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Staff Reporter
The Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) is in the process of strengthening ties with the National Association of Realtors (NAR), its US counterpart.
The two industry bodies will now have a representative to coordinate collaboration, and the title of this position will be the presidential liaison. Michael Wellsmore, a well-respected Canberra-based real estate agent, has been appointed the REIA presidential liaison to NAR, and Steve Goddard from Los Angeles, California is the NAR presidential liaison to REIA.
REIA president, Peter Bushby said ensuring a strong relationship with the US association was highly important because NAR often assits REIA with data support.
“NAR is America’s largest trade organisation with over a million members, and the relationship with REIA is held in high regard,” he said.
“Recently, NAR provided support to us by supplying data for REIA to present to the federal government. The data helps REIA’s position regarding improving education standards within national licensing.
“In a growing global economy, such relationships need to be more than just formal agreements. We must move to new levels of collaboration and support.”
Mr Wellsmore started his career in his family’s real estate agency in 1970. He has worked across most facets of the industry, including residential, commercial and project development and is former president of the Real Estate Institute of the ACT. He is a regular visitor to the United States and is a member of the Australian American Association.
Mr Goddard began his real estate career 35 years ago, specialising in selling and leasing residential real estate, residential income properties and commercial buildings. He is a former president of the Californian Association of Realtors and serves on the NAR national board.
“Steve and the team at NAR have a very good understanding of Australia,” Mr Wellsmore said. “Steve has an Australian son-in-law and that definitely helps bridge our communications.
“For REIA members, I see terrific opportunity to take advantage of the up-skilling and education programs that NAR has. And there are areas of agency practice here in Australia, in particular auctions, which US realtors are very interested in.”
Mr Wellsmore is currently working with agents here in Australia, preparing presentations on the conduct of Australian auctions for the NAR national conference in San Francisco in November.
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