Durham Association of Realtors

From Your 2008 President: Preston C. Edwards

Get Involved in 2008!
Make time to apply your time and talents to the betterment of your professional association.

Dear Fellow REALTORS®,

I’m looking forward to a very exciting and rewarding year as the 2008 President of the Durham Regional Association of REALTORS®. In the future we will be faced with many challenges, politically and socially, however, DRAR will continue to be resourceful and build upon the many successes we’ve shared in recent years while improving the quality of life for our members and the clients we serve.

This past year I had the opportunity to attend meetings at the State and National Association of REALTORS® allowing me to meet outstanding individuals promoting the REALTOR® brand. On the local level, DRAR committee members participated in issues facing inner-city neighborhoods, landlord rights and legislative topics while continuing to support bonds for the Durham Public School System. These committees have been instrumental in obtaining and presenting to our organization real-time data impacting the quality of life for our members and clients we serve.

My goal for 2008 is to keep our Association in the forefront fighting policies and legislative issues that negatively impact private property rights. I aspire for our Association to be “The Voice” of real estate in Durham concerning market conditions which affect our ability to sell property in the Greater Durham Area. Moving forward, for the betterment of Durham, we must continue to support individuals who support REALTOR® issues regardless of political party. Even though our market has not seen double digit appreciations that other markets experienced during the past several years, Durham REALTORS® must renew their commitment to ensuring a strong and firm belief in the long-term value of homeownership as the foundation of the American dream.

Finally, I would like to thank our membership for giving me the opportunity to serve this GREAT Association of 1300+ members. I have received so much support from our organization through the years, and now it’s my pleasure to reciprocate. I invite you to join me by serving as a member on one of our many committees to make our professional trade association even greater.

Preston C. Edwards, ABR, CSP
2008 DRAR President

* Durham Public Schools Education Committee
To establish through planning and on-site visits opportunities for REALTORS® to enhance their knowledge of and involvement with Durham Schools. Coordinates activities to increase member awareness about public education facilities, teachers, resources, and student achievement. Koko Saunders, Chair

Equal Opportunity and Cultural Diversity Committee
Develops informational programs and recommend policies to help manage the in the area of professional real estate services and cultural awareness. Inform local leadership of community involvement opportunities to broaden REALTORS®' presence and knowledge base. Toney Spruell, Chair

Grievance Committee
Conducts preliminary evaluation of ethics complaints and arbitration requests to determine if, taken as true on their face, a hearing is warranted. Three-year term, annual training is required. Alice Decker & Bob Howell, Co-Chairs

* Home Buyers' Fair Committee / Housing Opportunities
Plans and coordinates annual Home Buyers' Fair. Identifies and promotes programs and resources that expand housing availability and homeownership opportunities.
Julia Woods, Chair

Legislative/Political Affairs Committee
Monitors legislation and agency regulatory issues that affect the real estate industry and builds an effective grass root network to achieve DRAR's legislative and political goals. Mary Jacobs, Chair

Membership Committee
Monitors and recommends membership policies affecting members consistent with the Constitution and Bylaws of the NAR. Reviews new member applications and identifies member needs. Susen Darst, Chair

REALTOR® Appreciation Committee
Plans, coordinates and facilitates the annual REALTOR® Appreciation event. A task force comprised of HBA members and REALTOR® members. Shelia Willis, Representative

New Member Committee
Conducts and coordinates orientation for new REALTORS®. Tony Hawkins, Chair

Professional Standards Committee
Conducts hearings in matters involving alleged ethical misconduct by members and requests for arbitration. Three year term: annual training required. Iris McNaney & Janet Breedlove, Co-Chairs

Property Management Committee
Provides a forum for addressing local, state, and national property management issues. Rick Soles, Chair

RPAC - REALTOR® Political Action Committee
Responsible for the development and organization of DRAR's RPAC Fundraising Plan designed to educate, encourage and collect voluntary political contributions. Enhances the effectiveness of grass roots lobbying by mobilizing REALTORS®, as well as recommending candidates to receive RPAC contributions. Leslie Page, Chair

* Social Committee
Plan social functions such as annual banquet, hospitality suite at NCAR Convention and golf tournaments. Lisa Lundy, Chair

Strategic Planning Committee
Reviews goals, long range plans and objectives of the Association. Preston Edwards, Chair and D. J. Maniace, Co-Chair

Please let us know your DRAR Committee Choice
Call the DRAR Office at 919-403-2117 or Fax to 919-403-2021 or
Email to services@durhamrealtors.org the following information: