Kenny Parcell, the 2023 president of the National Association of REALTORS®, opens up about what’s in store for the coming year.

Throughout the year, leaders from local and national Realtors associations shared their wisdom and unique perspectives. Here’s a look at their most-popular pieces.

“Although the market is shifting and there are some tough headwinds facing our industry, I see plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the future of the real estate profession …” — John Dulczewski, Executive Vice President, Greater Boston Association of Realtors®

“Nobody has a crystal ball, but we know markets are changing. It’s time to dig into your niches,” writes Jeff Berger, founder of the National Association of Gay & Lesbian Real Estate Professionals.

“NAR has long advocated for these reductions, but the benefit of reduced fees to homebuyers is even more important today as we confront the highest mortgage rates in almost two decades.” – Leslie Rouda Smith, President of NAR

“The slowdown should bring some more balance and normalcy to our market, which had become extremely overheated between the fall of 2020 and the end of last year. That will be good for the long-term health of the local housing market, but it also brings challenges.” — Melvin A. Vieira, Jr.

NAHB Chairman Jerry Konter discusses the potential opportunities of smaller starter homes amid the nation’s affordability crisis.

“It’s important to know these key indicators not just across the whole Cape, but in each town and village to be able to assess in real time what is happening in the real estate market.” — Ryan Castle, CEO, Cape Cod Association of Realtors

“Lawmakers seek to build consensus and we – the real estate industry – can show widespread support for our position by acting collectively.” — Patricia Baumer, Director of Government Affairs, Greater Boston Real Estate Board

COVID was a setback for many associations, but it offered the Women’s Council of REALTORS® the opportunity to get creative and dig deep to find ways to connect meaningfully with members across the country.

“Though we must be willing to accept that we need more housing, we must also embrace more people in the housing market because it is good for the community. It is good for local businesses, and it is good for the national economy.” — Dawn Ruffini, 2022 President, Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®

“The AAPI community is undergoing a period of rapid growth, in sheer numbers and in cultural impact … At AREAA, we are proud and humbled to play our part in fostering progress that will lead to greater accessibility and opportunity for the growing AAPI community.” — Tim Hur, president of the Asian Real Estate Association of America

“What the pandemic did was take each and every one of us out of our comfort zones and force us to think beyond what we historically knew of our businesses. This is when we showed our true resilience as not only agents, but also as people.” — Arlene Castellano, Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® Young Professionals Network Chair

“By taking the right steps and avoiding the wrong ones, we can increase the presence of safe, reliable, affordable housing in Massachusetts, and bolster multi-generational income for all,” writes Melvin A. Vieira, Jr., 2022 president of the Greater Boston Association of REALTORS®

The ongoing commission battle has one report calling for changes the NAR says could freeze many out of the homebuying process.

“Expect strong housing demand to continue and prices to increase, although both will likely moderate over the next 12 months,” writes incoming NAR President Leslie Rouda Smith.