Several Realtors from Paulding County were among hundreds who participated in the Georgia Realtors (GAR) Rally for Homeownership on the front steps of the Georgia Capitol Building in Atlanta.

“We had a larger crowd than we originally expected, and the energy was amazing,” said Pat McLeroy, Paulding Board of Realtors Vice President. “It was inspiring to be a part of an event that promotes an issue that is so vital to the economy at every level.”

Gov. Nathan Deal addressed the crowd, expressing his appreciation for Realtors and their dedication to preserving homeownership in Georgia, despite the challenges of the recent economy. Other elected officials who spoke included Senate President Pro Tempore David Shafer; House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams; District 61 State Rep. Roger Bruce of Atlanta; Rep. Virgil Flood of Tyrone; and District 67 State Rep. Micah Gravely of Douglasville.

GAR’s 2013 President, Robin Lance of Savannah, conveyed the unity among the Realtors as she addressed the crowd at the podium.

“We join together today not as Republicans, Democrats, or Independents, but as REALTORS® representing 2.2 million homeowners in Georgia,” she said. “This group is completely dedicated to solving the housing crises in our state together.”

Local Realtors who participated in the GAR Rally for Homeownership include Michael Scott, Brenda Leslie and Pat McLeroy. After the Rally was over, Realtors entered the Capitol and met with their local legislators to discuss important issues related to homeownership and private property rights.

The Georgia Association of Realtors is a voluntary professional association of approximately 26,000 licensed real estate brokers and salespersons engaged in all aspects of the real estate business throughout Georgia.