The National Association of REALTORS® organizes the state REALTOR® associations into 13 regions, to provide more localized access to national programs and issues. Idaho (and therefore, Boise Regional REALTORS®) is part of Region 12 along with Alaska, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
As your national directors from BRR, we attended the recent 2018 Region 12 Meetings, along with our Chief Executive Officer, Breanna Vanstrom, and wanted to share our top takeaways, plus links to some great tools and resources…
Fair Housing
2018 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act. We were shocked to find out that in 1968 when it was enacted, NAR did not support it. Now 50 years later, NAR is working to rectify that position, partnering with the Asian Real Estate Association of American (AREAA), the National Association of Gay and Lesbian Real Estate Professionals (NAGLREP), the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP), the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), and the Women’s Council of REALTORS® (WCR), to ensure members understand the importance of this act back then and today. As we commemorate 50 years, we need to also recognize that in this ever-changing world, there’s still work to be done. BRR will be providing a suite of local programs and events, kicking off in April, to give you ideas for ensuring fair housing practices are a part of your business… but in the meantime, visit NAR’s Fair Housing resource online to learn more. — Carey Farmer, NAR Director from BRR and broker associate with Group One Sotheby’s International Realty
Leadership Resources
While many know of the opportunities at BRR, it can seem as though NAR volunteerism is out of reach… but I’m here to tell you it is not. So how do you get involved with NAR? First, learn what committees are available and identify those that best suit your skills and experience. Then, update your expertise profile (login required) and absolutely include your professional headshot or upload a video. We heard from NAR’s First Vice President, Vince Malta, that as they get ready to help appoint members to committees, having a face to put with a name and profile is crucial. And finally, introduce yourself to members already involved at the national level! In person, over email, or by phone, asking them for advice on where to start, how to learn more about your interest areas, and even get tips on filling out your expertise profile. Here’s a link (login required) to the current national appointments from Idaho. — Gail, NAR Director and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty Boise
Other tips, resources, and other ideas gleaned from the Region 12 Meetings:
- Wire fraud continues to be a major issue nationwide. While some language has been added to Idaho real estate contracts and a fraud notice was created, consider adding a notice to your email signature. NAR provides a wealth of resources and videos you can explore on their website, just search “wire fraud” for links and information.
- You may have used Realtors Property Resource® (RPR) through IMLS, but have you used the RPR mobile app? It offers a Comparative Analysis on the Go, Investment Analysis on the Go, traffic zone reports for buyers, and a very handy home improvement tool.
- Are you an RPAC Investor? If so, talk about it in your listing presentations and buyer consults. It’s a powerful message that you not only help people buy and sell, but you also fight hard to preserve the American dream of homeownership. (If not, talk to Soren or Cameron today!)
- Don’t let tech get in the way of building real relationships with your clients and colleagues. An email drip campaign is great but taking time to call a past client to just check-in, or to stop by for a visit… not just to ask for a referral. (Oh… and stop asking for referrals. Instead, ask your clients to recommend you to others.) Showing clients that you are a long-term resource is essential to maintaining our relevance and value, especially as technology continues to chip away at pieces of the transaction.
- Millennials and those in Gen Z want to work with professionals and companies that not only do great work but also, that do good in the community. Highlight the ways you give back through your business to connect with younger buyers and sellers.
Interested in attending future Region 12 meetings or other NAR conferences? Take a look at the events calendar and save the dates. Questions about the resources or ideas shared, please let us know.
Thanks!
