• About Us

    Who are we?

    Since 1929, the Greater Harlem Real Estate Board has served the real estate interests of the Harlem community, local professionals within the real estate industry and members of related industries.

    We are the oldest African American housing trade association in the United States and the only real estate association serving the Harlem community. We also serve residents in all of the boroughs of New York City.

    GHREB's Mission:

    The founding members of the Greater Harlem Real Estate Board, Inc. came together to support each other at a time when it was almost impossible for African Americans to generate a successful livelihood in a predominantly white male real estate industry. Their main mission was to unite black real estate professionals conducting business in Harlem and surrounding communities, disseminate vital information to all members, promote and engage in activities that would benefit the members and community and increase the earning capacity of all members. They banded together at the time to fight illegal practices issues such as redlining, blockbusting and racial steering, today factors such as illegal subprime lending, falling homeownerships rates, as well as lack of affordable housing, are threatening our community. At a time where Harlem is facing un-precedented growth, it’s more important than ever for us to band together to make sure that we are a part of the future of Harlem.

    What are the benefits of being members of the board?

    The #1 benefit is association. Our members are tops in their field, and are all seasoned Harlem real estate professionals. Our occupations range from, developers, to sales people, to mortgage and insurance professionals, to property managers/owners, to appraisers, to business owners. If you have questions of what’s going on in Harlem and where… those question can be answered by one of our members.

    #2 Members of the Greater Harlem real estate board are automatically members of NAREB, a national organization that represents our interests nationwide. As member of a nationwide organization we have access to things you couldn’t think of getting on your own.

    NAREB- NAtional Association of REal Estate Brokers

    The National Association of Real Estate Brokers, (NAREB), is a Real Estate Professional trade organization. As members of GHREB, you automatically become a member of the national organization, NAREB. NAREB has local chapters across the country who embrace our ideals and mission of “promoting democracy in housing”. While our name suggests an organization of Real Estate Brokers, it is a professional real estate organization which includes membership from multiple disciplines in the real estate industry. We welcome professionals in all areas of real estate to join us and help promote our mission.

    Our national goal is to bring together the nation’s minority professionals in the real estate industry to promote the meaningful exchange of ideas about our business and how best to serve our clientele. We strive to create an environment where creativity flourishes in both the workplace and the marketplace.

    To service our target market, we ensure training and educational opportunities are available to our entire membership across the many disciplines we represent, providing certifications and special designations in many areas of interest. Our ability to professionally service our client base is the foundation by which we operate.

    Our organization was founded in 1947, making it the oldest minority professional trade association in America. It was formed out of a need to secure the right to equal housing opportunities regardless of race, creed, or color. Since its inception, we have participated in meaningful challenges and legislative activities, to establish fair housing for all.

    NAREB is governed by a board of directors and an executive committee comprised of members and leaders in the industry from across America. Each local chapter continuously accepts new members to join and actively become community real estate leaders. 

    Please visit the Join NAREB Page for more information.