As Nevada’s real estate market continues to evolve, industry leadership plays a crucial role in shaping policy, supporting professionals across the state and ensuring pathways to homeownership remain open for Nevadans. We sat down with the incoming president of Nevada Realtors, Sarah Scattinito, to discuss priorities for the year ahead, market trends to watch and where the industry is headed.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
A: I was Battle Born and raised in Reno, Nevada, and my roots here run deep. I attended the University of Nevada, Reno (go Wolf Pack!) where I earned a bachelor’s degree in business management with a minor in marketing. I’ve been in the industry for more than 21 years and work with first-time homebuyers, families relocating to our state, investors and both seasoned buyers and sellers.
Q: As you step into this role, what do you see as the biggest opportunities for Nevada’s real estate market in the coming year?
A: Nevada continues to experience growth in population, economic diversification and business expansion. That growth creates opportunity. We’re seeing more first-time homebuyers enter the market, and more companies relocating or expanding operations, which supports demand for both residential and commercial real estate. The opportunity now is to ensure this growth remains sustainable. That our housing supply keeps pace with demand, and that we maintain an environment where owning a home remains achievable and attainable for Nevadans. Our work in 2026 will emphasize both access and stability.
Q: What are your top priorities as president of Nevada Realtors?
A: First, advocacy. We’ll continue working with state and local leaders to promote policies that encourage housing availability, balanced regulation, fair markets and professional standards.
Second, professional development. Our members are operating in a fast-changing market. We want them equipped with the best data, training, legal guidance and technology tools available.
And third, consumer trust. The American Dream of buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions someone makes. Our role is to ensure Nevadans can work with real estate professionals who represent integrity, expertise and a commitment to their clients.
Q: Housing affordability remains a key concern for families and policymakers. How is the association approaching this challenge?
A: Affordability is a long-term issue that requires many partners working together. Gov. Joe Lombardo recently signed landmark attainable housing legislation that takes a major leap toward expanding the supply of homes for working- and middle-income Nevadans. Assembly Bill 540, which creates the Nevada Attainable Housing Account, targets households up to 150 percent of area median income, and will supply teachers, first responders, health-care workers and young families that are increasingly priced out of the market adequate housing supply they can afford to purchase. The bill also includes new infrastructure financing tools, streamlined local approvals and incentives that reduce regulatory costs so homes can be built faster and more affordably. Realtors Azim Jessa and Bob Hamrick served on the working group that shaped AB 540, ensuring that real-world market expertise informed the final legislation.
Additionally, our organization has been deeply involved in advancing zoning and permitting reforms so that local governments can approve housing more efficiently. We continue to advocate for sensible land-use policies that unlock more buildable land, shorten permitting timelines and allow a wider range of housing types. Together, these efforts are helping create the conditions for more attainable homes, stronger communities and a more stable housing market for Nevada families.
Q: What trends should Nevada businesses and property owners keep an eye on in 2026?
A: We’re watching continued in-migration, especially from more expensive cities like Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles and more, and the ongoing diversification of Nevada’s economy across logistics, manufacturing, health care and tech sectors. These bring new jobs and support demand for both residential and commercial real estate. We’re also watching interest rate movements closely. A stabilizing rate environment would help both buyers and sellers re-enter the market. And on the commercial side, flexible workspace models and industrial development continue to be areas of strong activity.
Q: How would you describe the role of Realtors in the broader business community?
A: Nevada’s economy and real estate market are deeply interconnected. Every new job created, every new business launched and every infrastructure project planned touches housing and land use. Realtors are not just sales professionals; we are market translators, community connectors and advocates for responsible growth. Our members help individuals, families and businesses make informed decisions that shape neighborhoods and drive local economic development. That’s why the health of our real estate market matters for everyone.
Q: What message do you want to share with Nevadans as you begin your term?
A: Our mission is to support the dream and stability of homeownership, protect property rights and strengthen the communities where Nevadans live and work. We’re committed to working transparently, collaboratively and constructively with policymakers, business leaders and consumers. Nevada Realtors are here to be a partner in building a strong future for our state.
