This year's meetings also officially mark 100 years of NAR's presence and influence in the real estate industry - the association was founded in May 1908. When NAR was established, fewer than half of U.S. households owned their own home. Today, homeownership approaches 70 percent.

"For 100 years, NAR has been the leading advocate for private property rights, homeownership and housing issues," said NAR President Dick Gaylord, a broker with RE/MAX Real Estate Specialists in Long Beach, Calif. "The Realtor's role as real estate resource, consumer advocate, and small business leader is now more important than ever as we face the road ahead, and NAR will continue the fight to protect consumers in the real estate transaction, promote affordable housing, and expand homeownership opportunities for all Americans into our second century."

During the Midyear Legislative Meetings, which begin today and continue through May 17, Realtors will be lobbying for mortgage reform; home buyer tax credits; affordable and accessible property, casualty and flood insurance; and small business health insurance.

More than 9,000 Realtors are expected to attend the conference, which includes Capitol Hill visits, workshops, training sessions, and presentations on the latest industry research and market trends. -- National Association of Realtors