Real Estate Associations
What is an Association?
A real estate association is an organization that represents the interests of real estate professionals, providing members with political advocacy, training and education, technology tools and resources, and maintenance of standards and ethics.
NAR and CREA
The largest real estate association (and the largest trade association on the planet) is the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). "REALTOR®” is a trademarked term used specifically to refer to members of NAR in the United States. It is not synonymous with real estate agent, though all REALTORS® are real estate agents or brokers. In Canada, the REALTOR® trademark and governed and owned by REALTOR® Canada Inc., a corporation jointly owned by NAR and The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA).
The Three-way Agreement
The “Three-way Agreement” refers to the structure of the REALTOR® organization affiliations between the National, State/Provincial, and Local levels within NAR and CREA. With this agreement, the national association grants each association and board the right to control and assign the term “REALTOR®” within its territorial jurisdiction. It also permits associations and boards to allow individuals qualified for membership to use the term REALTOR®.
Association Responsibilities
State Associations often offer their members Forms (contracts) solutions, while the Local Associations often affiliate with or own MLS systems in addition to finding and offering PropTech products as a membership benefit. When it comes to lobbying, the National Association of REALTORS® assumes responsibilities at the national level, State Associations take the state level, and Local Associations cover the city and county level. .
Association-Owned MLSs
In the United States and Canada, most Multiple Listing Services (MLSs) are owned by Local Associations of REALTORS®. These MLSs serve as a centralized repository of property and listing data sourced by members. .
Global Associations
Real estate practices outside the U.S. and Canada vary significantly by region and are influenced by local regulations, market practices, and cultural norms. Global real estate associations range from political federations to professional trade groups to networking collectives- each striving to promote their local markets and create more business opportunities for its respective memberships..
Associations by the Numbers
1,004
Local
There are over 1000 Local associations all of which being tied to NAR and the state associations by way of the three-way agreement.
57
State/Province
There are over 50 State/Province associations in the United States and Canada
40
Global
There are 40 Global Associations, of which each varies in structure and responsibilities.