Guest Blog: Scott Miller "Partners in Progress"

Wow, what a year it has been! We at the Indy Chamber have been doing a little reflecting on some of the major wins from the past year and we are very excited to have been a part of some of our Region’s biggest moments.

Of course, one of the things that has made 2012 so memorable is the outstanding celebration of MIBOR’s Centennial. One hundred years of working with a true passion for the success and wellbeing of the Greater Indianapolis community – that is something to be proud of.

The Indy Chamber shares that passion and as you may know, we have undergone a few structural changes of the last year as we have merged with three fellow business-oriented economic development organizations: Indy Partnership, Develop Indy and Business Ownership Initiative. Among other things, this merger has intensified the Indy Chamber’s mission to increase our economic attractiveness to business and top talent from around the world.

Bringing our four organizations together to work in unison to increase jobs, bring in more capital investment to our communities, advocate on behalf of businesses and grow our member network will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the economic wellbeing of Greater Indianapolis.

That is why we are so proud to have the support of MIBOR and your membership as we all work toward the goal of making our community a great place to live, work and play.  We’ve all come a long way, but there is still much to be done.

Remember the great words of Henry Ford: “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” On behalf of all of us at the Indy Chamber, we congratulate you on this milestone and are excited to be your partner in progress for 100 more years!

In relentless pursuit,

Scott W. Miller
President & CEO
Indy Chamber

Guest Blog: Tamara Zahn "We Have Much to Celebrate."

Three cheers for MIBOR as you celebrate 100 years.  Thanks for all you've done – collectively and individually - to make Central Indiana a better place to call home.  You have made a difference. 

We've come a long way.  We have much to celebrate.

I vividly remember just twenty years ago when Indianapolis Downtown Inc. was being formed to develop, manage and market Downtown Indianapolis.  There were huge craters Downtown where the development of Circle Centre had stalled.  More businesses and residents were moving out of Downtown than moving in.  

Thankfully, an “army” of public and private sector civic leaders, active advocates, resident pioneers and a handful of brokers shared the belief that a strong heart was vital to the success and well-being of the entire region.  

Over the years, many worked tirelessly to develop and market compelling Downtown residential options and an irresistible package of cultural, entertainment and dining options, especially to empty nesters and young professionals, within a safe, convenient and very walkable environment.   We put a face on urban living. 

The result is Indy’s largest and most diverse neighborhood.  More than 20,000 residents now call Downtown home.  Equally as important, Downtown’s success generated positive momentum for the surrounding neighborhoods.  In fact, Indianapolis was second only to St. Louis with the largest percentage increase of young professionals who chose to live Downtown or the neighborhoods around Downtown, according to research conducted by CEOs for Cities.  There’s still more to do.  

If we work together, the future is bright!

I am excited for Indianapolis and Central Indiana.  I don’t recall a time, at least in the last two decades, that our community was more open to and engaged in embracing new leadership and new ideas.  The possibilities are endless.  The passion and energy of our own neighbors to build a better community is truly inspiring.  Examples of extraordinary people doing extraordinary things are everywhere…in business, in the not-for-profit world, in neighborhood, community and economic development.

Now is the time to stand on what Indianapolis does best.  Reach for the inconceivable, put agendas and egos aside, break down boundaries and work together to build powerful relationships, collaborations and results. 

Together we can continue to make Indianapolis a special place that we all are proud to call home.   

Tamara Zahn is the former president of Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. from 1993 – 2012. She is also the daughter and sister of residential real estate professionals. While an undergraduate at Indiana University, Tamara was the recipient of the F.C. Tucker Real Estate Award.      

Just 3: Featuring Regina Jones

Today’s “Just 3” features thoughts from former REALTOR® Foundation President and current Carpenter, REALTORS® agent, Regina Jones:

Question: Tell us three jobs you had before being a full-time REALTOR®. What are a few lessons you learned from those positions you bring to real estate?

Answer: I had three jobs I had before real estate. I worked in the restaurant industry as a server, bartender, as a hostess and in management. I worked as a salesperson in the retail industry and I also danced professionally with dance companies and for NBA and NFL teams. When I danced professionally, I usually had a part-time job somewhere else. So that part of my life really taught me time management. The retail and restaurant industries really gave me insight into the importance of providing the best client/customer service possible.  

Question: You are in REAL this year, what has been the coolest part of being part of the Real Estate Academy of Leadership (REAL) so far?

Answer: The coolest part of being part of REAL has to be the opportunities we have been given to meet the people who are shaping central Indiana. I am really learning so much...much more than I ever expected. And of course it is wonderful to learn leadership skills when I’m with other real estate professionals.

Question: Lastly, what was the best part of serving as REALTOR® Foundation President?

Answer: The best part of serving as REALTOR® Foundation President was working with amazing people. To be able to work with people who give their time and talent to help communities and families in need is really wonderful. There is the Board of Directors, MIBOR staff, volunteers, committees and the service providers (grant recipients). They all come together with a common goal of helping those in need. I know I may sound sappy, but it was truly humbling and I am proud to have served as the 2010 REALTOR® Foundation President. 

REALTORS® Honored by Historical Society

Last night, MIBOR was among the 21 organizations recognized by the Indiana Historical Society for reaching its centennial year. The Historical Society hosted its annual Founder's Day dinner to recognize organizations throughout the state. They began this tradition in 1992 by creating a registry of century-old Indiana companies. 

More than 300 companies now hold a place on the registry and MIBOR is now among them. It was a lovely evening of awards, dinner and music all against the backdrop of the stunning Indiana History Center along the canal in downtown Indianapolis. 

The closing remarks for the evening were even offered by James Madison, the Indiana historian who appears in MIBOR's documentary REALTORS: Opening Doors for 100 Years. It was a fitting end to a night that proved the REALTORS® hold an important place in our state's history.

John Creamer holding our recognition award and a copy
of REALTORS®: Opening Doors for 100 Years

Centennial Photo of the Week: 1920s Master Bedroom

A typical master bedroom in the 1920s - check out those twin beds! This photo taken at the Indianapolis Home Show, an event the Board helped found in 1922. More than 67,000 people attended the first exposition which was held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in April 1922. By the end of the decade crowds for the event surpassed 90,000. Throughout the years the Indianapolis Home Show has been used to introduce many new products to Indianapolis homeowners including electric refrigerators, garbage disposals, dishwashers and central air conditioning. Learn more in the MIBOR history book - REALTORS®: Opening Doors for 100 Years - www.mibor100.com. 

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.

Celebrating our Centennial

Just looking back at some pictures from earlier this year and wanted to share! These shots are from the REALTORS® Opening Doors for 100 Years video release and book signing event at the WFYI Studios. If you don't have a copy of the book yet, visit www.mibor100.com!

Centennial Photo of the Week: Ringing the Bell

Ringing the bell at Ed French's annual stag party was a time-honored tradition for that year's president. Having the first female president do the honors caused a stir, but Helen Hirt was up to the task. www.mibor100.com

Just 3: Featuring Beth Blake

Today's "Just 3" features MIBOR Centennial Chair, Beth Blake:

Question: If you had to pick one person that you think has defined MIBOR's history, who would they be and why?

Bud Tucker

Answer: There are two equally important people that come to mind. Both were outstanding leaders in the local, state and National Association of REALTORS®. Bud Tucker for his leadership in the development of the city, promotion of the REALTOR® image and his example to give back to the industry, which he referred to as 'paying your civic rent.' Helen Hirt was ahead of her time in the advancement of technology in our industry as well as her advancement and recognition of women in MIBOR. Helen introduced the first computer system to MIBOR and was instrumental in developing much of which is used today.

Helen Hirt

Question: Times and technology have changed. Describe the way showings used to work back in "the day"?

Answer: Good grief! Where do I begin!? First of all you must go back in time 40+ years ago to the old days of BC. Not the biblical reference, but 'before computers'. No MLS books to leaf through and no print outs compiled by areas! Showings were determined by word of mouth at division meetings, calling your fellow REALTORS® at other offices, driving areas and looking through single home flyers which contained limited information delivered in bundles weekly to the various offices by courier. Once you sorted through all those print outs by area and price you placed them in a loose leaf binder for reference. This was a weekly ritual that was performed in order to be current. Once the selection of possible homes to show was made, you placed a call to EACH real estate office for an appointment and then drove to EACH office to pick up the keys. When your showing day was complete, you got in your car and returned all the keys back to the respective offices. When you wrote a purchase agreement, you hand delivered it to the listing agent' and original and three copies written with carbon paper. Sorry, NO fax machines either! You also were responsible for calling the other agent for feedback, sorry NO emails, voice mails or cell phones either! There wasn't the luxury of lock boxes until the 80's. Not all offices used them and not all boxes were the same. One of the larger companies had their own version that hooked over the top of the front door. Since I have always been vertically challenged, showing houses to a normal sized client required carrying a cinder block or ladder to stand on in the trunk of my car. Only then could I reach the key box at the top of the door to access the key to show the house. Sure miss those days!

Question: What advice would you give to a new member about this industry?

Answer: Don't take today's luxuries for granted. Many REALTORS® before us have laid the ground work for MIBOR's success. Now it's your turn to carry on the tradition by being the best REALTOR® ever! Get involved!

Looking Back...MIBOR Political Advocacy

With all the talk of Super PACs and special interests during recent campaign cycles, it is easy to think that these things are a new phenomenon. Political activity has certainly amped up in recent years, but it isn’t a new game. 

In fact, recognizing the importance of having a voice and participating in politics isn’t new. Pericles famously recognized that “[j]ust because you don’t take an interest in politics, doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you” back when Ancient Greece was first toying with a new idea called “democracy.”

In present day, the same concept lives in the common political axiom that if you aren’t at the table, you’re on the menu.

This isn’t lost on REALTORS®.  I love history and was excited to get my hands on early drafts of MIBOR’s Centennial history book, REALTORS®: Opening Doors for 100 Years.  I am proud to work for MIBOR and wanted to learn more about the organization’s history. And while I shouldn’t have been, I was surprised to see page after page of stories detailing the political involvement of MIBOR and its members.

Reading the stories from the book about the origins of RPAC and the early days of political advocacy is both humbling and inspiring for me as MIBOR’s Political Affairs Liaison.  The books shares tales of REALTORS® working on the Fair Housing Act, advancing the rights of women and minorities, economic development and protecting and promoting home ownership.  It talks of our members working with LBJ, Nixon and a visit to one of our board meetings from Robert F. Kennedy.  When I sit in our board room, adorned with the portrait of every past president of MIBOR since 1912, it has a different feel than it did before reading the history; the portraits used to strike me as the kind of old timey photos* you might see at an antique store.

Instead, now I feel like a baseball fan in Cooperstown.  I see the faces of the giants who transformed the role of REALTORS® in the political arena.  I see the face of Delbert Ludlow, who worked with the Indianapolis Human Rights Commission during the civil rights movement.  Just above the spot on the wall where I’ve often stood while pouring myself coffee is the face of Fred “Bud” Tucker, Jr. who was one of 13 REALTOR® leaders from across the country who pushed to establish the REALTORS® Political Action Committee in 1969. While leading NAR, he emphasized the importance of RPAC and Governmental Affairs. He noted that “[t]he REALTORS® of America are in the business of politics and they are in it to stay.”

There are many more portraits on the wall of leaders whose stories are recounted in the book, and for each one of them are a dozen other men and women who worked alongside to advance the cause.  The history of REALTOR® involvement is interesting and humbling, but it also gives me a new perspective.  I see the scores of members who volunteer their time to interview candidates, fund raise for RPAC or meet with their town councilor, mayor or congressman regarding an issue. Often, it is easy to get caught up in the issue of the day – township government, rental registration agreements, TIF districts, the mortgage interest deduction, property assessments, etc. . . – but not recognize the big picture.  I love that I work for an organization that has long recognized the need to be a part of the political process. I see the commitment of the leadership and the members over the decades and I feel the passion when I talk to members who recognize the next hurdle and roll up their sleeves rather than assign blame.  
As MIBOR starts its second century, I enjoy knowing that the members who are currently writing RPAC checks or volunteering their times for an issue may be the same names listed on the first few pages of MIBOR’s bicentennial book.  Our political involvement is rich with history, but also has a bright future.

As the election season we’re currently enduring mercifully comes to an end in less than two weeks, it is comforting to know that the issues important to REALTORS® and homeowners are being advocated. Politics is a messy, and often ugly game, but it isn’t going anywhere. I’m just glad that the REALTORS® aren’t either.

*I’m only referring to the really old photos on the south side of the room, NOT the more recent photos. If you can read this, I’m not talking about you. Don’t hurt me. Please.

Pat Cline
MIBOR Political Affairs Liaison

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!

Did you know?

MIBOR wasn't always MIBOR. In 1979, the Indianapolis Real Estate Board merged with surrounding counties resulting in a new name and logo for the organization.

Here is a look at the logo:

"Former Board President John Lewis recalled the shift, 'There was a big push from the Hamilton County Board, and that's what really made us decide to open up. Hamilton County was an attractive area to market real estate, and we wanted to be a part of that just as just as the Hamilton County Board wanted to work freely with the Indianapolis Board. So that was our first merger. From that point, it didn't really take long to realize the benefits of expansion outside all areas of Marion County. Soon we were merging with Johnson County, Hendricks County, and so on." -- excerpt from REALTORS®: Opening Doors for 100 Years.

JUST 3...

Starting today, we are introducing 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 start at the source of your association’s quintessential history, Todd Gould. Todd is an award-winning author and television producer/director. A graduate of the IU School of Telecommunications, he has produced documentaries and features for PBS, ESPN, the BBC, The Learning Channel and other national and international video distribution outlets. He is a 18-time Emmy Award winner and a six-time winner of the Indiana Film Society Award for “Best Documentary”. He is the author of REALTORS® Opening Doors for 100 Years and the producer of the video documentary of the same name (hint...available for sale in the REALTOR® Store). He is your historian and here are his JUST 3:

Did you have any professional experience telling the story of real estate or trade associations before taking on this project?

While I had done several historical projects that explored the history of the city of Indianapolis in a variety of videos and publications, I had never examined the growth of the city in such a dynamic and diverse way as when we first began doing research work on the MIBOR history project. It has been fascinating to learn how the social and cultural history of our city was shaped largely by the men and women of the real estate industry, and how cultural, social and political leaders followed this visionary blueprint for success that created the booming city and its amenities, which we all enjoy today.

What was similar about the MIBOR history to other projects you’ve worked on?

Typically with any interesting and expansive history such as this, there are a number of influential leaders and intriguing characters who share in the trials and triumphs of the industry and help chart a course for the future and shaped the who we are as Hoosiers and residents of the city of Indianapolis. The same holds true here. From James S. Cruse, the first president of the Indianapolis Real Estate Board in 1912, to other influential leaders with names like Tucker, Binford, McClain, Booth, Justus, Savage, Carr/Boyd, Graves, Hirt and many, many others, MIBOR has enjoyed a history as rich and colorful as any about which I've ever researched and published works.

What was the most surprising thing you learned about REALTORS® while writing the book or producing the video?

I was very impressed with the many, many ways in which real estate professionals played such a critical role in the development of the city. From the rise of an industrial power, to the growth of neighborhoods, to civil rights, to women's suffrage, to the rebirth of a city's identity, REALTORS® had a tremendous influence on each of these important areas of our city's growth. Their history parallels the history of all of us who proudly call Indianapolis "home." 

Then and Now...

With the release of the iPhone 5 today, we thought it would be fun to take a look back at one of the first ‘mobile’ phones. 

Remember this?

Wow, we've come a long way, haven’t we?

From paper listing cards to the BLC® Listing Service, from bag phones to smart phones, and so much more - REALTORS® have embraced the many changes in the technology world over the years. 

Did any of you carry a bag phone with you in your early years in the industry? What other changes in technology have impacted the way you do business? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 

MIBOR: a Force in Economic Development

Today we'd like to share an article that was recently published as part of a Regional Guide, and included in the Indianapolis Business Journal titled, 'MIBOR a Force in Economic Development Celebrates 100 Years.' The article outlines the role REALTORS® have played and continue to play in the economic development of our communities.

Click here to read. Leave a comment below! 

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 

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