Yes, we are actively discussing unification to better serve our marketplace while retaining our current MLS services.

Our goals for unification include amplifying member value, strengthening our regional voice, aligning with our real estate markets, brokerages, and cities, improving operational efficiencies, maintaining local decision-making, and enhancing services to better support brokers, agents, and their clients.

The members of both organizations already overlap geographically and share similar cultures. Unifying into a single association strengthens the REALTOR® voice locally, rather than dividing it. A stronger voice means greater attention when advocating on behalf of REALTORS® with lawmakers, NTREIS, TR, or NAR.

We are in the planning phase, facilitated by T3 Sixty. Based on member feedback through communications and scheduled townhall meetings, and the unification will be voted on in July 2024.

No. Member and Board votes are required for any proposed unification to proceed (see question 9).

No. There will be no changes to the MLS system; NTREIS and CoreLogic/Matrix will remain the same.

If we unify, we will maintain a single NTREIS Director to represent the unified organization, as each association is allowed only one NTREIS Director. The Director’s vote is weighted according to the number of subscribers represented by the association and rounded to the next thousand. For example, if the association has 7,100 members, it will have 8 votes. Additionally, the individual shares held by GFWAR and ARBOR will be combined.

Unification will provide a greater member experience, enhance core services, reduce duplicate memberships, and increase community and state impact.

Unification aligns with our missions and visions, enhancing our ability to deliver value to members and the communities we serve.

If we unify, the new association’s coverage area will include the regions currently served by both associations.

Yes, members can provide feedback through a joint comment form administered by T3 Sixty. You can also email any of our BOD members or our CEO directly.

Click here to submit your Unification Comments and Questions

Both Boards of Directors have voted to move forward with membership presentation and vote. Several Town Hall Meetings will be held in June and July (June 7, June 14, and July 10) at which members can hear further information and ask questions. On July 17, a membership meeting will be held, and a vote of members taken at that time. If members vote in favor, the unification process will begin. This will involve additional legal and financial reviews and their resulting actions, followed by a transitional phase, with the permanent structure established within 18-24 months.

A General Membership meeting is scheduled on July 17^th where members will vote on the proposed unification. Before the vote, there will be a comprehensive joint-communication campaign, including FAQs, stakeholder outreach, and town hall meetings on the following dates:
June 7^th | June 14^{th |} June 18^th | July 10^th

No, however, unification will better position us to proactively address regulatory and industry changes.

We are addressing potential challenges, such as technology integrations and contracts, through thorough evaluations and consultations to ensure that our unification approach is in the best interests of all parties involved.

No positions are being eliminated. An organizational chart is being developed with Core Services (see question 20) as the basis for employee structure. The Board of Directors will continue to set the strategic vision of the association while the CEO is responsible for the management of the staff.

“Members-first” is the mindset adopted by the task group which was made up of diverse member representatives and equal representation for each organization. All formal decisions have been and will continue to be vetted by the Board of Directors and members will be able to vote as required.

We will honor all existing contracts and work to ensure a smooth transition for members, vendors, and partners.

A comprehensive transition plan, developed under the guidance of legal counsel and financial advisors, will address structural changes, communication, technology integration, and support for members and employees.

This transition phase will include a 36-member Board of Directors that will continue to move the unification process forward. This Board will consist of equal representation from both associations. Once the transition is complete, a permanent 13-member Board will be established. (see question 20 for more on the permanent structure).

Both Associations are committed to supporting our members, advocating for our industry and homeownership, and maintaining our high standards of professionalism in our communities. This shared commitment will continue through unification.

While still in the planning phase, we anticipate a reduction in costs for all members. One of our primary motivations for unification is to reduce the need for multiple membership payments and repetitive membership activities, which will save our members time and reduce frustrations.

Both organizations are financially stable, thanks to the excellent resource management by past and present Boards of Directors. This financial prudence allows us to pursue this unification initiative without burdening our members with additional costs. While the exact total cost of unification is unknown, expenses will include legal counsel and representation, financial reviews, consulting fees, corporate filings, branding, contract negotiations, and communications.

An Ideal Association Outline will guide the transitional and permanent structures, focusing on advocacy, professionalism, and community. These components exist already in each association and will be honed to best serve the members in the new organization. Here are a few short answers to the key items:

Strategy Items:
Vison: The strategic vision for the new organizations is as follows: “To elevate the success and excellence of those we serve by focusing on/through Advocacy, Professionalism, and Community Engagement.”

Core Services:

• Advocacy
• Professionalism
• Internal and External Community Engagement

Structure Items:
Naming: No decision has been made on the name at this time, but a “new name” will be established through a defined and complete process which will include membership input as appropriate, and will be in accordance with NAR requirements.

Board of Directors (BOD): There will be a Transitional BOD which is made up of an equal number of directors from each of the associations that will be appointed by each organization and will remain in place for the duration of the transitional period which could be as much as 12 months. The Permanent BOD will be elected by the membership and will consist of 13 members including the following: Chair, Chair-Elect, Treasurer/Secretary, and Past-Chair. Directors will have staggered two-year terms.

Committee/Task Groups: The unified Association will utilize a blend of standing committees and task groups to ensure a broad, diverse, and representative set of volunteers are leveraged to advise the BOD and support key services provided by the association.

Staffing: The current staffing levels are anticipated to be retained with a combination of C-Level executives, Core Service managers, and administrative service and support staff.

Location: During the Transitional phase each of the current locations will be retained. Efforts will be initiated to determine whether to pursue a new centrally located headquarters with satellite service locations.

Unification will enhance our competitive position by aligning services with community and economic activities, benefiting members, and strengthening our market presence.

Currently, there are no changes to any committees. In the long-term, we will ensure our committee structure aligns with the association’s strategic goals. This may involve reimagining existing committees or creating new ones. Additionally, we will evaluate the committees of both associations to ensure we have the appropriate committees and task forces to achieve our new strategic goals.