Long Island Board of REALTORS® CEO Looks to Drive Innovation in 2025 Following a Year of Rapid Changes

Announces new podcast – ‘Room to Think’ – to engage real estate community, share insights on industry trends and issues

The residential real estate industry witnessed a dramatic shift in 2024, with new rules and regulations from the National Association of REALTORS®’s (NAR) settlement over commissions reshaping practices nationwide. With the challenges, however, came opportunities for new ways to do business – and Long Island Board of REALTORS®, Inc. (LIBOR) was at the forefront of developing innovative solutions to benefit brokers, agents, consumers, and the industry.

“Change is undoubtedly disruptive. But, in business, disruption often brings opportunity,” said Doreen Spagnuolo, CEO of LIBOR, the fourth-largest – and one of the most prominent – local Realtor associations in the U.S. serving more than 30,000 real estate professionals on Long Island and beyond.

Spagnuolo took a proactive stance ahead of NAR’s commissions settlement in August 2024, to educate and empower members to better serve consumers. Through a series of webinars, informational sessions, and the creation of a dedicated Support Center, LIBOR ensured its members were equipped to navigate the new regulatory landscape confidently. Spagnuolo also was instrumental in creating new compliance forms to protect real estate professionals and consumers.

In an effort to further engage the real estate community, LIBOR has launched a podcast, “Room to Think,” as a go-to resource offering insights and discussions on market trends, rules and regulations, work issues such as agent safety, diversity initiatives, lifestyle topics, and the evolving challenges of the industry.

“We’re so excited to offer our colleagues ‘Room to Think,’ and focus on timely topics with expert perspectives to help you stay ahead in your career and better serve your clients,” Spagnuolo said. “Wherever you are in your career – a seasoned broker or new agent – or if you’re in the market to buy or sell a home, our podcast offers something for everyone.”

Earlier this month, LIBOR’s President Kevin Leatherman and Associate Corporate Counsel Patrick Fife discussed the NAR settlement and its effects on the Long Island market. Listen to the podcast here.

Spagnuolo will host 'Room to Think' on Jan. 13, 2025, to review some of the major industry trends of 2024 and look ahead to the new year, including:

• Moving forward following the NAR changes;
• Market updates and what’s in store for Q1 and beyond;
• The importance of accurate data and updates to the central multiple listing service database, OneKey® MLS;
• Advocacy and lobbying priorities, including affordable housing, reduced taxes, and lower costs in the home-buying process; and
• Fostering global business opportunities for LIBOR members and connecting them to international markets. (LIBOR’s Global Business Council received NAR’s prestigious Platinum Global Achievement Program Award for 2024, recognizing LIBOR's dedication to equipping members with tools to succeed in the global real estate market.)

Another significant initiative in 2025 will be furthering LIBOR’s “Home For All Of Us” fair housing campaign to ensure people can choose where they live, regardless of their protected characteristics. Launched in 2022, the campaign builds on resources addressing discrimination based on income and disabilities. LIBOR’s resources are available on the Home For All Of Us website.

“Fair housing is a core principle of LIBOR and we are committed to this long-term effort,” said Spagnuolo, adding that this and other important topics such as immigration; diversity, equity and inclusion; and AI/technology and will be part of the Room to Think conversation.

“We invite everyone to tune in for actionable advice to be informed, and empowered, as part of a community committed to advancing the industry,” Spagnuolo said. “Room to Think is more than just a podcast – it’s your connection to ideas and innovations driving real estate forward.”

For information on Room to Think, visit www.lirealtor.com.