Join us this year and enjoy valuable member benefits!

2008 will mark another milestone and banner year for the Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors (BMAR) for success and growth. A number of successful membership recruitment themes have been utilized previously. In 2008, "Join US: Valuable Member Benefits" will be promoted beginning with this article and easily comprehended. Of course, I am available to provide additional detailed explanations if necessary. I will begin listing the valuable member benefits for Realtors and Realtor associates since with the current real estate market, interest in participating in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) will significantly increase. The reality today is that the consumers want it all. They want to know every property listing that is available in their price range. The best way to service consumers, buyers, and sellers is through the MLS. Close more deals and earn more commission income through the MLS of the BMAR. All exclusive listings are featured on www.Realtor.com, one of the #1 Internet sites for real estate worldwide. MLS is also a powerful business tool to be competitive. Every real estate office in the marketplace, from the smallest to the largest can compete and everyone benefits with increased volume of sales. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) spends millions of dollars each year to inform the general public and consumers of the benefits of working with a Realtor. You may have seen or heard some of the commercial or print advertisements. Realtor and Realtor associate members can utilize the exclusive Realtor logo which is a registered trademark. Through membership in the BMAR, Realtor and Realtor associate members are automatically members of the New York State Association of Realtors (NYSAR) and NAR. On a national, state and local level, the Realtor associations actively lobby elected officials to protect and represent your business. It is also very important to note that Realtor associate membership dues in BMAR are the lowest in the New York metropolitan region. Professional standards and arbitration procedures are available to assist in settling disputes which may arise and could potentially save thousands of dollars in legal fees and lost commissions. The procedures can also save significant time and energy. Recognition Awards are presented to "top producers' at the Annual Holiday and Annual Banquet events. Additional valuable benefits are also extended to our affiliate and institutional type members. They are listed in the Annual Membership & Referral Directory membership roster with additional listings alphabetically based on their type of service for referrals and more business. The directory is utilized as a reference guide and referral tool. All members receive discounts on reservations to attend the major networking events including: The Annual Real Estate Trade Show; Annual Banquet; Annual Golf & Tennis Outing; and the Annual Holiday Party. Sponsorship opportunities of events are also an option for additional recognition and support for the association. The BMAR publishes four annual publications and the Realtor Professional Edge 16 page monthly Newsletter distributed to over 5,000 contacts throughout the New York metropolitan region. Advertising opportunities including discounts are available. Members can access to group health insurance plans including dental plans through BMAR. Group rates and plans are also available to 1099 independent contractors or agents. Some of the insurance plans include Atlantis Health; Oxford; HIP; GHI; and others. The association offers discounts on standard apartment lease forms, lead paint pamphlets and management agreements. Many of our multi-dwelling property owners and managing agents take advantage of these savings. I often mention the culture of inclusiveness which exists in BMAR. Members have the opportunity to serve on any of over 25 Standing & Special Committees. It is very evident that networking takes place at all events that are sponsored including committee meetings. Many educational programs and cutting edge informational seminars are sponsored through the association. Members are also eligible to receive a free copy of the Realtor Professional Edge and free email news and updates. Our inclusiveness is well represented by the broad membership which includes: licensed real estate brokers and agents; multi-dwelling property owners; building service vendors and suppliers; unlicensed property managers; attorneys; appraisers; banks; mortgage companies; fuel service and energy companies; title and abstract companies; insurance companies and insurance brokers; contractors and other companies servicing the real estate industry. The Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors is a professional trade association officially representing the real estate industry since 1924 and is the local chapter for the New York State and National Association of Realtors. The association sponsors a wide range of programs and services for all professionals to maintain a competitive advantage. For more information on accessing the Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors' MLS, or membership call (212) 242-4343; (718) 892-3000 or email: [email protected]. Nunzio Del Greco, RCE, is the CEO of the Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors, Bronx, N.Y.