Virginia Realtors turns 100

One of the largest trade associations in the state, it represents 35K members

Published October 16, 2020 by Sydney Lake

Graphic courtesy Virginia Realtors

This month, Virginia Realtors will be 100 years old, marking its anniversary as a centenarian while the residential real estate market in Virginia continues to climb despite the pandemic.

Founded on Oct. 22, 1920, Virginia Realtors has become one of the largest trade associations in the state, representing 35,000 members in the residential and commercial real estate business. The organization includes 28 local Realtor associations and represents all regions of the commonwealth.

“Over the past 100 years, the Realtors of Virginia have become one of the greatest contributors to the state economy while also striving to help ensure that the American dream of homeownership and housing opportunities are available to all Virginians,” Virginia Realtors 2020 President Kemper Funkhouser said in a statement. “The fact that wars, depressions, recessions and now even a global pandemic have not stopped the progress of our association is a testament to the strong foundation we have established.”

The organization was founded as the Virginia Real Estate Association and was established to standardize the real estate business, enforce fair dealing and encourage the business of real estate in Virginia. Paul T. Collins from Norfolk was the organization’s first president.

As the organization has grown, it has provided industry advocacy, training and professional resources to members and advocates for real estate professionals, homebuyers, sellers and renters — and also works to create fair housing opportunities for Virginians.

Virginia Realtors postponed its centennial convention until fall 2021 due to the pandemic.