Dick Gaylord Marks NAR’s Centennial with a Call to Action for Realtors

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By Maria Patterson

RISMEDIA, Nov. 20, 2007-Richard F. “Dick” Gaylord, a Realtor® from Long Beach, California, was installed Friday as the 2008 president of the National Association of Realtors® at the association’s Board of Directors meeting during the REALTORS® Conference & Expo. A record number of more than 30,000 Realtors and guests from the United States and abroad attended the annual meeting this year.

Gearing up for his role as 2008 President of the National Association of Realtors, Dick Gaylord has a lot to say about what it means to be a Realtor and looks ahead to helping ensure that the industry’s next 100 years provide an even better environment for Realtors.

Maria Patterson: Please describe your feelings upon stepping into the role of president at NAR.
Dick Gaylord: It’s an honor for me to serve as NAR president in 2008 and I’m very excited about holding the position. This will be one special year for Realtors-2008 marks NAR’s Centennial. This is a time during which we celebrate our accomplishments and reflect on how far we’ve come. It’s also a chance for us to say thanks to every Realtor who’s contributed to this organization over the years.

MP: What timing to come on as president! How will the Centennial impact your tenure?
DG: As president, I’m excited to work with members to set the course for the next 100 years. I’ve chosen “All Together” as our theme for 2008. I believe it sets the right tone for success at all levels of our organization. I’m challenging all members to participate and shape the future of our industry, whether you’re president of NAR, part of a large State Association, part of a small, local board, a veteran Realtor, or a brand-new member. We’re all in this together and every member has something to contribute to our organization and to our industry.

MP: What’s in store for the Centennial celebration?
DG: NAR has some wonderful things planned to help members celebrate. There will be a Centennial book coming out about the past 100 years. There will also be a new campaign, “The Face of Real Estate for 100 Years,” which will feature a mosaic of members’ faces forming the Realtor “R.” Realtors can go to www.TheFaceOfRealEstate.com to upload their picture to be a part of the mural. There is also a special celebration planned for our Midyear meeting in May.

MP: What does being a Realtor mean to you?
DG: Realtors have made ethical conduct a staple of our business by adopting and enforcing a strict code of ethics. The sharing of information among practitioners helps to protect privacy and make the transaction more efficient. Realtors have helped raise the homeownership rates to nearly 70% in this country by advocating for laws and policies that protect property rights and make housing more affordable. We’ve expanded our knowledge and innovation decade after decade to ensure that we provide the best information and service to every consumer we serve.

MP: You have a long history of being involved in Realtor Associations. Why is this important for you?
DG: In 2008 I will have been a Realtor for 30 years. I’ve been involved in one way or another for much of that time. I’ve served twice as president of the Long Beach Board of Realtors and I’ve served on a number of committees. My participation at every level has helped me learn and grow in my business and as a person. The Realtor organization has been very good to me and I’ve benefited from those who served before me. My professional success is a credit to their hard work; it’s only fair that I give something back to the generation of Realtors that has given so much to me. I’m very excited to serve all of our members as NAR president. I can honestly say to you, that everything I’ve given to the industry, I’ve gotten back twice in return.

MP: What are some of your goals during your tenure as president?
DG: In 2008, I’m asking Realtors to focus on three key goals that are directly tied to the challenges that all of our members are facing in the real estate market.

First, we have to strengthen the relationship between Realtors and the consumer. We have to think about how we can help Realtors connect with consumers in their markets, and help them understand all that we do to benefit consumers.

My second goal is to make NAR the most comprehensive source of real estate information. Consumers want information about real estate markets and properties and they want it presented in a way that’s helpful and quick.

My third goal is to enhance the professionalism of Realtors. Education and training are a must for anyone who wants to succeed and stay in business long-term. We have to help members get the training they need and have to help them adhere to a code of ethics. These are the things that separate Realtors from other competitors.

MP: How is NAR helping Realtors compete and succeed in today’s market?
DG: The strategic planning committee has been doing a great job in outlining our new mission and our common goals for NAR. The NAR staff, led by Dale Stinton, has put together a bold package of 13 initiatives that will move members ahead.

In 2008, we’re going to focus on four of these initiatives. First, through greater consumer outreach, we’re going to build a direct relationship with consumers. Imagine the difference we could make if the voice of real estate spoke to consumers as well as members. As part of this enhanced outreach, we will improve REALTOR.com® and continue to leverage a public awareness campaign to help consumers understand we’re their partners.

Second, NAR is involved in a new tech venture that will help give us a seat at the table in Silicon Valley. We are working with investors on a technology that will greatly benefit members.

Third, we’re working to create a national real estate gateway. That gateway will include information about every parcel of property in the United States.

Fourth, we plan to form a Realtor credit union that will allow us to offer financial services at the lowest possible cost to members. RE

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