Whether you want to be a realtor, an investor, a broker, or an appraiser in the real estate industry, you have good reasons to join a real estate association. Like a military camp that first trains the soldiers and then sends them to the front, a real estate association is where you receive the most essential and practical training related to various aspects of the real estate industry. Let’s first discuss the key benefits of joining a real estate association and then have a look at the top 10 real estate associations in the United States.
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Key Benefits of Joining a Real Estate Association
Excellent learning opportunities
Being a real estate association member offers so many learning opportunities. There are various courses and programs that such associations offer to their members. Lessons learned in such programs are of great value that otherwise would take a lifetime to learn.
Needless to say, many real estate associations offer certain certificates that will put you ahead of those who prefer to work independently from any associations.
Credibility in the market
To convince your clients that you’re the right choice, you must prove that you are not just some random guy who found his way to the industry by an accident of fate. Membership in a good real estate association would send the message that you’re a well-trained person who has a deep understanding of the market trends and knows the ins and outs of real estate. Hence, trustworthy and reliable.
Enhanced support
Working with a real estate association has the benefit of having permanent support in your job. No matter in which branch of the industry you’re working, there are always unforeseen situations you find yourself in. Being connected to professionals in your field, you can always seek their advice regarding your problems and, if needed, ask for help from them. Who’s going to go through harder times? The one who decides to, or the one who shares the burden when his fellow companions?
Top 10 Real Estate Associations in USA
National Association of Realtors (NAR)
By far the most renowned real estate association in the US, the National Association of Real Estate (NAR) was founded in 1908 in Chicago. They have done such an excellent job that they’re just like a utopia to other real estate associations.
Educating over 200,000 realtors, the NAR has proven to be a true mentor to all those related to the industry in one way or another. Currently, they offer various courses such as leadership development, financial wellness, code of ethics training, and commitment to ethics. If you want to gain more credibility in the market, then NAR must be your first choice.
Address: 430 N. Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60611-4087 800-874-6500
Phone number: 1.800.874.6500
Website: https://www.nar.realtor/
Email: –
National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC)
Founded in 1978, the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) is another well-rooted real estate association that has helped over 38 million Americans to find the right place to live. Hundreds of developers, managers, and owners have gathered in NMHC to make one of the most trustworthy and reliable real estate associations in the United States.
Each year, they hold dozens of webinars and online meetings to inform the community of the latest trends in the housing market. The good thing about these webinars is that non-members can attend many of these webinars as well. Take a look yourself and see if you should become a member.
Address: 1775 Eye St., N.W Suite 1100- Washington, D.C. 20006
Phone number: (202) 974-2300
Website: https://www.nmhc.org/
Email: info@nmhc.org
Real Estate Roundtable
They are recognized as a research-oriented organization that aims at providing constructive solutions to cross-national challenges related to real estate. Real Estate Roundtable supports efforts that promote risk management, safety, affordability, and economic mobility in the real estate industry.
They partner with 18 other national real estate associations to deal with national policy issues concerning real estate as a team. Currently, they have more than 3 million members from all over the United States. They’re focusing their research on subjects such as public safety, the environment, and economic sustainability in real estate.
Address: 801 Pennsylvania Ave. AW Suite 720- Washington, DC 20004
Phone number: 202.639.8400
Email: info@rer.org
Website: https://www.rer.org/
Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW)
In 1989, Anney Hanyak and Linda Hollemon decided that women involved in commercial real estate should have a community of their own. The idea was to connect women in the real estate industry so that they help each other and advance professionally.
Years of hard work and dedication have now brought them worldwide fame and respect. They now have over 12,000 members throughout the world who are concerned with various aspects of real estate, such as leadership development, career outreach, networking, and industry research.
Address: 1201 Wakarusa Dr. Ste D, Lawrence, KS 66049 USA
Phone number: (785) 832-1551
Website: https://crewnetwork.org/home
Email:crewnetwork@crewnetwork.org
NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association
Starting with a group of 9 developers and owners in 1967, the National Association for Industrial and Office Parks (NAIOP) aimed at developing a platform for information exchange and improvement of real estate in North America.
The association now has over 20,000 active members, focusing mainly on commercial real estate in North America. They have now become a leading US organization and offer various training courses related to the real estate industry.
Apart from the rich webinars they hold throughout the year, they provide real estate finance and development certificates that are sought after by many individuals who have just joined the game.
NAIOP is definitely a smart choice for those who want to learn the nuts and bolts of the real estate industry and approach the housing market with a sharp mind.
Address:2355 Dulles Corner Boulevard, Suite 750, Herndon, VA 20171
Phone number:703-904-7100
Website:https://www.naiop.org/
Email:info@naiopwa.org
Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM)
Founded in 1934, the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) is yet another real estate association in the US that has a lot to offer to those who are, one way or another, related to the real estate industry.
They offer various certifications that property managers find highly practical and helpful. Another important thing about them is their scholarship program which supports industry professionals from every corner of the world.
Address: 430 N Michigan Ave Suite 500, Chicago, Illinois 60601 US
Phone number: (800) 837- 0706
Website: https://www.irem.org/
Email: getinfo@irem.org
Appraisal Institute
Market conditions can fluctuate greatly for certain reasons. Therefore, appraisers are faced with a grave responsibility as they must be able to assess the true value of properties under various situations. That’s why they must have a deep understanding of the market and the factors affecting it.
As the title suggests, the Appraisal Institute (AI) is concerned with developing programs to help real estate appraisers master market trends. Brokers, owners, lenders, investors, and above all, appraisers can gain an invaluable amount of knowledge here and then enter the market with a well-informed mind.
There are various training programs you can take at AI which help you become a licensed residential or general property appraiser in the United States. Visit their website and learn more about the courses they offer.
Address: 200 W. Madison, Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60606
Phone number: 732.560.007
Website:https://www.appraisalinstitute.org/
Email: aiservice@appraisalinstitute.org
U.S. Green Building Council
The U. S Green Building Council looks at the eco-friendliness aspect of the real estate industry. Founded in 1993, our friends in Washington, DC, have been putting a lot of effort into work to make our homes healthier places.
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) system that they are trying to spread over the nation is a major achievement in creating homes with a considerably lower carbon emission level.
If you wish to improve your knowledge of green building, then you should definitely check the various courses that the U.S. Green Building offers throughout the year.
Address:2101 L Street, NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20037
Phone number:1-800-795-1747
Website: https://www.usgbc.org/
Email:info@usgbc.org
Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR)
An affiliate of the National Association of Realtors, the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR) has been around for over 80 years. A team of 3,700 agents, educators, brokers, and executives in 45 countries form the main body of SIOR.
Those earning an SIOR designation are globally recognized as professionals in the housing market and turn out to be excellent brokers, consultants, or agents. They hold monthly online training courses and webinars that everyone can attend and get a clear picture of the latest trends in the industry.
Address: 1201 New York Ave, NW, Ste. 350- Washington, DC 20005-6126 USA
Phone number: (+1) 202 449 8200
Website: https://www.sior.com/
Email: afermanis@sior.com
Final Thoughts
To get the most out of your career in the real estate industry, it’s more than necessary to stay connected with professionals in the field, and where else better than a real estate association to find such people? By joining such associations, individuals working in the real estate industry gain experience, support, credit, and a world of knowledge. Share your thoughts with us and let us know what you think of our list in the comments section below.
