I am honored to be interviewed as the first woman for DS New's "Five Minutes With". The DS News article "Five Minutes With" spotlights industry executives, beyond the boardroom, and gets up, close and personal. I had the opportunity to express my view on women, the real estate industry, and ,my mission to educate about the advancements women have made over the years. With over 20 years of real estate experience in my background, I felt I had to personally encourage women to become more active in the homeownership process. Women face challenges from accessing the housing market to purchasing the property, and I offer my expertise about how to avoid the obstacles. To read the full article, click here.

First of all, I just want to thank everyone who has supported and positively influenced NAWRB and our efforts. Second, this week has been very crazy busy, but in a way I am sad it is ending. Starting off the week on Sunday- Monday, I attended WCR in Anaheim and honored to speak. Starting Tuesday and ending today, I have been at the C.A.R. Expo also being hosted in Anaheim. I had the pleasure of speaking on a panel about tackling REO's during the C.A.R. Expo as well. Last night was the Ready, Set, Certify! event at our NAWRB Irvine office. The outcome was higher than anticipated and I was very happy with the event overall. Thank you to everyone who came last night! I hope everyone is enjoying their Thursday! 

I have arrived in Las Vegas to attend another real estate conference and networking opportunity. The 2012 AREAA National Convention is the largest turnout ever, hosting 1,200 attendees. Our Communications Coordinator for NAWRB, Crescent Seward, is also traveling with me during this trip. Tonight is the Short Sale Social I have been planning with Renee Smith. She has done such a great job putting this event together, NAWRB is more than happy to co-sponsor. I will be onsite and participating in this event along with other industry professionals. If you are attending AREAA 2012 or a Las Vegas native and want to learn more about short sales, please join us! To learn more about this event, please click here. 

Will you be attending the AREAA 2012 Conference in Las Vegas this coming week? I will be there and I am looking forward to another great real estate conference. I have had lots of success during past ones, and I feel this one will be just as great. I am traveling with the Short Sale Guru and dear friend, Renee Smith. If you are a resident of Las Vegas or will be in town on 9/24, please RSVP for our Short Sale Social. The first 30 RSVP's will receive an autographed book from Renee! Hope to see you all there! Learn more by clicking on the image to the left.  

I am ecstatic to announce my award presented to me by HousingWire Magazine. The annual Influential Women issue came out this month, and I was nominated as a recipient! I am categorized amongst other women innovators, entrepreneurs and trailblazers in the housing industry. My 20+ years of real estate experience, N Magazine and NAWRB community efforts are highlighted for this award. NAWRB's Community Enhancement Program is something I have put a lot of blood, sweat, tears into, and I feel so rewarded when giving back to the community. Regardless, I could not achieved this status and credit my fellow NAWRB team members along with NAWRB members. Also, it wouldn't be the same without those who sponsor and support NAWRB's mission. To read the full article about my award, click here. 

My time at the Five Star Conference has been well spent and I am enjoying every minute of it. From the academics schedule to the blackouts and fire drills, each day is an adventure and a learning experience. This morning I spoke on The Other Side Of The Coin panel, which talked about the reimbursement process. Both servicers and agents were present to share their expertise, and I'm glad I was included! Also, #ReadySetCertify was this morning and such a success. Back by popular demand, NAWRB hosted another session to educate business owners, especially women, how certification can benefit their business. I am looking forward to going home and enjoying my weekend, but will be looking forward to hearing Bill Clinton speak tonight at the Five Star Conference. 

I am very excited for the last two days, which have been very successful during the Five Star Conference. I spent most of yesterday networking and exploring the different areas of the Five Star Conference. Boy, is the Dallas Hilton huge! I had a great time watching members from NAWRB participating on panels and acting as moderators. It gives me such excitement to see women supporting each other and helping each other advance. Tomorrow will be a very busy day before I head home to Orange County. I will start the morning speaking on the Other Side of the Coin panel which talks about the reimbursement process. I will share my expertise about what works best to expedite this rigorous process. Also, the #ReadySetCertify event will begin tomorrow morning at 10am. I am very excited to host this event and educate women about the benefits of certifying your business. To sign up for #ReadySetCertify, click here.  

After a late flight and landing, I have arrived in Dallas, TX for the Five Star Conference. I am very excited to attend one of the biggest real estate industry conferences. I always get excited about catching up with old friends and making new ones during this time. Cade Holleman, Executive Director of NAWRB, is also traveling with me. I will be speaking on a panel Friday, "The Other Side of the Coin", and encourage you to attend. Also, NAWRB will be stationed at booth 232 in the Great Connection Exhibition Hall. Do you have plans on Friday morning or pre-scheduled for a session? If not, join NAWRB for the popular #ReadySetCertify event at 10am. For more info, click here or tweet me @DesireePatno.

It's the last weekend before school starts and the sun is no where to be found. Two of my sons will be going back to school next week, and I was looking forward to enjoying their last weekend all together. I personally am enjoying the cooler weather, but for typical summer fun, the sun is an important factor. The weather in California has been very different this summer. The last few weeks have been hot and enjoyable, but before that there was a different weather pattern each week. My plants are also enjoying the cool down. I am looking forward to the winter and skiing with my family in Lake Tahoe. What was your favorite summer memory?

I have not been feeling my best the last couple days. It started Thursday and carried through the weekend. The weather was great outside but I am not sure if all this heat and sun is getting to me. It's Monday, so it's time to get back to the grind, sick or not. I've got lots of catching up to do and planning all my traveling destinations is a full time job itself. Stay cool, drink lots of water and enjoy your week!