2015 ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE TRAINING

DEADLINES

REALTOR® associations must certify compliance with the standards by June 30, 2015—and by June 30 of each subsequent year—or be subject to revocation of their charter.

Deadline to enter it into the online compliance tool for ARA to review:

May 15, 2015

Strategic planning grants are available through June 30, 2015, and money will be disbursed only after a plan has been submitted to and approved by NAR. You must use an NAR approved provider to be reimbursed.

ONLINE COMPLIANCE TOOL

An online compliance certification system (the "Compliance Tool") has been developed to facilitate tracking and reporting compliance. The system details the specific information required to demonstrate compliance.

EVERYTHING MUST BE ENTERED AND UPLOADED TO THE ONLINE COMPLIANCE TOOL!!!!

CORE STANDARDS FAQ’S

Check them monthly for changes and additions

#1 resource when completing your Core Standards reporting

IN THE KNOW!!

CODE OF EXCELLENCE

As part of a wide-ranging set of recommendations to raise the bar on REALTOR® professionalism, the NAR Board of Directors at its Nov. 10 meeting in New Orleans approved the drafting of a proposed aspirational Code of Excellence to be brought to the board at a future meeting for approval.

WHAT WILL IT DO?

The goal is to raise the practice of real estate measurably through increased training in the competencies that consumers value. These competencies include the stewardship of property listing data, privacy and security of consumer information, advocacy of property rights, community involvement, and technology.

Change the frequency of NAR’s Code of Ethics educational requirement from every four years to every two years, starting in 2016; add a biennial Code of Excellence education requirement; and mandate continual updating of the training.

Help its members strive to be proficient in data content and have efficient access to the broadest range of data available.

Develop an industry standard that would allow consumers to evaluate REALTORS® fairly and accurately.

ZILLOW/LISTHUB/REALTOR.COM The National Association of REALTORS® does NOT

own REALTOR.COM.

REALTOR.COM is a subsidiary of Move.Inc which is owned by NewsCorp.

Zillow Group is an online real estate database company that was founded in 2005 and created by Rich Barton and Lloyd Frink, former Microsoft executives and founders of Microsoft spin-off Expedia.Spencer Rascoff is the current CEO of Zillow, Inc.

Zillow purchased Trulia in 2015.

WHAT IS LISTHUB

ListHub is the leading platform nationwide for listing management, serving more than 50,000 brokerage firms, and synchronizing listing information from over 500 MLS data sources with more than 140 publisher websites.

ListHub operates as an independently managed product division of Move, Inc, a subsidiary of News Corp.

ZILLOW

Zillow allowed its listing agreement with Listhub will end to end on April 7th.

Zillow is attempting to contact all of the potentially impacted MLSs to secure listing agreements to avoid any listings disappearing from Zillow.

Zillow is launching its own platform for listing management, Zillow Data Dashboard

RPR REWARD!!! HTTP://MVPAE.REALTOR.ORG/?CID=MVP-PRO-481

ARA CALENDAR-BE PREPARED!

April 20 NAR Safety Course April 21-22 ABR Course April 27-28 SRES Course May 12-16 NAR Meetings, Washington D.C. May 19-20 GRI 201 June 15-16 ARA June Committee Meetings June 23-24 GRI 202 August 10-11 Leadership Summit, Chicago September 14-16 ARA Convention,

Springdale October 21-22 ARA Leadership November 11-16 NAR Convention, San Diego

ARA STAFF Miki Bass – Chief Executive Officer, Meeting Planning (February, June,

Leadership & Convention)   Kim Ashcraft – Chief Financial Officer (ECommerce, Hearts & Homes, AR

Real Estate Foundation   Amy Hair – Governmental Affairs (State Legislation) & Professional

Standards Director (Ethics & Arbitration), ARPAC   Ladonna Ignatiuk – Risk Reduction (Forms/Form Simplicity) &

Membership Director (NRDS & Member-At-Large)   Emily Morgan – Public Relations (Awards & Consumer Outreach) &

Communications (Website & Newsletters) Director, Equal Opportunity (Fair Housing) & Young Professionals Network

  Lindsey Osifchin – Education & Institutes (REALTOR® Land Institute)

Director, GRLA   Shannon O’Neal – Administrative Assistant

AMY HAIRGovernment Affairs Director &

Director of Professional Standards

CORE STANDARDSSection I – Code of Ethics (Professional Standards)

CODE OF ETHICS - DISCUSSION

COE Violations Mediation Arbitration Ombudsman Citation System – Under Development Complaint Flow Chart

SECTION I - CODE OF ETHICS

CORE STANDARD - Every association will enforce the new and continuing member Code of Ethics requirement established in Article IV of the NAR Bylaws.

1. Does the association track member compliance with the requirement of 2.5 hours of training on the REALTOR® Code of Ethics for new and existing members?

Yes No

Resources: https://www.realtor.org/ae/manage-your-association/code-of-ethics-training-toolkit-for-aes

SECTION I – CODE OF ETHICS

CORE STANDARD – Every association will maintain a viable professional standards committee to enforce the COE and provide arbitration and mediation as member services. Associations must have a fully functioning professional standards committee with administrative capability to conduct the program, or must administer professional standards enforcement through a multi-board (or regional) professional standards agreement with other associations or with the state association.

2. Does the association have a professional standards committee?

Yes No

3. Does the association participate in a professional standards agreement with other associations or with the state association?

Yes No If yes, list the names of the other participation associations. The <insert your board name> has a cooperative agreement with the

Arkansas REALTORS® Association to provide professional standards and grievance committee services including, COE Enforcement, Mediation, Arbitration and Ombudsman services.

SECTION I – CODE OF ETHICS

CORE STANDARD: Every association will link its website to the Code of Ethics/professional standards resources available online by the NAR and the state association. These materials will be available to members and to consumers at the website.

http://www.arkansasrealtors.com/professional-standards http://www.realtor.org/topics/code-of-ethics

4. Insert link to your website URL:

SECTION I – CODE OF ETHICS

CORE STANDARD: Every association will provide mediation services to members as required by Article IV of the NAR Bylaws. Associations may also offer ombudsman services to members and their clients and customers and, if available in the state, may implement a “citation” enforcement policy.

5. Does the association provide mediation as a member service?

6. Does the association provide ombudsman services?

The <insert your board name> has a cooperative agreement with the Arkansas REALTORS® Association to provide professional standards and grievance committee services including, COE Enforcement, Mediation, Arbitration and Ombudsman services.

7. Does the association utilize a “citation system” of discipline?

The <insert your board name> has a cooperative agreement with the Arkansas REALTORS® Association to provide professional standards and grievance committee services including, COE Enforcement, Mediation, Arbitration and Ombudsman services. The Arkansas REALTORS® Association is currently developing a citation system of discipline.

ADVOCACY & RPACState Goals

2015 NAR FUNDRAISING GOALS

Meet or Exceed National Fundraising Goals (Needs Based Goal)

Needs based goal is $4.84/Member

Meet or Exceed Participation Goal 37% (contributions must be $15 to count towards

participation)

Meet or Exceed Major Investor Goal 1% of membership

Meet or Exceed President’s Circle Goal 10% of major investors

2015 ARA FUNDRAISING GOALS

Meet or Exceed National Fundraising Goals ARA fundraising goal is $39.43/Member

Meet or Exceed Participation Goal 40% (contributions must be $15 to count towards

participation)

Meet or Exceed Major Investor Goal 100

Meet or Exceed President’s Circle Goal 10% of major investors

2015 ADVOCACY GOALS

Call for Action Response Rate 20% or higher

Federal Political Coordinator Call For Action Response Rate

100%

2 of the Following:Host a State Broker MeetingUse NAR State Broker Call For Action programInvite a Broker Involvement Council Member to speak at a

state general membership meetingCoordinate with NAR on statewide RPAC campaign through

the Broker Involvement Program

TOOLS – PAC MANAGEMENT

You can sign up for training and learn more about Aristotle at:

www.realtoractioncenter.com/locals

TOOLS – PAC MANAGEMENT

https://nar.ai360.aristotle.com/

CORE STANDARDSSection II – Advocacy

SECTION II – ADVOCACY CORE STANDARD: Unless prohibited by state law and in

recognition of state law differences, each association will include in their dues billing a voluntary investment for RPAC in an amount adequate to meet the NAR RPAC established goal. Please upload a sample dues billing statement. (Note: If you checked either of the first two boxes, proceed to #11)

8. Does the association:

RPAC Dues Billing “above the Line”

RPAC Dues Billing “below the line”

N/A

Note: upload a sample dues billing statement

SECTION II - ADVOCACY

CORE STANDARD: Each association will provide or distribute information and communications from NAR and the applicable state association, regarding the value of investing in and the benefits received from the individual’s participation in RPAC at all three levels (local, state and national) of the organization.

11. The association met the above requirement by educating and communicating with members about RPAC.

YesNoIf yes, please identify the method(s) used to communicate with your

membership about RPAC. Please check each that applies: RPAC Brochures/flyersNewsletter (online or print)RPAC on WebsiteRPAC Email CampaignsRPAC presentations at membership meetingsRPAC presentations at office meetingsOther digital materialsOther print materials

NAR will customize, design, print and deliver RPAC brochures!

https:www.realtoractioncenter.com/rpac/for-associations/

SECTION II - ADVOCACY

CORE STANDARD: Every association will demonstrate significant participation in NAR Calls for Action delivered through the REALTOR® Action Center.

12. Please check the methods used to acquire significant participation and upload at least one example:

Promoted on Association WebsitePromoted in Association newsletterPromoted by separate emailPromoted using social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)Other digital materialsOther printed materials

CFA – SUPPORTIVE MESSAGING

CFA – SUPPORTIVE MESSAGING

CFA – SUPPORTIVE MESSAGING

CFA – SUPPORTIVE MESSAGING

SECTION II - ADVOCACY CORE STANDARD: Every association will demonstrate

significant participation in State Calls for Action delivered through the REALTOR® Party HUB or other program for the distribution of Calls For Action.

13. Please check the methods used to acquire significant participation and upload at least one example:

Promoted on Association Website Promoted in Association newsletter Promoted by separate email Promoted using social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)

Other digital materialsOther printed materials

SECTION II - ADVOCACY CORE CONCEPT: Every association shall demonstrate advocacy

engagement. 14. Please attach examples demonstrating REALTOR® Political

Party initiatives implemented by the association such as:Candidate Independent Expenditure RacesRequested and used Candidate Polling & ResearchHosted a Candidate Training AcademySubmitted comments or had members testify on proposed

real estate related legislation or regulationIssues Mobilization ProgramIssues Polling & ResearchREALTOR® Party Hub for Call for Action or other Advocacy

EngagementBroker Involvement ProgramPolling & Research (members)Voter Registration Initiative (members)Advocating public policy in other ways (please upload an

example)Other (please upload materials)

TOOLS – REALTOR® PARTY RESOURCE GUIDE

Community involvement & outreach RPAC – Fundraising grants & contacts Advocacy – Resources available to help elect

REALTOR® Champions

OTHER RESOURCES – NEED IDEAS?

Go to: http://www.realtoractioncenter.com/realtor-party/tracker/#

QUESTIONS?

ahair@arkansasrealtors.com 501-225-2020

FINANCIAL CORE

STANDARDS

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

AGENDA

•Financial Solvency Core Standards

•E-Commerce

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

Section VI – Financial Solvency

Core Standard AEvery Association must adopt policies to ensure the fiscal integrity of their financial operations.

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

Section VI – Financial Solvency

Core Standard AProof of Compliance - #47

Attach a copy of the Association’s financial policies in the compliance tool.

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

Section VI – Financial Solvency

Core Standard A - #47Examples of Financial Policies:Fraud Awareness & Prevention CompensationBudgeting Revenue RecognitionDues Collection Asset CapitalizationFinancial Information Disclosure Financial ReportingOfficer, Member and Staff Travel Conflicts of InterestInvesting WhistleblowerReserve Levels Document RetentionPayment Policies Compliance Reporting

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

Section VI – Financial Solvency

Core Standard A - #47How do I know which policies my Association must adopt to meet the standard?

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

Section VI – Financial Solvency

Core Standard A - #47The basic premise for all Associations is that you must have financial policies, procedures and documents which outline your internal control structure.

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

Section VI – Financial Solvency

Core Standard A - #47NAR did not want to dictate which policies are “required” but wanted you to create policies that are responsive to your Association’s operations.

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

Section VI – Financial Solvency

Core Standard A - #47The extent of these documents will largely be dictated not driven by the audit/review/compilation decisions you make.

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

Section VI – Financial Solvency

Core Standard A - #47Take Away:

NAR has provided templates for the suggested financial policies. These are included in your handouts.

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

Section VI – Financial Solvency

Core Standard BEvery Association must have an annual audit, review or compilation conducted by a CPA.

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

Section VI – Financial SolvencyCore Standard B

All Associations (state or local) with annual revenue of $50,000 or more must submit a report from a CPA which includes either:

Audit OpinionOr

Accountant’s Review

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

Section VI – Financial SolvencyCore Standard B

For those association’s with revenues of less than $50,000 annually, a Compilation Report prepared by a CPA will be acceptable.

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

Section VI – Financial SolvencyCore Standard B

•The $50,000 threshold applies to all associations•It is based on your Gross Revenue

• MLS Revenue is included only if the MLS is operated as a committee of the Association (i.e. Not a Separate Corportion)

• RPAC Contributions are not included• State Dues are not included.• National Dues and Assessments are not included.

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

Section VI – Financial SolvencyCore Standard B

For those associations with annual revenue of over $50,000, it will be left to the discretion of each association as to whether you conduct an audit or a review.

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

Section VI – Financial SolvencyCore Standard B

What is the difference between the three?

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

Compilation versus Review versus Audit

C: Provides no assurance that there are not material modifications that should be made to the financial statements. Objective is to assist management in the presentation of financial information in the form of financial statements.

R: Provides limited assurance that there are no material modifications to be made to financials.

A:Provides a high (but not absolute) level of assurance about whether the financials are free from material misstatement, thereby allowing the auditor to express an opinion on the financials.

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

Compilation versus Review versus Audit

Fees will be dependent upon:

•Local Market•Size and complexity of your organization•The relative strength of your internal control structure•The quality of accounting records•Timeliness of the information that you prepare and provide to auditors•Whether or not you prepare your financials

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

Compilation versus Review versus Audit

In Little Rock market (generally speaking):

•Small Audit - $7,500•Small Review - $5,000•Small Compilation - $2,500

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

Compilation versus Review versus Audit

Arkansas REALTORS® Association – Audit of 2013 Financial Statements

Gross revenue was 1.8 million dollarsAudit Cost - $9,720

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

Section VI – Financial Solvency

Core Standard BProof of Compliance - #48

1. Date of Last Financial Audit/Review/Compiliation

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

Section VI – Financial Solvency

Core Standard BProof of Compliance - #48

2. Name of Individual or Firm conducting the Review

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

Section VI – Financial Solvency

Core Standard BProof of Compliance - #48

3. Year End to which the report relates

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

Section VI – Financial Solvency

Core Standard BProof of Compliance - #48

4. If an audit, what type of opinion was received:Unqualified AdverseQualified Disclaimer

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

Section VI – Financial Solvency

Core Standard BProof of Compliance - #48

The Audit/Review/Compiliation report itself does not have to be attached to the Compliance Tool.

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

Financial Solvency Core Standards

FAQ’SQuestion:For the first compliance cycle (ending 6/30/15) in what tax year should be audit, review or compilation be for?

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

Financial Solvency Core Standards

FAQ’SAnswer:•The report should be for the most recent fiscal year available.

• In most cases that will be the Association’s 2014 fiscal year.

• In some cases, Associations wait until after tax season when the costs of preparing such reports may be less.

• Example 2014 audit will be performed in June or July of 2015• In those cases, the tax year of Core Standards reporting

purposes would be fiscal year 2013. The same will be true for future year reporting as well.

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

Financial Solvency Core Standards

FAQ’SQuestion:Our Association hasn’t conducted audits, reviews or compilations in the past. To complicate matters, our 2014 approved budget doesn’t include funds to have the required reports prepared by a CPA for the current fiscal year. Is there a way we can comply with the Core Standards going forward without going into debt?

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

Financial Solvency Core Standards

FAQ’SAnswer:•At the 2014 NAR Convention, the Finance Committee authorized staff to accept a signed CPA engagement letter committing the association to having the required reports performed in 2015 for the association’s 2014 fiscal year. •That means for the second (and future) reporting cycles, the association will need to be able to confirm that their audit/review/compilation was conducted.

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

Financial Solvency Core Standards

FAQ’SQuestion:Will NAR provide financial assistance to associations that have not utilized such reporting in the past?

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

Financial Solvency Core Standards

FAQ’SAnswer:No. Fiscal integrity and financial reporting are the corporate responsibilities of every association regardless of size.

New Topic

E-Commerce

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

NAR E-Commerce Network System•NAR E-Commerce Network System has been in existence since November 1999

•Created by NAR to provide all Associations with a system that allowed their members to pay their dues electronically online.

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

NAR E-Commerce Network SystemWhy use NAR’s E-Commerce System?

•Reduces time spent processing dues.

•Associations can use the network at no charge.

•No special hardware or software is required

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

NAR E-Commerce Network SystemWhy use NAR’s E-Commerce System?

•Money moves electronically. No need to write checks to ARA & NAR.

•Easy access for your members.

•You can transfer funds to other associations for free.

•Run reports that will allow you to reconcile your bank statements

•No need for paper invoices.

•When a member’s payment is processed through the Invoicing module, the EC system uploads each night to the NRDS Financial Record.

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

NAR E-Commerce Network SystemWhy use NAR’s E-Commerce System?

•Over half of our associations use the network nationwide.

•Annual combined volumes of over $617 million keep credit card rates low.

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

NAR E-Commerce Network SystemWhy use NAR’s E-Commerce System?

Local Boards in Arkansas who use some portion of E-Commerce in the 2015 dues cycle:

Benton-Bryant Little RockCleburne County North PulaskiCrawford County Northwest ArkansasCrittenden County Pine Bluff

Eureka Springs-Carroll County SearcyFaulkner County Southeast ArkansasFort Smith TexarkanaHot Springs

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

NAR E-Commerce Network SystemWhy use NAR’s E-Commerce System?

Local Boards in Arkansas who use some portion of E-Commerce:

Benton-Bryant Little RockCleburne County North PulaskiCrawford County Northwest ArkansasCrittenden County Pine Bluff

Eureka Springs-Carroll County SearcyFaulkner County Southeast ArkansasFort Smith TexarkanaHot Springs

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!”

NAR E-Commerce Network SystemWhat is involved in signing up for E-Commerce?

•Requirements:The Association must be a Live POE on the NRDS systemYour bank account accepts ACH credit and debit transactions

•Complete REALTOR® E-Commerce Network Contact Information form and send to Chris DeRosa at NAR.

See handout.

FINANCIAL CORE

STANDARDS

ARKANSAS REALTORS® ASSOCIATION’SHonors & Awards

WHERE TO FIND AWARD INFO ON ARA WEBSITE

All Awards information can be found in two places on the ARA Website A) Under “Honors/Awards” beneath the “About

the ARA” tab on the Menu bar at the top of the website home page

WHERE TO FIND AWARD INFO ON ARA WEBSITE

B) On the document library on the member’s side of the website under “Honors/Awards

SET DUE DATES

Awards for Excellence Submittals must be sent in to ARA by the last Wednesday in

February (February 24th 2016)

REALTOR® of the Year – Given at Convention 1 Applicant’s (from each board) submission form must be turned in

to ARA by August 1st 2015 (August 1st every year – unless changed by committee)

Distinguished Service Award – Given at Convention Submission forms must be turned in to ARA by August 15th 2015

(August 15th every year – unless changed by committee) This award is not given out each year.

L.Wayne Camp Award – Given at Convention The L. Wayne Camp Award recipient is chosen by a committee of

past recipients of the award. There is no application for this award. Nominations are made by the committee.

AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

Members fill out the AFE application produced by the ARA or local board.

Members turn those applications in to LOCAL BOARD. Members must also turn in the $30 application fee. IF check, must be made out to LOCAL BOARD.

Local board or Committee review applications for accuracy.

Local board AE or Committee fill out the AFE Submittal (excel spreadsheet) that is sent out by PR Director. They then email the submittal back to PR Director. MUST BE IN EXCEL SPREADSHEET FORMAT. Not PDF.

Local board sends in 1 check made out to ARA for total amount of applicant fees. It is also helpful to send in a printed version of the excel spreadsheet with the check. Ecommerce is recommended and greatly appreciated.

AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE APPLICATIONFOR MEMBERS TO FILL OUT

AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE SUBMITTALFOR AE’S OR COMMITTEE TO FILL OUT

At the bottom of the excel document, you’ll see two worksheet tabs.One worksheet is for Individual Applicants and the other worksheet is for Team applicants. Please fill out the appropriate worksheet for either Individual Applicants or Team Applicants.

Please do not type in ALL CAPS

REALTOR® OF THE YEAR AWARD

The ARA’s REALTOR® of the Year is chosen by a committee and the award is handed out at the ARA Convention during the ROY Celebration.

Each local board is encouraged to choose & send in 1 applicant that will represent their board.

The Submission form (5 copies & the original) MUST be turned in to ARA by August 1st of each year. Some boards deadlines interfere or do not make their applicants fill

out the submission form. Unfortunately, our dates are set. Any submissions that are received after the deadline will not be considered for the state award, but will be recognized at the celebration.

Digital copies of the applicants photos are requested. These are used during the celebration. Please see the submission form for all requirements of applicants.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

The Distinguished Service Award recipient is selected by a committee that chooses from nominations that are sent in by local boards.

The Committee will not consider nominations that do not meet the following Criteria. Have attained the age of 60 or have at least 25 years service in the Arkansas

REALTORS® Association including leadership positions in the Member Board and the State Association.

Candidates must HAVE CONTRIBUTED outstanding service of the Association – local and state. Especially important will be activities at the state and/or local board in any and all areas of services to the members.  

Have been recognized as a local or regional leader whose performance of service and involvement in political and/or community activities is extraordinary.  

At the time of the Award, have not served as President of the Arkansas REALTORS Association nor has been selected as the state REALTOR of the Year, and currently is an active member of this Association.

Please Note: The Distinguished Service award will not be awarded posthumously.

Nominations must be received by the ARA by August 15th of each year.

L. WAYNE CAMP AWARD

It is to be presented  to the one person who in the opinion of the judges (past recipients) had made outstanding, long-term and  continuing contributions to the ARA volunteerism and fundraising for Arkansas Special Olympics.  

It is awarded under the general rule that the honor seeks the recipient.

The  primary criteria are as follows: Involved in the Special Olympics fundraising efforts on behalf

of ARA Involved with Special Olympics outside ARA, i.e., coaching,

volunteering, etc. Long-term involvement (unlike the ROY award which

recognizes current year activity.) Member in good standing of the Arkansas REALTORS®

Association

ARKANSAS REALTORS® ASSOCIATIONARA Website -- Navigation

ARA’S DOCUMENT LIBRARY

1

2

MEMBER CALENDAR1

2

Use this arrow to select/deselect specific calendars that have been shared with the ARA

REALTOR® INFORMATION CENTER (RIC)WWW.ARKANSASREALTORS.COM/RIC The RIC is where you can register for

meetings/classes/events held by the ARA, view committees, search for members, etc.

Most, if not ALL, ARA meeting/class/event registrations will be on this website.

HOUSING REPORTS AND NEWSLETTERS

We rely on AE’s to help us spread messages to members. You are encouraged to resend things seen on the newsletter to your members.

Sending out statistics on your areas are a way of meeting Mandatory Core Standards (Consumer Outreach – Being the Voice of Real Estate)

AE RESOURCES ON ARA WEBSITE

AE Forum & AE Talk are ways of communication and sharing with other AE’s in the state. The AE Forum has a “Files” tab where you can download/upload important forms, documents, images, etc. to share with each other. ARA Staff also posts often on the forum & AE Talk.To email other AE’s through AE Talk, compose an email to eo-talk@googlegroups.com

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS INFORMATION

EO-TALK@GOOGLEGROUPS.COM

AE’s connect with each other

ARA Staff connects with AE’s

AE’s help relay messages to their members that they receive on EO Talk

LOCAL BOARD WEBSITES SHOULD INCLUDE…

Interactive (hyperlink) links to www.arkansasrealtors.com www.realtor.org

Professional Standards & Arbitration filing processes available (must be available to consumers & members – can find this info on ARA website) Great resource on www.realtor.org for Member

Policy http://www.realtor.org/code-of-ethics/ethics-complaints-arbitration-requests-and-related-information

ARKANSAS REALTORS® ASSOCIATIONMandatory Core Standards – Technology

www.arkansasrealtors.comAnd Your Local Board Website

MANDATORY CORE STANDARDSTECHNOLOGY

Website Every association must have an interactive

website (defined as the ability to move between websites and create active links)

Post access to professional standards and arbitration filing processes on the website

Create a link to the websites of the other levels of the association for promotion of member programs, products and services.

Member Communication Every association must utilize an email and/or

internet based means for member communication.

REALTOR® ASSOCIATION CORE STANDARDSTECHNOLOGY COMPLIANCE GUIDE

Website Definitions of website lingo Best practices Required information for websites Compliance Organization & Reporting

Member Communication requirements Definitions Best practices Compliance Organization & Reporting

ARKANSAS REALTORS® ASSOCIATIONMandatory Core Standards -- Consumer Outreach

CONSUMER OUTREACH

Every Association will demonstrate engagement in not less than four meaningful consumer engagement activities annually, reflected by:

Being the Voice of Real Estate

Community Involvement

Advocacy Efforts

Community Investment

BEING THE VOICE OF REAL ESTATE Promote Market Statistic Promote Market Trends Issue Press Releases on local analysis of NAR

statistics Promote NAR Research – Press release with

interviews of local REALTORS® Press release on analysis of local MLS statistics –

interview local REALTORS® for beginning of the year market predictions or end of the year market summaries

*NOTE: when writing press releases & media articles, REALTOR® is accepted as Realtor® -- ANY OTHER TIME, it should be written as REALTOR®

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Promote the use of a REALTOR® in your community

Participate in community events that will promote the value of the REALTOR® brand After participating in events, write a press

release and distribute to local news outlets. Include pictures, names, etc. Also, add the info to your website

Be sure to include how REALTORS® help the community as well as consumers looking to buy/sell a house.

ADVOCACY EFFORTS

Engaging the public is local legislative efforts Put ad in local newspaper Interview local candidates on legislation

regarding housing industry & your community and write press release for local news outlets

Give out yard signs on how to vote/who to vote for – make sure all efforts are based on REALTOR® Party

COMMUNITY EFFORTS

Organize human resources Participate in Habitat Build Participate in Community Clean-Ups Participate in other local charitable events

Fundraise for charities/community efforts

Participate/Fundraise & then write press releases for local news outlets, add to your website