Celebrating their 10 Year Anniversary, several of the Members of IREIBA gathered recently for this photo to show the variety of brokerages and business specialties represented in this organization.
Launched in March of 2001 by 13 self-employed individuals, brokers with a collective vision of creating an organized networking opportunity for Independent Real Estate Brokers, IREIBA was born. The Indiana Real Estate Independent Brokers Association has grown both in membership size and its presence in the professional real estate community. Early in the formation of the group, it was decided to expand to include the affiliates with whom they do business, and their associates. As of mid-2011, IREIBA boasts more than 75 Broker/Owners and Affiliate Members; among them include mortgage lenders, title insurance groups, insurance companies and home inspectors.
“We were small in the beginning,” said Delores Braxton Kennedy of B&K Realty Services and President 2009. “But each year our membership has continued to grow, much in part by the untiring efforts of our Board of Directors who’ve always done a tremendous job of communicating to our realty community.”
“The response has been tremendous,” said Janet Jernigan of Platinum Realty Group and 2007 President. “We found there was a growing desire for networking amongst those Realtors not belonging to a franchise. Much is said about large corporate firms, but according to the recent published statistics of MIBOR, 68% of Real Estate offices belonging to the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors are single-agent offices and 90% have five agents or less. About 62% of MIBOR agents are not associated with a franchise. Nationally, 85% of Broker Owners are affiliated with an independent non-franchised company and 54% of all agents affiliated with an independent, per NAR. The need is certainly still there,” Jernigan added.
“We offer training and support to the true Independent,” said Dee A. Young of NEW DAY Realty, President 2005. “We offer a safe haven for the Independent, a place to come and ask questions and share concerns. Many of our members have small operations and as such, they have unique needs. We share our wisdom and our experiences. Our members average over 20 years in the industry. We encourage each other, teach each other, and learn from each other. We like to think we are ‘the friendly competition’. Over the years many friendships and deep bonds have developed among our core group.”
“Planning interesting and informative meetings is always a challenge,” said Nancy Patterson of Platinum Realty Company LLC, President 2008. “We strive to bring in the speakers our members want to hear on the topics that will keep them current and informed. Our meetings are interesting, lively and well attended.”
“I think among our biggest benefits are networking, our website, and the sharing of listings,” said Janet Giles of Giles Realty Group, President 2006. “With dues under $50.00, we offer a lot for the money.”
“The web site has been an ongoing success,” adds Blanca Houston of Houston Properties, President 2010. “Our group’s website at www.ireiba.com provides information and links to members’ individual sites, as well as those of their affiliates. It’s a great way to showcase our Members and inform the public.”
IREIBA is a totally independent, self-funding, registered non-profit organization owned, operated and managed by its members. The group meets on the third Tuesday of each month at the Indianapolis Scottish Rite Cathedral on Meridian Street with an informal networking and lunch time beginning at 11:30 a.m., followed by an educational program from noon to 1 p.m.
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