2026 RRC President Teresa Pitt, CRS, reflects on the Council’s legacy and her vision for an inclusive, member-driven future.
Teresa Pitt, CRS, associate broker at Howard Perry & Walston Realtor in Raleigh, North Carolina, didn’t begin her real estate journey with a long-term plan—she began it with a need for flexibility and a willingness to embrace change. After relocating to Fayetteville in 1985 due to her husband’s military orders, Pitt balanced supporting her family with contributing financially, working jobs that allowed her to adjust quickly to her husband’s deployments and training. With her husband’s encouragement, she enrolled in real estate pre-licensing classes in 1994. “Looking back, I now realize that my earlier choices were a journey of growth and discovery,” Pitt says. “It is never too late to embrace new opportunities or pursue a dream.”
Teresa Pitt
An early personal experience helped define her approach to the business. After purchasing their first family home in 1991, Pitt felt the process was transactional and lacked shared knowledge. “I felt as though we were not educated about the home-buying or lending process to a certain degree,” she recalls. That moment shaped her commitment to education, transparency and empowering her clients to make informed decisions.
Since entering the industry, Pitt has witnessed dramatic change—from handwritten contracts to digital transactions to virtual showings. Through it all, her foundation remains steady. “The market may shift, and technology may evolve, but integrity, hard work and the power of relationships remain constant,” she says.
Her involvement with the Residential Real Estate Council began in 2004, when her mentor, Myra Zollinger, encouraged her to pursue her CRS Designation. This involvement later evolved into volunteer leadership in 2016. What motivates her continued service? “Our dedicated volunteer leaders, our members, our shared community and honoring the legacy of those who have paved the way before me.” As 2026 RRC President, Pitt leads with purpose, empathy and a deep respect for the profession and people who shape it.
Q: What first drew you to RRC, and what has continued to inspire your involvement over the years?
A: In 2006, as a member and designee, I sought to be ‘in the know’ and actively participate in any opportunities offered at the state level. By attending the state chapter meetings, I forged relationships with volunteers who ensured the members and designees were informed about developments at the Council. Additionally, there was a CRS champion and longtime friend, Rosemarie Doshier, who continuously encouraged me to keep showing up and get involved.
The CRS Designation proved beneficial to both my professional and personal life. The continuous training, educational resources, and networking opportunities provided by the Council at both the national and state levels increased my confidence, enhanced my leadership skills and improved my business bottom line.
Q: How has your involvement with RRC shaped your business, leadership approach and overall perspective on the real estate industry?
A: Being involved with RRC equips me with essential knowledge and education. It is pivotal in developing my skills to deliver exceptional service to my clients. [We have] the opportunity to connect with dynamic, world-class CRS Certified Instructors and leaders who have expertise in diverse topics related to the real estate industry—business best practices, risk management, taxes and mental wellness. We also get to network with fellow designees at our signature events, building referral relationships with fellow agents across the United States and internationally.
I have been actively involved at the local level and with my state associations over the past 16 years but serving at the Council has allowed me to flourish outside the traditional association model. My volunteer experience has been instrumental in helping me think outside the box, connect with fellow dedicated and committed RRC volunteers and elevate my leadership skills. Collaboration, problem-solving, cultivating relationships with both volunteers and our staff, and team building have been vital in preparing me for my current role.
Q: What motivated you to step into leadership within RRC—and eventually say yes to serving as President?
A: My mentors, the members and my state leadership team inspired me to step into leadership. I have always been someone who wanted to work behind the scenes to assist wherever I could. When you have those who believe in you and your ability to serve sincerely, foster a team of trust and camaraderie, and incorporate a bit of fun, it is easy to keep saying yes.
Q: As President, what initiatives or areas of focus are you most excited to champion during your term?
A: I am excited to celebrate the Council’s 50th anniversary in 2026, as we reflect on our rich legacy and significant achievements. I am committed to fostering an inclusive culture that values every voice. I encourage our leaders and committees to actively drive our bold strategic vision, empowering the success of our volunteers, designees and members. My areas of focus will include enhancing member engagement, driving sustainable membership growth, increasing brand visibility, expanding our global influence, supporting leadership development, advancing technology and broadening international initiatives.
Q: What does volunteer leadership mean to you personally, and why is it so essential to the strength and culture of RRC?
A: Volunteer leadership means stepping forward to guide, inspire and support others without expecting anything in return except the spirit and satisfaction of service. It is about serving with dedication, sharing knowledge and fostering a collaborative environment where everyone can thrive.
Volunteer leaders set the tone for organizational culture, embodying values such as integrity, inclusivity and service. Volunteer leadership is critical to our organization’s strength because it fosters a strong sense of community and ownership among members.
When individuals volunteer their time and expertise, they create a culture of engagement, drive, innovation and help develop future leaders. This collective effort ensures the organization remains dynamic, resilient and focused on its missions, leading to greater success for all members.
Q: What advice or encouragement would you offer members—especially those considering getting more involved or stepping into leadership?
A: Show up, be present, be prepared, have fun and be open to where your volunteer journey may lead you! Leadership is about inspiring others, embracing challenges and making a positive impact together.
Q: What challenges are residential real estate professionals facing today, and how can RRC support members in navigating this evolving landscape?
A: Real estate professionals are facing challenges such as low inventory, elevated interest rates and increasingly tech-savvy clients who expect quick responses and digital solutions. Additionally, regulatory changes and the rise of property technology and online platforms are transforming transactions, increasing the need for traditional agents to showcase their value.
RRC can assist members in navigating these challenges by offering high-quality, real-time educational opportunities, professional and leadership development, networking events, business tools, enhanced communication strategies and mentorship. This support will empower our designees to succeed in today’s competitive market.
Q: As you look ahead, what excites you most about the future of the Council?
A: Our ability not only to swiftly shift and adjust to the ever-changing real estate market, but also the confidence that the Council will continue to equip our designees, members, instructors, leaders and staff with the essential tools for success while fostering the development of their leadership skills, which are key to unlocking their full potential.
Q: How do you hope your leadership will shape the experience of today’s members—and influence the future of RRC?
A: My goal as a leader is to inspire members by nurturing a culture of learning, service and inclusion. By approaching each opportunity with curiosity and a spirit of service, everyone finds a place at the table and every voice is valued. While policies and bylaws provide structure, it is our shared creativity, dedication and vision that will shape the future of RRC.
