I am proud to serve as this year’s president of the Fayette County Board of REALTORS. Representing approximately 850 REALTORS and affiliated members, we are a great group of citizens who are committed to this community now and in the future.

During this challenging time in the market, I encourage you to look at the glass as being half full and to remember that the fundamentals have not changed. Real estate still offers an excellent opportunity to create long-term wealth. The American Dream of homeownership remains the backbone of our economy and our country. And, Fayette County continues to shine as one of the best places to live in America.

What was your background before you got into real estate?

I graduated from Fayette County High School when it was the county’s only high school. My daddy ran the local drugstore, where you could have a hand-patted burger and cherry Coke at the soda fountain. My mom used to take homemade cinnamon rolls to every new neighbor. I remember getting excited when we got our first McDonald’s.

After graduating from the University of Alabama in 1984, I worked for Delta Air Lines for a few years. I had several different jobs for a few years after that, trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. Then, I went to work for my brother’s contracting firm for several years. Probably already in my bloodline, I got my license in 1992 after being encouraged by friends and family. After I got my license, I continued working with Brent for a year, then dove into real estate full time. Despite some of the items in the news, in the long run, I feel this “correction” period will be healthy for us and make our economy and the real estate industry stronger.

What keeps you motivated in today’s market?

A lot of things have changed around here, but, thankfully, a lot has not.

We are fortunate to live and work in a community full of great folks who are committed to maintaining and improving the high standards we have enjoyed for decades. We have an excellent school system, low crime, low unemployment, controlled growth, cultural and recreational activities and an overall quality of life not found in many places.

Where to do you see Fayette County’s Real Estate heading?

The Atlanta region, and Fayette County in particular, will survive as we always have. We were never in a “bubble” like some other markets around the country were. Price gains here have been modest over the past decade, and not out of control. Growth has been steady, and hopefully we will soon learn that Delta Air Lines will stay here at home.

During her term, which began in November, Dawn will oversee the ongoing implementation of the organization’s strategic plan. She will help ensure that programs and activities are on track with the organization’s mission statement, “to be a network of successful REALTORS, providing our industry’s leaders with the resources that enable them to conduct business with professionalism, integrity and competency. We strive to protect Private Property Rights; to be the voice of real estate in issues that affect our profession; to serve our communities; and to educate the public as to the benefits of working with a REALTOR.”

What legacy would you like to see during your year as President?

First of all, it’s important to me that members know that none of this is about me. I sincerely want them to all know that this board belongs to all members and offers tremendous benefits to those who are willing to get involved and take advantage of all the board offers. Above all else, I want to get more people involved to benefit themselves, the public and the future of real estate as a whole.

If you are considering buying or selling real estate, I encourage you to utilize the services of a local REALTOR. In this difficult market, it is important to have someone you can trust, who will act in your best interest and offer valuable professional assistance.

REALTORS are members of the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) and adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. Just as every soft drink is not a Coke, and every tissue is not a Kleenex, every real estate agent is a not a REALTOR.

The Fayette County Board of Realtors is one of more than 1,800 local boards and associations nationwide that comprise the NAR. As “The Voice for Real Estate,” NAR is the nation’s largest professional association, representing 750,000 members involved in all aspects of the real estate industry.

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