ABoR Communities: Your Key to Building Your Network, Career Longevity

by Brandy Wuensch | Mar 14, 2025 | Austin Board of REALTORS

The real estate industry is more than just transactions—it’s about relationships, advocacy, education, and continuous growth. That’s why this month’s column focuses on ABoR Communities and how you can get involved.

Being active in ABoR Communities has been one of the best career moves I’ve made. It has helped me expand my network, develop leadership skills, and make a lasting impact. I encourage every ABoR member to explore how these communities can help shape their careers—and to actively participate in the conversations that strengthen our association and profession.

Curious about which community might be the best fit for you? Here’s a look at each of our communities and their work:

Global

In today’s market, real estate has no borders. The ABoR Global community connects agents with international opportunities, education, and networking to help navigate the complexities of global transactions. From cross-border investments to cultural training, ABoR Global broadens your scope beyond local markets. Learn more at UnlockMLS.com/Global.

Upcoming event: Join ABoR Global on March 27 for Choose Your Brew with Ireland, a dynamic event aimed at fostering global connections and celebrating the strong partnership between Ireland and the United States. Register at UnlockMLS.com/Classes-and-Events.

Foundation

The ABoR Foundation supports REALTORS® and the community through scholarships, disaster relief, and service initiatives. Getting involved strengthens local communities and connects you with a network of service-driven professionals. Learn more at UnlockMLS.com/Foundation.

Advocacy and Government Affairs

A thriving real estate industry relies on strong policy and representation. ABoR’s advocacy initiatives keep you informed about legislative changes, connect you with policymakers, and empower you to be a voice for homeownership and property rights. Whether through TREPAC or grassroots efforts, this community ensures REALTORS® remain at the forefront of industry advocacy. Learn more at UnlockMLS.com/Advocacy.

Upcoming event: REALTORS® from across Texas will gather at the Capitol on March 26 for REALTOR® Day at the Capitol. Register now at UnlockMLS.com/RealtorDay to see advocacy in action firsthand.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Real estate is for everyone. ABoR’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging initiatives foster an industry that reflects and serves the entire community. From fair housing education to leadership programs, this community is dedicated to equity, accessibility, and ensuring every agent has the opportunity to succeed. Learn more at UnlockMLS.com/Belonging.

ABoR Young Professionals Network (YPN)

Looking to accelerate your career and build meaningful connections? ABoR YPN is the place to be. Designed for up-and-coming REALTORS®, YPN provides mentorship, networking, and educational events tailored for those early in their careers. But don’t let the name fool you—this community is open to professionals of all experience levels.

Upcoming event: Join ABoR YPN on March 31 for a conversation with top influencers and social media professionals. Get tips and tricks from local experts to build your social media brand. Register at UnlockMLS.com/Classes-and-Events.

ABoR Strategic Partners

Success in real estate is about more than skills—it’s also about who you know. ABoR collaborates with local chapters of real estate organizations to offer professional development, networking, and advocacy opportunities. Each strategic partner holds a seat on the Diversity Committee, helping create initiatives that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in our association, community, and industry. Learn more at UnlockMLS.com/StrategicPartners.

Invest in Yourself and Your Career: Get Involved!

Joining an ABoR Community is more than an investment in your career—it’s a commitment to lifelong learning, industry excellence, and making an impact. No matter your experience level, there’s an ABoR Community for you. To get involved, visit UnlockMLS.com/Volunteer. Volunteer applications open Sept. 1.

Looking for another great way to network? Join us at the 2024 ABoR Industry Awards Gala on Friday, May 2. This spectacular event is a perfect opportunity to celebrate our colleagues and profession. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit UnlockMLS.com/Celebrate.

Unlocking Opportunity in 2025: A Letter from Incoming President

by Brandy Wuensch | Jan 16, 2025 | Austin Board of REALTORS

Every year is a new chapter, and I’m excited to begin this one with all of you as the new Unlock MLS and Austin Board of REALTORS® president. This year will be a year of change and growth—but above all, it will be what I am calling the “Year of Opportunity.”

Opportunity begins with ideas and vision, and as we step boldly into 2025, I’m eager to share some of the new innovations and initiatives that will shape the real estate landscape in our marketplace this year. At Unlock MLS and ABoR, we are redefining how REALTORS® conduct business and elevate their value to clients. Here’s a look at what you can expect this year.

Embracing Opportunities for All

My vision for 2025 is the “Year of Opportunity.” Merriam-Webster defines opportunity as “a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something.” My mission is to create an environment where every member and subscriber feels empowered to explore new possibilities, grow their business, and contribute to our thriving community.

From professional development to advocacy efforts, every program Unlock MLS and ABoR offers should serve as a gateway for members to connect, learn, and succeed. Together, we can create a culture where disengagement is replaced with empowerment, unlocking the potential of those who may have felt overlooked or disconnected in the past.

Harnessing Innovation and Unlocking Opportunity

Opportunity starts with innovation, and I’m excited to share that a supercharged MLS is coming soon for Unlock MLS subscribers. On Feb. 25, Unlock MLS will become the first MLS in the country to offer an AI-powered listing entry and management system, a powerful new client portal, and a new CMA tool—all within the Matrix platform our subscribers trust and depend on. These enhancements will offer exclusive, powerful new technology, including:

Listing Manager: The first AI-powered Add/Edit module in Matrix streamlines listing creation with mobile functionality, automated data entry, and compliance checks—saving agents time and enhancing client interactions. Plus, subscribers will gain access to an entirely new, robust CMA tool.

OneHome: A sleek, agent-branded client portal that personalizes the home search experience with AI-powered property matches, real-time collaboration, and in-depth neighborhood insights. Together, these tools simplify workflows and elevate service.

This is a big change and an even bigger opportunity for your business. We want you to feel prepared and confident when these changes launch. You can learn more and access resources to prepare for these updates by visiting our Unlock Opportunity Resource Hub at UnlockMLS.com/Opportunity.

Building Opportunities for Connection and Collaboration

During my tenure as the leader of the Diversity Committee, we prioritized making every member feel welcome and valued. This experience underscored the importance of fostering meaningful connections and open communication. I believe that by offering more chances for connection—through networking events, educational programming, and volunteer opportunities—we can bridge gaps and build a stronger, more inclusive organization. By fostering collaboration and connection, we can generate creative solutions and uncover new opportunities that will drive our association, and our businesses, forward.

Looking Ahead

I believe 2025 will be a year filled with promise, and I’m confident that together we’ll seize every opportunity to grow and succeed. I encourage you to stay engaged in our profession, embrace the challenges ahead, inspire one another, and make this new chapter truly remarkable for all Unlock MLS subscribers and ABoR members.

Here’s to a successful, collaborative, and opportunity-filled year!