Keep Learning, Stay Active with NVAR: A Great Business Plan

It is hard to believe that this is my last column.

Knowing that my time as your president will quickly be coming to an end has thrown me into a time of reflection and appreciation.

In addition to an action-packed year, there was challenging work to accomplish. I think we have done so much:

We hosted a new series of broker-dedicated events.

We amended our bylaws to increase transparency, improve governance and enhance board accountability. The work to update our Policy and Procedures manual has begun with a new task force, and we hope to complete it this year.

We were the top sponsor at the Fair Housing Regional Summit where I spoke alongside Senator Tim Kaine. We served as the Media-Day sponsor for the Habitat for Humanity Over the Edge Fundraiser, and we were Gold Sponsors at the Northern Virginia Housing Expo in March.

Our first-ever commercial and residential bus tour was a success. It highlighted planned, approved and ongoing development along the Silver Line Metro corridor. Another new event, the NVAR Cares fundraiser at Paradise Springs Winery, just took place and was a huge success!

This year’s convention had record-breaking attendance and helped advance everyone’s brand.

My commitment to our profession and to your success has become a major part of my DNA. Closing out this year as your president does not change that.

My parents taught me that “to those whom much is given, much is expected in return.” Our profession provides us with so many opportunities to serve.

How will you give back to our industry?

Investing in your professional development is good for you, good for your business and good for our industry. In today’s fiercely complex real estate market, your professionalism must grow, and we must remain our clients’ trusted advisors.

Check out the possibilities at NVAR.com/calendar.

Just one of the many programs that I would urge you to take is this:

On Dec. 13, earn the At Home With Diversity certification and learn how to work effectively with and within today’s increasingly diverse pool of homebuyers.

My dedication to the greater good of our ever-changing industry will remain steadfast.

Please plan to stay involved as your new Board of Directors will meet 10 times next year. You are welcome to attend any board meeting. This is your association. Let us keep up our momentum.

This holiday season, capture the spirit of gratitude and be the pebble to cause the ripple. Cherish your family, your clients, your colleagues. Make this decision: carpe diem: seize the day. Thanks for your confidence and support. It has been my honor to serve our association and you.

Lorraine Arora
2018 President of the Board
president@nvar.com