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

Walking the Walk

The United States’ entry into World War I, besides turning the tide for the country’s allies in Europe, marked the beginning of a long and often symbiotic relationship between REALTORS® and the federal government. President Woodrow Wilson signed this country’s first selective service law in 1917, compelling men ages 18 to 25 to register for the draft. But the nation’s businessmen wanted to do their part for the war effort, too, and REALTORS® were no exception. Their volunteer work during the war drew the personal praise of Wilson.

Since then, REALTORS® have continued to make their presence felt in Washington, advocating on behalf of the real estate industry and the nation’s property owners. Among other things, REALTORS® have fought to gain favorable tax treatment for real estate, eliminate postwar rent controls, and increase home-ownership opportunities. Over time, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® has built one of the largest political action committees in the country and deployed state-of-the-art technology to marshal its grassroots forces. But its strength still comes down to the shoe leather its members wear out maintaining personal contact with federal lawmakers.

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