President Nick Geranios was proud to present Jessie Downer of Home Sweet Home Real Estate with the 2024 REALTOR of the YEAR award.  In Nick’s presentation, he described why Jessie deserved this award.  In his words, “I know what you’re all thinking …. she’s just a kid… she just started… she is known for community service as our 2023 good neighbor award winner… and yes, all of that is very true. But, I’d like to share with you some of the reasons why the awards committee recognized Jesse as this year’s REALTOR of the Year.

Jessie has been an outstanding REALTOR community service chairperson … she led  the group to raise over $55K in the past two years since she has chaired, but she also personally raises money for all of our events, and also helps coordinate the fundraisers,  attends all of the events, and participates as a bartender, music bingo dauber, black light bowler or ticket seller… in all things that we do in community outreach. She swings a hammer and carries big giant pieces of lumber during the habitat build day and wrangles giant balloons in the Pittsfield 4th of July parade proudly wearing the REALTOR shirt.

For the past two years she has attended Board of Directors meetings as a Chair – and what a few years we’ve had as board leaders!  Not only does that mean monthly meetings, but joint meeting with the MLS, emergency meetings, planning meeting and more.  She was involved in our Leadership Training day, Strategic Planning sessions, Legal/Lender outreach and even the presentation of Fair Housing Proclamation by Pittsfield Mayor Marchetti.

Jessie is committed to education, attending 22 hours of CE this last year alone and earned her ABR Designation, Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA) Certification, is working on her Commitment to Excellence Certification and earned her Fair Haven Certification.  She participates at the state level attending MAR events like REALTOR Day on Beacon Hill advocating for private property rights, state meetings, and was a recipient of the MAR Gratitude Project Award in 2023.  She is a conference goer and excited that this year the national conference is in Boston so she can participate.

Part of the importance of the REALTOR of the Year award is not business production or even just service to the association, but we also factor in service to the Berkshire Community.  A well-rounded volunteer.  And in that, Jessie has served as Dalton Board of Heath Co-Chair, participates in Wahconah Regional High School Career Fair and Job Shadowing, talks to area youth career fairs about becoming a REALTOR and coaches youth sport teams and volunteers annually at the Dalton fair association.

She excels at mentoring others in the Dalton CRA…. Is active in the Down Syndrome Family Group annual buddy walk, Strong Little Souls, a Berkshire organization that provides care packages / grants wishes to children fighting cancer and participated in Totes for Tots to provide comfort items, toys, hygiene products and a personal duffel bag to foster kids when removed from their homes and placed in care.

When we were working with Jessie on submission for the state awards event next month, she had a fantastic quote about cooperation that really hits home in a turbulent time like these.  In Jessie’s own words, “When I think of the word REALTOR, the first thing that comes to mind is community. In my career, I am always surrounded by fellow REALTORS and clients, both of whom I treat with the utmost respect and kindness. Reflecting on the real estate profession, it’s easy to see us as competitors. However, when you take a step back, you realize that cooperation is key.

Let’s show our appreciation to Jessie Downer, 2024 REALTOR of the YEAR!