Deborah Cooper
REALTOR at Coldwell Banker Frewen Realty
Years as GLAR Member: 17
What do you believe makes you a qualified candidate for the Board of Directors?
I have volunteered and served several years in the community and on various GLAR committees. I have served as Vice Chair for the MLS Committee in the past. I am currently serving on the Board of Directors and Public Policy, RPAC, and Community Enhancement Committees.
What do you think is currently the biggest issue facing agents in the real estate industry?
I feel that keeping up with change is always a challenge. Whether it be changes in technology, the market, or even something completely unexpected such as the past year and a half when we learned to make many new adaptations.
In your opinion, what can the Association do to help agents or the real estate industry improve?
By continuing to offer education and training opportunities to stay on top current matters. Also, offer more hands on work shops in person and virtually.
Tell us why you want to be on the Board of Directors.
I want to continue to grow, give back and make a difference.
Tracey Hernly
REALTOR® at Howard Hanna Real Estate Executives
Years as GLAR Member: 9
What do you believe makes you a qualified candidate for the Board of Directors?
I have a full understanding of the Association and it’s inner-workings with adequate experience in the real estate industry, leadership and business.
What do you think is currently the biggest issue facing agents in the real estate industry?
The use of technology and how that impacts us as REALTORS® as well and the way we conduct business.
In your opinion, what can the Association do to help agents or the real estate industry improve?
I believe keeping our education free to the REALTORS® and cutting edge is important. The difference between the way the Greater Lansing area conducts business and outside organizations speaks volumes and we should be very proud.
Tell us why you want to be on the Board of Directors.
I will continue to actively commit my time, knowledge, and experience to implement and actively seek new ways of keeping our Association cutting edge and serving our members to the very best of our ability. I ask for your continued support. Thank you.
Jonathan Lum
REALTOR® at Exit Realty Home Partners
Years as GLAR Member: 10
What do you believe makes you a qualified candidate for the Board of Directors?
I bring knowledge from the perspective of working with clients, helping them buy and sell homes, as well as working with agents and helping them develop both personally and professionally to be productive members of our community.
What do you think is currently the biggest issue facing agents in the real estate industry?
The rise in cost of 3rd party lead sources create a challenging environment for industry professionals to retain their commissions and earn a living.
In your opinion, what can the Association do to help agents or the real estate industry improve?
Streamlining MLS data and working with other associations to allow reciprocal access for forms & keyboxes. Good progress has been made and should continue. Creating and enforcing strong standards for ethical behavior is key to building the REALTOR® brand.
Tell us why you want to be on the Board of Directors.
I would like to help contribute back to the Association and its members by sharing my experience in real estate and working within the community to help create a region where people want to live, work & play.
Joseph Sambaer
Affiliate Lender at Dart Bank
Years as GLAR Member: 9
What do you believe makes you a qualified candidate for the Board of Directors?
I believe that I am qualified based on my years of experience with serving on the Finance and Public Policy Committee.
What do you think is currently the biggest issue facing agents in the real estate industry?
I believe that the biggest issue that agents are currently facing is lack of affordable housing.
In your opinion, what can the Association do to help agents or the real estate industry improve?
In my opinion, I believe that the Association can help by continuing to advocate to our local governmental agencies encouraging policies that support single family home ownership.
Tell us why you want to be on the Board of Directors.
I want to be on the Board of Directors because I believe I can contribute ideas based on my years of lending and governmental experience.
Neal Sanford
REALTOR® at Preview Properties
Years as GLAR Member: 25
What do you believe makes you a qualified candidate for the Board of Directors?
I have served on a number boards and committees that include church, school, township, Farm Bureau ,county, state and soil conservation.
I have been a REALTOR® since 1991, a team leader closing a large number of transactions in numerous counties.
What do you think is currently the biggest issue facing agents in the real estate industry?
There is an ongoing need to educate REALTORS® on laws, rules, ethics and technology.
In your opinion, what can the Association do to help agents or the real estate industry improve?
We are fortunate to have such a strong education program at GLAR and need to continue with this emphasis.
Tell us why you want to be on the Board of Directors.
I believe with my background, I have and will continue to bring value to the directors seat.