Paul G. Bell
2011 GLVAR President

2011 revealed REALTOR® associations must pro-actively respond to new marketing, non-dues income, and governmental affairs services.  Already market changes are occurring exponentially at a frequent pace due to competition from third party vendors whose information is suspect.

For the third consecutive year our MLS sales have exceeded 40,000 units while the system proves itself as the best residential market indicator.  Our public relations firm continues providing great guidance in strategically reporting sales figures to the media for maximum exposure.  High sales activity since 2008 reveals Las Vegas is on the front lines of real estate recovery.  Meanwhile, our Commercial Alliance Division experienced membership growth while developing its MLS counterpart, Catalyst.

Budgeting for the GLVAR website revisions during 2012 will help drive more traffic to agencies' and agents' sites while generating sponsorship revenue.  Attendance at the MLS Cloud Conference last June revealed how associations have successfully revised their sites with great results.  In some cases agencies' sites are receiving traffic levels equal from their association sites compared to other sources at no additional costs.  Sponsorship income has resulted in new services and enhanced existing ones.  A recently created task force will finalize its recommendations soon.

Attendance at the National Association of REALTORS®' Anaheim Convention confirmed how REALTORS® nationwide face similar issues.  The good news is that foreign investors plan to invest several trillion dollars in American real estate.  Already Congress is considering bipartisan legislation to provide greater flexibility for those investors.  Responding to 2012 Calls for Action will play in an important role influencing legislation regarding mortgage liquidity and interest deductions, environmental, flood insurance, appraising, and other issues.

Serving as President has been a great honor, particularly during Irene Vogel's last year as our CEO.  Thanks to her GLVAR offers the finest of membership services per discussions with agents at REALTOR® events the past ten years.  The great support from Past President Rick Shelton and President-Elect Kolleen Kelley confirmed our Board of Directors' Structure works very well.  All of us can look forward with great enthusiasm to 2012 with Kolleen Kelley as President.

Wende and I have enjoyed our involvement representing one of the best REALTOR® associations and wish everyone a wonderful holiday season and Happy New Year.