I have been a member of the Greater Phoenix chapter of the Asian Real Estate Association of America since 2016. Since becoming president, it’s been an honor to represent AREAA on several occasions, speaking at AREAA-sponsored events with Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo.

AREAA Global Alliance

Once you’re a member of AREAA Greater Phoenix, you can join AREAA Global Alliance. This will give you access to Travel with Passport and experience a global real estate experience.

In September, our AREAA Global Alliance group will travel to South Korea to meet with real estate industry leaders, tour new developments and strengthen international relationships. This experience creates a valuable platform for our agents to expand their knowledge and opportunities to market and sell properties abroad while building meaningful global connections.

AREAA National Convention

AREAA Greater Phoenix is also excited to join the AREAA National Convention this October in Dallas, and we invite all members to attend this outstanding event filled with networking, education and industry insight.

Local events

This October, AREAA Greater Phoenix will also host our annual Market Update, and we are honored to welcome back for a second year Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of REALTORS®.

One of the most anticipated events each year is our Gala, where we dress to impress while honoring our sponsors and board members for their continued support. The Dragon Dancers remain a favorite tradition and highlight of the evening.

Personal impact

AAREA has helped so many of our members to succeed in real estate. For me, real estate has never been about selling homes. It’s about listening carefully, understanding life transitions and helping people move through some of the most emotional and important decisions they will ever make. No matter the price point, my approach remains the same: listen first, serve second and guide with clarity and compassion.

I believe one of the most overlooked skills in real estate is the ability to truly hear people. My role is to remove as much of that pressure as possible. I take the time to understand what matters most to my clients, where they are emotionally and what outcome they are seeking.

I hear the word “luxury” used often in this industry, and while I certainly work in the luxury market, I define luxury differently. To me, homeownership itself is a luxury. Having a place to call home, creating stability, building equity and passing wealth from one generation to the next — that is true luxury.

Yvonne McFadden is 2026 president of AREAA’s Greater Phoenix chapter.