We asked your 2024 Board of Director candidates to answer the following questions to help members make informed decisions regarding who they choose to lead the Association into the future. These are their responses.
Discuss the industry issues you would CHAMPION if elected to the Board of Directors.
Craig Benham: One industry issue is addressing housing affordability. Limitations in housing supply continue to increase housing prices in most metro areas, making homeownership increasingly difficult for many individuals and families. This no doubt continues to pose many challenges for our REALTOR® members, and combine this with rising interest rates; buying power has decreased substantially for most purchasers out there actively searching for a place to call home.
Amber Kennell: Promote more membership participation. Bring in great guest speakers to help educate the members on important topics. Make sure we have use of the best tools to work smart in our business.
Rochelle Ridgell: 1. Create a narrative for the membership that professionalism is an absolute must. 2. Promote more membership value and involvement. 3. Enforce Association rules with a more explicit and equitable process, so we are seen as enhancing, instead of policing our Association.
Chris Silker: I would champion fair and equitable housing opportunities, home ownership, and supporting RPAC in maintaining 1031 exchanges/no sales tax on real estate transfers.
Ted Westfall: The real estate industry is changing so quickly we need to keep equal opportunities for us all while keeping our client’s best interest in mind in the challenging market we are all faced with at any given time.
Wanda Williams: The industry issues I want to champion include overcoming low inventory and financial literacy in our community to increase home ownership amongst those most affected.
How do you see the real estate industry SHIFTING over the next 5 – 10 years and what does that mean for our Association?
Craig Benham: Everything seems to be all about technology, and it doesn’t appear that it will slow its pace anytime soon. I think it’s important for us as an Association to embrace this change and select the right tools that allow our members to effectively streamline processes and operate more efficiently. Our industry needs to continue to evolve and adapt to ever-changing customer expectations, which in the end will provide a more enhanced and positive transaction experience for buyers and sellers.
Amber Kennell: There is a lot that is changing in our industry. Buyer agency is a hot topic and being able to pivot when changes are forced upon us will be important.
Rochelle Ridgell: I foresee buyers and sellers becoming more self-sufficient, due to advanced technology and readily available information (i.e. Artificial Intelligence). I believe that our primary function will be providing services that are progressive and not easily attainable. We must create a “necessity” for buyers and sellers to see our value. I wholeheartedly feel like we also need to encourage our membership to focus on, the “value” of honesty and integrity in our industry. Unfortunately, the perception of honesty and integrity is diminishing more and more in our industry.
Chris Silker: I see the real estate market continuing to shift to agents who act as professional advocates. We are fiduciaries representing clients who are more and more educated about real estate, the market, and business. This will drive the expectation for agents to be more than door openers and contract writers. Our ability to communicate with our clients and each other regarding higher level negotiation, creativity in marketing, and professional advocacy for our clients will continue to raise the level of our profession.
Ted Westfall: In the next 5-10 years the industry will continue to streamline in all competitive senses. As with Covid1 9, we’ve seen how fast this happens. I’m proud of our industry and how quickly we were able to shift to meet these needs. At this point in my career if elected, I’d be proud to help our Association stay on the cutting edge to assist our REALTORS® to forge ahead.
Wanda Williams: More people will look to other sources for purchasing properties such as the use of bitcoin, non-fungible tokens (NFTs). More people are interested in wellness and want houses and appliances, and other features for their lifestyle needs. Millennials are major home buyers and with younger people moving out of Michigan, we could have fewer buyers and baby boomers passing away, so we could see an increase in inventory.
Tell us WHY your fellow members should choose you to lead the Association.
Craig Benham: From the very beginning of my real estate career, I have been focused on personal growth, continuing to learn, and striving to be a respected professional among my colleagues. I pride myself on always being easy to work with on a transaction and treating other REALTORS® with respect. Simple things like honesty, kindness and promptly returning phone calls or messages says a lot about who we are as a professional. I have been an Associate Broker for over 25 years, and have earned my CRS, GRI, and SRES designations. If we surround ourselves with great friends, stay active, and live each day with intention and gratitude, we will not only be a better REALTOR®, but a more awesome human being.
Amber Kennell: I have been a long-time member of the Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS®. It has been 25 years this year. I think with that time and with the broad service area I work in, it gives me great perspective to provide input on the membership needs.
Rochelle Ridgell: I’m thankful that, for almost 27 years, I’ve had wonderful opportunities to interact and develop great relationships with many of our members! I’ve learned a lot from listening to their passionate views, suggestions and concerns. Serving as a past board member and working on various committees/task forces, equipped me with knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of how our Association operates. I believe my experience, education, positive attitude and genuine desire to see our Association provide exceptional service, would be beneficial to all. My ultimate goal is help to enhance knowledge, professionalism, productivity, positivity and unity for our entire membership, so that we represent our industry well!
Chris Silker: I strive to learn and grow with my fellow members and with your support, I will work to continue to empower our Board and Association to provide the opportunities necessary for us to continue to provide the valuable and professional services needed by our communities.
Ted Westfall: I’m fortunate enough to be a second-generation REALTOR® in Lansing. I have a Bachelor’s in marketing/sales from Ferris State University. I worked in the title insurance field after college before jumping into real estate in 1996. I worked for a smaller company before jumping to one of the larger companies in Lansing and eventually worked as a manager for a while. I feel this is a great way to give back and help make a difference for everyone.
Wanda Williams: I am passionate about making the dream of home ownership possible for everyone. I found it necessary to serve on committees within the Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS® because doing so and working side by side with my fellow REALTORS® and affiliates makes working on real estate transactions that much easier. I have served on the Grievance Committee, the Public Policy Committee, the Community Enhancement Committee, and my favorite, the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC), of which I am a major investor. I currently also serve on the Michigan REALTORS® Convention Task force. I have also served as the president of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® Lansing network and the secretary for the State Women’s Council of REALTORS®.