The Oakland Association of REALTORs^® is one of the largest trade associations in Oakland. Prior to the 1906 earthquake, a small group of real estate professionals headed by Frank J. Woodward started the movement to form a local board. Meeting over lunch, the group talked of forming a club to work together and help each other. They called themselves the Oakland Real Estate Board (OREB). The first meetings were held in Mr. Woodard's office. The Board predated both the California and National Association of REALTORS^® and marked the start of mutual cooperation among salesman and brokers.

After the April 1906 earthquake and fire, over 150,000 San Franciscans fled to Oakland. The Realty Syndicate bought out Capwells Department Stores entire supply of blankets and brought them along with cots, cooking ranges, food and clothing to assist refugees. Many of the displaced survivors decided to resettle permanently in the East Bay. This greatly boosted the real estate industry. In downtown Oakland alone, 28 firms located offices in the 12 square blocks of 7th, 13th, Franklin and Washington Streets. In the 1000 block of Broadway there were six offices.

Six months after the disaster, J.T. Bell, then serving as president of the Board, convened a rally of real estate agents at the old Hotel Metropole. The group developed a Code of Ethics, which was later amended and adopted by the National Association of Real Estate Agents in 1911. This Code of Ethics has since been adhered to over the years by thousands of REALTORS^®. Other innovations that have proved successful are the Multiple Listing Service and the co-operative real estate sale.

Under the leadership of Mayor Frank K. Mott, members of the 1909 Oakland Real Estate Board promoted the first major state wide real estate convention. It drew participants from all parts of California and boasted a 10-fold attendance over other real estate conventions of its era. In recognition of the modern methods of scientific real estate valuation, the Board established the first Bay Area chapter of the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers. The Board also helped form the Alameda Taxpayers Association. State Senator (and past OREB president) Arthur H. Breed introduced the original proposal for a State Real Estate License Law. The California Real Estate Act became law in July 1919. Mr. Breed is also credited with the development of basic codes and policies under which the California Association of REALTORS^® still operates. He served as State President in 1920-21.

The original Board office was located on 15th street between Franklin and Webster; later the office moved to smaller quarters next door to the current building. Today's office and adjoining parking lot opened in 1949. That same year, the Board changed its name to the Oakland Board of REALTORS^® to conform to the national organization. The offices were most recently renovated in 1993 and include a REALTOR^® Service Center, a large auditorium which serves as a training and meeting room.

In the beginning there was one paid office staff person. Eventually an executive officer with a staff of 10 managed the affairs of the Board. Affiliate members were invited to join the association, starting with the Oakland Title Company, the Alameda Title Company and Land Title Company. Later banks and mortgage companies would become affiliate members as well.

For years it was a male dominated board. A Women's Council, formed by Josephine Engs in 1945, attracted many successful female brokers and agents. African-American agents organized a board called the Realist, which is still in existence although many of their members have since joined the association. During the 1950's and 60's the Board offered full membership to women and people of color, among the first in the United States to do so. Oakland continues to be among the most diverse associations in the Nation.

Oakland Board formed the Multiple Listing Services to have brokers and salespersons co-operate in listings and sales.

We also formed a Metro Listing Service for large units, commercial, industrial properties, rentals, leasing of stores, offices, warehouses, etc. It brought both large and smaller offices together and has proven a great success.

The Oakland Association of REALTORS^® is committed to recruiting real estate professionals to reflect fully Oakland's ethnic diversity, to ensuring fair housing and credit opportunities for all, to contributing to the economic and social development of the community, and to maintaining the highest professional standards for all its members through education, training and example.

The Board is currently known as the Oakland Association of REALTORS^® (OAR) to reflect its primary function as a trade and professional association, rather than a regulatory board.

If you are interested in joining us, please feel free to drop us a line.

A very special thank you to Bob Valva of Valva Realty Company for all his help in compiling the Association History.

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