Why I Attend Annual Conferences, Posted by Steve

If all the nearly 1.2 million REALTOR® members showed up at a NAR Conference, there is no city in the U.S. that could accommodate the crowd. So it is just wishful thinking to hope that all our REALTOR® colleagues could one day be together.

But what I want to say to those who did not attend, from those of us who did, is that it was worth the time away from business back home. There is no mistaking that the work we do at these meetings has a direct impact on our industry.

REALTORS® met in San Diego November 13 – 16th to discuss critically important issues—such as our stance on health care as well as energy legislation. FHA secretary Dave Stevens spoke on the reforms taking place in FHA lending. Legislative members took a bow for finally passing legislation keeping banks out of the real estate industry and getting the tax credit extended and expanded.

We saw for the first time the new NAR consumer web site, Houselogic.com. We also previewed the REALTOR® Property Resource database (commonly known as RPR), which will give every REALTOR®—at no charge—access to information on every property in the U.S.

We saw a demonstration of the improvements made to REALTOR.com. We received a report on the successful implementation of the Credit Union and how it has already serviced thousands of members. We heard from the Leadership Team that they approved an extension of the Right Tools, Right Now program that has helped over a half a million members.

If ever there was a doubt as to why we gather, NAR CEO Dale Stinton made it clear: Our Association knows its mission. We are to lead our industry into the future. We are to be bold and to think big. We are to keep REALTORS® at the center of the real estate transaction.

Why do I go to these meetings? Because it makes a difference in how I do business back home.

Now time to get back to business, back at home! — Steve Brown, 2009 NAR Liaison to Committees

Savvy, New Business Resources for Members, Posted by Gary

I’m loving being here in my home state of California for the 2009 REALTORS® Conference and Expo in San Diego.

The Conference officially kicks off today, but there have already been so some exciting announcements for REALTORS® that I’m personally pretty impressed by.

Yesterday at the 59 ½ Minutes Session: A Member & Director Forum, NAR CEO Dale Stinton announced the launch of two cutting edge initiatives that will revolutionize business for members and extend our reach to consumers.

First, Dale talked about the REALTORS® Property Resource (RPR). RPR is a comprehensive database of all properties in the U.S.—not just the ones for sale. It will be an online encyclopedia of information on every single piece of property in our country. And it’s for members only.

REALTORS® will be able to annotate this database, too. No one knows a property like a REALTOR®. So if a member knows a garage has recently been added or the roof has been replaced, he can go into the database and make a note of that.

RPR will be a “living” database and will cover 147 million properties when it goes live in the second quarter of 2010. Be on the lookout.

Second, Dale announced the launch of HouseLogic, a Web site aimed at consumers. The site will help us talk right to consumers and educate and engage them on homeownership issues (even advocacy work!) while also providing free content for members to use on Web sites, blogs, and newsletters. Check it out now.

NAR will officially begin marketing HouseLogic to consumers early next year.
Keep checking back on the “Voices of Real Estate” blog for updates on the Conference. We’re just getting started! — 2009 NAR Vice President and Liaison to Government Affairs, Gary Thomas

Cycles of Life, Posted by Ron

This past week was one of the best of my entire life. My son Matthew and his wife, Christina gave birth to healthy twin daughters: Nazare and Maria. They were born five weeks early and are still in the Hospital Nursery, but both are breathing and eating on their own. They are so beautiful. Nazare was born first, and she reminds me of her father: high energy, intense, and head strong. (I remember my father’s enjoyment when he meant Matt as an infant. He thought it was good that I get a challenge like Matt…I understand now). Maria is, at this moment, more reserved. They are going to keep their parents busy. Along with their birth, what was also so important about this event was it brought our family together in celebration.

For my family, the gift of the girls is truly AWESOME. Their birth is the renewal of the cycle of life. And, of course, this reminded me of the cyclical nature of the economy and the housing market in particular. This downturn is part of the normal cycle of business. Our goal is the get through it to enjoy the next real estate renaissance.

It is fitting that this birth is happening at the gloaming of the autumn seasons. Leaves have fallen and are blowing as nature prepares for winter. Time is marked by the seasons. This is a time of harvest, which may be one reason why the REALTORS® Conference and Expo is always held in November. As we gather in San Diego in a few weeks, we will harvest the relationships we have built over the seasons by meeting up, and learning what is working in the market place.

As REALTORS®, we are all professionals at various stages of life’s cycle. Some of us are just starting out in the profession; others have been in the industry for several years, even decades. No matter where we are in the cycle, gathering together is essential to revitalizing ourselves.

We have been through a difficult market, and, more than likely, things will still be bumpy ahead. But, going through this challenging cycle without the support of fellow REALTORS® would make it even more difficult. In the truest sense of the word, we are a family, which means we gather together when times are good and bad.

Last year, the REALTOR® family helped my personal family through a very difficult time. This year, my family is celebrating this blessing of birth. The cycle of life changes, and so will our fortunes as REALTORS®.

Soon, spring will arrive, just as tomorrow the sun will rise. The market will get better. It may not be immediately, but that is why gathering our REALTOR family together is so important during the ebbs and flows of life’s many cycles.

I look forward to seeing everyone in San Diego. – Ron Phipps, NAR 2009 First Vice President

REALTORS® Put Experts In Touch With Reality, Posted By Steve

After a couple of weeks, two impressions remain with me from NAR’s Midyear Legislative Meetings and our first-ever Real Estate Summit.

First, it never fails to amaze how both in-touch and out-of-touch real estate and public policy “experts” are with the realities of the market.

All the Summit speakers expressed profound insights into how the whole housing debacle occurred. All made good suggestions as to how we could recover. However, few, if any of the speakers understood the realities of our market until one REALTOR® stood up and talked about challenges that military homeowners in Honolulu, Hawaii, are facing. You could hear the gasps as she described how those serving our country are being forced into foreclosure when they change duty stations.

Another REALTOR® explained how the short sale process – or lack of a consistent one – is really hurting home buyers, home sellers and REALTORS® across the nation. Finally, another REALTOR® related how lenders are now telling clients to stop paying their mortgages so they can get help. Everyone knew about that, but what this REALTOR® pointed out to our panelists is that everyone who does this is out of the market for five to seven years, meaning this “short-term” problem will have major long term implications for housing and our nation.

These are real people with real problems.

I watched the speakers, including FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan, Alan Greenspan and others, listen – really listen – to what we shared. I realized that, until then, they had not fully grasped the long-term effects. It took REALTORS®, who are in the trenches, doing business each and every day, to help these experts in charge of finding solutions to more fully understand the scope of these problems. Judging from their honest hesitation in answering the questions raised by our members, I think they finally began to see what needs to be done.

And so my second impression, which is really more of a conclusion, is that in order to effectively move forward, REALTORS® must be at the table to help government leaders develop policies to stabilize our industry and the economy. As the “Voice of Real Estate”, the country needs us. — Steve Brown, VP and Liaison to Committees

Uniting at the Leadership Summit, Post by Vicki

Last week, the leadership from local and state associations gathered in Chicago for our annual Leadership Summit. The highlight was hearing 2009 NAR President Charles McMillan unveil his theme for next year, “United Toward Tomorrow.”

There is no doubt that these are challenging times for our industry, but also it is an exciting time for us, as leaders, at NAR. As REALTORS, we are known for our independence There is no time when it is shows more dramatically than when we serve our members in a leadership role.

The Summit had the largest attendance ever with more than 1,400 attendees. Our leaders are so energized to learn what tools that NAR offer its members to help them compete in a challenging market.

The path that we have chosen as REALTORS is not always easy. But we must always remember that unlike any other profession we have the unique opportunity to open the door to the American Dream of homeownership. We understand that homeownership offers untold benefits for families and our communities.

As we learned from Charles, we also understand that to stay viable and successful as an association we must be “United Toward Tomorrow.” — Vicki Cox Golder, 2008 NAR First Vice President

REALTORS Represented at Inman, Posted by Dick

I was in San Francisco last week, attending the Inman Real Estate Connect, along with 1,600 of the best minds in technology and, more specifically, real estate technology. On Thursday, I had lunch with Jeremy Conaway, who consults with a number of brokerages and associations across North America, and we discussed our impression of what was being discussed at the conference.

Jeremy reminded me that Brad Inman began Connect in 1997 to facilitate innovation and the sharing of dynamic ideas. And, boy, has he certainly succeeded!

The sheer number of dynamic and university-type individuals taking part in the conference was powerful and insightful. That’s no surprise considering that Brad maintains a table on the stage with wine and beet jam to “reward” those who ask the best and worst questions during the sessions.

Here are the nuts and bolts of what Jeremy and I heard throughout the week:

1. Consumers, in the eyes of attendees, are king. Every presentation evolved into a discussion about what consumers expect and are demanding from us.

2. The opening session included an intense discussion about various aspects of America’s economy. There wasn’t a lot of agreement – each side seemed to cancel out the other.

3. It was clear that over the next 24 months, our nation, industry and Realtors will be on a journey learning new things, working more closely together, and reinventing many aspects of the industry and the transaction. Fortunately, several panels also reminded everyone that all real estate is local.

4. Real estate searches are considered an art form for the folks at Inman. One segment was given to a discussion of all the different aspects of even the most simple real estate search. Another discussed and examined the relative importance of complete information and search-related tools. It was unanimous that the most comprehensive data is more important than the tools. Realtors represented our industry very well at the Inman Conference.

It was especially fun to watch Mark Lesswing, NAR’s Chief Technology Officer, present and interact with his contemporaries from the brokerage and Internet sectors. You all would have been proud of MOVE President Lorna Bornstein, whose presentation and comments clearly captured the imagination and attention of the attendees.

I had an opportunity to sit with Dorothy (Dottie) Herman, President and CEO of Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate. She heads one of our country’s largest and most successful firms. I am hopeful that she will be with us for our November Conference & Expo in Orlando. She is a dynamo!

Congratulations are in order for Bob Hale, President and CEO of the Houston Association of Realtors, who received the “Innovator of the Year” award.

Alex Periello, President and CEO of Realogy Franchise Group, who serves as NAR’s liaison for Large Firm Relations; Errol Samuelson, President of Realtor.com; and Joel Singer, EVP of the California Association of Realtors, who is chair of NAR’s Strategic Planning Committee, each served on a panel.

They each had great insights, and I was proud of their association with us. All in all, it was a great week for Inman and another great opportunity to show how Realtors are leading our industry toward another century of success. – Dick Gaylord, 2008 NAR President

View to a Thrill, Posted by Pat

It’s a new day for REALTORS and I am proud to be a part of it! What a thrill it has been to be in Washington DC for NAR’s Midyear Legislative Meetings and to experience such a positive attitude among our fellow REALTORS.

We all know that real estate is local and that couldn’t be more true today. While talking with agents and brokers from California to Texas to New York and everywhere in between they are positive beyond belief. Let’s try to pay closer attention to our local success stories and the positive attitudes and less attention to the front page horror stories on real estate dredged up by the national media. If you have a great positive local story, let NAR’s Surround Sound Campaign know about it.

Is it perfect out there in every marketplace? No. Are attitudes positive and looking up? Absolutely! Our members are here in DC to make sure all Realtors across this Nation can have the opportunity to stay in business by marching on the Capitol Hill to lobby for a revamped FHA, higher loan limits for Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, plus new possibilities of small business health insurance and so much more. Go to Realtor.org and look at joining us in our efforts! — Pat V. Combs, Immediate Past President

Our Yellow Rose from Texas, Posted by Dick

When we invited Ebby Halliday to participate in the Centennial celebration at the Midyear Legislative meetings I knew she would be popular, but I didn’t know that she would be reach “rock star” status.

For those of you who don’t know her, Ebby recently celebrated her 97th birthday. She also recently marked her 65th year as chair of the board of one of the most successful companies in the U.S. In an interview that will be emailed to all members, she passed along her insights from a career that has been dedicated to clients; to her community and to the REALTOR organization.

This week Ebby joined us for 59 and a Half Minutes – the Member and Director Forum; the Centennial Gala, and a special meeting with Distinguished Service Award winners. Also, I was honored to host a dinner in her honor. The more time I spent with Ebby, the more I was overwhelmed by her energy. She recalled the most challenging market and how she persevered. We learned Ebby’s secret to staying vibrant and energetic. Ebby also shared her view on where NAR will be in another 100 years.

This week will always be a memorable one if just for the opportunity to be in the presence of such a glowing star of our industry. — Dick Gaylord, 2008 President

You are the Future, Posted by Charles

Today, I was very fortunate to speak with a group of young professionals at the Midyear Legislative meetings. In their eyes I saw a ready willingness to get involved in NAR and to contribute to the REALTOR organization. If you weren’t able to come to Washington, go to the Young Professionals Network page on Realtor.org to see what YPN members are doing in our Nation’s Capitol.

Meeting young members inspired me to share a few thoughts and ideas on how they can step up their level of involvement in the REALTOR organization. First, take time to learn about all about new and upcoming programs and activities geared to the Second Century of NAR. There are many landmark programs in the early stages that will surely change our business for the long term. I recommend becoming familiar with these initiatives so that we can respond to unanticipated challenges down the road. Simply, it’s a smart practice to be prepared and enlarge our way of thinking.

Second, participate in educational opportunities offered by NAR and your local or state association. REALTORS are the trusted advisor to consumers. Throughout your career, it’s a good idea to differentiate yourself from the competition by seeking training that will set you a part from your peers. It is safe to say that you probably wouldn’t be comfortable with a doctor or lawyer who stopped learning after they left school. Our consumers have this same expectation of us. Additional education gives you extra credentials that can set you a part from the pack. So, consider obtaining a designation.

Finally, the future of NAR rests with you. We want more members to be involved in our association so that we can benefit from the wealth of ideas in our community. I have found that REALTORS are natural teachers. We share what we’ve learned so that we can be the best for our customers and all those we serve. – Charles McMillan, 2008 President-Elect

Nothing like “the Now”, Posted by Jim

Graduation Time!

On a personal note: My favorite singer/poet Jimmy Buffett has a great song called “I Love the Now”. My favorite line in the song goes something like this: “I love the Now (All the faces and places), I love the now (all the rats and the races), It’s the only place I’ve ever been, It’s the only way that I know how…”…

As I sat at home last night contemplating the upcoming Midyear Legislative Meetings and Expo in Washington, DC (actually I was trying to decide what I need to pack and I’m a horrible packer) it dawned on me how much we accomplish during this set of meetings and how busy we’ll all be.

Notwithstanding our legislative efforts on Capitol Hill, we have governance meetings, receptions, the trade show, hundreds of committee meetings, dinners, renewing old friendships, the Board of Directors meeting and who knows what else that will keep us busy for 6 days.

If you haven’t had the chance to attend the Midyear or Annual Conference, take the opportunity now to join us in Washington and later this year in Orlando. Attending these meetings is a great way to learn about the latest research and trends affecting our industry and also meet new friends and catch up with long standing ones.

This year, I am little rushed on Saturday as the Board of Directors begins. My son graduates from College at 11am and at 9am I’m to be at the podium giving the Treasurer’s Report. I know President Gaylord will do his best to get me on quickly but my mind will be in Elizabethtown, PA where I’ll be headed as soon as my report is complete. It’s about a 2.5 hour drive to his school. I’m proud of Mike and I will to be there for the big day!

A Realtor’s® life is filled with deadlines and commitments. My commitment to complete my report and get to E-town is one that I won’t subjugate for anything. Families will be here long after an NAR officer leaves their elected position. Still, the “now” in my life is wonderfully amazing. We all need to keep our eye on the future because it seems to be upon us so more quickly each day, but for me, “the now”… the upcoming week… getting to see all of you and doing our Association’s business is exciting and it will be fun too. Seeing Mike graduate will be the icing on the cake!

Safe travels…I’ll see you Washington, DC. — Jim Helsel, 2008 NAR Treasurer

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