President Kerri Hartnett Recaps the 2024 NAR Sustainability Summit

by Kerri Hartnett, 2024 National President

Earlier this month, I was honored to be an invited guest to the 2024 NAR Sustainability Summit in Minneapolis. Many of you know that Sustainability is one of our 2024 priorities, and I am very passionate about creating a path to help our members sustain their physical and mental health, their businesses and networks, and the communities that we serve. I was asked to facilitate a panel discussion with Association staff and volunteer leaders who are really making an impact in this space. We shared ways that our members can contribute to the conversation through NAR grants, in addition to community grants that are being offered. We discussed ideas that can help our clients play a part in this effort, such as offering community recycling and shred days, and practical ideas on what types of improvements can benefit the total cost of homeownership.

It is also worth noting that NAR is taking this very seriously, as it is an urgent issue. In fact, sustainability will be incorporated into the REALTOR®️ Code of Ethics Article 11, which outlines the duties and competency required for services provided by Realtors to their clients. This article states that REALTORS®️ must be knowledgeable and competent in the areas of real estate they practice in, such as representing a client who is selling or buying a high-performance home. REALTORS®️ should be able to provide clients with factual information and recommendations, including detailed information about specific properties using comparable market evidence. If  REALTORS®️  lack expertise in a particular area, they should seek help from a knowledgeable professional or disclose this to their client. They should not attempt to provide services outside the scope of their competence.

It was an enlightening two days filled with industry and subject matter experts who shared trends and facts that our members need to be aware of. These are things that our clients care about, which is why we need to be mindful in order to do the right thing for our clients and our communities. Our keynote speaker said that people who understand people, always win. That is what I want for each and every one of our members. When we help people get what is important to them, we all win! It has been my pleasure to carry this message throughout the year and I challenge you all to do the same.

 
Kerri Hartnett, PMN
2024 Women’s Council National President