Non-member MLS Access
Press Release: Update from Phoenix REALTORS® Regarding MLS Choice
Your Business. Your Choice.
We're proud to provide Non-member MLS Access, an alternative offering for our brokers to consider.
Brokers can make the choice to give their agents a choice.
Real estate professionals need different levels of support to succeed.
To that end, we have updated what was previously our MLS Only option to adapt to the new ways brokers may want to do business.
Brokers are able to offer their agents the opportunity to access both the MLS and MLS-related professional tools.
We believe that the real estate landscape is evolving, and we want to continue to evolve with it.
|
Non-member MLS Access is not REALTOR® membership, which means: • You are not a REALTOR® |
The use of the membership term “REALTOR®” and its logo are for sole use of REALTOR® members of the REALTOR® association.
If you have Non-member MLS Access, you are prohibited from the use of the term “REALTOR®”, and its designations and logos in every way,
including use on all business cards, signs, certificates, letterhead and promotional materials.
All agents with Non-member MLS Access adhere to the ARMLS Subscriber Agreement and its Rules and Regulations.
FAQ for Brokers
We encourage you to educate yourself about Non-member MLS Access to determine if it's the right fit for you and the agents in your office.
Below are some frequently asked questions to help inform you, but feel free to reach out to our team if you have other questions.
Phone: 602-288-0224 | Email: [email protected]
History of Non-member MLS Access
NAR changed its mandatory MLS policy at the 1994 NAR Mid Year Meetings to eliminate the requirement that participants in REALTOR®-association MLSs must be REALTOR® association members. As a result each MLS may determine for itself whether non-members will or will not be permitted to participate in the MLS.
Source: NAR 2023 Frequently Asked Questions
ARMLS has allowed for non-member participants since the time of the policy change. Same with Phoenix REALTORS®.
Is Non-member MLS Access the Same as Being a REALTOR®?
No. Real estate professionals who have Non-member MLS Access may not call themselves “REALTORS®” nor do they have access to the full suite of member benefits provided by the local, state and national associations.
Can I Offer Both Non-member MLS Access and REALTOR® Membership in My Brokerage?
According to NAR:
In some instances REALTORS® have tried to minimize the membership dues that would be otherwise payable by starting a second real estate brokerage company. These second companies are often comprised of licensees who choose not to assume the responsibilities of REALTOR® membership. Where no REALTOR® principal in the first firm is a principal in the second firm, the principals of the second firm are not subject to paying dues, or to any other membership duties since they are not REALTORS®. In cases where a REALTOR® is a principal in both firms, the REALTOR® principal is subject to the size formula dues with respect to all of the licensees in both firms.
Under NAR policy, a “principal” includes sole proprietors, partners in partnerships, officers and majority shareholders in corporations, and office and branch managers acting on behalf of a principal(s). NAR policy also requires that all principals in a firm hold membership if any one principal does. This policy recognizes that all of the leaders of the firm must be committed to the Code of Ethics, to professionalism, and the objectives of the REALTOR® organization generally, and acknowledges their responsibility and accountability to how their firm is operated.
In some cases the names of the second firm will be similar, or nearly identical, to the name of the REALTOR®’s firm. The two firms may share a common address or office space. Such factors, while potentially confusing, are not determinative of whether the licensees in the second firm are subject to inclusion in the dues payable. The determining factor is whether any of the principals in one firm are also principals in the second firm.
Source - NAR Guidance on Establishing Second Firms
What Forms Do Non-member MLS Access Agents Use?
We have developed a set of forms that are fully compliant with state laws. These forms will be available to those with Non-member MLS Access in a user-friendly system, and free training will be provided so they can easily navigate it. Our team is also always available to help when you need it.
What Professional Tools are Available to Those with Non-Member MLS Access?
Along with ARMLS access and legal forms, those with Non-member MLS Access will be able to utilize other MLS-related professional tools.
What Does Non-member MLS Access Cost?
Non-member MLS Access is offered at $249/year + ARMLS fees per agent.
Non-member MLS Access
If Non-member MLS Access works best for the agents in your office, you can complete the below agreement form to get started.