Benefits of Belonging
WELCOME
We are certain you will benefit from membership in this Board of REALTORS®, the Rhode Island Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®. This brochure is designed to better acquaint you with some of the many services provided by your REALTOR® organization and will answer the often posed question, "what does the Board do for me?"
DEFINITION OF A BOARD OF REALTORS®:
Former Justice Frankenthaler of the New York Supreme Court, when asked for the definition of a Board of REALTORS®, gave the following answer:
"The Board of REALTORS® is to the real estate profession what the Bar Association is to the lawyer and the Medical Association is to the doctor. It is the force for good. It is a force for the betterment of its practitioners and the public they serve. In such an association, there are crystallized rules of conduct, the guidelines and standards of stern discipline, which proclaim to the community the sense of integrity and the high qualities and ideals which you demand and which characterize the service of men of good will engaged in an honorable profession."
MEMBERSHIP DESIGNATION
The term REALTOR® is a professional, collective membership designation of the National Association of REALTORS®.
The REALTOR® "R" logo is the Registered collective membership mark of the National Association of REALTORS®. Use of this logo is restricted to REALTOR® members and indicates to the public that you are a member of the National Association of REALTORS®.
Only paid members in good standing of the Local Board have authorization to use the membership marks.
Use of the REALTOR® logo: Use the Marks in connection with, but not as part of, an assumed business name or logo. Always separate the Marks from your name of firm with punctuation.
- Proper Use: Smith & Co., REALTORS
- Improper Use: Smith REALTORS
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS - CODE OF ETHICS
Code of Ethics
As a REALTOR® you pledge to observe, uphold, and abide by the Code of Ethics. Joining a Board of REALTORS® signifies your intention to abide by the Code and thereby enhance the public and professional image of yourself and all other REALTORS®.
Adherence to the Code is the first great bond between REALTORS® throughout the country. Arbitration: Article 17 In the event of a controversy between REALTORS® associated with different firms, arising out of their relationship as REALTORS®, the REALTORS® shall submit the dispute to arbitration in accordance with the regulations of their Board or Boards rather than litigate the matter.
ORGANIZATION
Board of Directors: A Board is comprised of officers and directors, all elected from and by the membership at large. They make policy decisions and carry out the business of your local Board, serving without compensation.
Committees: Members can serve on the Board’s various committees. Committee members meet to study challenges facing the real estate industry and the private property owner. Committee members constantly strive to improve and expand Board Services, coordinate civic endeavors and make plans for future growth. There are numerous Board committees, which may include the following:
- Bylaws
- Finance
- Legislative
- Strategic Planning
- Public Relations
- Education
- Forms
- Political Affairs / RPAC
- Professional Standards
- RPAC Trustees
- Equal Opportunity
- Grievance
- Fund Raising
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
LOCAL BOARD BENEFITS
As a member of the local board of REALTORS®, you receive many benefits:
- Orientation - Orientation sessions are conducted to acquaint new members with Board Services, Bylaws, Rules and Regulations and the Code of Ethics.
- Educational Seminars - Seminars are held throughout the year. Local and state speakers update you on the latest real estate issues.
- Equal Opportunity Training Program keeps members informed of laws concerning fair housing. Available to all offices is a Fair Housing Pledge that demonstrates your personal commitment to provide equal housing opportunities to all people.
- Newsletters - A newsletter whether on-line or printed, will update you on legislative, legal, industry issues, motivational articles, changes in the real estate industry, market statistics as well as social events of your local board.
- Community Programs - Each local Board is involved in a community service project. Services include scholarship drives, local fund-raising drives, Adopt a Family for Christmas and Habitat for Humanity.
- Social functions include - General Membership Meetings, which are educational as well as social events. Outings, dinner functions and parties give you an opportunity to relax, make new acquaintances and share experiences.
- Web Site - The board has a continually evolving web site, which contains REALTOR® and consumer information.
- E-Mail - The board keeps in contact with its members through e-mail meeting notices and weekly updates.
- REALTOR® Magazine, a monthly publication, covers late breaking developments and provides in depth examinations of particular subjects.
- Annual Conventions - held in various parts of the United States focus on education, new products, services and gives you a chance to improve your skills and have fun as well.
- NAR Library - NAR headquarters in Chicago has the largest real estate library in the United States and is available to all members.
- REALTOR.org - the NAR members only web site, offers the most comprehensive information needed to keep you informed of the latest changes in real estate and your career.
- Insurance - Group health insurance is available exclusively to REALTORS® at a reduced premium.
- State Business Day- This is an event which offers members the opportunity to participate in educational and social programs; it also affords you the opportunity to meet and converse with other REALTORS® from around the state.
- Legislative Affairs - RIAR along with your local boards and the National Association of REALTORS®, closely follows legislation that directly affects the industry in order to protect your rights to do business.
- Public Relations - Promotes and presents in the news media, the REALTOR® Image, policies and positions with emphasis on MLS statistics, legislative and political topics.
- Real Estate Store - Standard real estate forms are available through RIAR as well as other real estate items.
- Library - RIAR has a lending library of books, cassettes and videos available to all members.
- Education - Everything from pre-license courses to the most advanced real estate designation courses are offered by RIAR.
STATE AND NATIONAL
When you become a member of the Local Board of REALTORS®, you are also a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and the Rhode Island Association of REALTORS®.
National Association of REALTORS®
NAR is the nation’s largest trade and professional association.
Rhode Island Association of REALTORS®
State-Wide Multiple Listing Service, Inc.
The State-Wide MLS offers a computerized multiple listing service, which was at one time the only statewide service in the country.
EDUCATION
Education programs that are pertinent to your needs provide not only information, but also the motivation to enhance your image as a Professional.
The Real Estate Education Foundation offers a variety of educational programs for members. Pre-license courses, continuing education, Basic Listing and Selling Skills are courses designed to develop professional salespeople.
The Realtor Institute is one such program. It allows you to further your education and gain continuing education credits as you earn the professional designation of GRI (Graduate of the REALTOR’S® Institute).
More advanced designations, such as CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) and CRB (Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager) are also available to qualified members of the Association as well as specialized courses approved for required Continuing Education hours.
There are ABR (Accredited Buyers’ Representative) and ABRM (Accredited Buyers’ Representative Manager).
Northern Rhode Island Board of REALTORS®, Inc.
2178 Mendon Rd, Ste 400
Cumberland, RI 02864-3825
Phone: 401-333-6343
Fax: 401-333-0120
E-mail:
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Headquarters: 430 North Michigan Avenue,
Chicago, IL 60611
DC Office: 500 New Jersey Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001-2020
1-800-874-6500
