CIPS and NAR Mid Year Meetings in Washington DC

Our meetings in Washington DC have been wonderful. It is always great to see you all at these gatherings. The CIPS breakfast was fun and we welcomed the newest CIPS designees! I then attended the International Operations committee meeting where we were updated on a variety of issues and NAR positions from immigration reform(Silver Visa), foreign investor regulations, and other housing initiatives. I am so honored to be a presidential appointee to that committee.

Of particular interest to me was the announcement of a possible trade mission to Chile, scheduled for later in the year. Jose Serrano of Raleigh NC will be coordinating that. I really would like to participate in that. The Peru mission a few years ago was wonderful!

My dear friend Bonnie Carris, of Gig Harbor, Washington, invited me as her guest to the FIABCI gathering here in Washington and has finally talked me into joining FIABCI. Watch out, here I come everyone! Bonnie is really working the international business, from China to Viet Nam, to Central America and beyond. She has recently been appointed as the world FIABCI marketing chairperson. Bonnie and I go way back. Once upon a time, we were office partners in Emerald Isle, North Carolina. She will travel later this year to Cannes, France for a FIABCI gathering. Hooray for Bonnie!

Now I must trade hats and enter my other area of real estate speciality, the Women's Council of Realtors. Our activities begin today. The first session this morning was all about different aspects of social networking. LinkedIn, FaceBook, ActiveRain, and Twitter were all discussed with pros and cons for each. It proved to be an interesting and lively session.

I return to North Carolina on Sunday, to list and sell at the beach! I welcome your referrals!