Join

You are invited to become a part of a proud and successful tradition of real estate professionals, who in 1921, chartered the Capital Area REALTORS® (CAR) following guidelines set in 1908, by the founding organization, the National Association of Real Estate Exchanges..."For the support and benefit of its members and the community at large." Today, the Capital Area REALTORS® includes over 700 members.

Of great importance, the term REALTORS® is not a synonym for "real estate managing broker" or "broker" but rather a registered trademark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and bound by its strict Code of Ethics.

As a member of the Capital Area REALTORS® you will automatically become affiliated with the Illinois REALTORS® (IR) and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) - the largest professional trade association in the world with over one million members! Throughout this collective membership, we are the Voice for Real Estate promoting the private ownership of real property and the free enterprise system.

The REALTOR® association is hard at work on projects and programs to benefit its members in their daily practice. The mission of the Capital Area REALTORS® is to “help its members maintain the highest standards of professionalism and achieve the highest levels of success.” Read on to find out more.

Your membership in CAR gives you access to valuable tools and services that will make your career successful and enjoyable. CAR uses the combined power of its members to provide services and support that meet your needs and keep your business productive.

As a member you will have the opportunity to prosper personally and professionally -- opening the door to your success in real estate. Once again, please accept this invitation to become a part of the proud and successful tradition of real estate professionals...the Capital Area REALTORS®

Licensed Real Estate Managing Broker Opening New Company

(Note:  Due to the amount of time needed to spend with each new Managing Broker and the need to manage staffing we are unable to accommodate walk-ins.  As such, we would urge you to make an appointment.) 

Licensed Real Estate Broker or Managing Broker Joining Existing Member Company

  • Obtain a REALTOR member application
    • Download or call CAR to have application mailed or emailed
    • Pick application up from the CAR office, 3149 Robbins Road, Springfield.
  • Have a copy of your IL real estate license available to be included in your application.
  • If you are you a member of another REALTOR Association we will need your NRDS# at time of application.
  • Note: All new members are required to complete the New Member Orientation course within a certain time-frame to maintain membership in CAAR.
  • The following are services that your sponsoring managing broker may currently subscribe to:

    Multiple Listing Service (MLS) - if your managing broker Participates in this you must complete and return with managing broker's signature:
    Key Box System - if your company utilizes this you must complete and return with managing broker's signature:
    Commercial Real Estate Network (CREN) - if your managing broker Participates in this you have the option of subscribing to this by completing and returning with managing broker's signature:

 

(Note:  Due to the amount of time needed to spend with each new Broker or Managing Broker and the need to manage staffing we are unable to accommodate walk-ins.  As such, we would urge you to make an appointment.)

Current REALTOR Member & Managing Broker Joining the MLS Only

Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

Optional Services:

(Note:  Due to the amount of time needed to spend with each new new MLS member firm and to manage staffing we are unable to accommodate walk-ins.  As such, we would urge you to make an appointment.)

Affiliate Membership

  • The first individual of a firm to join CAR is known as the primary "Affiliate" member. Subsequent members from the same firm may join as an Affiliate or "Local Affiliate".
  • Obtain either an Affiliate or Local Affiliate member application.
    • Download application or call CAR to have application mailed or emailed.
    • Pick application up from the CAR office, 3149 Robbins Road, Springfield.
  • IL licensed real estate managing brokers or brokers may not hold an affiliate membership of any kind unless they sign an affidavit indicating that they are not practicing real estate.
  • Key Box System - if you have a legitimate need for utilizing the service you may make application by submitting a Entry Card Lease Agreement and two letters of reference from REALTOR members of CAR. CAR will make the sole determination if your need is legitimate (advance appointment required to obtain key card).
  • Comparable Sales Information - if you have a legitimate need for accessing information on sold and closed listings you must complete and sign the attached access agreement:

    Affiliate Brochure

CAR Event Participation Application (for Unlicensed Assistants)

We have heard from members who have expressed a desire to allow their Administrative Assistants or Unlicensed Assistants within a brokerage firm to be included in CAR events. However, most of these events have traditionally been reserved for "members" and many of these events are subsidized by member dues. As a result, in response to these requests, CAR has come up with a new category to allow participation in CAR events by Administrative Assistants or Unlicensed Assistants. This "CAR Participation" option would allow, for a fee, Administrative Assistants or Unlicensed Assistants affiliated with a CAR member real estate office to participate in all of the following events under the same terms and conditions as a member (unless otherwise noted): Hot Topic programs; Wine Down with the Affiliates; Member Appreciation Week; MLS Breakfasts; and all marques events such as Annual Summer Golf Outing, Holiday Party, Annual Membership Meeting and Annual Awards Program.

Click here to download the CAR Event Participation Application form.

Fee Schedule

Designated REALTOR

  • Application Fee - $700.00 ($100.00 for existing CAR REALTORS opening up their own office or a $25.00 transfer fee for REALTORS replacing an existing Designated REALTOR).
  • National, State & Local Dues - $509.00 (prorated)
  • National image campaign - $35.00 (not prorated)
  • IAR issues advocacy fee - $85.00 (not prorated)
  • MLS Related Fees (if managing broker is joining the MLS also)
    • MLS Application Fee - $1000.00
    • MLS Security Fee - $60.00 (one-time fee for SAFEMLS "strong authentication")
    • MLS Monthly User Fees - $60.00 per month if a member of the MLS (multiplied by the number of REALTORS in the firm, billed quarterly in advance)
    • ShowingTime Appointment Scheduler fee - $13.25 per month if a member of the MLS (multiplied by the number of REALTORS in the firm, billed quarterly in advance)
    • Key Setup Fee - $40.00
    • Key Box Monthly Fee - $18.00 (multiplied by the number of REALTORS in the firm, billed quarterly in advance)

REALTOR:

  • Application Fee - $600.00
  • National, State & Local Dues - $509.00 (prorated)
  • National image campaign - $35.00 (not prorated)
  • IAR issues advocacy fee - $85.00 (not prorated)
  • MLS Related Fees (if managing broker is member of the MLS)
    • MLS Security Fee - $60.00 (one-time fee for SAFEMLS "strong authentication")
    • MLS Monthly User Fees - $60.00 per month (billed quarterly in advance)
    • ShowingTime Appointment Scheduler fee - $13.25 per month (billed quarterly in advance)
    • Key Setup Fee - $40.00 (if managing broker utilizes service)
    • Key Box Monthly Fee - $18.00 (if broker utilizes service - billed quarterly in advance)

Commercial Real Estate Network (CREN):

  • Must be a REALTOR before you can join CREN
  • CREN Application Fee - $100.00
  • CREN Related Fees (if managing broker is member of the MLS)
    • MLS Security Fee - $60.00 (one-time fee for SAFEMLS "strong authentication")
    • CREN Monthly User Fees - $60.00 per month (billed quarterly in advance)

Affiliate:

  • Annual Membership Dues - $125.00 (prorated)
    • MLS Security Fee - $60.00 (if applicable) (one-time fee for SAFEMLS "strong authentication")
    • MLS Solds & Tax Data Monthly Fee - $75 (if applicable, billed quarterly in advance)
    • Key Setup Fee - $40.00 (if applicable)
    • Key Box Monthly Fee - $18.00 (if applicable, billed quarterly in advance)

Local Affiliate:

  • Annual Membership Dues - $75.00 (prorated)
    • MLS Security Fee - $60.00 (if applicable) (one-time fee for SAFEMLS "strong authentication")
    • MLS Solds & Tax Data Monthly Fee - $75 (if applicable, billed quarterly in advance)
    • Key Setup Fee - $40.00 (if applicable)
    • Key Box Monthly Fee - $18.00 (if applicable, billed quarterly in advance)

Glossary of Terms

  • IR: Illinois REALTORS®
  • CAR: Capital Area REALTORS®
  • CREN: Commercial Real Estate Network
  • DR: Designated REALTOR®, Broker, Employing Broker or Appraiser in the case of a licensed or certified appraiser.
  • CAR MLS: Capital Area REALTORS Multiple Listing Service®
  • NAR.: National Association of REALTORS®
  • NON-MEMBER: Not a member of CAR, but is affiliated with a Designated REALTOR® who is a member. The non-member is not considered a REALTOR®; not eligible for Professional Standards or Ethics Arbitration, education fees are higher, not-eligible for member benefits or discounts and various other services will be significantly higher or denied. This person is sometimes also referred to as a "wallhanger".
  • NRDS #: Your ID# from the National REALTORS® Database System.
  • PARTICIPANT: The DR who is the primary participant in the MLS or CREN.
  • PRINCIPAL: That person or persons holding an ownership interest in a real estate brokerage or appraisal company, regardless of the type of legal form of such company, who has ultimate supervisory responsibility for any real estate or appraisal licensees working in or employed by such company under applicable statuses and implementing rules and regulations of the Office of Banks and Real Estate.
  • REALTOR®: REALTOR member salesperson, broker or licensed or certified appraiser