HHAR Celebrates 50 Years in the Community

As the Region’s Largest Trade Association for Real Estate Professionals, HHAR Continues to Provide Valuable Resources to REALTORS®, the Community and Homeownership

Hilton Head Island, May 2023 – Hilton Head Area REALTORS® (HHAR), a member-based organization dedicated to the advancement of the real estate profession and the protection of homeownership and quality of life, is marking half a century of serving as the region’ s largest trade association for real estate professionals. The organization’s 50th anniversary was kicked off at HHAR’s Installation of Officers Celebration held in January and will be celebrated with events and programs throughout the year — ending at HHAR’s annual Oyster Roast in October.

HHAR, which launched in 1973 and has grown to now include more than 1600 REALTORS® and affiliate partners, was created to support, educate and empower REALTORS® to enhance their professionalism and success while providing the highest level of ethical service to the public and the consumers they serve. In addition to serving as a resource for both REALTORS® and home buyers and sellers, HHAR has played a vital role in the region by “giving back” to the community — providing aid to individuals by funding and supporting charitable, nonprofit organizations that ensure safe and affordable housing and quality of life, educating on homeownership, and providing disaster relief.

“For the past 50 years, HHAR has provided vital resources to both real estate professionals and the community, and has been the voice of real estate in the region,” said Jean Beck, HHAR’s Chief Executive Officer. “Since our founding, we’ve been bringing REALTORS® together in the true spirit of collaboration to help the community through education, community outreach and advocacy efforts, and we look forward to continuing this mission well into the future.”

In 1993 the HHAR created the HHAR Annual Golf and Tennis Tournament which, upon becoming a fundraising event in 2007, has provided over $300,000 in grants to Lowcountry organizations that support housing and local quality of life. HHAR also has played an important role in supporting the Hilton Head Regional Habitat for Humanity – bringing REALTOR® members together to provide financial support and time to help build six homes in Bluffton and three on Hilton Head Island. In addition, through their REALTORS® Helping Real People program, the organization brings REALTORS® together to assist families with home repairs which can bring a renewed sense of pride in homeownership.

Throughout the decades, HHAR’s advocacy work has played an instrumental role in the region. HHAR leverages its long-standing credibility to develop and maintain important relationships with elected officials, with its government affairs team monitoring local ordinances and legislative actions that could impact home buyers and sellers, the real estate profession and quality of life. The organization works closely with government affairs leaders at South Carolina REALTORS® and with the National Association of REALTORS®, providing a strong voice on issues that matter to advance public policies that build a strong community, protect private property interests, and promote a vibrant business environment.

HHAR’s 50th anniversary kicks off a year of celebrating the organization’s accomplishments throughout the decades and future programs and services to empower both real estate professionals and the community. For more information about HHAR, including a full list of member benefits, programs and community services, visit www.hhrealtor.com.