WELCOME TO CONSOLIDATED REALTY BOARD

REALTIST, is how you refer to the members of the professional real estate trade association at the Consolidated Realty Board. With facilities in Baldwin Hills at 3725 Don Felipe Drive, Los Angeles, California, 90008, the members of the Board have been virtual soldiers in the fight against discriminatory practices in the real estate and housing industry since 1949. In fact, much of the Anti-Discrimination Legislation relative to housing and real estate financing that exists today can be credited to the founding members of the Consolidated Realty Board, a leading chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers.  Realtists have served the underserved across America since 1947 and the mission has not changed. Realtist members are not just Real Estate Brokers and Real Estate Agents, the Affiliate Realtist membership includes Mortgage Brokers, Mortgage Reps., Escrow Companies, Title Reps., Housing Inspectors, Real Estate Appraisers, Legal Professionals, Painters, Plumbers, Electricians and more. You may have worked with a Realtist and didn’t know it. 

Well, it is time for everyone to know the benefits of working with Realtist for your real estate needs and about CRB where you can find Realtist who can put you in touch with professionals who have a history of going beyond the call of duty to help our community. And if you are a person who has a heart for the community, join the Board or become a Subscription Member of the Consolidated Realty Board and help let the community know the work of the Realtists.
  GET TO KNOW US - WE ARE PROUD TO BE REALTISTS 


The Consolidated Realty Board has the distinction of being the first National Association of Real Estate Board chapter established in California. Since it’s creation in 1949 the organization has been at the forefront of the fight for democracy in housing and the fight against racial discrimination in the real estate practice. The original members of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers are called Realtist because at the time African Americans were barred from membership in the National Association of Realtors.

The opportunities that African Americans enjoy today to established real estate firms, escrow companies, and mortgage companies and to fill high level positions in title companies, banks, state and national real estate related agencies and housing authorities, were made possible by the work of the Realtist men and women who heroically fought discrimination everyday in the streets and courts during the early days of the Consolidated Realty Board. The Realtists of the past days had to go far beyond the straight-forward real estate transaction and commissions. They had to advocate for the protection and enforcement their clients rights to fair housing and property rights.

Today the Consolidated Realty Board membership has evolved into a truly consolidated real estate trade association, bringing together a diverse range of real estate professionals and real estate related affiliations to serve under served communities as only Realtists can serve. Realtist serve on boards of every kind, from bank advisory boards to local and state community development commissions to block clubs and homeowner's associations. Realtist affiliates range from government agencies to construction contractors to florist. Meet the Executive Officers and Board of Directors of CRB.

The Realtist legacy is an attitude of extraordinary service. As we like to say it, "Anybody can be a Realtor, but everybody is not a Realtist."    [TOP]
  HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF THE REALTY BOARD 


In 1949, a group of young and dynamic African-American real estate brokers gathered to discuss the inequitable and prejudicial treatment of brokers in the Los Angeles area. African-American brokers in Los Angeles were being denied membership in local real estate boards and trade organizations. In addition, they were being prevented from marketing properties in certain areas of the city and even denied access to open houses for viewing by their clients. It was patently clear to this group of brokers assembled that a collective effort would be required to mitigate these obstacles to their professional success.

That meeting initiated by Mr. Willis E. Carson was the genesis of the Consolidated Realty Board of Southern California Inc. Other founding members of the Board included William Black, William Bujol, Ernest DeGruy, Charles Dunning, Wesley A. Fairchild, Hernbert Gleed, Claude Jolly, Fred Ninehouse, Cluese Reid, Lorenzo V. Spencer, Oscar White, Bryce Wisner, and Dave Wolf. Members of this new board designated themselves as REALTISTS. A distinctive emblem was adopted by the membership. Arnold McNeeley, a local African-American artist, developed that temblem that serves as the Boards' logo today.

With counsel from Attorney Thomas Newsome, the Board formulated its constitution and by-laws. The principle objectives of the Board indicated were the development of social, political and economic imperatives for African-American brokers, and the promotion of equal housing opportunities for minority citizens. On March 16, 1950, a charter was issued to the Consolidated Realty Board of Southern California, Inc., by the California Secretary of State. On March 24, 1950, the California Real Estate Commissioner, Dean D. Watson, installed the first elected officers of the Consolidated Realty Board at a banquet held at the Golden State Mutual Insurance Company Auditorium. The officers included Willis E. Carson: President, Cluese Reid: Vice President, Bryce Wisner: Secretary, and William Black, Treasurer.

The first office of the Consolidated Realty Board was located at Western Avenue and 36th Place in Los Angeles. The Board membership grew rapidly and approximately 1,200 listings were placed with the Board during its initial year. In 1973, the Board office was relocated to its present location on Don Felipe Drive in scenic Baldwin Hills, California.

As the membership of the Board grew, its focus as a proponent of fair treatment of African-American brokers and agents in the real estate industry and equal housing opportunities for minorities expanded. In 1975, the Consolidated Realty Board was a catalyst for legislative actions against the redlining practices of the lending and insurance industries. As an affiliate of the California Association of Real Estate Brokers (CAREB) and National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), the Consolidated Realty Board remains an advocate for social, political and economic parity for minority real estate industry professionals and community members.  [TOP]
 
WILLIS E. CARSON - FOUNDER CRB 


In 1949 a ship was launched, named Consolidated Realty Board, the crew named me (Willis Carson) as its Captain and named Chuese Reid its Co-Captain, William Black its Secretary-Treasurer, Bryce D. Weisner, its Parliamentarian and H.J. Fairchild was chosen Chairman of the Board. Among other members of the crew were Herbert Gleed, Claude Jolly, L.V. Spencer, Robert B. Newman, William Bujol, Oscar White, David S. Wolfe and Ernest De Gruy.

Our ship sailed to sea in rough waters, each crew member put up $100.00 in order to keep the ship moving. In 30 days the ship returned to shore and took on 54 charter members. We again set out to sea to meet new horizons with our chief aim "Democracy in Housing." The ship was ten steered to Washington, D.C. where we became affiliated with the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. Returning to California we stopped in Oakland, California where we joined with the Northern group and organized the State Association known as the California Association of Real Estate Brokers, Inc.

It is needless to say many have been on and off the ship, but the ship still sails on. The only crew members left on the ship today are your Honorable Servant, myself, Willis E. Carson and its Co-Captain, Cluese Reid, out of the 54 left that sailed are Onie Granville, Kay Murray and Minnie Whittenberg.

Since our ship first set out to sea it has had 13 Captains of which only eight remain.

It is my sincerest wish that everyone would take time to read the . . . 

Founder's Prayer

Keep us, O God, from pettiness;
Let us be large in thought, in word, in deed.
Let us be done with fault-finding, and leave off self-seeking
May we put away all pretense and meet each other face to face 
without self-pity and without prejudice.
May we never be hasty in judgment and always be generous.
Let us take time for all things.
Make us grow calm, serene and gentle.
Teach us to put into action our better impulses, 
straightforward and unafraid.
Grant that we may realize it is the little things that create differences.
That in the big things of life we are as one.
And may we strive to touch and know the great common heart of all;
And, O Lord, God, let us not forget to be kind.
These blessings we ask, in Jesus' name. Amen. 
 [TOP]
  A HISTORICAL LANDMARK 

Consolidated Plaza - Home of CRB - Originally Named: RANCHO CIENEGA o PASO de la TIJERA

There were many natural springs and marsh lands (cienegas) below the hills at Rancho Cienega, and two narrow valleys between the Baldwin Hills formed a pass, which, to the imaginative Spaniards, resembled a pair of opened scissors (paso de la tijera). Thus originated the double name of the great Rancho Cienega o Paso de la Tijera, granted to Vicente Sanchez, alcalde of Los Angeles, in 1843.

Rancho Cienega was a long day's journey into the country in those days, and Don Vicente's official duties caused him to live in Los Angeles. The vast ranges of his country estate were, therefore, used merely for cattle grazing.

After Don Vicente's death, about 1850, his land-holdings were partitioned among his heirs, and Tomas A. Sanchez, famous as sheriff of Los Angeles for nearly ten years, received Rancho Cienega, while his sisters took the property on Calle de los Negros in Los Angeles.

Don Tomas married Maria Sepulveda, who received a portion of Rancho San Rafael after Fernando Sepulveda's death. Tomas Sanchez the present Glendale, where a handsome adobe, still standing, was built near the site of the original home.

E.J. (Lucky) Baldwin finally became the owner of Rancho Cienega, and when the estate was settled after his death in 1909, this rancho was listed as one of the most valuable of all his extensive holdings. "Seemingly, no matter how fast this old rancho has been subdivided, the remaining unsubdivided part grows in value by leaps and bounds directly contrary to its diminishing size."

Although some of the adobes erected at Cienega in rancho days were in ruins when the Sunset Gold Corporation leased the estate from the Baldwin heirs in the 1920's, a number of them were still standing. Unusual restraint and appreciation were used in the restoration of these buildings, and the clubhouse was laid out along the lines of the original plans, as nearly as they could be ascertained. The smooth, green slopes which lay before the casa, where the herds of Lucky Baldwin and, before his time, those of Vicente and Tomas Sanchez once grazed, became the broad links of a public gold course. Now this, too, has disappeared, to be replaced by curving streets and modern homes. The golfers' clubhouse building, into with the old adobes were incorporated, has become the home of a women's club. There is still a definite Spanish flavor there at 3725 Don Felipe Drive, above South Crenshaw Boulevard.

It was in this Crenshaw or Angeles Mesa district that the world's greatest athletes were housed during the Olympic Games in 1932. The Olympic village, including over 600 two-room dwellings, was built in the hills to the west of Crenshaw Boulevard south of Vernon Avenue. The area's brief world fame is commemorated in the names of Olympiad Drive and Athenian Way.

CONSOLIDATED REALTY BOARD became the owner of Rancho Cienega in 1972 purchasing it from the Parkview Women's Club. As has been consistently true, this site has continued to increase in value and in historical significance. The adobe built about 1790-95 still stands in the midst of modernity as a symbolic link between the past and the present.

From this site Consolidated Realty Board functions as a viable force in the affairs of the Crenshaw district and seeks to extend its influence in the continued development of the area. The Board invites and welcomes community appreciation and participation in an on-going program dedicated to the ideals of better living for all.  [TOP]
  WOMEN'S COUNCIL HISTORY 


Women's Council of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Inc. 

The genesis of the Women's Council of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers was born over fifty years ago. However, the vision and determination of a few women made the Council a reality years after the inception of our national organization NAREB®. NAREB's history states that at their organizing meeting in Tampa, Florida, in 1947, the following National Business League's Convention, there were twelve representatives from different states that committed themselves to the formulation of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. Among those founders was a woman, Mrs. Naomi Black of Detroit, Michigan.

In 1948, at the first NAREB Convention held in Atlantic City, New Jersey, a major highlight was the role of women in the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. It was officially determined that women brokers would be recognized in two capacities: the participation of women in the election process as officers; and the appointment of women to offices in NAREB.

By the time the fifties roared in, women were joining NAREB at alarming are. The early fifties indeed gave women inspiration, confidence and hope for better business opportunities in real estate. It was within this period that the "Detroit Brokerettes" were formed. The Brokerettes were the "first" supported group of minority women bonding together to organize a women's group in real estate. Several members of the Brokerettes assisted in the formation of the Women's Council of NAREB.

Today, women comprise over 53 percent of the National Association of Real Estate Broker's membership with women participating in all divisions and aspects of the organization.

Just as the need to exist compelled the development of the Women's Council many years ago, the need continues to exist for many compelling reasons. 

We invite you to join the Women's Council of NAREB and become an active member in the nation's most effective minority women's real estate organization. [TOP]


Reprinted in part, Going Places Magazine, May 2004 
  MEMBER BENEFITS - REALTIST DESIGNATIONS 

The term REALTIST® may only be used by licensed real estate brokers and agents who are members of a NAREB local board and who pledge to honor a nationally recognized Code of Ethics.


If you do not have a personal California Real Estate License, you may join as an Affiliate. 

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Continuing Education classes will be made available. Notification and course information regarding these classes will be posted on our website.

LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS

Keep abreast of the latest federal and state real estate issues affecting the industry today.

ONLINE PRESENCE

Our CRB Online Intranet web site is available to members. The exclusive member area includes sophisticated back-end office components designed for the needs of our REALTISTS professional.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS & PROCEDURES

It is hoped that all REALTISTS will always act ethically, however, occasionally a dispute may arise which may be heard, free of charge, by a Professional Standards Panel. If a dispute arises, between REALTISTS members of the board, concerning commission, then arbitration may be evoked. These Panels, comprised of members who are actively involved in real estate, hears and makes recommendations on matters involving complaints of unethical conduct and arbitration matters.

EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS

You will receive free attendance to our monthly educational seminars. These seminars, conducted by real estate professionals, offer opportunities to network and keep abreast of the latest trends in the industry. The seminars take place from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., the third Wednesday of each month. 

BANQUETS, EVENTS AND PARTIES 

You will receive invitations to events including the Willie E. Carson Annual Golf Tournament, Board Installation Banquet, Home Buyers Seminar, Holiday Gala and on-going networking events. [TOP]
 
CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE BROKERS 

The California Association of Real Estate Brokers, Inc., (CAREB), was established in 1955 and founded on the philosophy of excellence, forever guiding and preparing its membership to meet the challenges of each new tomorrow. Our members are known as "Realtists". Our membership is comprised principally of African American real estate professionals but is an integrated entity open to qualified practitioners of all races who are interested in achieving the goals of our theme "Democracy in Housing". CAREB supports its Local Boards in Sacramento, Fairfield, Oakland, San Francisco, Richmond, Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside County, and San Diego with legislation, seminars, panel discussions, and continuing education for real estate professionals and consumers. CAREB is also aligned with the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Inc. (NAREB) as a valuable link to national issues.

As CAREB works to increase the home ownership of African and Americans and other minority groups, it is also focused on marketing, technology, education. Our broker network markets provide the full range of real estate & real estate referral services.

Our membership consists of real estate brokers and sales associates, mortgage brokers, insurance brokers, appraisers, property managers, title representatives, escrow representatives, and other real estate professionals. As we approach our target number of 2000 members we expect to double that by October 2002.

CAREB diligently seeks your support in developing a working business relationship. We look forward to your participation as we continue to grow and progress as a trade organization.  [TOP]
 
NAREB

THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE BROKERS, INC. IS A TRADE ASSOCIATION WHOSE MISSION IS TO ENHANCE THE ECONOMIC IMPROVEMENT OF ITS MEMBERS AND THE MINORITY COMMUNITY IT SERVES. 


NAREB is a national trade association dedicated to bringing 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 out clientele. We strive to create and environment where creativity flourishes in both the workplace and the marketplace. We teach, live by,
and search for the highest professional and ethical principles. In this way we can offer economic improvement for both our members and the minority community we serve. When you become a member of NAREB, you will remain abreast of all the latest developments affecting real estate through our publications, meetings, and workshops.  [TOP]
  Executive Officers 

President - Monroe Wooten
R.S. Cooper & Associates

1st Vice President - Larry Springs
C21-The Service Company 

2nd Vice President - Kevin Smith
Kanmco  

3rd Vice President - Denise Woods 
First Security Investment 

Secretary - Glenda Brass
Countrywide Home Loans 

Treasurer - Nadine Smith
Kanmco 

Asst. Treasurer - Joanne Ricks
Active Realtors
 
Parliamentarian - Wiley Sturns
First Security Investment		 Women's Council - President Ruby Stroman

Board of Directors 

First Security Investment - Calvin Berry 

C21-The Service Company - Ted Brass 

Brown & Associates -  Charlie Brown 

Harnan Financial - Nancy Harris 

Omega Capital Group - Craig Hart 

Chicago Title Company - Chuck Hopewell

First Security Investment - Evelyn Reeves

 [TOP]
  Affiliates of Consolidated Realty Board
Bank of America
Chase Manhattan Mortgage 
Chicago Title Company
Countrywide Home Loans
David L. Murphy,Tax Firm
FATCOLA
Fidelity National Title Co.
GC Exterminators
GM Funding Services Inc.
GMAC Mortgage
GUILD Mortgage
Harnan Financial
Investors Title
Irwin Mortgage Corp.
JP Termite, Inc.
LandSafe Title
Nationwide Insurance
Omega Capital Group
R.T. Williams Financial
Southwest Escrow
State Farm Insurance
Stewart Title
Supreme Escrow
Taylor Enterprises
The Dennis Group
United International Mortgage
Washington Mutual
Wells Fargo Home Loans
Westpointe Mortgage
                                                                    [TOP]
  Top Ten Consumer Rights In California Home Purchase

You have the right to interview and select professionals to assist you in home purchase, including the lender, real estate agent, and home inspection company.


You have the right to use the new Residential Purchase Agreement RPA-CA when making offers or accepting offers on property in California. Copy of RPA-CA available.


You have the right, upon your first contact with a real estate agent (including at an open house) to know what that agent's relationship is to seller of the home as well as to the potential buyer. In fact, it's the law! Copy of Agency Disclosure Form available.


You have the right to have all documents reviewed by an attorney (at your expense) if you have concerns regarding your rights being protected in residential purchase. This is an escrow state and differs from other states in this regard. The role of the escrow company is as a neutral third party enforcing the terms of the contract.


You have the right to approve or disapprove a residential property you have an accepted offer on due to physical condition of the home or neighborhood environment - without financial penalty. The default timeframe 17 days under the new RPA-CA contract unless otherwise expressly stated in the contract.


You have the right, including in new residential construction or resale, to negotiate for repairs to be made or for credit in lieu of repairs, within the approval timeframe of the contract. This is true even when the purchase is considered an "as is" purchase. Copy of Repair Request Form available.


You have the right to conduct tests (typically at your expense) to further investigate environmental or structural issues of the home within the approval timeframe - for example mold or cracked slab testing.


You have the right to have a copy of every document you sign in home purchase and to have that document as well as standard disclosures explained to you by the appropriate professional, including your lender, real estate agent, physical inspector, mover, home warranty and termite company. Ask your Realtist for a Consumer Disclosure explanation booklet.


You have the right to move in to your new home as soon as recording of the documents occur and consistent with the provisions of the contract. You may request that you be contacted even if after escrow hours. You may also negotiate for delayed closing or rent back situations if needed, but should also understand the consequences to the purchase and loan if this option is considered.


You have the right to have walk away from a residential purchase you are in escrow with if this is in your best interest, although you should be fully aware and advised concerning the consequences and monetary risk. Your situation should be reviewed with an attorney who practices in real estate and contract matters.  [TOP]
  CRB FACILITIES 

Plan Your Next Affair at THE PLAZA

Rentals for all occasions:

Parties Weddings Banquets
Receptions Seminars Social Meetings

Banquet Hall or Auditorium

This beautiful hall has the capacity for holding 300 to 350 people seated comfortable at a banquet or sit-down dinner.

As an auditorium it can seat 400 to 450 people. It features a large stage fully visible from all parts of the room.

It is an excellent room for large parties and dances.


Garden Room

This is one of our most unique rooms. Its versatility lends itself to be used as a conference room, ballroom, or room for dinner affairs where the attendance is 200 to 215 persons.

This room can be adjusted with its sliding glass doors for entrance to the patio which is a perfect setting for weddings and receptions.

Social Hall

This is one of our rooms designed to meet the needs of groups of smaller size. The capacity for meetings is 175 to 200 people.

For small parties or dinner events, the capacity is 125 to 150 persons.

Notwithstanding scheduling conflicts, the following services are available for all affairs:

Kitchen Facilities
Ample Parking

Please also review our Guidelines. For Further Information, please complete our online Request for Reservations form or call 310.299.5570 (Monday - Saturday) [TOP]
 
REALTIST DEFINED 

The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE BROKERS, INC. (NAREB) was formed in 1947 in Miami, FLorida. Made up of predominantly black real estate brokers, known as REALTISTS, this organization has local boards in major cities of most states.

The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE BROKERS, INC. (CAREB) affiliated with the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE BROKERS, was organized in 1955 and now has six board affiliates, namely; Associated Real Property Brokers, Oakland; Consolidated Real Estate Brokers, Sacramento; Consolidated Realty Board, Los Angeles; San Diego Board of Realtists, San Jose South Bay Board of Realtists and North Bay Board of Realtists, Richmond.

A REALTIST must be a member of a local board as well as a member of the national organization. Both nationally and locally, REALTISTS are working for better housing for the communities they serve.

The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE BROKERS, INC., has several affiliated institutes, societies and councils. Membership in NAREB is a prerequisite to obtaining membership in any of these group. The address of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE BROKERS, INC., is: P.O. Box 56483, Washington D.C., 20041-6483. The address of the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE BROKERS, INC., IS 3725 Don Felipe Drive, Los Angeles, California 90008.  [TOP]
  CONTACT US

Consolidated Realty Board is located at the base of Baldwin Hills Estates surrounded by lush greenery and a wonderful view of the City of Los Angeles.

Our Address Is:

3725 Don Felipe Drive
Los Angeles, California 90008

Phone:  323.299.5570       Fax:  323.299.2865

Email Address:  realtists@consolidatedrealtyboard.com

Driving Directions
We are located two (2) blocks west of Crenshaw Boulevard and one (1) block east of Stocker Ave.
From the 110 Freeway, exit Crenshaw Blvd, travel south to Stocker Avenue, turn right to Don Felipe Drive, turn right.

From the 105 Freeway, exit Crenshaw Blvd, travel north to Stocker Avenue, turn left to Don Felipe Drive, turn right.

From the 405 Freeway, exit Jefferson Blvd., travel east to Crenshaw Blvd, turn right, travel to Stocker Avenue, turn right to Don Felipe Drive, turn right. 

From the 10 Freeway, exit MLK Boulevard, travel west to Crenshaw Blvd., turn left to Stocker Avenue, turn right to Don Felipe Drive.

 [TOP]
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