The 2009 Lawrence Board of Realtors officers and driectors, left to right: Oliver Minnis, Jane May, Becky Mondi, Sarah Dreiling, Susan Bonham, Thomas Howe, Randy Barnes, Linda Trotter, Steve LaRue, Nicholas Lerner and Russ Lang.

Randy Barnes says that getting the Lawrence area’s real estate market moving again starts at the bottom, with one first-time homebuyer at a time.

Barnes, this year’s president of the Lawrence Board of Realtors, said that such buyers wouldn’t face the complications of having to sell an existing home, and instead could pick up a $150,000 house by taking advantage of tax breaks, historically low mortgage interest rates and plenty of available inventory.

The seller of that home then could buy up to the $225,000 level, he said, freeing up another homeowner to enter the purchasing market.

“The ball rolls, and it keeps going,” said Barnes, a Realtor for Realty Executives — Hedges Real Estate.

Barnes joined about 200 Realtors and their guests Friday night for the board’s annual installation mixer and awards program at Maceli’s, 1031 N.H.

Through focused marketing and other efforts, Barnes said, the board would be emphasizing the benefits of owning property.

“Home ownership can still be a safe place for many people, if done right — when it’s a long-term investment, like it’s supposed to be,” Barnes said. “It can still be a very rewarding and profitable thing to do.”

Among professionals earning special recognition:

• 2008 Realtor of the Year: Linda Trotter, of McGrew Real Estate.

• 2008 Salesperson of the Year: Chris Earl, of Stephens Real Estate.

• Distinguished Service Award: Mike McGrew, of McGrew Real Estate.