Founded: In 1916 real estate leaders from around Illinois banded together to form what would become the Illinois Association of REALTORS®. The objective: To unite brokers, agents, dealers and owners for the purpose of formulating, promoting and enforcing high standards of ethics in relation to transactions in real estate.

IAR today: The Illinois Association of REALTORS® has grown to become one of the largest trade associations in the state of Illinois, representing 41,000 REALTORS® statewide who are involved in virtually all aspects related to the sale, purchase, exchange or lease of real property in Illinois.

Mission: The Illinois Association of REALTORS® is the leading private property advocate in Illinois and the recognized voice for real estate in Illinois. IAR is an advocate for a healthy business environment and a resource for its members to deliver ethical and professional services to the public and to one another. IAR works to protect the rights of private property owners in the state by recommending and promoting legislation that safeguards and advances the interests of real property ownership.

Office: IAR is headquartered at 522 South 5th Street, Springfield, IL 62701. IAR can be reached by phone at (217)529-2600; fax at (217)529-3904; e-mail at IARaccess@iar.org or by visiting our web site.

Staff: An executive staff of 46 is involved in the daily operations of IAR and its programs. Chief Executive Officer is Gary L. Clayton.

REALTOR®: The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its code of ethics.

Local boards and associations: Members belong to the National Association of REALTORS® as well as one or more of the 34 local REALTOR® associations statewide.