Voices of Real Estate

Last week, the Leadership Team traveled to Texas for our monthly meeting, and we just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to spend some time with the extraordinary Ebby Halliday. In fact, Ebby, along with her assistant Betty Turner, and her partner Mary Frances Burleson, as well as several other members of the MetroTex Association of REALTORS® and the Texas Association of REALTORS®, joined us for dinner one evening, and I just have to share what Ebby said to the group.

First, Ebby welcomed everyone to Texas and mentioned that she was sorry about the 100 degree-plus weather. Certainly, the venue – Nick & Sam's Restaurant – made up for it because it was dark and cold. (You can always count on Ebby to give it to you straight.)

Ebby also commended the Leadership Team on their good work in making REALTORS® jobs easier, especially in these trying times nationwide.

But it was the topic of her longevity that really brought us all to life. Ebby told the story of one of her agents calling her for assistance in getting a one-time showing of a property in Highland Park. Ebby made the call, and the housekeeper answered and said, “The lady of the house isn't in, could she return your call?” Ebby said, “Yes, please ask her to call Ebby Halliday at this number." The housekeeper said, "Who should she ask for?" – to which Ebby said "Ebby Halliday". The housekeeper replied, "Lord, is she still alive?"

We roared with laughter. Those of you who experienced my interview with Ebby at our Midyear Legislative Meetings in Washington, D.C., will remember that Ebby’s sense of humor and positive outlook are just two of the many things that make her so special.

She also has a great knack for making us feel special, too. In fact, the Dallas Business Journal recently interviewed Ebby and asked, “What was the single most defining moment in your career?” she answered: “Perhaps the most defining moment of my long career was recently being flown to Washington, D.C., to act as honorary chairwoman for a two-day celebration of the 100th birthday of the National Association of Realtors®.”

Ebby said that we couldn’t have picked a better President for our Centennial Year. As flattering as that is, I know that Ebby Halliday could run circles around me any day. There is NO ONE who could serve as chair of our Centennial. Thank you, Ebby, for being an inspiration to us all. – Dick Gaylord, 2008 NAR President