Membership Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a REALTOR® and a real estate agent?

Why is this small distinction important?

What are the benefits to being a REALTOR®?

How do I become a member of SRCAR?

What are the hours applications can be processed?

I transferred offices, how do I submit a change?

I am already a member and have obtained my Brokers License and would like to join on my own. How do I make the change?

Is there a cost to change membership from member to Broker?

What is the turn around time I can expect for Membership changes and faxed applications?

I am a REALTOR® member, how do I obtain WINForms?

Where can I get my CAR member number from?

Is there a waiting period before I can download WINForms?

What is an Affiliate Member?

What are the Benefits of Affiliate Membership?

Where can I obtain an Affiliate membership application?

Can I join if my License Status reflects Licensed NBA?

If you have any further questions that are not listed here, please email Membership Services at Membership@srcar.org or call us at (951) 894-2571.

Q: What is the difference between a REALTOR® and a real estate agent?

A: “Real estate agent” is a general term that refers to a variety of real estate professionals.  The Term “REALTOR®” refers only to real estate professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and the California Association of REALTORS® (CAR).  NAR is the largest real estate trade organization in the United States. 
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Q: Why is this small distinction important?
 
A: All REALTORS® must adhere to a strict code of ethics designed to protect the interest of the consumers and to elevate the standards of the industry.  While all real estate professionals must adhere to applicable laws, REALTORS® voluntarily agree to hold themselves to a higher standard.
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Q: What are the benefits to being a REALTOR®?

• WINForms (www.winforms.com) Instant access to the latest versions of CAR Standard Forms you need to complete your transactions.

• Legal Hotline is personalized legal advice from CAR attorneys Call (213) 739-8282 or e-mail legalhotline@car.org.

• Access to CAR. Online (www.car.org) access to critical real estate news and information, your personal member Web page, market research and more.

• California Real Estate & Real Estate Technology Magazines

• Homeowner’s Guide – customizable newsletter-featuring your contact information, listings, photos and articles.  To subscribe, click on Newsletter sign-up from the CAR. Online home page (www.car.org)  

• Tech Hotline – Direct access to technology experts to help solve all your hardware and software problems.  Available Monday-Friday, 9a.m. – 5p.m. at (800) 773-8630.

• Member Advantage – A variety of discounts on insurance and other products and services to enhance your professional and personal life.  Call (213) 739-8303 or you can visit the Member Center on CAR.  Online (www.car.org)

• California REALTOR® EXPO & Tech Tuesday = state’s largest real estate trade show provides 3 days of free hands-on training, continuing-education seminars and more. Visit www.realtorexpo.org

• REALTOR® pricing on all products sold at Southwest Riverside County Association of REALTORS® store and education provide by SRCAR.

• Brown Bag Lunches with Attorney John Giardinelli.  Held quarterly at the Association, it is an opportunity to get a legal update and ask questions of a real estate attorney.

• SRCAR Annual Meeting usually held in July.  It is an opportunity to hear great speakers over breakfast and get an update on the Association.

• Legal & Political Briefings throughout the year on issues affecting the real estate industry and your business.

• Weekly news information on the Association’s website at www.srcar.org as well as the Monthly Newspaper, REALTORS® Report.  Providing information on the real estate industry.

• Ability to volunteer on SRCAR Committees as well as serve as a Director of SRCAR – only SRCAR REALTORS® are eligible to vote on bylaw and/or election issues.

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Q: How do I become a member of SRCAR?

A: You can either go online to www.srcar.org click Membership, forms, and download the 4 page membership application, or call  our office at 951-894-2571 to request  one be e-mailed or faxed to you.  Please complete the application and have your Broker sign the application.  You may either fax it to Attn: Membership at 951-253-4795, mail it in to 41831 McAlby Ct Ste C Murrieta, CA 92562 Attn: Membership, or walk it in.

Note* Applications must be accompanied with a valid Drivers License and a copy of your Real Estate License. 
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Q: What are the hours applications can be processed?

A: Walk in application hours are 8:30am-4:00pm Monday thru Friday.  Faxed applications have a 48 hour turnaround.
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Q: I transferred offices, how do I submit a change?

A: You need to first verify that your new office is a member of SRCAR and that they have the same level of membership.  If all is correct than you simply have to fill out a subscriber transfer form, RE214 (salesperson change application) or have your new Broker send us a letter with their signature stating you are now a member of their office.
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Q: I am already a member and have obtained my Brokers License and would like to join on my own. How do I make the change?

A: We will need the member application filled out and a copy of your Brokers License.
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Q: Is there a cost to change membership from member to Broker?

A: If the member is a REALTOR® member and all dues are current there are no additional fees.

However, if you are a current MLS member, you would be required to pay the difference in your original application.  For example; a salesperson application fee is $100.00 while a Brokers Application Fee is $250.00.  This means you would pay the difference of $150.00.
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Q: What is the turn around time I can expect for Membership changes and faxed applications?

A: Please allow 48 hours.
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Q: I am a REALTOR® member, how do I obtain WINForms?

A: You may go to www.winforms.com and download the software. You will need your CAR member number and your password, which should be the last four digits of your social security number.
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Q: Where can I get my CAR member number from?
           
A: This is given to you when you joined in your membership packet or please call the membership department @ 951-894-2571 and this can be given to you.  It is also on the mailing label of your CAR Magazine.
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Q: Is there a waiting period before I can download WINForms?

A: For new REALTOR® yes, there is a 3-4 day lead time.
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Q: What is an Affiliate Member?

A: An Affiliate member is a company (ex: Title, Mortgage, Escrow, Sign Company, Home Inspections, Virtual Tour Company, etc) that wants to provide their products or services to our members and who supports the real estate industry and the Association.  
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Q: What are the Benefits of Affiliate Membership?

A: Opportunities to advertise to our members, free membership rosters (updated weekly), Membership Meetings, sponsorship and promotion of special events.  In addition,

• Affiliate pricing on all products sold at Southwest Riverside County Association of REALTORS® store and education provide by SRCAR.

• Brown Bag Lunches with Attorney John Giardinelli.  Held quarterly at the Association, it is an opportunity to get a legal update and ask questions of a real estate attorney.

• SRCAR Annual Meeting usually held in July.  It is an opportunity to hear great speakers over breakfast and get an update on the Association.

• Legal & Political Briefings throughout the year on issues affecting the real estate industry and your business.

• Weekly news information on the Association’s website at www.srcar.org as well as the Monthly Newspaper, REALTORS® Report.  Providing information on the real estate industry.

Q: Where can I obtain an Affiliate membership application?

A: Go online to www.srcar.org and click on the forms tab and you can download the application or you can call our office @ 951-894-2571 and request one be e-mailed or faxed.
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Q: Can I join if my License Status reflects Licensed NBA?

A: No, unfortunately, a License that reflects Licensed NBA is basically a non-working License.  Your License Status must reflect LICENSED.  In order to get this corrected you must as the sales agent go to www.dre.ca.gov and click on Salesperson additions/changes of employing broker, if you have not registered with a sign on you will need to create one.  You as the Salesperson must initiate the change and than your Broker must log on and certify the change.  Once this is complete you License Status should immediately reflect the new Status of LICENSED.
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