REALTRACS NEWS: NON-REALTOR® ACCESS TO REALTRACS IN 2025
On April 30, 2024, the Realtracs board of directors approved removing the REALTOR requirement to be a user/participant in its Realtracs MLS. This will be implemented April 1, 2025, which means the dues cycle for 2025 will not be affected, and one would still need to remain a REALTOR member to receive Realtracs services in 2025.
To put this announcement in perspective, 198 MLS’s in the U.S. (out of 521)—or 38 percent—already do not require REALTOR membership for MLS access. Therefore, non-REALTOR access is not uncommon.
And of the 198 MLS’s that allow non-REALTOR access, the vast majority have less than 10 percent participation by non-REALTORS. This is an indication that REALTOR membership is valued and appreciated.
As a timely opportunity, Stuart White, CEO of Realtracs, will be our guest speaker Thursday, May 23, for the EMTAR Luncheon at Five Oaks in Lebanon. If you have questions regarding this move and/or the NAR lawsuits settlement, registering and attending for the Membership Luncheon might be a good idea.
In light of the Realtracs announcement, EMTAR would like to highlight the many meaningful REALTOR benefits related to and beyond Realtracs access. They include:
1. EMTAR members will receive a significant Realtracs subscriber discount (to be determined) “compared to non-REALTOR subscribers.”
2. Tennessee REALTORS forms/contracts and transaction management services are a HUGE benefit that simplifies your transactions, day in and day out. These services prevent REALTOR members from having to interpret various contracts and potentially need the legal assistance, which would bring substantial expense.
3. EMTAR members receive Wilson County Deeds access FREE (a $420 value annually).
4. The myEMTAR mobile app provides fast, convenient access to checking CE Broker, a directory of members with contact information, FAQs and Resources, Market Stats, Event and Education info & registration, REALTOR magazine, and additional benefits.
5. EMTAR members enjoy access to a comprehensive lockbox service.
6. Professional Standards and Mediation and Arbitration services.
7. Legal and Ethics Hotline provide by Tennessee REALTORS.
8. Online Help Desk provided by Tennessee REALTORS.
9. Discounted professional development classes and access to professional development staff to guide agents.
10. Access to acclaimed continuing education designations and certifications through NAR (e.g. ABR, CRS, GRI, and many more).
11. The latest real estate industry data (market stats and reports).
12. Access to the REALTORS Property Resource (RPR) database.
13. Use of the REALTOR brand, which provides recognition throughout the real estate industry and by clients and consumers.
14. Networking events and conferences such as EMTAR’s Awards of Excellence, the Tennessee Excel Summit (TNEX), Day on the Hill, Membership Luncheons, Expos, and many more.
15. Support and insights provided by our legislative and regulatory Advocacy team at the local, state, and national levels.
16. Meaningful, difference-making service opportunities on EMTAR, Tennessee REALTORS, and NAR committees.
17. Enriching community service opportunities through EMTAR with your fellow REALTOR members.
. . . and many more benefits.
It is also important to note that NAR membership rules will remain in place. These rules require membership by a broker or owner for an agent in that office to be a REALTOR member. They also require REALTOR membership by all agents in an office when their broker is a REALTOR. No agent in a non-REALTOR member office would be eligible to obtain REALTOR membership.
In closing, the REALTOR membership benefits and value are strong at EMTAR. It’s our honor and privilege to serve as “your partner in success,” and we look forward to making sure all members understand and take full advantage of their membership with us.