A message from the Board President

Happy January, MVAR Members.

2022 is here; A new year and a new opportunity to show up for our clients, our community, and our industry. If you haven’t figured out by now, I believe whole heartedly in this profession and am excited by the opportunities we have in the coming year to advocate ever harder for the foundation of Fair Housing, Real Estate Ownership & how the public views REALTORS® and our services.

REALTORS® are entrepreneurs, through and through. Most often small business owners who exemplify the spirit of this Country. As local industry experts, REALTORS® help consumers navigate the most complex, important, largest financial transaction of their life. There’s no greater industry to exemplify the spirit of the golden rule by adhering to the Code of Ethics, engaging in continued professionalism, consumer protection and in our local communities.

This next year, our industry will be calling on you, more than ever, to provide your expertise in representation through this internet age. Do not lose the ability to connect and engage with your clients, your fierce advocacy gives meaning to an industry that can never be put into calculations or algorithms. Why? Because an algorithm cannot predict markets, conditions, or people and THAT is where our value is provided.

In 2022, I am challenging you to a few things.

First, continue to show up, even if stuff gets hard. That’s where the magic happens.

Secondly, find your gift and give it back to our industry and our community. Whether that is participating on a committee at MVAR® (we have a lot of opportunities and we need you), door knocking for the upcoming gubernatorial candidates, volunteering at a local non-profit, or creating a community garden; REALTORS® are generous with their time.

Lastly, give to RPAC. Advocacy for Homeownership and Private Property Rights are more important than ever. Whether your donation is through financial means OR through your time, it’s needed and the best way to ensure that our industry has an insurance policy for the future generations of REALTORS®.

I am so incredibly proud to be an MVAR® & Oregon REALTOR®; We see challenges as opportunities to grow, be better, do better. We will not be intimated by big ideas or changes; we will speak so clearly that we can never be misunderstood. Our industry and our communities are counting on us and if it’s one thing I know for certain, REALTORS® know how to show up.

Now, let’s get to work!

Cheers to a New Year & new opportunities!  

At your service, 

Ashleigh Fordham 
2022 President