Inside The Canopy Files

One of the most important roles a realtor can fill is the Buyer Agent. A home purchase is usually the most significant purchase people make in their lifetimes, and the Buyer Agent helps make sure the process is a smooth one. A good Buyer Agent should be a resource for their client, one who paves the path for them to reach their goals.  In today's episode of Inside the Canopy Files, Tiffany Johannes and Charisma Smith talk about what a Buyer Agent does on a daily basis, how they anticipate their client's needs, and share some of their own personal experiences with being a Buyer Agent.  

Canopy Realtor® Association is a trade association that promotes the value of Realtors® to the consumer and the dream of homeownership. The Association, with guidance from Realtor® volunteers, also provides tools, education and resources to be succesful in business, and takes pride in a Foundation that is actively improving the communities where they live, work and play. .In this episode of Inside the Canopy Files, hear from volunteer leadership and why they volunteer their time at the Association, Canopy MLS and Canopy Housing Foundation, and more importantly why Realtors® should be involved in their industry.

Whether showing a home, conducting an open house or meeting a potential new client, Realtors® face danger every day when dealing with the public. In this episode of Inside the Canopy Files, listen as Tiffany Johannes, president of Canopy Realtor® Association talks with Realtor®/Broker and Safety Expert, April Crigger-Hudson about How not to be a Victim, by developing a safety mindset, as well as best practices and a review of products with safety features provided by Canopy.

Charlotte Family Housing is a shelter-to-housing program for working families experiencing homelessness and they are the 2023 beneficiary of Canopy Housing Foundation's annual Strides for Shelter 5K. Listen as guest host Joan Goode, Realtor®/Broker and Strides for Shelter 5k chair, talks with Elizabeth Kurtz, Executive Director and her team at Charlotte Family Houisng about how the organization empowers working families experiencing homelessness to achieve life-long self-sufficiency through shelter, housing, supportive services, and advocacy.

Anne Marie DeCatsye, Esq., CEO of Canopy Realtor® Association/Canopy MLS, is back as guest host in this podcast conversation with Michele McCaskill, VP of Risk Management and Assistant General Counsel, about Why Professional Standards and the Code of Ethics are important to the profession and the consumer. Hear more about how the Risk Management team keeps an eye on general risk management issues affecting the industry, and why raising the bar on professionalism is imperative to the industry. 

Technology is hot, evolving and moving at a breakneck pace and the next generation of home buyers and sellers, are quite comfortable with the rapidly changing world of innovation. And the forward-thinking Realtor® trying to cultivate and reach the next generation of clients, should be too. In this episode of Inside the Canopy Files, listen in as Bryan Perkins, Canopy MLS Broker Relations Manager, Debbie Wey, VP of MLS Administration and Todd Long, Realtor®/Broker, and Canopy MLS Board of Director, discuss the latest tech and updates embraced by Canopy MLS, so you can help your business sizzle!

On June 1, Canopy Realtors© Association hosted the 2023 Realtor® Expo at the Charlotte Convention Center. Over 900 Realtors® and exhibitors gathered for a day of networking and learning under the Canopy! 2023 Canopy Realtor® Association/Canopy MLS President Tiffany Johannes recorded a special and exclusive conversation with the day's featured speakers in an effort to make the information discussed that day as accessible as possible for Canopy members and subscribers. In this episode of Inside the Canopy Files, Tiffany Johannes speaks to the EXPO's keynote speaker Joe Rand. Joe Rand is the VP of Innovation at Howard Hanna | Rand Realty, based in New York. Joe delivered a presentation at the Realtor® EXPO about being the best realtor you can be, and what some of the finer points of the profession can put you over the top and separate you from the crowd. Tiffany Johannes sat down with Joe privately to discuss these topics and more, including how to overcome disruptors like the trend of “iBuyers,” understanding the value proposition of engaging a Realtor®, and the importance of listening more than you speak. Connect with Howard Hanna and Rand Realty online at randrealty.com. Find Joe Rand online at joerand.com.  

On June 1, Canopy Realtors© Association hosted the 2023 Realtor© Expo at the Charlotte Convention Center. Over 900 Realtors® and exhibitors gathered for a day of networking and learning under the Canopy! 2023 Canopy Realtors© Association/Canopy MLS President Tiffany Johannes recorded a special and exclusive conversation with the day's featured speakers in an effort to make the information discussed that day as accessible as possible for all Canopy members and subscribers. In this episode of Inside the Canopy Files, Tiffany Johannes speaks to Marki Lemons-Rhyal, a Licensed Managing Broker, Realtor®, avid volunteer, and major donor. At the 2023 Realtors© EXPO, Marki delivered an insightful discussion about the power of utilizing new technology, particularly artificial intelligence and ChatGPT. Tiffany Johnnes sat down behind the scenes with Marki Lemons-Rhyal to dive deeper into the topics of AI and how Realtors® can use the new technology to your advantage. Marki discusses what AI is and gives specific examples of how she uses it to streamline her workflow. Marki also talks about what other AI-powered tools that realtors can take advantage of, and makes the proclamation that “while AI won't replace the Realtor®, a Realtor® with AI will replace the Realtor® without AI.” Connect with Marki Lemons-Rhyal online at markilemons.com.

On June 1, Canopy Realtors© Association hosted the 2023 Realtor© Expo at the Charlotte Convention Center. Over 900 Realtors® and exhibitors gathered for a day of networking and learning under the Canopy! Tiffany Johannes, 2023 Canopy Realtors® Association/Canopy MLS President recorded a special and exclusive conversation with the day's featured speakers in an effort to make the information discussed that day as accessible as possible for all Canopy members and subscribers. In this episode of Inside the Canopy Files, Tiffany Johannes speaks to Christina Asbury. Christina is one of only 630 accredited land consultants in the US. She is knowledgeable in many aspects of land sales, including 2031 tax exchanges, land planning and development, site analysis and more. Tiffany talks to Christina about what it takes to acquire a land consultant accreditation, the unique traits of North and South Carolina land law, and how to find and utilize your local  land consultant. Connect with Christina Asbury online here.

Canopy Housing Foundation recognizes and celebrates Fair Housing month every April, with the Realtors® Care Day event! From the mountains of Haywood County, to the Charlotte region, Realtors® come together to volunteer and help homeowners in need with external home repairs.  Inside the Canopy Files, follows guest host, Kim McMillan, Canopy's Vice President of Marketing & Communications, as she goes behind the scenes of the 2023 Realtors® Care Day project.

Join Canopy Realtor® Association president, Tiffany Johannes, as she talks with Karyn Lindsey, VP of Diversity and Inclusion at Canopy, about Fair Housing month, why it's important and how Canopy's members can increase their knowledge and strengthen their commitment to fair housing this month and every month! 

Buyers and Sellers are getting ready for the spring market. What's the outlook for the year? In this edition of Inside the Canopy Files, listen in as president Tiffany Johannes talks with Anne Marie DeCatsye, Esq., CEO, Canopy Realtor® Assoc., Tim Sittema, Managing Partner of Crosland SE and Dr. Yongquiang Chu, Distinguished Professor UNC Charlotte - CKCRE, about strategies that the public-private sectors can utilize to address affordable housing challenges and opportunities.

Inside the Canopy Files salutes Women's History Month with guest host, Anne Marie DeCatsye, CEO of Canopy Realtor® Association and Canopy MLS, as she discusses paths to leadership with 2023 president Tiffany Johannes and president-elect, Charisma Dockery Smith about who influenced them, why they lead and how they got to where they are now.

In this episode of Inside the Canopy Files, podcast listeners will hear from local historian, Dr. Tom Hanchett and Annetta Foard of the Community Building Initiative, regarding how key decisions have affected the city's growth and development and how race and ethnicity have played a role in influencing the Queen City's present and future.

The team at Canopy MLS continues to elevate the member experience, refining the Matrix System platform. Join 2023 president Tiffany Johaness and representatives from Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO) and Canopy MLS on this edition of Inside the Canopy Files, and listen in on changes being implemented and what Realtors® can expect with Canopy's new Matrix system conversion.

Every year Canopy Realtor® Association's members elect a new president, who as a part of their role, also hosts Inside the Canopy Files podcast. Host Lee Allen reflects on the accomplishments of 2022 and discusses the goals of president-elect Tiffany Johannes, as he passes the mic to her, in this "leader-to-leader" conversation.

In its fourth year, the 2022 State of Housing in Charlotte Summit brought developers, government officials, and community stakeholders together for an exclusive first look at the "2022 State of Housing in Charlotte Report." Host Lee Allen talks with Realtor®/broker and 2022 Chair of REBIC, Brenda Hayden, who participated as a guest panelist, about key takeaways from the Housing Summit, and ways local leadership can address the problem of the lack of affordable housing in the Charlotte region.

Almost daily, consumers are bombarded with conflicting news stories regarding the slowing housing market. As 2022 comes to a close, media headlines continue to predict doom and gloom. Listen in as Inside the Canopy Files Host Lee Allen and his guest, Dave Noyes, a Realtor®/broker with eXp Realty, LLC -Hendersonville, reflect on housing activity in 2022, in both the Charlotte and Asheville markets, discuss the outlook ahead and how buyers and sellers can still find home, in 2023.

The 2022 housing market is shifting. Inventory, inflation and interest rates continue to impact the market, challenging affordability and leaving a less competitive space, with only serious, more measured buyers. It's still a seller's market, but for how long? And with all the housing data consumers have at their fingertips, now more than ever, it's important that Realtors® do their homework and talk smart about the market in order to demonstrate their value and be that trusted advisor for the consumer/client. In this episode of Inside the Canopy Files, host Lee Allen, talks with Realtor®/broker and Canopy MLS Board of Director, Helen Edwards-Jackson about the market, key metrics Realtors® are watching, and some of her favorite Canopy MLS tools she uses to predict the market and mine for leads. We also introduce our new segment, “Digi Know”.

The Charlotte Rescue Mission has been a part of the community for 100 years, and serves those at the intersection of homelessness and addiction, through housing, counseling, fitness and education. Join host, Lee Allen on this edition of Inside the Canopy Files, as he talks with Rev. Anthony Marciano, president and CEO about this long standing agency and the good work they are doing in the community and how support from community partners and private industry helps the most vulnerable in our communities, who live without housing. Find out more about Charlotte Rescue Mission Sign up for the Strides for Shelter 5K

The final version of Charlotte's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), was approved in late August and will ultimately serve as the new set of rules and regulations, designed to provide more certainty for those both engaged in, and affected by, the land development process. In this episode of Inside the Canopy FIles, join host Lee Allen as he talks with Rob Nanfelt, executive director of the Real Estate Building and Industry Coalition (REBIC) to discuss the future of development in Charlotte, its impact on local developers, Realtors® and real estate and property owners.

Lee Allen and guest, Anne Marie DeCatsye, CEO of Canopy Realtor Association reflect on her recent discussion with Association CEOs from five hot housing markets identified by NAR before and during the pandemic that have outperfomed or were identified as Hidden Gems. Listen and learn as they delve into current market conditions and discuss the housing outlook ahead, in this episode of Inside the Canopy Files.

Inside the Canopy FIles host Lee Allen, goes behind the scenes with Realtor® volunteers participating in Project REACH, (Realtors® Engaging and Creating Hope), a hands-on group community service experience that engages Realtor® members in volunteer activity at one of five diferrent nonprofit organizations that are addressing unmet housing needs. Learn more about the impact of this service project that often leads our members to continue working with these nonprofits after they been connected through Project REACH!

Our host Lee Allen pulls back the curtain on RPAC, the largest Political Action Committee in the country. Learn about the Realtor® PAC, separate myth from fact, understand what the Realtor® Party does for Realtors®, the industry and consumers, and why you should belong and support RPAC.

Lee Allen, host of Inside the Canopy Files, goes inside neighborhoods around the region, talking with agents on the ground helping to rehab properties, making homes safer and sustainable. Join Lee as he talks with agents about why they volunteer for Realtors® Care Day and the importance of giving back in order to improve our communities, one home at time.

Anne Marie DeCatsye, CEO of Canopy Realtor® Association and Theresa Salmen, Executive Vice President of the Charlotte Regional Commercial Board of REALTORS® discuss their paths to leadership with Lee Allen, 2022 Canopy President and host of Inside the Canopy Files. Listen in as Theresa, who leads the state's largest and most active commercial real estate association, and Anne Marie, CEO of the 16 largest Realtor® association in the country discuss their paths to leadership, what they learned early on in the careers or what they wish they had known, what advice they have for women and sharing their challenges, successes and surprises along the way! 

Charlotte is one of the fastest growing cities in the country! How the Queen City manages that growth will determine how Charlotteans continue to live, work and play. If you own property in the City of Charlotte, you don't want to miss this edition of Inside the Canopy Files! Join Canopy Realtor® Association president Lee Allen along with guests, Brenda Hayden, 2022 Chair of the Real Estate and Building Industry Coalition (REBIC), and Rob Nanfelt, Executive Director of REBIC,  as they discuss recent updates from the City of Charlotte's Planning Team regarding the ambitious efforts of developing Charlotte's 2040 Plan, Policy Map, and UDO and how these policies will impact housing affordability and affect our economic competitiveness within the region and beyond for generations to come.

New Canopy President for 2022 and host of the Inside the Canopy Files Podcast Lee Allen kicks off the new year by speaking with Steve Byrd, Chief Information Officer and Bryan Perkins, Broker Relations Manager about how Canopy is making the latest technology available to benefit Realtors®. The three discuss MLS platforms, predictive analytics, social media marketing, drones and the use of video connect buyers and sellers in today's real estate world much faster!

Incoming President Lee Allen unpacks David Kennedy's year as president. Starting with how foot surgery led him to Charlotte then onto a successful career in real estate and ultimately as President of Canopy.  David shares his thoughts on leadership, the importance of service and what his interviews with past presidents and industry leaders meant to him in his efforts to keep Canopy's 100-year history alive and celebrated. Summed up “Real estate is a human profession. We take aspirations to reality and we remain community focused.”

Productivity in real estate is rarely an accident. It takes a commitment to intelligent planning and focused effort. Just a few minutes with this episode can turn wishes into goals as our hosts David Kennedy and Lee Allen discuss how they wrap up the year, inventory their success, and plan for the future.

UNC Charlotte's Childress Klein Center for Real Estate (CKCRE) just released its third annual State of Housing in Charlotte Report, which was presented by Dr. Yongqiang Chu, Director of the Childress Klein Center for Real Estate (CKCRE).  Inside the Canopy Files podcast hosts David Kennedy and Lee Allen join Dr. Chu, and take a deeper look at the implications of the report, which included a comprehensive inventory of the current housing stock, an analysis of housing affordability across all income levels, and a higher-level comparison of the Charlotte regional housing market. The 2021 report also looked at the new 2020 U.S. Census data and housing in Charlotte over the past decade as well as the effect the pandemic had on the Charlotte housing market this past year.

In 2017, Canopy MLS implemented the “Coming Soon / No Show” status providing a great way to build anticipation for homes that will soon become active listings. The status comes with a strict set of rules regarding when properties can be shown, and our hosts explore how the market's lack of inventory and rapid pace of sales impacts its usage. Hosts David Kennedy and Lee Allen talk to Melanie Coyne of Corcoran HM Properties to shed some light on this topic.

The initial draft of the Charlotte Planning Department's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) looks to revise and consolidate the city's development rules. As the UDO aspires to meet our community's vision of equitable growth, our hosts dive into where the real estate development industry can implement the plan as well as where uncertainty remains.  

Hosts David Kennedy and Lee Allen talk with Realtor® volunteer Joan Goode, who helped to start the Strides to Shelter 5K Walk/Run, as a way to have Realtors® and the public join forces in helping the local homeless population. Also joining the podcast is Debbie O'Handley representing this year's beneficiary, Hope House Foundation, a nonprofit providing transitional housing and supportive services to women and children.

Our hosts David Kennedy, president Canopy Realtor® Association/Canopy MLS and Lee Allen, president-elect take an in depth look at Canopy Housing Foundation's long running, highly collaborative signature community event, Realtors® Care Day. The community-wide home repair project that assists homeowners with exterior repairs and safety modifications for those in need, is an all-hands on deck event that brings together Realtors®, city/county leadership, housing partners, contractors, home inspectors and touches the lives of homeowners as far away as Haywood County in the mountains of NC to Iredell and Mecklenburg Counties here in the southern piedmont. 

Hosts David Kennedy, Canopy Realtor® Association president and Lee Allen, president-elect, reflect on the recent Canopy Housing Foundation Community Grants Celebrations in Haywood County, NC and Charlotte, highlighting the $80,750 Realtors® awarded to grassroots nonprofits, that share the Foundation's mission to address unmet housing needs in the community. Join David and Lee with guests Brian Cagle and Sally Myrick, two dedicated Realtor® volunteers, as they explore the community grants program, examine how grants are awarded, their impact on our community and how volunteering is a personal story.   

In the latest Association podcast, Canopy Realtor® Association President David Kennedy and President-Elect Lee Allen along with their guest, Peter Gallo, Canopy MLS Board of Director and owner/chief appraiser with HomeSight Appraisal, take a long look at appraisals and how they impact the transaction, especially in the current real estate climate of frequent price increases and fast pace of sales.

In this episode of the Inside the Canopy Files, Canopy Realtor® Association President David Kennedy and President-elect Lee Allen open the files on What's Driving this Hot Housing Market. Join them and guest, Debbie Williams, Canopy MLS Board of Director and EVP of Beverly-Hanks & Associates – Downtown Asheville, as they take a look at current conditions driving the national housing market and drill down to the outlook ahead for both the Charlotte and Asheville region.

With the recent high-stakes vote by Charlotte City Council members ultimately, adopting the Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan behind, Inside the Canopy Files hosts David Kennedy and Lee Allen, sit down with guest Alan Banks, President/CEO of Evans Coghill Homes and chair of the Real Estate & Building Industry Coalition (REBIC), to continue the conversation about what the vote means and how the plan impacts affordability, growth and economic development of Charlotte.

The “Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan” is slated to be voted on by City Council June 21 and will determine and influence how Charlotte grows over the next 20 years. Charlotte is one of the nation's fastest growing cities and we need to get this plan right. We want it right because we need to ensure access to quality housing that is affordable to residents calling the Queen city home. David and Lee along with guest Peter Kelly, member of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Zoning Committee and co-founder of Equitable Charlotte, take a deep dive into the plan on how Charlotte can get it right.