National Real Estate Day

A cheerful real estate agent standing in front of a sold sign with a big smile, wearing professional attire, suburban neighborhood setting, with a couple holding hands in the background, symbolizing the journey of acquiring a home.. — National real estate day illustration

Ever thought real estate needs its own national day? Well, you're in luck, because it turns out, there's a National Real Estate Day! Yes, you heard that right. A day that celebrates the joy and, let's be honest, the stress of buying a home. But why does such a day exist and why should we celebrate it? Read on, my friend!

When is Real Estate Day?

It's national real estate day on the 17th May.

The History of National Real Estate Day

On the fine day of May 17, every year, we don't only appreciate our homes, but also the wonderful people that help us acquire them – our real estate agents. You may think that the origin of this day would be traced back centuries, but, our data suggests it was first widely mentioned online in 2016! Now that's some recent history for you.

But, Why Celebrate it?

In the world of finance and property, life can sometimes be, well, not so fun. Hence, National Real Estate Day is here to add a dash of joy to it. It's a day to appreciate the comfort of our homes and the journey we took to acquire them. Remember that time you found the perfect home with the perfect porch you always wanted? Yes, this is the day to toast to that!

How to Celebrate

Spend this day remembering the excitement and sweet little heartbreaks of your home buying journey, and maybe reach out to your real estate agent and say a thanks. You could also share your proud homeowner stories online to inspire the next generation of property hoarders. Remember to use the official hashtag #NationalRealEstateDay.

History behind the term 'Real Estate'

1660

Emergence of the term 'real estate'

The term 'real estate' originated in 1660, derived from the French phrase 'real estat', which means royal estate. This term refers to the ownership of land, including the physical structures built on it and the natural resources found within or under it. It initially pertained to the properties owned by the French monarchs, highlighting the importance of land as a symbol of prestige and power.

1769

Development of the modern concept of real estate

The modern concept of real estate emerged in 1769 with the publication of 'The Theory and Practice of Gardening' by Scottish writer and landscape designer, Andrew Jackson Downing. In this influential book, Downing discussed the significance of the land as a valuable asset and explored the relationship between architecture, landscape design, and the concept of home. He laid the foundation for the integration of aesthetics and functionality in real estate development.

1854

Formation of the first real estate associations

The year 1854 marked the formation of the first Real Estate Exchange in Chicago, Illinois, USA. This organization aimed to establish professional standards in the real estate industry, promote ethical conduct among real estate agents, and facilitate property transactions. Several other cities followed suit, leading to the establishment of real estate associations globally. These associations played a pivotal role in codifying industry practices and advocating for the protection of property rights.

1908

Introduction of 'real estate' as an academic discipline

The term 'real estate' gained recognition as an academic discipline in 1908 with the establishment of the first real estate department at Harvard University. Professor Arthur Prentice, a noted economist, led this initiative. The introduction of real estate as an academic field emphasized the importance of studying property markets, valuation techniques, and urban planning to foster sustainable and efficient development. It laid the groundwork for professional education in the real estate field.

1970

Rise of real estate investment trusts (REITs)

The 1970s witnessed the rise of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), a new form of investment vehicle that allowed individuals to invest in a diversified portfolio of income-generating real estate assets. The introduction of REITs democratized real estate investing, making it accessible to a broader range of investors. REITs quickly gained popularity and became a significant component of many investors' portfolios, contributing to the growth of the global real estate market.

Did you know?

Did you know that May 17 isn't just National Real Estate Day but also the birthday of Jan Petersen, a renowned Dutch real estate tycoon? Now that's a 'property' coincidence!