Five Ways AAR Helps You in Your Business

You Pay the Dues. Make the Most of Your Membership!

Arizona REALTOR® Magazine - September 2010

You’re a member of the Arizona Association of REALTORS® (AAR). But what does that get you? Let’s take a look.

MYTH: I pay my AAR dues, and all I get is this MLS system.

FACT: The money you pay AAR nets you a lot of useful things, but MLS is not one of them. (MLS access may be coordinated through your local association.)

MYTH: AAR requires a bunch of C/E hours to renew my license and could take away my license if I misbehave.
FACT: That’s actually the Arizona Department of Real Estate—a part of our state government, not a trade association like AAR.

MYTH: AAR makes a bunch of decisions that affect me, but they’re not in the trenches day in and day out like I am.

FACT: AAR is driven by REALTOR® members just like you. Those members volunteer their time on boards, committees and task forces. They decide what AAR does. Staff takes those decisions and makes them reality.

So what is it that you get for your dues dollars? We’re so glad you asked!

1. AAR helps you manage risk.

Risk can't be avoided-but it can be managed.

Standardized Forms. You could write a contract on the back of a napkin.  If all parties agree and sign it, you’ve got a valid contract. But don’t you feel more confident using AAR’s standard forms? Experienced REALTORS® distill their acquired wisdom into forms that are fair, effective and enforceable.

Legal Hotline. You wonder if you have to disclose the presence of ghosts in the home you’re listing. Who you gonna call? No, not Ghostbusters. First, call your broker. If your broker needs more input, s/he can call AAR’s Legal Hotline-at no cost! AAR broker members call the Legal Hotline for answers to specific legal issues. And yes, the ghost question is an actual Legal Hotline call. For the answer, visit the Legal Hotline - Disclosure page.

Legal Information. AAR has built up quite a library of articles on real estate legal matters, not to mention podcasts, videos, a short-sale game and other resources. Browse when you have a free moment—or come back when you have a specific question that needs answering.

2. AAR helps you become wiser and more confident.

You got through real estate school, but your first contract had you shaking in your boots. To become an expert REALTOR®, you need more experience and more focused training. AAR offers great classes to expand your mind and your business.

GRI. Want to really understand the how-tos of being a REALTOR®? This is the designation you need. And there’s no annual membership fee! Once a GRI, always a GRI. Learn more.

rCRMS. In today's litigious society, good REALTORS® need to anticipate the pitfalls in a real estate transaction for their clients and themselves and be well prepared to avoid them. Get the details.

Webinars. Get updated information to help you succeed in this market delivered to you in the comfort of your home or office. Go ahead—wear your pajamas! No one will know. View the offerings.

Plus, there’s a handy monthly magazine delivered to your email inbox once a month. Look at that! You’re reading it right now.

3. AAR helps you make connections.

If you only meet other REALTORS® over contracts, you’re missing out on a lot: mentors, friends, advisors, sympathizers, challengers, heroes, confidants. AAR events bring real estate professionals together.

Young Professionals Network (YPN). Connect with young—or young at heart—REALTORS® for fun and learning. Arizona’s YPN chapter is in its early stages, so now is a great time to get involved. Membership is free! Contact Brittni Matt (602-248-7787 | brittnimatt@aaronline.com) for more information.

Industry Partners Conference. Escrow agents and mortgage lenders join REALTORS® for roundtable discussions on challenging scenarios. This annual event is just around the corner: September 22. Learn more!

Winter Conference. The smartest REALTORS® in Arizona get together and address timely topics affecting their businesses. The conference takes place March 10-11, 2011 in Prescott. Stay tuned!

Online. AAR connects you with an online network too. Follow AAR on Facebook and Twitter and join in the conversation.

4. AAR helps you tame technology.

No more writing contracts on the hood of your car. Dazzle clients with your professionalism! Your online document storage! Your typing skills! (Well, maybe not the last one.)

zipForm®. Access electronic forms from your desktop or online, use templates to feed transaction data to multiple documents and save forms online for easy access. Free training is available.

MongoFax. Instantly fax paper-based documents (disclosure packages, signed contracts, etc.) directly to any email address in the world with MongoFax.

Transaction Management. Brokers can sign up for a robust system that helps track transactions, establish consistency, minimize risk and run a paperless office.

AAR is always looking to add new services, such as a password manager or e-signature capability.

5. AAR helps you prove your professionalism.

“Under all is the land…” So begins the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. Doesn’t it give you a little tingle? A commitment to the Code is what makes you a REALTOR®, not just an agent. When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, AAR is there.

Ombudsman Program. A team of REALTOR® volunteers responds to complaints and tries to resolve them quickly, by phone. Learn more about the program.

Mediation. Professional standards folks help parties avoid a hearing or a court battle with mediation.

Ethics Hearings and Arbitrations . When all else fails, a committee of REALTORS® listens to both sides and arrives at a decision in arbitration.

BONUS ITEM!

6. AAR helps you to be heard at the Capitol.

You can’t scrutinize every bill that comes before the legislature to see how it will affect your business. Don’t worry. We do that. AAR is one of the most effective advocates at the state capitol.

• Stopped tax on real property transfers
• Defeated onerous water legislation
• Protected ADRE licensee email addresses
• Defended for-sale, for-lease and open-house sign rights
• Battle additional regulatory paperwork
• Continue to fight sales tax on services

And through RAPAC, AAR members support candidates who protect our industry.

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The bottom line? AAR helps you. It’s the whole reason we exist. That said, there is always room for improvement. Help us help you better! Share your feedback with editor@aaronline.com.

 
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