PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
Josh Greenwald: Our Code, Our Commitment
As Realtors, the “R” we proudly display represents more than membership in an association. It represents a commitment to our clients, our communities, our profession, and to one another. Our Code of Ethics is what raises the “R” and distinguishes us as Realtors.
At the heart of our Code is a principle we all know well: the Golden Rule, to treat others as you would want to be treated. It is simple, timeless, and it works.
Real estate is competitive. We advocate for our clients and often represent different interests on opposite sides of a transaction. But competition should never come at the expense of professionalism, respect, or integrity. We can be strong advocates for our clients while still treating our fellow Realtors with courtesy and cooperation.
It means communicating honestly and professionally with clients and our fellow Realtors. It means respecting showing instructions, presenting offers objectively, honoring commitments, and working together to solve problems. It means disagreeing without being disagreeable. And when challenges arise, it means asking ourselves a simple question: How would I want to be treated if I were on the other side of this transaction?
Our Code of Ethics provides the framework for answering that question. It is not simply a set of rules or a license renewal requirement. Our Code defines our profession. It establishes the standards we voluntarily agree to uphold and communicates to the public that being a Realtor means something more.
Each of us has a responsibility to protect that distinction.
Every conversation, showing, negotiation, email, text, and transaction is an opportunity to raise the “R.” Our clients see how we conduct ourselves. Our fellow Realtors see it. And ultimately, our communities judge our profession by the actions of each of us.
So, let’s challenge ourselves to raise the “R” every day. Follow our Code. Practice the Golden Rule. Compete professionally. Cooperate respectfully. Lead with integrity.
Because when we hold ourselves, and each other, to a higher standard, we strengthen the value of the Realtor brand and elevate our entire profession.
Raise the “R.” Live the Code.
AFFILIATE NEWS
HRCU Named #1 Best-In-State Credit Union by Forbes for 2026
Holy Rosary Credit Union (HRCU) is proud to announce it has been named the #1 Best-In-State Credit Union in New Hampshire for 2026 by Forbes, marking the second consecutive year the organization has been recognized as a Best-in-State credit union.
The annual Forbes rankings, developed in partnership with Statista, evaluate financial institutions based on customer satisfaction and loyalty, including trust, customer service, digital experience, financial advice and fee transparency. The rankings are based on survey responses from approximately 26,000 U.S. residents, along with analysis of more than one million publicly available customer reviews.
HRCU was also recognized by Forbes as a Best-In-State credit union in 2025 and again in 2023, reinforcing the organization’s continued commitment to deliver exceptional member experiences and to strengthen the communities it serves.
New Graduates of Homeownership Fellows
Nine professionals from across the Granite State who work with homebuyers successfully completed the 2025-2026 New Hampshire Housing Homeownership Fellows program. This prestigious program provided participants with a unique opportunity to explore the mortgage finance system and engage in workshops on housing and public policy, economic development, state government issues, and New Hampshire Housing’s homeownership programs.
A highlight of the Fellows program was a visit to Washington, D.C., where participants met with members of New Hampshire’s Congressional delegation and engaged with representatives from national associations in the housing, real estate, banking, and consumer protection industries.
Knowles Honored with Champion Award
Plan NH is proud to announce Randy Knowles as the inaugural recipient of the Plan NH Champion Award, a new recognition established in 2026 to honor individuals and organizations whose extraordinary commitment, advocacy, and generosity strengthen Plan NH’s mission and help create healthier, more vibrant communities across New Hampshire.
His impact on Plan NH began in 1998 when he joined his first Community Design Charrette team in Farmington. Since then, Randy has volunteered on nearly two dozen charrettes, helping communities across the state envision stronger futures through collaborative planning and design.
Plan NH is a New Hampshire nonprofit focused on how the state grows, develops and designs its communities with community design charrettes as it most distinctive program. It was founded in 1989 and is a non-profit organization.
This summer, GMNBR has continued to strengthen connections throughout our communities by bringing members together to give back, celebrate achievements, and build lasting relationships. 
Peg Walsh has been named the 2026 CVBR Realtor of the Year. Peg is a leading agent with Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty, helping clients navigate the New Hampshire housing market. She earned the Rising Star Award at Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty, and has the NAR designations/certifications of Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), At Home With Diversity (AHWD), and Commitment to Excellence (C2EX). 
The Capital Region Board was honored to present Amylee Marion with the 2026 Realtor of the Year. Amylee demonstrates dedication and commitment as a Realtor, as well as being the chair of our Charity Fundraising Golf Tournament, which raised funds for CRBR’s Scholarship Program and local charity. 
Congratulations to Jeffrey Brown, who earned both the Realtor of the Year and Good Neighbor Awards for his outstanding leadership, service, and community involvement. Jamie Provencher was honored as Affiliate of the Year, recognizing his continued dedication, partnership, and support of the board and its members.
What I’ve Learned
Q: Tell me how you got into real estate. What do you remember about those first years?
A: I was initially drawn to real estate investment and took a Massachusetts real estate course in the evenings while teaching in the early 2000s. Little did I know then that this is not a dabble business. Three firms in a row told me they didn’t hire part-timers.
I set the license aside until about 2010, when I moved to New Hampshire looking for a change. I committed to real estate as a full-time career and hit the ground running as the dust settled from the 2008 meltdown. My first year was an introduction to foreclosures, short sales and a tough selling market, with an average of 117 days on the market. It was a great time to absorb the industry and learn to grow with the market.
Q: What is the best advice you ever received?
A: “Shut up.” It really can be that simple in this industry. I had the greatest mentor, Karla Badger, when I started in 2010. I was confident. I thought I knew what was best and that I could explain everything to a client. She taught me to listen—to understand my client’s true goals and craft a path forward with them, not for them.
To this day, I remind myself to ask questions and listen. I even have socks that say “Shut Up,” and I wear them to important meetings.
Q: What advice do you have for someone entering real estate?
A: This is a people business. There are contracts, deadlines, laws, hopes and wins, but at the end of the day, we support people’s dreams and goals. Focus on giving your customers the best experience they could hope for, and prepare for the long haul. Build relationships, budget wisely, follow the experts in your office and ask questions. Your time as No. 1 in the region is coming. Give it time—and don’t step on people to get there.
Q: What has your career meant to you?
A: Real estate has been true to me. I appreciate the flexibility, the ability to shape my schedule and the variety. No two transactions are ever quite the same. But the part I didn’t expect was the lasting relationships—with clients, industry leaders and fellow New England agents. The deals are fun and they pay the bills. The people are the true highlight of the real estate adventure.
Q: What do you do when you’re not working?
A: My spare time is usually outside—in the woods, in a canoe, on a cliff or racing through the woods on a horse. I’m blessed to live in the White Mountains with the outdoors at my front door. My wife, family and I also love to travel. From Canada to Switzerland to Peru, I love experiencing different countries, cultures and landscapes.
Q: What else have you learned?
A: I’ve learned what value homeownership can bring to people. There’s net worth, security, pride and stability, and those values compound over time. That joy of calling a client to say, “They accepted your offer!” is only the beginning. Home is a necessity, and I’m honored to help people through that transition.
Whether buying or selling, a home can mean so many different things to the people on either side of a transaction. I try not to lose sight of that personal component when the numbers want to get in the way. This is not an easy business. But it pays more than a commission.
Backyard Buzz
Brown is 2026 NHAR Good Neighbor
By DAVE CUMMINGS
Jeff Brown, a Realtor with American Dream Real Estate in Manchester, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Good Neighbor Award for his work with Cour Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of New Hampshire. In recognition of Brown’s extraordinary commitment to community service, CASA will receive a $4,000 donation in his honor.
Brown, a member of the Greater-Nashua Board of Realtors, has served as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) for CASA for nearly two years. He has dedicated over 350 hours of unpaid volunteer service since January 2025, advocating for abused and neglected children in family court – visiting children, interviewing families and professionals, and preparing detailed reports for judges.
His work ensures that the voices and needs of vulnerable children are heard and protected during critical legal proceedings.
“CASA of NH has barely half the volunteers it needs to meet the needs of children in our state,” Brown said. “I’m honored to be one of the people who enables the organization to fulfill its mission and to represent the children who need someone to look out for them in court.”
Brown’s personal commitment extends beyond his official duties. He invests his own resources to build trust with the children he serves, purchasing snacks, games, and craft supplies to create a comfortable environment during visits. He routinely travels over 100 miles round-trip to maintain consistent support for children relocated to foster homes.
Brown’s dedication is rooted in his own childhood experiences, fueling his passion to help children avoid the hardships he endured. “I believe I can help children who may be in similar circumstances,” he said. “My hope is that they’ll be able to avoid the variety of issues that I endured as a young man.”
“Jeff has made a lasting impact on the lives of children and families,” said NHAR President Josh Greenwald. “He continues to create safer, more stable environments and stronger communities. His leadership, empathy, and advocacy exemplify the spirit of the Good Neighbor Award.”
For more information about CASA of NH and how you can support their mission, visit casanh.org, or contact speakup@CASANH.org.
In addition to Brown’s top honor, NHAR’s Good Neighbor Working Group was compelled to present an additional award to Karen Haskell of Coldwell-Banker Lifestyles in New London for her volunteer efforts with Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth (CHaD). As a result, CHaD will receive a $1,000 gift from NHAR in Haskell’s honor.
About the Good Neighbor Award: The NH Association of REALTORS Good Neighbor Award recognizes Realtors who make extraordinary commitments to improving the quality of life in their communities through volunteer work.
