some mls services require it...ours does not.... but if you want to use the R logo, you must be a member.... they also provide designation courses....

If you want to work for a broker who is a member and or want to use the trademark REALTOR® then you must join.

Discuss with your broker- - -you may not have a choice. 

If you have an option, consider whether the benefits they offer are worth the cost.  Many MLS's are run by the local board and joining is not optional. 

In most areas you won't get access to mls without doing so. 

How will you get an access to MLS without local board? 

This is a question - an answer to your question.

No choice, essentially.

My advice is don't. You probably will not be able to do that as you will need access to the MLS which helps you do your business effectively. It's a bummer.

It's the only way to access the MLS in our area. 

   If your Broker is a member, you will probably have to also be a member.

Lots of good reasons.

Why Indeed?

I only did because it's the only way to get MLS access here, although the relevance of the MLS is starting to be challenged.

only brokers make the decision.  You just have to decide what broker to work for

Do you want access to the NLS.

Also do you think y ou know everything about Real Estate that yo udon't need other professionals?

Why not?

Franchise companies require the franchisee (broker/owner) to be join the Realtor Association. In turn the broker /owner will require the agents under him to join and the MLSs will most likely require that the participants be Realtors. It is a domino effect.

Because Boards of Realtors have good parties.

As the Broker you sign up with.  It will most likely be required to access your local MLS data.

Once you start the search for a suitable broker with whom to align yourself, you will have to ask them that question. Perhaps it will be because the broker is a member and requires that all of the agents associated with that brokerage be members, also.

Maybe not...as other may comment.

getting a broker to sponsor you and access to the MLS!

Have you ever heard of networking?  This is just another reason to add to all the rest! Join all the organizations you can resonably spend some time in. My first client came from a referral from CRS!

If you believe it has value then join, if not then don't.

Join the local, state and national associations if you plan to sell real estate. Put those dues in your budget along with the dues for your MLS service. These are business expenses. Don't forget to change your auto insurance for business use and you will want an umbrella liability policy as well.

So you can announce yourself as a REALTOR instead of a real estate sales agent. By the way, have you noticed you have NEVER met an active agent who was not a REALTOR, a dues paying, card carrying member of the local board. Why is that?

Because your profession is a closed union shop. Newbies are fed the belief that they have a choice...and it seems they do. UNTIL they select the broker and franchise with which to associate. The BROKER will require membership.  Choice for the new agent just flew out the door.

Now, Devin, you could be the rare breed who laid a foundation BEFORE they entered real estate school. You know the resources with which you have to work the vertical and horizontal markets in front of you and a defined method to reach that market.

These elements are all part of your business plan which will prove to be an incredible asset when talking to brokers. You are coming with a business, not schlepping for a job.

In such a case, you actually may be able to exercise your CHOICE and associate with an independent broker with the agility and resources to assist in implementing your plan.

Did you ever notice, there is no list of this type of broker. All the indicators are a new agent HAS NO CHOICE but to drink the REALTOR Kool-Aid.

But, it is fun thinking you do.

For MLS access in NC & SC. I don't know if membership is required in your area though.

I never recommend anyone do anything they don't want to do. Decide for yourself if it is the right thing for you. 

You have all the answers needed. A

You should not. 

No MLS without it. 

Ron and Alexandra Seigel nailed this one!

Local boards provide classes, networking, and other benefits.

The board would do a nice sales job on you if you ask them. Until then, it is one of the many tools available for agents to employ to help their clients

Ego?

You won't have a choice if your broker does.

Devin McGarry - it is a personal choice.

Ask your broker.

If for nothing else, the board of Realtor provide us with a strong voice in the political area, where they can influence the outcome of laws that affect us, and the market directly.