Realtor Dues

[Steve Didier]

So - I was online looking at the dues that I have to pay to belong to an organization that I feel does not have have my best interests at heart, and I decided to I'd call the our local board and ruffle some feathers.

I told the woman who answered that I'd like to not pay the dues and still have access to the MLS. She told me matter of factly that could not happen. My response (just to see...) was "I believe what you are telling me is against Federal Law - would you mind if I recorded the rest of this conversation?" Of course, she had a change of heart at that point and explained the process in detail. I decided just to pay, but it bugs the hell out of me.

I know it's been discussed on this forum many times, but I still believe that if membership was TRULY voluntary, they would listen more closely to what the members have to say and make policies based more in our best interests.

As another side note, when you go to pay your dues online, they do not give you the choice of eliminating the $45 "Political Survivor Fund," which is completely optional. I had to have the woman go in to the system and manually remove it from my account. The $45 in and of itself does not matter, it is the way they try and sneak it in and make it appear mandatory.

The way they conduct business is questionable at best IMHO.

[RESteve]

As another side note, when you go to pay your dues online, they do not give you the choice of eliminating the $45 "Political Survivor Fund," which is completely optional. I had to have the woman go in to the system and manually remove it from my account. The $45 in and of itself does not matter, it is the way they try and sneak it in and make it appear mandatory.

The way they conduct business is questionable at best IMHO.

This year we caught a $35 TREPAC fee that was selected on the annual renewal invoices that made me blow my top. It was not readily apparent on how to change this option, and I personally know plenty of agents that didn't even know they contributed.

I don't like that they sneak this one past you, but I did figure out how to remove it without the hassle of calling in. I agree with you, I don't not see this practice as being ethical.

[Michael Paul Eau Claire]

I always read the back of the dues invoice...the fine print usually tells you what is mandatory and what is not.

Mandatory "membership dues" going toward things you don't agree with? Gosh, it almost sounds like a union!

[susa]

As another side note, when you go to pay your dues online, they do not give you the choice of eliminating the $45 "Political Survivor Fund," which is completely optional.

Some Boards are, no doubt, better than others. The Greater Capitol Area Association of Realtors on line invoice is very easily changed to exclude the voluntary fee (or put it back in).

[doosk]

You do not have to be a member of NAR or your regional REALTOR association to become a member of your local MLS. However, you will have to meet some other criteria - like being affiliated with an Active MRIS (or other local MLS) Broker.

[Joe Cline Austin]

all fees relating to programs should be voluntary. I know some folks get upset that they are on the bill, but if you call you can usually get them taken off. That said, if you are in this business for the long haul it helps to properly fund out PAC. After all, how do you think the drug companies, gas companies, and private interests get tax breaks, favorable legislation, government subsidies when they are making double digit profits, etc? We NEED to fund our PAC so they can give that money to politicians so we can keep our jobs. A little tongue in cheek, but for the most part it's accurate.

[SLP-NYCT]

You do not have to be a member of NAR or your regional REALTOR association to become a member of your local MLS. However, you will have to meet some other criteria - like being affiliated with an Active MRIS (or other local MLS) Broker.

This depends on your local board. In the two MLS Boards I belong to, you most certainly have to be a Member in Good Standing with NAR. I prefer this due in no small part to the Code of Ethics.

[rmasse10]

I always read what the bill says I am paying and whether or not it is voluntary or not. If it is voluntary and it is not something I would be interested in contributing to, I dont pay that portion of the bill, simple as that. I dont think that my board is fantastic, and their phone support is sometimes non-existent, but all and all, I basically have no choice.

[Steve Didier]

My problem was not with the $45 or particularly where it was going. I know very well what is on the bill and what parts of it are voluntary. My problem was with the GLVAR website and the way it was presented. There was absolutely no mention of the fact that parts of the total bill were voluntary and there was absolutely no way given to eliminate the voluntary portions.

I believe (especially for the benefit of newer agents who don't know) that there should be full disclosure on each portion of the bill and that there should be a way on the website for agents to choose whether or not they want to contribute to the voluntary portions. Instead, it was represented as one mandatory bill with no possible way of changing it.

The Association is very clear on our duties to our clients to provide full disclosure during a transaction. I feel they should hold themselves to the same standard. It's a matter of principle.

[RyanRE]

Our MLS has no affiliation with NAR