Association News
Real estate associations support brokers in a number of ways, many of which take place behind the scenes. What’s happening at your local association? How are they serving their members? This monthly feature, penned by association leaders, offers the inside scoop on how associations small and large are helping to improve the industry.
Check out Seattle Agent’s five most-read Association News columns of 2022.
King County REALTORS® can look back on a year of challenges and accomplishments while also anticipating a more balanced market in 2023.
“Nobody has a crystal ball, but we know markets are changing. It’s time to dig into your niches,” writes Jeff Berger, founder of the National Association of Gay & Lesbian Real Estate Professionals.
“NAR has long advocated for these reductions, but the benefit of reduced fees to homebuyers is even more important today as we confront the highest mortgage rates in almost two decades.” – Leslie Rouda Smith, President of NAR
Months of preparation culminated Sept. 13 when Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS) launched two redesigned websites and a refreshed brand.
NAHB Chairman Jerry Konter discusses the potential opportunities of smaller starter homes amid the nation’s affordability crisis.
“Like counterparts at nearly 400 state and local associations, this member-driven organization is focused on encouraging newer professionals to become involved with governance (policy and advocacy), leadership, education/professional development and community (volunteerism).” — Cheyenne Gillooly, YPN Chair and YPN Director at Seattle King County REALTORS®
The months of June through August are filled with events and meetings, many in anticipation of important elections.
COVID was a setback for many associations, but it offered the Women’s Council of REALTORS® the opportunity to get creative and dig deep to find ways to connect meaningfully with members across the country.
“Data sharing, communications, training and promoting cooperation, professionalism and ethical conduct are integral parts of the NWMLS purpose.” — Stuart Heath, 2022 chairperson of the Northwest Multiple Listing Service Board of Directors
“The AAPI community is undergoing a period of rapid growth, in sheer numbers and in cultural impact … At AREAA, we are proud and humbled to play our part in fostering progress that will lead to greater accessibility and opportunity for the growing AAPI community.” — Tim Hur, president of the Asian Real Estate Association of America
Volunteering can also be fulfilling, not only by providing needed services, but also for strengthening or developing relationships, providing a sense of purpose, and acquiring new skills.
During these turbulent times, Washington’s real estate community has been stepping up to find new ways to make a difference.
The ongoing commission battle has one report calling for changes the NAR says could freeze many out of the homebuying process.
The city of Bellevue is offering mediation to help tenants and landlords negotiate repayment of overdue rent resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report by Seattle King County REALTORS® (SKCR).
Enumclaw’s city council recently expanded the city’s Multi-Family Tax Exemption (MFTE) program, a move that many hope will reverse decades-old development patterns and stimulate construction of new multifamily housing, according to a report by Seattle King County REALTORS® (SKCR).