New Member Toolkit

#1: Your Orientation, Bylaws & Policy Manual

Register for New Member Orientation & Review the Chicago REALTORS® Bylaws and Policy Manual

All members applying for REALTOR® membership for the first time OR reinstating membership after being inactive for more than 1 year must attend our Online New Member Orientation within the first 90 days of your membership. The New Member Orientation program covers topics necessary for you, as a REALTOR®, to conduct yourself professionally and ethically, including anti-trust, fair housing, MRED, Forms and Contracts, building your business and association basics.

Our bylaws & policy manual govern the association, its operating staff and volunteer leadership. Click here to review both governing documents. You will need your Chicago REALTORS® member ID and password to access.

#2: Code of Ethics Compliance

Ensure You’re In Compliance With the Code of Ethics Requirement

As a new member, a New Member Code of Ethics training is required within the first 90 days of membership. After your New Member training, a renewal training on the Code of Ethics will be required every 3 years. This is referred to as your triennial Code of Ethics training. Complete your New Member Code of Ethics training within 90 days of joining the association.

Please note, if you took this class with a previous association, please forward a letter of good standing to membership@chicagorealtor.com to excuse this requirement.

#3: Download Your License

Make Sure You Are Legally Practicing

If you are recently licensed, it’s important that you download your new real estate license and send it to your Sponsoring Broker as soon as possible. Your Sponsoring Broker is required by law to have your license on file within the office. Additionally, your Pocket Card License must be kept on your person when engaging in any real estate-related activity, and it must be displayed upon request. It’s the law! A digital copy of your license on a smartphone is acceptable by the department.

Login to the portal at www.idfpr.com to retrieve your license.

#4: Set Education Goals

Make Plans to Advance Your Professional Skills

Where do you feel confident and where do you want to grow? We want to help you succeed.

The REALTORS® Real Estate School (RRES) will challenge you to advance your professional knowledge and better serve your clients with designations, certifications, skill-building topics and continuing education bundles. Most RRES classes are discounted to Chicago REALTORS® members! And, thanks to the Chicago REALTORS® Foundation, scholarships are available to Chicago REALTORS® members looking for a little financial help to achieve their professional development goals.

#5: Master the MLS

Utilize This Regional Multiple Listing Service (MLS), Included In Your Membership

Ensure you’re using the MLS and its tools to their full capabilities. Register for the FREE training programs conducted by MRED online or at our downtown location. Pre-registration is required.

Login to your MLS account or call (630) 955-2755 to register.

#6: Get to Know The Market

Be the Local Market Expert, With Our Market Statistics

We offer ready-to-use Chicago real estate statistics at your fingertips to help improve your client service! Our statistics illustrate the Chicago market and boost your brand as a trusted real estate advisor. These ready-to-use weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reports, offered at no charge to Chicago REALTORS® members, are an exclusive member benefit.

#7: Get Involved In our Advocacy Efforts

Make A Difference In Our Advocacy Efforts

We have many full-time lobbyists at the local, state and national levels on the watch and ready to act when legislation is proposed that will hurt your business.

The REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization whose purpose is to provide financial assistance to these efforts. RPAC always has your business interests in mind and just a $20 investment can make a difference.

Calculate how much RPAC saves your business, and learn more today!

#8: Connect With Lenders, Attorneys & More

Get the Partners You Need to Succeed

If you’re a licensed broker, you need a network of expert professionals to assist you and your clients with smooth transactions and finding the homes of their dreams. We call the stagers, attorneys, title companies, etc who are Chicago REALTOR® members “affiliates.”

Our affiliate directory gives you access to a full list of business partners to help you with your real estate needs, as well as your clients. Attending our events is also a great way to meet many of our affiliates in person!

#9: Explore Discounts & Perks

Access Exclusive Member Discounts & Business Perks

As a Chicago REALTORS® member, you have access to exclusive business perks – discounts chosen for REALTORS® by REALTORS®. From apps to health services, don’t miss out on these!

Thanks to the three-tier agreement, you also have access to discounts provided by the Illinois and National Association of REALTORS®.

#10: In-House Dispute Resolution

Ensure You’re Familiar With Our Dispute Resolution Process

As a REALTOR®, your adherence to the Code of Ethics sets you apart from other real estate practitioners. But even with the best intentions, planning and preparation, internal disagreements may arise between REALTORS® and/or between REALTORS® and their clients. 

This member benefit gives you and your clients a vehicle to economically expedite ethics complaints and/or arbitration requests, without costly court proceedings. In addition to our core processes, the Chicago REALTORS® Professionals Standards and Dispute Resolution Staff offers less formal vehicles for resolving disputes, including Ombudsman assistance.