The Long Island real estate market is always shifting, and 2026 starts with a meaningful change at the local level. The Long Island Board of REALTORS® (LIBOR) installed a new president and leadership team who are focused on strengthening the profession, supporting housing advocacy, and helping both REALTORS and the public navigate an evolving market.
In January 2026 LIBOR held its annual Installation and Awards Event where Shaan Khan was officially installed as the 85th President of the organization. He leads an executive committee that includes President-Elect Yvette Clark Watkins, Secretary-Treasurer Renée Hughes, and Immediate Past President Mark Donnelly.
This leadership change matters for Suffolk County both directly and indirectly. Here’s why.
1. A Clear Focus on Professional Standards and Consumer Trust
Shaan Khan’s leadership is grounded in governance, collaboration, and ethical service. He brings experience from his work as a licensed broker and owner of a local real estate firm in Melville, and a commitment to professional standards that help protect buyers and sellers alike.
That matters because when REALTORS hold each other to high standards, it creates a stronger market environment. Buyers and sellers can feel confident that transactions are handled responsibly and transparently.
The leadership transition reinforces LIBOR’s role as a local authority on real estate practice. This helps reduce confusion for people who are trying to understand how the market works and what to expect when they buy or sell. Good leadership at the association level tends to raise the bar for all practitioners, which improves the experience for consumers.
2. Continued Focus on Community and Housing Advocacy
2026 starts with a renewed emphasis on housing advocacy and community development. LIBOR has signaled that part of its mission this year will be to support efforts that expand access to housing and address issues like affordability.
For homebuyers in Suffolk County that means LIBOR is likely to stay involved where housing policy affects you. Local housing policy can influence:
- zoning and land use decisions
- funding for affordable housing programs
- public understanding of market conditions
These are not abstract issues. They influence how quickly homes are built, which parts of the market move faster, and where price pressures are easing or tightening.
3. Local REALTOR Engagement Means Better Market Information
Another part of LIBOR’s 2026 plan is to bring more member involvement and fresh perspectives into the conversation. That can translate into better educational programs, more data sharing, and more organized support for REALTORS who serve Suffolk County clients.
As REALTORS connect with schools, business organizations, and professional development opportunities, they bring those insights back to their clients. Simply put, when professionals are learning and talking together, the quality of service improves.
4. Infrastructure Enhancements Like the New Headquarters Matter
This might seem like inside baseball, but the association’s physical infrastructure can impact the local real estate ecosystem. Last year LIBOR opened a modern headquarters in Melville that provides training rooms, production facilities, and collaborative space for REALTORS.
Better facilities help REALTORS stay informed and connected. That benefits you because it means agents can access better tools and resources when they serve your needs.
What This Means for You in Suffolk County
If you are thinking about buying or selling a home in 2026, here are the key takeaways from the LIBOR leadership shift:
- Expect more professional guidance from agents aligned with an organization focused on ethical standards.
- Housing advocacy efforts continue, which can influence market conditions over time.
- Market insights may improve as REALTOR education and engagement expand.
- You get a more informed local agent when professionals have access to organized support and resources.
The leadership change at LIBOR is not a headline for headlines sake. It reflects a broader effort to strengthen the real estate profession on Long Island so buyers and sellers can benefit from trustworthy support and clearer market guidance.
If you want help reading what this means for your next move in Suffolk County, tell me the town you are watching and I’ll break it down for you.
