Message from the President
by Rebecca Van Dorn
Realtors and Industry Leaders from Across the World to Focus on Real Estate Issues
Your BNAR Leadership and a few other members joined more than 20,000 real estate professionals and industry leaders from around the country at the 2018 REALTORS Conference & Expo in Boston from November 2–5.
This year’s conference theme, “Ready, Set, Boston,” encouraged members of the National Association of Realtors to take advantage of new technology and innovations shaping the industry, educate themselves on the latest market trends and real estate issues, and make new contacts with fellow real estate professionals from across the globe. Realtors® also had the opportunity to attend hundreds of information and education sessions featuring more than 300 nationally recognized speakers and industry experts who spoke on a broad range of real estate issues, including innovation and business technology, affordability issues related to inventory constraints, marijuana laws’ impact on commercial real estate and blockchain transactions.
During the week, conference attendees heard from industry and political thought leaders, including NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun who shared the latest outlook for residential and commercial real estate markets, as well as his 2019 housing forecast. Attendees also heard from Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Brock Long, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate CEO Sherry Chris, realtor.com Chief Marketing Officer Nate Johnson and political satirist and H.L Mencken Research Fellow at the Cato Institute P.J. O’Rourke.
As the most trusted source for real estate information, Realtors tirelessly educate and immerse ourselves in the latest trends and developments affecting our industry. This conference was an incredible opportunity for my colleagues and me to reflect on this year’s successes, identify solutions to problems facing the housing market in the year ahead, and strategize efforts to keep homeownership and real estate issues front and center on the national agenda.
Throughout the week, Realtors attended 120-plus conference forums, workshops and educational sessions on a broad range of real estate issues to help enhance their skills and prepare their businesses for 2019. Attending this conference is one of the countless ways Realtors® gain specialized knowledge, hone their expertise to better serve America’s home buyers, sellers and investors, and improve their professionalism.
During the conference, John Smaby was installed as 2019 NAR president and shared some of his priorities and focus for the coming year. “Technology is ever changing and in today’s world, it is becoming harder to get the attention of our clients, consumers and members. As business changes, Realtors® are continuing to adapt, evolve and innovate in order to remain at the forefront of innovation,” said Smaby, a second-generation REALTOR® from Edina, Minnesota and broker at Edina Realty.
Over 400 exhibitors showcased their offerings during the trade expo, the largest in real estate, exposing Realtors to fresh ideas and ways to better serve clients and grow their business.
As your president, I am available, 24/7/365 so please feel free to email me.
Congratulations to our newly elected BNAR Officers & Directors
Congratulations to our newly elected Officers for 2019 – BNAR President, Eric Winklhofer; President Elect Donna Littlefield, Secretary Treasurer Brendan Cunningham and Vice President Amber Wesser.
Also welcome aboard…elected by the voting members of BNAR were Lori Adams, Annabelle Aquilina, Suzanne Chaskes and Michele Gwizdowski at our Annual Meeting and Director Election Event on September 12 at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens. Each will serve a three-year term on the Board of Directors starting in 2019.
Agents’ Day & Trade Show
Over 450 members attended this year’s Agents’ Day & Trade Show that was held on October 10 at the Adams Mark Hotel. Thank you to our sponsors: Diamond Sponsor - Real Estate Signs.com. Platinum Sponsors - 2FindYourHome, Barclay Damon LLP., LW Integrity Funding, MP Caroll Hardwood. Gold Sponsors - CoreLogic, ShowingTime and our 75 exhibitors who helped make this day incredible. This year we rolled out a couch and a couple of chairs on stage for our Keynote speakers; John Leonardi, CEO of BNAR; Charles Martorana Esq,, BNAR attorney; Lisa Grover and Suzanne Chaskes that provided everyone with a more intimate type of program and engaged the audience.
Committee Sign Up for 2019
Do you want to be involved in the decisions that affect your business or livelihood or maybe you would you rather participate in planning activities? Join up for a committee. The link to the form is on the BNAR website homepage or by following this link. BNAR committees will be organizing in January so be sure to get your form in by the end of the year.
BNAR Accepting Nomination Forms for REALTOR and REALTOR-ASSOCIATE of the Year
Is it you or someone in your office who devotes their time to the real estate industry, their association and in their community? I am sure they are many of you that qualify. Here is the link to the REALTOR of the Year and REALTOR-ASSOCIATE of the Year Nomination form. Deadline to submit your form is November 30, 2018.
REALTOR of the Year - http://www.bnar.org/downloads/govrecriteria
REALTOR ASSOCIATE of the Year - http://www.bnar.org/downloads/govraoycriteria
