Through My Lens

What is the Value of Today’s REALTOR® Association?

by Doreen Spagnuolo, LIBOR CEO

As the CEO of Long Island Board of REALTORS®, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of technology and professional development in driving the real estate industry forward. In today's market, efficiency, professionalism, and client satisfaction are essential to success. Two key pillars that uphold these drivers are the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and REALTOR® Associations. Each plays a distinct, yet complementary, role in fostering successful transactions and the growth and expertise of real estate professionals.

The MLS: Streamlining Transactions

The MLS serves as the lifeblood of efficient real estate transactions. It provides real estate agents with centralized, real-time access to property listings, ensuring that buyers and sellers have accurate, up-to-date information. This speeds up the process of finding the right home or buyer and guarantees that transactions are completed with transparency and accuracy.

For real estate professionals, the MLS is an invaluable tool. It allows agents to seamlessly collaborate, ensuring that properties reach the widest potential audience and that clients can gain access to the full spectrum of available homes. It also provides critical data, including property history, market trends, and comparative sales, empowering agents to deliver well-informed pricing strategies and market analyses. In an era where the real estate landscape is rapidly evolving, the MLS remains a constant—an anchor of efficiency, accuracy, and trust in every transaction.

However, while the MLS is vital for getting the deal done, it is the REALTOR® Association that equips agents with the skills, ethics, and knowledge to be exceptional professionals.

Associations: Elevating Professionalism and Expertise

While the MLS enables agents to complete transactions efficiently, REALTOR® Associations transform those agents into top-tier professionals. Associations such as the Long Island Board of REALTORS® offer real estate professionals far more than just access to the MLS. They provide the resources, education, and support needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.

One of the most critical benefits of joining a REALTOR® Association is the emphasis on professional ethics. REALTORS® are bound by a stringent Code of Ethics, which ensures that all members uphold the highest standards of fairness, integrity, and honesty when working with clients and fellow agents. This ethical framework not only strengthens the industry as a whole but also builds client trust—something that is irreplaceable in the real estate profession.

In addition to ethical standards, REALTOR® Associations offer continuing education programs, certifications, and designations that allow agents to specialize in areas such as luxury homes, green real estate, and commercial transactions. These educational resources ensure that REALTORS® master emerging trends and best practices. With new laws, technologies, and market conditions a constant, staying informed is not just an option—it’s a necessity.

Moreover, Associations provide networking opportunities that foster collaboration and professional growth. Whether through local events, national conferences, or online forums, REALTORS® benefit from being part of a vibrant community of professionals who share their experiences, strategies, and insights. These connections lead to referrals, mentorship, and opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible in a more isolated work environment.

A Winning Combination: MLS and REALTOR® Associations

The MLS and REALTOR® Associations work together to create a well-rounded, highly effective real estate professional. The MLS provides the technical tools and data necessary for completing efficient and accurate transactions. REALTOR® Associations ensure that these transactions are carried out by professionals who are knowledgeable and deeply committed to ethical, informed, and client-centered service.

For any real estate agent looking to build a successful, long-term career, leveraging both is the key to thriving in today’s competitive landscape. The MLS might be the engine that drives transactions, but REALTOR® Associations are the fuel that powers professional excellence.

As a CEO, I cannot overstate the value of combining the practical efficiency of the MLS with the professional development opportunities provided by REALTOR® Associations. Together, they represent the foundation of a successful, ethical, and forward-thinking real estate industry—an industry built on trust, expertise, and service excellence.