NAR Centennial: 100 Years in Celebration of the American Dream: Chapter Six

The March of Progress

From hopeful but modest beginnings, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® today is recognized as a world leader in the promotion of private property ownership and a champion of innovation. Today, the real estate business is a huge factor in the national economy — together, residential and commercial real estate represent more than 19 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product — and NAR is the largest association representing the business. The membership is a complex stew of large companies, small businesses, and independent contractors working in a variety of specialties and an array of business models, but all attracted to the promise of succeeding in a profession that offers unlimited earning potential. NAR’s ability to keep all those elements working toward common goals says a lot about the wisdom of the association’s structure, with state and local associations working together with the national association to serve members and consumers. But the association’s strength also comes from its ability to embrace and lead through change. Starting with the push for licensing and professional standards, and continuing through the sweeping technological advancements of the past 15 years, the association has been at the forefront of many of the evolutionary — and revolutionary — changes in the business of real estate.