Leading into a New Year
Becoming a leader takes skill, practice, and a willingness to do what must be done when it needs to be done rather than doing what is easy or comfortable when it is convenient. It is this willingness to do the hard things at the right times that defines a leader.
There are many ways to identify, cultivate, and strengthen the skills of leadership. For example, in this issue, members of the Forbes Coaches Council suggest that you start each day offline, establish a morning routine, schedule time to read and learn, walk around, ask “how” questions, and make a practice of being grateful.
Orange County REALTORS® 2023 President Scott White has made “Being Leaders of Leaders” his theme for the year. He wants to encourage Association members to find new or less experienced members and “help, guide, and mentor them into becoming exceptional leaders in real estate and in our organization.”
In this way, he and the recently installed Orange County REALTORS® Board of Directors are leading the Association into a new year.
The 2023 President of OC REALTORS ® has as his theme “Being Leaders of Leaders” and plans to encourage experienced REALTORS ® to help newer members discover and develop their latent leadership skills.
COVER STORY: LEADERSHIP 24
Do You Want to Be a Leader?
Dan Smith (author of Failing Greatly: Your Guide to Achieving Success After Failure) says, “Everyone wants to be a leader until it’s time to do leader things” and observes that some of the things leaders must do make being a leader both difficult and challenging. 26
What Is Your Leadership Style?
Sydney Smythe says that determining whether your style is transformational, delegative, authoritative, transactional, or participative can help you identify your strengths and your areas for growth. 28
20
Arguments Against Proposition 13 Fail Again
15
Fifteen members of the Forbes Coaches Council list the patterns of behavior they think good leaders should adopt and tell how doing so may help them become more successful.
14
Introducing the 2023 Directors
Features photographs of the four recently installed officers and of the twenty-one Directors of Orange County REALTORS ®
16
The Installation of Scott White and the 2023 Board of Directors
Recounts the evening’s activities and includes photographs of the REALTOR®, Affiliates, and Volunteers of the Year.
Jon Coupal reports that property tax revenue is seeing consistent year-overyear growth and questions the motives for considering tax hikes. 30
The Orange County Housing Update: Reduce and Throw Away Money
Steven Thomas says that accurately pricing a home initially to avoid subsequent price reductions is the most lucrative sales strategy. 33
Leadership Academy Alumni
Sabrina Blair asks four Academy graduates why they applied, what they gained, and what advice they would give to others who might be considering enrollment in the Academy 36
Protect Your Health: Q & A with the Benefits Store
Sabrina Blair asks what The Benefits Store is, what kind of insurance options it offers, and when new and existing members can enroll or make changes in coverage.
To celebrate our 75th anniversary, we’ve hidden a small diamond icon somewhere in the current print issue. If you locate it and enter our Find the Diamond contest, you will be entered to win (2) two tickets to our 75th Anniversary Gala. To enter, visit www.ocrealtors.org/find-the-diamond.
The mission of Orange County REALTORS® is to promote the REALTOR® Code of Ethics; to provide education, services, and resources to our members; and to advocate the protection of real property rights.
It is the long-established policy of this Association, California Association of REALTORS®, and the National Association of REALTORS® to adhere to both the letter and spirit of the federal and state antitrust laws. For their own protection, members should be aware of the antitrust laws as they affect their specific business activities. Any illegal activity under the state and federal antitrust laws is not in compliance with Association policy, nor is it in the interests of the Association or its members. Participation in Association activities must occur only in harmony with these very important laws. Federal law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, or national origin in connection with the sale or rental of residential real estate, in advertising the sale or rental of housing, in the financing of housing, and in the provision of real estate brokerage services. The OC REALTOR® editor reserves the right to review and edit all submissions. Orange County REALTORS® makes no warranties and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. The opinions expressed in articles are not necessarily the opinions of Orange County REALTORS®. Orange County REALTORS® does not necessarily endorse the companies, products, or services advertised in this magazine unless specifically stated.
OC REALTOR® (USPS 025-445, ISSN 1945-2179) Volume 14, Issue 1, is published by Orange County REALTORS®, 25552 La Paz Road, Laguna Hills, CA 92653. Periodicals postage paid at Laguna Beach, CA, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Orange County REALTORS®, 25552 La Paz Road, Laguna Hills, CA 92653-5127. Annual membership dues include $6.09 for a one-year (6 issues) subscription to OC REALTOR® magazine. OC REALTOR® cannot be responsible for unsolicited materials.
Publisher: Orange County REALTORS® Printer: The Monaco Group
Installed as President on December 6, Scott feels strongly about the importance of ethical business practices, understands the value of member education, and hopes to encourage experienced REALTORS® to help newer members discover and develop their latent leadership skills.
By Sherri Butterfield WRITER AND EDITOR
Before becoming a licensed REALTOR®, Scott White had two successful careers, the first in banking and the second in sales; but he was not comfortable with some of the business practices he encountered in those fields and wanted an opportunity to shape business practices in a way that would align more closely with his personal ethics. To do so, he decided that he needed to stop working for others and go into business for himself. Because he enjoyed selling, he thought real estate might be a good fit so, in May 2005, he officially became a licensed REALTOR® .
Grateful to an industry that had given him a fresh start, Scott has been generous with his time and talents. He has served on the Boards of Directors for Orange County REALTORS®, the California Association of REALTORS®, and the National Association of REALTORS®. At Orange County REALTORS®, he has chaired the Education Committee and the Leadership and Professional Development Committee, and devotes much of his time to mentoring new REALTORS®.
Shortly before Scott’s installation on December 6 as the 2023 President of Orange County REALTORS ®, he sat down with Sherri Butterfield to answer her questions. Excerpts from their conversation appear below.
Where were you born? What was especially interesting, unusual, or memorable about your childhood?
I am a native Californian. I was born in Pasadena and have never lived more than an hour away from where I live right now. My family moved to Orange County during
the early 1970s. Because our home was under construction, we lived for a summer on Balboa Island. I fell in love with the culture, beauty, and lifestyle of Orange County and have called Orange County home ever since. I attended Newport Harbor High and played water polo. My dad graduated from the University of Southern California, so I was raised as a Trojan. When it was time to go to college, I attended the USC–Marshall School of Business. My favorite subject in school was when I met my wife, Wendy.
Real estate was not your first career. In fact, it was your third. How did you get here?
That’s a good question. My first job was in banking. Within a year and at the age of 24, I had advanced to management and was running the corporate office branch for a 29-branch system. Before long, I was the hiring-and-training lead for the entire bank. But the savings-and-loan crisis caused me to rethink my career path. I decided to leave banking and try sales. I was employed by several high-tech businesses and then by a flooring product company, where I worked my way up from new hire to vice president of sales.
I was not comfortable with some of the business practices I encountered and wanted to become self-employed so that I could establish business practices that were more in line with my ethics. With Wendy’s encouragement, I made a fresh start in real estate, a field that emphasizes and rewards ethical practice. Because I had previously been successful in sales, I knew that I would derive considerable satisfaction from helping clients make the most important purchase of their lives, their home.
In May 2005, you officially became a licensed REALTOR®. Was the transition difficult?
Passing the real estate exam is the easiest part of becoming a REALTOR®. What comes next is the hard part. Everything we do as REALTORS ® is about adding value. My job is to smooth out the bumps, guide the client through the process, and make it look easy. I view clients as friends, rather than as targets for a transaction, and build rapport quickly. And I deeply appreciate the fact that, in everything we do, the emphasis is on our Code of Ethics.
In 2009, my friend and business partner Len Herman convinced me to try the MLS Committee, and then one thing led to another and another.
I have always been a reluctant leader. I am willing to let others lead but will step up when there is a void.
You have indicated that you are fond of Orange County, but which Orange County community do you call home?
My wife and I have lived in Aliso Viejo since 1988. I serve on the Aliso Viejo Community Association (AVCA) and chair its Parks and Landscape Committee. One of our projects has been to replace the sequoia trees that were planted originally in Aliso Viejo but did not thrive with magnolia and pepper trees, which are better suited for the warmer, drier Southern California climate. Our goal is to make a positive and lasting difference.
I enjoy mountain and road cycling and collect 1/18-scale diecast models. I have always enjoyed cars and getting to know people who have a history with cars. I own two Porsches, and right now the Porsche 918 Spyder is my dream car.
What interesting fact might readers not know about you?
I graduated from the Fire Academy and was a paid call firefighter for Orange County Fire at the time of the Laguna Beach Fire in 1993. The interest in firefighting must be in the White family blood because our older son Stephen is a firefighter-paramedic in Oregon. Incidentally, our younger son Michael owns a digital marketing company with his wife right here in Orange County.
On December 6, you were installed as the 2023 President of Orange County REALTORS ®. Do you have a theme for the new year?
My theme is “Being Leaders of Leaders.” I want to encourage members of Orange County REALTORS® to find others and help, guide, and mentor them into becoming exceptional leaders in real estate and in our organization. And I remind us all that, in the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson,
“There is no limit to what can be accomplished if it doesn’t matter who gets the credit.”
Marketing Meeting Facilitator Bryan Ahn reports that attendees at the North (Irvine/Tustin) Marketing Meeting in mid-December raised $1,000
by One OC.
The Kiwanis Club of Fountain Valley recently awarded Brian Genovese the CAL-NEV-HA Children’s Fund Distinguished Service Award in appreciation for the many hours he has given to Kiwanis and to his community. Said Brian, “I have been fortunate to follow my lifetime calling of service to others in my professional and personal life.”
The Women’s Council of REALTORS® has announced that Jamie Saltman will become Interim CEO. For twenty years, Jamie has served the Council in various capacities, including the Executive Committee and the Finance and Budget Committee. Since 2021, she has held a staff position as Director of Network Engagement.
Standing are former state Senator Dick Ackerman and Lisa and Roger Faubel, whose Faubel Public Affairs was a sponsor of the Election Day Luncheon. Seated is former Orange County Supervisor Bill Steiner, recipient of the first-ever OCPAA Election Day Award.
The Election Day Luncheon has long been a tradition in Orange County. Hosted by the Orange County Business Council (OCBC) for many years, it provided a welcome opportunity for people in politics to share campaign war stories and poke good-natured fun at the political process. This year, the luncheon was hosted by the Orange County Public Affairs Association (OCPAA) at the Pacific Club on November 8. Guests enjoyed a tasty meal, played a good-natured game of OCPAA Election Day Bingo, heard several speakers, and applauded enthusiastically when former Orange County Supervisor Bill Steiner was named as the first recipient of the OCPAA Election Day Award for excellence in community, elected office, and advocacy leadership.
Sadly, Bill Steiner, the man with the elfin grin who had long been an advocate for Orange County’s children and was the driving force behind Orangewood Children’s Home, died on December 15 while on his way to New York to spend time with his grandson. He was 85.
Because a judge ruled that three members of the Mission Viejo City Council had exceeded their term limits and ordered them to step down in November, the city was left with only two sitting council members and could not conduct municipal business. Worse yet, there seemed to be no way out of this conundrum because a city council with only two members could not vote to ratify the results of the November 8 General Election and thereby fill the three vacant seats.
To solve this problem, during a council meeting that began at 4:30 on December 13, Mayor Pro Tem Trish Kelley and Council Member Brian Goodell appointed former Mayor and Council Member Sherri Butterfield to serve temporarily on the City Council. Once the vote had been taken to ratify the election results, that meeting was adjourned.
At 5:00, when the City Council reconvened, the three recently elected members, Wendy Bucknum, Bob Ruesch, and Cynthia Vasquez, were sworn in and joined Brian Goodell and Trish Kelley on the dais. The first order of business at that time was to elect officers. Brian was elected mayor, and Trish was elected mayor pro tem.
Brian Goodell moved with his family to Mission Viejo in 1968. One of the original members of the Nadadores swimming and diving team, he won two gold medals during the 1978 Olympic Games in Montreal. First elected to the Mission Viejo City Council in 2016, Brian was reelected in 2020. He and his wife Vicki own The Gold Medal Group, a real estate sales and development company affiliated with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties.
George W. Bush
On October 26, the Southern California and the Los Angeles/Ventura Chapters of the Building Industry Association (BIA) hosted an Evening with Former President George W. Bush dedicated to supporting housing for veterans. During the event, President Bush spoke candidly about many things, including the way in which 9/11 had affected his term in office, his dog Barney, his first pitch in Yankee Stadium, and his love for mountain biking.
On November 16, the Greater Irvine Chamber hosted its 40 Under 40 Awards Presentation at the Irvine Marriott. Among the honorees on that occasion was Anthony Cosenza, the son of Paula and Rick Cosenza. Anthony, who has transitioned from a career in higher education to the real estate industry, now serves as marketing director for Casa Bella Realty Group. He continues to volunteer in the Young Professionals Network and is Director of the Lisa Cosenza Memorial Scholarship Fund.
At the 2022 Huntington Beach Mayor’s Ball, held at the Senior Center on November 30, Ron Pascual and Erin Barry greet retiring
Beach Mayor Barbara Delgleize. Barbara, who has served on the Huntington Beach City Council for the past eight years and was chosen as mayor in both 2017 and 2022, is the 86th mayor of Huntington Beach.
Names in the News is intended to be primarily a place where REALTOR® and Affiliate members of Orange County REALTORS® can share both personal and professional news—about births (of children or grandchildren), graduations, weddings, anniversaries, accomplishments, awards, and other milestones—with one another. If you have news to share, email it to Orange County REALTORS® Writer and Editor Sherri Butterfield at Sherri@ocrealtors.org.
By Sherri Butterfield WRITER AND EDITOR
Because 2023 Orange County REALTORS® President Scott White has long been an automobile enthusiast, the site chosen for his Installation and that of the 2023 Board of Directors was the Segerstrom Shelby Event Center in Irvine. REALTOR® and Affiliate members of the Association and their guests gathered amid an extensive collection of automobiles, neon signs, vintage gas pumps, and other petroliana. Reprising his role as master of ceremonies for the evening was 2020 Volunteer of the Year Stuart Thomas of RE/MAX Select One in Huntington Beach.
Stuart called on Michele Harrington, who is both a retired Marine and a REALTOR®, to lead the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and then on Chip McAllister to provide an inspirational message. While Chip was making his way to the stage, Stuart told the audience that Chip had “beaten out 5,000 other aspiring actors to be cast as a young Mohammad Ali in the movie The Greatest,” and then added, “Chip, you are the greatest!”
Next, Stuart introduced Orange County REALTORS® 2022 President Adam Rodell, who recognized the following 2022 committee chairs:
President Scott White, whose previous Association experience includes having chaired both the Education Committee and the Leadership and Professional Development Committee, wants to encourage experienced REALTORS® to help newer members discover and develop their latent leadership skills.Scott White Stuart Thomas Photo by Marion Butterfield
Kerri Finch, Affiliate North; Van Gordon, Affiliate South; Scott White, Bylaws; Lori Namazi, Credentials; Mo Wise, Education; Joyce Endo, Finance; Bob Hartman, Global Business Alliance; Mark Buhler, Green; Nobu Stillwell, Grievance; Chip McAllister, Leadership and Professional Development; Erin Barry, Local Government Relations North; Mary Rampone, Local Government Relations South; Len Herman, Multiple Listing Service; Tony Faulkner, Political Affairs and Elections; Alana Gates, Professional Standards; Ed Molina, Risk Management; and Kyler Thomas, Young Professionals Network (YPN).
After Adam had thanked these committee chairs for their commitment to Orange County REALTORS® and to its Strategic Plan, he asked Len Herman and Caleb Gonzalez, chair and vice chair of the MLS Committee, to come forward because that committee had been chosen as the 2022 Committee of the Year.
Adam said that he had been blessed to serve as President and then confessed, “I never would have taken this step without knowing there was a skilled staff behind me.” He presented President’s Awards to Writer and Editor Sherri Butterfield and to Government Affairs Director Dirissy Doan “for making Orange County REALTORS® look good” and to Executive Assistant Debby Ritter “for taking such good care of all of us.”
Next, Adam thanked his children and grandchildren for their support throughout his presidential year. Recalling that he had originally sought reelection to the Orange County REALTORS® Board of Directors so that he could persuade fellow Directors to support him in establishing a REALTOR® and Affiliate Wellness (RAW) Group, Adam reported that several REALTOR® Associations in California have established groups of this kind and that Associations in other states are considering doing so. Then, Adam introduced 2022 C.A.R. President Otto Catrina as “a wonderful, inspiring, and inclusive leader whose motto is ‘Stronger Together’” and explained that Otto had agreed to serve as the Installing Officer.
After thanking Orange County REALTORS® for “all that you do to help the Association,” Otto asked the following 2022 Officers and Directors to stand: President-elect Scott White, Treasurer Joyce Endo, Immediate Past-President Lori Namazi, Erin Barry, Matt Cortez, Bob Fox, Christina Fu, Michele Harrington, Len Herman, Lori Jones, Jeff Jackson, Paul LePage, Chip McAllister, Steve Mino, Ed Molina, Eileen Oldroyd, Pam Pedego, Vinil Ramchandran, Randy Rector, Lacy Robertson, Mary Rampone, Lynne Suzanski, Stuart Thomas, and Lisa Yi. Then, he thanked them for their service, declared their offices vacated, and asked them to be seated.
Next, Otto asked the following 2023 Officers and Directors to come forward and take the oath of office: President-Elect Jeff Jackson, Treasurer Charleen Nagata Newhouse, Immediate Past President Adam Rodell, and Directors Chandy Andre, Erin Barry, Kevin Budde, Danielle Corliss, Matt Cortez, Tony Faulkner, Michele Harrington, Len Herman, Kevin Kaltenbach, Paul LePage, Chip McAllister, Steve Mino, Ed Molina, Eileen Oldroyd, Pam Pedego, Vinil Ramchandran, Mary Rampone, Lacy Robertson, Lisa Schulz, Heidi Stoops, and Lynne Suzanski.
After administering the Oath of Office, Otto proclaimed each one of these Officers and Directors to be duly installed and invited Scott White to come forward. Otto said, “Scott is with Compass Real Estate and has been a REALTOR® for more than seventeen years.” He praised Scott for his “strong ethics, strong values,” and said, “We appreciate your generosity with your time.” After administering the Oath of Office to Scott, Otto proclaimed that he had been duly installed as the 2023 President of Orange County REALTORS® and presented him with the President’s Commemorative Pin. Scott announced that his theme for the year would be “Being Leaders of Leaders” and explained that he would encourage experienced REALTORS® to mentor other members in discovering and developing their latent leadership skills.
Next, Adam Rodell joined Scott at the lectern for the traditional exchange of gifts and the passing of the gavel. Among Adam’s gifts for Scott were several forms of pain reliever, including a Shiatsu Back, Shoulder, and Neck Massager and a large bottle of Acetaminophen. Scott thanked Adam for his leadership during 2022 and presented him with a gift from Orange County REALTORS®.
Then, Stuart Thomas returned to the microphone to ask the winners of last year’s “of the Year” awards to announce this year’s winners. First, 2021 Affiliate of the Year North Bryan Ahn announced that, in a departure from tradition, four people were being honored as 2022 Affiliates of the Year North: Kevin Budde, John Soricelli, Jr., and Rob and Tom Briggs. Next, 2021 Affiliate of the Year South Amy Nieto announced that Randy Johnson had been chosen as the 2022 South Affiliate of the Year. Then, 2021 Volunteers of the Year Heidi Stoops and Anita Glasser named Lynn Clancy and Sherri Lex as the 2022 Volunteers of the Year. And finally, 2021 REALTOR® of the Year Danielle Corliss announced that the 2022 REALTOR® of the Year was Ed Molina. Ed responded, “It’s a pleasure to serve when you love what you do.”
With service deeply appreciated, achievement duly recognized, and a goal clearly identified, Orange County REALTORS® is ready for the challenges and rewards of the new year.
“It’s a pleasure to serve when you love what you do.”
—Ed MolinaBryan Ahn and Stuart Thomas with Rob and Tom Briggs Otto Catrina administers the Oath of Office to Scott White. Amy Nieto with Randy Johnson Heidi Stoops with Lynn Clancy Sherri Lex with Anita Glasser Ed Molina with Danielle Corliss Photos by Marion Butterfield
Two-thirds of California voters consistently tell pollsters that they think Proposition 13 is a good thing, but even with more than forty years of constant support, Proposition 13 is still attacked by people who are mad that it’s so effective at protecting taxpayers.
Every argument against Proposition 13 boils down to one thing: Control. They may mask it in buzzwords like “economic dynamism” and “equity,” but the reality is that they think they know how to spend your money and use your land better than you do.
California has the highest or near highest tax rate in every category except property taxes; and even then, the state is fourteenth in property tax collections per capita according to the latest data from the Tax Foundation.
In fact, county assessors are reporting sizeable growth in the value of taxable property. Locally, Riverside County reported growth of 9.26 percent, reaching a net total of $369 billion in taxable property. San Bernardino County reported a historic high of $288 billion in value, representing a 9.3 percent increase from last year. Orange County reported a 6.37 percent increase, to $721.25 billion. And Los Angeles has projected 6.95 percent growth.
Similar gains are happening statewide. Here is just a sampling: Contra Costa County, 7.79 percent; Sacramento County, 8 percent; San Mateo County, 8.34 percent; Santa Clara County, 7.46 percent; Ventura County, 7.3 percent; and Yolo County, 7.23 percent; Marin County, 6.55 percent; Amador County, 7.03 percent; Butte County, 6.81 percent; Humboldt County, 4.73 percent; Imperial County, 5.6 percent; Mendocino County, 2.41 percent; Modoc County, 4.6 percent; Napa County, 7.12 percent; Placer County, 9.2 percent; Santa Cruz County, 6.33 percent; Sierra County, 6.37 percent; and Stanislaus County, 6.82 percent.
Today, this is good news for local governments, but before Proposition 13, it would have caused great concern for homeowners. That’s because before Proposition 13, property tax assessments were based on current market value and property was regularly reassessed. Some property owners saw their assessments jump 50 to 100 percent in just one year and their tax bills jump correspondingly—even if the gains in value were only on paper. People were losing their homes to higher taxes.
With California property tax revenue seeing consistent year-over-year growth, why would we even consider tax hikes?
In 1978, voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 13 and limited increases in taxable value to no more than 2 percent a year, cutting the property tax rate to 1 percent from a statewide average of 2.67 percent. Proposition 13 has been successful in its primary mission of limiting tax increases, but, for better or worse, it has hardly “starved the beast.” It raises plenty of money for bigger government.
All this compels a simple question: With California property tax revenue seeing consistent year-over-year growth, why would we even consider tax hikes? Well, there are the fake reasons and the real reason, and none of them are good reasons.
One fake reason is that government “needs” the additional funds for critical programs. Given the inordinate amount of existing revenue coupled with waste in government, taxpayers would rather see elected officials prioritize the revenue we already give them. Another fake reason is that housing isn’t turning over at a fast enough rate, and this exacerbates the housing crisis. That’s a nice way of saying the tax code isn’t sufficiently running you out of your home.
But Proposition 13 isn’t the reason California added 3.2 times more people than housing units over the past ten years and averaged just over 108,000 new homes over the past five years. That’s a result of the state’s onerous regulatory regime that slows development to a crawl and dramatically drives up the cost of construction.
The real reason, as noted above, is control. Central planners believe that your home is on land which is “underutilized,” so you must be taxed out of it so the property can be sold or given to someone for “better” purposes.
Thanks, but no thanks.
The tax code should not be weaponized to run you out of your home. That was true when Californians struggled to hang onto their homes in 1978 when Proposition 13 passed, and it’s true for Californians buying homes today—who would be paying more than double today’s property taxes if Proposition 13 had never passed!
Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, California's largest taxpayer advocacy organization with more than 200,000 members.
“Every argument against Proposition 13 boils down to one thing: Control. They may mask it in buzzwords like ‘economic dynamism’ and ‘equity,’ but the reality is that they think they know how to spend your money and use your land better than you do.”
By Dan Smith PRINCIPAL AND CAPTAIN OF CULTURE, ANVIL REAL ESTATE
When I agreed to write this article, I thought it would be easy. 750 words. No problem. I was wrong. Getting everything I wanted to share into the limited word count was brutal. And then, two nights before the deadline, a personal situation arose, out of the blue (Sound familiar?), and I decided to trash the previous drafts and start over. Here is what came out of it.
It was 11:00 p.m., and there was something wrong with one of our dogs. Late night turned into early morning, and now there was something really wrong with him. In a flash, we were off to the emergency vet. (So all the pet lovers can breathe easy, Chewbacca is home again, good as new.)
As I was racing down the 5 Freeway to the Crown Valley Parkway exit, I had a feeling it was going to be a very long night. I might not get any sleep the way it was looking. I started to wonder about my schedule. How early did the day start and what commitments did I have?
Once we handed the dog off to the ER vet techs, I had a chance to look. It turned out I had a training to lead for the firm in the early morning, several oneon-one coaching sessions with our agents, and a late afternoon meeting with a lead-generation company.
What thoughts was I having? How little sleep can I get and still function? What happens if Chewy doesn’t make it? What do I do about tomorrow?
Then the leader in me kicked in. The answer was simple. I show up. I do what Winston Churchill said: “It is not enough that we do our best; sometimes, we must do what is required.” That’s what leadership is at its best and most difficult times.
For fans of the hit show Yellowstone, being a great leader is sort of like the Beth Dutton meme floating around internet land: “Everyone wants to be Beth until it’s time to do Beth things.” I liken that to this belief: Everyone wants to be a leader, until it’s time to do leader things.
When the Association asked me to write this article, they wanted it to be about my leadership philosophy and what’s been the secret to my success. Here is the first part of my answer.
Leaders show up. No matter what.
Tired? Doesn’t matter. Distracted? Also doesn’t matter. Personal issues or emergencies. Nope. Double-booked? No way. Something more important came up? Not possible.
That leads to the second part of my answer.
Leaders come last. Everyone and everything the leader is responsible for comes before what is best or more important to the leader personally.
Do you want to be a leader? Do you really want to have to do leader things? Can you put all your agents and their individual needs ahead of your own? How about your firm’s goals? Is it your mission in life to help the firm achieve those?
Being a leader is not all it’s cracked up to be. It can be so much more. Rewarding beyond description. However, it can also be a poor experience not only for the leader, but also for those he or she was supposed to be leading.
What’s the definition of a leader? A cheerleader (for the good times). A parent (when a conversation about responsibility and accountability is required). A counselor (for the not-so-good times). A shoulder to cry on (I can’t even begin to count the number of times this one has happened). A bank (when times get rough).
Being a leader means other people have put their trust in you. Their future. Their family’s future. It’s not to be taken lightly.
Are you being a good leader? I ask myself that almost daily. Here is an idea. Write down all the traits, qualities, and the value you would want from a leader. Imagine it was you paying thousands of dollars (considering things like compensation percentages for instance). How accessible would you want your leader to be? How often? Is that only during business hours? How about their knowledge? Their track record? Would they truly care about you? How would they show that? Do they support you? How?
Now, here comes the tough part. Do you provide all of that, all of the items on your list, as a leader for others? If not, why not?
Do you really want to be a leader? To do leader things? Do you really want to be Beth Dutton?
Dan Smith is the author of three books, including the Number 1 Best Seller Failing Greatly: Your Guide to Achieving Success after Failure. He has been featured by nearly every major media outlet, including being named in The Wall Street Journal in 2006 as the Number 9 agent in the United States after closing 321 transactions as an individual agent. He is now principal of a successful real estate brokerage in Orange County, California.
“It is not enough that we do our best; sometimes, we must do what is required.”
—Winston Churchill
“Everyone wants to be a leader, until it’s time to do leader things.”
“Leaders come last.”
Whether you are the head of your team or feel like just another piece of the puzzle, there is a leader in all of us. Understanding your leadership style can help you identify not only your strengths but also your areas for potential growth. According to the International Institute for Management Development, there are five common leadership styles. Familiarize yourself with these five styles to discover which one suits you best and what you can do to improve your performance as a leader.
1. Transformational. You are a leader who takes control of a group while also fostering the ideas and ambitions of its members. You value change and transformation not only for your company but also for your team. One way you do so is by becoming better acquainted with the strengths of individual team members so that you can encourage them to reach their goals. This type of leadership style is great for those who are in a company that is looking for change and innovation. One thing to be cautious about is that you do not try to change too much all at once, which can result in a confused team. Having a clear focus is crucial.
2. Delegative. You are a leader who delegates responsibilities to others and does not care for much day-to-day interaction when it comes to getting tasks done. This style can be very successful when your team is already capable of completing tasks without close supervision, such as with experienced employees. Be mindful that not all team members are able to work on their own without guidance, and complications may arise if communication is not readily available.
3. Authoritative. You are a leader who likes to lead by example. You are not only the leader for those whom you supervise, but also their teacher and guide. You focus on giving personalized feedback to everyone in the hope that they will be motivated and inspired. Your strength lies in having more personal connections with your team members, which can help maintain a positive working environment. However, as your team grows, this approach could become difficult to manage. It is also important not to overwhelm your team with too much feedback.
4. Transactional. You are a leader who relies heavily on rewards to provide motivation for your team. You also use punishment to help resolve issues. You rely on team structure to get work done, while assigning specific roles and responsibilities to individual team members. These tactics can be useful to lessen the chance of confusion during projects because there is a high level of structure. Be careful when determining what your rewards will be because a “bad” reward may result in diminished effort. Consider alternative incentives as well.
5. Participative. You are a leader who includes others in discussions and decision-making opportunities. Although you often are the one to make the final decision, you value your team’s input. You have an open-door policy that allows for the free flow of communication. This style of leadership produces a positive work environment because team members feel heard and respected. Be sure to set clear timeframes for projects because making decisions can take longer when many voices must be heard and many opinions must be considered.
on rewards and punishments Takes a hand’s-off approach Values unity of the team
Recognizes strengths in individuals rather than solely in the team as a whole Believes change is necessary for success Focuses on the future rather than on the present Inspires others to do their best to meet their individual goals
Places complete trust in others Delegates projects and responsibilities to employees Provides little guidance or feedback Believes in giving employees freedom to work their own way
Takes a mentorship focus Relies heavily on giving feedback and guidance Prefers personalized feedback rather than group feedback Seeks to inspire others Focuses on getting to know every member of the team
structure
established routines
to assign roles and responsibilities within a team Establishes clear goals
Greatly involves others Prefers to “share” power Prefers a collaborative effort on a project Prefers to give credit or blame to the team as a whole rather than to individual members Has an open-door policy
Leaders have specific characteristics that define them as figures whom others look up to as leaders and as people. Effective leaders typically have a routine with key habits and processes practiced daily. While most people have heard about The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, many leaders don't follow that model. Truly great leaders develop their own set of habits that dictate how their days go and how they can reach their fullest potential.
What are some of the practices that define today's great leaders? Fifteen members of Forbes Coaches Council explain the patterns of behavior that they think good leaders should adopt and how those actions can make them into more successful individuals in the long term.
As leaders, the stuff we do drives us to show up determined, focused, and decisive. Leaders push down uncertainties and emotions, and we do everything we can to be free of or to ignore gut feelings. Spend time connecting with your heart, gut, and head each day. The people you are leading are fully human, and they deserve to have you show up in the same way.
Brian Gorman, TransformingLives.CoachAs a society, we are focused on the next goal and the never-ending to-do list. We do not spend enough time just being. This means complete silence at times to let your thoughts flow through you, write thoughts down and listen to what your subconscious is trying to tell you. Some of the best ideas I have come up with have not been when I am doing, but when I am just being.
Galit Ventura-Rozen, Empowering U
It’s amazing how many clients jump on their phone or tablet first thing in the morning to check the markets, see what emails arrived overnight, or simply browse their Twitter feed. Consider starting each day free of online activities. You might meditate, pray, exercise, read, or spend time with your spouse or kids instead. The possibilities for starting the day healthier are endless—just not online.
John Hittler, Evoking Genius
Begin each day with a morning routine that sets you up for success. Your morning routine might include meditation, exercise, or a gratitude practice. By taking care of yourself first, you will be able to contribute to others, navigate difficult situations effectively, and increase your ability to lead and listen. It's best if you finish your routine before you turn on your phone and computer.
Gina Lavery, Gina Lavery Inc.We tend to overlook our physiology in the world of leadership. We talk about having emotional intelligence, providing motivation, and increasing the likes, but a lot of our ability to do these effectively lies in our physiology. I use tools and techniques with my clients so they can scientifically track their physiology and make actual beneficial improvements they can see to have more impact as a leader.
Cody Dakota Wooten, The Leadership GuideMost leaders get set into a routine where they talk and meet with the same people every day. Great leaders break that habit by walking around and meeting new people—especially employees—when they're not expected to. Informally dropping in on a team or part of the organization you seldom interact with will make you a more authentic, grounded, and approachable leader.
Eric Beaudan, Odgers Berndtson
Before checking the various media—calendar, voicemail, email—that will distract you and demand your time or attention, set your intention for the day. Activate the mindset that will drive your actions to create the leadership impact and influence you want to have rather than getting bogged down merely reacting to external forces. Lead your day before it leads you.
Mia Eng, Cognascent Inc.
I have had the pleasure to work with many entrepreneurs over my career. The single factor that all the successful ones had in common was their reading habits. It goes something along the lines of there being a time block set aside to catch up on readings. Short of a disaster that has to be dealt with, that time is nonnegotiable and will stay off limits for any other activity.
Kamyar Shah, World Consulting Group
Effective leaders understand the value of continuous learning and also realize that it can happen anywhere and at any time. Commit yourself to learning something new each day, whether it be from your barista, frontline employees, board, or grandchildren. Intentionally adopting a learning mindset creates the space for openness and curiosity and allows you to show up as a relentless learner.
Palena Neale, Ph.D., unabridgedMeditation is like a Swiss army knife that has more unpredictably positive outcomes than any other good habit, but take the time to learn the right way to do it. It's not about thinking as many people believe; it's about realizing you're not your thoughts. The result is more energy, less friction due to judgment, clearer decision making because you don't need to be right, and much more.
Josef Shapiro, Clear and OpenI’m from the village that says you should create your own habit. Someone else’s habits may not necessarily be a fit for you. Create a habit that has meaning to you and your employees and acknowledges their contributions. I pass out a chocolate square at least two afternoons a week to each employee every week. It keeps me conscious of whom I’m leading and how much I appreciate their contributions.
Thomas
Larkin,Communico, Westport CT
Committing to a daily gratitude journal practice where you write a list of three or more things you're grateful for each day can be transformative for leaders. It's simple, quick (mine takes about 90 seconds), and orients you toward positivity every single day. When you journal about positive stuff at night, it helps you sleep better. Journaling in the morning can help you get off to a great start!
Kate Dixon, Dixon Consulting
One natural ability to develop is the art of visualization, which can be extraordinarily powerful on top of a regular habit of meditation. Our capacity to use our imagination through purposeful visualization can be a differentiator for leaders, and layering visualization on top of meditation adds a multiplying effect. As a starter, try visualizing various scenarios from a relaxed state.
James Glasnapp, James Glasnapp CoachingLeaders make tons of decisions daily, so it's crucial that they have good problem-solving skills. What doesn't help is asking too many “why” questions that cause you to dwell on the problem. For example, “Why did this happen to me?” Ask more “how” questions instead, like “How can I fix this issue?” You can go from powerless to powerful and successful.
Lizette Ojeda, Dr. Lizette LLCIntegrating a daily physical fitness routine prepares leaders for the mental and intellectual challenges they face. Regular exercise is one form of self-care needed for a leader's well-being as it allows them to sustain the emotional energy required to lead an organization. By modeling self-care, leaders encourage similar behaviors in their employees, which in turn impacts their well-being.
Jonathan Silk, Bridge 3 LLC
For professional track sprinters, getting out of the starting blocks fast and first is often the difference in a race. Plenty of preparation and training are needed to be the runner that is the fastest off the blocks. The initial lunge is crucial and is an advantage that often propels the athlete with the best start across the finish line with arms raised high in the air.
Similarly, when a home initially comes on the market, accurate pricing is the difference between a seller’s raising arms in celebration within the first few weeks versus the home’s lingering on the market for months and likely selling for much less. In today’s market, values are slowly declining. The longer sellers take to properly price their home and secure a successful outcome, the more money they will lose.
One of the most crucial steps in being able to sell quickly, open escrow, and obtain the highest possible net proceeds from the sale of a home is arriving at its Fair Market Value. In every price range, homes sit without success, leaving their sellers wondering what in the world they are doing wrong. In Orange County, 37 percent of all homes have been on the market for more than two months, and 44 percent have reduced their asking price at least once. Throwing a price out there just to test the market is not a wise strategy. Instead, carefully and methodically pricing a home is vital to cashing in on the Golden Opportunity, the first few weeks after coming on the market. It would be better to spend several hours coming up with an extremely accurate price than to waste weeks, or even months of precious market time.
Accurately pricing a home initially to avoid subsequent price reductions is the most lucrative strategy.Steven Thomas has a degree in quantitative economics and decision sciences from the University of California, San Diego, and more than twenty years of experience in real estate. His bimonthly Orange County Housing Report is available by subscription and provides housing market analysis that is easy to understand and useful in setting the expectations of both buyers and sellers. His website is www.ReportsOnHousing.com.
“Buyers do not want to overpay, but they are unwilling to stretch.”
Because of the high interest rate environment, the market is lining up in favor of buyers during the negotiation process. Buyers do not want to overpay, but they are unwilling to stretch. Accurate pricing is fundamental regardless of the temperature of housing, especially in a declining market. Throwing a price out there just to test the market is not a wise strategy. Ultimately, when asking prices of homes must be reduced to secure offers to purchase, the property not only takes longer to sell, but also sells for less. On average, the net proceeds check at the close of escrow is less if a price reduction is required.
It is very telling to look at the ratio of the sales price to the last list price (see table). This refers to the final list price before opening escrow. These are averages, meaning there are exceptions, but the overall trend is stunning. In Orange County, 57 percent of all closed sales in October did not reduce the asking price at all. The sales-price-to-last-list-price ratio for these homes was 99.0 percent, meaning that, on average, a home sold within 1 percent of the asking price. A home listed at $1 million sold for $990,000, just $10,000 below the asking price. Of all closed sales, 15 percent of sellers reduced their asking price between 1 and 4 percent. The sales-to-last-listprice ratio for these homes was 97.5 percent; and, on average, it took 43 days to open escrow.
A home on which the list price was reduced to $1 million sold for $975,000, a considerable $15,000 less than homes with no reduction. Among homes on which the asking price was reduced 5 percent or more—an astonishing 26 percent of the sales closed in October—the sales-to-last-list-price ratio was 96.4 percent, after being on the market for several months. A home on which the price was finally reduced to $1 million sold for $964,000. Everyone would agree that closing at $990,000 is a whole lot better than closing at $964,000—a mindblowing $26,000 better!
“Accurate pricing is fundamental regardless of the temperature of housing, especially in a declining market.”
home sits on the market without success, it becomes a bit 'shop worn' and loses some of its allure.”
The data are staggering when comparing the sales price to original list price. This is the price when a home initially comes on the market, before any price reductions. For homes on which the asking price was reduced between 1 and 4 percent, the sales-to-original-list-price ratio was 94.7 percent. For example, a home that was listed originally for $1,030,000 had to reduce the asking price to $1 million to find success, and ultimately sold for $975,000. Homes on which the asking price was reduced by at least 5 percent had a sales-to-original-listprice ratio of 86.7 percent. The asking price for a home that was originally listed at $1,112,000 had to be reduced, often more than once, to $1 million, and finally sold for $964,000. That is a mind-blowing $148,000 less than the original asking price.
Carefully and methodically pricing a home is vital to cashing in on today’s much slower housing market. The first few weeks after coming on the market are the most crucial period with the greatest exposure and heightened buyer activity. This occurs because there are many buyers who have not yet secured a home and are eagerly waiting on the sidelines for something to come on the market that meets their criteria. Every time a home enters the fray, there is a rush of initial activity as potential buyers clamor to be one of the first to see it. There is more activity in the initial two weeks than at any other time during the marketing process.
When sellers overprice their homes and do not take full advantage of the first few weeks after coming on the market, eventually they must improve the price through a reduction. Reducing the price to be more in line with a home’s Fair Market Value is not met with nearly the same fanfare as a home new to the market. The excitement is no longer there. When a home sits on the market without success, it becomes a bit “shop worn” and loses some of its allure.
Warning to Sellers: Overpricing a home risks wasting valuable market time and receiving a smaller net-proceeds check at the close of escrow, and could result in chasing a declining market. Pull the emotion out of the process in arriving at the asking price. Instead, to achieve the best outcome with the most amount of money, carefully and methodically isolate the Fair Market Value.
“When a
“To achieve the best outcome with the most amount of money, carefully and methodically isolate the Fair Market Value.”
The Orange County REALTORS® Leadership Academy was launched in 2016 because 2015 President Rita Tayenaka and other Directors saw a need for new blood in leadership roles at the Association level and decided to form an academy to train, grow, and nurture leaders. We recently completed our fifth class, and the Leadership Academy now has ninety-three graduates. To give readers a better idea about what the Academy can do for members, we are featuring graduates in OC REALTOR ®. To learn more about the Leadership Academy or to apply for the next class, visit www.ocrealtors.org/la
What spurred you to apply for the Leadership Academy?
At the time I applied for Leadership Academy, I was a fairly new Affiliate, didn’t know many people outside YPN, and was curious about the Association function. I applied for Leadership Academy because I wanted to build more community within the Association and see where I could be of value.
What was the biggest thing you gained from participating in the Academy?
I gained a sense of confidence in myself. Flashing back to 2018, Leadership Academy was a pivotal moment in my life; and had it not been for that involvement, I never would have had the courage to blaze my own trail as a single mom in business at that time.
What advice or words of encouragement would you give to someone who is considering applying for the Academy?
Many of us wish we could do it all over again. It was so worth the commitment and the time.
Graphics by: Ivan SalmeronWhat was the biggest thing you gained from participating in the Academy?
Had I not attended Leadership Academy, I never would have had the opportunity to get to know so many of the amazing people that are such a vital part of Orange County REALTORS®. We have such a large Association that it is difficult to connect on a deeper level, without becoming more deeply involved in some part of it. Leadership Academy was just the ticket for me.
Where has your leadership journey taken you since graduation? What leadership roles have you obtained?
Since Leadership Academy, I have served on several committees such as Leadership and Professional Development, Multiple Listing Service, Local Government Relations North and South, and the Independent Broker Alliance.
What advice or words of encouragement would you give to someone who is considering applying for the Academy?
If you are thinking of applying for Leadership Academy, just do it!
If you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to go through the program, you won’t regret it.
What spurred you to apply for the Leadership Academy?
I had no idea that our Association was offering this kind of training. A friend of mine suggested and pushed me to apply for it, and I became part of the class of 2019–2020.
Where has your leadership journey taken you since graduation? What leadership roles have you obtained?
I have been on a very interesting path since I graduated from Leadership Academy. I am a C.A.R Director and a member of three committees at C.A.R., including the Global Real Estate Forum and the Professional Standards and REimagine and Expo Committees.
I am a founding board member of FIABCI Southern California/ Los Angeles Council and previously served as secretary and vice president. This year, I am the vice chair for the OCR Global Business Alliance Committee and a member of OCR’s Leadership and Professional Development Committee. I am also involved in several outside organizations such as Olive Crest and South Asian Senior Association, and I am a founding member of the South Orange County Ladies Club, to name a few.
What advice or words of encouragement would you give to someone who is considering applying for the Academy?
Attend Leadership Academy. I had no idea I could help my Association until I went to Leadership Academy.
What spurred you to apply for the Leadership Academy?
It was the opportunity to participate in the inaugural class and sounded very exciting. I had already held leadership positions within the Women's Council at the local and state level. This sounded like a unique opportunity to help build a superlative addition to our community.
What was the biggest thing you gained from participating in the Academy?
I experienced growth, camaraderie, and a deeper insight into the workings of our Association. I am thrilled when I encounter alumni from my class and subsequent classes. I feel that we are curious real estate professionals who thirst for education.
What advice or words of encouragement would you give to someone who is considering applying for the Academy?
I am right now tapping you on the shoulder. Consider participating in the Academy. You may not be considering a position in leadership, and this will help you recognize skills in yourself and in others.
“I applied for Leadership Academy because I wanted to build more community within the Association and see where I could be of value.”
—Jessica Siguenza
“Had I not attended Leadership Academy, I never would have had the opportunity to get to know so many of the amazing people that are such a vital part of Orange County REALTORS®.”
—Larry Paul
“I had no idea I could help my Association until I went to Leadership Academy.”
—Lata
Jobanputra“Consider participating in the Academy. You may not be considering a position in leadership, and this will help you recognize skills in yourself and in others.”
—Suzanne
GignouxThe Benefits Store offers active REALTOR® and Affiliate members of Orange County REALTORS® a wide variety of group health insurance plans designed to meet their individual needs and those of their family members.
By Sabrina Blair DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND PROGRAMSWith a new year comes an opportunity to start fresh and make improvements. One of your resolutions might be to make your health a priority this year. If that’s the case, then the best place to start is to ensure that you have optimal health insurance benefits to suit you. We asked Roger Smith, president of The Benefits Store, some common questions about the insurance products that are available to active REALTOR® and Affiliate members of Orange County REALTORS®.
I just joined Orange County REALTORS®. Can you tell me a little bit about The Benefits Store?
A: The Benefits Store is a Broker of Health Insurance Programs (Dental, Vision, Disability, Medicare, and the like) and a licensed Third-Party Administrator (TPA), which enables us to provide online program quoting, enrollment, and premium billing. We offer a number of premium payment options, more than are available directly through insurers, and can also assist as your advocate with claims issues.
What kind of insurance options and carriers are available?
A: As an active member of Orange County REALTORS®, you have access to more than twenty Kaiser Group Health Plan options and more than sixty Anthem Blue Cross Group Health Plan options to meet your needs and those of your family members.
First, the Benefits Store offers “group plan” options, which is important because individuals cannot qualify for these plans without Orange County REALTORS® membership. Second, group plans offer more options and opportunities for quality health care. Last, Kaiser's group plan options include "grandfathered" plans focused on lower premiums for couples and families while Anthem Blue Cross’s group program has the largest provider network offered by any insurer, which is ideal for people who travel.
I am already a member of Orange County REALTORS®. When can I enroll?
A: In addition to enrolling when you join as a member of Orange County REALTORS®, you can also enroll in health insurance during the Open Enrollment period or when a Qualifying Life Event occurs. Open Enrollment is a designated period each year during which insured individuals or employees can make changes in health insurance coverage. Both of our group programs have an annual Open Enrollment, Kaiser in the fall and Anthem Blue Cross at the end of the year.
A Qualifying Life Event is a change in your life that can make you eligible for a special enrollment period to enroll in health coverage. Examples of Qualifying Life Events are certain changes in your income, changes in your family size (for example, if you marry, divorce, or have a baby), and certain changes in your residential location.
We advise those who are interested to contact our office to discuss their individual situations with one of our brokers to determine eligibility because many factors can change your eligibility during the year.
A: Your Association Group Medical plans are effective on the first day of the month following the date on which you join Orange County REALTORS®. As an example, if your new membership is effective on the last day of the month, you can make your new coverage effective on the next day by completing the enrollment form and providing premium payment. You can make payments using your credit or debit card and can also pay your premiums forward when you settle an escrow.
Active REALTOR® and Affiliate members of Orange County REALTORS® are eligible to obtain health insurance benefits through The Benefits Store. To learn more about the available health insurance options, visit www.BenefitsStore.com or call 800-446-2663.
As a new member, when can I sign up?
Hi Dave,
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the NAR NXT’s International Night Out and Awards Ceremony, and the Inaugural Gala! I was so proud to represent Orange County REALTORS® and our Global Business Alliance committee who, in a short period of time, earned the Platinum Award!
I have made valuable relationships through the NAR NXT networking sessions. The International Night Out and Awards Ceremony was a wonderful evening with fellow agents from around the world to celebrate global differences and commonalities and to celebrate one another ’s awards. I was reminded that I don’t need a passport to grow my global business. It’s all about building relationships with other agents around the world through consistent networking, learning about cultures, and keeping abreast of the countries’ laws, geopolitics, and economics.
Our new 2023 President Kenny Parcell gave an inspirational speech about living and representing the REALTOR® brand by giving our sacrificial best to achieve our clients’ dream of home ownership. He gave us the five Ls to remember and live by: Love, Laugh, Learn, Lead, and Legacy. When we work hard, life becomes easy. But when we work easy, life becomes difficult. And it’s not making a profit but serving others and living with the five L’s that makes life worthwhile.
“When we work hard, life becomes easy. But when we work easy, life becomes difficult.”
REALTOR® and REALTOR® Associate members of the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) who have served the Association for a minimum of twenty-five years and who have attained the age of seventy-five are eligible to be elected Honorary Members-for-Life.
Upon election, an Honorary Member-forLife is exempt from paying annual dues to the California Association of REALTORS® (commencing with the year following election) and is entitled to all the rights and privileges of C.A.R. membership.
Orange County REALTORS® congratulates the following twenty-nine members, each of whom has been elected a C.A.R. Honorary Members-for-Life:
Mary Anderson
LeeAnn Canaday
Michael Cherney
Austin Chiles
Regan “Rick” Cosenza
Richard Coye
Shirlene Diamond
Linda Duffy
John Fitzpatrick
Ian Garrun
Alanda Gonsalves
Bijan Haghighat
Dorothy “Dot” Hammer
Maria Harper
Carole Hennessy
Joan Hill
Ethel Krawitz
Jeanne LaFourcade
Constance Mandic
Fred Mihaylo
Dennis Nespor
Marietta Philpott
Charles Rea
Richard Roux
Diane Seidel
Estrellita “Dina”
Tennant
*Jean Tietgen Sushma Varma
*Jean Tietgen served as President of Orange County REALTORS® in 2011
