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Bob Crane,  Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671 (Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified)

Answers

Rainmaker
5,966,578
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

No... I don't see one having much to do with the other. I wouldn't join at all. I considered this requirement to be an NAR member a form of enforced unionization. The only way I'd join and/or pay more if membership was voluntary is if I was convinced the public really understood and appreciated the connection.To the public we are all Realtors, whether we are or are not. And all this "baloney" about our living with a higher code of ethics... is also baloney... you can't teach ethics. I've met Realtors who are unethical and non-Realtors who are the ultimate in ethical. If you're not inclined to be ethical you won't be.

Jun 22, 2018 03:39 AM
Ambassador
2,790,452
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Bob.

     No.  I will be going MLS-only in January. 

Jun 22, 2018 04:06 AM
Rainmaker
1,606,165
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

NAR would have to do some serious convincing that they are worth the membership.  Plus, they would need to have buy-in from a "critical mass" of the public.  Currently the term "real estate agent", "real estate salesperson" and "realtor" interchangable and "realtor" has been demoted to common vernacular and has ZERO recognition in the public as a trade organization.

 

The forced code of ethics invalidates the code because you agree to it under duress (don't agree and don't get access to the MLS).  That is their biggest selling point, but it is all too easy to break the code and the punishment for breaking it is (in most cases) a strongly worded letter.  Some associations even make the complaint process so arduous that filing one is all but discouraged!

Jun 22, 2018 08:48 AM
Rainmaker
2,246,536
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

Most likely not Bob. 

Jun 22, 2018 05:24 AM
Rainmaker
5,060,524
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Not likely. Value/worth would likely be a consideration as is any activity.

 

Jun 22, 2018 04:25 AM
Rainmaker
3,418,088
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

NOT unless all current management was fired and they start over with people wh actually care about Realtors

Jun 22, 2018 04:19 AM
Ambassador
6,078,458
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

It would have to be a totally revamped organization, Bob. Right now, anyone can be one and there is NO exclusivity whatsoever. You're onto something with the higher standards and EARNING the right to join. 

We all have a sour taste in our mouths about NAR right now and I feel like lack of enforcement and the ability to report CoE violations is one of those hot topics for those who care about this being a PROFESSIONAL organization.

That's not even considering the logo debacle, the money overspent on lobbying and the fact that they sold us down the river when they sold Realtor.com!

Jun 22, 2018 07:25 AM
Rainmaker
1,184,028
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

Value of NAR:

COE
Tools/forms.

COE can be rolled and smoked. People get away with violating it every single day. 99% of the time it's more trouble than it's worth to enforce.
Basically worthless.

This leaves the forms. Necessary evil.

So what would be your definition of earning the right to join?

Jun 22, 2018 06:03 AM
Rainmaker
1,903,056
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

No No No ..... I don't think it's worth it now except for the contracts they help construct with the help of local attorneys that volunteer.

I do not think that ANY organizations we can belong too now are exclusive - using that word is a joke like a golf club. Paying to join doesn't make the membership worthwhile. 
That's the problem.

Jun 22, 2018 05:29 AM
Rainmaker
823,464
Peter Testa
Kiwi Homes - Danbury, CT
Call me for all your Connecticut Real Estate needs

I wouldn't, I'd save that money. I don't see the value in the Realtor name. Most of the public doesn't realize that there's a difference between a Real Estate Agent & a Realtor & if they knew the difference I doubt they'd make a decision based on that. I also don't see any benefits to belonging to this association. I would much rather not be a member. 

Jun 22, 2018 05:20 AM
Rainmaker
561,130
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011
Inactive - Scottsdale, AZ
The Art of Storytelling

No, I probably would not join unless they could show some tangible return. NAR has lived too long by promoting the use of Realtor® as the major benefit. The only person that thinks Realtor® is important is Phil Dunphy.

 

Jun 22, 2018 08:35 AM
Rainer
509,499
Susie Kay
Ultra Real Estate Dallas Fort Worth - Plano, TX
North Dallas Specialist

Not for me.  I don't see much benefit in it. 

Jun 22, 2018 07:48 AM
Ambassador
3,627,387
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Real Estate Svcs.
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I am willing to pay more for anything that I perceive has value.  Being forced to pay for anything does not bode well for me. Memberships for the most part only mean something to the members.  The public does not understand our associations or the real estate business, in general. 

Jun 22, 2018 07:45 AM
Rainmaker
1,760,073
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP
Big Block LPT Realty 858.232.8722 - San Diego, CA
Coastal San Diego, Veteran's & Retirees Services

Yes, but then I wouldn't be in NAR. Same reason I no longer belong to Unions nor Gangs.

Jun 22, 2018 07:37 AM
Rainmaker
6,125,465
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

What they say they do for you and what they do for you are almost juxtaposed! So, not worthwhile either way!

Jun 22, 2018 06:23 AM
Rainmaker
8,856,465
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

No.

Jun 22, 2018 06:20 AM
Rainmaker
527,704
J.R. Schloemer
Kentucky Select Properties - Louisville, KY

In theory this is an excellent idea and proposition. 

In reality, associations begin to find reasons to “need” more things to give the “members” more “value”. At that point they begin to outspend their revenue. To prevent raising dues they open to more members and when they see the influx of money the association starts taking on more and more members to make more money. It’s a vicious circle as old as time and I do not see any way to fix it without enforcing repercussions for the injustices already happening everyday 

Jun 22, 2018 06:04 AM
Rainmaker
3,077,367
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Coldwell Banker Realty

Michael Jacobs nailed this one!

Jun 22, 2018 05:17 AM
Rainmaker
967,046
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

I would NOT be a member!

Jun 22, 2018 04:59 AM
Rainmaker
332,654
Jerry Thomas-Construction Loans
Cranbrook Loans - Farmington Hills, MI
Construction Loans in MI, OH, GA and FL

I'd be in favor of higher standards.

Jun 22, 2018 04:58 AM
Rainmaker
848,135
Tony Lewis
Summit Real Estate Group - Valencia, CA
Summit Real Estate Group Valencia & Aliso Viejo

Yes, right after paying my voluntary taxes.

Jun 22, 2018 10:24 AM
Rainmaker
5,590,899
Barbara Todaro
Keller Williams Elite - Franklin, MA
"connecting land with builders"

no.... I'm done with them starting with the next billing.... 

Jun 22, 2018 08:50 AM
Rainmaker
5,775,569
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Bob,

I agree with Nina Hollander 

Jun 22, 2018 08:02 AM
Ambassador
5,407,399
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Not likely. The value is not there.

Jun 22, 2018 07:37 AM
Rainmaker
3,044,042
Richie & You
pearlsforthesoul.com - Cedar City, UT
Author & Consultant

Right now its a "moose" type club when it should be more....

Jun 22, 2018 06:29 AM
Rainmaker
1,316,670
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

This is called an involuntary inflation.

Jun 22, 2018 06:02 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,437
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

No.

Jun 22, 2018 03:32 AM
Rainmaker
2,236,581
Debbie Laity
CinaJones Real Estate - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County

As involved as I am in leadership at both the local and state level, I don't see much value in my NAR membership. Of course the state meetings try to get you pumped up for being a REALTOR®, but really the consumer doesn't know the difference. Even after all the money NAR has spent to try to increase this awareness. 

I completely agree with what Nina Hollander has to say. 

Jun 25, 2018 06:26 AM
Rainmaker
1,033,599
Pete Xavier
Investments to Luxury - Pacific Palisades, CA
Outstanding Agent Referrals-Nationwide

I wish I had to right NOT to join when I was "forced" to be a member for MLS access. Considering NAR's actions and inaction, I do not view membership in NAR a value, more so a detriment to the profession...

Complaint is about the value of NAR!

(The state & local associations did bring benefit and value to the table. IMO)

Jun 22, 2018 08:27 PM
Rainmaker
697,857
Diana Dahlberg - 1 MONTH REALTY
1 MONTH REALTY - Pleasant Prairie, WI
REALTOR in Kenosha, WI since 1994 - (262) 308-3563

I am with the majority on this one ... I would not.

Jun 22, 2018 10:47 AM
Ambassador
2,699,421
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Author, Golfer, Traveler, Retired, Wenatchee, WA

If I were still licensed, YES I would.  I still think NAR has an important role to play if they get back on track with their focus and financial priorities.

Jun 22, 2018 06:02 AM
Rainmaker
1,714,482
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

I think to a certain extent this is out of NARs hands as to what changes.

Jun 22, 2018 04:59 AM
Rainmaker
4,337,221
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Bob Crane - if not required... then why?

Jun 22, 2018 11:17 PM
Rainmaker
5,278,226
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

No way I want to pay more.

Jun 22, 2018 10:47 AM
Rainmaker
721,412
Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix Scottsdale. Sellers, Buyers & Relocations

Based on the assumpations you make - yes.

Jun 22, 2018 07:01 AM
Rainmaker
544,556
Dave Halpern
Dave Halpern Real Estate Agent, Inc., Louisville, KY (502) 664-7827 - Louisville, KY
Louisville Short Sale Expert

Only if they showed me the value

Jun 23, 2018 08:02 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,764
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Bob, you have some great points and thoughts

Jun 22, 2018 08:14 PM
Rainmaker
1,809,943
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

That depends on if, for once, the NAR provided value for our money

Jun 25, 2018 06:04 AM
Rainmaker
5,721,407
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

I think maybe you hav a good point here.

 

Jun 24, 2018 09:37 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

"Undeserving members like it is now."

Sounds like the start of a rant.

So, lets play.

List those organizations with the high standards and meaningful 'discrimination' for which your are a champion. What are the 'higer standards' to which you refer?

When choice is removed resentment grows. And that is more descriptive of 'like it is now." and likely a motivation behind your question. YOU want to leave, but you can't.

Jun 23, 2018 07:05 AM
Rainmaker
6,552,285
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Pay more for less service and/or benefits - no way! 

Jun 26, 2018 12:04 PM