By Kimberly Stevens, NPI, Inc.’s Marketing & Business Coach

Whether you’re looking to expand the reach of your well-established franchise or you’re just starting out as a new franchisee, joining your local REALTOR® association certainly has its benefits. But did you know that becoming a member equals access to an assortment of useful information including: a multitude of networking opportunities, discounts to affiliated business groups and tradeshows, access to various multiple listing services, scholarships, community engagement opportunities, and additional secrets of the trade?

According to the National Association of REALTORS® website, you can start off by joining your local REALTORS® association with an Affiliate Membership. The Affiliate Membership is the most cost-effective option available that still grants you the ability to utilize the maximum benefits of the membership. While membership fees vary from state-to-state and often include varied tiered-levels, Affiliate Memberships are typically half the price real estate agents pay for their memberships.

Once you have joined, you will be provided with information from your area’s Multiple Listing Service (MLS). This benefit may be the most important as it is vital to building a solid referral base from which you can book inspections in your area. This data includes important demographic and technical information about your client’s property. The MLS may also include past reports from fellow inspectors in the field. This info can be helpful in assessing on-going issues and can serve as a helpful heads-up to any serious problems heading into an inspection. The listing will also provide information on when homes in your territory were built, which ones are approaching their first year of ownership, and to whom the homes currently belong.

Another membership advantage is having usage rights to the association’s trademark. While this may seem like a small factor, the ability to use the official association trademark can provide an uptick in local business, as it provides additional credibility for your business. Membership also includes countless networking opportunities, as well as tradeshow invites that you otherwise may not have been aware of. Further resources include scholarships and financial aid to support ongoing educational needs.

There is also a philanthropic element to becoming a member. As a member, you have the opportunity to provide community support to those in your area affected by income hardships and natural disasters.

Last but not least, belonging to a REALTOR® association provides discounts on everything from license renewal to office supplies and everything in-between. While most discounts are typically provided by affiliated businesses, there are still huge savings to be had as part of the membership. In a relatively short amount of time, you will see a hefty return of investment in a paid membership to your local REALTOR® association. To find out more information, Google your nearest REALTOR® association.

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