101 Guide for REALTOR® Members

National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)

Scope: National (and international influence)
Who it serves: All REALTORS® nationwide through state and local associations

Primary Roles & Responsibilities

1. Sets the Code of Ethics

• Creates and maintains the REALTOR® Code of Ethics
• Establishes ethical standards that all REALTORS® must follow
• Provides interpretation, guidance, and policy updates
• Requires ethics training on a recurring cycle

2. Advocacy & Government Affairs

• Advocates for real estate interests at the federal level
• Works with Congress, federal agencies, and national policymakers
• Focuses on issues like:
  • Property rights
  • Tax policy (mortgage interest deduction, capital gains)
  • Housing affordability
  • Fair housing

3. REALTOR® Brand & Trademark

• Owns and protects the REALTOR® trademark
• Ensures proper use of the term “REALTOR®”
• Enforces trademark rules through associations

4. Member Benefits & Programs

• National education designations (CRS, ABR, SRS, etc.)
• Research, market data, and statistics
• Technology tools, legal resources, and risk management support
• National conferences and professional development

5. Policy & Industry Leadership

• Develops national policies that guide state and local associations
• Influences MLS standards, professional practices, and industry direction

Colorado Association of REALTORS® (CAR)

Scope: State of Colorado
Who it serves: Colorado REALTORS® through local associations

Primary Roles & Responsibilities

1. State-Level Advocacy

• Represents REALTORS® at the Colorado Legislature and state agencies
• Monitors and influences:
  • Real estate law
  • Property taxes
  • Housing regulations
  • Licensing-related legislation
• Works closely with local associations on political advocacy

2. Contracts & Forms

• Develops and maintains Colorado-approved real estate contracts
• Updates forms regularly to reflect:
  • Changes in Colorado law
  • Industry best practices
  • Regulatory requirements
• Provides guidance and training on proper form use

3. Professional Standards Support

• Supports local associations with:
• • Ethics complaints
  • Arbitration requests
  • Professional standards procedures
• Provides training and oversight to ensure fairness and consistency

4. Education & Training

• Offers continuing education (CE) opportunities
• Provides legal updates and risk management training
• Supports broker and agent compliance with state requirements

5. Member Resources & Legal Support

• Legal hotline (for association leaders and/or members, depending on program)
• Risk reduction tools and compliance guidance
• Industry updates specific to Colorado

How NAR and CAR Work Together

• NAR sets national standards and policy direction
• CAR adapts and applies those standards to Colorado law and practice
• Both work through local associations, which handle:
  • Membership
  • Ethics enforcement
  • Local education and events