What three (3) real estate issues are you most passionate about at the moment and why?

I am passionate about the new ruling and information coming out of the settlement cases and how we can inform and educate agents to the changes ahead in order to ensure success and growth in the industry. Infrastructure support and education for agents. Helping and providing Realtors opportunities to be visible a contributing members of our communities.

“I look forward to serving and helping the industry and agents grow and flourish in the midst of the changes facing us all.” — Lori Otter

What three (3) real estate issues are you most passionate about at the moment and why?

1. Realtor professionalism, as it relates to the aftermath of the lawsuit. The lawsuit was unjust, but could have been avoided if we held ourselves to a higher professional standard.

2. Affordability. The absence of affordable inventory for first time homebuyers means a shrinking middle class. As people fall out of the middle class, they fall into poverty.

3. As the sitting President of the Realtor Community Foundation I am engrossed in expanding the reach and mission of the Foundation so that the good will and good works of REALTORS can be seen and felt more strongly in the community.

“After the events of 2020, I felt specifically called to serve as a volunteer leader in the real estate community. Today I am highly involved in our industry at many levels. I am a broker/owner. I have served on the Public Policy committee and on the EC committee for the Foundation board for the past two years. 2024 has been my first year as a state director. I also serve as Vice President of the Good Samaritan Home, a housing-related non-profit in Boise. I have had a seat at the boardroom table in an advisory capacity (as president of the Realtor Community Foundation) for all of 2024. I feel that RCF and BRR have benefited from my involvement and the opportunity to be a continued advocate and positive influence for real estate related issues is important to me.” — Josh Cormier

What three (3) real estate issues are you most passionate about at the moment and why?

Public Policy, RPAC, and Private Property Rights.

Public Policy because this gives the Realtor associations a seat at the table with our public officials.

RPAC because it takes money to support candidate’s that value Realtor issues.

Private Property Rights because at the local and state levels our clients Private Property Rights are being impacted by land use laws, rent controls, and short term rental legislation to name a few.

“The ability to advocate at the National level for issues affecting our industry from private property rights to fiscal responsibility is what attracts me to this opportunity.” — Craig Groves

What three (3) real estate issues are you most passionate about at the moment and why?

1) I am very passionate about ethics and ensuring that as Realtors, we are always doing what is right and what is best for our clients, our fellow agents, and the public.
2) I am also passionate about maintaining favor with the public and helping the public to see Realtors as honest, hard-working, knowledgable and valuable.
3) Affordable housing is another passion of mine. It’s hard to know what the answers are to this huge problem we face, but I hope to be part of the solution.

“I see myself as an agent for change and an activator. When I encounter a problem, I’m eager to find solutions while maintaining high ethical standards and demonstrating integrity in the process. The role of a BRR Director excites me because it would allow me to utilize my skills, in collaboration with other agents, to drive positive changes in our industry and to showcase the value and dedication REALTORS® bring to the community.” — Becka Marston

What three (3) real estate issues are you most passionate about at the moment and why?

1. Equity in Real Estate through increased awareness of DEI concepts.
Why? In the past few years, there has been a significant uptick in hate speech and discrimination within the real estate sector. Look at any Pride Month or Juneteenth post on social media posted by NAR, Inman, etc, and you see hateful comments by Realtors. The communities in which these realtors serve deserve better. We must further embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion as an association and as real estate practitioners if we want to lead sustainable, impactful, and successful careers that positively affect the communities we serve. We have a duty to do this.

2. Elevating Professional Standards of Realtors
Why? The barriers to entry into the real estate industry are comparatively low when considering CPAs, attorneys, doctors, etc.; however, our work massively impacts a person’s life. We must ensure that we operate with the highest level of ethics and integrity and have a deep knowledge of real estate transactions, their nuances, and the impacts that those nuances have on a person. We must do the work to check our unconscious bias, stay diligent in our efforts to learn, and be equipped with the knowledge to assist people in decision-making as it pertains to the real estate transaction.

3. Increasing the homeownership rate of underrepresented groups.
Why? African American folks, among other marginalized communities, were explicitly excluded from participating in the accumulation of generational wealth through real estate as a result of explicit government policies at the local, state, and federal levels. The effects of these discriminatory practices within our industry has lead to the large disparity of homeownership rates between white folks and any other minority group. We are responsible for taking steps to address this.

“What attracts me to the BRR Director position is the opportunity to further engage in leading Idaho’s largest local real estate association in the State. I am passionate about the positive impact and value that BRR has on its membership. I have experienced this value firsthand through personal experience, and I intend to increase the overall involvement of our 6,000+ members. I am also attracted to the opportunity to bring a new perspective to the board as an experienced and successful young real estate professional.” — Tom Wheeler

What three (3) real estate issues are you most passionate about at the moment and why?

1.) NAR settlement and how that will affect us as agents. I think it is very important for agents to understand their value as Realtors. And for them to be able to explain that value to buyers and sellers. I feel passionate about our jobs and how important Realtors are to a real estate transaction. I think being in the role of Idaho Realtor Director, I can help agents understand the roles each association plays and where they can get questions answered.
2.) Advocacy – As leaders in our industry we need to continue to advocate for private property rights as well as other policies that may affect the industry. It is so important to give to RPAC and understand the role it plays in preserving our industry as well as helping homeowners.
3.) Leadership – I think it’s important for agents to grow in leadership in this industry. I want to encourage agents to volunteer and then subsequently grow in their leadership.

“I have been in the industry for 10 years now. Nine of these years I have been involved on a committee, Foundation board or BRR board. Each position I have learned something new and has enhanced my leadership abilities. Becoming an Idaho Realtor Director seems like the natural next step as I grow as an agent and in leadership.” — Andrea Anderson

What three (3) real estate issues are you most passionate about at the moment and why?

1. NAR Settlement

2. Helping Veterans access the VA loan benefit.

3. The upcoming massive growth at Micron and what it means for Boise real estate.

“I want to use my broad experience in association leadership to help guide our members through the upcoming changes in how we conduct business.” — Isaac Chavez

What three (3) real estate issues are you most passionate about at the moment and why?

RPAC – I think it is vital, more than ever, to back our organization and help shape it for the future

FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS – Finding affordable ways to help get our first time home buyers into homes with a mortgage payment that is doable.

MINDFUL DEVELOPMENT – Developing in a thoughtful and mindful matter that helps get people into homes but also looks aesthetically pleasing within the neighborhood – helping everyone’s property value.

“Being a part of the organization is a great way of being knowledgeable about what is going on at the state and national level and sharing it with our members who may not get a chance to get plugged in. I think it is vital to be apart of our organizations and continue to develop and grow.” — Michele de Reus-McCord

What three (3) real estate issues are you most passionate about at the moment and why?

Three real estate issues that I am most passionate about at the moment include education for consumers, education for licensees, and education for brokers. Each of these areas plays a critical role in ensuring a fair, transparent, and successful real estate market.

Firstly, education for consumers is paramount. As consumers navigate the complex real estate sales process, they must understand their rights and responsibilities. This knowledge empowers them to make informed decisions, protect their interests, and avoid potential pitfalls. By providing comprehensive education, we can help consumers feel confident and secure in their transactions, ultimately leading to a more positive experience for all parties involved.

Secondly, education for licensees is essential. Real estate professionals must continually update their knowledge and skills to better serve their clients and uphold industry standards. Through ongoing education, licensees can stay abreast of the latest market trends, legal requirements, and best practices. This not only enhances their ability to meet clients’ needs effectively but also fosters a culture of professionalism and ethical behavior within the industry.

Lastly, education for brokers is crucial as they are responsible for the success of their licensees. Brokers have a significant role in mentoring and supporting their team, ensuring that they are well-equipped to handle the challenges of the real estate market. By taking their responsibilities seriously, brokers can foster a collaborative and knowledgeable environment, leading to improved performance, client satisfaction, and overall success for their brokerage.

“I’m am currently fortunate to have been sitting in this position for the past couple of years. I have enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about statewide issues in this position and appreciate the ability to educate my peers and clients about relevant topics from throughout the state.” — Jessica Durham

What three (3) real estate issues are you most passionate about at the moment and why?

1. RPAC as I am a major investor and would like to see more REALTORS® invest so we can continue to see positive change in our communities and protect private property rights.

2. Affordable housing programs because we have many citizens who are struggling to purchase a home.

3. Tax relief for property owners to protect their assets and help relieve the burden for senior citizens.

“I have held this position before and I would be honored to serve as a State Director again. I enjoy being a part of our industry at a deeper level and a part of positive changes for those we work with and serve.” — Vicky Haban

What three (3) real estate issues are you most passionate about at the moment and why?

Affordable Housing, Inventory and inflation are the three issues facing Realtors today. Affordable housing for people with low or median household income often requires subsidies or government programs. Financing, zoning laws, and construction costs also affect building affordable housing. With a low inventory, home prices soar, and homebuyers, and some first time buyers cannot find affordable options. Sellers are not selling, and finding suitable replacement housing is a challenge. Solutions to these problems has not been easy; we are making little progress. We must find a way to solve these issues soon.

“I am a past president of Idaho Realtors, and currently the liaison between IR past presidents and the IR Board of Directors. As your BRR representative, I will ensure that our member concerns and interests are considered in state association decisions. I would be honored to represent BRR as your State director. I am asking for your vote.” — Via Surmelis

What three (3) real estate issues are you most passionate about at the moment and why?

The three issues that I believe we are facing in our industry are; Education, Professionalism and Transparency.

I feel as an associate, if we work hard to educate our members, not only through continuing education, but also through as many avenues as our bandwidth will allow, we will see a rise in professionalism within the industry. When our collective membership is well informed on local, state and national issues through transparent communication, especially in this unique time in our industry, it can only lead to more educated and professional REALTORS. I believe this will also lead to the public having a better opinion of our industry and REALTORS as a whole.

“I have spent most of my 10 year career in real Estate in a support role for other agents, which has allowed me to observe their needs. I feel that my unique history in the industry as well as my continued service on the local board of directors puts me in a great position to be a very accurate voice of the membership.” — Kelsey Wartman

What three (3) real estate issues are you most passionate about at the moment and why?

Three real estate issues that I am most passionate about at the moment include education for consumers, education for licensees, and education for brokers. Each of these areas plays a critical role in ensuring a fair, transparent, and successful real estate market.

Firstly, education for consumers is paramount. As consumers navigate the complex real estate sales process, they must understand their rights and responsibilities. This knowledge empowers them to make informed decisions, protect their interests, and avoid potential pitfalls. By providing comprehensive education, we can help consumers feel confident and secure in their transactions, ultimately leading to a more positive experience for all parties involved.

Secondly, education for licensees is essential. Real estate professionals must continually update their knowledge and skills to better serve their clients and uphold industry standards. Through ongoing education, licensees can stay abreast of the latest market trends, legal requirements, and best practices. This not only enhances their ability to meet clients’ needs effectively but also fosters a culture of professionalism and ethical behavior within the industry.

Lastly, education for brokers is crucial as they are responsible for the success of their licensees. Brokers have a significant role in mentoring and supporting their team, ensuring that they are well-equipped to handle the challenges of the real estate market. By taking their responsibilities seriously, brokers can foster a collaborative and knowledgeable environment, leading to improved performance, client satisfaction, and overall success for their brokerage.

“What attracts me to the position I am applying for is the opportunity to expand my awareness and understanding of issues at a national level, which in turn will enable me to better serve my clients and peers at a local level. This role promises a broader perspective on industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices from across the country. By gaining this insight, I can anticipate challenges and opportunities that may arise locally, allowing me to provide more informed guidance and support to those I work with.

Additionally, being in a position to manage and address these issues at a national level will enhance my ability to implement effective strategies and solutions within my local community. This experience will not only deepen my expertise but also strengthen my leadership skills, enabling me to mentor and inspire my peers. Ultimately, this role aligns perfectly with my goal of fostering a well-informed, proactive, and supportive real estate environment for both clients and colleagues.” — Jessica Durham

What three (3) real estate issues are you most passionate about at the moment and why?

First and foremost, I believe ensuring that REALTORS® continue to be an integral part of the home buying transaction is our number one issue. With all of the copy cat lawsuits and DOJ interference into our industry, I believe we still have a long road ahead of us to ensure consumers continue to be confident in our service and place in the industry. Protecting homeownership and the American Dream is critical to the financial success of this country, and I want to help the attack on our industry go away.

Secondly, I believe that the benefits of homeownership from a tax perspective need to be protected and boosted to ensure that property owners can continue to put more homes back into the marketplace without being so heavily taxed. If we can work with the REALTOR® Party to get legislation passed that increases the capital gains exemptions and create incentives for investors to sell their entry level homes to first time and lower income buyers, we can begin to solve some of our inventory issues, ensuring that REALTORS® can continue to be successful and Americans can build personal wealth through homeownership. The future of our economy depends so heavily on the nest egg built with homes for individuals and families, so if we can find creative ways to increase inventory, we’re all better off.

Finally, I believe that the future of our industry relies on professionalism throughout our organizations. I am passionate about continuing to improve on our skills, education and ethics, and I’d love to see more of our members embrace the Commitment to Excellence Certification.

“I love REALTORS® and am passionate about the fact that we can always improve our industry and be the voice for homeowners everywhere. I’ve worked tirelessly as a volunteer over the years at the local, state and national levels to be a voice for our local marketplace and spread the positive messages that REALTORS® are such an integral part of every community. I recognize that not all members have the ability to serve in this capacity. I want to be the person that this membership can rely on to have a strong voice representing the best interests of each of you when you’re not able to attend the conferences, serve on committees and spend your volunteer hours with the organization. As a graduate of the NAR Leadership Academy in 2014, I have had the privilege of making incredible connections with many REALTOR® leaders around the country, so that when we are faced with issues both locally and throughout the nation, I have access to these leaders to be sure to get answers for all of you. Having served on many national committees, workgroups and PAGS over the last 17 years, I truly believe that I can serve BRR in the absolute best capacity at the National Association. I haven’t missed an NAR Board of Directors meeting in over 13 years, ensuring that I’m always up to speed with the issues facing our industry. I would love an opportunity again to represent you all on the NAR Board of Directors to ensure that the Strategic Plan, Budget and Elected Officers are the best for us back home.” — Kit Fitzgerald

What three (3) real estate issues are you most passionate about at the moment and why?

Public Policy, RPAC, and Private Property Rights.

Public Policy because this gives the Realtor associations a seat at the table with our public officials.

RPAC because it takes money to support candidate’s that value Realtor issues.

Private Property Rights because at the local and state levels our clients Private Property Rights are being impacted by land use laws, rent controls, and short term rental legislation to name a few.

“The ability to advocate at the National level for issues affecting our industry from private property rights to fiscal responsibility is what attracts me to this opportunity.” — Craig Groves

What three (3) real estate issues are you most passionate about at the moment and why?

Affordable housing, inventory and inflation are the three issues facing Realtors today. Housing affordably for people with low or median household income often requires subsidies or government programs. Financing, zoning laws, and construction costs also affect building affordable housing. With low inventory, home prices soar, and homebuyers and some first time buyers cannot find affordable options. Sellers are not selling, and finding suitable housing can be a challenge. Finding solutions has not been easy; we are making little progress. We must find a way to solve these issues soon.

“I want to be a voice for our association on the upcoming changes that are happening at NAR. I attend NAR yearly national conferences. I have served on NAR committees such as Federal Housing Policy, Risk Management, Land Use and Environmental, Professional Standards and Grievance committees. I have experience and expertise to share with our members and am open to new ideas from the new generation of Realtors’ who will take our industry forward into the future. I am asking for your vote as NAR Director.” —Via Surmelis