Founded in 1921, the Georgia Association of REALTORS® is the largest trade association in the state, with over 44,000 members statewide.

As a member of GAR, you’ll enjoy business contacts, networking opportunities, educational offerings, research and legislative representation, programs, services, and an endless network of contacts. With our headquarters located in Atlanta and a 22-member staff, GAR involvement stretches across the state through meetings and seminars held via videoconference in conjunction with several of our local boards.

The GAR staff and elected leadership work together in advancing the real estate industry through the protection of private property rights, the continuing education of our members and acting as facilitators of the American Dream of homeownership

Meet Van Johnson, 2008 GAR President

Van Johnson leads GAR into 2008 with an emphasis on service to the client. He is the Broker and Co-Owner of RE/MAX Executives, has been awarded the Phoenix Award from the DeKalb Association of Realtors' Million Dollar Club, and was a five-time winner of the prestigious RE/MAX 100% Club Award. Van holds both the GRI and CRS designations.

Van’s service to GAR includes four Vice President positions, six years as a GRI Governor, Forms Committee Chair and Regional Director for Region IV . He is a National Association of Realtors (NAR) Director and member of the MLS Policies Committee.

Van served as the DeKalb Association’s President ('90), selected as the REALTOR® of the Year twice ('91 & '99) and awarded the Mary Nelson Spirit Award ('97). He serves as a DAR Director and teaches the Code of Ethics. He has served as a Georgia Multiple Listing Service (GAMLS) Director for the past 17 years.

Van and his wife, Debrah, reside in Tucker and have two grown sons, Chris and Mike. The whole family works together at RE/MAX Executives.

Meet Bob Hamilton, GAR Chief Executive Officer

Bob Hamilton serves as Chief Executive Officer for the Georgia Association of REALTORS®, a position he has held since 1995. Prior to his current position, Bob was a REALTOR® for 24 years. During his real estate career, he was very active in the REALTOR® organization at all levels and served as president of the DeKalb Board of REALTORS® in 1984 and GAR in 1990. Additionally, he was an approved instructor and taught both pre-license and post-license classes at Oglethorpe University for ten years. At the national level, Bob was a national director for many years and served on NAR’s Professional Standards and MLS Policy committees. After college (Auburn University), Bob served four years active duty in the U.S. Navy. Bob is charged with overseeing GAR’s staff, administration and policies.