Log in

Realtor® Membership at UVAR

Understanding your Realtor® membership will help you understand how to get answers to the questions you have. The Realtor® organization consists of the National Association of Realtors® (national level), Idaho Realtors® (state level), and Upper Valley Association of Realtors® (local level). They are respectively referred to as NAR, IR, and UVAR. There are hundreds of local associations throughout the United States. In addition to these three levels of associations, there are also regional organizations call Multiple Listing Services or MLS. These MLS organizations are owned by one or more local associations. The purpose of an MLS is to provide valuable services to Realtors® . We'll discuss those services below.

The National Association of Realtors®

The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) is a prominent professional organization in the real estate industry in the United States. It offers a range of services to its members, who are primarily real estate agents and professionals. Some of the primary services provided by NAR include:

  1. Advocacy and Representation: NAR serves as a strong advocate for real estate professionals and property owners at the federal, state, and local levels of government. It works to shape legislation and policies that impact the real estate industry, protecting the interests of its members and promoting homeownership.

  2. Education and Training: NAR offers various educational resources and training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of real estate professionals. These programs cover topics such as real estate laws, ethics, marketing strategies, and emerging industry trends.

  3. Professional Development: NAR supports the professional growth of its members through networking opportunities, workshops, seminars, and conferences. These events allow real estate professionals to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and stay updated on industry best practices.

  4. Research and Market Data: NAR conducts research and provides market data and insights that help real estate professionals make informed decisions. This includes reports on home sales, pricing trends, economic indicators, and consumer preferences.

  5. Code of Ethics: NAR enforces a Code of Ethics that sets standards for ethical behavior and professionalism among its members. Adhering to these ethical principles is a requirement for NAR membership and is aimed at maintaining a high level of integrity in the industry.

  6. Technology and Resources: NAR offers technology tools and resources to assist real estate professionals in managing their businesses more efficiently. This includes access to multiple listing services (MLS), online marketing platforms, and other tech solutions.

  7. Networking Opportunities: NAR facilitates networking among its members through local chapters, online communities, and events. These connections allow real estate professionals to share experiences, insights, and referrals.

  8. Public Awareness and Promotion: NAR engages in public awareness campaigns to promote the value of working with a real estate professional when buying or selling property. This aims to educate consumers about the expertise that realtors bring to the transaction process.

In essence, the National Association of Realtors® plays a pivotal role in advancing the interests of real estate professionals, promoting ethical practices, providing education and training, and fostering a supportive community within the industry.

Top

Idaho Realtors®

Idaho Realtors® Association is a state level organization that promotes the values and objectives of the National Association of Realtors® from a state level. Two primary areas of note are:

  1. Government Relations: IR often works closely with state and local governments to influence real estate-related policies, regulations, and legislation. It aims to create a favorable business environment for real estate professionals while ensuring consumer protection.

  2. Education and Networking: IR works at a state level to make sure that there are opportunities for Realtors to meet and learn about real estate issues and laws related to the state of Idaho. It is important as a Realtor to stay up-to-date on the laws governing real estate in Idaho to protect yourself and your clients. These educational events are also a time for Realtors to meet and network with each other.
Top

Upper Valley Association of Realtors®

The Upper Valley Association of Realtors® is a local association that furthers the cause of NAR and IR. It is governed by a local board of directors and CEO. The local association is where a real estate agent can become a Realtor® . On a local level the association promotes the goals of NAR and IR through:

  1. Lunch & Learn: A monthly luncheon where Realtors® gather to eat, meet each other, meet UVAR Affiliates to learn about the services they can provide to homeowners, and to get training and updates on the market and real estate news in general.
  2. Local Service Projects: UVAR plans and implements service projects that benefit the local community. For example, UVAR has worked on parks, roadside clean-up, and cemetery clean-ups on a regular basis for years.
  3. Continuing Education: UVAR organizes opportunities for its members to satisfy continuing education requirements on the state level and on the NAR level.
  4. Realtor® Political Action Committee (RPAC) Auction: Once a year UVAR gathers for an auction. The auction is held to raise funds that can be used to promote local political candidates that have shown a desire to preserve land ownership and the rights of property owners. These funds support this cause on the national, state, and local levels.
  5. UVAR is an owner of the Snake River MLS and provides membership in the MLS to it's members.
Top

Snake River Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

The Snake River Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a regional real estate database and platform serving real estate professionals in the Snake River region, which includes parts of Idaho and Oregon, USA. It is owned by the Greater Idaho Falls Association of Realtors, the Upper Valley Association of Realtors, and the Greater Blackfoot Association of Realtors. Primary services provided by the Snake River MLS include:

  1. Listing Database: The Snake River MLS serves as a comprehensive database of property listings within the region. Real estate agents and professionals can input and access detailed information about properties available for sale or rent. This centralized database simplifies the process of finding and sharing property information.

  2. Property Search and Matching: The MLS offers advanced search functionalities that enable real estate professionals to filter listings based on specific criteria such as price range, location, property type, amenities, and more. This helps agents find properties that closely match their clients' preferences and needs.

  3. Listing Exposure: When real estate professionals list a property on the Snake River MLS, it gains visibility among a network of other agents and brokers. This exposure can increase the property's chances of being seen by potential buyers and renters.

  4. Cooperation and Collaboration: The MLS encourages cooperation and collaboration among real estate professionals. Agents from different brokerages can work together to facilitate property transactions, as the MLS provides a platform for sharing information and offers.

  5. Market Data and Analytics: The MLS often provides statistical data and market reports that offer insights into local real estate trends, property prices, inventory levels, and more. This information is valuable for making informed decisions about pricing, marketing strategies, and investment opportunities.

  6. Client Management: The MLS may offer tools for real estate professionals to manage their clients' information, preferences, and communication. This streamlines the process of matching clients with suitable properties and maintaining effective communication.

  7. Property Comparisons: Real estate agents can use the MLS to compare similar properties in terms of features, pricing, and market history. This helps agents advise their clients on competitive pricing and negotiate effectively.

  8. Mobile and Online Access: Many MLS systems provide mobile apps and online platforms that allow real estate professionals to access listings and manage their business on the go.

  9. Supra eKey Allocation: The MLS maintains a relationship with Supra, which allows agents to hang electronic lockboxes on listed property. Agents showing the property can use their eKey on their phone to open the lockbox and obtain a key to gain access to the property.

  10. IDX / RETS Feeds: These data feeds allow brokerages and agents to provide listing data on their own website.

Keep in mind that the services provided by a regional MLS can vary based on the specific organization's offerings and the needs of the local real estate market. For the most accurate and up-to-date information about the services provided by the Snake River MLS, I recommend visiting their official website or contacting them directly.

Top

Copyright 2024 - Upper Valley Association of Realtors®
3052 Highlawn Dr Twin Falls ID 83301