Vote for the GAAR & SWMLS Boards by Friday, October 9th

Voting takes place this week for GAAR and SWMLS Board Leadership:  Monday, October 5th thru Friday, October 9th.

How to Vote:

Go to your GAAR Member Portal and choose "Vote" from the menu bar.

GAAR and SWMLS rely on volunteers for leadership, and this year we have a wonderful slate of qualified candidates who have expressed an interest in serving on the Board of Directors.

Review Candidate Questionnaires:

(insert headshots & questionnaire links here)

Watch the Candidates Introductions at the Virtual Meet & Greet on September 30th:

 

Review profiles of your 2021 GAAR & SWMLS Slate of Candidates

GAAR Board of Directors Applicant Nominations

   

What challenges face the current real estate industry?

Due to COVID-19, iBuyer programs, such as those offered by OpenDoor, Zillow, and now Keller Williams, are becoming even more attractive to sellers since it minimizes potential COVID exposure. It is crucial that Realtors stay informed of the pros and cons of these programs to better educate the public on them. It is also very important that Realtors offer a strong value proposition, level of service, professionalism, and knowledge to their clients. With that, the “cons” of the iBuyer program (higher fees for the seller and statistically lower sales price) will outweigh the “pros" (convenience and speed) for most sellers. Low inventory and pent up buyer demand is also a huge challenge to our industry currently. Many sellers are holding off on listing their homes in fear of COVID-19 exposure. It is imperative that Realtors follow proper precautions and safety protocols in order to make potential sellers feel confident and safe about selling their home. If inventory continues to decrease and interest rates increase, housing affordability will become an even larger challenge in the coming years, especially for first-time buyers.

How do you feel GAAR could be more relevant to our members?

I am truly proud to be a member of GAAR and to have witnessed how member benefits and educational opportunities have expanded through recent years. In order to become even more relevant, I believe GAAR should continue to invest in products, tools and cutting edge technology for our members. With GAAR’s contract with the Real Safe Agent app now discontinued due to technical glitches, I think it’s important that GAAR research/select a new safety app to be offered as a member benefit.

What do you feel will be unique about the next two-year time frame?

We are truly living in unprecedented times. No one yet knows what the long term impact of the current pandemic is going to be on the real estate market. Now more than ever, we as Realtors must act as real estate advisors to our clients and keep them up-to-date on market stability. Technology has always caused a change in our industry but with the advent of iBuyer programs for sellers and home search/valuation sites for buyers, that change is going to escalate at a rapid rate in the coming years. We as Realtors must anticipate and adapt to these changes and continue to find ways to provide true value to our clients in order to remain a relevant part of the home buying/selling process.

Morgan is running for a GAAR Director position, download her full answers  HERE.

What challenges face the current real estate industry?

Ethics and education. And lack of professionalism.

How do you feel GAAR could be more relevant to our members?

To reach out to all members to participate.

What do you feel will be unique about the next two-year time frame?

Adapting to the current market because of the virus. Market turn into technology.

Trung is running for a GAAR Director position, download his full answers  HERE.

What challenges face the current real estate industry?

I think that the we will be facing some fallout from the covid pandemic in the form of unemployment and the affect it will have on buyers ability to purchase homes.

How do you feel GAAR could be more relevant to our members?

By addressing their business issues. Things like health care, retirement and running your business like a business.

What do you feel will be unique about the next two-year time frame?

I think that we will see advances in online training and virtual real estate. I think that we will see new disruptors and that we will need to be very adaptable.

Bridget is running for GAAR President-Elect, download her full answers  HERE.

What challenges face the current real estate industry?

Competency and general knowledge for the average member.

How do you feel GAAR could be more relevant to our members?

GAAR is very relevant to our members. I hope to cultivate the current GAAR mission. I think the great majority of our members need assistance in technology education now more than ever.

What do you feel will be unique about the next two-year time frame?

Our market is more volatile and ever-changing as it has been in my 20 years. I know our core values and standards of practice's that we all believe in as an association and also have an open mind for evolution and change as needed in our evolving marketplace. Although our current market is very strong, I lived and thrived through 2006-2010 and am cognisant that these amazing times will not last forever and we need to be responsible in our practices and thinking to be forward enough thinking and wise. I am cautiously aggressive in my forward-thinking and feel like technology and social media evolution is how the current Broker will thrive going forward. This is an evolving new time and we cannot forget our core values.

Todd is running for a GAAR Director position, download his full answers  HERE.

What challenges face the current real estate industry?

Technology changing at a fast pace. Also lending guidelines for consumers needing to build.

How do you feel GAAR could be more relevant to our members?

Offer more options for volunteering so members could be involved in outreach projects.

What do you feel will be unique about the next two-year time frame?

Technology and navigating through all of the options.

Sarah is running for GAAR Vice President, download her full answers  HERE.

What challenges face the current real estate industry?

There are many challenges that the industry currently faces. Many younger clients have trouble finding homes they can afford within the city limits. It is not uncommon to live 45 minutes to an hour away from their work in order to afford a home with the size and amenities they need. The price of homes has also gone up recently making it hard for buyers to get the home they like but it is a good thing for sellers with few days on market and multiple offers being seen. With the current pandemic, we are also experiencing a large number of homeowners who are taking a mortgage forbearance, this will inevitably cause more foreclosures and will change the market again but it is unsure how or when. This is something we will need to prepare for.

How do you feel GAAR could be more relevant to our members?

GAAR does a great job of keeping it modern and up to date with videos, social media posts, and virtual learning. I do think to make it more relevant to it's members it could be more consistent with its video presence. There are multiple styles of video being used. The more professional style is more appealing and will get more engagement from members of all ages. People look forward to seeing things at the same time on the same day so that is something to consider.

What do you feel will be unique about the next two-year time frame?

I feel like I can learn many things from being on the board from the other members. The next two years will be unique as we will be meeting in different ways and coming up with ideas to adapt the business to this new way of life.

Rachel is running for a GAAR Director position, download her full answers  HERE.

What challenges face the current real estate industry?

It is sad to say but with the ongoing changes in technology and the ways that the average person searches for information, the real challenge that faces us as Realtors is going to be relevancy. We will need to be the best, most professional, and most knowledgeable brokers out there in order to combat the millennial reliance on technology in the near future.

How do you feel GAAR could be more relevant to our members?

There is no question that GAAR is relevant. Once you become a member and see all that is done by GAAR and all of the services that are offered it becomes less relevant than necessity. The real issue I see is in perceived relevance and whether the average member knows what there is to offer through GAAR.

What do you feel will be unique about the next two-year time frame?

In the next two years we will need to overcome the obstacles presented to us by the recent pandemic. We will need to learn new resources and ways to do business. We will inevitably need to learn how to get the same job done but with new tools and different dynamics.

Josh is running for a GAAR Director position, download his full answers  HERE.

What challenges face the current real estate industry?

Lack of inventory, the economy.

How do you feel GAAR could be more relevant to our members?

Bringing us together more often, with isolation and working at home we have lost contact with our industry.

What do you feel will be unique about the next two-year time frame?

New government! Lots of new rules, the speed of change makes business difficult.

Mary is running for a GAAR Director position, download her full answers  HERE.

What challenges face the current real estate industry?

Low inventory in this market is a challenge. That's why becoming familiar with new home sales is crucial. This is why I took the time to become New Home certified. Also, we as Realtors really need to elevate our professionalism for our clients and for our communities in general. They deserve our very best everyday.

How do you feel GAAR could be more relevant to our members?

I feel like as a Director I can help with increased engagement for our members and with the community. I have spearheaded many marketing campaigns previously and I would be honored to be able to help GAAR with this.

What do you feel will be unique about the next two-year time frame?

In the next two years I imagine we will see full economic recovery. This will continue the desire for home buyers to purchase real estate. With decreasing resale homes available we will see an influx of new homes being built. Its crucial that we become familiar with new home companies and new home sales.

Christopher is running for a GAAR Director position, download his full answers  HERE.

What challenges face the current real estate industry?

1. How COVID-19 is affecting the Real Estate Industry and what the repercussions will be and the changes in the economy and GNI/GNP. 2. Keeping technology relevant but not allowing it to disrupt the importance of relationships in real estate. 3. The Influx of Brokers into the market and maintaining Professional Standards.

How do you feel GAAR could be more relevant to our members?

Having liaisons from the Board working directly with the brokerages.

What do you feel will be unique about the next two-year time frame?

How the economy and the cyclical real estate market will unveil itself.

Carrie is running for a GAAR Director position, download her full answers  HERE.

SWMLS Board of Directors Applicant Nominations

Please share your experience, qualifications, skills, knowledge, and any other relevant information that would make you an asset to the SWMLS Board of Directors and SWMLS Participants/Subscribers. If applying for an officer position, what leadership skills do you bring to the role?

I've been an active Qualifying Broker for the past many years supervising between 20 to 90 brokers at one time or another. I've also been a past Director of SWMLS for a number of years. These experiences give me a true picture of the importance that SWMLS plays in the ability of our brokers to provide listing and sales services to their customers and clients. It's paramount!

What is the role of the SWMLS and what are the challenges facing the SWMLS moving forward?

SWMLS continues to strive to provide new tools and services that members can use to increase their proficiency and make their jobs easier. Going forward, we are always being challenged by 3rd party vendors (like Zillow) with inaccurate information...among other things!

What is one thing you would like to change that is in the purview of SWMLS?

I'd really like to see more professionalism within our broker members. I'd like to see basic respect for the SWMLS rules and regs and see brokers truly work together for the benefit of their customers and clients. It shouldn't be us against them...ever.

Kay is running for SWMLS Treasurer, download her full answers  HERE.

Please share your experience, qualifications, skills, knowledge, and any other relevant information that would make you an asset to the SWMLS Board of Directors and SWMLS Participants/Subscribers. If applying for an officer position, what leadership skills do you bring to the role?

I have been heavily involved in the REALTOR Association at all levels and bring a wealth of experience to the position. I listen to all opinions before I make a decision.

What is the role of the SWMLS and what are the challenges facing the SWMLS moving forward?

The SWMLS role is to provide accurate information and the latest technologies to the members. Challenges are disputers and trying to determine which vendors to chose is a challenge, are they going to deliver what they promise?

What is one thing you would like to change that is in the purview of SWMLS?

I would like a way to get more member input to the technologies we offer.

Cathy is running for SWMLS President, download her full answers  HERE.

Please share your experience, qualifications, skills, knowledge, and any other relevant information that would make you an asset to the SWMLS Board of Directors and SWMLS Participants/Subscribers. If applying for an officer position, what leadership skills do you bring to the role?

I have used the SWMLS system since I came to town and the appraisal staff of Albuquerque National Bank. In 1990 I became a self-employed real estate appraiser and continue using the SWMLS system.

What is the role of the SWMLS and what are the challenges facing the SWMLS moving forward?

To provide reliable and easily accessible data to aid in the valuation of real estate.

What is one thing you would like to change that is in the purview of SWMLS?

It should not be possible to change the list price of a home to match the sales price just before and just right after a contract to buy has been signed.

Greg is running for a SWMLS Director position, download his full answers  HERE.

Please share your experience, qualifications, skills, knowledge, and any other relevant information that would make you an asset to the SWMLS Board of Directors and SWMLS Participants/Subscribers. If applying for an officer position, what leadership skills do you bring to the role?

I was at the beginning of the SWMLS as a Director and advisor to Bill Hooten. I have over 18 years as a SWMLS Director and understand the history of past decisions and rules we now have, also was a director during 3 MLS system changes and numerous tech program presentations.

What is the role of the SWMLS and what are the challenges facing the SWMLS moving forward?

The biggest challenge is the competition of the big website providers Zillow, R.com, and others. We are also in the need to continue promoting professionalism to our members as they cooperate using SWMLS tech.

What is one thing you would like to change that is in the purview of SWMLS?

We as in SWMLS in all areas are here to help the members, I think there is still an Us vs Them mentality within the membership, I would like to help bridge the gap between Membership and SWMLS.

Jim is running for a SWMLS Director position, download his full answers  HERE.

Please share your experience, qualifications, skills, knowledge, and any other relevant information that would make you an asset to the SWMLS Board of Directors and SWMLS Participants/Subscribers. If applying for an officer position, what leadership skills do you bring to the role?

Realtor since 1986, Qualifying Broker since 1988. Past owner of two Century 21 franchises for over 10 years. Currently a Qualifying Broker at Realty One of NM. Served on Pro Standards at GAAR and Board of Easter Seals. Member of GAAR Grievance Committee since 2013. Member of CRS/RRC since 1995 and was Financial Advisor for NM 2017-2019. With all my past experiences in Real Estate and committees that I have been on, I believe I would bring positivity, trustworthiness, and creativity as VP.

What is the role of the SWMLS and what are the challenges facing the SWMLS moving forward?

Provide up to date technology and resources for our ever-changing real estate market.

What is one thing you would like to change that is in the purview of SWMLS?

More participation from our members. And to encourage more members to volunteer.

Jeanette is running for SWMLS Vice President, download her full answers  HERE.