Realtors with an "R"

It was two Sundays ago that I got the privilege to witness the First Visayas Pinning Ceremonies of the new members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). About 200 new members coming from various real estate organizations in Cebu as well as the recent passers of the real estate licensure exam came and proudly clipped on their lapel their “block R” pins. I was also surprised to see Mr. Jun Garing, the country’s real estate mentor and author of various effective real estate selling, who chose to be pinned here in Cebu than in Manila.  

Tonton Leuterio, one of the convenors of the event said that “This is not only the first ever, this is a history in the making for the real estate industry in the Visayas.”

The reason being, this would eventually pave the way for a unified standards and code of ethics for people engaged in real estate not only in this part of the country but also nationwide. The vision also is to empower and level up the real estate practice by enriching everyone in the industry with the knowledge and tools to become more effective and productive real estate professionals. The event was attended by NAR presidential liaison to the Philippines, Asuncion “Shonee” Henry and president of the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders' Association (Creba), Charlie Gorayeb, and his executive officers.

NAR, by the way, is the largest aggrupation of real estate brokers in the United States and if I’m not mistaken, also the largest international organization of those who are engaged in real estate practice (brokers, developers, appraisers, property counselors, etc.). And thru the efforts of Creba, the Creba-NAR Global Real Estate Council was formed to bring to the Philippines the same perks enjoyed by NAR members around the world such as professional development, research and information exchange and best of all the vast network the organization has to offer to enable or assist a realtor in need for off-country transactions.

Thus, being a NAR member, a broker or any real estate professional for that matter can do business anywhere in the world where NAR chapters are present. These means, a broker, for example, can collaborate with another NAR in the US say if there’s a Filipino immigrant who intends to purchase a property in the US or vice versa.  

NAR members get to enjoy free access, too, to researches and case studies thru www.realtor.org’s website. Here you will find a digital library of real estate resources ranging from legislation to construction to marketing to property appraising and so on.   

More than just the network, NAR members bring with them the brand, the prestige and integrity of the organization enabling them to be worthy of the trust of buyers, developers and colleagues in the business. Members get to enjoy the use of the REALTOR® mark which does not only represent his affiliation but allows him to use the same mark as a marketing tool which he can display in his flyers, business card, and other marketing materials – boosting buyer confidence and perception that they are dealing with a professional and responsible property representative.

After signing up as a member, a member’s contact information is also listed in the website’s directory and can be searched by buyers and professionals who may want to get your services in the future. NAR members receive discounts on NAR products and services – from books to travel and special member rates during NAR conferences.

To be a member of the NAR is fairly easy for as long as you’re a broker or someone who does business in the property sector you may want to sign with the NAR and subscribe to their Code of Ethics. Again thanks to Creba, thru the personal efforts of its president Charlie Gorayeb, the membership dues have been discounted for the first 1000 sign ups at $60 instead of $120.

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