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.

Kenny Parcell, the 2023 president of the National Association of REALTORS®, opens up about what’s in store for the coming year.

Leaders of local and national Realtors associations shared their wisdom and unique perspectives throughout the year. Today we share the most-popular pieces they penned.

Atlanta-area Realtors need to work to increase housing opportunities for all in the year ahead.

“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

Sebastian Riveros, president of the Atlanta chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, discusses the important contributions NAHREP has made toward his personal and professional growth.

NAHB Chairman Jerry Konter discusses the potential opportunities of smaller starter homes amid the nation’s affordability crisis.

“When I first got into real estate, I never envisioned that I would be where I am today, and without my volunteer efforts and commitment to the Realtor industry, my career would not have evolved as it has. Moral of the story — get involved.” — Emily Wheeler, YPN Chair, Georgia Association of REALTORS®

“Understanding what the legacy you want to leave is the first step. How can being a Realtor help you achieve that?” — Roderick W. Williams, Atlanta REALTORS®️ Association, Board of Directors 2022 Governmental & Community Affairs Chair

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.

“If you are thinking about investing in real estate, buy-and-hold, fix-and-flip or new construction, now is the time, and an experienced REALTOR can help, providing you the in-depth market data that you need to make a well-informed investment.” — Karen Hatcher, 2022 President, Atlanta REALTORS® Association

“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

As membership hits an all-time high, 2022 President Joey Tucker lays out the association’s event calendar for this year, including Member Connect Summits to be held around the state and the annual convention, which will be held in Nashville.

“Diversity is being invited to the party, Inclusion is being asked to dance,” writes 2022 Atlanta REALTORS® Association President Karen Hatcher.

The ongoing commission battle has one report calling for changes the NAR says could freeze many out of the homebuying process.

“Expect strong housing demand to continue and prices to increase, although both will likely moderate over the next 12 months,” writes incoming NAR President Leslie Rouda Smith.