With each passing year our standard Georgia Association of Realtors (GAR) contract forms are revised to adapt to an ever changing real estate universe.
Generally speaking, most changes to preprinted real estate contracts are reactionary and not preemptive. Whether successful or not, litigation drives change and most contract updates are specifically designed to avoid lawsuits.
These annual tweaks cost money. A lot of money. And the money comes from the dues paying members of the Board of Realtors. For years non-members have been getting a free ride.
Beginning in January 2012, the GAR contracts forms will no longer be available free of charge to brokers or agents that are not Realtors. Any agent or broker that wishes to continue to use the GAR forms that is not a Realtor will have to pay an annual license fee of $199.
It is not a punitive measure. The intention is to share the burden of expense with everyone that uses the forms, board member or not.
It will be interesting to see how this all plays out. There is some expectation of contract chaos in the first few weeks of the year.
Only time will tell.
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Hi Richard I included this topic in my last post today. I actually know some folks who are going to bite the bullet and become Realtors . But yes How this plays out in the end will be very interesting
I would like to see SC adopt a state contract. Every area and MLS has a different version of form so if an agent out side our area brings a contract to us, we have to relearn what we know. It takes longer to get things approved or countered.
TEXAS TAR does not allow NONmembers to use their forms and say so on the forms. NONmember landlords who have used their lease have had them voided in court according to some landlord sites.
Richard,
Of course they should pay. Why they should expect to get a free ride on the backs of dues paying members is beyond my understanding.
Rich
Richard - All I can say is Its about time! I was wondering where the Realtor benefits were. Now I see some.
Wow! We have only been allowed access throught the paid site..
Richard,
Our board is going through somewhat of the same thing. It's all neccessary and part of cleaning up. Happy New Years.
Benefit for members but understandably non-members should pay. I think such bottom line decisions are smart. Our Association's goal is to offer benefits i.e. free MCE, discounts on preferred allied vendor services, etc. that it well exceeds the cost of being a member - value added.
Richard,
I am all for this, as the forms are a huge benefit. On the other hand I am dreading seeing all kinds of new forms for offers on properties from agents using a different form.
There has been a huge benefit to all our buyers, sellers with all agents using the same form and I think we will have some challenging moments at this changes.
All the best, Michelle
Our brokers have to pay for the forms as well...I use Zipforms online mostly, but that is a big expense
Richard that is good to hear. Ours never were as far as I know.
Richard,
I'm not even sure how our State Association charges, but it makes sense what yours is doing.
Richard,
No one gets a free ride....
Happy New Year!
Ann Hayden in Wildwood, MO
Good morning Richard,
Our Texas Association of Realtors (TAR) does not allow non-members to use our forms, and that statement is printed right on them!