Julio Laguarta, chairman of Texas REALTORS® in 1975, died January 3. Laguarta was also president of the Houston Association of REALTORS® in 1967 and president of the National Association of REALTORS® in 1982. He was instrumental in the formation of the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, serving as its first chairman in 1972. Laguarta also was a key proponent of Texas REALTORS® purchasing the land where its building now stands.

“Julio brought great passion to everything he did in real estate,” says Texas REALTORS® CEO Travis Kessler. “As important, he was persistent, persuasive, and a man of action. There are many examples of important initiatives and accomplishments that remain to this day because of Julio Laguarta’s hard work and positive influence.”