1) About 200 new members of the National Association of Realtors from various real estate organizations in Cebu and recent real estate exam passers were pinned in the first Visayas Pinning Ceremonies. 2) The event's organizer said this ceremony marks a historic moment that will pave the way for unified standards and ethics for real estate professionals in Visayas and nationwide. 3) Membership in the NAR provides benefits like access to research, a global network of realtors to assist with international transactions, and use of the REALTOR brand to boost credibility with clients.

1. Realtors with an "R"
TRADE FORUM By Chris Malazarte
(The Freeman) Updated June 18, 2011
It was two Sundays ago that I got the privilege to witness the First Visayas Pinning Ceremonies of the new
members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). About 200 new members coming from various real estate
organizations in Cebu as well as the recent passers of the real estate licensure exam came and proudly clipped on
their lapel their “block R” pins. I was also surprised to see Mr. Jun Garing, the country’s real estate mentor and
author of various effective real estate selling, who chose to be pinned here in Cebu than in Manila.
Tonton Leuterio, one of the convenors of the event said that “This is not only the first ever, this is a history in the
making for the real estate industry in the Visayas.”
The reason being, this would eventually pave the way for a unified standards and code of ethics for people
engaged in real estate not only in this part of the country but also nationwide. The vision also is to empower and
level up the real estate practice by enriching everyone in the industry with the knowledge and tools to become
more effective and productive real estate professionals. The event was attended by NAR presidential liaison to the
Philippines, Asuncion “Shonee” Henry and president of the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders' Association
(Creba), Charlie Gorayeb, and his executive officers.
NAR, by the way, is the largest aggrupation of real estate brokers in the United States and if I’m not mistaken, also
the largest international organization of those who are engaged in real estate practice (brokers, developers,
appraisers, property counselors, etc.). And thru the efforts of Creba, the Creba-NAR Global Real Estate Council was
formed to bring to the Philippines the same perks enjoyed by NAR members around the world such as professional
development, research and information exchange and best of all the vast network the organization has to offer to
enable or assist a realtor in need for off-country transactions.
Thus, being a NAR member, a broker or any real estate professional for that matter can do business anywhere in
the world where NAR chapters are present. These means, a broker, for example, can collaborate with another NAR
in the US say if there’s a Filipino immigrant who intends to purchase a property in the US or vice versa.
NAR members get to enjoy free access, too, to researches and case studies thru www.realtor.org ’s website. Here
you will find a digital library of real estate resources ranging from legislation to construction to marketing to
property appraising and so on.
More than just the network, NAR members bring with them the brand, the prestige and integrity of the
organization enabling them to be worthy of the trust of buyers, developers and colleagues in the business.
Members get to enjoy the use of the REALTOR® mark which does not only represent his affiliation but allows him
to use the same mark as a marketing tool which he can display in his flyers, business card, and other marketing
materials – boosting buyer confidence and perception that they are dealing with a professional and responsible
property representative.
After signing up as a member, a member’s contact information is also listed in the website’s directory and can be
searched by buyers and professionals who may want to get your services in the future. NAR members receive
discounts on NAR products and services – from books to travel and special member rates during NAR conferences.
To be a member of the NAR is fairly easy for as long as you’re a broker or someone who does business in the
property sector you may want to sign with the NAR and subscribe to their Code of Ethics. Again thanks to Creba,
thru the personal efforts of its president Charlie Gorayeb, the membership dues have been discounted for the first
1000 sign ups at $60 instead of $120.
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