In 1966, local real estate professionals established the Jamaica Association of Real Estate Brokers and Appraisers, known as “JAREBA,” to formalize the industry in Jamaica. Later, on January 14, 1970, the association was rebranded as the REALTORS® Association of Jamaica (RAJ) after affiliating with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), the world’s largest real estate body.
The RAJ’s inaugural meeting was held at the Institute of Jamaica in Kingston with approximately eighty real estate practitioners, including twelve founding members. Lord Ronald Graham was elected as the first president at this historic gathering. Despite its early days, the RAJ was proactive, presenting a private member bill to the government in 1968 to introduce industry regulation. Years of advocacy led to the passing of the Real Estate (Dealers and Developers) Act in 1987, creating the Real Estate Board (REB) as the regulatory authority.
Today, RAJ is Jamaica’s only professional association for licensed real estate practitioners, representing licensed dealers, salespersons, and valuers under the REB. RAJ’s influence extends through partnerships with NAR, the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (P.S.O.J.), and seats on the Real Estate Board and the Commission of Strata Corporations. Known for its strong advocacy, RAJ actively promotes advancements in affordable housing, community development, and industry governance.
RAJ has grown significantly, from fewer than eighty members in 1966 to over a thousand today, making it one of Jamaica’s largest professional associations. As “The Voice for Real Estate,” RAJ remains committed to ethical standards, ongoing education, and public outreach, strengthening the professionalism and trust within Jamaica’s real estate industry.
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