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Remembering Margo Wheeler, a Seattle real estate legend

by Emily Marek

Realtors in Seattle and around the country continue to pay tribute to Margo Wheeler, who passed away due to cancer in January.

Wheeler served as the vice president of association affairs for the National Association of REALTORS® until her passing. She was appointed to the role by current NAR President Kenny Parcell.

“Margo was the epitome of honor and service — the poster child of what a Realtor should be — and one of the most inspirational people I have ever known,” said Parcell. “Anyone who knew Margo loved her, and her passion for our industry motivated us all to be better leaders and volunteers. I feel blessed to have known her not only as my vice president but as my friend. She will never be forgotten.”

An army veteran, Wheeler was always cognizant of the example she set for her recruits. “I couldn’t be one of the guys,” she said in an interview with REALTOR® Magazine. “As a woman of color — as a woman, period, at that time — I had to stand taller. I had to make sure that I had their respect at all times.”

Throughout her army career, Wheeler became accustomed to frequent relocations. When she finally settled in Washington and began working in real estate, she fully understood the importance of creating smooth transitions for her clients, especially first-time buyers and fellow military personnel.

In all, Wheeler spent 30 years in the real estate industry. During that time, she served on the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, the Residential Real Estate Council and the Women’s Council of REALTORS®, of which she served as the president in 2011. She was also president of Washington REALTORS® in 2017 and was inducted into the REALTORS® Political Action Committee Hall of Fame in 2020.

“Very few individuals have made such a positive impact in the lives of so many as Margo,” said J. Lennox Scott, chairman and CEO of John L. Scott Real Estate, where Wheeler worked as an agent and managing broker. “Her presence at a gathering or meeting elevated the conversation and each of us individually.”

In addition to her many association accolades, Wheeler was recognized as the Industry MVP in the 2022 Seattle Agents’ Choice Awards, a testament to the widespread respect she garnered from her peers and colleagues in real estate.

Although Wheeler did not get to finish her term as vice president of association affairs, NAR CEO Bob Goldberg says her “[Her] legacy and impact will live on in our hearts and within our association forever. The entire National Association of REALTORS ® family mourns the loss of our incredible leader.”

In honor of Wheeler’s dedication to her community and profession, the Seattle King County First Citizen Foundation will donate a $5,000 scholarship in her name to the high school applicant who demonstrates leadership, community service, civic engagement and volunteerism – traits that Wheeler exemplified. The deadline for the scholarship application is April 1.

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