Programs and services to stimulate your business now

The Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors (BMAR) sponsors valuable programs and services to assist in stimulating your business in this market. Below I highlight the benefits of membership for licensed real estate brokers, agents and companies servicing the real estate industry and business community. For licensed real estate brokers and agents, the BMAR Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a powerful business tool to be competitive in this market. Every real estate office in the marketplace, from the smallest to the largest can compete and benefit with increased volume of sales. The entire Realtor office (up to 15 agents) pays only $200 per month to participate with no charge to member agents and unlimited MLS access 24/7. Provide your buyers and sellers with maximum professional services. All exclusive listings can be entered by members free and automatically featured on premium search engines including: 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, and Frontdoor (HGTV). Real estate firms large or small are not required to have an office in Manhattan or the Bronx to be active members of the BMAR. Companies can join regardless of the location of their office address. Realtor associate dues are the lowest in the metropolitan region. Do not let the organization's name mislead you. The policy of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) enables real estate licensees to choose a Realtor board of their choice regardless of the location of their office location. Save money by utilizing the BMAR MLS and close more deals today by having thousands of agents working to sell real estate listings. Today's consumers are sophisticated and want to know every property listing that is available in their price range. The best way to service consumers, buyers, and sellers is through the BMAR MLS. NAR spends millions of dollars each year to inform the general public and consumers of the benefits of working with a Realtor. You may have seen or heard some of the commercial or print advertisements. Realtor and Realtor associate members can utilize the exclusive Realtor logo which is a registered trademark. Through membership in the BMAR, members are automatically members of the New York State Association of Realtors (NYSAR) and NAR. On a national, state and local level, the Realtor associations lobby elected officials to protect and represent your business. Professional standards and arbitration procedures are available to assist in settling disputes which may arise and could potentially save thousands of dollars in legal fees and lost commissions. The procedures can also save time and energy. Recognition awards are presented to "top producers' at the annual holiday and annual banquet events. Affiliate and institutional type members are listed in the Annual Membership & Referral Directory membership roster with additional listings alphabetically based on their type of service for referrals and more business. The directory is utilized as a reference guide and referral tool. The 2009-2010 Directory is currently being finalized and provides advertising opportunities at low cost. Membership in the association includes all companies directly or indirectly servicing the business community and real estate industry regardless of where their office is located. As stated earlier, companies do not have to have an office in Manhattan or the Bronx to be active members of the association. BMAR membership is composed of a broad base of companies and professionals including 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. All members receive 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. Sponsorship opportunities of events are also an option for additional recognition and support for the association. The next major networking event is our 8th Annual Real Estate Trade Show on Wednesday, October 28 at the Pelham Split Rock Golf Course located at 870 Shore Rd., Bronx. The Trade Show will open at 2 p.m. and expanded to include a networking cocktail party from 4 to 8 p.m. Confirmed exhibitors will be able to set up in the morning on the day of the show saving valuable time and minimizing expenses. Both exhibitors and visitors have the opportunity to network under low pressure and cozy conditions. A wide range of product and service providers participated in last year's show including: architects & engineers; Associations; banking & financial services; building supplies; commercial real estate; consultants; copiers & fax machines; energy management controls; energy / natural gas & oil; environmental services; exterminators; financial services; government agencies; insurance; intercom/electrical contractors; internet marketing; laundry equipment/services; lighting renovation contractor; meter reading; mortgage financing services; multiple listing services; plumbing contractors; promotional products; property management software; publications/media; qualified intermediary; real estate companies; security systems; storage systems; technology systems; vacation clubs; and water treatment. Additional types of product and service providers are welcome and encouraged to participate to generate new business contacts by participating in the 2009 real estate trade show & cocktail party. BMAR publishes four annual publications and the Realtor Professional Edge 16-page monthly newsletter distributed to over 11,000 contacts throughout the New York metropolitan region. Advertising opportunities including discounts are available. Members can access to 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. The association offers discounts on standard apartment lease forms, lead paint pamphlets and management agreements. Many of our multi-dwelling property owners and managing agents take advantage of these savings. I often mention the culture of inclusiveness which exists in BMAR. Members have the opportunity to serve on any of over 25 Standing & Special Committees. Networking takes place at all events that are sponsored including committee meetings. Many educational programs and cutting edge informational seminars are sponsored through the association. Members are also eligible to receive a free copy of the Realtor Professional Edge and Free Email News & Updates. BMAR is a professional trade association officially representing the real estate industry since 1924 and is the local chapter for the NYS and National Association of Realtors. To stimulate your business with more information on accessing the MLS, membership, networking, advertising or sponsorship opportunities, call (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 (BMAR), Bronx, N.Y.