The new year is officially underway, and as the 2024 president of Greater Chattanooga Realtors I want to take this opportunity to tell you a bit about myself, what I believe we should take from our past, where we find ourselves currently and what I hope we take into 2024 and beyond.
I became a Realtor in 2006, but my path to get here had many twists and turns. I grew up in Chattanooga and graduated from Auburn University. After living in California for a bit, a need to be closer to my family brought me back.
I’ve always had a passion for helping others, and with my background in sociology and psychology, I accepted a position in social services with the State of Tennessee Department of Children’s Services. As I followed my heart in the social services sector for some time, an opportunity presented itself to work in the newly launched Outdoor Chattanooga department for the City of Chattanooga.
During this time, I witnessed how partnerships between the public and private sectors, such as the 21st Century Waterfront Plan, could drastically improve our community and make it a better place. I also began to take real estate classes at night. I started my real estate career by assisting with large land transactions, and soon found a calling to shift my focus to the residential side of real estate.
You must be thinking, “Wow, that’s a pretty diverse work history.” It is, but after reflecting on these experiences, I see that no matter where you find yourself, positive things can happen if you’re open to opportunity, willing to make a change and trust the people you surround yourself with.
Late last year, The National Association of Realtors unveiled Ignite Others, which encourages Realtors to “ignite others” by getting involved in different areas, making a lasting impact and shining a light on our community. This program spoke to me. I especially loved this line from NAR: “Together, we shine brighter.”
We’ve been dealt some heavy blows in the local real estate world in the past few weeks. We recently lost two Greater Chattanooga Realtors presidents – Mark Hite (2012 and 2017) and Steven Sharpe (2023). So many in our industry and entire community feel the absence of these dear friends.
Putting the two of them next to each other might seem like they didn’t have much in common, but these two giants of our industry were the embodiment of “Igniting Others.” Just ask around. You won’t have to search hard to see that these two leaders served others and gave back in many ways.
If you stop and think about it, real estate is pretty funny. Realtors tend to be competitive by nature, and it can be tempting to focus on yourself and your own business, especially if you’re just starting out. But over my years in real estate, I’ve learned that giving myself and my energy to others is much more rewarding.
So, this is my focus in the new year, as well as my challenge to others, whether you’re in real estate or not. Take the time to speak a kind word and serve others. Some sayings become cliches, but that doesn’t make them any less true. Just like throwing a rock into a pond, toss some kindness and positivity into your world. I promise you’ll be delighted at what you see in the ripples.
Realtors and colleagues – let’s do our best to serve our community. That’s Who We R.
Founded in 1912, Greater Chattanooga Realtors is the voice for real estate in Greater Chattanooga. A regional organization with more than 2,700 members, Greater Chattanooga Realtors serves Hamilton and Sequatchie counties in southeast Tennessee and Catoosa, Dade and Walker counties in northwest Georgia. The association is one of approximately 1,100 local associations and boards of Realtors nationwide that comprise the National Association of Realtors. Greater Chattanooga Realtors owns and operates a multiple listing service that is one of approximately 600 MLSs in the country and that services more than 3,000 users. Local association membership is comprised of Realtors servicing the Greater Chattanooga area and specializing in a variety of disciplines, including appraisal, commercial, industrial, land, multi-family, property management and residential. Working alongside Realtors are our affiliate members, who represent related industries in sympathy with the objectives of the association. Our affiliate members include mortgage lenders, home inspectors, title and closing services, pest inspection and control and insurance.