From individual brokerages to real estate thought leaders and professional publications, everyone is talking about change in the real estate industry. And we know that change is the reality – in business models, consumer expectations, and our local market.
Our Convention theme this year addressed this paradigm: Realtors® Evolve – and was reflected not only in program sessions, but in the event format itself. We added two new sessions this year to celebrate our global marketplace and our top producers.
In fact, I’m pleased to announce that NVAR has again this year earned Platinum status in NAR’s Global Business Council Achievement Program. You can read more in this magazine issue about the great strides our members are making that helped lead to this achievement in 2019.
And take a look on page 7 to see how we celebrated the success of our top producing agents in a bold new way this year.
I’m excited about the new and innovative benefits and programs NVAR is introducing, yet it’s important to appreciate what’s not changing. The Realtor® profession is based on certain core beliefs that guide our work with one another and with the home buyers and sellers who rely on us as trusted professionals.
And those core beliefs are reflected in our Code of Ethics as well as the concept of cooperation on which our multiple listing service was created.
Your NVAR Board of Directors recently adopted a position statement expressing core beliefs related to the MLS cooperation and off-MLS listings:
- Marketing decisions must be made based on what is in the client’s best interest.
- Properties not included in the MLS severely limits exposure to the widest group of potential buyers.
- Withholding listings from the MLS compromises the integrity of MLS data to the detriment of consumers.
- Cooperation between brokers is a cornerstone of the NAR Code of Ethics, the foundation of the MLS, and essential to promote the best interests of consumers. Cooperation is institutionalized and facilitated efficiently and effectively through the MLS.
Continuing dialogue and open lines of communication are critical as our industry and association continue to keep pace with marketplace demands. Please share your feedback and suggestions. Your voice matters.
Our staff team and I are looking forward to working closely with our newly elected volunteer leadership in 2020. I hope that you will continue to be engaged and take it up a notch in 2020!
Ryan Conrad, CAE, CIPS, RCE, e-Pro
NVAR Chief Executive Officer
rconrad@nvar.com