Meet Realtor® and MAR member Patty Zuzek! Did you know one of our very own is NAR’s Region 8 Vice President? Learn more below:
How long have you been in the real estate industry?
20+ years
What made you want to become a Realtor®, or get involved in the industry?
I became a Realtor as it was an industry I thought I could make a difference in.
What is your favorite thing about being a Realtor®?
Helping people
What career highlight are you most proud of?
My role as Regional Vice President (RVP) for Region 8 and other leadership roles through my local and state associations.
What are your primary responsibilities in your role as Region 8 Regional Vice President?
The role of the RVP is to oversee the work of the association and serve as the NAR spokesperson for their region in which we serve. They attend the regions conferences and chair regional caucuses to conduct regional business affairs and exchange information. As the RVP we are the liaison between our members, associations and NAR to help our members and associations. The RVP may identify problems or opportunities within the region and assist whenever needed.
As a NAR spokesperson for our region, what do you see as the 2-3 key topics or issues Realtors® should be paying attention to in Region 8?
- Housing supply is the number one issue for consumers and our industry.
- Inventory, Supply and Affordable Housing Priorities.
- Continuing the advocacy agenda that NAR has put forth and remaining relevant in the discussions on topics that impact housing and our industry.
- Inventory, Supply and Affordable Housing
- Fair Housing Priorities
- FHFA’s LLPA fee increases
- Continuation of the ‘That’s Who We R” campaign. Remaining relevant to consumers and articulating what it is that we do as Realtors® and the impact we have not only to our consumers but to our communities as well.
- Sharing with our members the tools that NAR has available for them to share “Who We R” and so much more.
Who or what inspires you in your career?
My parents and grandparents have always inspired me. The inspiration they gave me was to work hard, give back and always do what is right.
What’s something an outsider wouldn’t know about the real estate industry?
One thing I have heard from several of my clients is that I make it look easy. It is not always easy but our job is to make it look easy to the client as we are there to make it a great experience for them.
How do you give back to your community?
I believe a REALTOR needs to be part of the community. I currently am very active in all three levels of our associations. I am also the Chair to the Special Board of Equalization for Dakota County, and serve as a member of Lakeville Planning Commission. I share on a regular basis the statics of both new construction and existing homes market to the cities in which I work and have become a resource to our local representatives when there are issues that impact real estate. Be the community and be the resource. If you don’t someone else will and it may not be the accurate information.
What are your hobbies, and how did you get into them?
My hobbies are being with family, cooking, golf, the great outdoors (hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing), yoga and an avid wine enthusiast. I got into them as they were things that bring me joy.
Are you more of an extrovert of an introvert?
I know this will shock the heck out of everyone, but I am actually an introvert who has had to learn to be an extrovert in my career and volunteer world.
What’s one thing that can instantly make your day better?
A smile from another person brings me so much joy. Imparticular if it is from one of our kids or grandchildren.
How do you take your coffee?
With a bit of cream…. As my mother called the Swedish way.
What would be the first thing you’d do if you won the lottery?
If I won the lottery, which I will never as I don’t play. I would start a non-profit to help others. Not certain what that would look like but there are a lot of people in need.
What is your favorite thing to do or place to visit in Minneapolis?
Go to a Twins Game.