Being a REALTOR® is a prestigious choice – you’ve set a higher standard in your real estate business conduct than other licensees by agreeing to follow the Code of Ethics. You enjoy the wonderful benefit of having your own local MLS system, free contracts, assessor’s information at your fingertips, but what else? Oh, of course you are offered a wide variety of membership benefits too! We use our collective buying power (over 1 million members strong!) to bring you local, state and national deals to help you safe time and money. Here are the latest.
MAR Tech Helpline Waiting to Assist You
Don't Forget about this Huge Member Benefit
One of the most valuable technology benefits to MAR members is the Technology Helpline. The MAR Technology Helpline is a service available exclusively to Massachusetts REALTORS®, MAR affiliate members, and local REALTORS® association staff. The Tech Helpline offers toll-free access to a staff of trained technology counselors who can help you to resolve problems with software and hardware installations and operations for Windows, Macintosh and Palm Pilot systems; Internet connection issues; computer compatibility with printers, scanners, digital cameras and other new business devices, and basic functions of electronic forms software, such as MassForms™. The staff specialists operating MAR's Tech Helpline are available Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. via our toll-free phone line: 1-866-232-1837.
Your Membership
Valuable Stuff!
It is difficult, as time and dollars become tight, to spend money on your Board and MLS dues. We like to think that we add value to your business (hey, free contracts anyone?), to your peace of mind (ut-oh, something’s come up and I need some advice) and to your industry (keeping up with the laws and technology so you don’t have to). But, is it really worth a $1.45 a day to keep both REALTOR® and MLS memberships?
Well, consider this… last year while the market slowed, Berkshire Realtors still received $8.9 million dollars in cooperative compensation for listing offered and sold in the MLS. Berkshire Realtors received over $17 million dollars in compensation in total for sales through the MLS. That is a lot of opportunity for $1.45 a day, and we hope to help you explore ways to tap into new markets, polish your skills, save money, network, and generally focus your business on the possibilities. Our Board of Directors is already working on plans, building task forces and setting new directions – want to take part? Let us know if you have a Brilliant Idea or want to Join a Task Force to get something done.
REALTORS® Core Health Insurance
Three limited medical plans were designed to meet the diverse needs of Realtors
The REALTORS Core Health Insurance (RCHI) provides guaranteed-issue, affordable, Limited Medical health insurance plans to REALTORS® and full member (REALTOR) Appriasers.
More information
Habitat for Humanity opens a ReStore
Habitat for Humanity of Central Berkshire is opening a ReStore facility and can use our help!
Tax deductible donations of quality items and building surplus are sought to stock the newly opened ReStore. Open to the public these items can be bought at reduced prices. Profits generated
More information
Foreclosure Prevention Video Series
FREE For Berkshire Realtors, Online NOW
A partnership of local Realtor Assocation across Massachusetts joined together in late 2009 to apply to the National Assocation for assistance in training members on Foreclosure Prevention and Short Sale Processing. A 7-series set of videos was created specifcally for you, and a live training program will be scheduled in 2010 free of charge to all Realtors of the Berkshrie County Board. Check the calendar for details on the live session, and visit our Online Education Center to view the videos at no cost.
HouseLogic, NAR’s new consumer Web site
Free Content for you!
The new website www.HouseLogic.com offers everything home owners need to increase, maintain and protect the value of their home. The site provides free information and tools to help home owners with home improvements, maintenance projects, taxes, finances, insurance, and even community involvement and political advocacy.
What’s in it for you? HouseLogic allows you to use free, ready-to-use content, through its REALTOR® Content Resource (RCR). The RCR contains top-quality content for your Web sites, blogs, and newsletters. Easily integrate this content with your communications efforts and continue the conversation with your clients long after the sale.
Health Insurance Assistance: Advocacy for Access
Options for Coverage
Looking for health insurance, or know someone who is? There is a little known free program called "Advocacy for Access" to help access various programs that can pay for healthcare services, thereby reducing or eliminating inability to pay as a barrier to receiving healthcare. There are several low-cost health insurance programs and new options under the state’s new health reform law. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can call to schedule an appointment.
BMC Hillcrest Campus: (413) 445-9480 165 Tor Court, Pittsfield , MA 01201 Monday through Thursday – 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, Friday – 7:00 am to 3:00 pm
Fairview Hospital: (413) 854-9608 29 Lewis Avenue, Great Barrington, MA 01230 Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Additionally, the state and Berkshire associations have affiliations with insurance brokers that can help you select from one of the popular plan options at a group rate (Realtors Association) The local contact is:
Jean Stone, CEBS, GBA, CMS, Insurance Broker True North Insurance Agency 296 Main Street Williamstown, MA 01267 Phone: 413-663-2374 Fax: 413-663-2391 Toll Free: 888-878-6784 x2374
Facebook Ap for Sharing your Listings
Easy and Free for Berkshire Realtors
In response to frequent questions... Here is the info to share your listings from REALTOR.com® with the new Facebook app. Download the "See My Listings" Facebook widget on the left side menu bar and post to your page on Facebook for free. For Berkshire County MLS users, you will need your MLS short ID #. Call the office 413-442-8049 to get it... http://www.facebook.com/#/realestatemarketer?ref=mf
Berkshire County Board of Realtors® -
99 West Street, Suite 200 Pittsfield, MA 01201-5845 413-442-8049 Sandra
J. Carroll, Chief Executive Officer - Sue
O'Brien, Member Services Admin - Molly MacGregor, Office Clerk
It is difficult, as time and dollars become tight, to spend money on your Board and MLS dues. We like to think that we add value to your business (hey, free contracts anyone?), to your peace of mind (ut-oh, something’s come up and I need some advice) and to your industry (keeping up with the laws and technology so you don’t have to). But, is it really worth a $1.45 a day to keep both REALTOR® and MLS memberships? 
