2026 Slate of Candidates
The Nominating Committees have selected your GAAR & SWMLS Candidates for the 2026 Board of Directors Election.
Vote online Monday, October 6th - Sunday, October 12th.
GAAR Board Positions Open
Director Positions & Candidates
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5 Director positions for 2026-2027 (2-year term)
- Jesse Baca
- Vincent Cordova
- Jessica Garcia
- James Hepker
- Monica Martinez-McNeil
- Keith Powell
- Chaunce Wason
- Samantha Ybanez
Officer Positions & Candidates
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President-elect (1-year term)
- Helen Chan
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Vice President (1-year term)
- Shane Dolinski
- Amy Neal
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Treasurer (2-year term)
- Eanika Nunez
GAAR Candidate Questionnaires
DIRECTOR CANDIDATES
Challenges Facing the Current Real Estate Industry:
1. Affordability & Interest Rates
Buyers in Albuquerque are being squeezed by mortgage rates in the 6–7% range paired with record-high home prices.
Too many families are being priced out of neighborhoods they grew up in. The “American Dream” of homeownership is slipping further out of reach for first-time buyers.
2. Low Housing Inventory
Homeowners locked into 3–4% mortgages aren’t selling, which keeps inventory critically low.
This “lock-in effect” creates a bottleneck where move-up buyers can’t trade up, and entry-level buyers can’t get in.
3. Rising Insurance Costs
Premiums are rising in certain parts of New Mexico due to fire, flood, and hail risks.
This is pushing some buyers out of affordability even if they qualify on the mortgage side.
4. Legal & Commission Changes
Ongoing lawsuits and proposed rule changes around commissions create uncertainty.
Consumers are confused about how buyer’s agents are paid, and agents themselves are worried about their livelihoods.
5. Geographic Disparities
Albuquerque’s NE Heights continues to see strong demand, while affordability pushes buyers into Rio Rancho, Los Lunas, and Edgewood.
We risk creating a deeper divide between “hot zones” and underserved areas, which hurts balance in our housing ecosystem.
How Do You Feel GAAR Could Be More Relevant to Our Members?
Giving More Value.
What Do You Feel Will Be Unique About the Next Two-Year Time Frame?
Managing the changes/transitions.
Jesse is running for GAAR Director, download his full answers HERE.
Candidate video will be available after the September 30th Meet & Greet.
Challenges Facing the Current Real Estate Industry:
We are facing not 1 challenge but many, first of all the Prices and rates are pushing good families out of the market. Number 2 Public trust is slipping because of misinformation and a few bad actors. And 3rd big tech companies are trying to replace local REALTORS® with apps like Zillow and realtor.com. This isn’t the time to sit back — it’s time to fight for our profession, protect our clients, and innovate faster than the disruptors.
How Do You Feel GAAR Could Be More Relevant to Our Members?
I think if GAAR made a push for more two-way communication, real-time updates on industry changes, and practical resources that give members an edge in winning clients and closing deals.
What Do You Feel Will Be Unique About the Next Two-Year Time Frame?
I think the next two years are going to be all about trust. Buyers and sellers are questioning everything right now like what we charge, how we work, if they even need us. The brokers who can show up, be real with people, and actually prove their value are the ones who are going to last. The rest will get left behind.
Vincent is running for GAAR Director, download his full answers HERE.
Candidate video will be available after the September 30th Meet & Greet.
Challenges Facing the Current Real Estate Industry:
The biggest challenges today are low inventory and affordability, as rising prices and interest rates make it harder for buyers to enter the market. Realtors also face shifting market conditions, evolving regulations, and the need to adapt to new technologies while still proving the value of personal service and professional guidance.
How Do You Feel GAAR Could Be More Relevant to Our Members?
GAAR can be more relevant by actively listening to members’ needs and providing resources that directly help them succeed in today’s market. This includes timely education and training, better use of technology and communication tools, and creating more opportunities for networking and collaboration. Most importantly, GAAR should consistently demonstrate the value of membership by showing how it supports Realtors in solving problems, staying competitive, and serving clients effectively.
What Do You Feel Will Be Unique About the Next Two-Year Time Frame?
Only time will tell what specific changes we’ll face, but I believe the next two years will be unique because of the rapid pace of change in the market, technology, and industry regulations. This uncertainty makes it even more important for GAAR to stay adaptable, proactive, and focused on providing members with the tools and support they need to succeed.
Jessica is running for GAAR Director, download her full answers HERE.
Candidate video will be available after the September 30th Meet & Greet.
Challenges Facing the Current Real Estate Industry:
So many to list. Our industry has changed so much in the last 25+ years. I started when the MLS came in a book form or a dos computer system with no pictures. Our commission structure on how we get paid can be challenging, buyer agreements which I personally feel take options away from buyers, online platforms such as Zillow and Trulia, Real Estate fraud is out of control, government regulations changing, mortgage rates and even maybe some changes to our customers credit reporting systems.
How Do You Feel GAAR Could Be More Relevant to Our Members?
More user friendly and we are not just a MLS service but so much more. So many brokers don't understand what GAAR does for them. We need to look at other GAAR members as team players instead of competition.
What Do You Feel Will Be Unique About the Next Two-Year Time Frame?
The changing market conditions and the changing in locally political offices. We have a lot of changes coming down the pipeline and I would love to represent GAAR members in these changes
James is running for GAAR Director, download his full answers HERE.
Candidate video will be available after the September 30th Meet & Greet.
Challenges Facing the Current Real Estate Industry:
There is still a lot of fear and uncertainty for our consumers, keeping potential buyers and sellers waiting on the sidelines. There also remains a lack of trust of our industry so now is really the time we are having to demonstrate our worth to both sellers and buyers. As the market shifts, Realtors are needing to adapt to the changes and often times work harder as we are seeing homes remain on the market longer as well as more price reductions. With high interest rates and elevated home prices, we are having to work harder in negotiations for our buyers to help them get in to homes they can hardly afford. Just to name a few current challenges.
How Do You Feel GAAR Could Be More Relevant to Our Members?
I think the association does a great job at offering the First Wednesday events as well as several FREE continuing education courses throughout the year. I am under the impression most Realtors are not being made aware (not for the lack of trying with communication from GAAR but due to the overwhelming number of emails in inboxes). Perhaps having brokerages get more involved to share with their individual associate brokers by hanging flyers or sharing amongst themselves can bring about more awareness of the benefits GAAR offers. The more we can get Realtors in the building, the more they can see where their dues are going and the relevancy.
What Do You Feel Will Be Unique About the Next Two-Year Time Frame?
I think the association does a great job at offering the First Wednesday events as well as several FREE continuing education courses throughout the year. I am under the impression most Realtors are not being made aware (not for the lack of trying with communication from GAAR but due to the overwhelming number of emails in inboxes). Perhaps having brokerages get more involved to share with their individual associate brokers by hanging flyers or sharing amongst themselves can bring about more awareness of the benefits GAAR offers. The more we can get Realtors in the building, the more they can see where their dues are going and the relevancy.
Monica is running for GAAR Director, download her full answers HERE.
Candidate video will be available after the September 30th Meet & Greet.
Challenges Facing the Current Real Estate Industry:
Low inventory, high home prices, sellers not listing homes because they have a low interest loans, keeping brokers up to date with all the new changes, attracting new brokers to the industry.
How Do You Feel GAAR Could Be More Relevant to Our Members?
Engagement of the members is key. That requires that the programs and services we offer must be revelant and top notch. Not just offering programs but the cutting edge type.
What Do You Feel Will Be Unique About the Next Two-Year Time Frame?
AI and the benefits and challenges that it will bring. Finding new ways to do our businesses better and faster. Always with the customer in the forefront. And to provide unique and needed services for the membership overall. We will need to have high engagement of our members.
Keith is running for GAAR Director, download his full answers HERE.
Candidate video will be available after the September 30th Meet & Greet.
Challenges Facing the Current Real Estate Industry:
The biggest challenge we’re facing is a mix of how people perceive us and how we adapt to changes.
On the consumer side, there’s a lot of confusion about what a REALTOR® really does, especially with all the recent headlines and industry changes. This lack of understanding can lead people to undervalue the service and protection we provide.
On the broker side, we’re all trying to navigate low inventory, higher interest rates, and new tech that sometimes feels like it’s trying to replace the personal relationships our business is built on.
If we don’t stay proactive, educating the public, sharpening our skills, and working together to raise the standard of professionalism, we risk losing the trust that makes our work possible in the first place.
How Do You Feel GAAR Could Be More Relevant to Our Members?
GAAR remains relevant by staying attuned to the field and addressing real-world challenges. This involves investing in training and resources addressing contemporary issues, rather than focusing solely on theoretical concepts.
The association should foster connections among members through networking, mentorship, and events that remind us of our shared community identity.
Above all, GAAR must maintain a two-way dialogue. It’s not just about disseminating information; it’s about actively listening to members and taking action based on their feedback. When members feel heard and supported, they remain engaged and committed to the organization.
What Do You Feel Will Be Unique About the Next Two-Year Time Frame?
We have a great opportunity to reshape the story about what it means to work with a realtor. With the NAR settlement changes and changing market conditions, people are paying more attention to how we operate. This is our chance to demonstrate the value we provide, not only in closing deals but also in safeguarding our clients and guiding them through one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.
Additionally, our market is still expanding. Albuquerque and Rio Rancho continue to attract new residents and businesses. If we can position GAAR as a center for local expertise, professional development, and community involvement, we can help members seize that growth and succeed.
Chaunce is running for GAAR Director, download his full answers HERE.
Candidate video will be available after the September 30th Meet & Greet.
Challenges Facing the Current Real Estate Industry:
Fear is having a real impact on the real estate industry. Buyers and sellers are worried about the economy, job security, high interest rates, rising home prices, stigmas around days on market, appraisal values, down payments, buyer broker compensation, home insurance, and natural disasters. REALTORS® are also facing their own concerns, from job security and changing industry rules or lawsuits to personal safety.
How Do You Feel GAAR Could Be More Relevant to Our Members?
I think GAAR could be even more relevant by engaging more members from boutique brokerages and welcoming brand new members/brokers into the fold. Committee participation is a great way to make that happen, and GAAR already does a wonderful job here.
What Do You Feel Will Be Unique About the Next Two-Year Time Frame?
Climate risks like wildfires and flooding are starting to affect buyer decisions and affordability. Rising insurance costs and possible repair expenses matter more now, so we need to adjust our market analyses to reflect lower appraisal values and longer days on market for overpriced homes. Staying proactive helps us guide clients with realistic expectations.
Samantha is running for GAAR Director, download her full answers HERE.
Candidate video will be available after the September 30th Meet & Greet.
OFFICER CANDIDATES
Challenges Facing the Current Real Estate Industry:
Current challenges include understanding of policy changes that affect our clients and our industry.
How Do You Feel GAAR Could Be More Relevant to Our Members?
To continue reaching out to members and ask if they are familiar with the resources that our dues are making available for our businesses. If they are not familiar, invite them to have a sit down and offer some time to go over the resources and where to find them. If they are familiar and not finding relevancy, invite them to share what can make GAAR more relevant.
What Do You Feel Will Be Unique About the Next Two-Year Time Frame?
The next two years will be unique because it looks like we will be seeing shifts again as prices continue to level out and forecasts of no major interest rate changes. Cycles are meant to have shifts and how we adapt is where the uniqueness will be imperative. How we continue to be relevant and important repeat partners to our clients with one of their largest purchases will depend on changing public perception of our industry.
Helen is running for GAAR President-elect, download her full answers HERE.
Candidate video will be available after the September 30th Meet & Greet.
Challenges Facing the Current Real Estate Industry:
The real estate industry is navigating a unique mix of high interest rates with higher inventory than the last several years which is shifting buyer and seller expectations. Technology is moving faster than many agents can adapt to, AI and automation are changing how consumers shop for and sell homes. Affordability continues to be a pressing concern, and regulatory changes — both local and national — are creating uncertainty for investors, homeowners, and the agents who serve them. The challenge is not just keeping up, but staying ahead with skills, tools, and strategies that allow us to thrive in this new environment.
How Do You Feel GAAR Could Be More Relevant to Our Members?
We can be more relevant by meeting members where they are — both in their business journey and in how they prefer to connect. That means shorter, more targeted trainings on timely topics, easy-to-digest video or podcast updates, and real-world application over theory. It also means continuing to be a strong voice in legislative and regulatory matters, so our members know GAAR is actively protecting their ability to do business and help to protect the property rights of our clients.
What Do You Feel Will Be Unique About the Next Two-Year Time Frame?
I think the next two years will bring continued market volatility and more significant shifts in how consumers interact with real estate professionals. We’ll see greater adoption of AI and data-driven marketing. There will be a need to clearly define value in ways technology cannot replace. Legislative changes, particularly around housing affordability and property rights, will also demand strong advocacy from our Association.
Shane is running for GAAR Vice President, download his full answers HERE.
Candidate video will be available after the September 30th Meet & Greet.
Challenges Facing the Current Real Estate Industry:
I think the most pressing issue is the economic uncertainty. With a new administration, tariffs and higher interest rates, the market has slowed. Low inventory, although improving, is still an issue.
How Do You Feel GAAR Could Be More Relevant to Our Members?
I feel like GAAR does a great job of connecting with the members, and I know from personal experience that every decision the Board makes it taken very seriously. I hope that by creating more engaging experiences at GAAR, we can go from being a supplemental entity to being a vital part of our member's business.
What Do You Feel Will Be Unique About the Next Two-Year Time Frame?
I am looking forward to working with our new CEO, and implementing new ideas. I believe we will see a more stable buyer/seller market in the next two years. Buyers and sellers both will need to be more flexible than perhaps they were in recent years. A Realtor's role of educating them on market shifts will be essential.
Amy is running for GAAR Vice President, download her full answers HERE.
Candidate video will be available after the September 30th Meet & Greet.
Challenges Facing the Current Real Estate Industry:
New Mexico’s real estate market is a high‑energy mix of opportunity and complexity—where available inventory meets changing buyer tastes, shifting rates, and regional price gaps. Add in wildfire risk, drought concerns, and evolving insurance rules, and you’ve got a fast‑moving landscape where winners are the ones who adapt first.
How Do You Feel GAAR Could Be More Relevant to Our Members?
GAAR can be more relevant to members by focusing on tailored education, responsive advocacy, and stronger community connection. That means listening closely to member needs, delivering timely resources, and offering professional development that drives real business results. Creating more networking opportunities, clearly showing how advocacy protects members’ interests, and embracing innovative tools to simplify transactions will build trust and engagement—making GAAR an indispensable association in every REALTOR®’s success.
What Do You Feel Will Be Unique About the Next Two-Year Time Frame?
The next two years in New Mexico real estate will bring steady growth, modest price appreciation, and a market that remains stable yet strategically competitive. Mortgage rates holding in the mid‑6% range will keep affordability at the forefront, while sustained rental demand continues to shape investor interest. For GAAR, the key will be agility—leveraging targeted advocacy, advanced technology, and elevated member engagement to position REALTORS® for long‑term success in an evolving marketplace.
Eanika is running for GAAR Treasurer, download her full answers HERE.
Candidate video will be available after the September 30th Meet & Greet.