Join Us for a Rim Country Chamber Breakfast – Building Community & Real Estate Together

What does all this mean specifically for real estate in Rim Country? In a nutshell, a strong chamber of commerce often correlates with a strong housing market. Here are a few key ways the Chamber’s work intersects with and benefits real estate:

• Economic Growth Drives Housing Demand: When the Chamber attracts new businesses or helps existing ones expand, jobs are created and the local economy grows. More jobs = more people looking for homes. By fostering entrepreneurship and investment, the Chamber indirectly boosts demand for both residential and commercial properties. Studies have noted that chamber-fueled projects contribute to job creation and rising property values locally[6]. As the area prospers, we see families moving in, seeking housing and creating a vibrant real estate market.
• Community Appeal and Quality of Life: Realtors know that location is more than scenery, it’s also about amenities and lifestyle. The Chamber’s advocacy for parks, events, and improvements (from better roads to downtown beautification) enhances Rim Country’s quality of life. This makes our towns more attractive to homebuyers. Whether it’s supporting the arts, coordinating the farmers market, or improving outdoor recreation opportunities, Chamber-led initiatives give us selling points to entice buyers. A community that’s thriving and well-promoted by its chamber becomes an easier sell for us as REALTORS®.
• Tourism and Second-Home Market: By promoting Rim Country through tourism channels, the Chamber helps draw in visitors who often turn into future property owners. Many of us have sold homes to folks who initially came up for a weekend and decided to purchase a cabin or retirement home after experiencing the charm of Payson, Pine or Strawberry. The Chamber’s role in tourism (running the visitor center, marketing regional destinations) is essentially marketing our real estate to the world. Every visitor who falls in love with Rim Country’s cool pines or friendly downtown might be a client down the road.
• Information & Networking for REALTORS®: An active chamber keeps a pulse on local developments – from new subdivisions to incoming businesses or zoning changes – and shares this information with its members. By engaging with the Chamber, real estate professionals can stay informed about upcoming projects that could impact property inventory or values. Chamber events also allow us to network with business owners and community leaders; these relationships can lead to referrals and valuable insights. In fact, local chambers are widely seen as “trusted partner[s] for businesses” and drivers of a strong economy[8][9]. Being involved gives REALTORS® credibility and connection. Simply put, the Chamber helps bridge connections between real estate and the broader business community.
• Advocacy on Housing and Growth Issues: Lastly, when it comes to housing policy and smart growth, the Chamber’s voice matters. Our Rim Country Chamber can collaborate with town officials on plans for sustainable growth, whether that’s supporting a new housing development, advocating for infrastructure that opens up land for building, or finding solutions to ensure our workforce can afford to live here. Chambers nationwide are increasingly tackling issues like housing affordability as part of strengthening communities[7]. We can look to our Chamber as an ally in addressing any local housing challenges that arise as Rim Country grows.

In essence, the Chamber creates an environment where businesses flourish and people want to live, the foundation of a healthy real estate market. As your CAAR President (and a fellow Realtor), I encourage all of us to recognize and leverage this synergy. Supporting the Chamber isn’t just “civic goodwill,” it’s good business for real estate.