Toby Boyce

By Toby Boyce

As I flew home from the Midyear Meetings, quite a few things were rolling through my head.

Like, why did the engines just get really quiet? I apologize, self-preservation mode there for a second. Now back to our originally scheduled programming.

This year’s Midyear was my induction into a national event — and I must say, I’m quite impressed. A lot of the preconceived notions were born out to be untrue.

1. Erica Christoffer — the wonderful person behind this site — does exist. I had begun to think she was a computer. But, I met her and hugged her so she is real — though I didn’t check her neck so a cyborg isn’t out of the realm.

2. NAR is out to get me. I know, I know, all the conspiracy theorists out there are going to hate me. There has been a lot of “us vs. them” talk amongst agents when it comes to NAR. I found it to blatantly not be true. Every staffer I spoke with was open honest and truly out to do the best for the REALTOR(R) Party.

3. NAR will never change. An organization the size of NAR takes time to move and change course. However, you are going to be hearing a lot about fair-housing and the inclusion of sexual orientation to the list. We are leading the charge and I know at least one agent has been called back to D.C. next week to make this change at the federal government.

4. I hate REALTORS(R). Okay, so while I’m still not the biggest fan of how many agents do there business. But after having a chance to socialize, discuss, and pick the brains of the best, I see a bright future for the association. Were there the egos? Of course, but more great ones.

5. YPN is a social club. Didn’t have a chance to attend the whole YPN calendar, but sitting with future-NAR president Brian Copeland, I saw what YPN is and how it needs to change and evolve.

6. The blue-hairs run the show and they don’t know me. Was there a lot of gray hairs at the convention? Of course. But I was amazed at the number of emerging, young agents were in attendance. Not only that, but there was a great amount of stuff for the #ypn folks to do.

7. Midyear is only for leadership. Nobu has been pushing the YPN contingent to attend and now I see why. Great sessions — the Business Technology Forum — and lots of interaction.

8. The REALTOR(R) Party is a play on words. I was at OAR Legislative Convention two years ago when I first heard the term, and it didn’t resonate with me. Now I see it. The RPAC funds are being used to improve — or at least maintain — the association’s future. And as a stake holder in the organization, I applaud that.

Okay, so I learned a lot about the organization and I like it. But if you don’t believe — look me up at Convention and we’ll get you connected.

Toby Boyce, MBA, is a real estate practitioner with Keller Williams Consultants Realty in Westerville, Ohio. Visit his Web site: www.delawareohrealestate.com.