International body, local realtors' group ink accord

MANILA, Philippines – The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), the “voice for real estate”, representing over 1.1 million members in the United States and across the globe, announced its intentions to transfer the affiliation in the Philippines to the much awaited PRC-PBRES Accredited Integrated Professional Organization (AIPO) as provided in the Real Estate Service Act of the Philippines to create synergy, unity and at the same time obtain the maximum benefits as industry partners. This transfer will be done to fall in line with the Philippine government’s decision in passing into law, the R.A. 9646 or Real Estate Service Act of 2009.

The historic agreement will unite all real estate professionals in the Philippines. Members of this body will pay a special assessment to include international REALTOR membership in NAR which will entitle them to special benefits including usage of the REALTOR logo and trademark, access to the largest online real estate library in the world, a searchable international broker directory. And other tools to increase professionalism and international business.

Real estate practitioners play a vital role in the social, political, economic development and progress of their respective countries by promotion of the real estate industry in this competitive global market place. Strict regulations and guidelines that will be set forth by the board shall uplift the standards of all practitioners and be in parallel with the international real estate community and be competitive in the global market. Asuncion “Shonee” Henry, NAR’s Liaison to the Philippines, added that “the diaspora of our citizens throughout the world require that a strong national body serve to be a catalyst for the transfer of real property; this historic alliance will enable international business to the broker level in a profitable and ethical manner”. Jeff Hornberger, NAR’s Director of Global Alliances, added that “NAR applauds the Philippines in creating this new group; we’ll be working closely with the AIPO to bring international member benefits to REALTOR members in the Philippines”. NAR congratulates Hon. Dr. Eduardo G. Ong, chairman for the Professional Regulatory Board of Real Estate Service (PBRES) of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) as well as he newly appointed Commissioners of the Board of Real Estate Service.

Annual individual membership can be obtained by applying and paying the international membership dues through the AIPO. Member in good standing and abide by the Code of Ethics of the National Association of REALTORS®. Only members of AIPO who pay international dues can use the REALTOR logo and trademark.

Please visit the site @ www.realtor.org. for more REALTOR® Benefits Program that suits your needs. For further questions and/or clarifications, please email the National Association of REALTORS® at [email protected].