Keys to the Emerald Coast

Send us Fan Mail

October is bringing more than cooler weather to the Emerald Coast—ECAR has a full calendar of opportunities you won't want to miss!

In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, Maria Howell and Melissa Skoniecki break down what's happening at ECAR this month and why members should be paying attention.

From finding your place on a 2027 ECAR committee, having your voice heard at the upcoming Member Meeting, to mixing things up at the Signature Social for RPAC, and discovering the surprises in store at REBarCamp, there's plenty to get excited about.

Plus, hear why the proposed bylaws changes matter, what's new at this year's Signature Social, and a few hints about the interactive surprise kicking off RE BarCamp.

Grab your calendar and tune in—October is packed with opportunities to connect, get involved, and make the most of your ECAR membership!

Send us Fan Mail

Think Area Property Tours are only for REALTORS® with a listing on the tour? Think again!

In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, Maria Howell and Melissa Skoniecki clear up some of the biggest questions and misconceptions surrounding ECAR’s Area Property Tours, and share why this member benefit deserves a spot in your business strategy.

From getting your listings on tour and signing up for area communications to gaining valuable seller feedback, creating content, networking with fellow REALTORS® and affiliates, and becoming more knowledgeable about the markets you serve, there’s a lot more to Area Tours than simply walking through houses.

Whether you have a property to showcase or just want to get out and learn your market, grab your keys, it’s time to take the tour!

Send us Fan Mail

Ready to get involved at ECAR but not sure where to start?

In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, Maria Howell and Melissa Skoniecki shake things up with a little committee round robin, pulling names from a bucket and breaking down the many ways members can get involved in 2027.

From Professional Development and YPN to CAMO, RPAC, Global, Property Management, and more, discover what happens behind the scenes, where your interests and experience might be a good fit, and how volunteering can connect you with your association, your community, and fellow members. With 2027 committee sign-ups open today 9/23/2026, consider this your inside look before you raise your hand!

Send us Fan Mail

What’s next for REALTOR® education and what happens when associations work together to bring more value to their members?

In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, Maria Howell and Melissa Skoniecki welcome our neighbors from the Central Panhandle Association of REALTORS®, CEO Kaydee Albritton and President Catherine Anderson, for a conversation about collaboration, evolving member needs, and the upcoming Next Gen REALTOR® Summit.

From rethinking traditional education to bringing nationally recognized speakers and fresh learning formats right here to the Panhandle, Katie and Katherine give us a preview of what REALTORS® can expect from two packed days designed to help them learn, grow, and stay ahead in a changing industry.

Send us Fan Mail

What can happen when you go from wondering what your association does for you to discovering everything it has to offer?

In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, Maria Howell and Melissa Skoniecki sit down with Samantha Lapomardo, candidate for ECAR’s Niceville Area Director, to talk about the experiences that inspired her to get involved and eventually pursue a seat on the Board of Directors.

From leadership development and community service to supporting fellow REALTORS® and bringing fresh ideas to the table (along with some really good sourdough), Samantha shares why finding your voice, making connections, and getting involved can change the way you see your association—and your profession.

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when you dip your toe back into volunteering and suddenly find yourself running for leadership?

In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, Maria Howell and Melissa Skoniecki sit down with Lisa Norton, candidate for ECAR Assistant Treasurer, to talk about her journey through real estate, volunteer leadership, and years of service on ECAR’s Budget & Finance Committee.

From why financial transparency and strong reserves matter to the relationships and opportunities that come from getting involved, Lisa shares the experiences that brought her back to association leadership, and why investing your time in ECAR can pay dividends far beyond the committee room.

Send us Fan Mail

What does it really mean to step up and lead?

In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, Maria Howell and Melissa Skoniecki sit down with Sherrie Salas, ECAR’s current Treasurer and incoming Vice President, to talk about her path through volunteerism and leadership. Sherrie shares how getting involved has strengthened her business, expanded her knowledge, and shaped her approach to serving ECAR’s members.

From advocacy and association involvement to preparing for the years ahead, hear why Sherrie believes great leadership starts with showing up, staying informed, and always putting members first.

Send us Fan Mail

It’s election season at ECAR! In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, hosts Maria Howell and Melissa Skoniecki sit down with Melissa Jolley, candidate for ECAR’s Niceville Area Director, to talk about her journey from new REALTOR® to active volunteer and now board candidate. Hear what inspired her to get involved, what she’s learned along the way, and why staying informed and having a voice in your association matters!

Send us Fan Mail

What does RPAC actually do for REALTORS®? Maria Howell and Melissa Skoniecki are joined by Cindy Burge and Melissa Strange to talk advocacy, RPAC’s impact, and ways members can get involved.

Send us Fan Mail

What does it mean to leave a legacy that extends far beyond real estate?

In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, hosts Maria Howell and Melissa Skoniecki sit down with longtime REALTOR® and community leader Linde Bowman for a heartfelt conversation about leadership, resilience, and the power of giving back. Discover how one family's journey inspired a lasting impact on the Emerald Coast and why serving your community can be one of the greatest investments you'll ever make.

Send us Fan Mail

What does it take to protect a real estate transaction in today's market?

In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, Maria Howell and Melissa Skoniecki sit down with Lydia Pelegrina of McNeese Title for a conversation that goes beyond the closing table. From building meaningful industry relationships to navigating some of the biggest challenges facing real estate today, Lydia shares insights every real estate professional should hear.

Tune in to discover why the strongest transactions start long before closing—and why staying informed has never been more important.

Send us Fan Mail

Sometimes the greatest acts of service are born from life's hardest moments.

In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, we sit down with Michelle Bailey—REALTOR®, past ECAR President, longtime volunteer leader, and founder of Bailey Brigade.

Michelle shares her journey from discovering the value of leadership and volunteerism to creating a nonprofit that is bringing hope, comfort, and support to local cancer patients and their families. Along the way, she reminds us that one person really can make a difference—and that giving back often starts with simply saying "yes."

Whether you're looking for inspiration, a reason to get more involved, or a story that will stay with you long after the episode ends, this is one conversation you won't want to miss.

🎙️ Tune in and discover how a REALTOR®, a community, and one incredible legacy are changing lives across the Emerald Coast.

Send us Fan Mail

What does it really take to help buyers succeed in today's market? Hint: It's about much more than interest rates.

In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, we sit down with Mallory Fotiades of CrossCountry Mortgage to talk about today's lending landscape, common mortgage misconceptions, and the importance of building strong relationships in real estate.

From practical advice for REALTORS® to fresh perspectives on helping buyers move forward with confidence, this conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

Tune in to hear why sometimes the best answer isn't "no"—it's simply finding a better path to "yes."

http://www.mallorythelender.com

Send us Fan Mail

In this special episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, Association Executive Melissa Skoniecki joins Maria to recap their experience at the National Association of REALTORS®' Leadership Meeting (RLM) in Washington, D.C. They share key takeaways, leadership insights, and the conversations shaping the future of the real estate industry and REALTOR® associations.

But this episode is about more than leadership, it's also about gratitude.

We take time to celebrate and say a heartfelt farewell to our incredible host and Marketing & Communications Director, Chad Nelson, as he begins an exciting new chapter in his career. Chad's leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment have left a lasting mark on ECAR, our members, and our staff. His passion for serving others helped shape this podcast and strengthened our association in countless ways. While we'll certainly miss him, we're grateful for the legacy he leaves behind and wish him nothing but success in the journey ahead.

As Chad passes the microphone, Melissa Skoniecki steps in as interim host, continuing the conversations that keep our members informed, connected, and inspired.

Join us as we reflect on leadership, celebrate new opportunities, and honor someone who has truly made a lasting impact on the Emerald Coast Association of REALTORS®.

Send us Fan Mail

What does strong leadership look like in today's real estate market? In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, we sit down with ECAR Vice President Rachel Simerly to talk about her journey in real estate, her passion for serving fellow REALTORS®, and her vision for the Emerald Coast Association of REALTORS®.

Rachel shares insights on leadership, industry trends, the value of professional involvement, and why investing in your local association can make a lasting impact on your business and your community. Whether you're a new agent, a seasoned broker, or simply interested in the future of real estate along the Emerald Coast, this conversation offers practical takeaways and an inside look at the people leading our profession.

Tune in to hear:

• Rachel's path to becoming ECAR Vice President
• The importance of REALTOR® advocacy and engagement
• Current opportunities and challenges facing the industry
• Advice for agents looking to grow their careers and get involved
• Rachel's perspective on the future of real estate on the Emerald Coast

Send us Fan Mail

For years, Movement Mortgage has been more than an ECAR Affiliate Member, they've been a true partner in supporting REALTORS® and strengthening our local real estate community.

In this episode, we sit down with Lindsay and Kelsey from Movement Mortgage to talk about the partnership between Movement and ECAR, including their significant investment in our Leadership Development Program and many other initiatives that help our members grow and succeed.

We also dive into what sets Movement Mortgage apart in today's lending landscape, how their team supports buyers and real estate professionals throughout the transaction process, and why they've become a trusted, one-stop resource for mortgage solutions across our area.

Whether you're a REALTOR® looking for a reliable lending partner or a homebuyer navigating the mortgage process, this conversation offers valuable insights into the people, programs, and commitment that make Movement Mortgage such an important part of the ECAR family.

Send us Fan Mail

Join us for an inspiring conversation with ECAR President-Elect Kimberlie Griggs. Kimberlie shares her story, lessons learned throughout her leadership journey, and her passion for serving REALTORS® across the the panhandle. We talk about the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, the importance of member engagement, and what excites her most about the future of the Association. It's an honest, insightful discussion filled with leadership wisdom and practical takeaways.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Chad and Maria sit down with Sherrie Salas, ECAR’s Board of Directors Treasurer, to talk about her journey into leadership and the important role she plays in helping guide the Association.

Sherrie stepped into leadership at ECAR and has never looked back. Her heart for her clients, her commitment to the Association, and her dedication to serving as Treasurer continue to shine through in everything she does.

During the conversation, Sherrie shares what the Treasurer role involves, why financial stewardship matters, and how ECAR works to strategically and responsibly manage member dues. From budgeting and planning to making sure resources are used wisely, this episode highlights how thoughtful financial leadership allows ECAR to provide meaningful programs, services, advocacy, and support for its members.

It’s a conversation about service, responsibility, leadership, and the care it takes to help move the Association forward.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Chad and Maria sit down with Ashley Bowen of Emerald Coast Title Services to talk about who she is, the work ECTS does, and the important role title services play in the real estate process.

Ashley shares insight into how Emerald Coast Title Services support REALTORS®, buyers, sellers, and the broader real estate community by helping ensure smooth, professional closings. The conversation also highlights the long-standing relationship between ECAR and Emerald Coast Title Service, and why strong partnerships with trusted industry professionals are so valuable to members and the customers they serve.

From title work to closing support to community connection, this episode is a great reminder that real estate is a team effort — and relationships matter.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we sit down with Ben Ward to talk about the role of an Ombudsman and how this important resource supports professionalism, communication, and conflict resolution within the real estate industry. Ben helps unpack what an Ombudsman does, when members should consider using the service, and how it can help resolve concerns before they become formal complaints.

Whether you are a new REALTOR® or a seasoned professional, this conversation offers practical insight into how the Ombudsman program can protect relationships, encourage productive conversations, and strengthen trust across the industry.