As many of you know, I have moderated a few of the more popular online real estate forums for many years. Although I pretty much just moderate and do not participate on a regular basis, I always come across some interesting threads that just make me scratch my head. On many occasions over the past few years I have witnessed long threads with people griping and moaning about why they have to pay dues to the association, National Association of Realtors.
First, I believe this is simply a cost of doing business and if you can’t afford $500 bucks or whatever it is, you should just get out of the business right now. Second, I believe NAR does a heck of a lot for those dues. To be clear, I believe only part of the dues actually go to the association, the rest goes to State and local associations. I belong to two State associations, 3 local associations as well as the national association and I believe all of my association do way more for me than I pay them.
Now, instead of getting into all of the reasons why the association earns it’s due, I believe there is one single aspect of NAR that is worth the entire amount we pay for all of the associations. And that is the National Association of Realtors Annual convention that is held every November at different locations around the United States. This year the annual real estate convention is being held in Las Vegas November 13th through the 16th. This year NAR has many speakers and entertainment lined up including coach Lou Holtz, Bill Crosby, Seth Godin and James Taylor for a concert just to name a few. In addition they also have many real estate trainers, speakers, etc. doing sessions each day.
In addition to all of the speakers, entertainment and learning they also have my favorite part, The Trade Expo. The trade expo costs I believe $25 and is one of the most amazing trade shows you have ever seen. I could spend 3 days just going through the trade expo.
I have attended the convention every year for the past 10 years and I have to say that I have got enough out of the convention to pay a lifetime of dues to the association. So, if you can, make plans to attend the convention in November. All of the details including hotel information is available at a great website, Realtor.org. (Another benefit of your dues to NAR)
Although I believe just the convention alone is worth our dues to the association, I challenge each and every one of you to actually do some research, attend the convention and make up your own mind whether or not your association dues are worth it, I bet you will be surprised at the services and resources at your disposal.
Before I conclude this post, I would like to invite anyone who would like to meet up with me for drinks during the convention to send me an e-mail personally to: brian@toolboxu.com and I will make arrangements for us all to meet!
