I am humbled and honored to have been selected as your 2023 Kent Washington Association of REALTORS® President. I would like to take this opportunity to share my JOURNEY into the real estate industry.
Some of you may know that my dad and his family immigrated to the United States from Portugal with the goal of obtaining the "American Dream". Both of my parents are entrepreneurs; owning and running various businesses. Many times throughout my childhood I listened to my dad's words of advice: "Be a leader, not a follower" and "Follow your own dreams." They bought many properties throughout the years, mostly for investment purposes. I witnessed how real estate and being a business owner gave them financial freedom and helped them achieve the "American Dream." When my husband and I got married, I got my broker's license and we began to do the same.
I quickly learned along the way that I love to help others achieve their "American Dream." When I began my JOURNEY as a REALTOR® I realized being an individual agent can be very challenging at times. Trying to successfully navigate my new career is what led me to become more involved in the Board. I quickly realized that on a shared JOURNEY with this Association, I achieved a lot more than I could individually.
The National Association of REALTORS® is America's largest trade organization. Which represents 1.5 million professional members. NAR is a vital force impacting so many people's lives. There are 1.5 million members helping people every day on their JOURNEY to achieve the same "American Dream."
As you know, our JOURNEY does not end here. There are 1.5 million members out in communities throughout the country and our Foundation and Community Outreach Committee lead the way here at home helping in so many ways.
This year, the President's charity is Foster Forward. Foster Forward is an organization that supports children and young adults who are currently or formerly in the foster care system. Their mission is to empower lives impacted by foster care. I have chosen this foundation because I strongly feel that investing and improving the lives of our children, is the future of our communities, country and industry.
Our 2023, National Association of REALTORS® President, Kenny Parcell's theme for the year is: "Not riding for the brand, but rather riding with the brand. Because you, the members of the National Association of REALTORS®, are the brand. The brand is you, and the brand is us. We are the brand: It is who we are."
What Kenny's theme and my message share is that we are united by this rand of REALTORS®. That by belonging to this organization - being a REALTOR® - we achieve more. Belonging allows us the opportunity to collaborate, to be creative, to affect change and to make a difference.
What I have learned through my ongoing JOURNEY with Kent Washington Association of REALTORS® is that being part of an organization whose members have a shared mindset, makes achieving personal goals more likely. By your reading of this update and being involved demonstrates your commitment and dedication to our industry. I would like to suggest that you become even more involved. As my dad would say, "Be a leader, not a follower." I believe all members should be encouraged to contribute to the conversation and be empowered to work together at all levels of the organization.
Our shared JOURNEY is an ongoing effort of professionalism, dedication, and commitment. My promise to you is to continue to uphold our mission by providing the resources and support that enable our members to maintain high standards of integrity, knowledge, and professionalism as REALTORS®. I promise to support and lead this Association by providing the service our members need through education, technological enhancement, as well as expanding resources. This year we will be revising our Strategic Plan. I promise to make my input and contribution reflect these principles.
As Kenny said, "Buckle up, we are riding with the Brand in 2023," so let's make sure we enjoy the ride because it truly is: "ALL ABOUT THE JOURNEY!"
Crystal D'Agostino
2023 President,
Kent Washington Association of REALTORS®
