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Michael Stevenson

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Ambassador
5,230,159
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

For me, it's not a personal choice - if I want to have access to MLS, I have to be a member of our local, state and national associations.

Jan 19, 2019 09:43 PM
Rainmaker
1,090,922
Diana Zaccaro Broker Associate
ZOOM Realty Group - Cocoa Beach, FL
"The Accidental Blogger" Cocoa Beach, Florida

The more involved I became with our Board, the more it helped me. That includes serving on committees and task forces, taking classes, networking at socials and much more. I think a lot of it has to do with how good your Board and leadership is as I have heard some agents in other areas complain about this. We have a great CEO and Board so plenty of opportunity for those who choose to pursue it.

Keep in mind that you will probably be required to join your local Board once you are licensed as well as state and national.

Jan 19, 2019 09:35 PM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

This is really a painful question.

1st off, my dues are too high for what I get which for me is nothing.

2nd, I do use the forms that they provide for consistency. The entire northern 1/2 of IL uses the same forms which is nice.

3rd, if I were to arbitrate someone or company that would be the place to go. I hate the process but they have tried to make it more friendly.

I cannot join the MLS without being a board member - that is HIJACKING.

Jan 20, 2019 08:21 AM
Rainmaker
4,457,348
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Michael, I could write a book about your question. If you are a full service Realtor might as well consider it Mandatory to join the local board... Endre

Jan 19, 2019 09:13 PM
Ambassador
3,345,221
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Little benefit for high dues I pay. 

Jan 20, 2019 09:06 AM
Rainmaker
4,883,260
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

If you are going to use the trademark please use it correctly is's REALTORS®.

To me there are many advntages to being a REALTOR®.

Jan 20, 2019 07:13 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

As I have no choice so as to have access to MLS, I remain a member. Other benefits not all that high.

Jan 20, 2019 06:16 AM
Rainmaker
1,503,028
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Not at all.  NAR is a union that provides little to no value to it's members.  Residential agents are all but forced into it (in many states they ARE forced into it) in order to do business... which NEGATES THEIR CODE OF ETHICS with something called duress.

 

For all other types of real estate, there is ZERO need to be part of NAR.

Jan 20, 2019 09:20 AM
Rainmaker
758,035
Peter Testa
Nationwide Homes - Danbury, CT
PETER TESTA

It's something we have to pay for but I haven't seen the value in it yet. 

Jan 20, 2019 12:17 PM
Ambassador
3,164,294
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

I'm a former member and found it worthless.  We have a broker owned MLS not association owned.  Thank goodness for that.

Jan 20, 2019 11:03 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

yes..... I was a Realtor from day one.... had many designations.... 

Jan 20, 2019 10:49 AM
Rainmaker
2,220,654
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

Yes, because it gives me access to the MLS system. 

Jan 20, 2019 10:33 AM
Rainmaker
2,182,552
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

I teach for 4 Realtor Associations in PA , so it’s been great for me .

Jan 20, 2019 10:12 AM
Rainer
289,707
Byron K . Jones
Coatesville, PA
List Today - Sold Tomorrow!

To be a member of our MLS you must be a member of the Association, I personally Received nothing for these Dues...if i had a choice, I would not belong...I must pay the local and the state for which regulates me, the national does nothing except run their business...ie no benefit excecpt to themselves

Jan 20, 2019 09:22 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Yes.

Jan 20, 2019 09:21 AM
Rainmaker
7,836,431
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

You may need to join your local, state and national organizations to have access to your MLS. These costs should be in your budget. If you plan to sell homes, you will need to have MLS access.

Jan 20, 2019 09:06 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Yes, MLS access.

Jan 20, 2019 06:47 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Yes it has and part of it is serving in positions at NAR.

Jan 20, 2019 06:11 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

The thing is it is a MUST if you want access to MLS. It is near impossible to be a good agent without MLS. I stay away from the social aspect of it, too many "mean" spirited people tend to group together

Jan 20, 2019 05:11 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

The manner in which you present the question means I MUST say being a member of the association has been indispensable in my career success.

Why?

Without membership, no broker will take you on.  If that is not clear let me explain. This is a closed union shop. You MUST be a member to work.

I know. You thought you had a choice.

Jan 20, 2019 05:06 AM
Rainer
482,547
Bruce Kunz
C21 Solid Gold Realty, Brick, NJ, 732-920-2100 - Howell, NJ
REALTOR®, Brick & Howell NJ Homes for Sale

Yes, I believe it has helped, Michael Stevenson and it's been essentially mandatory for me to participate. While I don't agree (or understand) some of the various association processes, I believe the benefits are great and certainly outweigh not being a member.

Hope this helps,
Bruce

 

Jan 19, 2019 09:27 PM
Rainmaker
1,311,772
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

Please understand that you personal choice about whether of not you become part of the Association may be limited. If you join a broker who is a Realtor, you will most likely need to become a Realtor, also.

Do I think it helped me. YES! I have been associated with the most productive agents and with the movers and shakers in our local real estate industry.

Jan 19, 2019 08:23 PM
Ambassador
6,393,609
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Yes, Networking, Education, Tools, State and Fed Representation, MLS.

Jan 19, 2019 08:09 PM
Rainmaker
2,390,670
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

NO! Being forced into a union like operation has NO benefits to me BUT plenty ($$$$) to them. 

Jan 20, 2019 12:35 PM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Many do not have a choice, which in my opinion is insane. In our commercial real estate practice in Los Angeles, no one ever even mentioned NAR.  Read on there are many good comments. A

Jan 20, 2019 08:35 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

Asked many times before. No Association pay no key or mls...

Jan 20, 2019 08:26 AM
Rainmaker
5,217,392
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

In new construction there are arguments both ways depending on the builder. In resales, not much choice for MLS access and sponsorship!

Jan 20, 2019 04:10 AM
Rainmaker
1,598,452
Valeria Mola
SIB Realty - Miami, Sunny Isles Beach - Sunny Isles Beach, FL
305-607-0709 SIB Realty Condos for Sale and Rent

No idea

Jun 23, 2019 08:39 PM
Rainmaker
5,868,689
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I do attend Friday morning marketing meetings, a great way to share new listings, and they offer some very good classes.

Jan 24, 2019 05:53 AM
Rainmaker
4,936,716
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Great networking with other agents.

 

Jan 22, 2019 09:26 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Yes, there is some support and access to the MLS

Jan 21, 2019 05:45 PM
Rainmaker
961,383
Mel Ahrens, MBA, Kelly Right Real Estate
Kelly Right Real Estate - Hood River, OR
Customized Choices for your Real Estate Needs

Like many others mentioned, I have to be a Realtor to join my local association and have access to the MLS. I have not seen the value for my dues.

Jan 20, 2019 10:53 PM
Rainmaker
2,781,303
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

No benefit

Jan 20, 2019 06:49 AM