At the Austin Board of REALTORS®, we aim to foster a community of belonging among the most engaged and professional REALTORS® in the nation. Being a part of this esteemed Association means being part of something larger than oneself. As real estate agents, we deeply understand this. The heart of our work is putting ourselves in another’s shoes and helping them find “home”. And the impact of that work literally shapes the Central Texas communities we serve.
That’s why I’m naming 2024 as our “Year of Empathy.” Empathy is the bedrock of agent professionalism, fostering trust and rapport not only with your clients but also with fellow real estate professionals. As our marketplace continues to evolve, and ABoR continues to advocate for housing affordability and accessibility, empathy should define who REALTORS® are and guide our interactions.
Empathy is also an essential component to fostering a community of belonging. Our collective strength lies in valuing every voice and every individual, and this commitment to inclusion is what defines the Austin Board of REALTORS® and Unlock MLS.
As a Board, we welcome your feedback, input, ideas, and suggestions. I pledge, alongside my fellow Board members, to listen, learn, and engage honestly and respectfully. We want you to remain engaged members, whether that’s attending one of our signature events such as the Central Texas Housing Summit, listening to the Driving It podcast each week, or just taking advantage of one of the many ABoR benefits available to you, such as a free subscription to Austin Business Journal or Inman Select.
As your 2024 President, I’m committed to leading with empathy and fostering opportunities for you to collaborate and connect. That begins with our Annual Meeting on January 31, for which virtual tickets are still available at www.ABoR.com/Events. We’ll be providing an important legal update and unveiling several new ABoR and Unlock MLS benefits that are coming to you this year. In addition, Dr. Clare Losey, our in-house housing economist, will share a 2024 forecast for the Central Texas Housing Market.
There’s a lot going on in our industry right now, and I understand that this can feel unnerving. While change can feel uncertain, it also presents us with new opportunities.
If you seek a supportive community where your voice is heard and understood, ABoR will continue to be here for you.