If you had told me years ago that I would be asked to lead the Atlanta REALTORS® Association, the largest local REALTOR® association in Georgia, I would have thought you were crazy. Sho. But today I was asked to do just that. Personally, the most rewarding thing for me was when the members asked me to be their leader. It is humbling to know that nearly 14,000 members have chosen you to lead during these unprecedented times.
This year, the platform “LOVE” will be the foundation of our activities. Last year was one of the toughest years in recent history for many of our members. Published figures show that fewer homes will go out of business in 2023 than in 2008. Many of us have had to make sacrifices in 2023 to pursue our passions and continue serving our clients. While I have not been immune to that reality, I have also seen REALTORS® face the inevitable and rise to the challenge.
This year, I want our members to feel loved by the association that serves them and our community. We want to focus on the needs of our members and the needs of our community. In a world with so much division, we want to bring people together to find solutions to challenges.
Current reports suggest that interest rates should fall in 2024 and, in fact, are already falling. This will help encourage buyers to enter the market, but they will still face a lack of inventory to meet demand. This means prices will continue to rise, limiting some buyers from the American dream of homeownership.
We REALTORS® aim to protect private property rights and be advocates for homeownership rights. The Atlanta REALTORS® Association remains focused through 2024.
Our committee is already working on events and strategies to work with communities to address affordable and equitable housing in every community we serve. We work hard to find new and creative solutions to help buyers afford their homes even as values continue to rise. We are focused on educating our members so that they have the maximum knowledge and skillset as real estate professionals.
Among the new programs planned for this year are leveraging artificial intelligence in business, navigating real estate contract changes, and a focus on the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, as well as fair housing and equality for all. It is included. We continue to build partnerships with community leaders across metro Atlanta to overcome the challenges of today's world.
You see, home is where your heart is. It is a place to escape from the chaos of the world and a place where memories are made and cherished. A home is a reflection of a person's life. Owning a home is still a dream for many people. My members and I get to wake up every day and be a part of the amazing process of helping people buy and sell homes. It's a huge responsibility and we don't take it lightly.
It feels great to be able to lead such an amazing group of amazing professionals. Our members touch the lives of thousands of people every day. If there is anyone who can share and instill love in our community, it is our members.
This will be a great year for the Atlanta REALTORS® Association and Metro Atlanta. I am so humbled and grateful to be a part of such a great organization. I am also honored to be asked to lead in 2024. Dear Members, Thank you for allowing me to serve as President of the Atlanta REALTORS® Association in 2024.
Kelly Guin Thrash is the 2024 President of the Atlanta REALTORS® Association.
