Bringing new members into GAAR to learn, connect and discover the resources available throughout their careers

For the past three years, GAAR’s New Member Orientation has been held virtually. This month, we welcomed new members back into the REALTOR® Building for an updated, in-person experience designed to do more than cover the basics of membership.

The goal is to give new members a stronger start by connecting them not only with the information they need, but also with the people, resources and physical space available to support their business.

More Than an Orientation

GAAR departments spent several months reviewing and curating the New Member Orientation curriculum with one question in mind: What do members need to know right now to get started successfully?

The refreshed orientation brings together information from across GAAR and Southwest MLS, giving new members a clearer picture of how the different pieces of their membership work together.

Topics include membership and education requirements, GAAR and SWMLS benefits, Professional Standards, advocacy and RPAC, committees, Affiliate and Benefit Partners, the REALTOR® trademark, member communications and the many tools and resources available through membership.

Rather than simply introducing members to a long list of programs, the orientation is intended to answer the questions new brokers are likely to encounter as they begin navigating the industry.

Getting to Know the REALTOR® Building

Bringing orientation back in person also gives new members an opportunity to become familiar with the REALTOR® Building itself.

Each orientation includes a tour of the building by members of the GAAR Ambassador Program (GAP Committee), helping members learn where to go when they need assistance and introducing them to a space that can become a valuable extension of their own office.

GAAR is more than a place to stop by when paperwork is due. Members can use the building as a resource throughout their careers, whether they are attending education, participating in a committee, meeting with colleagues or clients, getting help with a membership or MLS question, or simply needing another professional space to work.

The hope is that new members leave orientation knowing, quite literally, that GAAR's door is open.

Introducing the Gold Level Guide

New members are also leaving orientation with something new in hand: the Gold Level Guide.

The reference folder brings together key GAAR and SWMLS handouts, guides and resources in one place so members do not have to remember everything they hear during a three-hour orientation. The folder is designed to serve as a quick reference for education, technology, Professional Standards, advocacy, member services and membership tools.

Inside, members will find information covering REALTOR® requirements, GAAR and SWMLS member value, Multiple Listing Options for Sellers, the Member Portal, MLS products and technology, Professional Standards, RPAC, committees, bilingual resources, Affiliate partners and more.

Think of it as the orientation version of, “I know they talked about this somewhere.” Instead of searching through old emails or trying to remember which website had the answer, members have a starting point at their fingertips.

Starting Membership With a Stronger Connection

New Member Orientation is one of the first experiences a new REALTOR® has with their local Association. Bringing that experience back into the REALTOR® Building gives GAAR an opportunity to make that introduction more personal, practical and connected.

Members can meet the staff who will support them, better understand how GAAR and SWMLS work together, discover resources they may not have known were available and begin building connections within their professional community.

Most importantly, orientation is only the beginning. The REALTOR® Building, GAAR staff and the resources introduced during NMO remain available long after that first visit.

The goal is simple: help new members start informed, feel connected and know where to turn as they grow their business.