2026 Atlanta Real Estate Outlook

Chief Economist FMLS

Leslie is a consultant and housing market analyst who has been active in the real estate industry for 40 years. She was Vice President and Chief Economist for the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) from 1984 – 2020, directing the analysis of housing market and brokerage industry trends, broker relations, and membership development activities.

She is currently Chief Economist for FMLS providing bi-monthly commentary on the economy and housing market. Appleton-Young earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and her master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

NAR Special Advisor, Brokerages

Chris is a veteran real estate executive with over 40 years of industry experience. She began her career in banking before entering real estate in Ontario, Canada, in 1982 and rising through leadership roles at Royal LePage.

She later held senior executive positions with Real Living Network Services, Prudential California Realty, and Coldwell Banker Real Estate. In 2008, Chris was named CEO and president of Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, where she helped grow the brand into one of Realogy’s largest. In 2019, she became president and CEO of Realogy’s Expansion Brands Portfolio, overseeing Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate and ERA Real Estate.

Chief Operating Officer, Leadering Real Estate Companies of the World®

As Chief Operating Officer for Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (LeadingRE), Kate guides the design and implementation of operations to help solidify the company’s position as the
global authority on interrelated real estate services.

A licensed real estate broker, Kate joined LeadingRE in January 2019 as Executive Vice President, Member Services, focusing on member engagement, performance, and satisfaction, as well as the core
referral program, which generates over 19,000 member-to-member referrals annually.

Her leadership role expanded into other key operational areas, such as marketing and events, including LeadingRE’s flagship Conference Week. Based on the scope of her responsibilities and the value of her
contributions, she was promoted to COO in August 2023.

Prior to joining LeadingRE, Kate served as Regional Director, Relocation and Client Development for a national franchise. Other experience includes working as Vice President and Director of Relocation
Services for a Chicago-area real estate firm and as a Regional Director of Business Development for a relocation management company.