COEUR d’ALENE — The Coeur d’Alene Association of Realtors named Jan Leaf its 2018 CAR Realtor of the Year on Sept. 18.

The award is given annually to a local who “demonstrates to the general public the personal and professional accomplishments of Realtors,” said CAR’s Julie George. As the CAR Realtor of the Year, Leaf will represent CAR at the 2018 state convention as a candidate for the 2018 Idaho Realtor of the Year, according to George. The award dates back more than 45 years.

Leaf is an Idaho native and has resided in Kootenai County since 1992. Leaf has been in real estate for 14 years. She is an associate broker with Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty in Coeur d’Alene.

Leaf credits her drive to her maternal grandmother, “Nanny,” and grandfather, “Sweetheart.”

“Jan has been a workaholic forever and has built a couple of successful businesses. She likes to compete with herself and do better than the year before,” said her personal assistant, Julie Fisher.

“Their home was one that always had an extra plate at the table for someone less fortunate. That is what drives her most, is to remember that this is our community and we need to take care of everyone. And for that reason, she is involved with the homeless, mealless, elderly and kids,” Fisher said.

George said Leaf is a member of the Circle of Excellence, earned CRS and GRI designations, has mentored agents and taught classes in her office to encourage them to always do their best, has been a major donor of RPAC, and has served on the MLS/CAR boards and pro standards committee.

Leaf is also active in her church and in the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce, and is a volunteer on community outreach, membership, and RPAC committees. George added that Leaf has won additional awards in the past through her professional excellence and her passion to help the homeless, hungry, and the elderly.