For 105 years, the Georgia Association of REALTORS® (GAR) has advocated for private property rights and homeownership while supporting the business practices of our members in all real estate specialties — residential, commercial, land and property management. We have 50 local boards/associations serving more than 47,000 members in every corner of the state. New licensees often ask, “What’s in it for me?” when the subject of joining the Realtor association comes up. So, for rookies and seasoned veterans alike, below is a review of six benefits that make up a significant portion of our value package.   

• Unparalleled networking opportunities. Nowhere else in Georgia can you find the opportunity to meet as many agents from other cities and other brokerages as a GAR conference or event. Our two major conferences, the Inaugural & Legislative Conference in February and the Annual Conference & Expo in September, each draw more than 1,000 attendees from across the state in every real estate specialty — residential, commercial, land, and property management. We also feature several single-day, in-person events with our Member Connect Summits, happening in 13 cities across the state this spring and summer. Also this summer, we’ll host our Young Professionals Network event at a Braves Game, our RENEW Conference at the Hotel at Avalon in Alpharetta, as well as a Broker’s Conference later this year. Visit garealtor.com to learn more about all of these opportunities for getting face to face with agents outside of your sphere.  
• Contract forms. Our contract forms set the standard in the real estate industry. We consider the forms a living document. The forms package is constantly vetted, and a “new and improved” version is published twice each year.  
• The Legal Helpline. The Legal Helpline assists GAR members with their questions about ethics and arbitration, license law and GAR Contract Forms. Additionally, members may inquire about real estate-related legal questions. With legal fees running at $200 or more per hour, just a couple of inquiries per year to the Legal Helpline more than covers your annual dues!  
• Consumer awareness campaign. Since 2023, GAR has embarked on a consumer advertising campaign that drives the public to our Consumer Resources and Find a Realtor pages on our website. Last year alone, we saw an increase of more than 250% year over year in website hits! The 2025 campaign will kick off this summer, and we will be educating the public on all the good that Realtors do in their communities across the state — along with urging them to make sure their agent is a Realtor. Take advantage of our outreach by making sure you’re in our database as a member, as GAR members are automatically included in our “Find a REALTOR®” search page.  
• Housing indicators data. Some of the most coveted information for buyers and sellers is right at your fingertips as a GAR member — our monthly Housing Indicators reports. These reports reveal statewide trends for key housing indicators, including median and average sales prices; pending and closed Sales; days on market until sale; months inventory; and much more. You can even drill these reports down to the county level, and in some cases, city level. This data is yours to share and shows your clients that you have your finger on the pulse of the market and are proactive in keeping your sphere of influence informed on the latest trends.  
• Advocacy. GAR leads the real estate industry at the Georgia Capitol. GAR members from across the state have their voices amplified through the association’s coordinated efforts to protect consumers and property rights. GAR is the only group providing a year-round advocacy effort to maintain the strength of Georgia laws that promote the American dream of homeownership and commercial entrepreneurs. Recent victories include supporting legislation that prevents deed fraud of residential and commercial property, stops squatters from taking over homes and ends targeting of the elderly with lien schemes. We also support funding priorities for the Georgia Dream loan program, which assists first responders, teachers, nurses and others via downpayment assistance.  

Brad Mock is the CEO of the Georgia Association of REALTORS®.