I’ll Bet You Didn’t Know …
I’ll bet you didn’t know that not everyone who has a real estate license is a REALTOR®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that only members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR) can use. A real estate licensee may join NAR by becoming a member of a local and state association of REALTORS®. 
Being a member of these groups gives real estate agents great benefits that help to increase their efficiency and professionalism in the real estate industry. Home buyers seeking knowledgeable real estate professionals in North Carolina should consult a North Carolina REALTOR® in order to get the best service in the industry.
North Carolina REALTORS® have benefits through their membership in NAR, NCAR, and their local REALTOR® association that other real estate licensees do not have. They have marketing tools, such as the MLS, standards of professionalism, educational programs, and technological tools that help REALTORS® provide the highest quality of service to their clients and customers. So, if you are planning to buy or sell a home, land or commercial property, or if you are planning to rent a home or commercial space, contact a North Carolina REALTOR®.
The following items are some of the benefits you will get from working with a REALTOR®:
Technology: REALTORS® have access to the latest in information technology through NCAR and its local associations. NCAR offers the public a chance to learn about the REALTOR® organization and its members. Many local associations offer its members training courses on the MLS computer system, and other software courses, real estate software, and the new, more secure electronic lockboxes. These items and many others increase a REALTORS® ‘ efficiency by cutting in half the time it takes to complete a task. Your real estate professional can then spend more time showing you homes if you are buying.
Multiple Listing Service (MLS): Many REALTORS® have the option of joining an MLS in their market area, which allows listing agents to post the homes they are trying to sell in this computerized system. Every member of an MLS then has access to every home listing in the service. A REALTOR® may search for the perfect home for you by almost any criteria, including price range, area of town, number of bedrooms, etc. The MLS service is a valuable tool for REALTORS® to use to speed up the home searching and buying process for you.
Code of Ethics: To be come a REALTOR® member of NAR, NCAR, and a local association or board of REALTORS® , a licensee must agree to abide by the Code of Ethics. Adherence to this document ensures that the REALTOR® community is a group of honest, trustworthy, reputable business people who will treat all parties fairly and hold high professional standards. REALTOR® associations have grievance procedures that investigate unethical behavior in fellow REALTORS® and apply disciplines if deemed necessary by a peer panel.
Education: NCAR and its member boards and associations co-sponsor continuing education programs throughout the state. REALTORS® attend seminars to earn North Carolina Real Estate Commission-mandated continuing education credits. NCAR also provides programs that help members earn professional designations which give them a more detailed and thorough knowledge of their particular areas of real estate. In particular, NCAR administers the REALTOR® Institute, which enables REALTORS® to earn their GRI designation (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute). All of these course offerings are designed to help members become more proficient in their business.
Mission Statement: The mission of the North Carolina Association of REALTORS® is to provide the opportunity for all members to be successful and profitable; to preserve and promote the right to own, transfer and use real property; to maintain a leadership role in the legislative, political and regulatory process; to promote and maintain the highest ethical standards; to develop, promote and provide the best education, products and services; and to be the voice of real estate for North Carolina.
We are always ready to do whatever it takes to be available for you and your real estate needs. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to click or call 844.614.8300 anytime.
