OUR HISTORY

WHO ARE WE

Established in 1907, we are the oldest and largest REALTOR® Association in Rhode Island. We are a professional trade association that works to promote homeownership and to enable our members to successfully conduct their real estate business with integrity and competence and to promote the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. We are one of 1,300 REALTOR® Associations in the U.S. affiliated with the National Association of REALTORS®, The Voice for Real Estate®.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A REAL ESTATE AGENT AND A “REALTOR®”?

Both would be licensed by the state. However an individual who is a “REALTOR®” is a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and can call themselves a REALTOR®. Members are licensed to use the logo in connection with their real estate business and adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. There are over 8,000 real estate agents in Rhode Island and 6,500 of them are REALTORS®. But remember: REALTOR® isn’t a synonym for real estate broker or real estate salesperson. A REALTOR®, simply put, is an individual who has voluntarily sought membership in the REALTOR® Association and abides by the Code of Ethics of the National Association of REALTORS®. A REALTOR® is someone who is licensed (i.e. salesperson, broker, appraiser, auctioneer, property manager).

OUR MISSION

We cultivate professionalism in our real estate businesses and communities through collaboration, resources, and advocacy.

A BRIEF HISTORY

1907

Greater Providence Board of REALTORS® founded as the Providence Real Estate Exchange.

1972

Greater Providence Board, in conjunction with the Rhode Island Association of REALTORS®, establishes the nation’s first Statewide Multiple Listing Service.

1983

Greater Providence Board establishes a Legal Hotline.

1989

Greater Providence Board and City of Providence awarded the Community Housing Initiative Award.

1991

Greater Providence Board establishes the “Revolving Land Acquisition Fund” with Stop Wasting Abandoned Property (SWAP).

1992

Greater Providence Board partners with Stop Wasting Abandoned Property (SWAP) and the Local Initiative Support Coalition (LISC) for Princeton Place Cooperative, 13 units of affordable cooperative housing.

1993

United States Conference of Mayors and National Association of REALTORS® selects Greater Providence Board and City of Providence for outstanding affordable housing efforts.

1994

Greater Providence Board is awarded The Fannie Mae Foundation’s “Partners in Housing” Award in Washington, D.C

1995

New England Society of Association Executive awards Greater Providence Board its Outstanding Achievement Award.

1997

Board establishes a The Greater Providence Board of REALTORS® Annual Charity Golf Classic 501C3 Public Charity.

1999

Greater Providence Board joins the National Association of REALTORS® “NRDS” (National REALTOR® Database) System. This system allows for the efficient maintenance of membership records electronically between Boards.

2000

Greater Providence Board members enjoy the benefits of increased access, increased productivity and increased exposure of listings as MLS converts to an Internet-based system.

2001

Greater Providence Board establishes its website.

2002

Hasbro Children’s Hospital dedicates room to Greater Providence Board of REALTORS® in honor of its contributions.

2005

Irving H. Levin Scholarship established in honor of its Past Board President, REALTOR® of the Year and Past State Association President. The scholarship fund enables a Veteran to establish a career in real estate.

2005

Board establishes Statewide Cultural Diversity/Equal Opportunity Committee to increase diversity in the REALTOR® membership, promote fair housing practices and to increase REALTOR® involvement in minority communities.

2006

Board contributes $12,000, from the proceeds of its Charity Golf Tournament to the REALTOR® Relief Foundation to aid the survivors of Hurricane Katrina.

2006

10th Anniversary of Charity Golf Tournament, which has raised $152,000 for the Child Life Program at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. The Child Life Program creates a sense of normalcy in the lives of terminally ill children and their families.

2007

Board celebrates its 100th Anniversary. 100 years of excellence in providing programs and services for our members.

2008

Board selected as the Ambassador Association to the country of Nicaragua. This program will serve our members by expanding their global business networks and international real estate activities.

2009

Board enters into a cooperative agreement with the Rhode Island Commercial and Appraisal Board of REALTORS® to share services and administrative costs to benefit the memberships of both Boards.

2012

Board enters into a cooperative agreement with the Northern Rhode Island Board of REALTORS® to share services and administrative costs to benefit the memberships of both Boards.

2013

Board establishes GPBOR C.A.R.E. (Community Awareness REALTOR® Events) 501C3 Public Charity.

2017

Board celebrates its 110th Anniversary.

2019

GPBOR sells its office at 365 Eddy Street, Suite 1, Providence, which served as our headquarters for 31 years, and begins search for our new home.

2020

GPBOR effectively continues to serve its members and the public throughout the COVID pandemic.

2022

GPBOR and the Northern Rhode Island Board celebrate the 10th anniversary of their shared service agreement.  GPBOR also receives award from the National Association of REALTORS® for it development of a safety program for REALTORS® that incorporates their collaboration with Day One to assist sex trafficking victims.

2024

GPBOR holds its grand opening of 1169 Park Avenue, Cranston, the new offices of the Greater Providence Board of REALTORS®.