About Us
Mission
To provide programs and services to support and enhance our memberās ability to excel and to better serve the communities in which they work and live.
Vision
The Dutchess Association of REALTORSĀ® serves, supports and inspires excellence in the real estate community.
š” About the Dutchess County Association of REALTORSĀ®
The Dutchess County Association of REALTORSĀ® (DCAR) is a professional trade association dedicated to protecting homeownership rights, upholding ethical real estate practices, and strengthening communities throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley.
š Our History
Founded in 1940 by a small group of local real estate brokers as the Dutchess County Realty Board, the organization has evolved alongside the real estate industry ā becoming the Dutchess County Board of REALTORSĀ® in 1964 and officially the Dutchess County Association of REALTORSĀ® in 1995.
For more than eight decades, DCAR has served as a trusted voice for real estate professionals and the residents they represent.
š„ Our Members & Standards
Today, DCAR is home to 1,100+ REALTORĀ® and Affiliate members, all committed to professionalism, integrity, and service.
Every REALTORĀ® member is bound by the National Association of REALTORSĀ® Code of Ethics, ensuring the highest standards of conduct, accountability, and consumer protection in every real estate transaction.
šļø Advocacy & Public Policy
DCARās work extends well beyond buying and selling homes. The association plays a vital role in advocating for fair, balanced housing policy and actively engages with local, state, and national elected officials on issues affecting:
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Property rights
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Housing affordability
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Land use and development
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Long-term community stability
Through public policy engagement, REALTORĀ® Lobby Days, and ongoing collaboration with municipal leaders, DCAR ensures that the voices of homeowners and housing professionals are heard where decisions are made.
š Education & Professional Excellence
Education is central to DCARās mission. The association offers extensive continuing education, ethics training, and professional development opportunities to help REALTORSĀ® stay informed, compliant, and prepared in an ever-changing real estate landscape.
DCAR also administers professional standards and ethics enforcement at the local level, reinforcing trust between REALTORSĀ® and the public they serve.
ā¤ļø Community Involvement
Community involvement is at the heart of DCAR. Through fundraising, volunteerism, and partnerships with local nonprofits, DCAR members give back in meaningful ways ā supporting organizations such as Dutchess Outreach and Habitat for Humanity.
Each year, DCAR contributes tens of thousands of dollars toward programs that provide food, housing support, and essential services to local residents.
š¤ Connections & Networking
DCAR fosters strong professional relationships through networking events, committee involvement, and FUEL, its professional networking initiative ā creating meaningful connections between REALTORSĀ® and trusted local business professionals.
š Our Mission
Whether advocating for responsible housing policy, promoting ethical standards, educating real estate professionals, or investing in community well-being, DCAR remains committed to its mission:
To support and enhance REALTORSĀ®ā ability to excel ā and to better serve the communities in which they work and live.