In my market, membership has its advantages...most of all access to listings. Typically, not a lot, if any, options.   

In my market there is only one board of REALTOR's(r) to join.  Why would you not? That is where 90% of the listings are...

Mandatory.  Condition to practice the RE profession.  You are required to join state and national not just local.  If you want to be a carpenter you must join the union.

The fees are not low. Many franchise ask $350/mo desk fee, dress code, mentor coaching split, color print, signs, and membership. It is safe to say the first $5000-6000 is gone before you have a prospect.  I did not mention suits and new import cars.  Gas you can manage it. Steep insurance is another big killer.

The sad part is 80% new agents have "0" closing first year. Majority drop out of the business because they had no clue what the profession is like. 

Somone else posed this question the other day, look on the right under ask a question and read the answers.

As far as options go, I know of none but if there are options in your state, you need to ask agents there.

I am a bit surprised by your statement that

"Some of these questions I ask are because it's required from my school Course. It's just to gain insight from people with insight."

I have never heard of such questions being required for a school course and would be leary of any school that required that.

The purpose of attending real estate school is to learn the principles and practices of real estate and pass the State exam. That in itself is almost a full time job and I can't imagine an instructor telling students to do what you stated.

Your state must be very different than mine...

Come on Alex; you don't look like the Lone Ranger.   Join in the fun !

The Board of Realtors can offer soooooo many benefits but is only as good as the members (you) who participate.   It can be a valuable resource for training, information, advice or even mentoring if you're new or need some assistance picking up your game.

Not only that but a lot of Boards have associate members like Lenders, Appraisers and Home Inspectors, etc.; all of which can be of value to you.   Try it; you can always resign if it doesn't work out for you.

It is essential.

Out here, it's the ONLY way to get access to the MLS.  Out here I have three options, I joined the board closest to me.  May change though as the San Fernando Valley board charges 25% of what my board does and has services such as a printing press and free email blasts.

Lots of good reasons, one is that R pin and the education that you will get with it.

Do you have a choice?

I would ask why would you not.  

Check with your broker.

You do not have an option if you are seeking a career in real estate. You join the board that covers your market.

We are required to belong as part of holding an active license. Otherwise I would not have joined when I started, saving the expense until I was more established. Being part of the known community of Realtors helps as you progress so I would join eventually.

Aside from one major benefit that I have previously enumerated when answering similar questions from your fellow students, another benefit, at least with my board, is that you get a mandatory life insurance policy.

Because your company requires it

That choice is only yours if you are a brokerage

Alex Stephens it just helps to be a part of community - not to mention the benefits most local and national board with provide you with.

Many benefits plus in our market we have to join the board our broker is associated with. 

WHY WOULD YOU NOT?? Do you want to be a contributing member or just sit on the side lines??

Most people join to have MLS access. In my area you have to be a REALTOR® to join the local board and have MLS access. 

It will make your life in Real Estate much easier to survive.

I hope you would want to be a part of the Realtor brand and strive for more professionalism. However it will depend on the broker you choose as it may not be your choice.

If you want to be known as a REALTOR® it is a mandatory ! Otherwise you are just a real estate agent.  REALTORS® are more professional and live by a code of ethics

If you are a REALTOR® you wil join a board. I would look to join the board in your area.

Alex, 

You do have a more valid choice than many who started before you. Consider that today a For Sale By Owner property appears on Zillow adjacent to a REALTORS listing.  Every agent will repeat that 90% of home buyers begin their search on the Internet, most likely on Zillow.

However, the challenge will be finding a visionary broker with the resources a new agent will need who does not REQUIRE AGENTS TO JOIN THE BOARD.

The reality is, "It is a closed shop." To be in residential real estate you have little choice except to join, unless, your business plan has identified another option and your process finds the right broker. 

Now, I am aware, your intent is to be a broker. Your state may or may not require you to intern under an existing broker before you can hang your sign. If your state does not have this requirement, and you are truly wanting to open Eagle Mountain Realty, Alex Stephens Broker, then YOU are the one who will make the rules regarding joining the club or not.

Many began their first day as a broker. Maybe they will raise their hand in this thread.

I began as a broker, but in the commercial segment.

My board gives the Realtor logo, winforms and MLS...They hold get togethers, teaching gatherings etc. You can volunteer services and learn as you go too. That's all I know.

Alex Stephens If your Broker is a member, there are no options.

Well if you want access to the local MLS you probably have no choice but to join. And then there will be the State Board, too.

Most boards require you to join in order to get access to the MLS, which usually means you need to join state board and NAR.  If you join, you may get discounts on continuing education classes and have the option to have a say in future rules and regulations.  Not sure what you mean by options.  Many don't have the option of more than one board.

Hi Alex, I don't believe any broker would hire us here in socal without joining a local board.  Join the one with the largest infrastructure or in your niche area.