Latest News

Computer with hands and pen

Paragon Updates: Release 5.93

By Kerri | February 16, 2023 | Comments Off on Paragon Updates: Release 5.93

Paragon has added several enhancements to the NWIA MLS with their latest software update to version 5.93. All enhancements are designed to help you navigate through the system and enhance your experience with Paragon.  Find a list of the enhancements and links to view videos or PDFs of the new features here on our website.

The Paragon MLS Facebook site is also a great place to find the latest news, updates and tips and trick for working in the MLS system.

Denise

Denise Gutierrez Named Next NWIA CEO

By Kerri | January 9, 2023 | Comments Off on Denise Gutierrez Named Next NWIA CEO

Smiling woman in blue shirt with long hair to shouldersThe Northwest Iowa Regional Board of Realtors has announced the hiring of Denise Gutierrez as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer.

Gutierrez brings 18 years of extensive administrative experience to the organization. She spent 14 years in the credit card industry and has been engaged in auto finance for the past four years. She holds an accounting degree from NECC.

Gutierrez says, “Realtors are key to having a vibrant community, and I admire their role as defenders of homeownership and private property rights. I am thrilled to embrace this new opportunity and look forward to working with so many fantastic people across the northwest quadrant of the state.”

Outside of work, she is involved with the PTA and volunteers her time with area youth sports programs. When the weather is nice, her family enjoys spending time together outdoors.

Gutierrez will succeed Kelly Burge, who has served as the organization’s CEO for the last 24 years.  Burge will soon step down to enjoy full-time retirement.

Denise can be reached by calling the NWIA office at (712) 255-8810, or by email at [email protected].

Computer with hands and pen

Paragon Updates: Release 5.92

By Kerri | December 12, 2022 | Comments Off on Paragon Updates: Release 5.92

Paragon has added several enhancements to the NWIA MLS with their latest software update to version 5.92. All enhancements are designed to help you navigate through the system and enhance your experience with Paragon.  Find a list of the enhancements and links to view videos or PDFs of the new features here on our website.

The Paragon MLS Facebook site is also a great place to find the latest news, updates and tips and trick for working in the MLS system.

NWIA BOR Logo

NWIA Seeks Next Executive Officer

By Kerri | December 1, 2022 | Comments Off on NWIA Seeks Next Executive Officer

Due to a pending retirement, the Northwest Iowa Regional Board of REALTORS® is seeking a dynamic Executive Officer to oversee the administration and management of its professional membership organization headquartered in Sioux City, Iowa.  The association provides services and support to 500 members across a 13 county region of the northwestern quadrant of Iowa. The successful candidate will be a strategic problem solver with excellent communication skills.  A leader with effective organizational skills and a vision to empower volunteers, members, and a small (but mighty) staff will excel in this fast-paced and challenging position.

The EO reports to the Board of Directors, administers policies as approved by the Board, and must have a thorough understanding of association governance. Experience working with a board and real estate industry experience is ideal, but not required.

For more information, please see the job description.

Expected compensation range: $60,000 to $73,000. Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate.

TO APPLY:  Send a cover letter and resume to Kelly Burge at [email protected].  The position will remain open until filled.

Computer with hands and pen

Paragon Updates: Release 5.91

By Kerri | September 28, 2022 | Comments Off on Paragon Updates: Release 5.91

Paragon has added several enhancements to the NWIA MLS with their latest software update to version 5.91. All enhancements are designed to help you navigate through the system and enhance your experience with Paragon.  Find a list of the enhancements and links to view videos or PDFs of the new features here on our website.

Paragon also has a video tutorial explaining the new features.

The Paragon MLS Facebook site is also a great place to find the latest news, updates and tips and trick for working in the MLS system.

American flag waving

VA Changes Loan Rules For Veterans

By Kerri | August 30, 2022 | Comments Off on VA Changes Loan Rules For Veterans

The VA has recently announced they will begin to allow veteran borrowers to pay for termite inspections and repairs for VA mortgage loans.  Some of our local purchase agreements have language stating the seller is required to pay for these expenses when VA financing is utilized.

With this change, members are encouraged to inform sellers and make appropriate changes to the language in purchase agreements.

Read the full announcement in the VA Circular found here.

Our thanks to Julie Schmidt at Security National Bank for alerting us to the change.

Computer with hands and pen

Paragon Updates: Release 5.89

By Kerri | June 8, 2022 | Comments Off on Paragon Updates: Release 5.89

Paragon has added several enhancements to the NWIA MLS with their latest software update to version 5.89. All enhancements are designed to help you navigate through the system and enhance your experience with Paragon.  Find a list of the enhancements and links to view videos or PDFs of the new features here on our website.

The Paragon MLS Facebook site is also a great place to find the latest news, updates and tips and trick for working in the MLS system.

Burge Announces Retirement Plans

By Kerri | January 20, 2022 | Comments Off on Burge Announces Retirement Plans

NWIA CEO To Step Down At The End Of 2022

Kelly Burge photoAt today’s Northwest Iowa Regional Board of REALTORS® (NWIA) Board of Directors meeting, Kelly Burge announced her intention to step down as the organization’s Chief Executive Officer later this year.  Her retirement will be effective December 31, 2022.

Initially hired in 1999 by the Greater Sioux City Board of REALTORS®, Kelly has served the organization for 23 years, with nearly 21 of those in the role of Executive Director/CEO. Under her leadership the board has grown from 200 members to nearly 500 today. During her tenure the organization has implemented many state and national standards, upgraded technology and MLS systems, navigated a merger and name change, and continually evolved to meet the needs of REALTOR® members and the real estate industry.

Kelly has been looked to as a leader for statewide projects, including the development and implementation of a statewide Professional Standards Hearing process. Her quick wit and sharp sense of humor have brought light and laughter to the board office, and her inclusive style of leadership has benefitted the board for many years.

“Kelly has such a deep knowledge of the NWIA organization and the real estate industry,” said NWIA Board President Lisa Croston. “It will certainly be a challenge to fill her shoes.”

Kelly has announced her plans now to provide the NWIA Board of Directors ample time to determine the process they wish to use for hiring a new leader, and to give sufficient time for the board to conduct a thorough candidate search and interview process.  Kelly will continue in her role as CEO through the balance of 2022, and will transition to training and mentoring her successor once one is identified.

Kelly is looking forward to a vibrant retirement lifestyle beginning in 2023. She has plans to travel, go boating, enjoy her children and grandchildren, and sit in her pajamas and leisurely sip coffee by the fireplace every morning, rather than rushing out the door to get to work.

NWIA’s Board of Directors will provide regular updates to the membership as plans for identifying a new organizational leader evolve. Those with immediate questions are encouraged to contact NWIA President Lisa Croston.

The Warming Shelter Needs Our Help

By Kerri | October 21, 2021 | Comments Off on The Warming Shelter Needs Our Help
Homeless

The Warming Shelter in Sioux City is a cause that's been close to our hearts for years here at NWIA.  This fall and winter, they need our help as they prepare to open for the upcoming cold weather season. The shelter has a long history of successfully caring for the most vulnerable members of our community by providing assistance and a warm refuge during the cold winter months.

From now to November 12, NWIA will be accepting the following items for the shelter.  Members who prefer can donate cash or check, and NWIA staff will happily purchase needed items on your behalf. 

Items will be delivered to the shelter together by NWIA staff and board members the week of November 15.  We are looking forward to the chance to be of great help as the shelter prepares to open soon.

Please remember that there are NO kitchen services available at the shelter. Items must be individually packaged or microwaveable.

The shelter is currently requesting the following food items:

  • Coffee
  • Hot chocolate
  • Ramen Cup Of Noodles
  • Individually wrapped snacks: crackers, granola bars, fruit cups, chips, etc.)
  • Instant individual oatmeal packets
  • Microwave popcorn bags
  • Breakfast bars or Pop Tarts
  • Bottled water

The shelter is requesting the following non-food items:

  • Disposable paper products: plates, bowls, cutlery
  • Styrofoam coffee cups
  • Napkins or paper towels
  • Liquid laundry soap
  • Medical exam gloves: size medium or extra large
  • Disinfecting wipes or spray
  • All purpose cleaners
  • Ziploc bags: quart and gallon size
  • 55 gallon trash bags
  • Travel sized personal care items: deodorant, shampoo
  • Foot powder
  • Shaving supplies for men and women (razors, creams)
  • ChapStick
  • Large storage tubs
  • New backpacks
  • Men's jeans (any size)
  • New undergarments for men and women

It's our honor to support this worthy cause in the Sioux City community.  Please help us be a blessing to those who need a hand in our area this winter.

**No blankets, sheets, pillows or other bedding is being accepted.**

Computer with hands and pen

Paragon Updates: Release 5.85

By Kerri | September 22, 2021 | Comments Off on Paragon Updates: Release 5.85

Paragon has been updated with new features as part of the downtime on September 22.  See below for information about release 5.85 and the latest enhancements to our Paragon MLS System.

All enhancements are designed to help you navigate through the system and enhance your experience with Paragon.  Below is a list of the enhancements and links to view videos or PDFs of the new features. We encourage you to continue reading and let the company know what you think on the  Paragon MLS Facebook site. Also make sure you click “Like” on the Facebook site to view what’s new with Paragon more frequently.

Paragon MLS Updates Release 5.85