Kevin Sears President | Official website
Charitable giving among Realtors® and Realtor® associations has shown a significant increase, as revealed in the 2024 Community Aid and Real Estate Report issued by the National Association of Realtors®. The report highlights the enhanced monetary and volunteer contributions made by NAR members, broker-owners, and AEs or MLS staff in the past year.
According to NAR President Kevin Sears, a broker-partner of Sears Real Estate, Realtors® have shown remarkable dedication to giving back to their communities. Sears stated, "Realtors® are intertwined with and engaged in their communities, and the CARE Report highlights the great volunteer efforts by NAR members."
The report indicates that nearly seven out of 10 Realtor® members volunteered monthly, spending an average of eight hours each month on volunteer activities. Furthermore, the annual monetary donations by both broker-owners and general members increased this past year. The typical amount donated annually by all broker-owners rose to $2,400, and the annual donation amount among contributing broker-owners remained steady at $3,000.
Kristina Rhodes, a 2013 Good Neighbor Award winner, emphasized the profound connection Realtors® have with their communities, stating, "The high rate of volunteerism suggests a profession that goes beyond transactional interactions and actively invests time and effort into the well-being of the communities we serve."
Debra Parmenter, a 2001 Good Neighbor Award winner, highlighted the altruistic nature of Realtors®, saying, "Being a Realtor® is not just about selling homes or properties; it is the lives inside that matter the most."
The survey conducted for the report revealed that 98% of AE or MLS respondents' associations organized fundraisers last year for charitable causes, hosting an average of four events. Deborah Miller, a 2022 Good Neighbor Award finalist, emphasized the significance of volunteerism, stating that it reflects positively on the character of Realtors® and demonstrates their commitment to community engagement and social responsibility.
Overall, the report showcases the altruistic spirit and dedication of Realtors® towards making a positive impact on the communities they serve, both through monetary donations and volunteer efforts. The findings underscore the importance of community involvement as an integral component of the real estate profession.
