My trip to the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) Annual Convention was, once again, filled with great education and wonderful networking opportunities. Thanks to NAR’s Facebook contest, I won 2 nights at the Renaissance Hotel and 2 tickets to SeaWorld and was able to bring my family with me to Orlando!
I am currently in my 3rd year serving on NAR’s Housing Opportunity Advisory Committee. As someone who is passionate about affordable housing, this Committee has been a great source of information and gratification.
One topic covered at this meeting was Employer Assisted Housing (EAH). NAR offers training and information on EAH as well as assistance in setting up EAH programs. Employees who have stable, affordable housing, provide a stable, reliable, workforce. Studies have shown that employees who live and work in their communities and have affordable housing, also have a more stable family environment, fewer financial problems and are less likely to leave their jobs.
Another topic covered was the importance of considering transportation costs when qualifying for housing. While we do not anticipate lenders using this cost as a factor for loan approval, it is a significant expense that REALTORS should discuss with their clients. The Center for Neighborhood Technology and Housing + Transportation Affordability Index offer great tools and information for both consumers and REALTORS.
Representatives of NAHREP (National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals) and AREAA (Asian Real Estate Association of America) both spoke to our Committee. NAHREP recently relaunched it’s non-profit arm and is focused on educating all REALTORS; not just those in the Hispanic community. AREAA presented a check for $500,000 to the Japan Rebuild Fund to help rebuild houses destroyed by the tsunami. They are now raising funds to replace roofs on houses impacted by Hurricane Sandy.
I was honored to be invited to a luncheon hosted by Second Century Ventures, the strategic investment arm of NAR. In attendance were many individuals who are influential in shaping the future of real estate and direction of the industry. The discussion centered around technology and service companies that drive innovation and help the entrepreneurial spirit of the real estate industry. I look forward to becoming more involved with SCV and its efforts.
As usual, the Expo was amazing. A few years ago, Stefan Swanepoel told me that if you look at the Expo as a educational opportunity, you can learn more in the Expo than the conference. I’ve always tried to keep that statement in mind as I travel through the Expo. There are fantastic opportunities to learn from company founders, make face-to-face contact with marketing and customer service managers and try out new products and services for my business.
Saturday night, I was invited to the Trulia party held at ICEBAR Orlando. Socializing in the 20 degree ice room was COLD! It was great to see old friends and meet new and Trulia threw a fantastic event.