End of Year Presidents Message

What a year it has been! I don’t know if this past year in real estate has made us stronger or just slightly unhinged, but one thing is certain: it’s been unforgettable.

Over the last couple of years, we went from frenzied bidding wars—20 offers, $30K over list, no inspections—to now, if you’re lucky, three offers, $5K over list, and back to negotiating inspection repairs. Honestly, some of us forgot what it was like to ask for repairs and it shows in these inspection notices we are receiving.

And then there’s the joy of “price corrections.” Few experiences rival the thrill of informing a seller that their home’s value doesn’t quite align with the dream numbers they spotted on a neighborhood Facebook post.

This year wasn’t without its challenges. Anyone remember the NAR lawsuit? That was *fun*! Definitely not on my 2024 bingo card. It’s been a stark reminder of the scrutiny our industry is under and how we have to stay adaptable. But hey, we REALTORS® are nothing if not adaptable!

Reflecting on this past year, I think about the things we’ve gone through and the things I didn’t quite get to accomplish. It reminds me of something my mentor, Mark Hiller, once told me about listing presentations: there’s the one you prepare for, the one you give, and the one you wish you would have given. That’s exactly how I feel about my presidency.

I wasn’t trying to reinvent the wheel this year—just leave a little mark on our Association. But between the lawsuit fallout and convincing agents that the new forms weren’t, in fact, the end of civilization as we know it, I ran out of time for some of my grand plans.

That said, we did have some wins—and some fun! Our events this year? Spectacular. The speakers? Top-notch. The money we raised for RPAC? Incredible. We crushed it with our education offerings and CE classes, and our committees knocked it out of the park. Of course, none of this would have been possible without our rockstar staff, who consistently go above and beyond. That dedication comes straight from the top, and we have the best CEO in Gwen Walters. Thank you, Gwen, and thank you to our entire team!

Thank you all for trusting me to serve as your president this year. It’s been a wild ride—full of highs, lows, and learning experiences—but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. And now, I’m thrilled to take on the best position ever: Immediate Past President!

Cheers, everyone! Let’s keep making our mark on this industry, one crazy year at a time.