Evening star., 1922-03-11
REALTY MEN URGE
OWNING OF HOMES
National Association Head
Also Outlines Other Pro-
posaIs for Advancement.
Nlrv 7nAlIlIN 10 lMnnDcEn
CITY ZONING IS INDORSED
Encouragement CT Proper Building
Methods and License Law for
Realty Operators Recommended.

Plans of the National Association of
Real Estate Boards to foster home
ownership, zoning and city planning
license laws for real estate oper-
ators and other proposals for the
advancement of the profession and
the encouragement of proper build
ing methods were outlined by Irving
b. Hiett. president of the association
before leaving Washington this week
for his home in Toledo, Ohio.
THE question of home ownership
looms large in national life today,
said Mr.. Hiett. 1T is well known that
the spirit of patriotism thrires best
under the influence that emanates
from the fireside of the horne owner.
The recent census showed that nome
ownership in America decreased In
the past decade. In 1910 returns
showed that about so per cent of
our population were home owners. In
1920 the figures had dropped to about
AZ per cent, a decrease that. While II
may be ascribed to exceptional condi-
tionS, is Il very real menace TO ma
tional stability unless corrected. The
realtor, from the nature of his busi-
ness, is vitally interested in changing
this tide. He is using his energy and
his strongest influence for more home
owners and better homes.
Book on .HOme of Your own"
1.-THE National Association of Real
Estate Boards is now causing to be
published a very remarkable book
called "A Home of Your own" elab-
orately prepared and Illustrated. This
book presents in mastery and
graphic manner all the reasons. both
sentimental and practical, for home
ownership. l believe it is impossible
for any man to read this book and
not be convinced of the Importance OF
owning his home. Our association is
preparing to give this book wide
circulation through individual real
tors.
"Zoning laws to regulate, systematic
and stabilize the growth OF cities occupy
a prominent place in the public thought
today. Realtors very properly are
Saking the lead in the many local
campaigns to procure such laws. Sec
retary Hoover recognized the I'M
portance of the question when he ap-
pointed coming committee in his de-
partment and he recognized the Ma
tional Association of Real Estate
Boards, when he appointed a realtor
as member OF this committee. This
committee has gone eXhaustisely into
the entire subject of city coming and
plans to prepare zoning primer, ar
ranged in short chapters suitable for
publication in local papers, to pave
the way for community action.
Lack of proper Ioninz laws has
cost American cities millions of dol
lars in property values and has often
cost the loss of health and of life
itself. through congestion and its
incident evils. The unthinking self
ishness, or deliberate greed. of a few
property owners may cause the in
PRODUCTION of buildings in a given
section whose character blights the
entire district. be 1t either for resi-
dence or business.
Cities Allowed to "Grow Wild"
"Zoning is closely related to the
question of city planning and Isl
really a part thereof. American
cities far too frequently have been
allowed TO grow wiidH when intel
ligent legislation and direction would