What do I get for my dues dollars?
Each year, you pay your local, state and national REALTOR® dues…but how does that membership money benefit you directly?
Every month, AAR hopes to help you see the value of your dues dollars – real ways that the Association at all levels is here to enhance your career.
Your dues dollars… ensure government influence
Today’s political battles significantly affect the future for REALTORS® across the country. Whether fighting against taxes on your commission or lobbying for better health insurance for the self-employed, REALTOR® associations’ skilled lobbyists are hard at work every day protecting your livelihood. NAR’s political affairs staff is instrumental in ensuring that the REALTOR® perspective is incorporated into pending legislation before Congress and in state legislatures. Stay informed about our lobbying agenda and get involved in public policy issues critical to the real estate industry at http://www.realtoractioncenter.com.
Your dues dollars…protect the rights of homeowners
A sound and affordable housing market is key to your business success. AAR, along with the state and national associations, works with lawmakers to ease property taxes, protect the federal mortgage interest deduction, ensure the availability of affordable homeowner’s insurance, and champion the Homebuyer’sTax Credit, among a wide range of other issues.
Your dues dollars…make a difference in your community
Whether sending aid to hurricane-devastated communities, building homes for low-income families, or collecting clothes for a local shelter, caring for communities is an important part of the REALTOR® association mission. In 2009, AAR helped local organizations create and sustain affordable housing,
hosted a fair to help those affected by foreclosure, and provided contributions to a local organization aiding
at-risk youth in our community’s schools.
Charity work is often its own reward, but it also garners media attention and improves the perception of REALTORS® throughout their communities.
Your dues dollars…give you the opportunity to have a voice, effect change
Associations rely on the volunteer talents of their members. By volunteering to serve on local, state,
and national REALTOR® committees and workgroups, you’ll work alongside some of the most respected
people in the industry to shape the future of the profession, enhance services to fellow members, and
further political goals. You’ll also be eligible for specialized training that will not only supplement your
leadership skills, but also further your professional growth.
Your dues dollars…solidify the REALTOR® brand
Every day, NAR works to let consumers know you’re the best in the industry. By communicating the importance of choosing to work with a REALTOR®, we explain what sets you apart. The REALTOR® brand is a powerful marketing tool that only members can use. It is supported by the high standards of integrity, honor, and service defined in our Code of Ethics, to which only members of NAR can claim adherence. The REALTOR® brand is publicly promoted across the country by an award-winning, multimillion-dollar awareness campaign to educate the public on the benefits of working with a REALTOR® and about how REALTORS® differ from other real estate practitioners.
Your dues dollars…help you gain credentials
Tap into new opportunities in your market—and as much as double your salary—by gaining advanced credentials that set you apart from the rest. Earn the prestigious Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation or take courses to learn special skills for working with clients with specific needs. Take courses and earn continuing education credits online through REALTOR® University or at your local, state, and national REALTOR® association.
Your dues dollars…help new and young real estate professionals
When you’re new to the industry, you need special guidance. Join the national Young Professionals Network to connect with other young and new real estate professionals. At the Young Professionals Network blog, you can talk about sales and marketing, technology, prospecting, the latest business challenges, and how to build your business. Network online at http://ypnlounge.blogs.realtor.org or in person at a variety of national and local events.
Your dues dollars… reaches out to media on your behalf
The National Association of REALTORS® is in constant contact with media outlets nationwide. Not only does NAR provide them with accurate housing data and forecasts, NAR also dispels myths about the housing industry. This ensures that the truth about the market and about working with a REALTOR® is made public. When NAR speaks out on behalf of you, homebuyers, and homesellers, it is a trusted media source for REALTOR® commentators like you, who can provide insights into local markets.
Your dues dollars…help you offer resources to clients
Do the consumers you work with have questions on mortgages, home inspections, taxes, and insurance that you struggle to answer? Access our library of customizable “Handouts for Consumers” to provide your customers with accurate information on a wide range of issues. Plus, direct your customers to REALTOR.org for detailed information about additional homebuying and homeselling issues.
Your dues dollars…ensure you are recognized for your work
In addition to the local and state award programs that honor your hard work in your community and the industry, members are eligible to enter the National Association of REALTORS®’ REALTOR® Magazine Good Neighbor Awards and the HOPE Awards, which recognize and reward members’ community dedication.
Your dues dollars…save thousands in legal fees
The Association offers legally binding dispute resolution mediation and arbitration services to settle business disputes between members. It also offers members and consumers the opportunity to address complaints regarding possible violations of the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics or association bylaws in an unbiased and uniform manner.
Your dues dollars…bring international reach at home and abroad
Are foreign buyers or immigrant communities a growing part of your real estate market? Do you want to position yourself for participation in a global marketplace? The National Association of REALTORS® seeks to render the global market accessible to and profitable for all REALTORS®, and offers a wide variety of programs and services to help REALTORS® succeed in the international arena within your local market.
Your dues dollars…keep you in touch with trends, news, talk
Stay up-to-date on real estate industry news and trends through a variety of print publications, websites, blogs, and e-mail newsletters. AAR stays in touch through its Information Central e-mails, circulation of the Aurora Outlook newsletter, and presence on Facebook (become a fan to access industry tips, news and AAR’s weekly schedule). Plus, AAR’s website is ready 24 hours a day with Association news, government affairs information and much more. NAR sends the award-winning REALTOR® Magazine, and offers your choice of a wide variety of specialized e-newsletter subscriptions (by updating your profile), and access to thousands of pages of industry information on REALTOR.org.
Your dues dollars…help you find a profitable niche
Want to break out from the crowd and create a moneymaking niche in your market? Earn a specialized designation that sets you apart. AAR offers NAR-backed designation courses throughout the year at competitive prices to help you stay on top of the market. NAR’s slate of designations and certifications includes green and environmental real estate, working with seniors, working with international buyers, buyer representation, relocation, resorts and second homes, property management, and commercial real estate.
Your dues dollars…give you access to tech services
Every REALTOR® needs an edge. Get yours through technology resources designed to streamline your business, secure more listings, attract greater attention to your homes, boost customer service, and much more. Through the National Association of REALTORS®’ Center for REALTORS® Technology, members have access to resources and training to help them get the most out of the latest technology. Plus, AAR offers you free WiFi access and a dedicated computer for searching Metrolist.
Your dues dollars…make you part of the number one real estate website
REALTOR.com® is the most visited homes-for-sale site, with more than seven million consumers visiting each month. All REALTORS®’ listings are automatically posted, most are updated every 15 minutes, and include four free photos on each listing.* A new online resource (www.BenefitsAtREALTOR.com) outlines free benefits including marketing tips and how-to videos, your own blog, and much more. *(To receive this benefit, you must be an MLS participant and your MLS must be a REALTOR.com® data content provider.) |
