Realtor® Organizational Structure

The local association is the most visible and best-known component of the REALTOR® organization. It is at this level that members can actively participate on a regular basis and contribute to achieve common goals to better the industry.

The following list of activities provides a partial picture of a local association’s function:

• Provides the organization, administration, and execution of REALTOR® policy

• Provides a headquarters or “place” for REALTORS® to discuss plans and to implement policy in which they are in agreement.

• Elects its leadership and selects its chairpersons to execute final decisions.

• Grants use of the terms REALTOR® to eligible members and ensures proper use of term.

• Provides educational meetings and seminars on real estate topics.

• Enforces the NAR Code of Ethics and provides an arbitration process for contractual disputes between REALTORS® and between REALTORS® and their clients. (A professional standards committee is charged with such responsibility, subject to provisions of the bylaws, and the control of the Board of Directors.)

• Is the collective voice of all its members, by virtue of electing—through democratic processes—its officers and directors, by appointing REALTORS® to its committees, by having membership meetings, and by entertaining suggestions and complaints.

• Provides training in public service and organized real estate through service on committees and in elective positions.

• Provides, through tested and proven service on the local association level, an opportunity for service on the state and national level.

• Organizes and maintains the important function of cooperative business practices, such as a Multiple Listing Service (MLS).