What to Tell New Associates

When new members join DERA they often tell us that they were not aware of the association membership requirements and the costs involved. You might consider adding some of the following information to your checklist.

Dues – In 2008, total dues for the Douglas/Elbert REALTOR® Association, the Colorado Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS® are $433.00. The largest portion, $213.00, are local DERA dues. (See the handout “Why DERA” for a partial list of benefits) For new members, there is a one-time $100 application fee. Dues are prorated monthly but are payable from the date they joined your office, so please ask them to join promptly.

Required Classes – All new members must take the six-hour Ethical and Professional Practices class and the DERA Orientation class within 90 days of approval of their application. The Ethics class costs $75; there is no additional charge for the Orientation program. Both classes are offered quarterly at DERA and the Ethics class may be taken at any association as long as DERA is informed upon completion.

Licensed Assistants & Non-Member Licensees – Broker dues are based on the “number of licensees in your office.” This includes licensed assistants, regardless of their job function. Therefore, if they choose not to join the association, you will be billed an amount equal to the dues payable. They are not members of the association and cannot use the term REALTOR® or any other services or privileges of membership. You are responsible for their actions and any ethics complaint against them will be against you.

Member Records and Information – It is very important that you or your associates keep us updated when there are any changes to your information, i.e. home address, telephone, email, etc. Many members do not let us know when they change offices or mailing addresses and then do not receive their mailings, magazines, etc. A change form is available online at www.derarealtors.com.

-Dorothy Love, Executive Officer
1/24/08