Help Line
3/31/2004As the old saying goes, "There's strength in numbers." That is especially true when it comes to REALTORS. According to the Toledo Board of REALTORS, the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) has just reached the one million-member milestone. What does this mean to the consumer?
NAR members are positive forces in cities and towns all across the
country. REALTORS take a personal interest in improving the communities in which they live through volunteer service and advocacy. REALTORS are involved in volunteer activities that improve the quality of life locally, such as NAR's "Good Neighbor Awards" program, which recognizes REATLORS who make extraordinary community service commitments.
REALTORS help families in crisis, abused and neglected children, young people, the homeless and many other community members in need of assistance. NAR's Good Neighbor program not only recognizes such good deeds but also inspires other REALTORS to follow the example of their fellow members. It stands to reason that the more REALTORS there are the more widespread the spirit of community-mindedness will be.
On the political front, NAR -- as the largest trade association in the industry -- is a powerful presence in Washington, D.C., in Columbus and locally on behalf of American homeowners.
REALTORS and lawmakers at all levels of government--local, state and national--form a partnership that works to defend homeowner rights throughout the year. Having so many members strengthens the impact of the real estate industry's message to legislators--effectively turning up the volume on real estate issues important to Americans.
Working together to lead their communities and neighborhoods, REALTORS and our elected officials share a commitment to create strong communities in which to live and work. By focusing on key public policy objectives, REALTORS and legislators contribute to a sound real estate market that has served as the pillar of the U.S. economy.
For the nation and real estate industry to continue to prosper, REALTORS works with lawmakers on such issues as:
•Affordable housing opportunities
•Minority home ownership
•Down-payment assistance for low-income, first-time homebuyers
•Credit score disclosure
Who are the one million REALTORS? NAR decided to take a closer look at its members to determine who they are and what attracted them to the profession. The 2003 NAR Member Profile reveals interesting information about the REALTORS.
Interestingly, 94 percent of REALTORS are registered to vote, according to the 2003 NAR Member Profile. And, 87 percent voted in the last national election. That's significantly higher than the national average--only 55 percent of the U.S. voting-age population voted in the last national election, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Nearly nine out of 10 REALTORS have attended college, and 26 percent have their bachelor's degree. When it comes to their profession, REALTORS are committed for the long term. The average number of years as a REALTORS is 13. That's a level of dedication not found in many industries.
With the number of REALTORS reaching the one million mark, every 292nd American is a REALTOR. Real estate has been the single bright spot in many families' portfolios and in the nation's economy as a whole. Reaching the one million-member mark means there are more REALTORS available to families than ever before, which is especially good news during this time of record growth in the real estate market. The Toledo Board of REALTORS is one of more than 1,500 local boards and associations of REALTORS nationwide that comprise the National Association of Realtors.
As the nation's largest trade association, NAR is "The Voice of Real Estate," representing 1 million members involved in all aspects of the real estate industry.