If you've completed the preparatory work to obtain your real estate license, you may be building a portfolio of clients and working toward your first sale. It may also be the right time to consider taking your career a step further by joining the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and becoming a REALTOR®. Joining NAR offers many benefits, including increased industry visibility and credibility, access to NAR benefits and benefits, and access to important real estate market data.
Becoming a REALTOR® is a simple process that many real estate professionals can participate in, including appraisers, brokers, and agents. This article explains the main differences between a real estate agent and his REALTORS® and how to become a he REALTOR® in 3 easy steps.
What is the difference between a real estate agent and a REALTOR®?
Both real estate agents and REALTORS® help people buy and sell real estate. The main difference is that REALTORS® take the necessary steps to become part of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
NAR members agree to abide by NAR's Code of Ethics. NAR's Code of Ethics outlines the rules a REALTORS® must follow when dealing with other REALTORS®, the public, and current or prospective clients. The purpose is to ensure that REALTORS® put their clients' interests above their own. A real estate agent is not obligated to adhere to the same ethical standards as her REALTOR®. That's why many buyers and sellers want to work with his REALTOR®.
3 Easy Steps to Become a REALTOR®
To become a REALTOR®, you must become a licensed real estate agent, join your local REALTOR® association, and pay applicable dues. This section describes each in detail.
1. Become a licensed real estate agent
The first step to becoming a REALTOR® is becoming a licensed real estate agent. Each state has its own requirements that must be met to obtain a license.
For example, becoming a real estate agent in most states requires age requirements, background checks, and a set number of class hours. In some states, this must be passed in addition to a written exam.
2. Join your local REALTOR® association
The second step to becoming a REALTOR® involves joining your local NAR association. This provides membership in state and national associations. NAR provides a list of state and local real estate boards so you can easily contact your local association. Select your state to see a list of local NAR associations and their websites and phone numbers.
3. Payment of membership fees
NAR requires members to pay national dues of $150 per year in 2023 and $156 per year in 2024. Please note that these dues may change from year to year. Members will also pay special assessments of $45 in She-2023 and He-2024, which are intended to cover the costs of NAR's consumer advertising campaigns.
International REALTOR® Membership
Members of NAR collaborating organizations around the world can join NAR and tap into the power of an organization of more than 1 million members. In an industry where relationships are key to business success, this membership will help you stand out among other professionals.
Learn more about how to become an International REALTOR® member.
Additional Information About National Association of REALTORS® Membership
- The president of a real estate company must first join the REALTOR® association before anyone other than the president can join. The principal is defined as: Sole proprietorship. Partnership partners. An officer or major shareholder of a company. Or serve as branch manager in place of the principal.
- Once a principal decides to join the REALTOR® Association, all agents, brokers, and appraisers who are licensed or affiliated with the principal also have the option to join as members of the association.
- Each REALTOR® firm appoints one of its principals as the firm's “designated REALTOR®.”If an agent, broker, or appraiser affiliated with us chooses to do so. do not have If REALTORS®, the “Designated REALTOR®” will undergo a non-member evaluation by the association on a non-member basis.
- If a person determines that they are eligible for REALTOR® membership; do not have Joining a REALTOR® association precludes individuals affiliated with that firm from becoming REALTOR® members of the association.
- Principals have what is called a “selection committee,” meaning they can decide which REALTOR® association to join in the state (or adjacent to that state) in which their office is located.
- A licensee affiliated with a REALTOR® company may select as its principal association any association in the state (or state adjacent to that state) in which the company maintains a “designated REALTOR®.”
- If you plan to work with a REALTOR®, please feel free to contact NAR for additional information. NAR can look up a broker's name and office to see if the broker is a member of her REALTOR® association. If the broker is a member, we will refer you to her local REALTOR® association to which the broker belongs.
What changes when you become a REALTOR®?
When you transition from a real estate agent to a REALTOR®, you gain the ability to use the REALTOR® brand after your name, increasing your credibility across the real estate industry, state and local membership, and network access. Represent buyers and sellers during real estate transactions, or support clients as a broker or appraiser, while adhering to a code of ethics and joining an association that provides access to valuable member resources and benefits. There is also a need. Includes exclusive access to discounts, data and prices. If you're ready to take the next step as a real estate professional, find and join your local REALTOR® Association.
