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...

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 a...

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, dis...

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...

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...

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 Com...

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 appro...

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...

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...

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,...

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 hop...

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...

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 episod...

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 valu...

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 Developmen...

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 A...

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 cont...

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 cl...

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...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Michele Fransen for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, service, and the people-centered work happening throughout the Emerald Coast real estate community. Michele shares her perspective, experiences, and lessons learned along the way, offering insight into what it means to stay engaged, lead with purpose, and make a meaningful impact in b...

Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast , we sit down with Heather Vaughn, recent Leadership Development Program (LDP) graduate, highly engaged ECAR member, and proud recipient of the Presidential Award. Heather shares her journey, what drives her involvement, and the impact the Association has had on her professional and personal growth. With Chad out sick, Maria H...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast , Maria Howell sits down with Taylor Labno, ECAR’s Young Professionals Network (YPN) Chair, for a lively conversation about what’s ahead for one of the Association’s most energetic groups. Taylor shares what makes YPN such a valuable space for connection, growth, and leadership, along with a preview of some exciting upcoming events you...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with North Walton Area Director Brandy Brown to hear her story -- both personally and professionally -- and what led her into leadership within ECAR. Brandy shares a grounded perspective of what’s really happening in North Walton, from the biggest opportunities for growth to what makes this area stand apart from the rest of the county.  We dive into ho...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast , we’re joined by Chrissy Hartley, Fort Walton Beach Area Director and a dedicated leader within our local real estate community. Chrissy shares her perspective on the Fort Walton Beach market, the value of staying connected at the local level, and how involvement in the association helps elevate both agents and the industry as a whole....