Being a REALTOR® is more than a title; it’s an investment in your business, your professionalism, and your future. Your annual membership dues cover three levels of association—local (GAAR), state (NMAR), and national (NAR)—each providing tools, services, and support you would otherwise have to purchase on your own.

As the December 31st GAAR Dues deadline nears, let's get into what you get for your membership.

If you added up everything your membership delivers, it would easily total many times the cost of your annual dues.

Here’s what that value looks like in real terms:

The Essentials You’d Pay For Yourself

Without membership, brokers would individually cover expenses like:

• Lockboxes and MLS access to manage listings and showings securely.
• Real estate forms and transaction management tools that keep every deal compliant.
• Legal support and hotline access when you need answers that protect your license.
• Continuing education and professional development to maintain and grow your expertise.
• Market statistics and housing data to guide your clients with confidence.

Through your membership, these essential tools are coordinated and maintained for you, saving both time and significant cost.

Professional Support That Builds Your Business

Your dues also fund the professional backbone that strengthens your reputation and daily work:

• Local advocacy that protects private property rights and your ability to do business.
• Ethics and professional standards ensuring the REALTOR® brand remains trusted and respected.
• Networking and community connections that open doors to referrals, mentorship, and local partnerships.
• Free business events, legal updates, and broker trainings that keep you informed and prepared.

Opportunities You Can’t Buy Alone

As part of a 1.5 million-member national network, your voice joins a powerful nationwide advocacy effort shaping housing policy and safeguarding homeownership. You gain exclusive access to:

• National marketing campaigns that promote the REALTOR® difference to consumers.
• Research, technology, and savings programs that would cost hundreds or thousands individually.
• Discounted certifications, insurance options, and business tools designed specifically for REALTORS®.

The Bottom Line

For less than the cost of one professional development training or a few marketing tools, your membership delivers the equivalent of tens of thousands of dollars in value and collective investment.

Your dues aren’t just a fee; they are your stake in a professional community that equips you to succeed, advocates for your business, and elevates the real estate industry as a whole.

Your membership pays for itself many times over because together, we make REALTORS® stronger.

View the 68 benefits of GAAR membership on the Member Value Hub.