At KW New Orleans, we believe in bringing together industry leaders to explore the pressing issues and opportunities in real estate. This week, we were thrilled to host Alice Clark, CEO of the New Orleans Metropolitan Association of Realtors (NOMAR), for a candid discussion on the state of real estate in New Orleans. Alice shared her journey from contemplating retirement to leading NOMAR, her vision for the association, and the challenges faced by realtors today. Here’s a recap of the highlights from our engaging conversation.
Why Alice Clark Chose to Lead NOMAR
Alice initially considered retirement, but a call from NOMAR changed her path. She explained, “I thought I was stepping away, but when Liz Tardo and Ginger Wiggins approached me about consulting, I realized there was more I could contribute. I’ve since fallen in love with South Louisiana and the community here. This role has given me a renewed sense of purpose.”
Since taking on the CEO role, Alice has dedicated herself to reshaping NOMAR into an organization that truly supports and advocates for its members. She commutes from Ruston on weekends to be with her family, while during the week, she’s fully immersed in the New Orleans real estate world.
Embracing Change and Challenges in the Real Estate Industry
The real estate market in New Orleans has not been immune to challenges. With fluctuating membership numbers and evolving industry demands, Alice sees advocacy as central to NOMAR’s mission. “We’re here to help our members adapt to the changes and support them through challenges,” she stated. “Real estate is about family and freedom, but it’s also about staying informed and equipped. That’s where NOMAR comes in.”
Alice highlighted the recent strategic decision to keep options open with the MLS system, even as they’ve faced pressure to streamline. “We know that Paragon and CoreLogic aren’t perfect, but they’re what we have for now. We’re working towards a seamless, uniform MLS experience for our members,” she said.
NOMAR’s Commitment to Professional Standards and Innovation
When asked about the future, Alice discussed NOMAR’s focus on professional standards and strategic growth. “We’re bringing T3 Sixty on board to guide our strategic planning,” she said. “This will help us align our goals and provide the support our members need to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.”
NOMAR is also exploring the integration of AI to enhance services. Alice explained, “I believe AI will play a significant role in our industry, from streamlining MLS data to improving member services. We need to be ahead of the curve and leverage technology to add value for our members.”
Key Takeaways
- Advocacy Matters: Alice stressed the importance of advocacy at local and state levels. “We’re in regular conversations with political leaders to address issues like property insurance and short-term rentals,” she noted.
- Adapting to Market Changes: With a slight membership decline and increasing operational costs, NOMAR is investing in education and technology to ensure its members remain competitive. “We’re all about equipping our members with the tools they need to succeed,” said Alice.
- The Future of Real Estate is Tech-Driven: Alice revealed NOMAR’s plans to embrace AI and other emerging technologies. “AI can help us do things better and faster, which ultimately benefits our members,” she emphasized.
For those looking to make a difference in the New Orleans real estate market, KW New Orleans is the place to be. With our commitment to leadership and innovation, we’re redefining what it means to be a real estate professional in the Crescent City. Join us as we lead the way in making New Orleans the best real estate market in the country.