I have to agree with "Wow only $255". In my area it costs $1,000 to start, $600 per year in dues, and $492 in MLS fees. On top of that it is required that every Broker member list all licensed persons in their firm and pay these same rates for each of them. My firm consists of myself and my wife. She got her license to assist me. We have one computer, one phone line, and one internet connection. But, we have to pay for two of everything...totaling $2,184 per year. Since we only work at this part-time (3 - 4 deals per year) these fees really make us wonder if it's worth it. In addition, no education is free. We actually get our continuing ed. through a separate company because it is better and cheaper than that provided by the association. On the issue of "professionalism". The associations often act as a barrier to gaining resolution on consumer issues. They are there to protect their own (especially if it involves a board member), rather than protecting the public. Those that are actually charged with policing this profession are the government offices through which we obtain our licenses. No one else should get in the way. If it was not for the stranglehold NAR, state and local associations have on accessing listings and homes (through key boxes)I feel that most of those holding real estate licenses would not join. It's time for a change.

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