Which Entity Interacts Better? AG Poll

I think NAR and State have the same issues Brokerage Companies and all corporations/organizations have, especially the larger ones. NAR and State are relatively faceless and perceived as big monolithic strangers. Just like most buyers and sellers don’t choose a logo, they choose an individual (maybe the logo supports their decision to choose this particular individual – this is what the big broker/independent broker convo is all about IMHO), most agents can’t and don’t relate (because there is no relationship) to a State or National organization of strangers.

I know at our local level, while it’s still bureaucratic and hip high in BS, etc., I do know the names and faces of some of the players. Therefore, I connect, understand, pay attention cut-slack and sometimes engage with them.

With State and Nat., I don’t have a clue what they do or who they are. Therefore, I cut them zero slack, tune them out and criticize them. Probably wrong, but it’s honest.

Ken,

The one thing that NAR and the State AORs are very important, is Lobbying government on issues related to our industry and Home Ownership. I think that the ancillary businesses they try to develop are concieved by small interest groups trying to create income streams the really don’t go back into the organization like it should.

Take all the special designations i.s. CRS, ePro, GRI Blah Blah Blah. Each one of those programs has some individual behind it running it as a business. We had the ePro people out here for a teaser session and the guy came out with a 4 year old power point presentation. Hardly up-to-date. Problem is the old timers that usually run for position or get involved on the state and national levels are so stuck in tradition and old ways, they are not very receptive to change. Its a shame because we need the Lobbying power of the organization, it’s just the member benefits side of the organization that is all fouled up.

They can only listen to members if members bother to show up. Kind of tough for volunteer boards to hear the opinions that are un-voiced,.

I’m with Bob – if there’d been an option 4 – “none of the above” – I would have taken that. At least the GAR hits me up with reminders about CE credit courses and the like.

The local board is a mouthpiece for the two dinosaur franchises in town (but not for long) – and like Jim’s, a jumping-off platform for someone to sell you something else.

Navy Chief, Navy Pride

This isn’t the Q but I think NAR has stepped up its communication quite a bit.

It doesn’t matter how great, cheap, expensive, awful a class is. If CE isn’t offered, very few will show. It’s not about the education, it’s about the credit. Which is a damn shame.

“I would have paid for it,even without the CE.”

And that’s the difference between you and many – you’re in it to better yourself and your clients whereas others are in it for the license renewal. Big difference.

In response to what “Show up” means- I define it as “participate”. Show up to a membership meeting or government affairs meeting. Vote in the elections. help out at any of the community-focus events. Participate.
I see a huge issue in apathy.
And it isn’t just in the Association, but in other groups I participate in. The 80/20 rule is in effect and it is always the same people who make the effort and do the work. And they are all volunteers. In all the groups, including the Association.
The apathy issue is cultural.
Something important to note: my MLS is not REALTOR owned. NWMLS covers all of Western WA State, and parts of Central WA. Agents do not have to be REALTORS in order to use the MLS. So we choose to work at brokerages which are R-shops, or not.