NAGS HEAD, NC — From helping families displaced by fire to awarding scholarships to local students and advocating for private property rights, the Outer Banks Association of REALTORS® (OBAR) continued making a meaningful impact across Dare and Currituck counties during the first half of 2026.

The Association's 2026 Mid-Year Strategic Plan Update highlights progress across all six priorities of OBAR's 2026–2028 Strategic Plan: governance, advocacy, community outreach, professional development, communications and MLS innovation. These accomplishments reflect the dedication of REALTOR® volunteers, community partners, and Association leadership working together to strengthen both the real estate profession and the communities they serve.

· Highlights from the first half of 2026 include: Raising more than $21,000 through OBAR's Charity Golf Tournament and Charity Bowling Tournament to support scholarships and disaster relief.

· Awarding eight $1,500 scholarships, investing $12,000 in local graduating seniors. Providing $3,000 each to four families displaced by the Shallowbag Bay fire through the OBAR Disaster Relief Fund in partnership with Interfaith Community Outreach and the Outer Banks Community Foundation.

· Securing Fair Housing Month proclamations from Dare County and all six Dare County municipalities, reinforcing OBAR's commitment to equal housing opportunities.

· Expanding advocacy efforts at the local, state and national levels to protect private property rights and promote policies benefiting coastal North Carolina.

· Enhancing professional education, member communications and MLS technology to better equip REALTORS® to serve consumers.

"Our Strategic Plan is much more than a roadmap—it is a commitment to our members and the communities we serve," said Janice Scarborough, President of the Outer Banks Association of REALTORS®. "Every accomplishment in this report reflects the dedication

of volunteers who generously give their time and expertise to strengthen our Association and make a lasting difference throughout the Outer Banks."

Scarborough also expressed her gratitude to those who helped make these achievements possible.

"I would like to sincerely thank our committee volunteers, CEO Willo Kelly, our outstanding staff, and the Board of Directors for their unwavering commitment to the success of the Outer Banks Association of REALTORS®. Their leadership, collaboration and countless volunteer hours have turned our Strategic Plan into meaningful action that benefits our members, our communities and the consumers we serve."

In addition to expanding community outreach, OBAR strengthened its organizational foundation by adopting new governance policies, including an Artificial Intelligence Policy, increasing legislative engagement, enhancing member education and communications, and continuing to modernize its Multiple Listing Service. Together, these efforts reinforce OBAR's role as a trusted advocate for homeowners, private property rights and the real estate industry.

As the Association enters the second half of 2026, OBAR will continue advancing its Strategic Plan by expanding advocacy initiatives, enhancing professional development, strengthening member engagement, advancing MLS innovation and measuring strategic outcomes to ensure continued value for REALTORS®, consumers and the communities they serve.

"REALTORS® are more than real estate professionals—we are neighbors, volunteers, community advocates and leaders," Scarborough said. "Every hour our volunteers invest and every initiative they champion reflects our commitment to making the Outer Banks an even better place to live, work and own property. I couldn't be prouder of what our members, volunteers, community partners, Board of Directors, CEO Willo Kelly and our exceptional staff have accomplished together."