Membership is an investment for you business in 2010!

Membership in the Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors (BMAR) is an investment for your business in 2010. Companies benefit as members to generate more business including referral business from the hundreds of companies throughout the N.Y. metro region that are active members of BMAR which includes companies directly or indirectly servicing the business community and real estate industry where ever their office is located. Companies do not need an office in Manhattan or the Bronx to be active members of the association. Even one business referral or new business contact more than pays for the annual membership dues. The value of the business relationships cultivated through BMAR membership is priceless. Membership is even more important in this economy and market. Founded in 1924, BMAR is the local chapter for the NYS Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors (NAR), Inc. BMAR has a rich history with an extraordinary culture of inclusiveness, camaraderie, successful and dynamic business professionals. This fact is very evident since many of our members are 3rd or 4th generation of active companies in the organization. BMAR membership is broad based and includes both the real estate industry and the business community professionals such as: licensed real estate brokers and agents; multi-dwelling property owners; building service vendors and suppliers; unlicensed property managers; attorneys; appraisers; banks; mortgage companies; fuel service and energy companies; title and abstract companies; insurance companies and insurance brokers; contractors and other companies servicing the real estate industry and business community. The top 10 benefits for affiliate and institutional type members include: 1. Receiving discounts on reservations to attend any one of the four major networking events including: the Annual Real Estate Trade Show; Annual Banquet; Annual Golf & Tennis Outing; and the Annual Holiday Party. 2. Being able to be listed as an exclusive or sponsor of the major networking events for additional recognition for your company. 3. Being able to advertise in any one of five annual publications and the Realtor Professional Edge 16 page monthly newsletter distributed to over 12,000 contacts throughout the N.Y. metro region including participating in Advantage Advertising for discounts on advertising for up to 25% savings. 4. Being listed in the Annual Membership & Referral Directory membership roster with additional listings alphabetically based on type of service for referrals and more business. The directory is utilized as a reference guide and referral tool. 5. Being able to serve on any of over 25 Standing & Special Committees. I often mention the culture of inclusiveness which exists in BMAR. Networking takes place at all events that are sponsored including committee meetings. 6. Have an opportunity to serve as a member of the board of governors (BOG) which is the policy-making body for the association if there is a vacancy. There currently is a waiting list to serve on the BOG. 7. Receive discounts and be able to attend some of the many educational programs and cutting edge informational seminars are sponsored through the association. 8. Being able to access group health insurance plans including dental plans through BMAR. Group rates and plans are also available to 1099 independent contractors or agents. Some of the insurance plans include Atlantis Health; Oxford; HIP; GHI; and others. 9. Receive a free copy via email of the Realtor Professional Edge including additional Free Email News & Updates. 10. Benefitting from the Realtors Political Action Committee (RPAC), the only non-partisan political organization in the country solely devoted to protecting Realtor interests at the local, state and federal level. RPAC actively educates our elected officials about legislative issues that impact your business most, and supports the election efforts of pro-Realtor candidates. RPAC is built upon the financial investments of Realtors dedicated to preserving the future of the real estate industry. In addition to the above Top 10 Benefits for affiliate & institutional members, Realtor and Realtor associate members can take advantage of more exclusive benefits through the NYS and NAR and have access to the BMAR Multiple Listing Service (MLS) with lower costs and increased exposure for their exclusive listings on premium internet search engines to generate more commissions in 2010. Both residential and commercial real estate professionals can benefit from the BMAR Multiple Listing Service. As an added incentive for new offices to join, the $1,200 initiation fee has been waived. Benefits of the BMAR Multiple Listing Service includes: 1. Free agent MLS access for up to 15 member agents. 2. Free unlimited exclusive listings, including commercial listings, can be entered by members. 3. Upload up to 40 photographs for each listing or video tours. 4. Free world-wide advertising of your exclusive MLS listings on premium internet search engines. 5. BMAR MLS listings are automatically featured on: Realtor.com, Google Base; Trulia; Zillow; Myspace Classified; Lycos.com; Yahoo Real Estate; Aol.com; Cyberhomes; Overstock.com; Hotpads; Properazzi; Oodle; Vast; Homescape.com; Backpage.com; Listpic.com; Military.com; Local.com; Frontdoor (HGTV). 6. Consumers and buyers around the world can view your listings and contact you directly. 7. Close more deals by having thousands of agents worldwide working to sell your listings. 8. Unlimited access to the BMAR MLS: 24/ 7. 9. Companies do not need an office in Manhattan or the Bronx to be BMAR members. 10. Provide buyers and sellers maximum professional services. 11. Realtor associate dues are the lowest in the N.Y. region. 12. $200 monthly for the office or $2,200 annually if paid in full. The association sponsors a wide range of programs and services for all professionals to maintain a competitive advantage. For information on membership or MLS, contact Grace Rivera at (212) 242-4343; (718) 892-3000 or email: [email protected]. Nunzio Del Greco, RCE, is the CEO of the Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors, Bronx, N.Y.