Benefits of Your REALTOR® Membership
Exclusive Use of the term REALTOR®.
The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that can be used only by members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. As a member of CCR you can use the term REALTOR® on any of your signs, stationery, advertising, etc.
Professional Standards
Part of CCR’s Mission Statement is to promote and maintain high ethical standards of conduct within the real estate profession for the protection and benefit of the public and our membership screens and processes ethics complaints from members and the public. CCR also offers Arbitration and Mediation facilities for REALTORS® to resolve business disputes.
Education
CCR provides members with opportunities for professional growth through educational programs. Numerous opportunities exist for members to fulfill the educational requirements of the Maryland Real Estate Commission. CCR members will receive FREE continuing education classes taken through CCR – this is a $150 value for the average member who needs 15 hours to renew their license. (NAR designation courses such as GRI, ABR, CRS, etc. and online CE classes would be excluded).
Government & Political Affairs
CCR monitors County, State & Federal legislation to provide members with current information on pending and newly enacted legislation and laws pertaining to real estate. Lobbying efforts supported by RPAC on the membership’s behalf, help to protect the housing industry from over regulation and can actually increase your annual income potential by protecting your real estate business interests. CCR enjoys a good relationship with local and state legislators.
Communication
CCR has various networks in place to get the word out to the membership on new legislation, education, upcoming events, etc. through the REALTOR® Newsletter, General Membership Meetings, Broker/Office Manager/Designated Office Coordinator Network, and Broadcast Email Updates.
Networking Opportunities
CCR holds a quarterly general membership meeting to update members on current issues, receive committee reports, introduce new members, recognize individual achievements and provide members with an opportunity to network with fellow REALTORS® and affiliates. Networking is an invaluable tool in the real estate business and offers opportunities to turn social contacts into business relationships that may lead to a referral or sale.
State Wide and Regional Forms
CCR has adopted and makes available the State Wide Contract of Sale and participated in the Regional Forms Committee which develops model forms and addenda that are reviewed by legal counsel and provided for use by the membership.
Multiple Listing and Information Services
CCR participates and provides access to state of the art on-line Multiple Listing and Information Services as a stockholder of MRIS.
SmartCharts PRO
CCR REALTORS® will also receive FREE access to SmartCharts PRO (a $270 yearly value). SmartCharts Pro delivers accurate, timely market data in easy-to-understand charts and reports.
Tech Helpline
A new free REALTOR® member benefit of CCR! Tech Helpline is the real estate industry’s number one technology support service. Today, nearly half of the REALTORS® in U.S. and Canada – more than 500,000 real estate professionals – have access to Tech Helpline.
Recognition & Awards
CCR pays tribute to those members who achieve various levels of production in addition to recognizing members for their outstanding REALTOR® and community service.
Community Relations
CCR is involved in various community activities which provide members with the opportunity to be involved and give back to the community from which they derive their livelihood.
Equal Opportunity in Housing
CCR participates in promoting a public commitment to Fair Housing. CCR provides the Fair Housing handbook, poster and window logo free to new broker members.
RPAC
REALTORS® Political Action Committee provides a legal means by which REALTORS® band together for the purpose of political action. Through voluntary contributions by members, RPAC supports candidates who promote housing and real estate issues on the Local, State, and National levels. RPAC defends our industry against destructive legislation like the 2000 Septic Legislation, which if passed, would have had a crippling effect on the Real Estate Industry in Carroll County.
Leadership Opportunities
Through the Association’s Leadership structure, CCR provides members with a chance to become involved in the policy-making decisions that mold and drive the Association and the real estate industry. Participation in Association Leadership provides a multitude of personal and professional growth opportunities. Development of your leadership skills enhance your REALTOR® image, it heightens your knowledge of the industry and builds confidence and business contacts.
Membership Directory / Day Planner
CCR compiles and publishes an annual membership roster in a Day Planner format for convenient quick reference to your fellow REALTORS® and Affiliates.
REALTOR® Store
Located in the CCR office, members may purchase signs, contracts/forms, books, electronic lock boxes, keypads, and various real estate related specialty items.
CCR Headquarters.
The Association Office serves as a focal point where REALTORS® gather, discuss, plan and implement programs designed to inform and educate members and to favorably promote the real estate industry.
Quality Leadership
CCR has devoted volunteer leadership. The Officers, Directors and Committee leadership work hard for the membership to keep the Carroll County REALTORS® in the forefront of the real estate industry.
Courteous & Helpful Staff
CCR employs courteous, helpful staff to carry out the daily operation of the Association. Staff is available to assist members with answers to questions, address members concerns and to work closely with leadership to accomplish the mission and goals of the Association.
ZIPFORMS
Carroll County REALTORS® in partnership with Maryland REALTORS® offer the zipForm Agent Edition at no additional cost to our REALTOR® members. To set up your account and access this benefit, please visit http://www.zipform.com/order/order.asp and follow the steps, selecting Carroll County REALTORS® from the drop-down menu of associations. When the login window appears, they should log into the NAR site with their NAR credentials, or register if they are a new REALTOR®.