This past week I spent a few days in Charleston, WV for our 102nd Annual West Virginia Association of REALTORS® State Convention. So, what did we do you may ask? First, we had an informative speaker for our continuing education. As REALTORS®, we are required to have seven (7) hours of CE every year. This type of education can be obtained by attending a conference as I did, or some may choose to do it online. At the convention, there is also a change of State leadership for the upcoming year. These leaders for our Association are REALTORS® but they volunteer their time to make sure we are being well represented within the state.
This is also an opportunity for us to network with other REALTORS® around the state. As a licensed agent in West Virginia, you can sell anywhere in the state however it may not make sense to drive to Martinsburg to show a house when you live in Morgantown. We network to make friends that become our colleagues and we refer business to each other. We also have people in our association that have connections on the state level to help lobby for the causes that affect the real estate industry.
Its not all business at the convention. Did you know that REALTORS® like to fundraise, and we do it well? We raised over $30,000 in one evening for REALTOR® Relief and RPAC. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) explains that the REALTORS® Relief Foundation (RRF) is a charitable organization dedicated to providing housing-related assistance to victims of disasters. Created as a REALTOR®-driven response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, RRF continues to restore and rebuild communities affected by disasters such as wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes thanks to the generosity of individual REALTORS®, REALTOR® Associations, and affiliated organizations.
Also, according to NAR, the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) was formed in 1969 and its goal is to promote the election of pro-REALTOR® candidates across the United States. The purpose of RPAC is clear: voluntary contributions made by REALTORS® are used to help elect candidates who understand and support their interests.
The Morgantown Board of REALTORS® also donates their time and efforts to local charities. Many of our members serve on non-profit boards in Morgantown and around the state. The Community Service committee of the Morgantown Board of REALTORS® recently held a cornhole competition and we raised over $2500 for REALTOR® Relief. We do more than list and sell homes. These REALTORS® are doing good things!
The market is slowing down a bit and that is normal for this time of year. We currently have only 140 single family listings in Monongalia County on the market. The buyers are looking but the inventory is still extremely low. Interest rates are also low. If you are considering buying or selling, now is the time. Want a second home? Go for it! Contact your local REALTOR® today to get the process started!
Welcome to October, fall, pumpkins and leaves falling. Go out and remember to do good things!
Stephanie Lemley, 2021 MBOR President
