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It is dues paying time again...

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Advantage

I've been writing checks for dues.  I signed VISA for ABR dues for $104.50.  I signed VISA for CRS dues for $155.00 for state and national dues.  I wrote the Chamber of Commerce dues for $175 and another $250 for a group that solicits businesses to our area, and another $125 for a link from their web site to mine.  Thank goodness for e-PRO and GRI who don't require dues.  It's also time to renew local, state and national dues for NAR.  And we can't forget ARPAC contributions.

We should be diligent in our Boards and watch to see who advertises these designations without being actual members.  Some people have obtained the designations but just quit paying dues but call themselves CRS and ABR forever.  I guess it's a good debate on why we can NOT have dues on GRI and e-PRO but have to have them with ABR and CRS.  How do the members of this group feel?

I definitely want all agents to pay if I pay and think you'd feel the same.  And I'm also very glad that I took all the courses which made me a better and more professional broker.

Comments (21)

Barbara S. Duncan
RE/MAX Advantage - Searcy, AR
GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR

Steve, yep, it's slow and with Christmas right around the corner!  Thanks for stopping by.

Dec 04, 2007 11:06 AM
Aggie Friend Kay Perry, A&M Class of '94 & '97
Kay Perry, Broker - College Station, TX
I think like you.  If I have to pay to keep my designations, others should pay or not use it.
Dec 04, 2007 12:19 PM
Aggie Friend Kay Perry, A&M Class of '94 & '97
Kay Perry, Broker - College Station, TX
I think like you.  If I have to pay to keep my designations, others should pay or not use it.
Dec 04, 2007 12:20 PM
Erin Stumpf (Attardi)
Coldwell Banker - Sacramento, CA
916-342-1372 / DRE# 01706589 Sacramento, CA
Yeah December and January are expensive months to be in Real Estate...as if this time of the year is not expensive enough already! Sheesh!
Dec 04, 2007 12:29 PM
Barbara S. Duncan
RE/MAX Advantage - Searcy, AR
GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR

Aggie, I'm glad you agree!

Erin, we are told that if we pay early for next year, we have the tax write offs.  That's one consolation!

Dec 04, 2007 01:31 PM
Real Estate Guy in Madison, Wisconsin
Powered by: Real Broker LLC - Madison, WI
Real Estate Guy

You can report misuse to National CRS and they will pursue.

First look up the member on the CRS web site and then email/sent info to national. send it to ssimmons@crs.com

I also see a benefit that it keeps a barrier to entry and we will see a sorting out of the serious from the part timers.

Dec 04, 2007 03:09 PM
Kathy McGraw
CELLing Realty - White Water, CA
Riverside County CA Real Estate
I am happy there are no dues for e-PRO.....now to your question.  If a Designation requires dues, then they should be paid by all......unfortunately there will always be people that don't follow the rules, and use the designation whether they pay or not.
Dec 05, 2007 03:28 AM
Vivienne Seaman
RE/MAX Eagle Properties - Drummond Island, MI

I used to be passive about others not paying dues in any area of life.  I paid and that was all that concerned me.  The older I get and all the effort I put into my workshops, classes, studying....if I find anyone using the letters!  They had better paying the same money I am.  I would report them in a New York minute!

I need 4 more sales before I can pass out my new cards with ABR after my name.  People need to have some self respect and not LIE! and respect for others who have paid their dues in life. 

Dec 05, 2007 03:34 AM
Kathy McGraw
CELLing Realty - White Water, CA
Riverside County CA Real Estate
Amen to Vivienne's statement :)
Dec 05, 2007 11:35 AM
Barbara S. Duncan
RE/MAX Advantage - Searcy, AR
GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR

Guy, I once reported a violater to CRS and they did take care of it.  ABR may have done the same thing.

Vivienne, I agree with you.  Thank!.

Kathy, ditto!!

Dec 05, 2007 12:02 PM
Stella Barbour
NoVa Brokers LLC - Vienna, VA
Principal Broker, Serving Virginia and Maryland
I hate paying dues.  My dues were already due and paid in September and October but I still have my quarterly dues.  Dues are always being paid.  I hate that.
Dec 05, 2007 12:04 PM
Barbara S. Duncan
RE/MAX Advantage - Searcy, AR
GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR

Stella, you are so right.  I also have $25 a month MLS fees to pay.  That's to pay for the Board Secretary and other necessary expenses.  What I really hate is when they want to do a dues increase and we don't need the money.

Dec 05, 2007 12:26 PM
Catherine Sinocruz
Coldwell Banker Select Real Estate - Reno, NV
Broker-Salesperson, ABR, GRI, CRS

Hi Barbara,

I just renewed all of my membership dues online yesterday.  Oh man.. oh man...! This month has been so expensive.  I hope all of my designations will help catalpult my business in years to come. 

Catherine

Dec 11, 2007 07:15 AM
James Downing - Metro DC Houses Team REALTORS®, CRS, GRI, ABR,MRP, MilRes
Real Living | At Home - Washington, DC
When Looking to Buy or Sell - Make the Right Move
Great point.  I wonder - just how many ABR's, etc are not paying their dues.  None of us LIKE paying dues (especially during a slow period AND during the holiday season) - but it is a must.
Dec 12, 2007 12:50 AM
Debbie White
Southeast Alaska Real Estate - Juneau, AK
I Sell Alaska!
Here in Alaska our licenses are up too... every real estate license in the state lapses on January 31, 2008.  It will be interesting, with this market somewhat slow, to see who stays and who goes...
Dec 16, 2007 12:22 PM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"
Barbara,  I was interested to note we both have the same designations which I frankly feel are well worth the money to enhance our knowledge.  Folks who don't have them think they are an ego trip - Oh well!!!  Karen
Dec 16, 2007 10:05 PM
Barbara S. Duncan
RE/MAX Advantage - Searcy, AR
GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR

Karen, those who don't get designations are trying to rationalize their not having the motivation to get them.  I've learned from every designation that I have and I think I've increased my earnings from them.

Debbie, I think we're going to lose members in our town.  Interestingly, the Board voted to increase the amount of dues money that a new member has to pay to be in our Board.  The Board, which I'm not on for the first time in ages, wanted to make it harder for new members to begin.  I'm not sure how I feel about the increase.

Dec 16, 2007 11:18 PM
Karl Burger
ERA Beach Ball Realty - Pensacola, FL
Pensacola Real Estate News
I ended up on this page from a Google search trying to figure out how much ABR dues were. It's not too bad until you start adding up all the dues for all the accreditations you get. They get you every where they can.
Jan 03, 2008 07:34 AM
Barbara S. Duncan
RE/MAX Advantage - Searcy, AR
GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR
Karl, thanks for finding it.  It does hurt when we have to pay so much all at once!
Jan 03, 2008 01:58 PM
Scott Guay
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services PenFed Realty - Ocean Pines, MD
Associate Broker. Ocean City and Ocean Pines MD
I agree that the education was worth the time.  We all have lots of dues to pay (let us not forget our errors and omissions insurance) but at least we are not in debt for $100,000's do get our licence to practice.
Jan 04, 2008 06:56 AM