{"id":24875,"date":"2025-05-09T13:58:54","date_gmt":"2025-05-09T13:58:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/?p=24875"},"modified":"2025-05-09T13:58:56","modified_gmt":"2025-05-09T13:58:56","slug":"get-your-brokerage-involved-in-the-community","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/get-your-brokerage-involved-in-the-community\/","title":{"rendered":"Get Your Brokerage Involved in the Community"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Community engagement has myriad benefits for your brokerage and your agents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn addition to providing nourishment, we offer prayers and resources for individuals seeking to reunite with their families or requiring medical care,\u201d says the qualifying broker, office manager and property manager at Realty One of New Mexico. \u201cI always knew that I have a passion to help others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She remembers the day in church when the motorcycle ministry announced the need for volunteers for the late-night food distribution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSomething inside of me ignited, and I told my family, \u2018This is what we are going to do,\u2019\u201d she says. She\u2019s deeply committed to making the effort a family affair, sometimes bringing her children along for the ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt 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,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reasons to Get Involved<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBy participating in community events and philanthropic activities, we have built a positive reputation,\u201d says Varona. \u201cWhen they see our commitment to the community, people feel more connected to our brand and more likely to choose us over competitors.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Engaging with the community has opened doors for her to valuable networking opportunities and helped build relationships with many families and businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plus, research has shown over and over again that being part of your community and volunteering can also improve your overall health and attitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A study<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find Your Passion and Follow It<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cReal estate is all about helping people within our community, and that need extends beyond just our clients,\u201d she says.  She also was a 2020 National Association of REALTORS\u00ae 30 Under 30 award winner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGood 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,\u201d Lampert states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis inspired Bob to create the foundation, and I quickly joined the cause. We all benefit from a close-knit neighborhood,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inspire Your Agents to Get Involved<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Lampert believes that leaders can set an example by walking the walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the best way to get other agents involved,\u201d she says. \u201cMake 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s great marketing. Name recognition is everything, and it helps build goodwill and creates a positive association. Plus, it\u2019s fun,\u201d she remarks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen I volunteer, I feel a profound sense of fulfillment and joy. Knowing that my time and effort can make a positive impact on someone\u2019s life gives me a deep sense of purpose,\u201d she says. \u201cSharing my expertise without expecting anything in return also provides a unique sense of freedom and self-worth.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She\u2019s found that getting into the community boosts team bonding, personal well-being and company loyalty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEmployees 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,\u201d Varona adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some other ideas brokerages and their leaders can implement to get more involved in the community:<\/p>\n\n\n\n