NOMAR Member Benefits

The purpose of the New Orleans Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® is to unite those persons engaged in the recognized branches of the real estate profession. This unity results in a wide range of benefits to members. Some of these benefits are tangible and well known to all the members, while others are not so well known and understood.

Multiple Listing Service

On a day-to-day basis, the most visible of all member benefits
is access to the indispensable MLS system.

The Gulf South Real Estate Information Network, Inc. or GSREIN provides more than 4,000 MLS participants and subscribers a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service available at an economical cost. The system is powerful, yet user-friendly and allows members to quickly and easily access property information and generate reports. Three on-site staff members from Interrealty Corporation are available to answer questions and teach regularly scheduled classes on MLS operation.

Promotion of REALTOR® Services and Image

Another role of NOMAR along with the national and state associations with which we are affiliated is to provide a framework for the promotion of REALTOR® services. The goal is to assure the general public that by engaging the services of a REALTOR® member, he or she can be assured of receiving ethical, professional advice on real estate transactions.

The first part of that framework consists of  structured educational programs.  NOMAR encourages members to regularly attend classes and seminars designed to keep them up to date on legislation, code of conduct and other issues important to offering clients top-flight service. Further, membership in the association enables members to achieve nationally known and respected designations such as GRI, CCIM and CRS among others.

Second, Association members are held to a standard of conduct beyond that of nonmember real estate agents. In fact, the original Association was founded by a group of real estate agents who felt there were too many unethical land traders in the business. A Code of Ethics was adopted, and all persons who wished to join the trade association agreed to abide by this code. If a REALTOR® is accused of violating one of the Articles of the Code and a complaint is filed, she or he must appear before a panel of knowledgeable peers and justify the action. This process guarantees that both the general public and REALTOR® members receive due process.

Unlike nonmember real estate agents, NOMAR members have the right to designate themselves a REALTOR® and use that registered trademark in advertising and promotion of services. That alone is a significant benefit.

Education Services

The New Orleans Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® offers a wide array of professional development opportunities to members. By attending available courses, workshops, seminars and conventions, members learn sale techniques, technology, personal development and many other career development skills. The Association provides more than 150 hours of Continuing Education Classes each year.

Through participation in NOMAR's continuing education program, members can achieve special and highly prestigious designations.

Membership in Institutes, Societies and Councils

Whatever a member's real estate specialty, there is a Society, Institute, or Council to aid in perfecting those skills.

• Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) is for members interested in property management. The available designations are: "CPM", "AMO", and "ARM".
• Councilors of Real Estate (CRE) is for members who are recognized problem solvers and provide counseling services including asset and portfolio management, debt restructuring, best use of land studies and economic and market analyses.
• Commercial Investment Real Estate Institute (CIREI) whose function is to enhance the professional development of those engaged in commercial-investment real estate. The designation is "CCIM".
• REALTOR® Land Institute (RLI) brings together real estate professionals interested in improving their professional knowledge  in activities related to land, including land brokerage, agribusiness and land management. The REALTOR® Land Institute has joined forces with Texas A&M University to offer the only university program for the professional who deals in land. The designation earned is "ALC".
• REALTOR® National Marketing Institute (RNMI) promotes professional development in real estate sales, brokerage and management through training programs. Designations include "GRI", "CRB" and "CRS".
• Society of Industrial and Office REALTOR® (SIOR) offers assistance in a variety of commercial real estate activities including the marketing of industrial and office properties. The designation earned is "SIOR".
• Women's Council of REALTOR® (WCR) provides an extensive referral network and education programs for personal and career growth. Designations are "LTG" and "RRC".
• International Real Estate provides a specialized course of study for real estate practitioners who have an interest in international real estate. The designation earned is "CIPS".

These designations are well known nationwide. Achieving these special recognitions will do nothing but enhance the career of anyone involved in the real estate business. 

Communication and Information

Another key benefit of membership in the New Orleans Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® is enhanced communication within the local area and across the country. First, through general membership meetings, conventions and seminars, networking opportunities abound. The contacts made with members from across the state and nation can prove invaluable in referral work.

Second, by offering Affiliate Memberships, the Association encourages effective communication and working relationships with allied industries such as title companies, home serve firms and mortgage companies among others.

NOMAR has a Marquee Sign in front of its building on the I-10 Service Road. This sign has great visibility with very high Interstate traffic exposure. NOMAR continuously promotes the REALTOR® image, Fair Housing, Home Ownership, and current real estate related events on the sign. The sign also provides NOMAR Affiliate Members the opportunity to purchase advertising time on the sign.

Further, NOMAR publishes a newsletter each month. This publication contains valuable information to assist in several phases of your profession, including technology, sales techniques, legislative issues and a host of other topics.

More information is available in a library of reference material consisting of books and video and cassette tapes available from the Metairie facility.

Of special importance to members is communication of governmental issues that affect professional REALTORS®. In this function, membership in a united Association is key.

Governmental Affairs

It has been said, "If real estate is your profession, then politics is your business." For a REALTOR®, no truer words have been spoken.

Through lobbying efforts and monitoring of local, state and national governments, the Association helps protect members' rights and interests. Members' opinions and stands on environmental issues, energy conservation, financing, building codes and all other important legislative matters are heard loud and clear by lawmakers. Vigilance in Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines and St.Bernard Parishes as well as in Baton Rouge and Washington, DC help keep dollars in members' pockets. Indeed, the National Association of REALTORS® is one of the most powerful lobbyists in the country. That power directly aids every REALTOR® member in the country.

A primary area of our Governmental Affairs program is the Political Survival Fund. Each member is asked to give a fair share to this fund which supports political candidates who support the real estate industry and share the Association's concerns for private property ownership rights.

Obviously, members of NOMAR have much to gain from our wider affiliations.

Membership in State and National Associations

Members of NOMAR are automatically members of the Louisiana REALTORS® Association (LRA) and the National Association of REALTORS®. Like NOMAR, these Associations promote and uphold the standards and prestige of the use of the term REALTOR®. As a result, the designation 'REALTOR®' holds statewide and nationwide recognition.

Further, the national and state associations coordinate educational opportunities, mandate standards of conduct, compile and distribute valuable data concerning real estate and offer valuable networking opportunities to members.

Most important is the prodigious legislative muscle these organizations provide. Professional lobbyists and legislative experts in Baton Rouge and Washington are working full time to protect member interests as well as preserve the rights of property ownership in the interest of the public welfare.

Every one of the more than 750,000 REALTORS® across the nation has access to a wealth of information, education, resources and governmental clout.

Legal and Regulatory Info

The Louisiana Real Estate Association offers extensive Legal and Regulatory information. To access this information you will need your NRDS Identification number and your Social Security Number.

REALTOR® Store

The New Orleans Metropolitan Board of REALTORS® maintains a REALTOR® Store which serves two purposes. First, merchandise such as lockboxes/keypads, marketing tools and contracts are available to members at a very economical price. More than that, the small profit on these items provides the Association with income which aids in keeping annual dues at a minimal level.

The Bottom Line

Your New Orleans Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® unites local real estate agents and brokers and affiliates into an organization that achieves more than the sum of its parts. Some member services are highly visible and used constantly such as MLS, lock boxes and continuing education. Other services are going on behind the scenes but are equally important. Examples are attention to and direction of governmental affairs; maintaining the framework that makes the REALTOR® designation hold nationwide prestige; and defining and enforcing the Code of Conduct that protects members as well as the public.

Your organization and its services to you and your profession are only as strong as member participation allows. Committee and Board participation are great ways to serve. So, please take a moment to view some information on the structure of NOMAR. Perhaps, you will find it rewarding to serve.