Hard to believe that we are already into the spring season, and I trust that you have been thawing out while your client activity is heating up. I hope you have been leading by example in all walks of your life.

We have been busy with some great accomplishments and a couple of challenges. Some accomplishments that I am really proud of: our recent NVAR strategic planning process, where we discussed the priority of delivering exceptional value to our members, demonstrating Realtor® value to homebuyers and sellers, educating consumers and legislators about the value of homeownership, driving innovation, and impacting the industry.

This past February, along with a group of Realtors®, we traveled to Richmond on our annual NVAR legislative trip (see page 8). Each year during the General Assembly, our members   spend the day educating our elected officials about issues that matter most to our business and to homeowners in Northern Virginia. The Lt. Governor and other elected officials took time to speak with us. It was an eye opener to the first-timers, who vowed to get others on the bus next year. This event is just one example of NVAR value in action.

During the recent federal tax reform debate, NVAR was part of a task force of local Realtor® associations that penned a letter to local media explaining potential impacts on homeownership in Northern Virginia. We hosted and broadcast a town hall where Past Chair Bob Adamson, CEO Ryan Conrad and I, along with other community leaders, expressed our concerns to Congressman Gerry Connolly detailing regional effects of the proposed changes in federal tax laws.

In an effort to create greater member engagement, stay turned for new Facebook town hall live sessions to discuss issues of importance to our members.

These past few months, Ryan and I visited offices, bringing our message of inclusivity to our members, and also giving members an opportunity to tell us what matters to them. NVAR  staff also visit broker offices to share news and information that help Realtors® work better, smarter and with greater success. They teach us about legislation that impacts our business; explain changes in our standard forms; provide tips about cybersecurity and social media; and the list goes on.

On March 2, NVAR launched a new series, which is one of my favorites: Broker IDEA-X. These meetings will provide a setting where brokers exchange ideas and gain access to exclusive resources. Our goal in hosting this is to help our brokers, and by extension, their Realtors®, grow involvement in OUR association. We want to maintain standards of professionalism and achieve greater business success, while learning about new trends and technology tools to help us work smarter.

One of my priorities is to help ensure that our brokers serve as outstanding resources for our members. The two go together: Great broker = Greater Realtor® involvement = outstanding association! I want to elevate the professionalism through our brokers – and all members – so everyone benefits. Are you on a leadership path? Let’s talk. I can get you going.

Speaking about strong leaders, we celebrate amazing industry leadership on Friday, April 20 as we honor the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act. We, at NVAR, have teamed up as the lead sponsor with the Fairfax Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs. You are all invited to attend.

In conclusion, I leave you with this challenge: embrace the value offered by your association; be the source of value to your colleagues, clients and community. Get involved. Make a difference, and remember: Leadership is an attitude. Please lead by example, and join in with NVAR to learn as often as you can. We want to lead you down the path of success.