Virginia Peninsula Association of Realtors

December 2007

The Voice for Real Estate in Virginia Peninsula

The Virginia Peninsula Association of Realtors is the region’s voice for real estate professionals and an information site for those interested in pursuing a real estate career or finding members in good standing in the area. Our objectives are to maintain high standards of ethical conduct, to provide educational programs that foster and promote professional development in accordance with state laws and regulations, and to be a resource concerning all aspects of home ownership.

History of Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS

The Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS (VPAR) began in 1920 as the Newport News Real Estate and Insurance Exchange, and boasted a membership of 19.

In 1925, the organization became the Newport News-Hampton Real Estate and Insurance Exchange. Two decades had passed when in 1947 the Elizabeth City County Real Estate and Insurance Association was formed at the Central Restaurant in Hampton; this later became the Hampton Real Estate and Insurance Association. The two professions remained united in a single trade organization until 1952, when the peninsula Association of Insurance Agents was formed; a year later, the real estate side of the organization became known as the Newport News-Warwick Real Estate Board. An MLS was created in 1958, and after consolidation of the cities of Newport News and Warwick, the Newport News Real Estate Board was created. Finally, in April of 1962, after several previous attempts, the Newport News Real Estate Board and the Hampton Real Estate & Insurance Association merged to become the Newport News-Hampton Real Estate Board. Attempts to also include Williamsburg failed. The newly merged association’s 1st president was Russell Winfree, who was elected in 1964.

By the time the 70’s rolled around, the Association boasted 340 members and an executive secretary had been hired. With women making strides through the nation during this time, the Board of REALTORS was no exception - it elected its first female president in 1974: Ruth Nunnally. The organization established its headquarters at its current location of 764 McGuire Place in Newport News. In the 80’s, the Association saw its first African-American President, Moses Easter; established a computerized MLS; and hired its second Executive Vice President. The building was expanded to accommodate additional staff, meeting rooms and a member services center.

The 1990’s witnessed the merger of the Association’s MLS with the former Metro MLS in the Tidewater area to form REIN - the Real Estate Information Network. The first female Executive Vice President was hired, staff was reduced and a leaner, more efficient Association with a focus on core services surfaced. The Association broke ground on a new building, May 25, 2006 located in the Hampton Roads Center North Industrial Park on Magruder Blvd. The 24,000 square foot building is expected to open in January of 2007.
In the 21st century, VPAR members can expect rapid technology enhancements, high levels of education and information services, increased legislative advocacy and enhanced professionalism.

The Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS (VPAR) is a professional trade organization representing the interests of over 1500 real estate professionals in the Peninsula localities of Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Smithfield, Isle of Wight County and York County. As our mission, we strive to provide meaningful REALTOR services designed to reinforce our standards and to enhance the personal and professional success of our members.