What Realtors Association is Right for an Agent?
When it comes to choosing a REALTORS® association in Arizona, there are various different options to choose from which could be overwhelming to a new agent. “What is the difference between each association, which one is going to be the best for me and my business, what does being a part of an association mean?” Within Arizona there are different associations that each meet different criteria, most of which have a mixture of online and in-person classes and training for the real estate agents within their association, events and meet and greets with other people in the industry, all for an annual association membership fee. Most importantly, once an agent is signed up with an association, then an agent can pay to get access to the Multiple Listing Services (MLS).
Among the Phoenix Area, the top-three most recognizable associations are the Scottsdale Area Association of REALTORS® (SAAR), Phoenix Association of REALTORS® (PAR), and West and Southeast REALTORS® of the Valley (WeSERV). All of which vary in terms of price and what they offer. It is up to the agent to independently find out which association may be right for them. The Phoenix Association is slightly less expensive which is preferred by some agents, opposed to the Scottsdale Association being well known for their events and training.
Keep in mind that an agent only needs to sign up with one of these associations and agents should always research what associations give them access to specific areas and the MLS associated with it. To gain access to the MLS in Phoenix an agent can pick any association that recognizes Phoenix as its domain. There are plenty of independent associations that an agent can sign up for additionally if an agent knows they plan on doing business there.
Some notable associations that an agent should be aware of include the Northern Arizona Association of REALTORS® (NAAR), Prescott Area Association of REALTORS® Inc (PAAR), Sedona Verde Valley Association of REALTORS® Inc, Tucson Association of REALTORS® Inc, Bullhead City Mohave Valley Association of REALTORS®, etc.