5 Ways to Take Advantage of Your Local Association Membership

The largest professional association in the U.S., the National Association of Realtors (NAR) has a great reputation for helping its members. However, you shouldn’t stop there when it comes to exploring membership benefits – your state and local associations also have programs committed to your success. Here are 5 ways your local association membership can make a difference in both your professional and personal life. 

Local Market Research

Local market trends can turn on a dime, yet they dictate your comps, appraisals, and so much more. Only your local association can provide up-to-date resources for the market in your immediate area. Many local or state associations have interactive data tools on their websites that allow you to generate daily reports. This lets you turn all the numbers and statistics into charts and material that’s easy to understand – and easy to pass along to your clients.

Networking Events

Social media platforms are great for keeping a finger on the local pulse, but nothing beats face-to-face networking events. More local connections can mean more referrals, opening the door to a greater number of closed transactions. Attending networking events and expos is also an excellent way to meet vendors. Whether you’re on the lookout for a trusted contractor or some new money-saving tech, your local association can keep you informed of upcoming events, from happy hour meetups to regional conferences. 

Educational Opportunities

Earning starts with learning, and local and regional associations are often full of educational opportunities for members. Your association may provide continuing education (CE) courses in the classroom or online that counts towards your CE credit. Or if you’re just interested in some marketing or branding tips, see if your association any relevant presentations coming up on their calendar. In many cases, your local association membership can also help you get a scholarship or grant for one of the many certification courses offered by the NAR.    

Legal and Legislative Programs

The NAR provides risk assessment and legal resources for their members. However, a lot of disputes center around zoning laws, building codes, or other ordinances that fall under city or county jurisdiction. Your local association can help you figure out who to talk to and where to go to get to the bottom of these disputes. And if your regional laws are outdated or incomplete, your local association may have a public policy team that can help you voice your concerns with the state legislature, and call for change.  

Discounts & Access   

The unsung hero of local membership benefits, discounts can save you money on everything from property cleaning services to personal travel.  Plus, many associations provide free access to technology tools, discounts on insurance premiums, and more to their members. The discounts provided by NAR can be significant, but don’t forget to use your local association discounts, too. You could find yourself with 5% off a meal at your favorite corner café, or a free membership to your regional credit union. 

Real estate association memberships can unlock opportunities at all levels, so remember to see what your local association has to offer, and to check back in with them regularly for updates.   

Glide: A Favorite Member Benefit 

Glide has partnered with more than 40 local associations to offer Glide as a member benefit.  See if your association has access to Glide here.