Jessica Hickok: CEO of Oklahoma Association of REALTORS
The summer months usually see an increase in real estate sales, and I was very curious to gain a better understanding of the impact COVID 19 has had on the Oklahoma real estate market. Who better to interview than Jessica Hickok, the current CEO of the Oklahoma Association of Realtors? The interview was also an opportunity to learn more about the powerhouse championing for REALTORS® in our state.
What impact do you see the current conditions having on the real estate market in Oklahoma, and what do you believe will be the short-term future for real estate in Oklahoma?
The most immediate impact on the Oklahoma real estate market is creating a sellers’ market! While it is only natural for people to think twice about listing their home or buying a new one whenever there is an economic downturn, there is real opportunity for those who are willing to list right now with very low interest rates and a high demand from buyers.
Real estate is more than an indicator of how the Oklahoma economy is doing; it is a driver of the economy, creating jobs for not only REALTORS® but a variety of other jobs in the industry. It is important for the real estate market in our state to be strong, and REALTORS® across our state are committed to ensuring that buyers and sellers have the confidence to continue making transactions by taking safety precautions throughout the real estate transaction.
My advice for anybody who is on the fence about buying or selling right now is to talk to your REALTOR®! You will be put at ease by the precautions they are taking and the professionalism with which they approach the current situation.
Since becoming CEO of Oklahoma Association of Realtors (OAR) in 2016, what accomplishments are you most proud of?
My proudest moments are always when you must fight through adversity.
With the recent COVID-19 pandemic, there was a major threat that our industry would be completely halted for an unknown amount of time. Crunching the numbers, I found there was nearly $6 billion of residential real estate property on the line. Pausing all real estate transactions could be a major factor in crippling our economy and even leaving many people without a home.
The fix was simple, but not easy: real estate needed to be deemed an essential service in any emergency declaration. But the fix is not something that just happens because we want it to: it takes deep-rooted relationships and trust built between industry and government. Fortunately, since I’ve been in Oklahoma, OAR has put a critical focus on government affairs and advocacy, building strong relationships and using our Political Action Committee, one of the largest in the state, to support candidates for office who fundamentally understand properly rights and how crucial real estate is for the Oklahoma economy.
Ultimately, it was those critical relationships with Legislative leaders, executive branch officials and the Governor himself which led to real estate being deemed an essential industry and allowing REALTORS" across the state to keep their businesses and the economy moving.
What was the best piece of advice you were given when you were first starting out in your career?
Keep your head down, and just do your job. Our industry is no stranger to disruption, and it can be distracting when things constantly change. I have learned when the times arc tough, you have to just keep moving.
Who or what has shaped you in your life to become the person you arc today?
I have had a lot of good mentors and coaches throughout my life. The one that stands out the most is my very good friend and first real estate broker, Paul Dizmang. He taught me everything I know about real estate and the industry and also how to serve in a leadership role on a board of directors.
What do you love most about what you do?
I love the people with whom I get to work. At the top of my list is my team, and not just because they make me look good. If you are the smartest person in the room, you arc in the wrong room. When I go to work each day, I am not in the wrong room. I am inspired by the brilliance and creativity that my fellow co-workers exude. I also have the opportunity to work with leadership Learns and members of our association who arc truly leaders in the industry and always challenging each other to think about the future of our industry. I love being around people that continue to help me grow professionally.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned in your career?
Change is inevitable. If we are not changing, then we are becoming stagnant.
What changes have you seen to the Oklahoma real estate market in the last 10 years?
Information and public access to properly data has exploded in a way which is challenging every REALTOR®. Using technology to access the trends in this data and to make them work for you and your clients is essential for real estate practitioners to grow their business.
“Change is inevitable. If we are not changing, then we are becoming stagnant.”
How do you see OAR changing in the next 10 years?
OAR's presence will continue to grow in our state. Our advocacy at the Capitol building in protecting property rights is only gaining strength with three request bills passed in 2019 and the victories this year which I already mentioned.
As REALTOR® associations begin being challenged for supremacy in information and property data, it will he crucial lo highlight another core pillar of the value of your REALTOR® membership. Without a singular voice talking with all levels of government, real estate as an industry would undoubtedly suffer.
What are some of the things you do to strengthen and develop yourself professionally? I attend a lot of conferences in our industry which allow me to meet people and he involved in conversations that are highly relevant to our industry. I read a lot and listen to podcasts. Some of my favorites are HB Women at Work and Skimm’d from The Couch.
What is one thing you enjoy doing when you are not at work?
Spending time on the lake with my family. I love my job, and I love this industry. But we all know lake lite is the best lite!
What is your favorite “Luxiere"?
My favorite indulgence is on•demand Starbucks coffee from the Keurig on my desk. I love coffee honestly what I mean is I need coffee and with modern technology, now it is always within reach!
KATI HANNA IS A PARTNER WITH THE METTISE GROUP and has been consulting with growth stage businesses for over two decades. Her results in business coaching, consulting and leadership development have impacted hundreds of companies across the United States.