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To Be or Not to Be - a NAR Member?

By
Real Estate Agent with Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc. 516-575-7500 NRDS ID#641625055

To Be or Not to Be - a NAR Member?

To be honest, I never put any thought into whether or not I should be a NAR member. Right from the beginning, I just was. The first real estate firm I joined required local board and NAR membership from all its agents. 

Sure, I've read all the posts about ethics and all forms of appropriate behavior that distinguishes a REALTOR from a non-member. However, I knew I would always act professionally, regardless of membership.  NRDS#

Just recently, an issue came up that clarified the nuances of NAR membership for me. Another agent solicited and won my listing while I was still under contract. The details are less important than the sudden realization that non-membership (the other agent's status) limits your options for recourse.

For a NAR member, arbitration is recommended over litigation. In order to rectify a dispute with a non-member, I was advised that local boards had no jurisdiction and a DOS grievance was my only option.

NAR annual dues are high and I fault no one who doesn't wish to pay. No doubt, I've also, unintentionally, offended some hardworking, ethical folks who take issue with my declaration to stay far away from all non-professionals in the real estate business.

I know better than anyone that even those who profess morality are capable of despicable actions. In the end, though, hiring an attorney will be drawn out, expensive, and stressful. NAR membership appears to have its privileges.

 

 

 

Posted by

Jill Sackler

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Graduate REALTOR Institute 

Jill Sackler, NYS Real Estate Broker Associate based on Long Island's South Shore
 
 

Sunny Isles, Fl 

       Specializing in Lifecycle Real Estate 

"When your family doesn't fit your family home, I can help."
 
 
 
 
 
   

   

©Jill Sackler 2010
 

 

Comments (13)

Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Jill, This is just one of the many reasons for membership. The strong voice we have with Congress is a big reason for me, too.

Jan 09, 2014 06:43 AM
Cindy Westfall
Premiere Property Group,LLC Portland Metro & Suburbs Oregon - Tualatin, OR
ABR,GRI Your Tualatin & Portland Metro Real Estate

Hi Jill, I'm pretty sure I'm required to have a membership with NAR, but that might have been with my last company and perhaps not with the new one. Either way, like you..with or without it I would still follow the ethics guidelines and do the best regardless. What a bummer that you have to even deal with this. As far as the other agent? As my sons have been saying lately.."Not cool man..not cool".

Jan 09, 2014 10:03 AM
Geri Sonkin
Douglas Elliman Real Estate 516-457-7103 - Merrick, NY
Long Island Real Estate & Staging Expert

Jill, I don't think I've met anyone in the local market who isn't a member of NAR, but you're right, being a member is no guarantee of ethical behavior by an unscrupulous person or persons, no matter what the intention of the organization.

Jan 09, 2014 10:52 AM
Rob D. Shepherd
RETIRED - Florence, OR
RETIRED

Our board which I am the current president, requires it of all 56 of our members.

Jan 09, 2014 11:02 AM
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

I don't see this as a choice. Every industry has it's own association and if we are in that business, we should be part of the association. We may not always agree with all that goes on, but our input is a necessity.

Jan 09, 2014 07:17 PM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

Gee Jill, Doesn't sound like a nice situation to be in. Acting ethically is the way Larry & I do business...Hope this situation works out in your favor.

Jan 10, 2014 02:38 AM
Connie Harvey
Pilkerton Realtors - Brentwood, TN
Realtor - Nashville TN Real Estate

Jill, sorry about the listing. Yes, here we are also required to be NAR members if we belong to the local board. I don't think non-members can use our MLS.

Jan 10, 2014 03:20 AM
Maria Gilda Racelis
Home Buyers Realty, LLC-Manchester, Bolton. Vernon,Ellington - Manchester, CT
Home Ownership is w/in Reach. We Make it Happen!

Hi Jill: Sorry to hear about your recent predicament. True. Even NAR members commit unethical behavior. However, they are extra careful with their dealings because of the reason you have mentioned.  We are obligated to participate in mediation or arbitration as stipulated in Article 17 of the COE.

Only when and only if all parties to the dispute advise the Board in writing they chose not to arbitrate that they are not obligated to do so. Article 17.

Jan 11, 2014 01:07 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Jill, we have MANY companies in Denver that offer non-Realtor shops, and is sad when we have differences to iron out.    Our dues are expensive, but hope our participation continues to help the public (and us) with MID and property tax deductions.

Jan 12, 2014 10:58 PM
Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor®
Lewisburg, WV
Lewisburg WV, the go to agent for all real estate

To belong to our MLS you have to be a member of the NAR.  Sorry to hear you lost that listing..bummer!

Jan 14, 2014 09:57 PM
Jon Zolsky, Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Condo Realty, 386-405-4408 - Daytona Beach, FL
Buy Daytona condos for heavenly good prices

Jill - things have the other side. You are right that you could have easier time if the other party was a REALTOR, however, if this is a contractual thing and you claim tortuous interference with the contract, it is more than NAR regulation.

Suing is always a serious consideration, but maybe it is worth exploring. What if your chances of winning are very good?

Jan 22, 2014 10:17 AM
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

     I belong to NAR because I need our local standard forms and the Supra eKey for lockboxes.   But I see your point, Jill.   Arbitration is far less expensive and drawn out than a lawsuit.

Jan 23, 2014 11:08 PM
Jon Zolsky, Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Condo Realty, 386-405-4408 - Daytona Beach, FL
Buy Daytona condos for heavenly good prices

@Fred - it is, however, you have to accept the decision of the arbitrator.

Jan 24, 2014 10:19 AM