A real estate license allows you to legally act as a real estate salesperson… An agent… Joining your local Real Estate Association… Allows you the designation of Realtor… And all the privileges… protections… training… and opportunities that members enjoy… This section was designed to show the importance of being a member… and a Realtor.

For a new licensee becoming a member of your local association is an important step in beginning your real estate career. First of all, it is a center of information. It is run for and by real estate professionals who know how the local market works… They’ve been there done that and are ready to help you get started.



In fact, your board is responsible for setting the professional standards that gives your clients a feeling of security in knowing that they are protected by working with a professional… a realtor.

Your local board offers many services to it’s members including meeting rooms, computer labs, classes for a CRS (Council of Residential Specialists) Designation which will enhance your professionalism and creditability. Plus the board offers DRE classes for renewing your license, which you must do every four years.

The board provides a Grievance Committee for addressing misunderstandings and complaints. Your association also offers Arbitration and Mediation services to settle disputes between agents.

An important privilege of board membership is being able to present your listings through the MLS to thousands of other agents for their buyers… 98% of all property is sold through the MLS system.

In fact, the MLS is your most valuable tool in every aspect of your real estate career… It is a clearinghouse for all information concerning the market… such as: Finding what homes are available and how you can show them… Pricing property by providing CMA’s… Comparative Market Analysis… Buyer and Seller cost estimates… And the list is expanding constantly as new systems come on line.

And immediate privilege is the membership discount in the association bookstore… where they supply all the State sanctioned forms such as: Purchase Contracts… Listing Agreements… And Disclosure Forms.

That privilege is also extended to other tools you will need such as: Flags… Open House and Sold Signs… Calculators… Maps… Flyer Stands… Law Books… Lock Boxes… And many other useful supplies.

The main protection your board offers is keeping you up to date on all State legal codes and professional standards to which every licensee must comply… Every State is becoming more heavily regulated… And the laws and regulations are constantly changing… Your Local Association is your source for this vital information… Plus it’s also available on their web site.

You might say that professional standards are the rules to the real estate game… They are there to not only protect buyers and sellers but also to protect you… The courts have ruled that a real estate agent can be liable for errors and omissions… That means that you can be sued for making an honest mistake or even for forgetting to relay information concerning a property… To sum up: your board is there to guide you to the appropriate resources that will help you through the maze of legal documents involved in the sale of property… And to advise and help you if you are involved in a dispute… A friend in need.

Your local association belongs to you… it is owned by the members and employs a professional staff… It is open to your involvement and input… Involvement also means an opportunity to network and learn from other successful and experienced agents and brokers. It is a vital link in your career… use it!

Local membership also automatically gives you membership in your Sate and National Associations which means even more privileges… protections… and opportunities.

To begin with:

1.Your State Association is responsible for supplying up to date legal forms and  Purchase Contracts.

Listing Agreements… Disclosure Forms… And all of the many, many other legal documents.

2. You have State and National Hot Lines.

3. E&O (Errors and Omissions) Insurance for up to $1,000,000.

4. Discounts on car insurance.

5. State and National web site information centers.

6. State and National magazines.

And finally through Lobbying… We have a political arm and say so in matters concerning property rights and the rights of the small business person. The real estate profession is made up of over one million independent small businesses in the USA. And in this world of huge global corporations. Your voice is both important and vital. Make sure it’s heard.