7 QUESTIONS with Elizabeth McCrank
President, Women’s Council of Realtors – Bonita Springs/Estero
Originally hailing from Mexico, Elizabeth McCrank was not cut out for the cold and dreary winters of her first U.S. destination: Minnesota. Her family retreated to sunny Southwest Florida as often as they could and decided to move here full time in 2003.
“After all, who doesn’t like living in Paradise?” she says.
McCrank knows many people share that sentiment, so she has made selling real estate her career. Her membership in the local chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors (WCR) has proved invaluable to her efforts. WCR provides numerous training opportunities for continued education, as well as networking and relationship building. Many of the “top producer” agents in our region are part of this local network of Realtors.
Nationally, the organization has 12,000 members, making WCR one of the largest Realtor networks. Additionally, WCR members benefit from a high level of involvement with the REALTORS Political Action Committee (RPAC).
- Is WCR only for women?
WCR is an inclusive organization. The network was originally established 80 years ago due to women being barred admission from many local associations. As times have changed, members (of all genders) continue supporting one another with mentoring programs and leadership opportunities. We welcome everyone, and members who are able to recognize the power of networking with Realtors all over the country are benefiting tremendously at all levels.
- What are the trends in our local real estate market?
Bonita Springs-Estero REALTORS® (BER) is reporting low inventory levels; the second quarter has been very strong for pending resale properties, increasing 47 percent over 2018. Supply has continued to decrease since the beginning of 2019. In 2018, there were 3,117 new listings on the market as compared to 2,802 listings as of September 2019. Median sales prices of $297,545 today compare to $295,000 from last year.
- What are the largest unmet real estate needs in our region?
We need more affordable housing. Lower priced housing inventories remain tight. As of March, according to NAR, nearly a year’s worth of luxury home supply was for sale, compared with barely a three-month supply at the lowest end of the market: homes priced below $100,000.
- As a Realtor in a competitive market, how does WCR membership help?
WCR (Bonita/Estero) has 85 current members, including many strategic partners who are real estate-related vendors. For me personally, having the right contacts and connections with different vendors and fellow agents has helped tremendously when encountering challenges. Often times, we may have to deal with a member of the Women’s Council at the other side of the transaction, and knowing our fellow agent helps to ease the transaction process.
- What do you most love about your job?
This job is full of surprises. Many unexpected situations can happen at the very last minute, and being able to resolve the issue or enjoy an unanticipated, but positive, outcome makes it very interesting. I also enjoy the fact that, by the end of the transaction, I have made new friends and gotten to know the people I work with on a more personal level.
- What are your hobbies and favorite ways to enjoy SWFL?
When the weather is cooler, I enjoy planting tomatoes, peppers, lettuce and kale in my backyard. I am very passionate about healthy living, and I love the abundance of birds and wildlife that come to visit my backyard during the winter months while I’m relaxing.
- What is your personal motto?
Living from the inside out.