NAREB’s 2025 Mid-Winter Conference – Living Room Realty

Sunny Vibes & Serious Inspiration: My Trip to NAREB’s Mid-Winter Conference

Hey there, everyone! Jessica Ward here, your proud Oregon & Washington real estate agent with Living Room Realty. I’ve just returned from NAREB’s Mid-Winter Conference 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida—and I’m still feeling that Florida sunshine in my soul! There’s a lot to share, from powerhouse speakers and game-changing workshops to new friends who reminded me why I love what I do. Let’s dive into the highlights!

NAREB in a Nutshell

First, allow me to introduce the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) if you’re unfamiliar. NAREB has been championing fair housing since 1947. It was founded by Black real estate professionals who recognized the urgent need to fight discrimination. Today, it thrives by creating opportunities, advocating for crucial policy changes, and working hard to ensure equitable homeownership for everyone.

Join Oregon Realtist: https://oregonrealtist.wildapricot.org

Conference Highlights

1. Inspirational Keynotes

   • Dr. Egypt Sherrod dazzled the stage with her vibrant energy. She shared practical tips on balancing personal branding with integrity in real estate. Her insights felt both motivational and down-to-earth.
   • Hill Harper, the actor-turned-entrepreneur and author, revealed his path to creating wealth in marginalized communities. His candid talk showed how real estate can be a powerful tool for generational wealth.

2. Presenting Sponsors That Lit Up the Room

   • Cerita Battles is the Head of Community & Affordable Lending at Chase Bank. She inspired everyone by highlighting how accessible lending programs serve historically underserved communities.
   • Mitria Spotser, VP and Director of Federal Policy at the Center for Responsible Lending, revealed how policy changes affect our day-to-day work as real estate agents. She urged us to stay informed and engage in policy advocacy.

3. Workshops & Classes I Couldn’t Get Enough Of

   • Saving for Retirement with Lashonda from The Collective (Houston, TX)
     This class was an eye-opener. Lashonda explained practical ways to plan for retirement. She made the topic approachable and left me feeling hopeful about long-term financial security.
   • Reverse Mortgages & HELOC Loans with Derrick Luckett, CEO & President of Destiny Six Financial
     Derrick broke down these lending options in a clear, concise manner. He showed how they can improve cash flow and even fund new investments. His expertise encouraged me to think differently about creative financing.
   • Group Sessions Like W.I.R.E (Women Investing in Real Estate)
     I’m so glad I joined this dynamic group session. We talked about best practices for entering larger-scale real estate investments. We also enjoyed a vibrant panel discussion featuring Jeanine Searcy, Founder of “Black Girls in Real Estate.” The support among women in the industry felt incredibly uplifting.

Check out the conference journal: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/17c792c723.html#page/1

A Dash of Sunshine & Fun

Of course for this NAREB Mid-Winter Conference, we were in Fort Lauderdale! Despite the jam-packed conference schedule, I found time to stroll along the beach at sunset. The city’s energy felt captivating.  The music was phenomenal, the people were amazing, and the fresh seafood was out of this world.

Why NAREB Matters—For Everyone

You might be asking, “Is NAREB really for me if I’m not Black?” The answer is a resounding yes. If you care about fair housing, equitable lending, and closing the wealth gap, you belong here. Here’s why it matters:

1. Invaluable Education
   NAREB offers workshops on finance, policy, and technology. These events provide ongoing learning for real estate agents and real estate brokers at every stage of their careers.

2. Networking That Expands Your World
   Meeting agents, brokers, and lenders from across the nation sparks fresh ideas and leads to possible referrals. It’s a win-win!

3. Commitment to Equity
   Real estate can drive social change. By supporting policy improvements and equitable lending, you help create a fairer housing landscape.

My Key Takeaway

I returned to Portland,Oregon from NAREB’s Mid-Winter Conference feeling refreshed. The conference gave me new tools, fresh connections, and renewed purpose. At Living Room Realty, I constantly seek ways to support first-time homebuyers and lifelong homeowners who want to optimize or expand their real estate portfolios. This experience reminded me that real estate isn’t just about transactions. It’s about strengthening communities and empowering people.

If you’ve been on the fence about attending a NAREB event or want to learn more, please reach out. It’s truly worth stepping outside your comfort zone! Real estate has the power to transform lives. There’s no better feeling than seeing someone secure the keys to their new home or their next investment.

Thank you for tagging along on my Fort Lauderdale adventure! Let’s keep building each other up. Together, we’ll shape the kind of world we want to live in—one home at a time.

Your Oregon Realtist,
Jessica Ward
Living Room Realty
Championing Fair Housing & Neighborly Love One Home at a Time!

https://www.livingroomre.com/agents/jessicaward/

Jessica Ward

Broker | ADU Specialist | OR & WA

My life is fueled by a
profound passion for serving others and
making a positive impact on my community.

 

A proud Pacific NW native, I am
intimately acquainted with the fabric of local
life – its people, its treasures, and its countless
opportunities. My sociable nature thrives on
connection, and I embrace the roles of an
active listener and clear communicator, values
that underpin the ability to forge authentic bonds.

Aptly dubbed the “queen of resources and
connections” by my clients, I bring an extensive
bag of “hats” I wear to the world of real estate.
I seamlessly meld a vast reservoir of industry
knowledge with a deeply personalized touch,
ensuring that every individual need is met.
My specializations encompass an array of real estate experience and knowledge.
From guiding first-time home buyers, strategizing with investors, building with developers, to facilitating
seamless relocations for those venturing from
afar. I’m also known to expertly navigate the intricate
terrain of down payment assistance programs,
grants, and investment opportunities.

Follow me: @Jessica_TheHomeGirl

Affiliations and Accolades:

• ADU Specialist
• Licensed Broker in Oregon & Washington
• National Association of Real Estate Brokers (Board Member)
• Youth Rights and Justice (Board Member & Sponsor)
• Lents Neighborhood Association (President)
• Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors (Member)
• Diversity Chair Award Winner (LRR- 2022 & 2024)
• The first African American to close a transaction with a Black owned title & escrow company in Oregon state history (Vanport title & escrow)

 

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