Membership in KCRAR, the largest trade association in Kansas City, brings with it an enormous array of benefits to help you in your career and daily life.
Legislative Advocacy
KCRAR has a Governmental Affairs Director and a Community Outreach and Governmental Affairs Manager on staff to spearhead lobbying efforts on behalf of the REALTOR® member. These staff members also stay current on the latest local, state and national legislative issues and keep KCRAR members informed.
RPAC
The REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) is dedicated to protecting private property rights and REALTORS® interests in the legislative arena. In addition, RPAC supports political candidates at the local, state and national level that understand the issues of importance to REALTORS®, in particular the issue of private property rights. RPAC is “Your Best Investment in Real Estate.”
Public Awareness Campaigns
Throughout the year, KCRAR and NAR run advertisements touting the advantages of working with a REALTOR®. These ads are designed to direct prospective buyers and sellers to seek out the use of a REALTOR®.
www.kcrar.com
This is your source for all things KCRAR. Check out the current CE schedule and enroll for classes. Find out about Association and Regional events. Access the Code of Ethics and Association Bylaws. Link to other industry sites. Have access to important real estate forms and contracts through our members-only section. And meet and email the staff.
Lock Boxes and Keys
For your convenience, KCRAR administers a lock box system used exclusively by members, which helps you when it’s time to show a property/co-op listing. KCRAR leases lock boxes and records your codes, which facilitates convenient showing and selling.
Heartland Multiple Listing Service
The Heartland MLS is the ultimate resource for real estate listings and sales in the area. This comprehensive database is an absolute must for anyone in the real estate business in the Kansas City Region.
Technology Services
KCRAR offers web services, software products, products that provide remote MLS access, and more. All are geared toward your business, and only KCRAR members receive deep discounts on many of them.
Standard Forms and Contracts
Because it is easier to do business when everyone uses the same contracts, we have a wide range of residential and commercial forms that have been approved by legal council for our members. Forms are available on the KCRAR web site, you can purchase them at our office in packages of 25, or Designated REALTORS® can order in advance and have them delivered to your office by Heartland Multiple Listing Service if your offie is on MLS Delivery.
Information Central
With specialists in events, member services, communication, legislation, real estate issues, education and more, there is bound to be someone on staff who can help answer your questions.
Volunteer Opportunities
KCRAR offers many opportunities for members to have input in the Association’s programs, products and services. Members are encouraged to participate by joining a committee, task force, work group or advisory group. Simply call the office and let us know what interests you and we’ll find the proper place to make the best use of your talents.
Alliances and Preferred Vendor Relationships
KCRAR members receive discounts at companies like National Tire and Battery, JiffyLube, YMCA of Greater Kansas City, mobile phone services, Paychex, and New Horizons Technology Training. The power of more than 9,000 members means group discounts and preferred pricing for many of your favorite products and services.
Member Communication
RealEyes, the KCRAR monthly newspaper, and News You Can Use, our online newsletter, are just two of the ways you are kept up-to-date on local and national industry events. Members also receive flyers about events and access to restricted areas on the KCRAR website.
KCRAR REALTOR® Store
You can purchase MLS maps, real estate calculators, sign riders, and more right in the convenient REALTOR® store. Naturally, KCRAR members receive discounts on all of our store items.
Continuing Education and Professional Development
In addition to a wide choice of CE classes, KCRAR offers educational classes, GRI, CRS and other personal development courses. Members should consider enrolling in CREST (Certified Real Estate Sales Training) for a KCRAR exclusive program offering cutting edge techniques on selling success. And the Workforce Housing Specialist Certification offers members an excellent way to increase expertise to serve the growing population of moderate-income homebuyers. KCRAR offers convenient schedules and locations for these vital courses, as well as the best instructors in the business. Convenient Internet CE courses are available, too.
Professional Standards
All members of KCRAR must subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics and arbitration ethics as described by the National Association of REALTORS®. Adherence to the Code of Ethics is strictly monitored through various mediation and arbitration processes. The Code of Ethics is one of the most important features of your membership because your clients can be assured that you are part of one of the most recognized and respected organizations in the world.
Regions
In order to accommodate the varied interests of its members, KCRAR is comprised of geographic regions. REALTOR® and Affiliate Members belong to the region where their office is located, and they may opt to be members of additional regions as well. Each region offers a variety of events throughout the year, allowing its members to network, learn, and build relationships with peers. From educational seminars and luncheons, to RPAC fundraisers, to social holiday parties, Regional events offer something for everyone. Affiliate members often sponsor these events to promote their company’s services. All members are encouraged to get involved with their Region and are invited to join in any Region function to acquire the most benefit from their association membership.
Events
KCRAR offers a variety of events to its members. Our trade show allows 100 or more exhibitors to demonstrate their REALTOR®-related products and services along with educational sessions and a keynote speaker. Other events include golf tournaments, auctions, luncheons and banquets. A multiplicity of activities provides every REALTOR® an opportunity to participate and get involved in their association.