REALTORS® Help Chase the ‘Dream
Connecting Buyers to Land and Real Estate
By Loni Nannini
For individuals and families chasing the American dream, the Tucson Association of REALTORS® is a valuable resource for REALTORS who are connecting buyers and sellers in Southern Arizona.
“Owning a home is part of the American Dream. Home and property ownership is a way for people to build wealth and stability,” said Cathy Wolfson, 2024 board president of Tucson Association of REALTORS®. “As members of the association, we believe that a thriving real estate market is critical to the vitality of our communities and to a healthy economy.”
A champion of everything real estate, the TAR is a force with more than 6,500 members. TAR comprises a diverse group of real estate professionals, including licensed agents and brokers, representatives of the mortgage and lending industry, property managers and others who serve the real estate needs of Southern Arizona.
“Our members are united by adherence to professional standards and a code of ethics,” said Judy Lowe, CEO of TAR. “They are professionals dedicated to providing assistance with the sales, leases, appraisals and development of residential and commercial properties.”
The association seeks to strengthen the success of members by advocating, connecting, educating, and serving.
To accomplish these objectives, TAR supports its members and the community through an extensive in-house REALTOR® education program, collaborating with industry partners to advocate for property rights and real estate issues, connecting REALTORS® with the Multiple Listing Service of Southern Arizona – or MLSSAZ – a database of available home and land properties that consumers can search. TAR also serves the community through volunteerism and grants to local nonprofits through the Tucson REALTORS® Charitable Foundation.
TAR provides its REALTOR® members with an extensive in-house professional development education program, meeting state and national requirements for continuing education and specialized industry designations.
TAR also works with the Real Estate Political Action Committee locally and at the state and national level to support legislation that benefits private property rights, the real estate industry, and the consumer.
“We believe the freedom to buy, sell and utilize property is an inherent right for all that must be protected,” said Lowe.
As the largest trade association in Southern Arizona, TAR members collaborate regularly with city, county and state government entities to address property value-related issues such as water conservation, the housing supply, affordable housing, building restrictions and zoning laws. It also partners with other trade associations such as the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association and Certified Commercial Investment Members.
About 90,000 individuals statewide hold real estate licenses that enable them to act as salespersons and brokers for buyers or sellers. Only 50,000 can claim the title of REALTOR®.
“Holding a real estate license doesn’t make someone a REALTOR®. As REALTORS®, our code of ethics and professional standards are high: we commit to providing all clients and communities with accurate information, exceptional service, and trusted advice,” said Wolfson, an associate broker with Coldwell Banker Realty who has been a local REALTOR® for almost 40 years.
The REALTOR® designation brings other benefits such as the use of standardized forms specific to Arizona that comply with state and federal law/regulations, which in turn helps protect the consumer.
In affiliation with the MLSSAZ, TAR connects REALTORS® with consumers in the home buying and selling process.
“Buyers from across the country and around the world can see our properties in Tucson remotely,” said Wolfson.
The REALTOR® designation is required for agents to list properties on the MLSSAZ. The online marketing platform provides comprehensive, in-depth information about all active properties in the market.
Property professionals take philanthropy to the next level through the Tucson REALTORS® Charitable Foundation.
“REALTORS® give back out of the goodness of their hearts. When we help our community, it helps everyone, and it helps our businesses. It is a win for the community, a win for us, and a win for our souls and the souls of our customers,” said Wolfson.
The foundation has awarded grants to nearly 100 nonprofits in the community since inception. The grants have benefitted organizations representing diverse interests. Last year alone, the foundation gifted more than $66,500 to 15 organizations.
Funds are frequently accompanied by hands-on support from TAR members in the form of in-kind donations and volunteer hours.
“We raise money for so many nonprofits that I never knew existed. It helps create awareness about what is out there and the many needs in the community,” Wolfson said. “We want to spread the goodness.”
According to the National Association of REALTORS®, REALTORS® volunteer at twice the rate of the general population.
“We believe that all of us partnering together creates the power of real estate in Southern Arizona,” said Wolfson.
For ticket information on “The Power of Real Estate Summit” on April 19, 2024 at the Tucson Convention Center, please click the link below:
www.tucsonrealtors.org/the-power-of-real-estate
READ THE FULL SPECIAL REPORT HERE.
