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Jason Osborn, Studying for license ( Jason Osborn)

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Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Jason Osborn If it weren't for the NAR, we would be competing with real estate offices in banks. They have done some good.

Nov 14, 2015 10:46 PM
Rainmaker
7,836,419
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

The biggest benefit is that you get to pay the dues and continue to wonder about the benefits.

Nov 14, 2015 10:00 PM
Rainmaker
530,966
Gary Coles (International Referrals)
Venture Realty International - Las Vegas, NV
Latin America Real Estate

The link that Carol Williams provided is excellent -- but there are many other items that are not mentioned.

Just like ActiveRain, the NAR is a great place to meet others in the industry and network.  I have received many referrals from NAR members that I have met at conventions.

I have also learned many valuable tips form classes offered by the NAR.

And like ActiveRain or your future real estate career, you will get as much or as little back as you put into it in the first place.

Nov 14, 2015 01:50 PM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

They like to dictate things for each board. Standardization. Unfortunately  we are a union with 50 different State laws. It has messed up our MLS system as many fields call out do not  work that way.  They advise agents to be safe. I got to pay them $20 to learn about how to be safe?  

You may want to learn about antitrust laws, and designations.... 

As a realtor I don't see any benefit. My wallet is lighter from that lobbying org. membership year after year.

Nov 14, 2015 12:56 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I like the collaborative efforts and voice we have, the education available that is abundant and the commitment I have through my Association to be professional and have high integrity.

Nov 15, 2015 12:33 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,289
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

As a member of NAR, I am eligible to join my state/local associations and gain access to the MLS which is still the primary way to gain access to most listings.

Nov 15, 2015 12:14 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Jason,

As commercial real estate broker and agents in Los Angeles, I don't recall agent or brokerage anyone being NAR members.    

Nov 15, 2015 12:10 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

What Roy Kelley said

Nov 15, 2015 12:04 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Zilch

Nov 14, 2015 11:18 PM
Rainmaker
1,661,936
John McCormack, CRS
Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM
Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!

Go for it!  You won't regret it.

Nov 14, 2015 10:00 PM
Rainmaker
1,543,823
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

A designation is only as good as the agent behind it. That said, I do think higher of Realtors over non-Realtors as a first impression (until proven otherwise), because of what the Realtor designation represents to me.

Realtors have the tools, education & ethics to be better in this industry than just agents. They may not all take advantage of them, but the opportunity to be better is there.  

I receive great networking opportunities, training, discounts, a political voice for our industry, incredible resources in books & blogs, great statistics & market data and of course our Code of Ethics.

Realtors have the opportunity to be better trained in ethics as a standard of practice, and it often shows in my experience. Sure, there are great agents who didn't bother to become a Realtor, but I just think we Realtors are better off for what our designation represents,  the commitment we made to the Code of Ethics which we hold as a standard of practice .  I seek out other Realtors to refer business to over just an agent. I choose to behave as and run my business as a Realtor and I educate my clients on the difference.

Nov 14, 2015 09:54 PM
Rainmaker
2,362,977
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

none

Nov 14, 2015 09:14 PM
Rainmaker
628,914
Buzz Mackintosh
Mackintosh REALTORS - Frederick, MD
“Experience, reliable, leadership”

They advocate for private property rights and have a very strong political lobby w/ RPAC .

Nov 14, 2015 08:55 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I like the designations. 

Nov 14, 2015 08:28 PM
Rainmaker
5,216,409
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

They are a source of great information. They offer many benefits I do noit take advantage of! 

Nov 14, 2015 08:17 PM
Rainmaker
2,759,812
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

 Good Sunday morning Jason. I too am working on my license.

Nov 14, 2015 06:31 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Designations/Certifications probably only. I do not really read NAR updates. 

Nov 14, 2015 03:51 PM
Ambassador
2,178,603
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Here is a link to a page that outlines some of the many benefits of being a member of the National Association of Realtors.
http://www.realtor.org/member-benefits/value-of-membership

Many members have a bit of an "attitude" because they don't really understand and don't utilize the many services of NAR.   Check out the other tabs at the top of that page too.  

Good luck in your studies.

Nov 14, 2015 01:24 PM
Rainmaker
443,220
Cindy Davis
SD Home Source Realty - San Diego, CA

Staying up to date with laws, different ways of doing things...

Nov 15, 2015 12:45 AM
Ambassador
6,393,609
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

A long list of benefits.

Feb 07, 2019 11:19 PM
Rainer
213,263
Dennis Swartz
Full Circle Property Management - Columbus, OH
MBA, GRI...experience counts!

You get mls, thats all. Can't think of another one.

Nov 15, 2015 06:52 PM
Rainmaker
617,935
David Gibson CNE, 719-304-4684 ~ Colorado Springs Relocation
Colorado Real Estate Advisers LLC - Colorado Springs, CO
Relocation, Luxury & Lifestyle residential

Jason,
As you see from the answers NAR has done some good but tends to have a very poor relationship with their members. If NAR were optional (which it may be in the future) membership may drop like a rock.

Nov 15, 2015 07:16 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

The number one benefit is the ability to use the MLS.

Nov 15, 2015 04:37 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Zip.  Zero.  Zilch.  Nada.  How many ways can you say "nothing?"  I get more out of my NRA membership then the NAR.

 

I have found absolutely zero benefit to NAR.  We are forced into joining and paying dues, much like a union.  There is no way out that I have seen.  If I could, I would.

Nov 15, 2015 04:16 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

when I was active, I had 9 designations.... adn they were recognized by the NAR....

Nov 15, 2015 02:25 AM