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Bronx-Manhattan North Assoc. of Realtors® 1867 WILLIAMSBRIDGE RD BRONX NY 10461  TEL: 718.892.3000 TEL: 212.242.4343 FAX: 718.892.9181 INFO@BMAR.ORG		Frequently asked questions:       GENERAL Education_&_Seminars     Multiple_Listing_Service MEMBERSHIP     HEALTH INSURANCE_ PROGRAMS Advertising     New_Business_Opportunities Sponsorships     Print Version           GENERAL QUESTION:          What is the Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors®?     ANSWER:             The Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors® is a not-for- profit professional trade association officially representing the real estate industry since 1924 and is the local chapter for the New York State and National Association of Realtors®.   QUESTION:          What’s the difference between a Realtor and a licensed real estate broker or agent?   ANSWER:             The term Realtor is not synonymous for a real estate broker or agent.  Realtor is a distinctive and exclusive designation for the members of the National Association of Realtors® and the local Boards/Associations chartered by The National Association of Realtors®.  Real estate brokers and agents are licensed by the Department of State but they are not Realtors® unless they are members of a local Realtor Board and subscribe to a strict of ethics.   QUESTION:                          When was the organization formally founded?   ANSWER:             The organization was founded in 1924 but there are also records which date back to 1825 with meetings of individuals interested in organizing real estate.   QUESTION:          When did the Board expand its jurisdiction to include Manhattan?   ANSWER:             Manhattan became unassigned territory when the Real Estate Board of New York resigned from the National Association of Realtors® in 1994.  The Bronx Board of Realtors® was granted the territory in December 1996 and formally changed its name to the Bronx-Manhattan Association of Realtors® in October 1997.  In 2001, the organization agreed to share Manhattan in an agreement with the National Association of Realtors® and changed its name again to reflect the change in jurisdiction.   QUESTION:          What is the mission of the Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors®?   ANSWER:             The Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors® strives to sponsor meaningful programs and services which enhance the member’s ability to conduct their business in a competent and ethical manner, to promote cooperation and networking among its members, and to promote the public’s right to use and transfer real estate property.                                       MEMBERSHIP       QUESTION:           Can I join the New York State Association of Realtors® or the National Association of Realtors® directly?   ANSWER:             There is no direct membership to the New York State Association of Realtors® or the National Association of Realtors®.  It is only through a local Realtor Board such as Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors® that membership is available.   QUESTION:          Why should I join the Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors®?                  ANSWER:             The Bronx-Manhattan North Association sponsors a wide range of programs and services to professionals directly or indirectly servicing the real estate industry.  Networking at the many events sponsored by the Board is an excellent means of establishing more business.       QUESTION:          Who belongs to the Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors®?   ANSWER:             The Bronx Manhattan North Association of Realtors® is composed of a broad base of professionals including licensed real estate brokers and agents; multi-dwelling property owners; building service vendors and suppliers; unlicensed property managers; attorneys; appraisers; banks; mortgage companies; fuel service and energy companies; title and abstract companies; insurance companies and insurance brokers; contractors and other companies servicing the real estate industry.   QUESTION:          How do I join the Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors®?   ANSWER:             Fill out an easy application and mail it along with the appropriate payment to the BMAR office.  The membership category is determined by the type of real estate license or type of company of the individual making the application.   QUESTION:                          Are there corporate or company memberships?   ANSWER:             There are only individual type membership available in the Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors®.  However, many individuals represent different corporations.                                                                                                                                                 QUESTION:          How can I get more active in the Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors®?   ANSWER:             Request a committee – choice form and sign up for any of the 26 Standing and Special Committees of the organization.   QUESTION:          What are some of the benefits of membership in the Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors®?   ANSWER:                             Listed in the Official Membership & Referral Directory. The annual Edition is utilized for recommendations and business referrals.   Networking & Sponsorship opportunities: Attend some of the 5 major events to establish new contacts for more  business. Co-sponsorships discounts are available.   Internet based Multiple Listing System: New York Real Estate MLS.com (all MLS listings appear on Realtor.com free of  charge). Improve your real estate office and increase commission income trough MLS and Realtor membership.   New Business Solicitation: Advertise directly to industry professionals 4 publications throughout Greater New York area. Advantage Advertising is available to save 10%-20% off rates.   Annual Real Estate Trade Show provides an excellent opportunity for product and service providers to exhibit and meet hundreds of professionals for more business.   Automatic membership in the New York State &  National Association of Realtors® with more benefits for Realtors® and Associates including authorization to utilize the restricted trademark of the Realtor® logo and other professional designations.   Education Program: qualifying sales brokers plus  continuing education course, GRI Series, and other designation courses.   Free Newsletter Subscription: The Realtor Professional Edge mailed monthly to over 2,000 companies in the Greater NY area. The 16 page newsletter features information on important issues and activates on a local state and national level. Some advertising is available.   Informational Seminars: cutting edge topics for your benefit with excellent speakers.   Free Legal Hotline: save thousands in legal fees  (Realtors® Only)   Ethics and Arbitration Procedures: Save thousands in legal fees   Complete Property Record Service: owner and property information for the Bronx and Manhattan including comparable sales data   Discounts on Lease Forms: standard apartment, store,  management agreements and lead paint Pamphlets   Group Health Insurance Premium Discounts:  Excellent Coverage at competitive rates from nationally recognized insurance companies   QUESTION:                          How can I access property or owner information?   ANSWER:             Realtor and Realtor Associate members can visit the Records Department or telephone for up to 2 requests per day of property or owner information during Record Service hours 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. and 1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. Monday through Friday.   QUESTION:          If I’m not a Realtor or Realtor Associate but I am a member of the Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors® can I access property or owner information?   ANSWER:             Yes.  However, there is an additional charge for Affiliate or Institutional type membership ($750 per year additional).   QUESTION:           Is comparable sales analysis (CMA’s) of real estate properties available?   ANSWER:             Yes.  CMA’s are free for members during Record Service hours.  However, if the request is made for staff to do the search, there is an administrative charge of $5.00 for each request.         Education & Seminars       QUESTION:          What courses are offered by the Bronx-Manhattan North  Association of Realtors®?   ANSWER:             The Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors® sponsors qualifying courses for real estate brokers, salespersons and continuing education courses including GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) programs.   QUESTION:                          I’m not sure when my license expires, how do I find out?   ANSWER:             Call the Department of State Division of Licensing Services at (212) 417-5752 OR (518) 473-2728.  Since the Department of State is the regulatory agency, it’s best to go by their records.   QUESTION:                          When is the next education course scheduled?   ANSWER:             Call the Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors® and the staff will mail you information regarding upcoming courses view the schedule.   QUESTION:          My license is expiring soon and I need to take my continuing education requirement as soon as possible?  Can the Bronx-Manhattan Association of Realtors® help me?   ANSWER:             As a member of Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors®, you can take up to 24 hours of continuing education credit at your own convenience from your home or office directly from the Internet by accessing NYSAR.com or REALTOR.com (Realtor University).                                                                                                                             QUESTION:           Do members get a discount for registering for courses or programs sponsored by Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors®, New York State Association of Realtors® or National Association of Realtors®?   ANSWER:             Yes.  Members are granted discounts and in some cases certain programs may be for members only.   QUESTION:          How many continuing education credits do I need for any license renewal?   ANSWER:              Real estate brokers and salespersons must take 22 ½ hours of continuing education credit for license renewal every 2 years.    QUESTION:           Are there any exceptions to this continuing education requirements?   ANSWER:             Yes.  If a real estate broker or salesperson has been consecutively licensed as a broker and or salesperson for 15 years, they are exempt from the continuing education requirements.   QUESTION:          Do I need to be licensed?   ANSWER:             Generally, Article 12-A of the Real Property Law provides that anyone who, on behalf of another and for a fee, 1) negotiates a sale, exchange or rental of real property, 2) collects rent, or 3) negotiates a commercial loan secured by a mortgage must be licensed as real estate broker, must be licensed as a real estate broker.   QUESTION:          What is the difference between a real estate broker and real estate salesperson?   ANSWER:             A real estate broker is responsible for the supervision and conduct of the real estate brokerage business.  He or she applies for and holds the license on behalf of the brokerage.  This person is known as the “representative broker.”  A real estate salesperson works for and is supervised by the representative broker.  The salesperson acts as the representative broker’s agent.  All listings, although perhaps negotiated by a salesperson, are accepted by the representative broker.   QUESTION:                          How do I become a real estate salesperson or broker?   ANSWER:             In order to qualify for licensure as a real estate salesperson, an applicant must have satisfactorily complete a 45 hour salesperson qualifying education course in real estate approved by the Secretary of State, and have passed a qualifying examination administered by the Department.   In order to qualify for licensure as a real estate broker, an applicant must have at least one year of experience as a licensed real estate salesperson or at least two years of experience in the general real estate field (e.g., buying and selling your own property, managing property owned by your employer), have satisfactorily completed both the qualifying salesperson course of 45 hours and an additional 45 hour real estate broker course as approved by the Secretary of State, and have passed a qualifying examination administered by the Department.   QUESTION:                          Where do I get more detailed information?   ANSWER:             You may access pertinent law and regulations, applications and exam schedules from the D.O.S.  You may also request this or other information by calling a Division of Licensing Services customer service representative at (518) 474-4429 or by writing to: New York State Department of State Division of Licensing Services 84 Holland Avenue Albany, New York 12208-3490 www.dos.state.ny.us       Multiple Listing Service       QUESTION:          Why should my real estate office join the Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors’ ®Multiple Listing Service?   ANSWER:             Some of the benefits of participating in the Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors® Multiple Listing Service are:   Accessing the available listings of many  participating offices and not just my own to close more deals   ¨ All MLS listings are featured on the Internet free of charge and appear on REALTOR.com, NYSAR.com, NYREMLS.com and USAMLS.net/bronx               Uniform forms and Rules & Regulations from the National Association of Realtors® enhances cooperation and speeds the buying and selling process to close more deals.   Expanding the opportunities to sell a listing by adding hundreds of other sales people to assist in closing more deals.   QUESTION:                          How do I join the MLS?   ANSWER:             You need to fill out the MLS Trust Agreement and get it notarized. It is included in the MLS membership package.  The MLS fee for service is $2,400 for the year or $600.00 each quarter for members of BMAR.  Quarterly dues are to be paid in advance.  If you join in the middle of a quarter your dues will be prorated.  All new MLS activations start on the 1st of every month.   QUESTION:          I know there is a way to view the MLS on the Internet, how do I go about doing that?   ANSWER:             Go to www. Realtor.com, NYREMLS.com or USAMLS.net/bronx.  There is a public and member side to the sites.   QUESTION:          If I change my company’s name do I get charged extra for the MLS?   ANSWER:             No, just fax or email the new information in writing and we will make the necessary adjustments in the computer and on your file.   QUESTION:          When I go On-line how will I know how to get into the system and put a listing in?   ANSWER:             The Staff provides free On-Line computer training at the BMAR office from Monday-Thursday between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. You can make your appointment time on the half-hour.   QUESTION:          Can a participating MLS agent up-load their own photographs of MLS listings?   ANSWER:             Yes.  There are specific instructions to upload photographs.   QUESTION:           How many photographs can be featured for each MLS listing on the site?   ANSWER:             For each MLS listing, 40 photographs can be featured   QUESTION:          Can virtual tours be featured for MLS listings?   ANSWER:             Yes.  Virtual tours can be featured for MLS listings.   QUESTION:          What are the new features on the MLS?   ANSWER:             The new features are buyer/seller prospecting, extensive report, broadcast e-mails, custom flyers, calendar/scheduling, financial calculators, integrated mapping, browser based on-line and off-line application, 24 hour on-line support services, Broker & Agent Reports and IDX/VOW Solutions.       HEALTH INSURANCE  PROGRAMS       QUESTION:          Does everyone in my company need to be a member of the Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors®  to receive medical coverage?   ANSWER:             No, but if anyone in your company has a real estate license they must be a member of the Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors® in order to subscribe.   QUESTION:          How are premiums paid?   ANSWER:             The first month is required at the time of application; a $95 enrollment fee is not included with your first month’s payment.                   If you would like more information regarding the Health Insurance please contact the Bronx Manhattan North Association of Realtors® at 718-892-3000 or 212-242-4343.       New Business Opportunities       QUESTION:          What’s the best way to meet members or do business with the members of the Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors®.   ANSWER:             The best way to meet members of the Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors® is to attend some of the many networking events sponsored by the organization.   QUESTION:          What are some of the major events that attract a lot of real estate people and companies active in the industry?   ANSWER:             The Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors® sponsors 4 major networking events that attract up to 900 people.  The events are the Annual Banquet which is a formal Black tie function in April; a Real Estate Golf & Tennis Outing in June at a prominent Westchester Country Club; the Real Estate Trade Show in the fall.       Advertising       QUESTION:          How can I solicit the membership of the Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors®?   ANSWER:             The Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors® publishes 4 publications and companies may purchase advertising in one or all of the publications to solicit the membership of the Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors®.  Three are annual publications and one is monthly with a circulation over 2000 companies in the Greater New York area.  The annual publications include: the Membership & Referral Directory Banquet Journal; and Golf & Tennis Outing Journal.   QUESTION:          Are there any other networking or informational type meetings besides the 5 major events?   ANSWER:              The Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors® also provides the opportunity for companies to co-sponsor Breakfast Seminars, Luncheons or Cocktail Parties.       Sponsorships       QUESTION:          Can my company co-sponsor a seminar or luncheon program for the membership of the Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors®.   ANSWER:             Yes.  Companies that are members of the Bronx-Manhattan North Association can co-sponsor seminars for the membership.  There are specific guidelines regarding co-sponsorship.   QUESTION:          What other types of sponsorships are available through the organization?   ANSWER:             There are many types of sponsorships available for companies interested in additional recognition and exposure to the membership.                     The Sponsorship Opportunities include     Real Estate Trade Show.....................................$7,500 Exclusive Sponsor   Networking Cocktail Party...................................$5,000  Exclusive Sponsor                                                                                         $2,500  Co-Sponsor   Breakfast Seminar/Luncheon............................... $2500 Sponsor (Luncheon)                                                                                         $1250 (Breakfast)                                                                                         $750 Co-Sponsor (Breakfast)   Annual Banquet..............................................$10,000 Dinner Sponsor                                                                                        $5,000 Cocktail Party Sponsor                                                                                        $500 Benefactor                                                                                        $300 Patron                                                                                        $100 Sponsor               Annual Real Estate Golf & Tennis Outing   $3,500 Golf Tournament Sponsor $2,500 Cocktails and Dinner Sponsor $1,500 Tennis Tournament Sponsor  $1,500 Golf Cart Sponsor  $1,750 Trophies & Awards Sponsor  $350 Golf Hole Sponsor  $250 Tennis Court Sponsor $4,000 Event Sponsor $2,500 Luncheon Sponsor $1,500 Caddie Sponsor $1,000 Breakfast Sponsor $750 Hole-In-One Sponsor   Annual Holiday Party   $5,000 Exclusive Sponsor $500 Benefactor    $300 Patron $100 Sponsor     Sponsorship Opportunities Descriptions and additional information   Real Estate Trade Show:     The Exclusive Sponsor is listed in all promotional material.  Over 1,000 attendees and a maximum of 80 exclusive exhibitors are expected in the 4th annual show in 2005.   Networking Cocktail Party:  The Networking Cocktail Parties have been very successful and have been held at elegant settings including the Columbus Club, Penn Club, New York Botanical Gardens, Sylvia’s Restaurant, and Harbor Restaurant.  Attendance ranges from 40 to 100 guests.   Location and dates must be planned at least 3 months in advance.    Breakfast Seminar/Luncheon:  Breakfast Seminars are held bi-monthly at local restaurants. Luncheons are arranged upon request. Attendance ranges from 25 to 100 guests depending on subject topic.    Annual Banquet:  Dinner and Cocktail Party sponsors are listed in all promotional material and formal invitations if the sponsorships are confirmed in advance.  Other contributors are listed on page 1 of the Banquet Journal distributed to guests during the event.  This is a formal “black tie” event that attracts up to 600 professional and distinguished guests.  Within the past few years, previous speakers have included New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani; United States Senator Chuck Schumer;  First Lady and U. S. Senate Candidate Hillary Clinton; New York State Comptroller Carl McCall and others.   Annual Golf & Tennis Outing:   Golf and Tennis Tournament Sponsor and Cocktail and Dinner Sponsors are listed in all promotional material and formal invitations if the sponsorships are confirmed in advance.  Other sponsors and booth exhibitors will be listed in the Program distributed to guests during the evening.   Annual Holiday Party:  The Exclusive Sponsor is listed in all promotional material and formal invitations.  Contributors are listed in the Program and Seating List.  This is one of the largest and most popular December holiday    parties in the metropolitan region.  Over 800 guests attend each year.     For more information, please contact Nunzio Del Greco, RCE, Chief Executive Officer (718) 892-3000, (212) 242-4343 or E-mail: n.delgreco@bmar.org or info@bmar.org		\ Note: Our website is updated regularly. 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