Realtors from Covington and Conyers were among hundreds who participated in the Georgia Realtors Rally for Homeownership on the front steps of the Georgia Capitol building in Atlanta last week.

Area realtors who participated included LaTrina Clark, Francine Henderson, Jane Johnson, Ronnie Burrell, Nancy Johnson, Bill Blair, Tami Moody, Dale Pearce, Erica Milligan, Tricia Kuhns, and Karen Hedrick.

"We had a larger crowd than we originally expected, and the energy was amazing," said Bill Blair, local board president. "It was inspiring to be a part of an event that promotes an issue that is so vital to the economy at every level."

Gov. Nathan Deal addressed the crowd, expressing his appreciation for realtors and their dedication to preserving homeownership in Georgia, despite the challenges of the recent economy.

Other elected officials who spoke to the crowd included David Shafer, Senate President Pro Tempore; Stacey Abrams, House Minority Leader; Rep. Roger Bruce of Atlanta; Rep. Virgil Flood of Tyrone; and Rep. Micah Gravely of Douglasville.

Georgia Association of Realtors president Robin Lance of Savannah conveyed the unity among realtors as she addressed the crowd at the podium. "We join together today not as Republicans, Democrats or Independents, but as realtors representing 2.2 million homeowners in Georgia," she said. "This group is completely dedicated to solving the housing crises in our state together."

After the rally, realtors entered the Capitol and met with their local legislators to discuss important issues related to homeownership and private property rights.

The Georgia Association of Realtors a voluntary professional association of approximately 26,000 licensed real estate brokers and salespersons engaged in all aspects of the real estate business throughout Georgia.