In December 1997, Realty Trust Group was formed by five established Portland real estate professionals in response to the growing trend in the real estate industry toward consolidation, a focus on transactions rather than relationships, and anonymous out-of-market corporate ownership. The partners of Realty Trust Group envisioned a real estate company that was owned locally, successful by the highest standards, and respected by clients and professional peers. For more than ten years, Realty Trust Group has defied the notion that bigger is better—aiming instead to provide a local real estate option dedicated to client service and intimate knowledge of the Portland market.