Gaston (NC) REALTORS®: Small Association Thinks Big in Putting Housing Opportunity Grant to Work

When the economy crashed in Gaston County, NC, it crashed hard. Unemployment grew and the housing market suffered.  As conditions began to improve last year, the 270-member Gaston  Association of REALTORS^® decided to help the public understand the opportunities to be had in their recovering market by hosting a housing fair in the town’s brand new convention center. With the help of a $5,000 Housing Opportunity Grant from NAR, they drew nearly 500 people to the April event.  Attendees visited booths of industry professionals ranging from lenders and home inspectors to landscapers and cabinet refinishers. The fair was such a hit that plans are already underway to host another one next year.

• Read more about the GAR’s successful housing fair (145K PDF)