The SouthEast Valley Regional Association of REALTORS® provides business services to more than 12,000 affiliate and REALTOR® members throughout Ahwatukee, Apache Junction, Chandler, Gilbert, San Tan Valley, Guadalupe, Mesa, Queen Creek, Gold Canyon, Sun Lakes, and Tempe. Services include advocacy, timely education, valuable networking functions, professional standards and RAPAC support that aid in building a dynamic, vibrant and successful future for our members.
REAM: Tell us about some upcoming events the association has planned for members.
Laurel Pendle: As the director of events, I’ve found that SEVRAR members are actively engaged throughout the year and have numerous events and programs to choose from that fit their level of interest and schedule. One of our community outreach efforts is our annual Festival of Trees event. It is a true labor of love! SEVRAR’s community outreach committee comes together to host the annual Festival of Trees event. Organizations and individuals throughout our community are in need of Christmas trees during the holiday season. The committee provides over 30 fully decorated Christmas trees to needy families and organizations that would otherwise go without a tree during the season.
REAM: What benefits are there to agents who become actively involved in the association?
LP: As a SEVRAR member, there are many benefits from various providers that range from free educational classes to discounts for auto, home and health insurance. With over 12,800 members, we are able to partner with business providers to negotiate special discounts and other valuable benefits exclusively for our members.
REAM: What changes in the real estate community does the leadership anticipate will affect the association and its members? How are they seeking to overcome these challenges or benefit from the advancement?
Liz Harris: As the president-elect with more than 12 years of experience with the association, I’ve found that many members hoping to join the leadership, ask: What will real estate look like in five years? Technology continues to evolve at a very fast pace and will the information age diminish the relevancy of the REALTOR®? As long as the REALTOR ® continues to provide the relationship and the value there will be relevancy.
Professional Excellence is SEVRAR’ S 2018 theme. One of the ways to develop that level of excellence is get involved. A REALTOR® must remember to be an advocate for one’s clients, be passionate about what we do and remember that education empowers. Lastly, follow the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. We collectively owe it to our industry and ourselves to be the best professional one can be for the betterment of the real estate profession.
REAM: How has your involvement in the association benefited you and your career? How do you think it could benefit others like yourself?
LH: Associations educate and empower. Without question, “being in the know” has been instrumental to the success of my career. Being active at the association level not only allows one to learn what is coming ahead, but it also enables a REALTOR® to help with decisions which shape the future of the industry. If a REALTOR® engages with their local association in an area which one is passionate, it will without hesitation be a rewarding experience. In turn education empowers and a flourishing career follows.
REAM: How would you describe the main goal of the association in your own words? Do you believe the association meets its mission? How can it continue to improve its reach?
Craig Peck: As the current SEVRAR President, I know it is important to have timely and relevant information. This is critical for our members to be engaged and have communications that they need to be better educated and informed. That is our goal. To provide that information.
We have members that are actively involved in making a difference in local, state and national issues that affect our business. SEVRAR creates opportunities for our members that make it convenient to get involved and to create change. SEVRAR’s role over the last few years is far-reaching and we have members that encompass the entire east valley and are very involved with the association and its efforts.
