$5,000 FAR Scholarship Essay State Winner
Laura Sorondo of Miami, a 2009 graduate of the School for Advanced Studies

"How a Realtor Professional Benefits the Community"

There are many occupations through which one can benefit a community. The jobs that often gain the most recognition for their assistance are those of doctors, teachers, policemen and firemen. What many people do not realize, however, is that the job of a Realtor is just as fulfilling and outreaching in the community as any of the aforementioned jobs. Realtors not only provide information on the complicated process of acquiring a home, but bridge relationships between owners, buyers, and neighbors.

Recently, a Realtor impacted my life. My good neighbors of thirty years were up for retirement in the coming months, and had decided that it was time for a change of scenery. The husband, Jim, was ecstatic at the prospects of moving to the log-cabin home he had always dreamed about, but his wife, Dana, was not as ready. Nevertheless, they made the decision to move to North Carolina. Given the difficult real estate market, they chose to employ a Realtor in their efforts to sell their house. Needless to say, it was a very difficult time not only for our neighbors, but for us as well. We have shared many memories together - births, deaths, post-hurricane parties when curfews were imposed- and all of us felt the loss.

However, the Realtor, Stacey, saw through all our needs, supporting Dana when she most needed the emotional comfort. She took charge of reorganizing the house in Dana's stead to increase the appeal of the property and sparing her the pain of having to replace the many memories she had in her home. She also protected them from unqualified purchasers that could have otherwise delayed the sale of the property. Stacey truly went above and beyond her job description by not only helping them to move their belongings into storage, but by helping their oldest son move into his new apartment and also by locating a temporary rental home near our neighborhood when a sale was finally complete. Stacey's involvement did not end with the sale of the property, but has evolved into a lasting friendship. From dinners, to Super Bowl parties, she is still very much a part of our neighborhood community, and has played a vital role in easing the transition for all of us.

Stacey, who at one point in my life I would have simply seen as a woman doing her job, completely transformed my perception of a Realtor. The job of a Realtor is not simply defined by the selling of real estate; it involves compassion, honesty, dedication, perseverance, and support at a crucial time in people's lives. With the touch of a Realtor, an entire community can be changed. Though change is often very difficult to accept, it is through the help of Realtors that we find acceptance.