Welcome to the Chicago Association of REALTORS®! Thank you for your membership, which connects you with over 17,000 colleagues who represent the best in Chicago real estate. If you have any questions regarding your membership, we can be reached via email, web chat or phone: 312-803-4900.
Here’s what you need to get started:
#1: Register for New Member Orientation & Review the CAR Bylaws & Policy Manual
All CAR 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 CAR member ID and password to access.
#2: 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: 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: Make Plans to Advance Your Professional Skills
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 offered at a discount to CAR members! And, thanks to the CAR Foundation, scholarships are available to CAR members looking for a little financial help to achieve their professional development goals.
#5: Master the MLS
Ensure you’re using the MLS tools to their full capabilities – register for the free training programs conducted by MRED at all CAR locations. Registration is required.
Login to your MLS account or call (630) 955-2755 to register.
#6: 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 CAR members, are an exclusive member benefit.
#7: Invest in RPAC & Make A Difference In our Advocacy Efforts
The REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization whose purpose is to provide financial assistance to the election campaigns of qualified candidates. 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 make your investment today!
#8: Get the Partners You Need to Succeed
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: Access Exclusive Member Discounts & Perks
As a CAR member, you have access to exclusive Member Perks – discounts chosen for REALTORS® by REALTORS®. You also have access to discounts provided by the Illinois and National Association of REALTORS®.
#10: Ensure You’re Familiar With Our Dispute Resolution Process
The professional standard that sets REALTORS® apart from other real estate practitioners is their acceptance and adherence to the Code of Ethics. We offer our members and their clients a vehicle to economically expedite ethics complaints and/or arbitration requests without going to court. Ethics complaints brought before a local association give those parties involved an opportunity to be educated about the Code, and REALTORS® are judged by their peers as opposed to others who may be far less familiar with the practices and customs of the real estate industry.
More to Explore
Register for events
We host 70+ events each year, from networking mixers to free educational sessions, awards, galas and more.
advocacy work
We fight on behalf of you and your clients’ private property rights at City Hall, the Illinois Statehouse and Congress.
Forms & Contracts
Download the forms & contracts you need for your business, when you need them (member login required).
join a special interest group or network
CAR offers many special interest groups and networks to help you connect with like-minded professionals.
get involved
Apply to join one of CAR’s committees to help shape the future of our association and industry.
check out our cr magazine
Our quarterly magazine has all the tools, articles and resources you need to stay at the top of your game.