A History of The Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS®
The
Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS® (VPAR) began in 1920
as the Newport News Real Estate and Insurance Exchange, and boasted
a membership of 19. The Exchange allowed membership for firms only;
annual dues were $18 unless the company engaged in both insurance
and real estate, which carried a yearly fee of $24.
In 1925, the organization became the Newport News-Hampton Real Estate
and Insurance Exchange. Two decades had passed when in 1947 the Elizabeth
City County Real Estate and Insurance Association was formed at the
Central Restaurant in Hampton; this later became the Hampton Real
Estate and Insurance Association. The two professions remained united
in a single trade organization until 1952, when the peninsula Association
of Insurance Agents was formed; a year later, the real estate side
of the organization became known as the Newport News-Warwick Real
Estate Board. An MLS was created in 1958, and after consolidation
of the cities of Newport News and Warwick, the Newport News Real Estate
Board was created. Finally, in April of 1962, after several previous
attempts, the Newport News Real Estate Board and the Hampton Real
Estate & Insurance Association merged to become the Newport News-Hampton
Real Estate Board. Attempts to also include Williamsburg failed. The
newly merged association's 1st president was Russell Winfree, who
was elected in 1964.
By the time the 70's rolled around, the Association boasted 340 members
and an executive secretary had been hired. With women making strides
through the nation during this time, the Board of REALTORS® was
no exception - it elected its first female president in 1974: Ruth
Nunnally. The organization established its headquarters at its current
location of 764 McGuire Place in Newport News. In the 80's, the Association
saw its first African-American President, Moses Easter; established
a computerized MLS; and hired its second Executive Vice President.
The building was expanded to accommodate additional staff, meeting
rooms and a member services center.
The 1990's witnessed the merger of the Association's MLS with the
former Metro MLS in the Tidewater area to form REIN - the Real Estate
Information Network. The first female Executive Vice President was
hired, staff was reduced and a leaner, more efficient Association
with a focus on core services surfaced. The Association broke ground
on a new building, May 25, 2006 located in the Hampton Roads Center
North Industrial Park on Magruder Blvd. The 24,000 square foot building
is expected to open in January of 2007.
In the 21st century, VPAR members can expect rapid technology enhancements,
high levels of education and information services, increased legislative
advocacy and enhanced professionalism.
The Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS® (VPAR) is a professional
trade organization representing the interests of over 1500 real estate
professionals in the Peninsula localities of Hampton, Newport News,
Poquoson, Smithfield, Isle of Wight County and York County. As our
mission, we strive to provide meaningful REALTOR® services designed
to reinforce our standards and to enhance the personal and professional
success of our members.
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