When you hear the word “icon” you most likely think of pop culture icons such as Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga or even the late, great Elvis Presley.  Maybe you think of fashion icons such as Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy?  There are even sports icons such as Serena Williams, Wayne Gretzky and Kobe Bryant. 

However, you probably don’t think about how iconic the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has been for the real estate industry.  Founded on May 12, 1908, in Chicago, IL; NAR is America’s largest trade association which represents over 1.5 million members (about the population of West Virginia). 

According to Merriam-Webster's definition of an icon, it’s “a person or thing widely admired especially for having great influence or significance in a particular sphere.” 

This definition can easily be applied to the REALTORS® and what the association offers its members, partners and the industry as a whole – making it the most significant for its influence in government. 

The Alaska REALTORS® is the state association representing close to 2,000 REALTORS® members in Alaska. The association is governed by a body of 17 volunteer leaders who represent the 6 local associations across Alaska; Anchorage Board of REALTORS®, Greater Fairbanks Board of REALTORS®, Valley Board of REALTORS®, Kenai Peninsula Association of REALTORS®, Southeast Alaska Board of REALTORS® and Kachemak Bay Board of REALTORS®.  

The state association works collaboratively with Local Associations and acts as a conduit to the National Association of REALTORS®. 

The Alaska REALTORS® are represented on a national level by 4 board members who sit on the NAR Board of Directors; Dale Bagley, Alaska REALTORS® President, Larry Burke, NAR Medium Board Director, Paddy Coan, NAR Small Board Director, and PeggyAnn McConnochie, Distinguished Service Award recipient.  

 

ADVOCATING FOR PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS 

 

Advocacy is one of the most remarkable things REALTORS® do. The Alaska REALTORS® Advocacy Chair, Errol Champion has been a dedicated volunteer leader for over fifteen years monitoring legislative issues in Juneau, as well as actions of the Alaska Real Estate Commission.  

2022-2023 has been active on the advocacy front, starting with House Bill 134 sponsored by Representative Julie Coulombe to prohibit municipalities from levying a tax on the transfer of real property. This legislation is a direct result of a local ordinance passed in Juneau regarding property sale price disclosure and then followed by another ordinance to fine individuals $50/day for non-compliance. The REALTORS® stand firm in advocating for private property rights and housing affordability. If HB134 is successful, it will ensure a transfer tax will never add to the rising home costs.  

 

COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE 

 

The Commitment to Excellence committee is the association’s effort to provide quality, continuing education and professional development for its members. One of the association’s proud accomplishments is graduating 179 Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designees. With the assistance of REALTOR® Members, Lonnie Logan and Anita Bates, Alaska REALTORS® went through an accreditation process with NAR last year and revamped all the educational materials for the GRI designation.  GRI can be earned after a REALTOR® successfully completes all 3 modules (GRI 100, 200, 300) which are offered by the state association annually. GRI is extremely valuable as REALTORS® will gain in-depth market knowledge, enhanced professionalism and increased proficiency in an array of subjects such as Technology, Real Estate Finance, Contract Law and much more.  

The Alaska REALTORS® Leadership Academy (ARLA) is another new program the state association launched. The first class graduated in 2021. ARLA is modeled after the National Association of REALTORS® Leadership Academy, where participants have the opportunity to develop, enhance and hone their leadership skills and competencies. The program is a competitive leadership program for Alaska REALTORS® members who are interested in their own professional development and who are on the leadership track for their local or state association. ARLA is an investment made by the Alaska REALTORS® Board of Directors to support emerging leaders in the real estate industry. In 2023, they are expecting to graduate 12 new members.  

 
  

GIVING BACK 

 

Not only is the Association highly beneficial to REALTORS® for the advocacy and education; but the association gives back to the community through activities such as Spring Clean-Up, Local Food Drives, and the REALTOR® Relief Fund, a national fund that provides emergency funds to states and local associations when impacted by natural disasters.  

This year, the state association sponsored Millea Porsild, a veteran dog musher, to “Ride the Brand” from Anchorage to Nome. “Riding the Brand: Iditarod” was an initiative to support a veteran and to raise brand awareness for the REALTORS®. Porsild came in 9th place in the 2023 Iditarod and carried a signed copy of the Code of Ethics to Nome. The Riding the Brand efforts will commence at the September Convention in Seward, September 12-16, 2023. 

 

ENGAGEMENT 

 

The Alaska REALTORS® believes the best way to get the most value for your membership is to get involved, attend the yearly conferences and to invest in RPAC.  

 

Recently, committees have been added such as 907YPN (Young Professionals Network), Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee and REALTORS® Safety Committee. The addition of these committees offers even more ways to get involved in the state and local association. 

The Alaska REALTORS® is the voice of real estate in Alaska. They serve their members by delivering timely information, educational opportunities, political advocacy and promoting the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. 

For more information, visit the Alaska REALTORS® website at www.alaskarealtors.com or call today at. (907) 563-7133.