East Greenwich real estate agent Stephen Antoni took the reins last month of the Rhode Island Association of Realtors. The association bills itself as the largest professional organization in the state, representing some 4,300 Realtors.
Antoni, an agent at RE/MAX Professional, recently took some time to discuss his plans as president and the local real estate market.
PBN: Can you tell us a little about some of the initiatives that you would like to undertake as president of the association?
ANTONI: I would d like to continue to enhance communication between our organization and its members. The Rhode Island Association of Realtors has numerous products, services and educational opportunities for Realtors that can help them help their clients.
New offerings are constantly coming out so it’s important that we continue to reach out to all of our members regularly so that they’re aware of the myriad of resources that they can tap into.
I’d also like to start a college scholarship fund for Rhode Island high school seniors that helps build awareness about the importance of housing and its role in the economy. Winners would be picked primarily on an essay submission about housing – not GPA, athletics, or the other things that most scholarships require.
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PBN: It’s been a difficult few years for many agents. What do you tell Realtors facing a tough market?
ANTONI: It’s a unique job that we have and it’s times like this that test our mettle. In good times, it’s much easier to earn a decent living but it can be very difficult when the market goes through a downturn. The true test of a successful real estate career is how well an agent can adapt and change. For example, those who are proactive and take the time to educate themselves during down times become better agents. The trick is to make the most of every situation, in good times and bad.
PBN: Where do you see the Rhode Island housing market in the next year or so?
ANTONI: I see the market continuing to head in a positive direction. I think we’ve seen the bottom and we’re now starting to see upward movement. Fluctuations are still happening but the trends continue to move in the right direction overall. Foreclosures are down, prices are up and interest rates have never been lower. We’re better off than we were a few years ago and I think we’ll be even better off this time next year.
PBN: MBTA service to T.F. Green Airport started this week. Do you think it could spark more activity in the Warwick housing market?
ANTONI: I think the new MBTA service has potential for all of Rhode Island. The median price of a home in Boston is much more expensive than it is here. People could work in Boston, buy an affordable home near the sea in Rhode Island and commute by train, which is inexpensive and fast. We need to capitalize on this opportunity to help Rhode Island grow.
PBN: What about you? Have you always been involved in a real estate? What draws you to the industry?
ANTONI: I got my real estate license in 1998. I’ve always had “people-oriented” jobs having worked previously in the entertainment and advertising industries. What attracted me to real estate was the ability to work with people and help them achieve some of their goals. It’s a great feeling when you’ve helped someone get into the house he or she has been dreaming of.
