With the elections behind us, we can finally focus our attention on the coming year. The housing market is recovering in Arizona, “normal” sales are coming back, and distressed property sales now constitute for less than half of all closed sales. We’re seeing new life once again in the real estate market, and our future is looking brighter.

As the market rebounds, you have the opportunity to capitalize on your potential and grow in ways you may not have imagined. Because you are a REALTOR®, you belong to a large community of amazing professionals: colleagues, local and state associations, committees and workgroups. Any individual accomplishment adds to the collective accomplishments of the whole. And this year, make it the year you decide to push beyond what you think your limits are, test your abilities and get involved.

AAR’s outstanding staff works side-by-side with a staggering number of volunteers. These volunteers selflessly give so much time, talent and energy to support the needs of Arizona REALTORS®. Each member of the organization will tell you they need your input and want you to be involved. I guarantee you will receive far more than you’d expect.

Think about how you can exceed expectations in 2013. Will you sit back and let everyone else do the work, or will you truly embody the oath you took when you first became a REALTOR®? Examine where, and how, you can get involved to be part of the opportunities and solutions that shape our industry. If your interest or passion is education, technology, government affairs, risk management or broker-coaching – there is a place for you.

True, professional REALTORS® never quit. We persevere; we thrive. We are stronger because we are many. When adversity strikes, we pull together and draw upon each others’ strengths – raising each other up. We are one!

Let’s work together and exceed all expectations in 2013!

Regards, Sue Flucke

Arizona REALTOR® Magazine — December 2012