Serving with Purpose: Alicia Porter's Commitment to Iowa Real Estate

For those who know Alicia Porter, one thing is clear: she values doing things the right way. That mindset has guided her throughout her real estate career and made serving as vice chair of the Iowa Real Estate Commission a natural fit.

As the state's regulatory body, the Commission helps protect the public through the licensing and regulation of Iowa's real estate brokers, salespersons and firms.

"I love problem solving and serving clients to the best of my ability," Porter, who was appointed to the IREC for the first time in 2023, says. "In real estate the best agents are always learning and striving to work together to overcome challenges for our clients.” 

Now serving her second three-year term on the Commission, Porter says the experience has been both rewarding and educational.

“Our industry has faced many challenges over the last few years and I am honored to serve our members to continue improving the industry as we work through these challenges together,” she says. “I have had the pleasure of working alongside some amazing brokers and agents in this position.” 

Serving on the Commission has given Porter a greater appreciation for the responsibility that comes with protecting consumers and upholding Iowa real estate law, while also reinforcing her beliefs on accountability.

“It has given me a deeper understanding of our regulations and laws,” she says. “It has prepared me to face and work through some of the toughest challenges our industry faces today. Accountability is a must in my book. If laws are broken, the situation needs to be handled so the licensee understands the law and avoids repeating the same mistake. Our industry will only improve when we all work together to the best of our ability.” 

She also hopes REALTORS® understand that the Commission operates within the laws and regulations established for it.

“Most times, our regulations and laws are beneficial, but there have been times when those same regulations and laws ‘tie our hands’ in difficult scenarios,” she says. “We can only work within our boundaries. When we have wanted to go beyond those boundaries but have been unable to, we are sometimes not viewed in a favorable light.” 

While her appointment to the IREC was a natural progression and fit for Porter, she hopes other REALTORS® seek out similar opportunities, whether with their local, state or national boards. Afterall, the strength of the real estate profession depends on REALTORS® who are willing to serve beyond their own businesses.

"Our industry is only as good as our weakest members," she says. “Without those who serve not only their own clients but also our REALTOR® members, we definitely wouldn't be where we are today.  Extraordinary strides have been made in our industry and they have only been accomplished because of those who truly have a servant's heart.” 

For those REALTORS® considering leadership or volunteer opportunities, Porter’s advice is simple:

“Keep doing what you are doing! It takes a lot of character to be a strong leader and volunteer to make not only our industry, but the towns we serve and the state we live in a better place,” Porter says. “You also get to be surrounded by some amazing people who have a servant's heart, and that is what we should all strive for in this life.”