Thank You for a Great Year

fALL iS A TiME Of TRANSiTiON fOR uS ALL - A TiME Of REfLECTiON ANd A TiME Of pLANNiNg fOR ThE YEAR TO COME. AS wE ALL fiNALizE OuR OBjECTivES fOR 2014, i wANT TO TAkE A MOMENT TO ThANk ALL Of YOu whO TOOk ThE TiME TO COMpLETE OuR MEMBER COMMuNiCATiONS SuRvEY iT iS hELpfuL fOR uS TO hEAR whAT YOu ExpECT fROM YOuR ORgANizATiON.

One big change on the horizon is that Insight is going back to print in 2014. Although it will still be accessible in an online format, members will begin to receive Insight in their mailboxes on a quarterly basis. In addition to the featured stories and departmental columns you’ve grown accustomed to, we’ll be incorporating some fresh ideas, too.

Insight magazine is for our members, and should be about our members – and that’s why we need your help. Do you have an inspirational story about rising to success in the midst of adver-

The numbers tell the story.

55 The percentage of Americans who expect home prices to rise over the next 12 months.

3/4 The proportion of the fall in household formation that can be directly correlated to student debt.

$7,400 The increase in amount of money a buyer of a new single-family home will spend during the first two years after closing, compared to a similar homeowner who doesn’t move.

16.9 In millions, the number of people who moved between counties in 2012, as compared to the 7 million that took a long-distance move to another state.

0.25 In acres, the median lot size for single-family homes that began construction in 2012 in the South Atlantic (Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia).

42 The percentage of real estate executives who say recruiting young talent is the biggest obstacle for their business.

sity? How about an outrageous story about a showing gone wrong – you know, the kind of story you always tell at a dinner party that results in a roomful of belly-laughs. Submit your 200 word stories to me at bwilburn@ncrealtors.org and you may find yourself featured in 2014!

As you’re looking back on the past year, I know you’ll begin to think about the year to come and start planning next year’s new set of goals and challenges. You’ll see as you browse the pages of this issue that we’re striving to offer you ideas and excellent personal growth opportunities throughout the new year. Read the “8 Business Tips for 2014” on page 10 to learn solid business strategies that will equip you for a productive year to come. You’ll also see that our Inaugural Meetings in Greensboro this January have an abundance of sessions to enhance your professional skills. And, last but not least, with the newly re-launched Leadership Academy kicking off next year, you’ll find that the opportunities to enhance your leadership expertise are plentiful in 2014. v

“I was fortunate enough to participate in the 2009 NCAR Leadership Academy Class. This one of a kind experience was more than just learning about the REALTOR® organization and the important role it plays in our industry. It was an opportunity to learn about myself and how to better interact with my clients and customers. I still talk to the other REALTORS® from my class and continue to learn from them. I can say without a doubt that this experience far exceeded the time, money and effort it took to participate. It has absolutely had a positive impact on me personally and professionally. If you are on the fence about applying… Go for it. You won’t regret it!”

Amy Hedgecock Fowler & Fowler, REALTORS® High Point, N.C. Class of 2009