Resurrecting Indy's urban housing market

Today we'd like to share a column published in the Indianapolis Business Journal in response to a housing conversation recently hosted by LISC that featured our own MIBOR President Debbie Morris as a panelist. We posted her comments in a recent blog you can read here. Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below!

TAFT: Resurrecting Indy's urban housing market

The recession affected some older Indianapolis neighborhoods differently than it did the larger metro area housing market, with areas of Marion County taking particularly hard hits.

These neighborhoods suffer from deteriorated or outmoded older housing, lack of quality amenities nearby, perceived or real weakness of urban school options, and the need for high-quality transit.

However, the right strategies—making it easier to buy and renovate homes, helping developers redevelop entire swaths of the neighborhoods, and improving mass transit—would give these weaker areas a shot in the arm.

That was the consensus of a housing conversation hosted recently by Local Initiatives Support Corp. to determine the major structural challenges facing urban neighborhoods and what it would take to strengthen demand in neighborhoods that have lost population.

The experts convened included Debbie Morris of the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of REALTORS®; Leigh Evans from Mapleton Fall Creek Community Development Corp; Adam Thies, the new Department of Metropolitan Development director; and John Watson from Core Redevelopment.

Statistics generated by the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of REALTORS® reveal very different housing market dynamics within the metro area.

Since 2000, the nine-county central Indiana area has experienced modest growth in sales prices, while Marion County prices remained flat and prices in the Indianapolis Public Schools service boundaries dropped 26 percent.

Changes in the total number of sales reflect similar trends, with a gradual increase in sales across the region, a small decline in Marion County, and a steep drop in IPS. Downtown has been an outlier, with no growth in sales but a 68-percent increase in sale prices.

While the trends within IPS reflect a steadily declining housing market that now contains most of the approximately 14,000 vacant and abandoned homes in Marion County, the strong growth in downtown values reveals rising demand for urban living. The forum identified a number of clues for how to spread this small-scale urban housing vitality into the surrounding IPS district.

Interest in urban living by generations X and Y could be converted to housing purchases with the right housing product and environment.

The second clue is to make it easier for buyers to purchase older homes that need work. Mortgages will need to pay for a much higher percentage of renovation work in a transaction.

A third clue is that many homes are substandard or so poorly located that they will never attract a resident and should be demolished.

Finally, while home buyers and renters might be increasingly interested in urban living, they still demand high-quality amenities. This primarily means access to quality public education—a challenge that a growing number of magnet and charter schools are beginning to provide to the IPS area.

Since walkability is a major draw to urbanism, these neighborhoods must also offer sidewalks or bikeways to nearby shopping, entertainment or recreation. Ultimately, urban living will maximize its value only when residents can save up to 25 percent of their income by using high-quality public transit instead of owning a car.

It is encouraging that even some non-downtown urban neighborhoods like Holy Cross, Fountain Square and Mapleton-Fall Creek are beginning to offer many of these attributes. Ultimately, to achieve a true rebirth of the urban housing market, there must be significant private investment spurred by public investment in the key amenities.

If Indianapolis is to prosper, we must rebuild infrastructure to revive urban housing.

Taft is Indianapolis executive director of Local Initiatives Support Corp., a not-for-profit that invests in neighborhood redevelopment projects.

Just 3: Featuring MIBOR President Debbie Morris

Recently we introduced a new feature to the blog called “JUST 3”. Periodically we’ll pose just three questions to someone who has something insightful to say about the MIBOR Centennial and the history of the real estate industry. We hope you enjoy their perspectives. If you want share you’re JUST 3 thoughts, let us know. Email Claire Belby with your ideas! 

Today we hear from Debbie Morris, 2012 MIBOR President. Being President in this milestone year offers a certain perspective. Here’s Debbie’s JUST 3…


What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given about working as a REALTOR®?   
Treat every client as if they're your only client.

Describe a REALTOR® in three words.   
Trusted. Resourceful. Advisor    

What has been the most surprising thing about your (almost) year as MIBOR President?  
Having served as a Director and Officer, I knew that I would enjoy the Presidency, I just underestimated how much I would enjoy it. Steve Sullivan and the staff ensure that I'm prepared for the various meetings and media appearances so that I've been able to enjoy each opportunity. MIBOR Staff, the directors, and members have been so supportive during our very special Centennial Year, and I will step down in December with even more pride and respect for our association and its members than I had before!

Then and Now...

The times may change, but some traditions live on. They just evolve. Check out this picture from a MIBOR Annual Ball of yesteryear compared to the 2012 event. Can you guess the year in our first photo?  

Centennial Photo of the Week - Moving Up and Moving Out

Promotional photos like this one inspired
U.S. military men and women returning home from
Germany and Japan to invest in a new home with funds
collected through the G.I. Bill. 

"Soldiers were returning home, and aided by G.I. loans, they purchased homes, returned to work and started young families in new, larger neighborhoods. There was a sudden housing shortage across the nation. A builder by the name of William J. Levitt attempted to answer this demand by constructing a number of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania neighborhoods, working with prefabricated materials and a limited number of home models. These typically were ranch homes that had three bedrooms, an "open-plan" living room, dining room, entrance hall, eat-in kitchen and one bathroom. These homes typically ranged in price from $10,000 to $15,000. The home went up quickly and filled up quickly. Soon the model for such neighborhoods, known at "Levittowns," spread across the nation, including central Indiana. New subdivisions in Indianapolis quickly expanded the city limits with developments north and west of the White River, along Allisonville Road and east to Fort Benjamin Harrison, east and west Washington Street about four miles from the city center and along the main southern arteries." -- Excerpt from "REALTORS®: Opening Doors for 100 Years" by Todd Gould (Chapter 6)

Visit www.mibor100.com to get your copy of the book today!

Women in Real Estate...

When the Centennial History Council was planning the MIBOR book and video – REALTORS® Opening Doors for 100 Years – they devoted quite a few meetings to discussing the integral people and events that have shaped MIBOR’s history. 

What resulted was pretty thorough coverage of the key players and events over our century-long presence in central Indiana. 

One of the coolest parts of the project is how social changes impacted, and where impacted by, REALTORS®. For instance, civil rights and women’s rights are covered in good detail in the book and video. Check out this clip from the video about the role of the women’s rights movement on your association’s history. 

If you know anyone who doesn’t have their copy yet, make sure you forward this post to them so they get a real feel for what they can learn about their industry through the book and video. 

www.mibor100.com 

Back in the Day...

Take a look at this typical master bedroom in the 1920s - check out those twin beds. This photo was taken at the Indianapolis Home Show, an event the Board helped found in 1922.

More great photos from our industry's history can be found in REALTORS®: Opening Doors for 100 Years. 

Visit www.mibor100.com to get your copy today!

Video Blog: A Glimpse at Your History

You’ve heard about the MIBOR centennial book REALTORS® Opening Doors for 100 Years. If you’re a regular reader of this blog, chances are you are the proud owner of the book. Some of the best reaction we’ve received about the project is the video documentary that is secured to the inside back cover. Members say the video makes them think about the industry in a way that hadn’t occurred to them before and are proud to recognize what an important role real estate has played in the success of central Indiana. Plus it’s just fun to see their friends and colleagues shining on camera. If you haven’t seen it in awhile, here’s a quick glimpse at the video introduction. 



If you know anyone who doesn’t have their copy yet, make sure you forward this post to them so they get a real feel for what they can learn about their industry through the book and video. 

www.mibor100.com 

Take Me Out to the Ballgame...

We don't typically use this blog to promote events, 

but this one is HUGE!

In celebration of our Centennial, we are bringing back REALTOR® Night with the Indians! In years past, REALTORS® would gather and nearly pack the old Busch Stadium for REALTOR® Night. 

We are bringing back the fun, the celebration and the camaraderie! - We need YOU to help us fill seats and participate in the first pitch and on field games!

July 26 is OUR Night!

BUY NOW! These tickets are not going to last long! At $5 each, you can easily buy in bulk and distribute them to your clients, families, friends and colleagues! Let's fill the stands and celebrate 100 years together!

Learn more about our 'First Pitch Auction' and how to get a chance to participate in the on field games by visiting our Centennial website - here. 

Purchase your tickets at the REALTOR® Store, online or in person!

Play Ball!!!

Moving Up, Moving Out...

Promotional photos like this one inspired 

U.S. military men and women returning home 

from Germany and Japan to invest in a new home 

with funds collected through the G.I. Bill.

"Celebrating the Good Times Finally. After a decade of economic turmoil, followed by years of dark and tense moments against the Axis Forces, U.S. citizens could breath a collective sigh of relief. In the days following World War II, residents in Indianapolis and around the country cheered and wept as they welcomed soldiers returning home and celebrated the return of economic stability. 
The changes to the economic and social climate were almost immediate at the conclusion of the War, and REALTORS® were among the first beneficiaries of this dramatic shift. One example was in new home construction. During the Great Depression, the creation of new homes in Indianapolis had virtually halted. In 1933, for instance, there were only 27 new homes build within the city limits. During the War, construction was limited by a lack of building supplies.

But shortly after the War, new neighborhoods, such as Eagledale, near 34th Street and Georgetown Road, erupted with 3,400 housing units completed by 1949 with more than 10,000 new residents."

-- Excerpt from REALTORS®: Opening Doors for 100 Years (pages 83-84)

Do you have YOUR copy yet? www.mibor100.com

Transformation in Action...

On June 7^th, we will be installing permanent medallions on the 32 homes in the Building a Living Legacy Project in St. Clair Place. A few days ago, I was out in the neighborhood marking the spot on each house where the medallions will be installed. As usual it was a beautiful day. I don’t know why it is, but most of the time I’m in St. Clair Place, the weather is incredible. Blue skies, puffy white clouds, bright green grass, a gentle breeze, you get the picture. Most of our volunteer days last year were blessed with equally fantastic weather. No need to discuss the snowy, icy bus tours in early 2011 or 95 plus degree groundbreaking ceremony last summer – let’s stay positive people. Anyway, the place puts me in a good mood.

I have to say though, the most delightful thing happened when I passed a certain house. On the corner of Eastern and St. Clair is the cutest arts and crafts style home. We’re talking adorable, magazine cover quality material. And what was else on the corner in the yard? One of the last remaining yard signs from the project – one of YOUR signs with the MIBOR centennial logo plastered front and center. I was so proud! 

Then it hit me. That was the exact corner where I went with Cabinet Chair Bill Hacker last year as he taped an interview for WFYI’s series More than a Game. That day with Bill, we had to keep stopping the taping because the construction noise on the house. You’ll have to take my word for it, but that house looked nothing like the beautiful piece of architecture I saw this time. Wow! It’s an amazing home that will bring new beginnings for a family. I could not have been proud or more convinced that this project was just the right fit for REALTORS®.

I hope I’ll see you on the 7^th. The party will be celebration; a toast to all the real estate community has accomplished through Building a Living Legacy. You just have to see it. 

Claire Belby

MIBOR Communications Director

Now I'm A Believer...

I’m not one to get too excited for rallies. I’ll don a rally cap at a ball game from time to time, but political rallies have never been my thing. I’m a political junkie and politics is a big part of my job, so I see the value and I recognize the impact, but I’m just not a true believer. They always seemed a little goofy – a little too “rah-rah” for my taste. 

However, the National Association of REALTORS® Rally to Protect the American Dream on May 17th was not one of those rallies. I showed up a skeptic but I left impressed.

There I was, front and center. About 50 feet from the stage, the Washington Monument directly behind it and the White House right behind us. Amidst all of that: 15,000 blue t-shirts emblazoned with the REALTOR® “R” logo. NAR notes this was the largest gathering of REALTORS® ever recorded.

The location and numbers were impressive. So were the logistics organized by NAR. Getting 15,000 non-local people into and out of a location safely, timely and effectively shouldn’t be overlooked. The staff and volunteers did a phenomenal job planning and executing.

But again, that alone isn’t going to get me excited about a rally.

So what did? I don’t really know. It’s the aggregate of everything involved. 

The excitement of the week. Nearly everyone at The Monument in their blue t-shirt had been on Capitol Hill in a suit the day before. All of us meeting with our Members of Congress and sharing our viewpoints on some issues critical to our industry. (Read more on those Hill visits here.) We met with our Representatives and Senators and told them our stories, made our points and asked for their support. It is a personal and effective way to get things done in Washington. But now, we were putting an emphatic exclamation point on the end of those visits with this rally. Each member of Congress saw that the 20 or so REALTORS® that were in their office yesterday are part of the 15,000 energized voices they’re hearing coming from the National Mall. 

The message. During the course of the rally, we heard from some great speakers including Georgia Senator (and REALTOR®) Johnny Isakson, Congressman Steny Hoyer, NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun and several more. We heard from REALTORS®, association leaders, immigrants, minority leaders, elected officials and more. Each of them articulated it a different way, but their message was clear – homeownership matters. 

The impact. Helicopters, TV cameras & reporters were all on site. Twitter was blowing up with people who were participating in the rally or people who were hearing about it. Later, news articles were popping up all over the place – and in the right places right there in The Beltway.  For a city that has thousands of rallies and demonstrations each year, Washington took notice of us. Our message was delivered and in the days after we left we have already seen movement on some of the issues we were talking about.

RPAC. As a staff member tasked with promoting RPAC to the membership, it was exciting to see so much enthusiasm from REALTORS® from all 50 states for RPAC. The crowd was alive, it was energetic and it was passionate. RPAC was like a rock-star that day and the RPAC Pig was in hog-heaven.

I’m being honest when I say this. I was blown away at how drastically my expectations were exceeded. The Rally to Protect Homeownership met all of the objectives NAR aimed at and more. The influence of REALTORS® and RPAC was apparent that day. I left proud and feeling very fortunate to be on staff at MIBOR and to be able to represent such an important and influential group of professionals.

Pat Cline

Political Affairs Liaison

Click here for more pictures!

Reflections on My First Day...

June 7, 1990 was my first day affiliated with a real estate firm. I recall when I walked in the door that morning, there were butterflies in my stomach. I felt as though the world had opened its doors to me and it was my destiny to open “real doors” for others. There was much to learn and understand. I wanted to be a sponge and work aggressively to take in as much as I could. 

Looking back on that day – and all those early days for me – it’s easy to see how much has changed. Just think about technology alone. We are light years ahead of where we were in those days. I remember processes being slow and far less efficient than we have now become accustomed to. I recall a contraption sitting by a computer that we placed the telephone handset into.  After several, very slow, clicks on the DOS based system, the regular phone line would eventually connect to the MLS (now our BLC® listing service). Funny enough, at the time this seemed very sophisticated compared to trading information about listings on 3x5 cards with fellow REALTORS®, it really wasn’t. We had miles to go!

I remember listing sheets had no photos and the printing quality was poor. Remember those dot matrix prints outs? Not always easy to read to say the least. We had no ink cartridges, only printer ribbons that didn’t provide clarity or sharpness. Very boring to say the least! 

I am grateful for the tools that we now have, and I have embraced the use of them in my business. Thank you MIBOR for being an ever-evolving organization that has helped REALTORS® stay – and become – more professional. 

Pam Aguirre, CRB, CRS, GRI

RE/MAX Legends Group

It's YOUR turn! What changes have you seen since you entered the business? What was your first day like? Post your thoughts in our comments section!

MIBOR YPN is Energized...

Looking back over 100 years also gives us an opportunity to look forward. What will the next 100 years bring? We're excited about the great potential and energy that exists within our membership. Here is a post from a member sharing his excitement about the MIBOR Young Professionals Network (MIBORYPN):


I’m excited? How about you? I am energized about the MIBOR Young Professionals Network (YPN) and to be writing to you about the new and reinvented MIBOR YPN group.

Just recently, YPN took on a new approach, and just this week the group re-launched the chapter with new leadership, new goals and new events all aimed at the next generation of REALTORS®.  

So, what does this mean? As, always our goal is to inform, empower and mastermind young professional REALTORS®, and those young at heart, in the MIBOR service area. YPN’s goal is to help you navigate the real estate profession with ease, network with the industry leaders and have a good time while doing all of this. Who doesn’t want to be a part of a winning team? I know I do. 

After the success of this week’s Top Producer round table discussion, we are looking forward to a summer filled with networking opportunities for people like you. 


And the best part of it all - you cannot buy your way in our group!  You can only try it for FREE!

If you haven’t already, explore MIBOR YPN! Join Us! 


John Murphy
Main Street Financial
YPN Committee Member
Connect with us on Facebook!

19 Years and Counting...

Who is getting excited for the 19th Annual REALTOR® Foundation Golf Outing on July 19?  Everyone’s hands, or clubs, should be in the air! We’ve got our sights set on blue skies, green grass, friends, golf, prizes, raffles, a silent auction, food, drinks and FUN!  


So, how did we get to 19? For me, it is the second year I have been the staff liaison for the Foundation Golf Committee. While looking through notes, budgets, player lists and more, I started thinking about how this outing has evolved over nearly two decades. Clearly, I thought it could make an interesting blog post, so I reached out to MIBOR’s CEO, Steve Sullivan, to get some insight on the evolution.


Did you know the Foundation golf outing grew out of an annual golfing event that MIBOR held for years? 


“It was actually a series of outings held once a month and culminating in a September event, called ‘The Calcutta’,” said Sullivan. “The MIBOR event drew interest from REALTORS® and affiliates alike and usually about 30 foursomes filled the field. It was primarily a male-dominated event at the time.”


According to Steve, in the early to mid-nineties as the REALTOR® Foundation was getting resurrected, the idea of combing the “Calcutta” with a fundraiser was floated and eventually led to what is now the annual Foundation outing.  


“Initially, the event attracted a similar number of players.  However, as the Foundation became more visible, the outing became more successful and visible itself,” said Sullivan. “Benefitting charities through the Foundation became the goal.  More female members became involved, the committee became more engaged and it has flourished since.”


In the early days, courses were selected around the MIBOR market area, playing at some of the best public and private courses.  For several years, the Foundation held the event at Highland Country Club, Broadmoor Country Club and Country Club of Indianapolis. As the leaders of the event pushed to make more money for the Foundation, and as it grew in popularity, the outing was moved to Eagle Creek.  With that we saw a huge increase in the number of players.  The move to Eagle Creek made it possible to expand the field to two full courses. Both are still used today.  


“There have always been fun contests and efforts to raise additional monies for the Foundation and its homeless mission,” said Sullivan. “Several ‘celebrities’ have been dunked in the name of homelessness.  One of the most memorable was Fred Tucker ‘going down’ in his tuxedo on a sultry afternoon in July.”  


As we approach the 19th year of this event, there are both similarities and differences. Our mission is the same - to transition central Indiana individuals from homelessness or inadequate or unsafe housing to permanent solutions that will positively change their lives. 


Support continues to grow each year, and we continue to work on engaging more members so they can learn more about the Foundation, and help us raise money for our grant recipients. 


The format of the game has changed to a Florida scramble with ‘second chances’ available on one course, and straight play on the other so we appeal to both crowds. We’ve also built up friendly competition with ‘Beat the Pro’ and ‘Beat the CEO’ contests and hole-in-one prizes. If you get a hole-in-one this year you could actually win a car!


If you haven’t registered to play yet, now is the time! If you aren’t a golfer, there is still an opportunity to be involved. Volunteer for the event or purchase a dinner ticket and come join us for the closing ceremonies, silent auction and dinner! 


We are proud to continue our commitment to the fight against homelessness -  won’t you join us?  




Lacey Everett
MIBOR Communications Specialist
laceyeverett@mibor.com 

MIBOR in the MINI...

Congratulations to all of our members who completed the One America Mini Marathon on May 5! We have received several pictures from you, wearing your commemorative MIBOR 100 t-shirts. We will hold our drawing for the $100 BlueMile gift card on Thursday, May 10. Keep sending your photos in today to be qualified! 

Here are a few of the photos we have received so far! E-mail yours today and you could win!

  


   

  

Our History In Photos...

Every week, we post a 'Centennial Photo of the Week' on our social media pages. When working on the book, REALTORS®: Opening Doors for 100 Years, we accumulated all types of photographs and artifacts that helped tell our story - the story of this industry and this region. This week, we posted this photo of Robert F. Kennedy giving a campaign speech before the Indianapolis Real Estate Board in May 1968. It was the largest gathering of REALTORS® in Central Indiana at that time. 


"Kennedy had just entered the presidential contest. While other candidates had already gained momentum in the Democratic primaries earlier in the year, Indiana would be the first true test of Kennedy's fledgling campaign. His appearance before the Board would be critical to the fight for enhanced civil rights in Indiana. During his talk at the Howard Johnson Downtown Motor Lodge on West Washington Street, Kennedy spoke about various human rights issues, including support for the new Fair Housing Act, which had just been signed into law by President Johnson earlier that spring. he new mandate outlawed racial discrimination in the rental or purchase of homes and a broad range of other housing related transactions, such as advertising, mortgage lending, home owner's insurance and zoning restrictions. His speech was well received among a packed house of Indianapolis real estate and business executives....Later that same week, during the Democratic primary in Indiana, Kennedy captured his first national victory as a Presidential candidate." -- Excerpt from  REALTORS®: Opening Doors for 100 Years. 


Do you have your copy yet? www.mibor100.com


Keep a look out for more photos posted on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MIBOR! 

Calling all Mini Runners and Walkers!

Attention Runners and Walkers!

The MIBOR Centennial Celebration is alive and well and will be on full display during the upcoming One America Mini Marathon in Indianapolis on Saturday, May 5th. We are looking for 100 MIBOR members – and their friends, family and running and walking partners – to pick up a MIBOR centennial shirt and wear it somewhere in the race scene. 


Wear your shirt in the starting corrals, or at a hydrating station after the race. Wear it to packet pick-up and during your warm-up prior to the race. Take a photo of you and your group wearing the shirt and send it to clairebelby@mibor.com. We’ll reward you by putting your name in a drawing for a $100 BlueMile giftcard. More than 50 members have already replied “yes” and supplied their shirt size. 


Let us know you are part of the fun and help Bring awareness to how REALTORS® have been opening doors for 100 years! Please note, shirt is a standard cotton t-shirt not one made of moisture-wicking fabric. This effort is about awareness; the shirt is not intended to be your race gear.


Let us know you are “in”! Email clairebelby@mibor.com. We look forward to posting a collage of shirt-wearers to the blog later in May.

Here is a look at the FREE T-SHIRT you will get if you e-mail
clairebelby@mibor.com and say you are 'in'!

Congratulations from NAR President Moe Viesi

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) President, Moe Viesi, recently sent us a video message to congratulate MIBOR on 100 years of service. Mr. Viesi was unable to make it for the Centennial Celebration in January, but was kind enough to send us his greetings. Beyond saying congratulations, he also recognized the Building a Living Legacy: Centennial Project and the commitment YOU made to lift up a neighborhood and help reverse homelessness in central Indiana.


Here is Moe Viesi's message



The celebration is far from over. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to commemorate our 100 years of service in central Indiana. This is truly a special time. However, we're not just looking back...we're looking forward. And the best is yet to come.


Visit www.mibor100.com today to join the celebration!

Giving Back to the Community

On June 8, MIBOR members will team up with The REALTOR® Foundation for a volunteer day, in continued celebration of our Centennial. Volunteers will make a difference for several REALTOR® Foundation grant recipients and neighbors of last year’s Building a Living Legacy neighborhood, St. Clair Place. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., volunteers will focus on projects including painting, cleaning carpets yard work and organizing donations. Please join us! Contact Claire Belby at clairebelby@mibor.com and let her know where you would like to volunteer your time on June 8. Visit www.mibor100.com for a list of locations and more information.

Volunteerism deeply rooted in MIBOR history…

Volunteerism is not a new thing in our industry. Over the years, MIBOR members have showcased their civic pride in a variety of ways. When the MIBOR Board of Directors discussed forming the MIBOR Foundation (Now the REALTOR® Foundation) in 1984, they were driven by a desire to give back to the community.

“For a lot of us, we felt that there was something missing in our Board activities. But we could not quite put our finger on what it was…when it came to our relationship with the community, we would often enjoy the benefits of our relationship with our community, in terms of sales, profits and success in the industry,” said Don “Pooch” Hunter former Foundation member. “In order to keep that flow going, we needed to cultivate a relationship in which we could also give back and strengthen the very community that helped strengthen or organization. It was reciprocal.” – Excerpt from REALTORS®: Opening Doors For 100 Years

Even before the MIBOR Foundation was formed, our members regularly engaged in volunteer activities.

“The Board organized a number of activities designed to improve communities and strengthen neighborhood development including neighborhood cleanup projects, small home-improvement initiatives, tree plantings, and playground installations. In the early 1980s the Board developed a project called “Operation Cooperation.” Members worked with residents in the Forest Manor development to clean yards, paint homes and plant flowers and shrubbery around the neighborhood. To celebrate the Board’s 75^th anniversary in 1987, the Foundation focused on cultivating an ongoing partnership with New Hope of Indiana, a medical treatment facility for mentally – and physically-handicapped children in the region. The Foundation also worked with the Indianapolis Parks Foundation to help raise money to renovate parks throughout the city.” –Excerpt from REALTORS®: Opening Doors For 100 Years

REALTORS® have continued to give back to the community in recent years as well. Just this past year, MIBOR members donated $500,000 to lift up an emerging neighborhood through the Building a Living Legacy Centennial Project. MIBOR worked in partnership with the John H. Boner Community Center, Indy-east Asset Development Corp, and other partners for more than three years to renovate and/or build 32 homes, which (the number selected to represent 32 NFL cities) to house 32 families coming out of, or on the verge of, homelessness. Each home provides permanent supportive housing on a continual basis with vital social services provided by the John H. Boner Community Center. Throughout the project, members have spent a lot of time in the Building a Living Legacy neighborhood, cleaning up trash, planting flowers, laying down mulch and more – a true testament of the commitment made to this project.

As we look forward, there is no question that the philanthropic giving and volunteering will only continue to grow within our industry. Have you played a part? If you’re interested in getting more involved, please connect with us. 


Lacey Everett
MIBOR Communications Specialist

It’s a People Business…Have you Heard that Before?

Working on MIBOR’s centennial history book provided a series of “awakenings” for me. I have been a staff member of MIBOR for the last 10 years.  While that length of service pales in comparison the amount of time many members have devoted to the industry and the association, by today’s standards of employment, a decade is a decent run. With that tenure, I thought I had a pretty good understanding of the heart and the feel of the place. What I learned while helping compile materials for the history project was that I was both right and wrong.

How was I wrong? It’s always good to get that out of the way first, right? Namely, I thought the history would be boring and, frankly, a little predictable. WRONG. I didn’t expect the stories and the people to be as dynamic, colorful and transformative as they turned out to be. I had often heard stories about Bud Tucker and Helen Hirt and others and I knew they were important leaders that ushered in decisions and policies for the business of the board. What I didn’t think about was the impact they had on the way people think and act. Bud instituted a philanthropic and community development spirit that many people say led to the REALTOR® Foundation and MIBOR’s significant economic development focus. Helen turned the “old boys club” upside down by being as tough and shrewd as the best of them. She did it all and ultimately broke the glass ceiling making it possible for women to play the prominent role they do today. And those are only two examples of many others.

The book published to honor the centennial, REALTORS®: Opening Doors for 100 Years, contains countless stories that illustrate the people who have shaped this region and industry. Reading this book and watching the companion video is time well spent to understand not only how we got to this point, but – most importantly – who got us here.

That’s where I was right. It’s about the people, then and now. In the last ten years I have been continually amazed at how much time and energy members put back into the association on top of the crazed, unpredictable work lives they lead. It may have started 100 years ago, but it’s still true today. There are plenty of you who jump in with both feet, push for change and make the industry – and everyone in it – better.  

Claire Belby
MIBOR Communications Director