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President’s Message – September/October

Posted by GCAR on September 13, 2021
Blog
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Value and Expectations

By Jeffrey Decatur

We are two-thirds of the way through the year. The insanity of the market is still going strong, but change is in the air, as it always is. But we all know that.

For the last 27 plus years, I have been a member of GCAR, NYSAR, and NAR. When I first started in the business in 1994 there were 1800 agents give or take, now we have over 3,200. Since I have been involved with our association and committees, I cannot tell you how rewarding this journey has been. The multitude of ways I have been rewarded, from referrals to friends and colleagues all over the state and country, to the invaluable knowledge gained. My journey has been priceless and bountiful all in the same.

This brings me to the title of this article Value and Expectations. Our association is run by volunteers, yes, we have employees, but the actual board who steers the ship are your peers, agents and brokers, who have stepped up as leaders and are voluntarily helping to guide this association. My dive into the association was sparked by my desire to be a voice in the changes over the years. Understanding and watching the association evolve, grow, expand, and change… it has been eye-opening. Not to mention what the RPAC has done for us, our industry, and clients.

I know and understand the value of our association.

Within our association, we are afforded a long list of benefits, programs, advantages, and cooperation. I’m going to focus on GCAR because that is what we are most familiar with.

  • Global MLS
  • Free continuing education
  • RPAC
  • Realtor Property Resource
  • Health insurance
  • Public relations and brand recognition

What I am getting at here is all of the value in our association. If you are newer to the business, you probably don’t remember when we used to have to pay for all of these benefits individually, I do. Continuing education was hundreds of dollars a year.

Not to mention all of the advocacy and protections we receive from being one of the largest trade associations in the state and country. We may not win them all, but we are averaging about 90%. You can thank your leadership and for being able to sell homes in multiple counties…. yes, you heard that right, we beat legislation to limit our ability to sell outside our county of residence. As well as hundreds of others, that would affect your checkbook, career, and clients.

There is a lot of value there. In addition to one of the best benefits, free education. GCAR is so committed to your success and raising the bar in our board, that we get free education!

This brings me to expectations. Have things gone the way I thought they should all of these years…heck no. But I was involved and was part of it, I saw it, I understood it, I educated myself, I created change. I made sure the voices of my fellow agents were heard as well as my own. I have helped to steer this ship and increase the value of our association and I invite you to do so as well. The rewards of my tenure here at GCAR are immeasurable. Be part of the future, be part of the changes at GCAR and reap the benefits of your efforts.

Create and be the change you want to see in this world!

Humbly,
Jeffrey Decatur

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