Sometimes there's confusion about using the term, REALTOR^®. It's easy to see why since the term is often used interchangeably with "real estate agent" in movies, on television, and in day-to-day life. However, the right to market oneself as a REALTOR^® is only granted once a person is a Member of the National Association of REALTORS^® (NAR) and as such, guidelines exist to maintain the integrity of the REALTOR^® brand.

Completing and tracking your Continuing Education credits keeps your license current, your business running, and you in the know! Don't let 'em lapse! Find out how to get 'em and track 'em here...

After careful consideration of the data, the MREA Advisory Board recommended the GKAR Board of Directors discontinue offering the Pre-Licensing Course. In part, this decision was to allow further consideration to provide additional opportunities for education to its existing GKAR Members. The MREA Advisory Board will continue their review of the other MREA offerings and seek ways to enhance those offerings.

In 2021, the MREA Advisory Board was established. Their first order of business was to seek input from Membership. In February, two surveys were sent; one to REALTOR^® Members and one to Brokers/Managers. The surveys were open for two weeks and together, received over 150 responses.

The GKAR Board of Directors has established an MREA Advisory Board. They are charged with examining the role of the Michigan Real Estate Academy by making recommendations to the GKAR Board of Directors regarding course offerings, policy, curriculum, oversight, and direction.

LARA has made a change to license expiration dates since transferring Real Estate licenses to the MiPlus database:

Save the date for the first program in the 2021 Professional Development Series on February 18^th, 2021, happening virtually. Admission is included with your GKAR Membership!

You've decided you want to pursue a career in real estate, but where do you begin?

A Career in Real Estate - What does it take?

1. Complete 40 Hours of Real Estate Pre-Licensing Education.
2. Pass a State Exam.
3. Establish a Broker Relationship.
4. Join your Local, State, and National Association of REALTORS^®.
5. Fulfill your Licensing Requirements.
6. Abide by Real Estate Law and Regulations.
7. Consider your Safety.

Real Estate Terminology - Know the lingo.

MLS Multiple Listing Service

On March 5^th, 2018, Portage Mayor, Patricia Randall visited the Greater Kalamazoo Association of REALTORS^® (GKAR) to speak at the Association's Governmental Legislative Update Forum. Twenty-three GKAR Members attended to discuss issues impacting the local housing market.  

Finding the right broker for your real estate business is serious business. The time and effort you put into finding the right broker and firm will help you start off on the right foot.