Philadelphia Metropolitan Board of Realtist Marks 75th Anniversary

The Philadelphia Metropolitan Board of Realtist recently celebrated its 75th anniversary at the African American Museum in Philadelphia.

As a local board of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, the Philadelphia chapter started one year after the national organization was founded in Tampa, Fla. in 1947. The organization was founded as an equal opportunity and civil rights organization for African American real estate professionals, consumers and communities. NAREB works to enhance the economic improvement of its members, the community at large and the minority community which it serves and unites real estate industry professionals from brokerages, management, mortgage financing, appraising, land development, home building and allied fields for the purpose of exerting influence on real estate interests.

Annette Collier serves as the local acting president again this year, having previously served from 2005-2007. She served as the regional vice president for NAREB in 2008-2010. In addition, she is a member of the Greater Philadelphia Association of Realtors® and serves as a director on the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® board of directors.

“NAREB’s vision is ‘Democracy in Housing,’ which has continued over time,” Collier said. “Every time there’s a financial crisis in this country, African Americans have lost wealth. People of color are often very private about when they’re experiencing financial troubles and may be in jeopardy of losing their homes. In my years as a Realtor®, I’ve been so many homeowners lose their homes due to owning a couple of thousand dollars in taxes. It’s really heartbreaking and I continue to see it happening in my area. We need to help people understand that they should be talking to a real estate professional, their lenders to help avoid losing their home.”

While NAREB was initially founded when the National Association of Realtors® did not allow Black real estate agents to join, most Realtists today are Realtors®, according to Collier. “I welcome the relationship between NAREB and NAR and with PAR. Working with PAR’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and networking with other Realtors® during PAR’s meetings creates a synergy between all of our organizations.”

“NAREB has evolved. Our members and our families are more diverse,” she said. “Our organization welcomes everyone to join. We value our members for what they can contribute and that we all advocate for fair housing for everyone.”

“The Philadelphia Metropolitan Board of Realtist has a long history of advocating for Black homeownership in the city. Their members continue to strive to increase homeownership in the city by educating consumers on the value of owning a home and how it creates generational wealth. I congratulate PMBR and their members on their 75th anniversary,” said Al Perry, PAR president.

NAREB’s Five Pillars include: faith-based and civic engagement, women initiatives – Women Investing in Real Estate, diversity and inclusion of small businesses, multi-generational wealth building and government relations/advocacy.

“NAREB speaks out for legislators who support housing advocacy and inclusive housing efforts and who don’t ignore the needs of the poor,” Collier said. “We also work educating members of the community about the importance of voting and how it can make a difference in our communities.”

PMBR is planning a Community Day on Sept. 30, which will address inclusive homeownership, health of the Black community and how to gain generational wealth through real estate.

They will hold succession planning for their members.

“Some of the most important aspects of being a member of a local NAREB chapter are the training as well as the networking opportunities,” Collier said. “You’re able to build relationships with lenders, insurance representatives, title companies, home inspectors, representatives from Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae and you can create a network of people you know and that you can send your clients to.”

To join the Philadelphia Metropolitan Board of Realtist, visit PhillyMBR.org.