MAAR welcomes you, a new business partner, to the REALTOR® association. We offer you connections to many resources that will help you get started. Once registered, your new member welcome kit with CD will answer many of your questions. In our Orientation program we offer instructor-led presentation with video, outlining association resources. Here, we offer connections to many Frequently Asked Questions that new members inquire about...
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Q. I just got my real estate license and my broker told me to call you. Now what do I have to do?
A. Complete your application to MAAR. You may mail, fax or bring your completed application, along with a copy of your real estate license to the MAAR office. Our Membership team will help you get started as a MAAR member and will schedule you into the next available orientation program.
Q. Do I need a copy of my real estate license in order to join?
A. Yes, we will need your real estate license in order to complete your application for membership. If you do not have a copy of your license number, you can get it from your broker or The Department of Commerce.
Q. What if I am transferring from another association?
A. Complete a membership application and fax, mail or bring your completed application, along with a copy of your real estate license to the MAAR office. If your current annual dues have been paid, there will be no fee to transfer. If you are using the Supra Keybox System, please complete the Supra Transfer form.
Q. I do not have my real estate license; can I be a MAAR member?
A. Yes, affiliate memberships are available. As stated in the MAAR bylaws, Section 4(membership) 5b, there are five categories of membership. These include: REALTOR® Members, Institute Affiliate Members, Affiliate members, Senior Members and Support Affiliate Members. Affiliate members are typically home inspectors, mortgage brokers, title companies, home stagers, etc.
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Q. How much does it cost to join?
A. That depends on your membership category. Membership dues are set annually by the Local, State and National boards, and so are subject to change each year. Click for complete 2008 fee schedule. A yearly full membership is currently $360. This can be paid by cash, check or credit card.
Q. When are membership dues due?
A. Dues are paid at time of application. First year dues amount depends upon the month of application as dues are prorated monthly. Annual membership renewal is billed and mailed around November 1st of each year to the broker office address on record. Annual dues must be received by the first Tuesday of December to avoid incurring a late fee. Membership dues may change at the discretion of the association's needs.
Q. Why do I have to pay dues if I am already paying a fee to my broker?
A. The fees assessed to you through your broker may include your MLS service, marketing, technology and other office related expenses. These fees are separate from association dues. Please contact your broker for a full description of their charges.
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Q. What is included in my membership?
A. Memberships to MAAR (Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS®), MNAR (Minnesota Association of REALTORS®) and NAR (National Association of REALTORS®) are included in your membership.
Q. Why do I have to pay dues to three REALTOR® associations?
A. MAAR operates at the local level, MNAR at the state level, and NAR on the national level. The associations work together to create an organized real estate market. You will learn more and understand about association involvement in our Orientation program.
Q. What do the REALTOR® associations do?
A. MAAR works in conjunction with the national and state associations in the areas of:
- Research and information services
- Technology support services
- Professional development programs
- Governmental and regulatory affairs
- Multiple listing services
- Community volunteer programming
- Professional standards (ethics and arbitration)
- Legal and risk reduction
Q. What types of services does MAAR provide agents? What's in it for me?
A. Through MAAR, an agent has access to many product, services and benefits, many at discounted prices. We help connect REALTORS® to resources that enhance member productivity, profitability and professionalism. MAAR concentrates on:
- Build, support and promote an organized real estate market
- Support and promote private property ownership
- Foster, support and promote a vibrant real estate market
- Advocate REALTOR® friendly governmental and regulatory policy
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Q. What is covered in Orientation?
A. Orientation day agenda includes learning about MAAR leadership and initiatives. We explore what Member Services and Knowledge Services provide for REALTORS®. Realtor Safety and MLS Rules and Regulations are covered along with learning of other REALTOR® benefits. You will meet MAAR staff and understand the role of MAAR as a business partner in your work, and how your dues are spent.
Q. Do I have to attend MAAR orientation? Why?
A. Yes. MAAR is in the business of helping REALTORS® connect to resources, tools, research and other REALTORS®. Orientation teaches new members how to access the REALTOR® resources through the association and understands MAAR operating policies and procedures. Only upon completion of Orientation and The Code of Ethics training are you a member of the association, and able to call yourself a "REALTOR®."
Q. When are the next Orientation dates?
A. Refer to the orientation calendar. MAAR offers Orientation several times each month to easily accommodate all new members. All members must complete Orientation within 90 days of submitting their application.
Q. What if I don't go to Orientation or No-Show?
A. At MAAR we accept cancellations/reschedules up until the time class starts on Orientation day, at no charge. However, if you fail to cancel your class, we charge a $25.00 rescheduling fee to create another space for you. Per the MAAR bylaws(article 5, section 3, paragraph B), applicants are a real estate licensee but not a REALTOR® until new member requirements are fulfilled, including orientation.
Q. Does orientation cover our Agency and/or Fair Housing requirements?
A. No. The online or instructor-led ethics course will cover your ethics requirement only.
Q. How can I complete the required ethics portion of new member orientation?
A. We offer 2 choices for completing your Ethics training. You may participate in instructor-led training at MAAR immediately following orientation or complete your training online. Indicate which option you wish to complete when you submit your membership application.
Q. How do I know how many credits I get for orientation?
A. You will receive a credit sheet at the end of the orientation training for 2 CE credits for the class and 2.5 credits for ethics. This credit sheet is important as it contains the information you need to turn into your broker for your licensing renewal. The credit sheet for orientation and other MAAR classes contains the following information: Class name, date, number of education credits and the Minnesota Department of Commerce number.
Q. Do I need to attend orientation before I get access to MLS or electronic keyboxes?
A. As long as you apply for membership and pay membership dues, MLS fees and Supra Key fees, access will begin immediately for the Supra Keys and on the next business day for MLS. Once you attend orientation, you will have member only access to MNAR (state) and NAR (national) websites using their NRDS ID and password.
Q. Why don't I have access to Minnesota's forms website before Orientation?
A. If you have not attended an Orientation program, you are technically a pending member. You will have full privileges once your new member orientation and ethics requirement is fulfilled.
Q. Why do I have to schedule my orientation date so far out? Isn't there anything sooner?
A. The training room at MAAR accommodates 54 people. When our Orientations are filled to capacity we make every attempt to schedule you into the next available program.
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Q. Do I get MLS access with Membership? When does it begin?
A. Yes, if your broker has an MLS account at MAAR. MLS access is an additional fee billed quarterly to your broker. After your application is processed, you should be able to access NorthstarMLS on the next business day. The system updates all new members into the system overnight.
Q. What type of computer do I need to run the MLS system? What about software?
A. Any computer that can run Internet Explorer (IE) version 5.5 or above with version 7 is recommended. All MLS software is browser based. The new Matrix software also runs on Mac.
Q. What's the difference between Multiple Listing Services provided by MAAR versus those offered through Regional MLS?
A. There is no difference they are one in the same. MAAR administers the membership, training, and logon functions for member access to NorthstarMLS for the RMLS.
Q. How do I access Northstar MLS?
A. You will receive your NorthstarMLS User ID and initial password when you join MAAR. We recommend that you change your password after your first login by clicking on the Home Base link on www.northstarmls.com. Enter the same User ID and password that you use for NorthstarMLS Matrix. In Home Base, click on Change Password (left side menu under User Settings) and follow the directions. There will be up to a 15-minute delay from the time you change your password in Home Base until it is activated on Matrix. The system will require you to change your password every 90 days.
Q. What if I forget my NorthstarMLS password or it has expired?
A. If you forget your password or if your password has expired, go to the Home Base link on www.northstarmls.com. Click on "Lost User ID or Password?" and follow the directions. You must enter the exact email address that is currently stored in the NorthstarMLS database. If you need more information you can contact either the NorthstarMLS Helpdesk (651.251.5456, mlshelp@northstarmls.com) or MAAR Member Services (952.933.9010, info@mplsrealtor.com) during normal business hours. Need to change/update your email address? Please send an email from your new address to info@mplsrealtor.com and include your full name and User ID. Email address updates can only be done during normal business hours.
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Q. Does MAAR require us to have 30 hours of education?
A. No. That is a requirement of the Department of Commerce (DOC). They require 30 credits by the next renewal date as stated on your license. You can access the Minnesota Department of Commerce website to view/print this information.
Q. What is my login and password to get into Internet Member Services (IMS) at www.mplsrealtor.com?
A. Member # (this is not the NRDS #) and first 8 characters of last name the first time you login. Then you will have a chance to change your password.
Q. Where do I find the online courses?
A. Click on the course calendar on our home page or the Education section.
Q. When does my license expire?
A. Your license expiration date is printed on your real estate license. Your real estate license is sent directly to your broker from the Minnesota Department of Commerce. You should contact your broker for a "copy" of your license. Please address any licensing questions to either your broker or the MN Department of Commerce.
Q. Can I get my mail sent to my home address?
A. All newsletters and other correspondence from the association go to your preferred address. All billings, such as membership dues, MLS statements and Super Key invoices are mailed to your broker office mailing address.
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Q. Why is NAR mandating this training?
A. It's called the "Three Way Agreement," and links the local, state and national associations together through the adoption of interlocking bylaws sections. Under it, NAR adopts the Code and sets the requirements for you to hold REALTOR® membership. Your basic membership dues are to "abide by the Code of Ethics," "agree to arbitrate business disputes," and "pay your dues." In addition, completing the mandatory NAR Quadrennial Ethics refresher course has been added.
Q. What are the reasons for implementing the code of ethics training?
A. 1.) The industry is changing fast and the Code is continually updated to reflect new business models and new client relationships. It is a duty and obligation REALTORS® owe their clients, customers and other REALTORS® to know these codes. A vast majority of the complaints reviewed by the Professional Standards Committee are ethical violations and the consequences imposed with the infractions are a range of penalties including fines in amounts up to $5,000.
2.) Adherence to the Code of Ethics is the critical difference between you and the non-REALTOR® licensees in Minnesota. It is the strongest selling point for using a REALTOR®. Keeping up to date with the Code is part of your commitment as a real estate professional and REALTOR®.
3.) What if an agent does not know if they have met the requirement?
Members can verify they have taken an ethics class from MAAR by accessing MAAR's website.
Click on Internet Member Services (IMS) and follow the directions to enter the password protected site. Once in the IMS site, scroll down to Education, click Education History and Tracking, click Classes You Have Taken.
New Agents: Any agent who has joined MAAR since January 1, 2001 has completed the quadrennial ethics 1 course as a part of their orientation process. Agents can verify completion by using the IMS process described above.
Transferring Agents: Any REALTOR® transferring to MAAR from another Board/Association, who has completed the current Quadrennial Ethics training requirement shall not be required to complete any additional ethics training for that quadrennial if the REALTOR® can provide satisfactory documentation of completion.
Completing the MAAR Affidavit of Compliance will meet this requirement. This form is available in the Education section on our website.
Q. What if an agent has not yet met the Quadrennial requirement?
A. There are a number of ways agents can still meet the deadline.
1.) Receive 3.0 education credits from MAAR by taking NAR's online ethics class at www.realtor.org. Click Code of Ethics Training. Next, click Quadrennial Code of Ethics Training.
Once the agent successfully completes the ethics course, they will receive an email confirmation of completion from NAR. The agent must forward the NAR completion email to deloresd@mplsrealtor.com. Upon receipt, MAAR will send the agent a certificate for 3.0 hours of education.
2.) MAAR provides several instructor-led ethics training classes. View the calendar schedule.
More information regarding the NAR Quadrennial Ethics can be found at www.realtor.org.
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Q. Will the electronic KeyBox fit on all doors?
A. Of the two million homes across North America with electronic KeyBoxes, less than 5% of them have door frames that are too narrow for the storm door to close with the electronic KeyBox on. In almost all cases, the KeyBox is narrower than the doorknob. Unlike the combination KeyBox, the electronic KeyBox was designed to be exposed to the elements. As a result, electronic KeyBoxes can also be found on railings, garage door handles, gas meters and water bibs.
Q. How will the KeyBox hold up in cold weather?
A. Electronic KeyBoxes have half of 1% failure rate. This compares to a failure rate of 3% for combination KeyBoxes. The KeyBoxes are used successfully in Fargo-Moorhead, Brainerd Lakes, Rochester, Alexandria and southern Minnesota.
Q. How often do I have to change the batteries?
A. The lithium battery in the Supra iBox cannot be recharged or replaced. The expected life is approximately 6 years. If your iBox has a low charge (5-10%), you can bring the box to the association and we will replace it.
The battery in the Supra DisplayKEY can be recharged by letting it sit in the cradle for a few hours. If you are unsure of the battery status of your Supra DisplayKEY, check it buy turning the key on (ENTER) and scrolling down with the LEFT GREEN ARROW BUTTON until you see BATTERY STATUS on the screen. Hit ENTER again and the percent of battery power remaining will be displayed.
Q. How much does the system cost?
A. See fee table. The annual fee is prorated on the 17th day of every month. In other words, if you start a key lease in November, you will pay whatever is left on the lease to take you through to the following July.
If you have an eKEY (aka: the software on your wireless phone/PDA device) you are billed monthly ($18.95 + tax for BASIC service or $24.95 + tax for PROFESSIONAL service).
iBoxes are for purchase only (no lease available) at $89.95 + tax.
Q. What is my PIN code?
A. Call the MAAR office at 952.933.9010 for assistance.
Q. What if I get out of real estate? Can I break this lease?
A. You may terminate the lease at any time and for any reason. In the Keyholder Lease Agreement, this is referred to under number 11 Termination. To terminate the lease, simply return your Supra DisplayKEY and Supra Cradle (with cords) to the Association office. You will not receive a refund for the remainder of the lease. You will be released from the contract immediately upon termination.
Q. Do I need to update my eKEY every day?
A. The DisplayKEY does not have to be updated every night. There are 3 different ways to update your DisplayKEY.
1.) To update the KEY automatically, place it in the cradle sometime before midnight. It will update at its assigned time between 12am-6am. For those who have the USB cradle (that plugs into your USB port on your computer) you need to leave the computer on over night for this to occur.
2.) You can update the KEY anytime you want to on a cradle (You can use ANY functioning cradle, does not have to be your cradle). This forced update is called a MANUAL ESYNC. To do this, hit ENTER on your KEY, scroll down to the screen that says MANUAL ESYNC. Hit ENTER again and the screen will display PLACE KEY IN CRADLE. Do just that and the KEY should be updated in 30 seconds or under one minute.
3.) You may call the KIM VOICE # located on the back of your DisplayKEY or on p. 30 of the eKEY user's manual.
Q. What if I lose my SuperKey keypad?
A. Notify MAAR immediately. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to $1,000.00. The association will deactivate your old DisplayKEY and issue you a new one. There is a $159.98 fee (includes tax) to replace your lost DisplayKEY. This fee is payable by credit card or check. If you find your lost DisplayKEY, return it to the office and Supra will refund you 100% if it is returned within 30 days from the date the DisplayKEY was replaced). Anytime after 30 days, you will be refunded 100% MINUS a $30 restocking fee.
Q. How do I know who visited my listings?
A. There are 2 ways to view an activity report to show who has successfully gained access to one of your iBoxes.
1.) Go to the box and read it with your DisplayKEY or eKEY. Hit ENTER to turn the KEY on, scroll down to READ KEYBOX, hit ENTER, then hit 2 for NEW READ. Next, you will need to enter your shackle code. Hit ENTER again and point the KEY at the sensor on your iBox. It will beep for awhile. Wait for 4 rapid beeps to indicate that it was read successfully. Now go back to the READ KEYBOX menu on your KEY and hit ENTER. Select 1 for VIEW LAST READ. You can also call KIM to get a faxed report.
2.) View showing activity on KIMWEB. Go to www.supraekey.com and login to KIM. You will see a "view showing activity" link. If you registered your iBoxes on KIM (which you are required to do) you will see activity for each iBox listed.
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