Marvette Artis Region 5 Trustee
Allen Dargins Region 8 Trustee
John McPherson NC REALTORS® President
Daniel Whited Region 2 Trustee
Pam Webb Region 5 Trustee
Sallie Myrick Region 8 Trustee
Brenda Hayden NC REALTORS® President Elect
Jon McBride Vice Chair
Bob Percesepe Region 2 Trustee
Amanda Smith Region 3 Trustee
Emily Wood Region 6 Trustee
Brooke Cashion NC REALTORS® Legislative Chair
Bob Bates Immediate Past Chair | NAR Major Investor Council Member
John Muir Region 9 Trustee
In this question, the agent is a party to the contract and is therefore not drafting a document for someone else.
Q&A Release Date: 10/31/2024
9.
Once a buyer agent ascertains what cooperative compensation is being offered, can it be unilaterally changed by the listing firm after an offer is submitted?
Answer
No. Article 3 of the Code states that “REALTORS® shall cooperate with other brokers except when cooperation is not in the client’s best interest. The obligation to cooperate does not include the obligation to share commissions, fees, or to otherwise compensate another broker.” Standard of Practice (“SOP”) 3-1 explains that cooperative compensation, if available, must “be ascertained by cooperating brokers before beginning efforts to accept the offer of cooperation.”
Once cooperative compensation has been ascertained, SOP 3-2 states that any change to cooperative compensation “must be communicated to the other REALTOR® prior to the time that REALTOR® submits an offer to purchase/ lease the property.” And, importantly, SOP 3-2 also states that after “a REALTOR® has submitted an offer to purchase or lease property, the listing broker may not attempt to
unilaterally modify the offered compensation with respect to that cooperative transaction.” SOP 3-3 does permit listing agents and cooperating brokers to mutually agree to change cooperative compensation, even after an offer is presented. Q&A Release Date: 9/5/2024
10.
Does Form 2-T have a provision to make a contract contingent on the sale of the buyer’s current property?
Answer
No. The buyer’s representation in the Offer to Purchase and Contract (Form 2-T) regarding their current home is merely information provided to the seller. It does not create a contingency. The purpose of that representation is to enable the seller to evaluate the strength of the buyer’s offer. It is not intended to allow the buyer to terminate outside the Due Diligence Period and obtain a refund of their Earnest Money Deposit in the event they cannot sell their current home.
If a buyer wishes to create a true contingent sale using Form 2-T, then they must obtain an attorney-drafted, custom addendum and attach it to the contract.
Q&A Release Date: 2/20/2025
Improve without a move.
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Access the funds you need in the home you already own.
Visit ncsecu.org/loans/mortgages/heloc, your local branch, or call (888) 732-8562 to learn more.
Not a member, but interested in joining SECU, visit: ncsecu.org/join.
BUILDING A FUTURE WHERE HOMEOWNERSHIP IS WITHIN REACH
BY LEE NELSON
Lee Nelson is a freelance journalist from Illinois. She writes for REALTOR® Magazine, several state REALTOR® Magazines and websites, & loanDepot.com.
REALTORS® in North Carolina are not just witnessing the housing crisis—they’re actively working to solve it. Across the state, real estate professionals are leveraging their expertise, resources and partnerships to break down barriers to homeownership.
From tackling affordability challenges to revitalizing neighborhoods and advocating for change, these NC REALTORS® are creating real solutions that help more people achieve the dream of owning a home.
Championing Housing Affordability & Community Support
For Charisma Southerland, president of the Canopy REALTOR® Association, Canopy MLS, and Canopy Housing Foundation, real estate has always been more than just buying and selling homes—it’s a powerful tool for building wealth and stability. But today, many North Carolinians find that dream slipping further out of reach.
“Homes are not affordable anymore,” Southerland says. “I have clients coming out of college telling me that even with a $100,000 yearly salary, they still can’t afford to live in Charlotte. My heart goes out to them.”
With limited inventory, high interest rates and a steady influx of new residents each month, housing prices continue to soar. North Carolina’s population now exceeds 11 million, growing by 605,000 people since the 2020 census, further straining affordability.
Recognizing this urgent challenge, the Canopy Housing Foundation—the charitable arm of the Canopy REALTOR® Association—has made housing accessibility and advocacy a priority. Southerland calls it “the heart of the association,” leading efforts to set housing standards, promote affordability and support community initiatives.
One of its most impactful efforts is REALTORS® Care Day, an annual event where volunteers roll up their sleeves to make a tangible impact. Each year, REALTORS® work on
home-repair projects across three counties, partnering with Habitat for Humanity and other housing organizations to assist families in need. “I’ve fixed decks, climbed ladders to clean gutters and built community gardens for sustainable eating,” Southerland shares, reflecting on her hands-on experience.
Revitalizing Communities, One Home at a Time
In Belmont, Jennifer Simmons is making homeownership more attainable through renovation and community-driven initiatives. As a broker with Premier South and an experienced renovator, Simmons has spent the past four years partnering with a compassionate investor to renovate nine homes—all while keeping rents at $1,400 or less per month. Known as the “Renovating REALTOR®,” she is committed to ensuring that more families have access to stable, affordable housing.
Beyond renovations, Simmons collaborates with fellow Gaston County agents through the nonprofit Hearts 2 Home, an organization dedicated to supporting underserved seniors, veterans and families transitioning from homelessness. Through this initiative, she helps collect and distribute
furniture, appliances and other essentials, transforming empty spaces into welcoming, stable homes.
Making Homeownership Attainable for Wilmington’s Essential Workers
For many essential workers—including nurses, firefighters and teachers—finding affordable housing in Wilmington is an ongoing challenge. To help address this issue, the Wilmington REALTORS® Foundation is developing Pierson Pointe, a 48-unit workforce townhome community designed to provide housing within reach for those who serve the community.
Slated for groundwork in 2025 and construction in 2026, Pierson Pointe will span six acres and offer two-story townhomes to buyers earning 81-120 percent of the area’s median income, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Jody Wainio, president of the Foundation, serves as managing broker and broker-in-charge of Keller Williams Innovate, and team leader at Buyer’s Choice Realty @ Keller Williams, Wilmington. She got involved with this housing project with
her friend, Sherri Pickard, broker at Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage, Wilmington. “As a group, we wanted to look outward and better serve the community that we work in,” Wainio comments.
“If we don’t actively pursue affordable living conditions for our workforce, it will no longer exist.”
Bridging the Housing Gap for Greensboro’s Essential Workers
Your local barista, your child’s teacher and the nurse at urgent care often can’t afford a home in the city where they work. Rising home prices and limited affordable inventory have made homeownership increasingly out of reach for the Greensboro’s workforce.
“With the rise in median home list prices, it is very difficult to buy a home in this area without a lot of financing,” says Sofia Crisp, executive director and founder of Housing Consultants Group, a nonprofit dedicated to educating families through pre- and post-purchase counseling and financial wellness programs.
To support essential workers in overcoming these barriers, volunteer lenders and REALTORS®, including Crisp, offer bi-monthly home-buying classes, highlighting downpayment assistance programs. Additionally, they are working alongside city officials to make affordable housing a reality by partnering with nonprofit builders to renovate city-owned properties, resulting in lower purchase prices for homebuyers.
“As a group, we wanted to look outward and better serve the community that we work in.”
“These homes must remain affordable for 15 years and can only be resold to buyers earning 80 percent or less of the median income,” Crisp explains. Local leaders are also exploring incentives for small builders to encourage the development of more affordable housing options.
Across North Carolina, REALTORS® are proving that homeownership is more than just a transaction—it’s a lifeline for individuals, families and communities. While challenges remain, their dedication and collaboration drive real change, one home at a time.
By continuing to push for solutions, expand resources and invest in their communities, North Carolina’s REALTORS® are helping to build a future where homeownership is truly within reach for all.
Pierson Pointe Townhomes
Sofia Crisp Executive Director & Founder of Housing Consultants Group
Jennifer Simmons Broker Premier South
Charisma Southerland President of the Canopy REALTOR® Association
Jody Wainio President of the Wilmington REALTORS® Foundation
mother’s footsteps, who followed in her mother’s footsteps, is amazing,” said Joan, who serves as broker-in-charge and owner of the agency. She also served as president of the Durham Association of REALTORS® in 1999 and was named REALTOR® of the Year in 2000. Joan recognizes that Emilie brings strengths to the business, particularly in social media and digital marketing.
“The millennials know what they are doing,” Joan said. “But since I’ve been doing this for over 50 years, I have the experience of how to listen and read people. With age and time, you learn how to read every situation.”
With five agents and an office manager, their business is built on the relationships they have nurtured through the years.
“We do a lot together,” Emilie said. “With the market we work in, we cover the whole Triangle area, and we have recurring business. A lot of people come back to us. It’s nice to have someone to call whenever you have a question. I don’t think many people can call their boss at 11 p.m. to ask about a contract.”
She also values their company’s reputation for inclusivity.
“No matter who you are, we will work hard for you,” Emilie said. “It’s a big reputation to live up to and a good one to aspire to. There’s a lot of good girl power here.”
Joan hopes her daughter will continue to enjoy the business as much as she has, forging strong connections and relationships that will last for years.
And as for the future?
“We have all intentions that Emilie’s daughter, who’s only five, will get into the business,” Joan said with a smile.
“It’s more of an advantage, and the fact that I’m following in my mother’s footsteps, who followed in her mother’s footsteps, is amazing,”
