A REALTOR® membership at GFWAR provides these great benefits:
Multiple Listing Service – GFWAR members receive access to multiple listing services provided by North Texas Real Estate Information Systems, Inc. (NTREIS). The online system allows GFWAR members the ability to easily access listing information with the click of a mouse.
Education – GFWAR provides MCE classes, specialty programming, designation courses and technology training that provide members with the skills needed to ensure success. These courses are informative, innovative and applicable.
REALTOR® Name – Since GFWAR is under the auspices of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), its members must adhere to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Therefore, the REALTOR® name gives GFWAR members credibility and accountability in the eyes of the public.
Networking Opportunities – Whether it’s at an event, a committee meeting, an MLS Networking Group or a membership luncheon, GFWAR knows how important networking is in the real estate business and works hard to provide these opportunities.
Governmental Affairs – Continuously working to monitor issues that affect both commercial and residential real estate on the local, state and national levels, GFWAR is on the frontlines to defend its members from legislation that could have negative repercussions on the real estate industry and private property rights.
Professional Development – Leadership is of crucial importance at GFWAR, and a wealth of opportunities to develop these skills is offered through committee involvement. GFWAR also strongly believes in promoting its members for volunteer leadership opportunities at TAR and NAR and prepares its members for these roles through leadership training classes. In addition, outstanding member awards are given at the REALTOR® of the Year Luncheon for involvement and leadership.
Cost Break – GFWAR members receive a price reduction on various items that non-members do not receive, such as discounts in the REALTOR® store, at various events / classes, and on facility rental space.
Professional Standards – Members of GFWAR and the public have a voice when addressing complaints against REALTORS® through a structured system set in place to address such concerns. Grievance issues filed through the Texas Association of REALTORS® are handled in a confidential, professional manner. Since all REALTORS® must adhere to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, it’s the duty of GFWAR to educate its members regarding this ethical code and assist in administering a course of action to those who do not comply.
Technology – GFWAR provides its members the most up-to-date information on technological advances in the industry, and members have an informational support system at GFWAR for all real estate-related technological questions. Also, a hands-on computer center is available, as well as free training and demonstrations.
REALTOR® Benefits – An array of benefits are offered by TAR and NAR to members of the REALTOR® Association. These benefits include free legal advice and consultation, access to ZipForm (a software program that provides up-to-date contracts and forms), marketing tools, entry into discount programs, and a variety of REALTOR® publications that give marketing advice and industry news.
Become a REALTOR® Member
As an organization under the auspices of the National Association of REALTORS®, GFWAR is required to offer REALTOR® membership only to those who are licensed real estate professionals and whose sponsoring broker is a REALTOR® member at GFWAR or another REALTOR® Association. Membership into GFWAR also includes membership into the Texas Association of REALTORS® (TAR) and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). (Members do not have the option to cancel their state or national membership.) Upon becoming a member of GFWAR, members stay active by paying annual dues.
The procedure to become a REALTOR® member is efficient and easy. The first step is to determine that a license is active on the TREC Web site. To check this, visit www.trec.state.tx.us and click on “Licensee Info Search.”
Next, a new member appointment must be scheduled with GFWAR. New member appointments are sessions in which a GFWAR staff member meets one-on-one with the new member to set up that person’s account and give a brief overview of GFWAR. New member appointments generally last about 45 minutes. To sign-up for a new member appointment, notify GFWAR by calling Meghan Sheehan at 817-336-5165, ext. 102, or meghan@gfwar.org.
GFWAR requires that all those interested in membership submit an application and recommends that applications be completed beforehand and brought with the applicant. If this is inconvenient, applications may be filled out at the Association immediately before the new member appointment.
Designated REALTOR® / Broker Application
Applicants need to bring a copy of their current license to the new member appointment. Dues for REALTOR® membership are paid at that time and may be paid by check, cash or credit card.
While at the new member appointment, new members sign up for an MLS training class (if planning to use MLS services) and New Member Orientation. Day-long orientations occur once every two months and are required for every new REALTOR® member. Rules and regulations, professional standards and GFWAR procedure are discussed. In addition, one MLS class is required for all new MLS users, and is a hands-on, two-hour training class that gives the new MLS user an in-depth overview of the MLS system and important rules and regulations to follow.
