Why Be A Member?

Do you want to improve your resource base by expanding your network of business contacts? PPAR members say the chance to network with other members is one of their most prized benefits. The chance to bounce ideas off one another, learn about job opportunities, and hear about project shortcuts and new software or tools is especially valuable. PPAR presents you with the opportunity to attend our REALTOR® Engagement Series – Town Hall Lunch Meetings, Broker Forum Breakfasts, and Industry and Professional Panels.

To navigate today’s real estate climate, you need the latest information available. PPAR and the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR) offer an array of resources – online, in print, and in person – that provide all the important news, useful tips, and hot trends you need to best benefit your business. As part of the REALTOR® family, you receive local, national, and global research and insights. For example, through the PPAR/RSC Member Portal you can access statistics that span many years in order to show your clients that the real estate market is not as bad as it was 20 years ago and that the local market is far better than the national news outlets portray. Plus, learn more about the business activity, sales strategies, and incomes of your fellow practitioners through the annual member profile available for free download at nar.realtor.

Today’s political battles significantly affect the future of REALTORS® in the Pikes Peak region, the state and across the country. Whether they’re fighting against taxes on your commissions or lobbying for better health insurance for small businesses and the self employed. PPAR’s experienced Vice President of Public Policy and NAR’s lobbyists are hard at work every day protecting your livelihood. REALTORS® are the largest professional trade association in the world, and as such, our political affairs staff is instrumental in ensuring that legislation before Congress, the State Assembly, and local governments does not adversely impact your ability to make a living. Stay informed about the issues that affect you.

A sound and affordable housing market is key to your business success. That’s why PPAR works with state and national lawmakers to ease property taxes, protect the federal mortgage interest deduction, ensure the availability of affordable homeowner’s insurance, and champion the Homebuyer’s Tax Credit, among a wide range of other issues.

Not every one who sells real estate is a REALTOR®. A REALTOR® belongs to an Association of REALTORS® and abides to a strong Code of Ethics that creates, monitors and enforces the expectation that REALTORS® adhere to a higher level of professionalism and professional practices. A REALTOR® voluntarily agrees to abide by a Code of Ethics, based on professionalism and protection of the public. REALTORS® are subject to disciplinary action and sanctions if you violate the duties imposed by the Code of Ethics.

PPAR takes civic responsibility seriously by actively participating in programs that enrich the lives of others throughout the Pikes Peak Region. To achieve this goal, PPAR’s Community Relations Committee strives to make a better community by dedicating considerable time, energy and resources to improve the Pikes Peak community and increase public awareness that REALTORS® give back in many different ways. PPAR continues its participation in a multitude of projects that support our community: helping feed families working to stay out of the welfare system at Thanksgiving and Christmas; annual adoption of 300 children through a local foster agency by providing gifts for children at Christmastime; participate in the Junior Achievement Bowl-A-Thon event; supports Breakfast with the Builders, and REACH.

Become a leader in the real estate industry with a voice to make change. By volunteering to serve on PPAR, Colorado Association of REALTORS® (CAR) and National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) committees, forums and task forces, you’ll work alongside some of the most respected people in the real estate industry to shape the future of the profession, enhance services to fellow members, and further political goals. You’ll also be eligible for training in specialized leadership skills to help further your professional growth. PPAR offers a cutting-edge structured Leadership Academy, one of the first of its kind in the country, which provides in-depth sessions to enhance your understanding of how the Association operates and to help you succeed in the real estate industry.

The REALTOR® brand is one of the strongest and most recognized in the world. Every day PPAR as well as CAR and NAR work to let consumers know you’re the best in the industry. By communicating the importance of choosing to work with REALTORS®, PPAR, CAR, and NAR work together to explain what sets your apart. The REALTOR® brand is a powerful marketing tool that only members can use. It is supported by the high standards of integrity, honor, and service defined in our Code of Ethics, which all members of NAR are bound to adhere to. The REALTOR® brand is publicly promoted locally, state-wide, and across the country by an award-winning awareness campaign to educate the public on the benefits of working with a REALTOR® and about how REALTOR®’s differ from other real estate practitioners.

Tap into new opportunities in your market-and as much as double your salary-by gaining advanced credentials that set you apart from the crowd. Earn the prestigious Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation or take courses to learn special skills for working with clients with specific needs. PPAR strives to bring many education classes to the Pikes Peak region to help our members. PPAR’s goal is to provide quality educational programs that meet the present and future needs of the membership – you. Earn diverse, exclusive designations designed to increase your earnings, enhance your client recruitment and retention.

From national partners – including FedEx, Dell, Lowe’s, Avis, Budget, and Hertz, your REALTOR® membership guarantees offers and savings on products and services through PPAR, CAR and NAR. Check out how you can actually add money to your piggy bank by tapping into the REALTOR® Member Benefits Program.

Through the NAR REALTOR® Member Benefits Program, members also receive special pricing for a variety of insurance and warranty needs that can save you hundreds of dollars annually. Select from auto and home insurance as well as home warranties for all your properties. REALTORS® Core Health Insurance (RCHI) provides guaranteed-issue, affordable, limited medical plans which are exclusively designed and priced for REALTOR® members. To meet the unique financial and cash-flow needs of real estate professionals, members have access to the member-owned financial cooperative, the REALTORS® Federal Credit Union.

PPAR, CAR, and NAR are in constant contact with media outlets. Not only do they provide the media with accurate housing data and forecasts, they also dispel myths about the housing industry and provide specifics about the local housing market. PPAR, CAR, and NAR utilize many means to let consumers know why it’s important to work with you – our members. A state and national multi-media public awareness campaign helps educate the public and drive business to YOU.

Do the consumers you work with have questions on mortgages, home inspections, taxes or insurance that you struggle to answer? Access the NAR library of customizable “Handouts for Consumers” to provide your customers with accurate information on a wide range of issues. Direct your customers to REALTOR.com for detailed information about additional home buying and home selling issues.

In addition to PPAR and CAR award programs that honor your hard work in your community and the industry, members are eligible to enter the NAR REALTOR® Magazine Good Neighbor Awards and the HOPE awards, which recognize and reward members’ community dedication. PPAR recognizes members with REALTOR®, Affiliate Member of the YEAR and Extra Mile Awards yearly.

PPAR offers legally binding dispute resolution mediation and arbitration services to settle business disputes between members. We also offer members and consumers the opportunity to address complaints regarding possible violations of the NAR Code of Ethics or PPAR bylaws in an unbiased and uniform manner. As a member of CAR, you may use the REALTORS® Legal Hotline which provides members a direct access to qualified real estate attorney who can offer information on real estate law and related matters.

Are foreign buyers or immigrant communities a growing part of your real estate market? Do you want to position yourself for participation in a global marketplace? NAR seeks to render the global market accessible to and profitable for all REALTORS®, and offers a wide variety of programs and services to help REALTORS® succeed in the international arena and within the Pikes Peak region.

Stay up-to-date on real estate industry news and trends through a variety of print publications, Web sites, blogs, and email newsletters from PPAR, CAR and NAR. PPAR seeks to help you stay informed with a weekly email. The Member Linkage Committee strives to bring you information on the newest trends or topics that are of concern to your real estate business through our low cost and informative Town Hall Meetings. These timely alerts are delivered directly to you to keep you informed of critical issues involving real estate and the local, state, and national levels.

Want to break out from the crowd and create moneymaking niches in your market? Earn a specialized designation that sets you apart. PPAR and NAR offers courses and certifications in green and environmental real estate, working with seniors, working with international buyers, buyer representation, relocation resorts and second homes, property management, and commercial real estate. PPAR presents you with the opportunity to attend meetings from all areas of real estate – commercial, farm and land, exchangors, property management, women’s council, and so much more.

Every REALTOR® needs an edge. Get yours through technology resources designed to streamline your business, secure more listings, attract greater attention to your homes, boost customer service, and much more. Through NAR, members have access to resources and training to help them get the most out of the latest technology.

Get money making new ideas and the right tools from more than 200 program and 500 exhibitors at this annual event. Network, build your referral bases, and share ideas with industry leaders and peers from across the country. NAR Members always save $100 off registration. A wide variety of networking opportunities, including educational meetings and special events help you connect with other real estate professionals and affiliated industry leaders at the local, state and national levels.

Never again be without an answer. NAR serves as your lifeline for all questions related to the real estate industry (1-800-874-6500) or website. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to provide assistance and locate information in an efficient and timely manner. In addition to hundreds of online toolkits and resources, members receive access to myriad real estate periodicals (online content, free of charge, at nar.realtor.