bsequently, membership increased as local boards accepted anyone holding a real estate license. Sometimes referred to as boards of realtors, real estate boards and realty boards, these new, nationally recognized organizations had three principal functions: to promote fair dealing among its members; to protect its members against unscrupulous non member licensees; and to promote and protect the interests of the public. As the organization matured and received the public's acceptance and trust, its functions expanded to include the following: protecting property rights by drafting and introducing legislation; offering educational seminars to apprise members of changes in the laws, local practices and matters of commerce; and recommending activities which would advance a more dignified and stable public image.
State associations are composed of local boards and brokers and sales associates, who live in areas where no local boards have been organized. The state association's purposes include the following: uniting its statewide members into a political and business force; originating and introducing legislation to benefit the statewide industry and the general public in real estate transactions; and using its considerable influence to advance and to abet economic growth and development.
Local boards are organized as follows: the board of directors is elected by the members and consists of as many officers and directors as local rules and activities require. It is the governing body which makes decisions and sets policy for the board. Projects and programs offered by the board are sponsored and directed by committees. Typical committees include membership, education, public relations and legislative. Committees are the hub of the board operations and provide an ideal opportunity for member involvement. Local board members are customarily scheduled to meet each month for informational and motivational programs and to enhance p...