As a member of the MAR, you have access to numerous resources through educational and professional development; legal and legislative support; news and information outreach; and business services only available to members.
This special section highlights some of the programs and services MAR offers members. Much more on the services and informational sources available to you as a REALTOR® are on MARealtor.com – Your Best Business Resource.
Real Estate Industry Advocacy
As a REALTOR® your livelihood depends on the ability of your clients and customers to buy and sell real property. When that ability is delayed or unfairly penalized by either legislation or regulation, MAR is there. The Association works to keep you informed on the issues and acts on your behalf and the benefit of the Massachusetts real estate industry and private property rights.
Many tools and programs are in place to successfully advocate on the membership’s behalf. These include:
• Lobbying
Through the use of paid lobbyists, MAR staff and member events such as REALTOR® Day on Beacon Hill, the REALTOR® voice is present at the State House to advocate for and against relevant laws and regulations.
• Legislation
MAR introduces legislation and regularly testifies before legislative committees relative to issues and regulations which impact the membership and property owners.
• Local Government Affairs
Not every regulation that has the potential to impede the buying and selling of real estate is at the state level. MAR has dedicated staff works with local associations for grassroots member mobilization on local, state and national issues advocacy.
• RPAC
This grassroots political network raises campaign contributions for pro-REALTOR® candidates, mobilizes REALTOR® voters on critical legislative and regulatory issues affecting the real estate industry.
• Quality of Life
REALTORS® recognize the need to sustain and enhance the quality of life enjoyed by Mass. citizens while protecting individual property rights. To do this, MAR established the "Quality of Life" campaign to create a blueprint for public outreach to encourage adoption of policies such as Smart Growth.
• Legislative Action Center
Located on MARealtor.com, members may respond to calls to action, receive up-to-date information on issues, and access contact information for local, state, and federal elected officials.
• Private Property Protection Fund
This fund supports the REALTOR® organization’s efforts to promote or oppose issues at the local level affecting the rights of Massachusetts property owners.
Communications
Is there a difference between a licensee and a REALTOR®? Do homeowners generally do better selling their home on their own? As a member of MAR you certainly know the answers to these questions, but does the public you serve?
As the “Voice for Real Estate™ in Massachusetts” MAR is fully engaged in communicating the value and professionalism REALTORS® bring to the industry, the transaction and their communities. In addition, MAR uses various communications methods to keep you updated on Association and industry news, latest market statistics, and more.
• Media Relations
Through arranged REALTOR® interviews and editorial, MAR promotes REALTORS® as a real estate resource and strong voice on public issues.
• Real Estate Data Central
MAR issues monthly market reports and analyses providing a reliable source of real estate data for members and the media.
• Consumer Awareness
MAR uses advertising to present the REALTOR® message across a range of media including print, Internet, and television.
• MARealtor.com
The MAR website houses a wealth of information and provides both members and consumers with a comprehensive resource on various real estate topics including: “Find a REALTOR®;” “Why Use a REALTOR®;” “Why It’s a Good Time to Buy (or Sell);” Legal Resources; Housing and Research Data; and many others.
•Bay State REALTOR® and BayStateRealtor.com
The bi-monthly print publication, mailed to every member, and website both offer in-depth analyses on the latest market news and trends, public policy decisions and sales and marketing techniques to provide you with the tools you need in your daily practices.
•E-Communications
MAR produces several email newsletters to provide members with Association and industry news, and information on educational opportunities and member benefits.
•Social Media
MAR provides members interactive news and information tools through webinars, the MAR Report (the official podcast of MAR) and through social networking groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Business Services
The Association is dedicated to providing members with programs and services that will help them achieve success in their real estate business practices. Through legal and technological assistance and access to dozens of products and services at member discounts, you have the edge you need to stay sharp for your customers and clients.
• Legal Hotline
The MAR Legal Hotline, hosted by association staff attorneys, offers Designated REALTORS®, office principals, branch managers, and other qualified members assistance in real estate law and related regulatory and ethical matters. Access is provided via a toll-free phone line (800-370-5342), which operates weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Technology Helpline
The MAR Tech Helpline offers access to a staff of trained technology counselors to help resolve problems with computer software, hardware, and Internet connection issues. The free service operates weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. via a toll-free phone line (886-232-1837).
• Dispute Resolution Services
You can avoid costly lawsuits by utilizing mediation and arbitration services available for property transaction disputes among practitioners.
• MassForms™
MAR has made available more than four dozen real estate contracts and forms commonly used by real estate brokers to complete residential and land transactions in Massachusetts. Available in both electronic and hard-copy format at substantial savings to members, each standard form is reviewed annually, making them among the most current and legally sound documents in the industry.
• Member Benefits and Discounts Program
Members have unique access to a over two dozen vendors that have partnered with MAR to provide special discounts and group rates on products and services including health insurance, business equipment, vacation packages and much more, for use in your office or home.
• Product Mall
The Association’s online product mall offers special pricing for REALTORS® on a variety of business manuals, training tapes, and study guides, as well as industry-related business tools and accessories, personal marketing materials, closing gift items, and REALTOR® apparel.