Brett Caviness
By Brett Caviness
From the first year I got my license as a college student, I knew I wanted to be involved in the real estate business as much as possible. I started by attending the Iowa REALTORS® Legislative Bus-in where I quickly realized the power we as individuals have to take part in the political landscape that is our real estate industry. Real estate took a bit of a back seat while I finished my degree. As I made my way back home to another market, I again jumped in full-force as an active member of the Iowa Great Lakes Board of REALTORS®. After less than a year in my current market, I was elected secretary/treasury of our board. Since taking office, I have been involved in many programs and organizations.
During my first trip to state meetings this past winter, I was immersed into the exciting culture of passionate real estate professionals from across the state who take an active role in their profession at the state and sometimes national level. I quickly realized that we do have the power to interact, develop ideas, and implement strategies that affect not only our business, but the real estate industry for buyers and sellers.
After the energizing sessions we attended at the state level, I found myself asking, “Why doesn’t everyone want to attend these meetings? If nothing else, why don’t more brokers attend to take back this valuable knowledge and experience to their agents?” The president of our board responded quickly, “There are givers and there are takers.” There are the agents in the business who might think primarily about their own practice and turning profit. Then, there are those who have a genuine concern for the clients they work with, along with themselves. These individuals recognize the expansive reach of the REALTOR® brand of values, and the impact that knowledge, in combination with giving back to their organization, can have on the community.
There is so much to learn and keep up-to-date with in our ever changing industry at a time when knowledge can be a powerful tool. Meetings at the state level have taught me a ton about what is going on politically in real estate as well as trends seen in other markets, allowing me to plan my business accordingly.
I realize we are all busy and that just because you’re not involved with the political scene doesn’t mean you don’t care for your clients, but recognizing the importance of staying abreast of legal issues, trends, and being a part of what happens in our industry can be an important step to bettering our selves, as well as our organization.
Small steps can help, getting involved with committees at the local level, taking part of “calls to action,” and, of course, getting involved at the state and national level. Knowledge is power and it is our duty to our clients to be in touch with what is going on in our business. Getting involved can be rewarding and empowering — find out how you can get more involved today!
Brett Caviness is a REALTOR® in the resort community of Okoboji in North-West Iowa. Connect with him at www.BrettCavinessHomes.com.