Inclusion. Engagement. Support.
That’s what we hope the nearly 600 members, leaders and staff of the Iowa Association of REALTORS experienced at the 2023 Convention in Des Moines.
For a few jam-packed days, members learned, networked and found tools to grow their business and elevate the real estate industry in Iowa. From learning how AI and video can propel your career to recharging and understanding the power of mindfulness, there was something for everyone at the 2023 Convention.
We even took time to celebrate our wins through the members’ support of RPAC, recognized our talents for naming tunes and showcased just what being a REALTOR is all about.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2023 Convention! If you were unable to attend, or could only stay a short while, don’t worry, we’re recapping the event below.
Tuesday, Sept. 26 - REALTORS Rock the Block
The value of a REALTOR took center stage when the Iowa Association of REALTORS welcomed more than 200 members to downtown Des Moines for the REALTORS Rock the Block party.
The evening, a kick off to Convention, showcased not only the REALTOR brand but the difference each REALTOR member makes in their own communities.
Many of the community partners and groups that have been served by REALTORS joined the REALTORS Rock the Block party, offering information and collaboration to members.
Convention Day 1 & Day 2
IAR Leadership kicked off Convention on Wednesday morning with brief remarks and special appearances by NAR REALTOR Party Director Colin Mullane, REALTOR Relief Foundation member Mike Inman, and Christine Hansen, NAR 2025 First Vice President candidate.
For the next two days, members sat in on sessions and panels that discussed everything from social media strategies to lead generation ideas. Speakers covered the current economic outlook and provided ways in which members could create a healthy, wealthy future.
Between sessions, the B2wins provided music, while exhibitors were on hand to discuss the latest and greatest offerings in the real estate world.
Fun Night: Name That Tune
Barbie (Krista) and Ken (Travis) were on hand during our Name That Tune Fun Night!
Teams competed to be the first to identify the tunes DJ Platz spun. There were many close calls, several dance offs, but only one winner!
Thanks to everyone who put their competitive nature on full display and made sure Fun Night was... FUN!
Governance Meetings
Communications Committee
The Communications Committee received an update on all matters marketing and communications, including the announcement of a new events calendar on the IAR website.
The new calendar is currently updated with IAR and NAR events through 2024. The committee and staff will work to keep the calendar updated and explore expanding the events to include those from local boards.
The committee also received a brief update regarding the exploration of IAR's branding initiatives and what that may look like in 2024.
Legislative Committee
The Legislative Committee discussed a number of updates and topics for consideration during the 2024 legislative session.
The Committee received an update that the wholesale task force met and came up with a three piece approach and is currently working on drafting this legislation.
While NAR is advising buyer representation agreements be mandated, the committee recommended the issue be discussed further in the Risk Management committee meeting.
The topic of notarization was discussed as it is not entirely clear in current law if agents can notarize documents with their own client. A motion was made and carried to create legislation that would provide an exemption in Iowa code for licensees.
Other discussion included Home Builder Association priorities, termite inspections and homeowners insurance. No legislative action was taken on these items at this time.
REALTOR Party Committee
The REALTOR Party Committee reviewed recent local events and progress toward RPAC goals.
- $312,022 raised of the goal $518,977
- 38% participation, surpassing the 37% goal
- 86 Major Investors surpassing the goal of 83
- 31 President’s Circle surpassing the goal of 8
The committee also approved the creation of the Champion Brokerage Program. The program will recognize brokerages across the state for their agents' investment in RPAC. The program requires that in order to be recognized, brokerages must show that 40% of agents are RPAC participants, at least one agent is a Major Investor and the brokerage provides a $1,000 + Corporate Ally Investment.
Diversity Committee
The Diversity Committee provided an update on the use of Interpretation Services since its launch at Summer Meetings.
More than 120 members have filled out the enrollment form to opt-in to the service. Spanish, French, Swahili, and Bosnian are languages currently used by members.
Chair Nora Crosthwaite noted that in 2022 The Black homeownership rate in Iowa was 31% vs. 23% in 2021.
The committee also discussed NAR president Tracy Kasper's Ignite Others initiative and hosting quarterly meetings with local DEI committees to learn of upcoming events and initiatives.
Risk Management
The Risk Management Committee spent time discussing buyer representation agreements.
Items of interest and discussion included:
- That there needs to be requirements of the Buyer and Buyer's agent.
- There needs to be clear understanding of the difference between a customer and a client.
- A way to end the contract for either Buyer or Agent.
- Protection clauses, similar to the protection clause in a listing contract.
- The need for an Unrepresented Buyer form, if a Buyer chooses to purchase a properly listed with a real estate broker but does not want to be represented by a real estate agent/broker.
- What the length of the agreement should be, There should be a date mutually agreed upon, with the ability to extend.
Annual Meeting
The Iowa Association of REALTORS hosted its annual meeting during Convention.
Motions were made and carried to approve the slate of officers for 2024:
2024 Slate of Officers
President: Shaner Magalhães
President-Elect: Travis Bushaw
First Vice President: Erik Melloy
Second Vice President: Regen Johnson
Treasurer: John Dunn
Immediate Past President: Krista Clark
IAR Ambassadors:
Jen Stanbrough - Organization
Jen Weigel - Legal/Risk Management
Jeff Hefel - Advocacy
Nick Polum - Member Engagement
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors thanked staff and current leadership for their work throughout the year, and during Convention.
The Board heard reports from committee representatives, including bringing forward the following motions:
- Approve the 2024 budget, including a $25 dues increase.
- Pursue legislation that creates an exemption for licensees to notarize their clients’ documents in a transaction.
- Create an RPAC Champion Brokerage Program.
- Create an RPAC Champion Brokerage Program.
- Approve publishing CRAAR ethics violations in conjunction with IAR ethics violations.
Inaugural Reception
Thursday evening members, friends and family gathered for the Inaugural reception.
The evening included recognition of individuals who have dedicated their careers to real estate and the Iowa Association of REALTORS:
- Don Marple was named the O.G. Powell/Joan Ballantyne award recipient.
- Jenn Jansen was awarded the Iowa REALTOR of the Year.
- Greta Haas was bestowed the President's Special Recognition Award.
The program included the installation of IAR's 2024 leadership team and new ambassadors. Finally, 2024 IAR President Shaner Magalhães was installed by former IAR president Mark Kamps.
The evening was capped off with musical stylings from the Trophy Dads!
