The National Association of Realtors is celebrating 100 years of providing and protecting homeownership accross the country. Much has changed during that time, especially with the advent of computers. I have been a REALTOR for 25 years. I recall 5 pages thick NCR paper contracts and driving around town to get signatures. Now buyers can locate properties on the web and we can zip paperwork over the internet across the country or world for signatures.
The the one important thing that has not changed is that Realtors are a necessary component in a transaction and offer significant protection for homebuyers and sellers.