Clark Premier Realty Group, Bowie, Maryland
How did you first get involved with real estate?
I started in an administrative role in the property management department at a small boutique real estate firm in Georgetown. I was impressed with everything I saw there and decided to take the class and get my license. I was licensed in 2002 and have enjoyed the journey ever since.
When did you get your CRS Designation?
It was eighteen years ago. I am passionate about real estate education, so it was a no-brainer that I needed to obtain one of the top designations in the industry. And while I obtained my designation early on in my career, I did not truly leverage all its benefits until 2018 when I began volunteering with the Maryland/D.C. leadership board. There is where I learned that Sell-a-bration® is a do-not-miss conference. This year, I was a first-time attendee, and it was an amazing experience. I had not gone in previous years because the date conflicted with family birthday celebrations, so I was excited when the date was changed, and I definitely won’t miss another one.
Are you involved with other RRC activities?
I am all in! This year I was installed as the Maryland/D.C. state president. It has been an amazing year! We just finished one of our main events, the Mid-Year Night Out. This event occurs during the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) annual legislative meetings in D.C., making it a great opportunity to connect with RRC members across the globe for a night of networking and fun.
As president this year, I aim to expand the hosting of educational classes and opportunities for our members. We just completed the Probate Certification course last month and will be offering the Divorce Certification course in September. Additionally, I’ve been working on setting up lunch-and-learns and happy hours across the state to strengthen our connection with other RRC members.
What is your primary client focus?
I’m huge on real estate education as a way to ensure my clients are making informed decisions. With major changes coming to the real estate industry, my focus is developing strategies to help new buyers overcome hurdles to homeownership, especially when it pertains to credit, savings and financial literacy. I partner with various nonprofit organizations in the D.C. Metro area to help buyers work through those challenges, leveraging resources like grant programs to assist with downpayment and closing costs, programs that help them understand credit so they can meet financing guidelines, and so on.
What are some other areas of community service that you are interested in?
I get energized about working with our youth. When I was in the sixth grade in Los Angeles, I was the first recipient of the I Have a Dream Foundation Scholarship extended to my graduating class. The program offered us $1,000 per year for a 4-year program at any college. And while the scholarship was great, it was the mentorship and exposure to work and volunteer opportunities they provided from sixth-grade graduation until high school graduation. Having that experience inspired me to do something in return. Now, I partner with the Prince George’s County public school system on an apprenticeship program for high school students with an interest in real estate. I have also partnered with the Federal Housing Finance Agency to speak to their high school and college interns about entrepreneurship.
My firm also partners with local non-profit organizations. We have an ongoing partnership with Phil and Syl’s Foundation, Inc. which was formed to fight hunger in our local community. We also have a partnership with Allenwood Elementary School providing education and resources to the students and parents.
Cherice Clark, CRS, achieved the CRS Designation in 2006. She can be reached at cherice@clarkpremiergroup.com or 202-421-5011.
Photo: Adam Auel
