Denise Welsh considers real estate a "professional service" industry. She is committed to providing the highest level of service to her clients, and consistently studies market trends, laws and financial implications of the transaction.
"We help people fulfill their goals by sharing our expertise and knowledge of the market. Helping my clients is a source of pride and gratification. Their well-being and success is my first priority," says Welsh.
A broker associate with Alain Pinel Realtors in Los Altos, Welsh will be installed as 2017 president of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors (SILVAR) on Jan. 19. It is a responsibility she takes seriously.
In an industry laden with new trends utilizing technology and encouraging self-sufficiency, Welsh hopes to promote the value of a professional. She encourages her colleagues to follow the work of the statewide directors as they meet with legislators in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.
"SILVAR is committed to offering real estate professionals outstanding career development and networking opportunities, while also advocating for homeowners and private property rights. I became a state director while we were digging out of the banking and mortgage fiasco in 2009. It was impressive to see the impact Realtors made on helping to define the course correction," says Welsh.
Welsh grew up in West San Jose and is a graduate of UCLA. She was the international marketing manager for a circuit design subsidiary of Honeywell when the company closed the division in 1985. It was then that she turned her sights to real estate, which she felt could provide her some flexibility and professional independence.
"I wanted a job where travel would be minimal so I could spend more time with my family. All my colleagues and friends were buying homes and I wanted to learn about the business, so I could help them," explains Welsh.
Thirty years later, Welsh continues to enjoy her career and has built a diverse clientele from all over the region. Her commitment to excellence has earned her client loyalty, respect within her community, and many professional accolades, including SILVAR's Lifetime Achievement Award and inclusion in San Jose Magazine's list of top 5 percent production agents in Santa Clara County. At SILVAR, Welsh has served as Los Altos/Mountain View District chair, chair of the Grievance Committee, a board director and a California Association of Realtors director.
Despite the honors, Welsh feels her greatest accomplishment is the many friendships she has made among her colleagues and past clients. Welsh takes this task on to her community where she served as Los Altos city commissioner for seven years. She is active in SILVAR's annual Realtor Service Volunteer Program, helping seniors with household tasks they can no longer perform on their own. She participates in Relay for Life and has raised thousands of dollars to benefit research and programs with the American Cancer Society.
Welsh and her husband Mike are residents of Los Altos, where they volunteer in many local organizations, like the Boy Scouts of America and the American Legion. "It's very fulfilling, personally and professionally, to be connected on so many levels with people in my community," says Welsh.
As SILVAR's 2017 president, Welsh plans to focus on serving the needs of the local Realtor group's membership. "With over 5,000 members and a complex market, we need to address a broad spectrum of services to keep our members at the top of their game," says Welsh.
Despite interest rates rising, Welsh has a positive outlook of the 2017 housing market. "We need to watch a couple of the state and federal bills regarding taxation which could significantly impact homeowner decisions in the coming years," says Welsh. "In some market segments we will see a price adjustment, but there will be no free fall. Housing in our area will hold its value."
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.