Jan. 29, 2019 | Natalie Noble

Q&A: 2019 CREB^® president Sarah Johnston is working to raise the bar in Calgary real estate

In 2019, CREB® welcomes the passionate and energetic Sarah Johnston as its new president. Thirteen years into her real estate career, she hopes to bring a different perspective to the table. Here's what she had to say about her career, working with CREB®'s board of directors and growing through tough times.

CREB®Now: As a younger CREB® board member, what unique qualities will guide you in this role?

Johnston: I'm looking forward in my career. There are far more years ahead of me than behind, so that should strike a nice balance.

My background is in corporate project management, but in real estate, I've enjoyed being more creative and in control of the process. I'm having a lot of fun with my marketing, I'm very involved in social media and I've got a pretty amazing client base.

CREB®Now: What does CREB® as an organization, and your membership, mean to you?

Johnston: I'm going into my fourth year on the board, so it's been a short timeline into this position. But the way the CREB® governance is currently set up makes so much sense to me, I've dived right in.

It's given my career a boost, more than anything I could've done elsewhere. When you're involved with the board, you're fully invested. You have a wider range of knowledge and understand what's coming up. It's helped my clients and my business.

Everyone's investing in getting leads, paying per click, taking everything online. I've seen the pendulum swing that way, but I notice it swinging back now to more human contact and personal connections. I'm feeling more balance there.

CREB®Now:?What do you hope to accomplish in your year as president?

Johnston: The board is run so well, and I'm perfectly happy to just ensure we continue to run in the right direction.

It's so important for CREB® and our members to remain strong, have a good lookout for what's coming our way, and be able to move and change with the times when needed.

CREB®Now: What changes have you seen in the industry since you entered real estate?

Johnston: These have been three tough years. The last recession hit me really hard, but I have more systems and processes in place this time. Because I'm constantly staying busy within the industry, it helps keep my motivation up.

There's also this feeling that technology is taking over. Everyone's investing in getting leads, paying per click, taking everything online. I've seen the pendulum swing that way, but I notice it swinging back now to more human contact and personal connections. I'm feeling more balance there.

CREB®Now: Have any predictions for Calgary's real estate market in 2019?

Johnston: Our forecast isn't fantastic, but there's still enough out there for everyone. Certain times are more difficult. I don't mind that because I think it makes us all stronger.

Right now, we need to concentrate on ourselves and our businesses – make sure we go above and beyond in our professionalism, raise the bar and standards, hold ourselves accountable, but be kind to each other. We should be proud to be REALTORS®.

Tagged: Calgary | Calgary Real Estate | Calgary Real Estate News | Calgary Real Estate News | CREB® | Feature | Pop The Question | Sarah Johnston