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.
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.
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