Other federal and state agencies regulate real estate-related activities. For example, the Federal Trade Commission and state Attorney General's office enforce antitrust laws. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or the Human Rights Commission may regulate acts of discrimination in violation of fair housing. Local governments enforce federal and state land use regulations. Other agencies regulate environmental protection, the sale of real estate securities, and real estate lending practices.
Most industries have professional trade associations.
By far the largest trade association servicing the real estate industry is the National Association of Realtors with an estimated 730,000 members. Each state has its own Realtor association, with local affiliates and individual state members. Some benefits of belonging to a Realtors organization are information exchanges, networking, and educational offerings. These associations also act as advocates for members in state and national political arenas. Other professional associations operate in real estate or industry-related specialties, including commercial and industrial sales and leasing, property management, investments, and appraisal.