As the new WinnipegREALTORS® president, Deborah Goodfellow said she is eager to put her extensive industry experience to work to benefit the 1,500-member strong association.
Moreover, she intends to extend the 106-year old organization’s scope into important civic causes and undertakings.
“Seventy per cent of our members volunteer in one capacity or another and that to me is vital to building a better city and quality of life for our citizens,” said Goodfellow, who succeeded 2008 WinnipegREALTORS® president Darlene Clare.
“REALTORS® collectively are inextricably linked and connected to the communities they work in through all the people and organizations they come into contact with,” she said. “ So, it goes without saying, REALTORS® get involved because they know what needs to be done and are can-do people.
“One marquee project I am proud to say WinnipegREALTORS® is actively supporting is the Canadian Museum for Human Rights,” added Goodfellow. “To date, through our campaign efforts, we have raised over $160,000 for the Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. We plan to continue our campaign well into the spring and are hopeful we can get REALTOR® support from across the country.”
Goodfellow is committed to improving the conditions of housing for Winnipeggers through such REALTOR® shelter-related initiatives as the Housing Opportunity Partnership (HOP), Tipi Mitawa (a new Manitoba Real Estate Association/Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs program to help aboriginals attain homeownership), the Manitoba Real Estate Association’s Shelter Foundation and homelessness efforts such as Siloam Mission — she serves on its board of directors.
“A house is more than a roof over your head,” said Goodfellow. “It gives you a sense of self-worth and pride which evolves into getting involved in local community efforts.”
Goodfellow began her real estate career in 1981. She is the real estate broker for Goodfellow and Goodfellow Real Estate Ltd., which she co-owns with her husband Bob.
Prior to embarking on a successful real estate career, she was in banking
as an assistant manager of consumer
finance and a regional mortgage marketing officer.
She believes in giving back to the industry that has brought her so much success. Prior to being nominated and elected to the WinnipegREALTORS® board of directors in 2006 as its treasurer, Goodfellow served two previous two-year terms on the board and chaired committees such as investigative, hearings, MLS®/WREN and
affordable housing.
It is her intention to remain on the civic and legislative affairs committee while meeting all of her presidential obligations. During her time on the civic and legislative affairs committee, she was appointed by the city to the six-person advisory council for the Rapid Transit Task Force in 2004 and 2005.
Goodfellow is pleased that WinnipegREALTORS® put its official support behind a comprehensive rapid transit system for Winnipeg. She foresees transit-oriented development opportunities arising from the city’s adoption of task force recommendations.
Starting in 2002, Goodfellow served three years on the Manitoba Real
Estate Association board of directors, culminating in a term as MREA’s president in 2004. Goodfellow currently serves on both the Manitoba Real
Estate Association and the Canadian Real Estate Association’s REALTORS® Care board.
In 2005, she helped bring Winnipeg’s own Hannah Taylor, the founder of the Ladybug Foundation, to speak in Ottawa at an annual gathering of REALTORS® during a CREA political action session.
Looking ahead in 2009, Goodfellow acknowledges the year will have its own set of challenges.
“From technology to governance to market issues, I am confident in the team and supporting cast I have behind me to provide our REALTORS® with the tools they need to better serve their clients,” said Goodfellow.
“As for the MLS® market, I feel optimistic we are in a better position than many other markets to counter the uncertainty arising as a result of a predicted national economic downturn
(already being experienced in Central Canada) in 2009.
“Winnipeg’s economy is still performing exceptionally well, interest rates are very favourable and likely to go lower, and there is more balance in our market than in the past number of years,” she added. “Buyers have a greater inventory of listings to choose from in 2009.
“Even with the price increases Winnipeg has experienced over the last six years, we remain one of the most
affordable housing markets in the country. It is also important to note our steady house price increases are based on real demand (not speculative) as well as growth based on a higher influx of new immigrants, less out-migration and a solid employment picture.”