Keys to the Emerald Coast

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Think Area Property Tours are only for REALTORS® with a listing on the tour? Think again!

In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, Maria Howell and Melissa Skoniecki clear up some of the biggest questions and misconceptions surrounding ECAR’s Area Property Tours, and share why this member benefit deserves a spot in your business strategy.

From getting your listings on tour and signing up for area communications to gaining valuable seller feedback, creating content, networking with fellow REALTORS® and affiliates, and becoming more knowledgeable about the markets you serve, there’s a lot more to Area Tours than simply walking through houses.

Whether you have a property to showcase or just want to get out and learn your market, grab your keys, it’s time to take the tour!

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Ready to get involved at ECAR but not sure where to start?

In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, Maria Howell and Melissa Skoniecki shake things up with a little committee round robin, pulling names from a bucket and breaking down the many ways members can get involved in 2027.

From Professional Development and YPN to CAMO, RPAC, Global, Property Management, and more, discover what happens behind the scenes, where your interests and experience might be a good fit, and how volunteering can connect you with your association, your community, and fellow members. With 2027 committee sign-ups open today 9/23/2026, consider this your inside look before you raise your hand!

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What’s next for REALTOR® education and what happens when associations work together to bring more value to their members?

In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, Maria Howell and Melissa Skoniecki welcome our neighbors from the Central Panhandle Association of REALTORS®, CEO Kaydee Albritton and President Catherine Anderson, for a conversation about collaboration, evolving member needs, and the upcoming Next Gen REALTOR® Summit.

From rethinking traditional education to bringing nationally recognized speakers and fresh learning formats right here to the Panhandle, Katie and Katherine give us a preview of what REALTORS® can expect from two packed days designed to help them learn, grow, and stay ahead in a changing industry.

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What can happen when you go from wondering what your association does for you to discovering everything it has to offer?

In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, Maria Howell and Melissa Skoniecki sit down with Samantha Lapomardo, candidate for ECAR’s Niceville Area Director, to talk about the experiences that inspired her to get involved and eventually pursue a seat on the Board of Directors.

From leadership development and community service to supporting fellow REALTORS® and bringing fresh ideas to the table (along with some really good sourdough), Samantha shares why finding your voice, making connections, and getting involved can change the way you see your association—and your profession.

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What happens when you dip your toe back into volunteering and suddenly find yourself running for leadership?

In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, Maria Howell and Melissa Skoniecki sit down with Lisa Norton, candidate for ECAR Assistant Treasurer, to talk about her journey through real estate, volunteer leadership, and years of service on ECAR’s Budget & Finance Committee.

From why financial transparency and strong reserves matter to the relationships and opportunities that come from getting involved, Lisa shares the experiences that brought her back to association leadership, and why investing your time in ECAR can pay dividends far beyond the committee room.

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What does it really mean to step up and lead?

In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, Maria Howell and Melissa Skoniecki sit down with Sherrie Salas, ECAR’s current Treasurer and incoming Vice President, to talk about her path through volunteerism and leadership. Sherrie shares how getting involved has strengthened her business, expanded her knowledge, and shaped her approach to serving ECAR’s members.

From advocacy and association involvement to preparing for the years ahead, hear why Sherrie believes great leadership starts with showing up, staying informed, and always putting members first.

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It’s election season at ECAR! In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, hosts Maria Howell and Melissa Skoniecki sit down with Melissa Jolley, candidate for ECAR’s Niceville Area Director, to talk about her journey from new REALTOR® to active volunteer and now board candidate. Hear what inspired her to get involved, what she’s learned along the way, and why staying informed and having a voice in your association matters!

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What does RPAC actually do for REALTORS®? Maria Howell and Melissa Skoniecki are joined by Cindy Burge and Melissa Strange to talk advocacy, RPAC’s impact, and ways members can get involved. 

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What does it mean to leave a legacy that extends far beyond real estate?

In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, hosts Maria Howell and Melissa Skoniecki sit down with longtime REALTOR® and community leader Linde Bowman for a heartfelt conversation about leadership, resilience, and the power of giving back. Discover how one family's journey inspired a lasting impact on the Emerald Coast and why serving your community can be one of the greatest investments you'll ever make.

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What does it take to protect a real estate transaction in today's market?

In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, Maria Howell and Melissa Skoniecki sit down with  Lydia Pelegrina of McNeese Title for a conversation that goes beyond the closing table. From building meaningful industry relationships to navigating some of the biggest challenges facing real estate today, Lydia shares insights every real estate professional should hear.

Tune in to discover why the strongest transactions start long before closing—and why staying informed has never been more important.