Q: Did the 2023-2024 REALTOR® dues and MLS fees increase?
A: Yes, dues and fees increased by 5.89%. REALTOR® dues increased by $32.00 and MLS fees increased by $36.00. If you are a Designated Managing Broker, MLS fees increased by $56.00 due to an increase in the annual MLS office fee.
Q: What are my payment options?
A: You have the option to pay in full or pay in four installments. To view a detailed breakdown of the dues and fees and payment options, please visit our Renew Membership Page.
Q: Are there any incentives if I choose to pay in full?
A: Paying your dues in full will save you $48 vs. the installment plan and you will be paid in full through September 30, 2024.
Q: How are the payments structured for this billing?
A: You can pick the structure that works best for you! You may opt to pay in full by October 1, or you may opt to stretch your total invoice into four (4) payments over five (5) months, with all invoices being due upon receipt. Please note: the 4-installment option includes a $12 per installment processing fee ($48). There are no payments due during the December holidays. The invoice due dates are as follows:
| Payment | Due upon receipt, payable by: |
| 1st Installment or Pay in Full | Oct 2, 2023 |
| 2nd Installment | Nov 10, 2023 |
| 3rd Installment | Jan 12, 2024 |
| 4th Installment | Feb 23, 2024 |
Q: How was my invoice structure decided?
A: The first week of August, you are emailed with an opportunity to change your payment plan. You have until August 23, 2023 to make your selection. If you do not respond, you will be invoiced in the same manner as you paid your prior year dues. If you paid in full, that is how you will be invoiced. If you made installment payments, that is how you will be invoiced. If you want to change your plan, you may do so by taking action to the pick your plan email by August 23, 2023.
Q: How will I be invoiced?
A: You will be invoiced by email only and can view and pay your invoice online with a credit/debit card or electronic Telecheck. After August 31st, log-in to your account to make your online payment. Your emailed invoice includes your Member ID which is the username to your account.
Please note that paper billing is no longer available, giving you an additional savings of $30.
Q: If I decide to pay in full, when will the invoice be posted to my account at ChicagoREALTOR.com?
A: The invoice will be posted to your account no later than August 31st and you will receive an email at that time informing you of this available invoice. The invoice is due upon receipt. Once you have paid your balance in full, your membership will be paid in full through September 30th next year. If you choose the pay in full option but do not remit payment prior to October 1st, your membership, including MLS services, will be suspended immediately until payment is made and you will be assessed a $35 late fee.
Q: Is there an AutoPay option?
A: Yes. You may opt in to auto pay when you pay your first invoice, or you may enroll through the My Account section of ChicagoREALTOR.com. Please note: having a card on file does not automatically enroll you in auto pay. To enroll in auto pay, log-in to My Account and select from the Menu Personal Services, Manager Credit Card Information. If no card is on file, select “Add Credit Card”. Enter your credit card and billing information. Under “Autopayment Choices” check the box next to Membership Dues & Fees and click Submit. This card is now saved to your account and enrolled in auto pay.
If a card is on file, repeat steps to access the Manage Credit Card Information page of your account. Select Update for he card you would like to enroll and under “Autopayment Choices” check the box next to Membership Dues & Fees and click Submit.
Q: How do I remove myself from AutoPay?
A: To opt out of auto pay, log-in to My Account and select from the Menu Personal Services, Manager Credit Card Information. Select Update for the card you would like to modify. De-select Membership Dues & Fees under Autopayment Choices and click Submit. You may also delete the card entirely by clicking Delete Card. Repeat for any other cards on file to review and edit/delete.
Q: If my credit card is on file for AutoPay, when will the money be deducted from my account?
- If you have opted to pay in full, the full amount will be deducted on September 25, 2023.
- If you have opted for the installment plan, the invoice amount will be deducted on the following dates:
- September 25, 2023
- November 6, 2023
- January 8, 2024
- February 19, 2024
- Please note: there are no payments due during the December holidays.
- Should you wish to remove your credit card from our auto-pay system, please login to your account at ChicagoREALTOR.com, and go to “Manage Credit Card Information.”
Q: What if my auto pay card on file is declined?
A: We deduct the money from your account a week before the suspension date. This allows you seven (7) days to rectify and settle any outstanding balances should your card be declined, without penalty. You will be emailed if your auto-pay transaction is unsuccessful. If you do not settle any outstanding balances due to a declined card before the suspension dates, your membership, including MLS services, will be suspended until payment is made and you will be assessed a $35 late fee.
Q: What dues and fees are included in these invoices?
A: Each invoice is broken down to cover your local, state, and national REALTOR® dues and MRED MLS Fees (if applicable) for the fiscal year October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024. Note that your invoices will include a recommended investment for RPAC, Chicago Association of REALTORS® Foundation, and Real Property Alliance (RPA), all of which you can modify or remove yourself when paying online. There are no payments due during the December holidays.
Q: How can I pay and renew my membership?
A: Paying your account online with a credit/debit card or electronic Telecheck is the fastest, easiest, and most secure form of payment. Log-in to your account to make your online payment. Your emailed invoice includes your Member ID which is the username to your account.
Q: What is my username to pay my account online?
A: Your emailed invoice includes your Member ID in the top right corner which is the username to your account. Paying your account online with a credit card or electronic Telecheck is the fastest, easiest, and most secure form of payment. Log-in to your account to make your online payment.
Q: Can I come to a Chicago REALTORS® office location to make a payment?
A: While we encourage paying online for convenience, you may visit the Chicago Association of REALTORS® Michigan Ave office during business hours. No cash payments will be accepted at any Chicago Association REALTORS® location. Paying your account online with a credit/debit card or electronic Telecheck is the fastest, easiest, and most secure form of payment. Log-in to your account to make your online payment. Your emailed invoice includes your Member ID which is the username to your account.
Q: Can I pay my dues in cash?
A: No cash payments will be accepted at any Chicago Association of REALTORS® office location. Paying your account online with a credit/debit card or electronic Telecheck is the fastest, easiest, and most secure form of payment. Log-in to your account to make your online payment. Your emailed invoice includes your Member ID which is the username to your account
Q: If I make a credit card payment by phone and it is declined by phone, will I still be assessed a $40 NSF fee?
A: No. If you attempt to pay by phone or via the Internet and your card is declined, there will not be a service charge.
Q: Will my managing broker be notified if I miss a payment?
A: Yes. Your managing broker will be notified every time your account is late and/or has been suspended.
Q: Do I have to pay dues to pay State and National REALTOR® Dues?
A: Yes. To belong to a local association such as the Chicago Association of REALTORS®, a REALTOR® must also join Illinois REALTORS® and the National Associations of REALTORS®. Local associations collect the dues for State and National.
Q: Why should I contribute to RPAC?
A: RPAC ensures your issues and concerns remain at the forefront of public policy makers and government officials who can shape how you do business. RPAC covers Federal and State elections with a portion shared with the local Association. Learn more about RPAC & its importance to your business.
Q: Are RPAC Investments tax deductible?
A: Contributions to RPAC are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. Contributions are voluntary and are used for political purposes. The amounts indicated are merely guidelines and you may contribute more or less than the suggested amounts. The National Association of REALTORS® and its state and local associations will not favor or disadvantage any member because of the amount contributed or decision not to contribute. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal. Up to thirty percent (30%) of each contribution may be sent to National RPAC to support federal candidates and is charged against your limits under 2 U.S.C. 441a. A copy of RPAC’s report filed with the State Board of Elections is (or will be) available on the Board’s official website www.elections.il.gov or for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois. Except as may be required by state or federal law, the Illinois REALTORS® PAC (Illinois RPAC) is not required to refund political contributions. However, a refund request made by a contributor within 30 days of the date his or her RPAC contribution is received will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
For more information, visit our Tax Deductibility and Required Disclosures page.
Q: Why should I contribute to Chicago Association of REALTORS® Foundation?
A: The Chicago Association of REALTORS® Foundation provides educational scholarships and charitable grants across the city of Chicago.
Scholarships: Due to the generous support of CAR members, over $400,000 has been awarded to over 300 individuals since 2007. The type of scholarships available are exclusive to members and include opportunities to obtain national designations, post-licensing classes, higher education, advocacy education, property management, etc. The Foundation also offers pre-licensing scholarships to individuals looking to begin a career in real estate. Furthermore, a variety of these scholarships specifically aids veterans, diverse communities, the young professionals network, female REALTORS® and more.
Charitable Grants: In 2014, the Foundation expanded to become the charitable and research arm of the association. Since this addition, the Foundation has donated close to $430,000 to several local organizations and institutions with a housing and/or community based mission. Such organizations include: Boys and Girls Clubs, Habitat for Humanity, All Chicago, Sarah’s Circle, ChildServ, The Ark of St. Sabina, 100 Club, Renaissance Social Services, and more!
To view all available scholarships and grants, click here.
Q: Is my contribution to the Chicago Association of REALTORS® Foundation tax deductible?
A: The Chicago Association of REALTORS® Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization and so contributions may be tax deductible depending upon your tax situation. We recommend you contact your tax advisor to determine if a contribution will be deductible in your individual situation.
For more information, visit our Tax Deductibility and Required Disclosures page.
Q: What is the Real Property Alliance (Rpa)?
The Real Property Alliance (RPA) provides insight and analysis for Illinois property owners and a voice for establishing sound real estate policy that promotes growth and seeks to limit taxes and regulations which can make it harder to live and work in the state.
For more information, visit our Tax Deductibility and Required Disclosures page.
Q: Do I have to pay the recommended amount for the voluntary contributions to RPAC, the Chicago Association of REALTORS® Foundation & the Real property Alliance (Rpa)?
A: You can decide what amount you would like to contribute; however, the suggested minimum amounts greatly support the work the Chicago Association of REALTORS® does on your behalf. We are recommending that all members contribute $20 for RPAC, $20 for the Chicago Association of REALTORS® Foundation and $5 for the Real Property Alliance (RPA).
Q: Are dues and fees ever refundable?
A: Refunds will be granted only in accordance with the Chicago Association of REALTORS® Refund Policy. If you are hesitant about remaining active for the 2023/2024 year, please contact a Member Care Specialist for more information regarding our refund policy prior to making your payment, as it is possible that you may not qualify for a refund.
Q: Will I be charged a fee if I pay by check and it is returned for insufficient funds?
A: Yes. You will be assessed a $40 fee anytime a check is returned for insufficient funds. This fee, along with the original amount of the check, will need to be paid prior to the suspension dates. Additionally, if your account becomes suspended for non-payment, an additional $30 late fee will need to be paid in order to have your services reactivated.
Contributions to RPAC are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. Contributions are voluntary and are used for political purposes. The amounts indicated are merely guidelines and you may contribute more or less than the suggested amounts. The National Association of REALTORS® and its state and local associations will not favor or disadvantage any member because of the amount contributed or decision not to contribute. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal. Up to thirty percent (30%) may be sent to National RPAC to support federal candidates and is charged against your limits under 2 U.S.C. 441a. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is (or will be) available on the Board’s official website www.elections.il.gov or for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois.