About GRAR
Who We Are
Serving the Real Estate Industry Since 1910
For over 100 years, The Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS® (GRAR) has provided resources and education, promoted professionalism, and helped position its members for success.
GRAR actively supports the community through advocacy to ensure the preservation of real property rights, as well as supporting the efforts of local charitable programs that encourage home-ownership, create sustainable neighborhoods, and address critical housing needs through the REALTORS® Charitable Foundation.
Mission, Vision, and Values
Mission Statement
GRAR’s Mission is to empower real estate professionals by providing the education, information, and tools they need to serve our community.
Vision Statement
GRAR is the premier resource on real estate, housing, and homeownership in the Rochester and Finger Lakes regions.
Values Statement
Our values define who we are and what matters in our organization. We commit to the following values:
- Members: We will be a resource, partner, and guide for our members as they pursue their real estate career and serve our region’s real estate needs.
- Community: We are committed to inclusive community development and will leverage our resources as an active partner in place-making.
- Authentic Professionalism: Our standards of professionalism are high and founded in respect and commitment to our work, our clients, each other, and ourselves.
- Gracious Culture: We recognize that our staff, members, volunteers, and community are human beings; each balancing unique challenges, expectations, and pressures in their professional and personal lives. As colleagues and associates we value grace and humility in our interactions.
- Inclusion: We are committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within our staff, across our membership, and in our community.
- Collaborative Catalyst: Through partnerships and coalitions GRAR will leverage our resources, relationships, and expertise to advance the real estate industry and equitable housing opportunities.
GRAR Board of Directors
Our History
The year 1900 marked the beginning of a new era in Rochester.
With the expanding economy came increased opportunities for business, a rapid increase in home values and taxes and mounting problems having a negative effect on homeowners. A few serious minded, concerned citizens who owned property, or represented others who had a vested interest in property, set out to control taxes by becoming actively involved in legislative issues that might negatively affect the real estate industry and real property ownership.
Since 95% of tax revenues were derived from real property tax levies, government spending of these monies was of prime importance. These individuals formed a voluntary membership group, “The Real Estate Protective Association.” It functioned for more than six years until the 1907 depression.
On October 6, 1910, The Real Estate Board of Rochester, Inc. was formed.
By 1910, the continued growth of the real estate industry resulted in an influx of individuals entering into the profession. They, in turn, invited others whom they deemed qualified by integrity, good character, and honorable principles to join as members. On October 6, 1910, this newly formed group adopted the name: The Real Estate Board of Rochester, Inc. and elected W. H. Emery as its first president. The Real Estate Board of Rochester was subsequently chartered by the National Association of Realtors on May 4th, 1911.
In October 1960, members of the Real Estate Board of Rochester celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the Association. It was at that event that the following phrase was read: “The foundation for a greater and more beautiful city is set firmly. There is no turning back. The REALTORS® of 1960 are young, and they, too, have their visions for the future.”
In 1989, marketing of real property stretched out into several communities outside of Monroe County until it became necessary for the organization to change its name to reflect the expansion. Thus the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS®, Inc. (GRAR) was adopted. GRAR’s Centennial was celebrated all year in 2010.
GRAR continues to operate under the same founding principles that are the cornerstone of its outstanding reputation.
Today, the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS® provides resources and education, promotes professionalism, and helps to position its members for success. It continues to operate under the same founding principles that are the cornerstone of its outstanding reputation. GRAR continues to actively support the community through advocacy to ensure the preservation of real property rights, as well as supporting the efforts of local charitable programs that encourage home-ownership, create sustainable neighborhoods, and address critical housing needs through the REALTORS® Charitable Foundation.
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