Business View Magazine - Sept 2023

34 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 10, ISSUE 9 representation makes a difference,” he asserts. When it comes to expanding the association’s membership, Phoenix REALTORS® doesn’t actively solicit members from other associations. Instead, it focuses on enhancing its services and offerings. “We continue to try to provide better services, more opportunities for our members, and want more agents to join our association,” Leiber mentions. He recalls a moment when he proudly shared a new feature, FastStats, on social media, suggesting that those without access might consider joining Phoenix REALTORS®. Highlighting the composition of the board, Leiber notes, “We always look for practicing agents, people that are in business, doing business.” The board prioritizes active agents who can stay attuned to the market’s pulse and understand members’ needs. “All of our board right now are full-time. We’ve got three brokers on our board, and all the rest are fully active real estate agents, Realtors,” he concludes. Navigating the Future with Inclusivity and Innovation When asked about the overarching mandate of Phoenix REALTORS®, Leiber responds, “Our mandate is to educate our members, support our community, and further homeownership as part of the American dream.” He cites statistics that homeowners possess 35 times the wealth of renters, underscoring the association’s commitment to promoting the benefits of home ownership. Phoenix REALTORS® has also forged key partnerships to bolster its mission. “We have an exclusive educational partnership with Desert Sage Seminars,” Leiber shares, highlighting their role in offering free continuing education classes to realtors across the state. Additionally, the association is collaborating with the Denver Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors to invest in new technology, ensuring its members get first access to innovative tools. Looking ahead to 2023 and beyond, Phoenix REALTORS® is set on a path of community involvement and inclusivity. “We want to be more actively involved in creating more affordable housing in the community,” Leiber states. He also expresses a personal commitment to diversifying the real estate community, noting the current disparity between the real estate community and the broader demographic landscape. “The real estate community does not match the racial diversity of our community,” he observes. Leiber’s vision is clear: “I want to see more youth get involved in real estate as a career. I want to see more people from underserved communities get involved in real estate.”