Realtors, you probably know how important it is for you to pick the right brokerage to work with. Top real estate brokerages can equip you with essential tools and resources to help you thrive in your career. However, have you ever thought about joining local real estate boards and associations? It’s something successful Realtors do and for good reasons.
In this blog, we’ll break down why Realtors should consider joining a local real estate board or association. Plus, we’ll list some of the top local real estate boards in Ontario that you can consider joining to help you take your career to the next level.
Benefits of Joining a Local Real Estate Board as a Realtor
Before we dive into the perks of joining a local real estate board, let’s walk through what this organization really is (in case you didn’t know). Local real estate boards are organizations that bring real estate professionals in specific areas together. Each board serves a particular region such as Toronto, Ottawa, or Hamilton and this is how these boards help Realtors –
1. NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
Through these boards, you’ll get a chance to meet agents and brokers from the top real estate brokerages – something which wouldn’t be possible otherwise. These real estate professionals can share with you insights and tips that can help you become a better Realtor. For instance, you might learn about a new marketing strategy or a housing market trend that can influence your sales technique. Plus, building a strong relationship with fellow professionals can help you earn new referrals and clients.
2. ACCESS TO RESOURCES
Another significant perk you’ll get by joining the local real estate boards is access to resources. Real estate boards often provide you with a wealth of information and resources that can be quite valuable in your day-to-day life as a Realtor.
Many local real estate boards also have exclusive databases that you can access, giving you an edge over non-members. It is from these databases that the professionals of top real estate brokerages find valuable information about housing market trends. Having this latest data at your fingertips not only can boost your confidence but also enhance your credibility with your clients.
3. TRAINING AND EDUCATION
Many local real estate boards host workshops, seminars, and courses that can help a Realtor improve his skills and knowledge. These boards could provide you with training on different topics such as marketing strategies and negotiation tactics. Plus, many of these training programs are offered to you (board members) at a discounted rate or even for free. Doesn’t that look like a cost-effective way to invest in your success as a Realtor? Absolutely!
4. PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION
The membership of a reputed local real estate board gives the professionals of the top real estate brokerage a badge of honour, distinguishing them from other Realtors. When clients see that you’re a member of a reputed real estate board, they often feel more secure in your abilities. It shows that you’re committed to your profession and that you adhere to a certain standard of ethics and practices.
5. MEMBER DISCOUNTS
Best of all, real estate boards offer exclusive discounts to their members for various services and products. You could get a discount from them on marketing materials, technology tools, and even insurance. These savings can quickly offset the price you would pay for the membership fee.
6. ADVOCACY
Local boards often work on behalf of their members to influence policies that affect the real estate industry. These boards might advocate for favourable zoning laws, property rights, and other legislative matters that can influence your work as a Realtor. In short, by joining a board, the professionals of the top real estate brokerage can contribute to a collective effort to protect your profession and ensure a thriving housing market.
Top Real Estate Boards in Ontario That You Can Join
Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB)
Established in 1920, the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) is one of the largest real estate boards in North America. It serves more than 60,000 members and covers a wide area, including Toronto and surrounding regions. To join TRREB, you must be a registered member of the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) and hold a valid real estate license.
Realtors of a top real estate brokerage have to pay around $1200 annually to become a member of TRREB. But you might also be charged with a lesser or higher fee based on your membership type and any additional services you choose.
Mississauga Real Estate Board (MREB)
With over 1,000 members, the Mississauga Real Estate Board (MREB) has been serving the Realtors in the local Mississauga area since 1964. This board focuses on the Mississauga area and provides its members with the tools and resources necessary to thrive in this market. Similar to TRREB, you must be a licensed real estate professional to join MREB. The membership fee of this real estate board is around $850 to $1000 annually but they may charge additional fees if you want to enrol in special programs and services.
Hamilton-Burlington Real Estate Association (HBREA)
For those operating in the Hamilton and Burlington areas, the Hamilton-Burlington Real Estate Association is a great choice. HBREA was founded in 1988 to help Realtors in the Hamilton and Burlington areas grow their business. The board has around 1,500 Realtors from top real estate brokerages.
To join HBREA, you need to have a valid real estate license from RECO. Their membership fees are generally in the range of $800 per year.
Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB)
If you’re a Realtor working in the capital city, Ottawa, then you can join the OREB. OREB has been serving the Ottawa area since 1919, making it one of the oldest real estate boards in Ontario. This real estate board has over 3,000 members, offering the real estate agents in the region a solid network.
The membership criteria of the OREB are having a valid license and being registered with RECO. The annual fee for OREB is about $1,200.
Kitchener-Waterloo Association of Realtors (KWAR)
KWAR was established in 1950 and this local real estate board has around 1,500 members. To join KWAR, you must be a licensed Realtor in Ontario. Professionals of top real estate brokerages have to pay around $800 to $1,000 per year to become a member of KWAR.
Niagara Association of Realtors (NAR)
NAR is the best choice for Realtors operating in the Niagara Region. Like the other boards, you’ll need to have a valid real estate license to join NAR. Membership fees for NAR are generally about $900 to $1,000 annually.
Join the Community of Successful Realtors in Ontario
Realtors, take the step today and find a local real estate board that suits the needs and goals of your real estate career. The connections, resources, and recognition you’ll gain by joining a board will undoubtedly elevate your career like the other successful Realtors of top real estate brokerages.
