More Than Homes: Realtors Give Back to the Communities They Serve

Did you know that realtors volunteer nearly three times more than the typical American? The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) shares that nearly 70% of members volunteer their time every month, and over 80% donate to charitable causes each year. These figures are more than just impressive – they reflect a profession deeply committed to service and civic engagement.

Community engagement is not just a personal endeavor for realtors, it’s a professional priority. Nearly 80% of NAR members report that involvement in their community is an essential part of their business plan, reflecting a profession deeply invested in the well-being of the neighborhoods they serve. Realtors are choosing to prioritize people over profits and community over competition.

Across the industry, professionals are teaming up to raise funds, volunteer side by side, and collaborate on local service projects. Events like the annual REALTOR Volunteer Days in May see members nationwide coming together to participate in activities that give back to their communities. That spirit of cooperation benefits everyone and reinforces the idea that strong communities come from shared effort.

Realtors understand that sentiment more than most, knowing that thriving communities don’t just happen – they’re built through connection, leadership and consistent care. In places like the Quad Cities, the impact is easy to see. Last year, members of the Prescott Area Association of REALTORS (PAAR) teamed up with Meals on Wheels to deliver more than 300 care packages to homebound seniors, bringing comfort, connection and crucial supplies to some of the most vulnerable members of the community.

The program was such a success that it’s back again this month, with even more volunteers stepping up to help with collections, packing and deliveries. PAAR members will be rolling up their sleeves again by partnering with the Women’s Council of REALTORS for a Watson Lake cleanup event on May 14, leading a community-driven effort to protect and preserve our outdoor spaces.

The association’s nonprofit, Caring PAARtners, extends the member impact even further by coordinating fundraising efforts to assist those in need and launching service projects ranging from coat drives to city beautification projects that offer direct support to community members and bring people together.

Beyond these projects, many PAAR members take part in their own local initiatives, from helping veterans and mentoring youth, to serving on nonprofit boards and volunteering for charities close to home. With firsthand knowledge of the communities they serve, realtors are uniquely equipped to recognize where help is most needed and how to best offer it. These efforts help strengthen connections and improve the community, proving that realtors don’t just sell homes – they actively invest in the places they live in and serve.

Realtors and other real estate professionals in the Quad Cities are demonstrating their commitment to their community every day by giving back, forming connections and leaving a lasting impact. These individuals not only help make the American dream of homeownership come true, but they also give time and resources back to the people and places that need them most. Their dedication to service helps build a stronger, more vibrant community for everyone.

At the end of the day, real estate isn’t just about properties – it’s about people. QCBN

By Kayla Stazenski

Kayla Stazenski is a local REALTOR at Better Homes and Gardens BloomTree Realty. She is the 2025 President of the Prescott Area Association of REALTORS    (PAAR). For additional information or to contact PAAR, visit www.paar.org.