History

Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS®, established in 1896, has a long and rich history paralleling the history of Santa Clara Valley. SCCAOR, the first trade association in California, is the largest real estate board in Northern California, and was listed as one of the nation's top 20 associations by the Foundation of the American Society of Association Executives. We've come a long way since our first members took potential buyers to preview properties in horse-drawn buggies.

Over the years, our members have made very significant contributions, both in the real estate industry and to the quality of life in Santa Clara County, through their community service activities. Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS®'s history is one of recognizing changing needs in the real estate industry, economy, and technology, and leading the way in responding to those needs.

The real estate industry was transformed as real estate boards across the nation were launched into a competitive market with "Board of Choice." Locally, SCCAOR's divestiture of the MLS system and the founding of RE InfoLink (now MLS Listings), brought further changes. SCCAOR refocused in the midst of these and many other changes in the real estate industry, and developed a wider range of services and relevant programs for the success of our members.

As technology began to revolutionize the real estate industry, we responded by providing information about products and services necessary for success in the new "high technology" era. Our emphasis began with the addition of free technology forums, demonstrations, and trade shows through our Computer User's Forum and this year's new computer solutions program in partnership with Microsoft which provides hardware, software and training.

Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS® was the first real estate board in California to employ a Government Affairs Director to represent the interest of property owners, REALTORS® and the real estate industry, at all levels of government. Threats to property rights remain an increasingly "hot" item on legislative agendas.

The Board's educational activities for members and the public consistently win state and national awards for high quality and leadership, including the Real Estate Assistants Program, developed in 1994. Ongoing classes and seminars provide Members with the most current, professional education for the benefit of their clients and their careers.

The SCCAOR Annual Convention and Trade Show, housing 200 exhibitors and drawing more than 3,000 attendees, is the largest real estate convention in the state. Recent years have focused on real estate technology, with the addition of a "Computer Fair" within the trade show, and technology education through seminars and demonstrations.

The RE Source newsletter continues to provide REALTORS®, Affiliates and the public with vital information and advertising opportunities. The RE Facts library acts as another useful resource for vital information available with a simple phone call.

In support of the many communities our members serve, SCC REALTORS® FOUNDATION, a nonprofit corporation designed to direct Member's monetary contributions to the most vital community needs, was formed in 1991.

Integrity, strength and innovation is the foundation of Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS®'s history. In the same tradition, established during the past century, we are committed to being an industry leader, bringing positive action and service to our Members and communities for the next 100 years.