1. The Texas State Realty Association began on April 22, 1911 but was unable to remain consolidated throughout WWI (1914-18). Hall P. Street of San Antonio first led the organization, and a photograph of the original delegates was captured on June 4, 1912.

  2. Under Frank McNeny, the organization re-grouped with the support of local associations throughout Texas to form the Texas Association of Real Estate Boards. Colleagues from Dallas, Abilene, Denison, El Paso, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio came together for the benefit of the real estate profession statewide. Their first piece of business was protecting the public from unethical agents. The first president was Lawrence Miller, Sr. Mr. Miller's son, Lawrence Miller, Jr., served as president in 1971.

  3. According to the Texas State Historical Association, petroleum assumed a dominant role in the Southwest during the 1920's. During this era, the prominent role of petroleum led to the successful diversification and growth of the Texas economy. The transition from an agriculture-based economy to an oil-based economy also led to massive population influx throughout the first half of the 20th century. "Oil diversified the region's economy, which was previously based on agriculture and timber, and fueled the burgeoning automobile industry in the United States. By 1929, there was an automobile for every 4.3 Texans."

  4. The Texas Association of Real Estate Boards elected Lawrence Miller, Sr. as its first president in 1920.

  5. News of the first Texas REALTORS® Convention, held December 13-14 in San Antonio, was documented in the National Real Estate Journal. According to the article, San Antonio's Wallace Rogers opened the meeting followed by a welcome from San Antonio's Mayor Bell. Attendee A. L. Jones of Denison said, "It was two days of something doing every minute. Everything was perfectly harmonious, everyone was well pleased, bidding everybody goodbye, promising to go home and do their best with their home organization and also endeavor to organize every city within their reach."

  6. Frank McNeny, Vice President of National Association of Real Estate Brokers and former President of the Dallas Board of REALTORS® spearheaded the first meeting in Dallas to organize the Texas Association of Real Estate Boards in 1920. Representation from local boards including Abilene, Dallas, Denison, El Paso, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio came together to support the creation of a state association.

  7. Long before instant text messaging services were available, telegrams were used to communicate. This is an example of a 1925 telegram from B.E. Quinn advising Texas REALTORS® Association President H.P. Hadfield of this delay in attending a committee meeting in Beaumont.

  8. A membership card to the Texas Association of Real Estate Boards from 1921

  9. A page from the November 3, 1924 edition of the National Real Estate Journal that details the Texas Homestead Law and illustrated with caricatures of attendees by the Dallas News.

  10. The first meeting of the Texas Association of Real Estate Boards was held October 11, 1920. Two months later, the association held its convention at the Gunter Hotel in San Antonio. There 89 delegates and their spouses were treated to wild game in dishes prepared at the hotel.

  11. The first Texas Association of Real Estate Boards logo was created in 1920 to feature a seal.

  12. Because of a shortage of laborers and the destructiveness of sudden storms, cotton growers in the Lubbock area developed a means of rough-harvesting cotton during the 1920s, according to the Texas State Historical Association's Handbook of Texas. 

  13. According to the Texas Transportation Museum, the automobile industry became increasingly popular as roads improved and wealth increased. At the same time, support infrastructure for powered vehicles, including gas stations and dealerships, became an intrinsic part of landscape. The first electronic traffic lights in America were installed in Houston in 1922. For Texas State Historical Association, David G. McComb writes, "There were more than a half million trucks and cars registered in Texas by 1922. Yet, in 1930 the state had only 7,300 miles of paved road. In 1940, Texas roads totaled 19,000 miles. In 1950, spurred by the emergency of World War II, the total miles reached 34,000." In 2019, Texas Department of Transportation reports that it maintains more than 79,000 miles of farm to market, state, U.S., and interstate highways.

  14. Hugh Potter, of Houston, represented the National Association in 1934. Following in his footsteps were Lyn Davis of Dallas, Julio Laguarta of Houston, and Charles McMillan of Ft. Worth.

  15. In 1949, TREC was created to administer the Real Estate Dealers License Act, which was passed in 1939 and later changed to The Real Estate License Act in 1955. The bill creating the commission was passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Beauford H. Jester. The commission was comprised of six board members who were appointed on October 5, 1949. These board members were: George Sandlin of Austin (Chair), J. C. Culpepper of College Station, Harvey Draper of Houston, R.C. Hawley of Texarkana, James I. Ruhmann of Kennedy, and Chester Seals of Wichita Falls.

  16. In early 1936, the Texas REALTOR® magazine was born. It would go through several name changes before finally coming back to its original name. This is a copy of the July 1936 issue.

  17. Adopted by the National Association of Real Estate Boards in 1913, the REALTOR® Code of Ethics was one of the first codifications of ethical duties adopted by any business group.

  18. The strength of unity on legislative issues concerning real estate continued to take shape at the local, state and federal levels. In this legislative action memo, the National Association of Real Estate Boards urges member communications with elected officials on a 1953 Rent Control Bill approved by the Senate Banking and Currency Committee.

  19. An article featured in the Longview Daily News on July 16, 1939 shared details of the newly-passed Texas Real Estate Dealers License Act. At that time, technical examinations were not a requirement of the Act. Administration of the Act was under the securities division of the Texas Secretary of State and the license registration fee was $3.00 per year.

  20. The first Real Estate Dealers License was issued to 1938 Texas Real Estate Association president John Zeller. At that time, licenses were issued by the Texas Secretary of State. The Texas Real Estate Commission would not be realized for another nine years.

  21. There was no doubt that the permanent home of the association should be in Austin near the Texas Capitol building. In 1956, a ground-breaking ceremony for the headquarters at 500 E. 12th Street in Austin included Z.D. Yeaton, the building contractor; Roger Hanks, the Austin REALTOR® who handled the sale; A.B. Beddow, Texas Real Estate Association director; Ervin W. Luedtke, TREA executive secretary; and Glover Tunnell, TREA President. Kneeling are Frank Montgomery, TREA director; and Norris Loeffler, Landsman editor.

  22. The headquarters of the Texas Real Estate Association was built at 500 E. 12th Street in Austin, TX. The building was constructed just a block from the current headquarters at 1115 San Jacinto Blvd. for $47,000 in 1956.

  23. After the Texas Real Estate Commission was established in 1949, an official seal for the state agency was created.

  24. The logo for the National Association of Real Estate Boards prior to changing the name to National Association of REALTORS®.

  25. State of the art lock boxes helped eliminate the need to coordinate key exchanges among real estate agents beginning in the 1950's.

  26. State of the art lock boxes helped eliminate the need to coordinate key exchanges among real estate agents beginning in the 1950's.

  27. According to writer Daniel B. Welborn for the Texas State Historical Association's Handbook of Texas, "Before the introduction of windmills to Texas, habitable land was confined to areas where a constant water supply was available. There was no way for vast areas to be settled without a life-giving supply of water. The coming of the windmill made it possible to pump water from beneath the ground, and soon whole new areas of the state were opened up to settlers."

  28. Excerpts from the REALTOR® Code of Ethics were promoted in publications across the state. Here, excerpts were printed in an Amarillo publication dated November 1926.

  29. There was no doubt that the permanent home of the association should be in Austin near the Texas Capitol building. In 1956, a ground-breaking ceremony for the headquarters at 500 E. 12th Street in Austin.

  30. The establishment of the Real Estate Institute in 1957 provided a big leap forward in education for Texas Real Estate Association members. Its three-year plan covered all aspects of real estate principles and practices. Prior to 1955, exam requirements for real estate licensee applicants were ruled illegal.

  31. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, the nine-banded armadillo is about the size of a small dog and lives throughout Texas. "Armadillos have powerful claws for digging up meals, mostly insects and larvae…The armadillo is also the state's official small mammal."

  32. Dining menu from the El Antonio Motor Hotel & Club in San Antonio where an annual conference was held included 75-cent omelettes, 10-cent coffee.

  33. For the Texas State Historical Association, Roger M. Olien writes, "During its first two decades, the petroleum industry added to both the folklore of Texas life and to public coffers. New terms and images included the go-for-broke wildcatter, the hard-working and hard-playing roughneck, and the newly rich oilman, all of them fully established in folklore and films by the 1920s."

  34. The establishment of the Real Estate Institute in 1957 provided a big leap forward in education for Texas Real Estate Association members. Its three-year plan covered all aspects of real estate principles and practices. Prior to 1955, exam requirements for real estate licensee applicants were ruled illegal.

  35. Originating as a four-page bulletin in 1948, The Landsman was changed to a magazine format in 1954 by Texas Real Estate Association President Vincent. J. Schmitt.

  36. Texas Real Estate Association sponsored a professional development program designed to certify real estate brokers.

  37. Ervin W. Luedtke served as Executive Officer from 1954 until 1962. Luedtke was formerly the executive secretary of the Nebraska Real Estate Association and a member of the Board of Governors for the National Association of Real Estate Board's Secretaries Council. Working with President Schmitt, Luedtke promoted the association's goals and ideas across the state. Luedtke's title was officially changed to Executive Vice President. During his time representing Texas REALTORS®, the organization experienced major growth with its office expansion and conferences.

  38. Conventions connecting REALTORS® across the state were held annually.

  39. The establishment of the Real Estate Institute in 1957 provided a big leap forward in education for Texas Real Estate Association members. Its three-year plan covered all aspects of real estate principles and practices. Prior to 1955, exam requirements for real estate licensee applicants were ruled illegal.

  40. On November 8-13, 1958, the annual National Association of Real Estate Brokers convention was held in San Francisco, CA and focused on the "Golden Opportunties in the Golden West." Former Texas REALTORS® President M.A. Rowe of Houston attended the convention.

  41. Former Texas REALTORS® President M.A. Rowe of Houston attended the 1958 National Association of Real Estate Boards convention in California. He kept a notebook of the trip marking expenses from Houston to San Francisco and made meticulous lists of items needed for the journey. According to his notes, the total cost of the trip was $292.

  42. Throughout the nation, ad campaigns were designed to strengthen public confidence in real estate values, and to impress upon the public the distinction between a real estate agent and a REALTOR®. As early as 1936, advertisements urged consumers to "Consult with a REALTOR®" as a result of housing shortages. Today, Texas REALTORS® promotes the advantages of working with a REALTOR® in its annual consumer advertising campaign and media relations program.

  43. The logos that have been used to represent Texas REALTORS® have evolved over time. In 1963, our logo featured an outline of the state of Texas with a star in the center. A banner is included reading, "Texas Real Estate Association."

  44. The Texas Real Estate Institute Program was the first of its kind in the nation. Completion of the 3-year program with a passing grade on the final exam entitled one to be designated a "master broker" or "master salesman." The establishment of the Real Estate Institute in 1957 provided a big leap forward in education for Texas Real Estate Association members. Its three-year plan covered all aspects of real estate principles and practices. Prior to 1955, exam requirements for real estate licensee applicants were ruled illegal.

  45. Since the early days of our association, the leadership team has traveled to visit with members across the state. Once called the "Texas Real Estate Caravan," these meetings are now known as "Texas REALTORS® 360" regional meetings.

  46. The association breaks ground for its new building on North Interstate Highway 35 in Austin, TX. The building was officially dedicated in January 1970 at 8416 North Interregional in Austin.

  47. The Texas Real Estate Association officially became the Texas Association of REALTORS® on January 1, 1969. With the name change came a new logomark with the initials "TAR."

  48. Invented in 1956, the Rolodex was commonly found on desks and was used to store business contact information.

  49. Rotary dial telephones were used to conduct business calls before push button phones gained popularity in the 1980's.

  50. The name "Texas Association of REALTORS®" became official when the National Association of Real Estate Brokers granted a charter featuring the update on January 28, 1969.

  51. Documenting 50 years of the association's history, The REALTOR® in Texas made its debut.

  52. First published in 1970, The REALTOR® in Texas book featured text written by Director of Public Affairs, Cora Biesele Matlock and art was created by Bob Grigsby. In 1985, the book was titled Sixty-Five Years: The REALTOR® in Texas.

  53. Lyn Davis of Dallas served as president of the National Association of REALTORS® in 1968. Texas REALTORS® who also served at the helm of the national association include Hugh Potter and Julio Laguarta of Houston, and Charles McMillan of Ft. Worth. 

  54. Cattle drivers wore cowboy boots for protection. Today, custom boots featuring the TREPAC logo are given to members who have invested $25,000 or more during their lifetime, marking entry to the RPAC Hall of Fame.

  55. Before there were computers and scanners, exams were graded with key cards such as this.

  56. A 1970 news clip promotes the Texas REALTORS® annual convention in the Alamo City. That year, documentation of the 50 years of the association's history was also debuted in the book The REALTOR® in Texas.

  57. Texas REALTORS® advocated for a bill to better its service to the public and members in the establishment of the Texas Real Estate Center. In 1971, Texas Governor Preston Smith signed the legislation. Those in attendance for the bill signing included Lawrence "Bud" Miller, Jr. of Dallas (1971 president); Julio Laguarta of Houston; Sen. William Moore of Bryan; Rep. Delwin Jones of Lubbock; E.W. Luedtke of Austin and Bob Hale of Austin.

  58. Texas REALTORS® advocated for a bill to better its service to the public and members in the establishment of the Texas Real Estate Center. In 1971, Texas Governor Preston Smith signed the legislation. Those in attendance for the bill signing included Lawrence "Bud" Miller, Jr. of Dallas (1971 president); Julio Laguarta of Houston; Sen. William Moore of Bryan; Rep. Delwin Jones of Lubbock; E.W. Luedtke of Austin and Bob Hale of Austin.

  59. In 1989, Virginia Cook became the first female president in the history of the association.

  60. 1983 Texas Association of REALTORS® President, Guy Chipman, poses with Sherlock Homes to promote private property week. The character provided a means of sharing homebuying tips and promoted fair housing laws via public service announcements.

  61. Throughout its history, Texas REALTORS® have nurtured the role as the voice for Texas real estate.

  62. Julio Laguarta of Houston served as president of the National Association of REALTORS® in 1982. Texas REALTORS® who also served at the helm of the national association include Hugh Potter of Houston, Lyn Davis of Dallas, and Charles McMillan of Ft. Worth.

  63. Supporting the expansion of the Texas Veterans Land Board, this bill introduced additional options for military veterans in Texas to take advantage of a new affordable home loan program.

  64. The organization's first website launched in 1996.

  65. TREPAC was established to raise funds to protect private property rights and increase political awareness.

  66. The role of Executive Vice President was taken on by James T. Sawyer in 1980. Sawyer worked with the association between 1967 and 1990. During that time, the roles he served in also included Administrative Director and Chairman of the Executive Officers Council of the National Association of REALTORS®.

  67. TREPAC was established to raise funds to protect private property rights and increase political awareness.

  68. The TREPAC Eagle mascot makes an appearance at the Texas Association of REALTORS® Convention in 1983. Pictured with Doris Farmer of Longview, TREPAC trustees chairman, and Tommy Townsend, Texas Association of REALTORS® director of public affairs.

  69. A new computer system was introduced to Texas REALTORS® in 1991, after the IBM3600 could no longer meet operational demands. The new system was used to process membership information more efficiently and facilitate better service. The software for the system was designed especially for our organization by Washington, DC based company CSCI.

  70. In response to the growing needs of members who practice commercial real estate, enhanced services were offered in the creation of a Commercial Investment Division in 1991.

  71. In 1992, a commercial overlay board was created: the North Texas Commercial Association of REALTORS®.

  72. Supporting the expansion of the Texas Veterans Land Board, this bill introduced additional options for military veterans in Texas to take advantage of a new affordable home loan program.

  73. RCE is the only professional designation designed specifically for REALTOR® association executives. The RCE designation exemplifies goal-oriented AEs with drive, experience and commitment to professional growth.

  74. At Home With Diversity (AHWD) is an NAR certification program designed to present a picture of the changing face of the real estate industry. Since 1998, the At Home With Diversity program has prepared over 20,000 REALTORS® to work effectively with and within today’s increasingly diverse pool of homebuyers.

  75. Members of the REALTORS® Land Institute specialize in land brokerage related to all types of land, including specialty properties, such as: farms, ranches, recreational, timberland, vineyards, orchards, undeveloped tracts of land, transitional and development land, subdivision and lot wholesaling, site selection and assemblage of land parcels, appraisals and land valuation, auctions, and farm and land management. In addition, membership is also open to all land professionals practicing in the industry as well as industry partners. 

  76. Serving as CEO of Texas REALTORS® beginning in 1990, Benny McMahan was a broker member and former Executive Vice President of the Greater Dallas Association of REALTORS®. He also served as President of Texas REALTORS® in 1981 and was named Texas REALTOR® of the Year in 1984. During his tenure, REALTOR® membership grew from 35,000 to more than 90,000 in 2009.

  77. First established in 1993 to share legal information with Designated REALTORS®, the Texas REALTORS® Legal Hotline continues to be a highly ranked service.

  78. Portable mobile phones, like this example from the late 1990s, were a game changer for members who were on the go.

  79. Printed publications featuring available properties were used before websites were readily available. Cooperating real estate brokerages shared property listings within publications like these.

  80. No matter which audience you cater to, the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation provides members with the knowledge, research, network and tools to globalize and expand their businesses.

  81. The Certified Commercial Investment member (CCIM) designation represents proven expertise in financial, market, and investment analysis, in addition to negotiation. Courses in these core competencies are taught by industry professionals, ensuring all material reflects the state of the industry.

  82. The Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designation is for real estate buyer agents who focus on working directly with buyer-clients at every stage of the home-buying process.

  83. The Performance Management Network (PMN) designation focuses on developing negotiations strategies and tactics, networking and referrals, business planning and systems, personal performance management and leadership development.

  84. The Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) designation is the premier credential in seller representation. It is designed to elevate professional standards and enhance personal performance. The designation is awarded to real estate practitioners by the Real Estate Business Institute (REBI) who meet specific educational and practical experience criteria.

  85. The Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist (RSPS) certification is for REALTORS® who specialize in buying, selling, or management of properties for investment, development, retirement, or second homes in resort, recreational, and/or vacation destinations.

  86. NAR's e-PRO® certification program helps REALTORS® master the advanced digital marketing techniques of today. 

  87. The Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certification is for real estate professionals who want to work with current and former military service members. 

  88. NAR's Green Designation is designed for agents looking to learn about issues of energy efficiency and sustainability in real estate.

  89. The Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource (SFR®) certification is for REALTORS® who want to hone the skills that will allow them to help buyers and sellers of distressed properties.

  90. The Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA) certification is specifically designed to enhance your skills in pricing properties, creating CMAs, working with appraisers, and guiding clients through the anxieties and misperceptions they often have about home values.

  91. Lapel stickers and buttons prominently promoted members.

  92. A license plate promoting Texas REALTORS® has been available since 2007, where proceeds from sales go to the Texas Affordable Housing Foundation (TARHOF).

  93. Members have joined together to help others when disaster strikes. The Texas REALTORS® Disaster Relief fund was created after the catastrophic Category 5 Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana and Florida in August 2005. The first Texas disaster that the fund was activated for was Hurricane Rita, just one month later. Since then, the REALTORS® Relief Fund has helped those affected by different disasters - including hurricanes, floods, wildfires, tornadoes and an industrial explosion.

  94. "Palm trees, which flourish in abundance in South Texas, are easily one of the region's most noticeable plants," writes Ana Ley for the Brownsville Herald. "Local historians and botany experts believe [the palms] were brought to the region to make the Valley appear exotic in an effort to attract settlers to the land in the early 1900s."

  95. 2000 TREPAC Chair Bill Watts led the charge to raise over $1M for TREPAC. It was a new record for the organization and was the origin of his nickname, "Million Dollar Bill."

  96. 2000 TREPAC Chair Bill Watts led the charge to raise over $1M for TREPAC. It was a new record for the organization and was the origin of his nickname, "Million Dollar Bill." In 2019, Texas REALTORS® raised over $5.2M for TREPAC.

  97. The pager rose to popularity in the 1990s as a convenient, two-way communications device.

  98. In 2007, REALTORS® across Texas rallied in support of Charles McMillan, of Ft. Worth, for President of NAR. Before the vote, he gave a speech at the NAR Board of Directors meeting that has become renowned in Texas circles. He won the vote by a landslide and went on to serve as NAR president in 2009. Other Texas REALTORS® who also served at the helm of the national association include Hugh Potter of Houston, Lyn Davis of Dallas, and Julio Laguarta of Houston.

  99. The REALTOR® marks let people know that you are more than just a real estate practitioner: you adhere to a strict Code of Ethics that protects clients, the public, and other real estate agents. The term REALTOR® is not only a trademark owned by NAR and protected by federal law, it's a valuable membership benefit that distinguishes members from other real estate licensees.

  100. The Texas REALTORS® blog was created to share valuable information with members and the public.

  101. Video continues to grow in popularity as a means of communicating. Texas REALTORS® videos can be found at: https://vimeo.com/texasrealtors

  103. A new logo was adopted in 1996 to feature a symbol that represented the "four doors of real estate."

  104. Texas REALTORS® are part of a powerful network of local, state and national industry professionals. With each branch of the association offering distinct benefit offerings, REALTORS® in Texas are well-supported. Members of Texas REALTORS® receive popular offerings such as contracts and forms, access to the Live Legal Hotline, Texas REALTOR® magazine content and market data.

  105. A legal defense fund was established to help REALTORS® with litigation costs. This fund, which remains in existence today, continues to support a strong real estate industry by defending against harmful lawsuits.

  106. The skyline of Austin, TX, where Texas REALTORS® is headquartered has changed dramatically over time. The Texas REALTORS® building is located in close proximity to the Texas Capitol.

  107. The association's first international cruise in 2012. Members rode the Carnival Magic to Roatan, Honduras; Ambergris Caye, Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico. Attendees attended a one-day trade mission sponsored by AMPI that included a tour in Cozumel.

  108. The association's first international cruise in 2012. Members rode the Carnival Magic to Roatan, Honduras; Ambergris Caye, Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico. Attendees attended a one-day trade mission sponsored by AMPI that included a tour in Cozumel.

  109. Throughout its history, Texas REALTORS® have monitored, supported and fought legislative initiatives to ensure that the real estate industry in the state remains strong.

  110. As Texas was settled, the American quarter horse became part of the developing open range cattle industry, according to Texas State Historical Association's Handbook of Texas.

  112. The mission of TREPAC is to raise and disburse funds to promote home ownership, protect real property rights, and increase political awareness. If real estate is your profession, politics is your business. And no one supports a healthy real estate industry like TREPAC.

  113. A restructure of the association's governance in the year 2000 included the creation of the Executive Board and expansion to 16 regions.

  114. Texas REALTORS® was presented with the NAR President's Cup Award twice: once in 2012 and again in 2018. The award recognizes the hard work state and local REALTOR® leaders and association staff perform to advance the REALTOR® party.

  116. Each legislative session, thousands of members visit the Texas Capitol to voice their positions on proposed legislation during visits with elected officials.

  117. Texas REALTORS® members vote at more than twice the rate of the general voting-age population. Each election season, Texas REALTORS® conducts a statewide, REALTOR®-facing voter-registration campaign.

  118. A yard sign promoting Prop 1, which was an amendment to the Texas Constitution to ban all transfer taxes on the sale of real estate.

  119. Texas REALTORS® involvement has led to the signing of legislation that is good for Texas.

  120. Designed to be used as a reference tool for all members who engage in residential leasing and property management, valuable resources like this help position real estate practitioners for success.

  121. The purple lapel pin represents an energized movement of real estate professionals fighting to keep the dream of homeownership alive. No matter which side of the aisle you sit on, the REALTOR® Party has kept one goal in mind: fighting for private property rights and the real estate profession to ensure a sound and dynamic real estate market.

  122. In 2012, Texas REALTORS® signed a cross-border agreement with AMPI, a private real estate association in Mexico. This agreement, along with 75 partnerships created between local boards of both associations, recognizes the importance of an international real estate market.

  123. REALTORS® are the experts who can help with real estate market data, negotiations, and advice. No matter what type of transaction people are considering -- commercial, residential, land, vacation home, leasing, selling, buying -- they should consult with a Texas REALTOR®. Annual consumer ad campaigns are designed to promote how members can help with all real estate needs. The marketing mix has included a variety of mediums including outdoor, traditional and internet radio, digital and print advertising. In addition to paid advertising, a robust public relations campaign features regular media releases on housing market information to support Texas REALTORS® as the most trusted source of real estate information.

  124. TREPAC as we know it today has evolved into the largest and most successful trade association PAC in Texas. Furthermore, the National Association of REALTORS® considers TREPAC to be a model PAC for the entire nation. TREPAC investors proudly don branded apparel such as jackets and vests.

  125. Property owners and members have reaped the benefits of having a good steward in real estate.

  127. The year 2000 marked the first year Texas REALTORS® partnered with zipForm to deliver a product to afford members greater convenience.

  128. Keenly aware of its need to stay ahead of the changing political climate, the association's Good to Great Committee produced a governmental affairs strategic plan for enhanced grassroots, public policy, and fundraising activities in 2006. However, the advent of year-round campaigns, supported by seemingly endless funds in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United ruling, demanded that the association step up efforts to remain competitive in these arenas. Building on Good to Great’s success, in 2016, the Breaking New Ground committee further reviewed and overhauled the governmental affairs programs to ensure Texas REALTORS® grassroots, public policy, and political fundraising would maintain its strength in the wake of changing political and public policy dynamics at the state and local levels.

  129. A legislative resolution in 2015 designated the cowboy hat as the official state hat.

  130. Native to Texas, bluebonnets are the official state flower of the Lone Star State.

  131. Texas REALTORS® partners with the National Association of REALTORS® to gather valuable data about members as well as homebuyers and sellers.

  132. REALTORS® are the experts who can help with real estate market data, negotiations, and advice. No matter what type of transaction people are considering -- commercial, residential, land, vacation home, leasing, selling, buying -- they should consult with a Texas REALTOR®. Annual consumer ad campaigns are designed to promote how members can help with all real estate needs. The marketing mix has included a variety of mediums including outdoor, traditional and internet radio, digital and print advertising. In addition to paid advertising, a robust public relations campaign features regular media releases on housing market information to support Texas REALTORS® as the most trusted source of real estate information.

  133. Gaining increased popularity among those on social media communities in 2010, the selfie station is considered a modern-day photo booth often available at events and public spaces to allow people to capture and share memories over social media.

  134. Since 2006, Texas REALTORS® has supported political involvement across the state through its regional field rep program. Responsibilities of field reps include engaging in grassroots political processes to advance legislation, developing grassroots political plans, assisting local associations in PAC initiatives, and promoting governmental affairs programs.

  135. The Issues Mobilization Program helps local REALTOR® associations that have identified local ordinances that could affect all Texas REALTORS® or property owners.

  137. The REALTORS® to Watch Award was launched in 2017. In addition to recognizing young professionals with distinguished service in the real estate industry, REALTORS® to Watch Award honorees serve in critical roles in REALTOR® associations at the local, state and national levels, including on boards, committees, and advisory groups. Those recognized also play a strong role in political and legislative advocacy. 

  138. Leslie Rouda Smith on YPN

  139. In 2015, TAR launched the Texas REALTOR Data Relevance Project, a partnership among local REALTOR associations and their MLSs, the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, and TAR. This project provides access to more comprehensive, localized housing market data, including data at the state, MSA, county, local market area, zip code, political district, school district and neighborhood levels. In 2019, Texas REALTORS launched MarketViewer, allowing members of the association to access the resources of the project and providing additional data related to new construction, mortgage rates, apartment rental rates and vacancies.

  140. The federal act and its state counterpart, the Texas Fair Housing Act, prohibit discrimination in housing based on disability, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, and familial status. To mark the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act and members' commitment to upholding the Act, Texas REALTORS® hosted joint events with the Texas Association of Real Estate Brokers at the Texas REALTORS® headquarters, the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library and the Thompson Conference Center at the University of Texas at Austin.

  141. To mark the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act and members' commitment to upholding the Act, Texas REALTORS® hosted joint events with the Texas Association of Real Estate Brokers at the Texas REALTORS® headquarters, the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library and the Thompson Conference Center at the University of Texas at Austin.

  142. A special lapel pin was created to promote the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act.

  143. Completion of the TRLS statewide certification includes four 3-hour leasing and education courses. Since the program was established in 2014, approximately 1,500 students have earned the designation.

  144. Membership through the decades has grown steadily. In 2019, the number of members reached over 125,000.

  145. TREPAC as we know it today has evolved into the largest and most successful trade association PAC in Texas. Furthermore, the National Association of REALTORS® considers TREPAC to be a model PAC for the entire nation. TREPAC investors proudly don branded apparel such as jackets and vests.

  146. The President's Circle is a group of REALTORS® who invest directly to REALTOR®-friendly candidates at the federal level. The top two investors who were inducted in the 2018 RPAC Hall of Fame were Texas' Mike Brodie of Collin County and Mary Frances Burleson of MetroTex.

  147. Developed to help brokers manage their daily business and follow TREC policies and procedures, this resource is updated frequently by Texas REALTORS® legal staff.

  148. The data relevance project is a partnership among local REALTOR® associations and their MLSs and Texas REALTORS®, with analysis by the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University. Through the partnership, REALTORS® gain valuable media exposure as the most relevant resource for real estate related information. The project has also evolved to provide members with easily accessible market statistics via a member benefit called "MarketViewer."

  149. The Dallas skyline has changed significantly since the association's first meeting, called by Frank McNeny.

  150. In 2019, Texas REALTORS® participated in MIPIM. This conference welcomed 26,800 participants, 100 countries, 6,380 investors, and 4,100 CEOs and C-suite professionals. During the event, Texas REALTORS® were showcased to generate potentially limitless opportunities for members.

  151. From its humble beginnings, Texas REALTOR® magazine was recognized in 2018 as a top publication by the Association Media & Publishing Excel Awards. In 2020, the publication is produced 10 times per year and will be distributed to more than 120,000 members.

  152. TREPAC is the largest general-purpose political action committee in Texas.

  153. Available to dues-paying members, guides help identify statutes and rules that need to be addressed.

  154. Former Texas REALTORS® Chairman Leslie Rouda Smith was elected 2020 first vice president of the National Association of REALTORS®. Rouda Smith is the daughter of the late Harley Rouda of Columbus, Ohio, who served as NAR president in 1991. She will be the fifth NAR leader from Texas.

  155. Established to promote leadership among professionals and community members by supplying them with the necessary tools and resources to take advantage of their individual skill sets, TRLP has aided in the development of prominent leaders.

  156. Since its inception in 1994, the TRLP program has seen approximately 2,000 graduates through 2020.

  157. Travis Kessler has served the REALTOR® association for 40 years, including more than 20 years as a local association leader in Texas, first with the Greater Ft. Worth Association of REALTORS® and 12 years with the San Antonio Board of REALTORS®. In this role as president and CEO of Texas REALTORS®, Kessler is the chief executive of one of the largest professional membership organizations in Texas.

  158. Nearly 3,000 REALTORS® converged in Austin on March 26, 2019 to advocate for private property rights and the real estate industry during REALTOR® Day at the Texas Capitol. REALTORS® from every region of Texas visited with all 181 members of the Texas Legislature. Your association was honored with resolutions in the Senate and House congratulating the association on the 100th anniversary of Texas REALTORS® to be celebrated in 2020.

  159. The first GRI course was known as the "Real Estate Institute." First offered in 1959, there have been 16,607 who have earned the designation as of 2019.

  160. Member engagement during every legislative session is the cornerstone of Texas REALTORS® advocacy.

  161. Thousands of pieces of proposed legislation are tracked and monitored by Texas REALTORS® every legislative year.

  162. Texas REALTORS® media relations program includes regular press releases that provide context to statewide real estate activity. In 2019, media relations efforts secured over 400 media placements that generated more than 36M media impressions.

  163. Texas REALTORS® was named a 2019 Platinum Council in the National Association of REALTORS® Global Achievement Program. The program recognizes the most active associations in global business by providing members with tools, education and networking.

  164. Formed in 1991, the association's strategic planning committee seeks to address internal and external issues affecting the real estate industry in developing the strategic plan. Areas of focus have included political advocacy, practical services, professional development and partnerships.

  165. Formed in 1991, the association's strategic planning committee seeks to address internal and external issues affecting the real estate industry in developing the strategic plan. Areas of focus have included political advocacy, practical services, professional development and partnerships.

  166. The digital presence of Texas REALTORS® has continued to grow as technologies have evolved. In 2020, the association is accessible via online communities such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The growing use of mobile devices requires that the websites are mobile-ready.

  167. Texas REALTORS® was honored with resolutions in the Senate and House, officially recognizing March 26, 2019, as REALTOR® Day at the Texas Capitol and congratulating the association on our upcoming 100th anniversary in 2020.

  168. In the late 1800s, real estate brokers regularly gathered at the offices of their local associations to share information about properties they were trying to sell. They agreed to compensate other brokers who helped sell those properties, and the first MLS was born, based on a fundamental principal that's unique to organized real estate: Help me sell my inventory and I'll help you sell yours. Today, through more than 800 MLSs, brokers share information on properties they have listed and invite other brokers to cooperate in their sale in exchange for compensation if they produce the buyer. Sellers benefit by increased exposure to their property while buyers benefit because they can obtain information about all MLS-listed properties while working with only one broker.

  169. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, "The Preamble to the Code is the aspirational basis for the ethical concepts that REALTORS® believe in. Included are the core concepts of honesty, integrity, fairness, and moral conduct in business relations. Near the end of the Preamble, the timeless, universal principle of the Golden Rule is cited. Because the Code sets the ideals that we strive to attain, it is subjective in nature. As such, it cannot be used as a basis for disciplinary action against a REALTOR®. Only the Articles of the Code are used as the basis for discipline of REALTOR® membership.”

  170. The success of Texas REALTORS® is only possible due to the vision and commitment of Texas REALTORS® leaders.

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