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Rose Varona likes to join fellow volunteers of a motorcycle ministry group from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. distributing food and drinks for the homeless in downtown Albuquerque, N.M.
“In addition to providing nourishment, we offer prayers and resources for individuals seeking to reunite with their families or requiring medical care,” says the qualifying broker, office manager and property manager at Realty One of New Mexico. “I always knew that I have a passion to help others.”
She remembers the day in church when the motorcycle ministry announced the need for volunteers for the late-night food distribution.
“Something inside of me ignited, and I told my family, ‘This is what we are going to do,’” she says. She’s deeply committed to making the effort a family affair, sometimes bringing her children along for the ride.
“It was eye-opening for my children, who began to understand the hard realities faced by homeless individuals and the importance of gratitude for what we have,” she adds.
Reasons to Get Involved
Agents and brokerages are embedded in their communities and as such, often engage in community endeavors, which often pays off personally and professionally. Volunteer efforts go a long way to build strong relationships and better neighborhoods.
“By participating in community events and philanthropic activities, we have built a positive reputation,” says Varona. “When they see our commitment to the community, people feel more connected to our brand and more likely to choose us over competitors.”
Engaging with the community has opened doors for her to valuable networking opportunities and helped build relationships with many families and businesses.
Plus, research has shown over and over again that being part of your community and volunteering can also improve your overall health and attitude.
A study by Harvard T.H. School of Public Health shows that older adults who volunteer for as little as two hours a week can significantly reduce the risk of early death and improve their sense of well-being.
Find Your Passion and Follow It
For Francesca Lampert, Johnston Lampert Group at Coldwell Banker Realty in Menlo Park, Calif., volunteering allows her to refocus her energy outward and help others, which can put her stressors into perspective. She also sees it as an extension of her job as a practitioner.
“Real estate is all about helping people within our community, and that need extends beyond just our clients,” she says. She also was a 2020 National Association of REALTORS® 30 Under 30 award winner.
“Good real estate agents are pillars of the community. As such, we need to be meaningfully involved in the issues surrounding our communities and also partake in and celebrate the wins. We are local advocates,” Lampert states.
Right now, she and her partner, Bob Johnston, area builders and other real estate professionals have formed Community Builders Foundation, a new nonprofit, that helps the aging population age in place so they can remain in their communities. Johnston knows how important this is to many seniors, as his father fought for as long as he could to stay in his own home.
“This inspired Bob to create the foundation, and I quickly joined the cause. We all benefit from a close-knit neighborhood,” she says.
Inspire Your Agents to Get Involved
Lampert believes that leaders can set an example by walking the walk.
“It’s the best way to get other agents involved,” she says. “Make the opportunities available and well known, and make it fun and easily accessible. Our office also does annual food and toy drives around the holidays.”
Her office offers several opportunities for agents to get involved, including sponsoring plays and events at local elementary schools and running food and toy drives around the holidays.
“It’s great marketing. Name recognition is everything, and it helps build goodwill and creates a positive association. Plus, it’s fun,” she remarks.
Varona feels that incorporating volunteer opportunities into the workplace can lead to a happier, healthier, and more engaged team, ultimately benefitting staff, agents and the brokerage.
“When I volunteer, I feel a profound sense of fulfillment and joy. Knowing that my time and effort can make a positive impact on someone’s life gives me a deep sense of purpose,” she says. “Sharing my expertise without expecting anything in return also provides a unique sense of freedom and self-worth.”
She’s found that getting into the community boosts team bonding, personal well-being and company loyalty.
“Employees are more likely to develop a sense of pride and loyalty towards a company that encourages and supports volunteer activities. This can lead to higher retention rates,” Varona adds.
Here are some other ideas brokerages and their leaders can implement to get more involved in the community:
- Partner with local businesses. Together, you can offer promotions or discounts to your clients. “This supports the local economy and builds strong relationships within the community, which in turn increases your visibility,” says Varona.
- Volunteer at your kids’ school and events. “Make a positive impact on the organizations and communities you’re already a part of,” Lampert says.
- Host community workshops. Offer free workshops on real estate topics, such as home buying tips and home buying seminars, Varona states. “These events position you as an expert in your field allowing you to connect with community members who may be future clients.”
- Give some hours to one of your passions. “I was a past Habitat for Humanity volunteer,” Lampert adds. “Working at the local ReStore was very fun, and I learned a lot about local housing issues in my community.” Varona serves on the board of Empowerment Films, a nonprofit raising additional awareness of domestic violence with age- and culturally-appropriate videos to be distributed locally, state, nation and, eventually, worldwide. “As a domestic violence survivor, this cause is near and dear to me,” she adds.
- Donate. “Give a percentage of your commissions to a charity you are passionate about or let your clients choose which one to get them involved,” Lampert says.
No matter what your brokerage decides, getting involved at the community level solidifies the brokerage’s position and helps agents feel more connected. It’s a great way to show agents that you care about more than just the bottom line, and it often leads to successful relationships in the business as well.
