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A history of where real estate agents came from, and why they still matter

Legend has it, the first real estate agent warned the pilgrims: “Location, location, location!” before they landed at Plymouth Rock.

All joking aside, real estate transactions didn’t always come with trusted guides. And lately, unfortunately, real estate agents are getting a bad rap. While there’s a lot of misunderstanding around the industry, and every industry has its bad actors, the reality is that real estate agents hold themselves to incredibly high standards and bring invaluable expertise to homebuyers and sellers alike.

Let’s take a look at the history of where they came from. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the industry was unregulated — anyone could claim to be a broker.

That changed in 1908 with the founding of the National Association of Real Estate Exchanges, now the National Association of Realtors (NAR). By 1916, the term “Realtor” was born — designating members committed to professional and ethical standards.

Today, Realtors are licensed professionals who go beyond listing homes. They must follow a code of ethics, complete continuing education, stay on top of market trends, and offer tools and data the average consumer can’t access.

For buyers, Realtors find the right property, explain disclosures and negotiate terms. They have in-depth knowledge of the Silver State’s real estate market, including insights into neighborhoods, school districts and amenities you and your family are looking for. When you need a recommendation for a qualified, licensed contractor, your Realtor likely knows who to trust.

For sellers, Realtors set competitive prices, market homes broadly, and navigate offers and contracts. In volatile or competitive markets, having a professional in your corner isn’t just helpful — it’s essential.

For both buyers and sellers, they negotiate fiercely on your behalf, handling complex paperwork, ensuring legal compliance, and connecting you with trusted lenders. Their expertise often means the difference between a stressful experience and a smooth transaction.

And while technologies and tools are evolving rapidly, they remain ahead of the curve — so you don’t have to.

With housing markets constantly shifting, having a Realtor by your side ensures you have a skilled advocate who understands local trends and pricing strategies. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, an investor or looking to sell your family home, Realtors bring unmatched value and peace of mind to one of life’s most important decisions.

From open houses to virtual tours, the profession has evolved, but the value remains the same: helping people make one of the most important decisions of their lives. Your home is where you introduce your partner to your family, where you hang the Christmas stockings, and where your children take their first steps.

In their spare time, Realtors fight for you. They actively participate in policy conversations that protect property rights and promote fair housing practices.

So whether you’re looking for a castle with a moat or a condo near a great school, a Realtor helps make the move the right one.

Rich Robledo is a real estate agent for The Robledo Group.

Source: https://lasvegassun.com/news/2025/jul/27/holding-back-adult-education-funds-is-a-severe-blo/