The three-way agreement describes how the local, state and national associations use their collective voices and resources to help effectively support the business of every REALTOR’s® mission of preserving, protecting and advancing the right of real property for all. The three-way agreement is a nearly 100-year-old organizational structure that is effective at supporting members’ businesses and amplifying their voices.
As described in a recent REALTOR® Magazine article, the three-way agreement in a nutshell streamlines Code of Ethics adherence and accountability on all three levels and creates alignment around member communications, benefits and advocacy efforts. Furthermore, they explained that the agreement’s framework enables the National Association of REALTOR’s® (NAR), state and local organizations to mobilize in a unified way, adding power and urgency to the REALTOR® voice. It also grants local and state associations the use of the term “REALTOR®.”
The agreement, adopted in 1927, establishes NAR’s structure as a “federation,” or a union of organizations. Any member of a local REALTOR® association is also a member of their state association and the national association. Under the federated structure, NAR represents 1.5 million members across 54 state and territory associations, enhancing NAR’s effectiveness in lobbying for the health of the $3.7 trillion housing industry and private property rights around the country.
At the state level, Maryland REALTORS® has more than 32,000 members, and locally the Coastal Association of REALTORS® which covers Worcester, Wicomico and Sussex counties, has more than 1100 primary and secondary members.
Lauren Bunting is a Broker with Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City, Maryland.
