How to Join the National Association of Realtors: Broker’s Guide

How to join the National Association of REALTORS® is a fundamental question for real estate professionals aiming for higher standards and broader access. For real estate brokers, navigating the process of getting agents (and themselves) into this prestigious organization is crucial.

NAR membership helps uphold industry standards, access vital resources like the MLS, and enhance brokerage credibility. Understanding the nuances of membership ensures compliance, equips your team for success, and leverages collective industry advocacy.

What is the National Association of REALTORS®?

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) is the largest trade association in the United States, representing over 1.5 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. Its mission is to advocate for homeownership and real property rights, and to provide its members with resources, education, and a strict Code of Ethics to uphold professional standards.

Becoming a member means subscribing to a higher standard of practice, gaining access to exclusive tools and data, benefiting from powerful advocacy efforts, and being legally authorized to use the federally registered REALTOR® trademark – a mark of distinction recognized by the public.

Why Join the National Association of REALTORS®? The Value Proposition

While a state license permits you to practice real estate, joining NAR elevates your professional standing and provides significant operational and competitive advantages, particularly for brokerages:

Access to the MLS

In most markets across the country, access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) – the lifeblood of residential real estate sales – is contingent upon membership in a local association of REALTORS®. Without MLS access, conducting transactions is severely hampered, making NAR membership practically essential for active agents and their brokers.

The REALTOR® Trademark

Only members of NAR are legally permitted to use the term REALTOR® and the associated logo. This designation is a valuable marketing tool and signifies adherence to the Code of Ethics, building trust with clients.

Code of Ethics and Professional Standards

NAR members pledge to abide by a comprehensive Code of Ethics, which outlines duties to clients, customers, the public, and fellow REALTORS®. For brokerages, this provides a framework for ethical conduct among agents, contributing to real estate broker compliance and reducing liability. Brokerages can use tools like ReBillion.ai’s workflow automation to incorporate ethics training reminders and compliance checks into agent onboarding and ongoing management processes.

Advocacy and Government Affairs

NAR is a powerful voice in Washington D.C. and at state and local levels, lobbying on behalf of property rights, the real estate industry, and REALTORS®. This advocacy protects your business interests and shapes the regulatory landscape.

Education and Resources

NAR and its state and local associations offer extensive educational programs, professional development courses, certifications, and designations. Members also gain access to research, market data, legal hotlines, standard forms, and technology resources like the REALTORS® Property Resource (RPR).

Networking Opportunities

Membership provides opportunities to connect with other professionals at local, state, and national events, fostering relationships and business referrals.

Do I Have to Join the National Association of REALTORS®?

This is a common question. Legally, no. Obtaining a state real estate license allows you to practice real estate brokerage services under the license law of that state. You are a licensed real estate agent or broker.

However, to call yourself a REALTOR®, you *must* be a member of the National Association of REALTORS®. As discussed, membership is also typically required to gain access to the local MLS, which is essential for listing and selling most properties.

Many brokerages also *require* their agents to become REALTORS® as a condition of affiliation, to ensure they adhere to higher ethical standards and can access necessary tools like the MLS. So, while not legally mandated by the state, joining NAR is often a practical necessity for conducting business effectively and is frequently a requirement set by the brokerage itself.

The Structure: Local, State, and National Associations

Membership in the National Association of REALTORS® is a three-tiered system. When you join a *local* association of REALTORS®, you automatically become a member of the corresponding *state* association and the *National* Association of REALTORS®.

This structure ensures representation and provides resources at all levels relevant to your business and advocacy needs.

How to Join the National Association of Realtors: The Step-by-Step Process

The process of how to join the national association of realtors primarily involves joining a local board. Here are the general steps:

Step 1: Obtain Your State Real Estate License

Before you can become a REALTOR®, you must first be a licensed real estate salesperson or broker in your state. This involves completing pre-licensing education, passing the state exam, and fulfilling any other state-specific requirements.

Step 2: Identify and Choose a Local Association of REALTORS®

Which realtor association should I join? Generally, you should join the local association of REALTORS® that serves the primary geographic area where you conduct or intend to conduct most of your business. Consider factors like:

Proximity and convenience for attending meetings or accessing services.
MLS access: Ensure the local board provides access to the MLS that covers your target market.
Local services and resources: Some local boards offer specific training, networking events, or tools that may be particularly valuable to your business or niche.

You can find local associations through your state association’s website or directly via the NAR website’s association locator tool.

Step 3: Apply for Membership at the Local Association

Once you’ve chosen a local association, you’ll need to complete their membership application. This typically requires providing proof of your state license, payment of initial dues and application fees, and potentially attending an orientation session.

Step 4: Complete Orientation and Code of Ethics Training

New members are usually required to attend an orientation program that covers the benefits of membership, services offered, and important policies. Crucially, new members must complete an approved Code of Ethics training course within a specified timeframe (often 180 days of joining). This training is mandatory and ensures you understand the ethical standards required of all REALTORS®. For brokerages, managing and tracking this requirement for multiple agents is key for real estate broker compliance, a task that can be significantly streamlined using virtual assistants for real estate or workflow automation tools.

Step 5: Pay Dues (Local, State, and National)

Membership requires paying annual dues at all three levels: local, state, and national. There might also be one-time application or initiation fees. Dues vary by location and are prorated based on when you join during the year. Brokerages need to budget for these costs, whether they pay them for agents or agents pay them directly. Managing agent expenses can be part of a smart back office strategy facilitated by platforms like ReBillion.ai.

Which Realtor Association Should I Join? Making the Right Choice

As mentioned, the choice of which realtor association should I join usually starts with identifying the local board serving your primary business area. However, some agents and brokerages operate across multiple areas served by different local boards. In such cases, you may consider:

Primary Membership: Join the board in the area where you do the most business. Your membership here grants you state and national membership.
Secondary Membership: If you need MLS access or specific services from another local board, you might join that board as a secondary member. This requires additional local dues but you do not pay state or national dues again (as you already have them through your primary membership).
Broker Considerations: A broker must join an association to allow their agents to join. Brokers often choose the association based on their own business location and the areas their agents serve. Brokerages may also consider the benefits offered by different local boards that could support their agents’ success and the brokerage’s overall operation, including resources relevant to real estate broker compliance or available training programs.

Consulting with experienced brokers or managers in your target area can provide valuable insights into which local association best fits your needs and business model. It’s also wise to directly contact the membership departments of prospective local associations to inquire about their specific services, fees, and MLS coverage.

Operational Impact for Brokerages and Leveraging Technology

Understanding how to join the national association of realtors is not just about the individual agent; it has significant operational implications for brokerages. Onboarding new agents requires verifying licensure and often guiding them through the NAR membership process, including tracking Code of Ethics training completion.

Managing a team of REALTORS® means ensuring ongoing compliance with the Code of Ethics and access to necessary resources like the MLS. Brokerages can leverage technology to streamline these processes.

ReBillion.ai offers solutions that can integrate seamlessly into a brokerage’s operations, helping manage the complexities associated with having a team of REALTORS®:

AI-Powered Transaction Coordinators: Ensure transactions managed by AI TCs adhere to industry best practices and ethical considerations, complementing the Code of Ethics.
Workflow Automation Tools: Automate onboarding workflows that include steps for NAR application, fee payment reminders, and tracking Code of Ethics training completion.
Real Estate Broker Compliance Monitoring: Integrate compliance checks related to professional standards, supporting adherence to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics alongside state and federal regulations.
Virtual Assistants for Real Estate Brokers: Utilize VAs to manage administrative tasks related to agent membership, dues tracking, and resource dissemination.

By automating routine tasks and centralizing information, brokerages can ensure their agents are compliant, well-supported, and able to maximize the benefits of their REALTOR® membership, freeing up brokers and managers to focus on growth and agent development.

Actionable Tips for Brokers and Admins

Here are 3 actionable tips for brokers and administrators managing agents seeking REALTOR® membership:

Create an Onboarding Checklist: Develop a clear, step-by-step guide for new agents outlining the process of obtaining their license and joining the necessary local association, including timelines for fees and training.
Track Compliance Training: Implement a system (like a CRM or workflow tool) to monitor agents’ completion of the mandatory Code of Ethics training and subsequent periodic training requirements to ensure ongoing compliance.
Centralize Resource Information: Compile key information about the local association, state association, and NAR benefits, contacts, and access methods (e.g., MLS login, RPR access) in an easily accessible format for your agents.

Why It Matters for Your Brokerage

Ensuring your agents know how to join the national association of realtors and actively maintain their membership is vital for your brokerage’s success and reputation. It fosters a culture of professionalism and ethical conduct, which is paramount in building client trust and managing real estate broker compliance effectively.

Membership provides your agents with essential tools and data, enhancing their productivity and competitive edge in the market.

Furthermore, associating with REALTORS® leverages the strength of a nationally recognized brand and benefits from industry-wide advocacy. Investing in solutions that support your agents’ membership and compliance, such as ReBillion.ai’s smart back office tools, translates directly into operational efficiency, reduced risk, and enhanced agent retention, ultimately contributing to your brokerage’s profitability and sustainable growth.

Featured Snippet Block: Joining NAR

To join the National Association of REALTORS®, you must first have a state real estate license. Then, apply for membership at a local association of REALTORS® in your primary business area. Membership in the local board automatically grants you membership in the state and national associations. You will need to pay dues and complete mandatory Code of Ethics training.

FAQs

Is joining NAR mandatory for all licensed agents?

No, it is not legally mandatory. However, it is required to use the REALTOR® title and often necessary for MLS access.

How long does it take to join a REALTOR® association?

The application process itself can be quick, but includes paying fees, attending orientation, and completing ethics training within deadlines.

What are the main benefits of being a REALTOR®?

Benefits include MLS access, use of the REALTOR® brand, advocacy, education, resources like RPR, and adhering to the Code of Ethics.

Can I join more than one local association?

Yes, you can be a primary member of one local board and a secondary member of others for additional MLS access or services.

What is the difference between a real estate agent and a REALTOR®?

A real estate agent is licensed by the state. A REALTOR® is a licensed agent who is also a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and pledges to uphold its Code of Ethics.

Resources from ReBillion.ai

Conclusion

Understanding how to join the national association of realtors is a key step for real estate professionals serious about their careers and for brokers building a reputable and compliant team. While not legally mandated, the benefits of membership – from MLS access and valuable resources to upholding high ethical standards and benefiting from industry advocacy – make it a crucial investment. For brokerages, supporting agents through this process and leveraging tools that enhance compliance and operational efficiency is essential for success in today’s competitive market.

ReBillion.ai helps real estate brokers, agents, and transaction coordinators streamline operations with AI-powered automation, transaction coordination, and virtual assistants. Whether you’re closing more deals, managing hundreds of contracts, or growing your team, ReBillion.ai simplifies compliance, workflow, and growth. Visit ReBillion.ai to explore solutions or request a demo.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or compliance advice. Always consult a qualified professional or brokerage attorney for guidance tailored to your jurisdiction and business model.

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Content Source: General web research