This yearʼs Realtor of the Year event was held at La Fonda on the Plaza featuring a masquerade theme for Realtors and their guests. Proceeds from the event, along with auctioned items (including a travel award), will be donated to Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity. Habitat staff members were on hand to thank attendees for their support and commitment to affordable housing in Santa Fe.
The Santa Fe Association of Realtors (SFAR) honored Andrea Dobyns with the 2024 Realtor of the Year award on Friday evening at the annual dinner ceremony. Andrea served as the associationʼs president in 2022 and was awarded Rookie of the Year in 2017. She has served in numerous volunteer leadership roles at the local and state associations during her eight years as a member of SFAR. Her Realtor nominees acknowledged her professionalism, moral compass and keen volunteerism. As a former Santa Fe police officer, Andrea has generously committed to helping Realtor members stay safe using her experiences to regularly offer Realtor safety courses. Andrea is a broker with EXP Realty. Her daughter, Gabby, is a talented athlete, and Andrea enjoys supporting her varied ice skating and gymnastics endeavors in her spare time. At the dinner, Andrea was completely surprised as she accepted the Realtor of the Year award.
The Realtor of the Year award is one of the highest honors given to a Realtor and the Realtor is selected based on how he/she upholds and exemplifies the Realtor Code of Ethics, industry professionalism, participation in local, state and national Realtor associations and community service.
Robert “Bob” Dunn, qualifying broker of Robert Dunn Real Estate, received a Lifetime Achievement award for his nearly 50-year commitment to professionalism and volunteer service to the industry. Bob has served in numerous volunteer capacities with both state and local Realtor associations and as a commissioner for twelve years on the New Mexico Real Estate Commission. Bob is a strong advocate of Realtor education and has been an instructor of many courses throughout his Realtor career.
Catherine “Catie” Ish, SFeS (meaning a “Santa Fe Specialist,” someone trained in all aspects of buying and selling property in Santa Fe), a broker affiliated with Barker Realty, was honored with the 2024 Rising Star of the Year award. Since her start in real estate, Catie has become an active member on the associationʼs board of directors. In addition to her real estate career, Catie serves on the board of Santa Fe Girls On The Run. Her Realtor nominees noted her professionalism, enthusiasm and positive attitude working with others.
The 2024 Affiliate of the Year award was given to Ashley Hurtado. Ashley began her career offering professional title and escrow services in 2021 with Guardian Mortgage. She is a member of the associationʼs affiliatesʼ committee, fondly known as the A-Team, serving as president this year. She has offered her exceptional services to support many first-time homebuyers effectively navigate the home-buying process here in Santa Fe. She is always ready to offer a helping hand to the local real estate community.
John Hancock, a broker with Barker Realty, received a Special Recognition award for his over 40 years of service and volunteerism with the association. John has faithfully served as the association ʼs landlord and as a member of SFARʼs professional services, grievance, bylaws, real estate weekly and commercial council committees through the years. John also serves as a board member of Santa Fe Prep School. His Realtor nominees applauded Johnʼs commitment to excellence and his generous spirit and finding time to always offer his expertise.
Lastly, Steve Riemann, owner of Santa Fe Title Co., was honored with a Years of Service award for his longstanding 40-plus years of service and dedication to the real estate industry through professional title services and education. Steve has received other honors, including the associationʼs Affiliate of the Year award in 2003 and “The Golden Apple” award from Kaplan Professional Schools for Educational Excellence. Steve continues to support SFARʼs Santa Fe Specialist designation program service as the programʼs Property Title instructor.
Paco Arguello is Chief Executive of the Santa Fe Association of Realtors. Contact him at 982-8385 or paco@sfar.com
