Despite facing market challenges like historically low inventory, heightened mortgage rates, and the lowest annual sales since 1995 (in 2023), REALTORS® remained committed to giving back to the communities they serve. The 2024 Community Aid and Real Estate Report (CARE Report) tells us that a staggering 69% of REALTOR® members volunteered monthly, typically volunteering eight hours per month.  Eighty-six percent made monetary donations, underscoring a priority of charity ingrained within the profession.

Bar graph: Members-at-large Volunteer Monthly

For 80% of members-at-large, community involvement is not just an important part of their business plan but also important to them on a personal level, illustrating the altruistic nature of REALTORS®.

Bar graph: Personal Importance to Members of Community Involvement

Broker-owners lead by example and work to foster a culture of giving, with 73% volunteering monthly and 90% making monetary donations. Encouraging the agents in their brokerage to participate in community giving creates an environment of pooling resources and thinking not just of sales transactions but of the communities in which they live and work.

Pie chart: Brokers Encourage Agents to Volunteer

Behind the scenes, association executives (AEs) and MLS staff coordinate fundraisers and volunteer events and contribute personal donations to support charitable causes. With 98% of associations holding fundraisers for charitable causes and 97% hosting volunteer events, the organizational commitment to giving back is evident.

Bar graph: Number of Volunteering Events Hosted by Associations

REALTORS® and their associations demonstrate their altruism and commitment to giving back via volunteer hours served and dollars donated. They have maintained or even improved these efforts even in a difficult and competitive market.

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