Let's Celebrate Excellence: Who Will Take Home a Trophy?

Every year we honor members who standout for their contributions during the year, put a spotlight on those you know by nominating them.

• Do you have a new REALTOR® who is knocking it out of the park?
• Is your Sales Manager a supportive mentor who exemplifies professionalism?
• Do you know a REALTOR® deserving of recognition for their longevity & achievement throughout their career?

Consider nominating any of them for their achievements in 2025. Or you can even nominate yourself!

The initial vetting ensures applicants meet the basic requirements, such as active membership status and being in good standing. The vetted applicants are then reviewed by a committee comprised of previous winners of that same category, who make the final determination.

A new and improved category

The Salesperson of the Year recognition is evolving this year. It will now be known as the GAAR S.A.L.E.S. Award, representing Sales, Achievement, Leadership and Excellence in Service. The updated criteria place a stronger focus on exemplifying the REALTOR® spirit through professionalism, knowledge sharing and a commitment to excellence. Nominees must also demonstrate active participation within the REALTOR® organization at the local, state or national level during their membership. These changes better reflect the leadership and standards that define this honor.

 ** Save the Date **

Annual Awards Gala
Friday, March 6th, 2026
6pm
Marriott Pyramid 

The deadline to submit nominations: Thursday, January 29th

Tego Venturi named REALTOR® of the Year for 2024

The Greater Albuquerque Association of REALTORS® celebrated excellence in the local real estate industry at its Annual Awards Gala on Friday, March 7th. More than 300 REALTORS® and Affiliates walked the red carpet at the Sid Cutter Pilot’s Pavilion to honor those who made outstanding contributions to their industry and community in 2024.

GAAR members nominate their peers each year for awards highlighting professionalism, leadership, and service. Honorees are selected based on their impact on the real estate industry, commitment to their clients, and contributions to the Greater Albuquerque community.

Congratulations to our Awards Gala Winners!

2024 REALTOR® of the Year

This prestigious award is presented to a member who has demonstrated exceptional professionalism and leadership, contributing to the success of both the association and the local real estate market. 

• Tego Venturi, Real Broker

Doyle Pargin Lifetime Achievement Award

Recognizing a career of longevity and excellence, this award honors individuals who have made a lasting impact on the industry through service, mentorship, and professionalism.

• Bill McCoy, Center for Advanced Real Estate Studies

Sales Manager of the Year

This award celebrates Sales Managers who serve as mentors, trainers, and examples in their brokerages. Nominations require at least four letters of recommendation from the brokers they lead.

• Carrie Traub, Simply Real Estate

Salesperson of the Year

Honoring a REALTOR® who has made significant contributions to GAAR as a volunteer while maintaining a high level of professionalism and production.

• Amy Neal, ERA Summit

Rookie of the Year

Recognizing an exceptional new broker who has already made a mark in the industry through notable production.

• Jennifer Branum, Simply Real Estate

Team Rookie of the Year

This award highlights a new broker working as part of a team who has demonstrated outstanding production and commitment.

• Jase Smith, Realty One of New Mexico

GAAR Affiliate of the Year

Given to an affiliate member whose services play a key role in real estate transactions and who has made a significant contribution to the association.

• Steve Cecco, Directors Mortgage

GAAR Family Scholarship Recipients

This scholarship is awarded to family members who have just begun a career in real estate and are new members of GAAR and SWMLS.

• Holly Rohl, ERA Summit
• Makaela Moya, Weichert Realtors Image

View the Gala Program

Including the Production Achievement List for  Brokers with $5-10 Million and $10 Million +

Special thanks to our GAAR & SWMLS Directors, Awards Gala Selection Committees, LEAP Committee, Sponsors, and GAAR Staff who made this award-winning evening shine!

RED CARPET SPONSORS

PLATINUM

Fidelity National Title

GOLD

CrossCountry Mortgage
Guild Mortgage
Nusenda Credit Union
Pop-A-Lock
Water Extraction Experts

SILVER

Bank of Albuquerque Mortgage
Duke City Inspections
GECU 
Kirtland Credit Union
My Auction Addiction
Realtor.com

BRONZE

All Star Inspections
Cottonwood Mortgage Solutions LLC
Farmer's Insurance, Antoinette Baca
Home Builders Association of Central NM
Old Republic Title
Realty One of New Mexico, Jean Duran & Associates
The Hive Real Estate Collective

PHOTO BOOTH

CrossCountry Mortgage