In the bustling real estate landscape of Des Moines, Iowa, Erika Hansen stands as a beacon of leadership and dedication. With 17 years of experience under her belt, Erika has not only excelled in her role as a REALTOR but has also taken up the mantle of leadership within her local board, the Des Moines Area Association of REALTORS® (DMAAR). As the President of DMAAR® in 2024, Erika reflects on her journey, her priorities, and her vision for the future of real estate in her community.
For Erika, the decision to pursue leadership within her local board was rooted in a fundamental belief in giving back. "I was taught early on that you need to be active and give back within your profession," she shares. "We teach our homeowners to do this with HOA's, why wouldn't I practice what I teach!" This ethos of active participation and community engagement has been a driving force throughout her career.
As President of DMAAR®, Erika's priorities for 2024 are clear: to continue strengthening DMAAR® committees and fostering collaboration and outreach within the real estate and homeownership communities. Recognizing the importance of unity and cooperation within the industry, Erika aims to create an environment where ideas are shared, relationships are built, and progress is made.
When asked about her role in shaping the future of real estate in her community, Erika humbly admits, "I have no idea, this one has me stumped." However, her track record speaks for itself. Through her leadership, she has already made significant contributions to the growth and development of the real estate landscape in Des Moines, and there's no doubt that her influence will continue to shape its future.
Throughout her journey, Erika credits her mentor, Ken Clark, for his guidance and inspiration. "He has always been a great leader and forward-thinking in the industry," she explains. "Early on in my career, he always invited me to DMAAR® events like the annual banquet and breakfast, as well as showed why RPAC was valuable to the industry." Ken's mentorship has been invaluable to Erika, shaping not only her career but also her approach to leadership and community involvement.
Despite the challenges and demands of the real estate profession, Erika finds immense joy in her work. "The smile on a client's face when you hand them over the keys to their first home," she says, highlighting her favorite part of being a REALTOR®. It's moments like these that remind Erika of the profound impact she has on people's lives and the privilege it is to be a part of their journey.
Reflecting on her journey thus far, Erika offers a piece of advice to her younger self in the first year of her REALTOR® career: "You don't have to chase every deal; your time is valuable too!" It's a lesson learned through experience, one that emphasizes the importance of balance, self-care, and strategic decision-making in a demanding industry.
As Erika Hansen continues to lead by example, both as a REALTOR® and as President of DMAAR®, her dedication to her profession and her community serves as an inspiration to all. With her vision, her passion, and her unwavering commitment to excellence, there's no doubt that Erika will continue to shape the future of real estate in Des Moines for years to come.