NAREB’s 2025 Mid-Winter Conference

Sunny Vibes & Serious Inspiration: My Trip to NAREB’s Mid-Winter Conference

Hey there, everyone! Jessica Ward here, your proud Oregon & Washington real estate agent with Living Room Realty. I’ve just returned from NAREB’s Mid-Winter Conference 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida—and I’m still feeling that Florida sunshine in my soul! There’s a lot to share, from powerhouse speakers and game-changing workshops to new friends who reminded me why I love what I do. Let’s dive into the highlights!

NAREB in a Nutshell

First, allow me to introduce the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) if you’re unfamiliar. NAREB has been championing fair housing since 1947. It was founded by Black real estate professionals who recognized the urgent need to fight discrimination. Today, it thrives by creating opportunities, advocating for crucial policy changes, and working hard to ensure equitable homeownership for everyone.

Join Oregon Realtist: https://oregonrealtist.wildapricot.org

Conference Highlights

1. Inspirational Keynotes

   • Dr. Egypt Sherrod dazzled the stage with her vibrant energy. She shared practical tips on balancing personal branding with integrity in real estate. Her insights felt both motivational and down-to-earth.
   • Hill Harper, the actor-turned-entrepreneur and author, revealed his path to creating wealth in marginalized communities. His candid talk showed how real estate can be a powerful tool for generational wealth.

2. Presenting Sponsors That Lit Up the Room

   • Cerita Battles is the Head of Community & Affordable Lending at Chase Bank. She inspired everyone by highlighting how accessible lending programs serve historically underserved communities.
   • Mitria Spotser, VP and Director of Federal Policy at the Center for Responsible Lending, revealed how policy changes affect our day-to-day work as real estate agents. She urged us to stay informed and engage in policy advocacy.

3. Workshops & Classes I Couldn’t Get Enough Of

   • Saving for Retirement with Lashonda from The Collective (Houston, TX)
     This class was an eye-opener. Lashonda explained practical ways to plan for retirement. She made the topic approachable and left me feeling hopeful about long-term financial security.
   • Reverse Mortgages & HELOC Loans with Derrick Luckett, CEO & President of Destiny Six Financial
     Derrick broke down these lending options in a clear, concise manner. He showed how they can improve cash flow and even fund new investments. His expertise encouraged me to think differently about creative financing.
   • Group Sessions Like W.I.R.E (Women Investing in Real Estate)
     I’m so glad I joined this dynamic group session. We talked about best practices for entering larger-scale real estate investments. We also enjoyed a vibrant panel discussion featuring Jeanine Searcy, Founder of “Black Girls in Real Estate.” The support among women in the industry felt incredibly uplifting.

Check out the conference journal: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/17c792c723.html#page/1

A Dash of Sunshine & Fun

Of course for this NAREB Mid-Winter Conference, we were in Fort Lauderdale! Despite the jam-packed conference schedule, I found time to stroll along the beach at sunset. The city’s energy felt captivating.  The music was phenomenal, the people were amazing, and the fresh seafood was out of this world.

Why NAREB Matters—For Everyone

You might be asking, “Is NAREB really for me if I’m not Black?” The answer is a resounding yes. If you care about fair housing, equitable lending, and closing the wealth gap, you belong here. Here’s why it matters:

1. Invaluable Education
   NAREB offers workshops on finance, policy, and technology. These events provide ongoing learning for real estate agents and real estate brokers at every stage of their careers.

2. Networking That Expands Your World
   Meeting agents, brokers, and lenders from across the nation sparks fresh ideas and leads to possible referrals. It’s a win-win!

3. Commitment to Equity
   Real estate can drive social change. By supporting policy improvements and equitable lending, you help create a fairer housing landscape.

My Key Takeaway

I returned to Portland,Oregon from NAREB’s Mid-Winter Conference feeling refreshed. The conference gave me new tools, fresh connections, and renewed purpose. At Living Room Realty, I constantly seek ways to support first-time homebuyers and lifelong homeowners who want to optimize or expand their real estate portfolios. This experience reminded me that real estate isn’t just about transactions. It’s about strengthening communities and empowering people.

If you’ve been on the fence about attending a NAREB event or want to learn more, please reach out. It’s truly worth stepping outside your comfort zone! Real estate has the power to transform lives. There’s no better feeling than seeing someone secure the keys to their new home or their next investment.

Thank you for tagging along on my Fort Lauderdale adventure! Let’s keep building each other up. Together, we’ll shape the kind of world we want to live in—one home at a time.

Your Oregon Realtist,
Jessica Ward
Living Room Realty
Championing Fair Housing & Neighborly Love One Home at a Time!

https://www.livingroomre.com/agents/jessicaward/

AT LIVING ROOM REALTY ONE OF OUR CORE VALUES IS CONNECTION. IF YOU’D LIKE MORE INFORMATION ON CONNECTING WITH ME FIND ME ON LINKED IN & INSTAGRAM

Jessica Ward

Broker | ADU Specialist | OR & WA

She/Her

My life is fueled by a profound passion for serving others and making a positive impact on my community.

https://youtu.be/x1kSQm5UdQo?si=Wam5-ZRcj3VTRn_g I’m a Great NW native and— five years into this industry—a broker known for delivering results while making people feel genuinely taken care of. I grew up in Portland and Southwest Washington, and I know this market—its neighborhoods, culture, pricing nuances, and opportunities. That lived understanding informs every recommendation I make. I’m inclusive of all people, price points and committed to creating a space where clients feel safe, respected, and fully themselves. I’m a mother to my daughter, Wynter Katie, and a dog mom to a very cute Yorkshire terrier, which keeps me grounded in real life and real perspective.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me hiking in the Gorge, wine tasting in the Willamette Valley, dining at local restaurants, hosting social gatherings, perusing an art gallery, flowing through hot yoga, drinking a good hazy IPA at a brewery, listening to an audiobook or podcast, attending a networking event, chaperoning my daughters field trips. boating on the river, or unwinding at local spas and bathhouses.

I stay deeply connected to my community through volunteering and board participation. I’m especially passionate about children’s needs—particularly those involved in the foster care system—climate impact and sustainability, justice and equity for people of color, and mental health advocacy.

My clients consistently rate their experience with me five stars, whether they are buying selling or simply attending one of the first time home buying classes I host for free to educate and empower the community. I’ve been called the “queen of resources and connections,” and I take that seriously. I’m known for navigating down payment assistance programs, grants, ADUs, seller financing, and non-traditional paths to ownership with ease and clarity. Think polished expertise with a side of “I got you.” Access is power. Education is leverage. And I believe everyone deserves both. I’m also a real estate investor who manages my own properties, including an ADU, so my guidance is grounded in lived experience. I understand long-term value, cash flow, development potential, and creative strategy—not just on paper, but in practice. As a black woman in real estate, I lead with excellence and purpose in an industry where representation is still very rare. I’m honored to be the first African American broker in Oregon state history to close a transaction with a Black-owned title and escrow company, but my greatest accomplishment is impact—helping clients secure stability, build wealth, and step confidently into ownership. I run a tight ship—transparent, strategic, and supportive—but don’t get it twisted, we’ll laugh too. I bring luxury-level service without the stiffness. Professional polish with real and genuine personality. To me, real estate isn’t just about property—it’s about security, freedom, and community. And when you work with me, you’re not just closing a deal… you’re building something bigger. Follow along: @Jessica_TheHomeGirl

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What Clients Are Saying:

Clients consistently share that working with me feels:

• Supportive and steady, even in high-pressure moments

• Clear and transparent, with no unanswered questions

• Strategic and informed, particularly during negotiations

• Personal, never transactional

First-time buyers say they felt educated and empowered. Sellers value my pricing insight and communication. Investors trust my numbers, perspective, and long-term thinking. Five stars—because the experience is intentional!

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Affiliations and Accolades:

• ADU Specialist
• Earth Advantage Certified
• Portland NAACP (Member)
• LRR Diversity Chair Award Winner
• Lents Neighborhood Association (Former President)
• Youth Rights and Justice (Board Member & Sponsor)
• Asian Real Estate Association of America (Member)
• National Association of Real Estate Brokers (Member)
• Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors (Member)
• Broker Advisory Group at Living Room Realty (2024-2026)

 

Read More

• T: 971-230-8164
• jessicaw@livingroomre.com